Woodstock Family Life 03-20 by Family Life Magazines

Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

Contents

March 2020

VOLUME 7 | ISSUE 8

20-21 On the Cover

Five Star Painting

26-27

Best Home Improvements for Return On Investment

[20-21]

Artist Profile Kristi Brooks-Paige

[26-27]

[30]

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

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

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

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

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

25.............................. 32.......................... 34

Family Life Publications

Woodstock Family Life | MARCH 2020

familylifepublications

Public Safety

............... Community Partner

35.......................... 38

Quotables

Book Review

.................... Ribbon Cuttings @FamilyLifeMags

More through the door!

Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

Publisher’s Perspective

PUBLISHER/PHOTOGRAPHER Jack Tuszynski Jack@FamilyLifePublications.com EDITORIAL Julie Senger Julie@FamilyLifePublications.com EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Cyndi Braun

Last month, I was at a networking program where my friend, Steve Monahan, was speaking about many of the reasons he was interested in creating an inspirational TEDx event that he, along with co-organizer Mike Sena, will be bringing to Woodstock on May 15. During his speech, he was reminiscing about recent travels in Italy where he had seen a quote by the artist Michelangelo. In reference to his famed Renaissance sculpture, David, Michelangelo stated: “I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free.” Hearing the simple eloquence of those words and thinking about them in a deeper sense made my cheeks warm, and my face relaxed into a pleasant smile. That quote was immediately etched into my memory, and I couldn’t wait to share it. In our own lives, this is something that we need to do every day — chip away at our hardened exteriors — the shells we were born with or may have acquired over the seasons of life. Break through the rough and gruff, past our sour rinds and dry crusts, and reveal the best within. Find your kindness, place, and purpose. Feed it, fertilize it, and make it grow. Surprise yourself; share your bliss. Inspire others by your example. May you be blessed to desire more than you can accomplish. Chisel into yourself, break your angel free, and let it fly.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Steven Anderson, Zack Bobo, Stacy Brown, J. Daran Burns, Michael Consoli, Jyl Craven, James B. Depew, Gregory Flail, Joshua Fuder, Corey Harkins, Lisa-Marie Haygood, Tim Morris, Vishant Nath, Michael Petrosky, Frank Reynolds, Andy Rogers, Ellen Samsell Salas, Bruce Thompson, Ferdinand Yates, Farris Yawn

Family Life Publishing Group, Inc. 630 East Main Street Canton, GA 30114

770-213-7095

FamilyLifePublications.com Family Life publications have the largest monthly circulation of direct-mailed community magazines in our area. Woodstock Family Life is a monthly community magazine with a total print count of over 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.

E R EC Y C

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

the edges

M AG A ZI

SofteninG

SALES Janet Ponichtera Janet@FamilyLifePublications.com

PLE

s the first spring of the decade approaches, there’s much to do to prepare for a new season of growth. One way to make it happen is simply to have enough faith in ourselves to do what we need to do to get it done. Getting started is a happy feeling, and getting it done makes one successful. Happiness is a state of mind, success a point of view; bliss is what happens when they coexist.

ART Tiffany Corn Tiffany@FamilyLifePublications.com Mandy Marger Mandy@FamilyLifePublications.com Candice Williams Candice@FamilyLifePublications.com

Jack Tuszynski, Publisher

Woodstock Family Life | MARCH 2020

More through the door!

The Benefits of a Breast Lift By Drs. Petrosky, Harkins, and Depew [HealthyLife] Have your breasts started to sag or take on a droopier, flatter appearance? Are you looking to regain the figure you once had before childbirth, aging, or weight loss? Over the years, factors such as pregnancy, nursing, significant weight changes, and gravity can all have drastic effects on your breasts. As your skin loses its elasticity, your breasts often lose their shape and firmness. A breast lift, also known as mastopexy, raises the breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue to reshape and support the new breast contour. Occasionally, the areola will become enlarged over time, the procedure will also reduce this.

Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake

A breast lift can rejuvenate your figure by creating a more youthful profile. Did you know that new statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons show that breast lift surgeries have increased 70% since 2000, outpacing breast augmentation? You are a good candidate if… • You are physically healthy and maintain a stable weight. • You are bothered by breasts that sag or have lost shape or volume. • Your breasts have a flatter, elongated shape or are pendulous. • When unsupported, your nipples fall below the breast crease. • Your nipples and areolas point downward. • One breast is lower than the other. Breast lift surgery does not significantly change the size of your breasts or round out the upper portion of them. If you want fuller looking breasts, consider a lift in conjunction with breast augmentation. Of course, it you are wanting smaller, perkier breasts, you can do a breast reduction with a lift. With any surgery you are considering, make sure your consultation is with a specialty trained board-certified plastic surgeon.

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

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

The Most Generous Cut Guidelines for Donating Hair By Jyl Craven

[Lifestyle] Many adults — even women — lose their hair, and we can recognize that as a fact of nature. But it’s heart wrenching to see a child who has lost his/her hair. We know that this isn’t the cycle that nature intended, and hair loss is often just a visible trait signifying a battle with cancer or another disease that no child should ever have to worry about. Hair loss for a child, even when it’s due to a non-life-threatening condition, is scary for parents and traumatic for children. Fortunately, plenty of nonprofit groups exist to create wigs for these youngsters.

• Hair should be clean, dry, and secured in a ponytail. • An elastic band should be placed at each end of the hair to keep it all pointing in one direction. • Layered hair can be used as long as the shortest layer is at least 8 inches long. • Most organizations will accept gray hair, but always check. Even if your hair doesn’t currently fit these criteria, you may be able to help in other ways or prepare your hair for donation in the future. Ask your stylist if he/she has any advice on hair donation.

Each of these organizations has a “donate” page on its website that specifies donation guidelines and other specific needs. Even if you are unable to donate your hair, these great causes also accept monetary contributions. Any help you can provide will certainly be appreciated. L

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

How to Help If you are interested in generously donating your hair, you should know that each nonprofit has its own specific set of guidelines. Here are a few common procedures: • Hair should be at least 8 inches long. • Most organizations prefer virgin hair. Some organizations will accept colored hair if it is in good condition and isn’t overly bleached.

The following are a few of the more wellknown organizations that provide hair pieces for children suffering from cancer and other conditions that cause hair loss: • Locks of Love (LocksOfLove.org) • Children With Hair Loss (ChildrenWithHairLoss.us) • Wigs for Kids (WigsForKids.org)

“A kind gesture can reach a wound that only compassion can heal.” -Steve Maraboli

Woodstock Family Life | MARCH 2020

More through the door!

Calendar

MARCH

2020 Celebration of Education Gala — This black-tie optional fundraising event includes dinner, the CCSD’s Got Talent student talent show, silent auction, and special recognitions of outstanding alumni and educators. The Cherokee County Educational Foundation is a charitable, nonprofit organization, dedicated to supporting the students and staff of the Cherokee County School District. 6:00pm, Northside Hospital Cherokee Conference Center, 1130 Bluffs Parkway, Canton. CherokeeCountyEducationalFoundation.org

5-11 & 19-25

Cherokee County Board of Education Youth Artwork Exhibits — View artwork created by local elementary school students. 11:00am-5:00pm Tuesday-Friday and 12:00-5:00pm Saturday, Cherokee Arts Center, 94 North Street, Canton. 770-704-6244. CherokeeArts.org

Friday Night Live — Thanks to the extended hours during this fun event, everyone has a chance to explore the variety of shops downtown. 6:00-9:00pm, downtown Woodstock. 770-592-6056. VisitWoodstockGa.com

6 & 4/3

iThink Improv Attend this live improv comedy show for a hilarious, fun time (rated PG). 8:00pm, City Center Auditorium, 8534 Main Street, Woodstock. 678-494-4251. ElmStreetArts.org

March Is Women’s History Month The majority of ancient cultures were patriarchal, practicing customs that held women in low esteem and limited their freedom. Through the centuries, many courageous women have stepped forward to fight inequality and to champion causes for the benefit of society. Their work to break down barriers has allowed future generations of women to pass through with less resistance. Women’s History Month honors these women. 8

Woodstock Family Life | MARCH 2020

UGA Master Gardeners Extension Seminar — Volunteers of Cherokee County present “Raised Beds and Where Do They Go Wrong.” FREE! Please register by calling or visiting the website. 10:30am, R.T. Jones Library, 116 Brown Industrial Boulevard, Canton. 770-7217803. CherokeeMasterGardenersInc. WildApricot.org

9th Annual Georgia Has Talent Each year, the Beat Out Cancer Club at Cherokee High School brings premiere talent from all over Georgia to the stage in this fundraiser for cancer

ONGOING Some Bunny Special — Cherokee Recreation and Parks Association collects Easter baskets each year to be delivered to children in need throughout Cherokee County. All baskets MUST be pre‐filled with Easter‐related items (e.g., candy, stuffed animals, toys, etc.). 9:00am8:00pm Monday-Thursday, 9:00am5:00pm Friday, 9:00am-2:00pm Saturday, Recreation Center (South Annex), 7545 Main Street, Building 200, Woodstock. 770-924-7768. LCollett@cherokeega. com. PlayCherokee.org Square Dancing — On the second and fourth Friday of each month, enjoy square dancing with the Cherokee Squares. 8:00-10:00pm, Woodstock

research. In addition to the talent competition, the event will include guest performances by local celebrities and a silent auction. 5:00pm silent auction and 6:00pm talent show, Cherokee High School, 930 Marietta Highway, Canton. GeorgiaHasTalent.com

8, 9, & 21

It’s a Wibit Children must be able to pass a 25-yard swim test to use the inflatable Wibit water obstacle course. 3/8 & 3/21 1:00-5:00pm and 3/9 11:00am-3:00pm, Cherokee County Aquatic Center, 1200 Wellstar Way, Canton. 678-880-4760. PlayCherokee.org

Jaycee Hall, 216 Rope Mill Road, Woodstock. 404-408-3180 or 901-337-5330. CherokeeSquares.com Cherokee Veterans Community Military Support — Every first, third, and fifth Thursday of the month for women and every Thursday for men, this ministry offers ongoing support and comradery for veterans, veterans’ spouses, mothers of deployed military members (Blue Star Moms), and Gold Star Moms and their families. 6:30-8:00pm, First Baptist Church Woodstock, 11905 Highway 92, Woodstock. 678-494-2680. CherokeeVeteransCommunity.org More through the door!

13-22

Helvetica Enjoy this new work written by Will Coleman, which is a dramatic “play about stories.” Along with her favorite teddy bear, Myron, Helvetica journeys through her life struggles and reminds herself that to prevail, it’s important to hold onto what makes you special. 7:30pm Friday/Saturday and 2:30pm Sunday (3/22 is an ASL accompanied performance), Elm Street Cultural Arts Village, 8534 Main Street, Woodstock. 678-494-4251. ElmStreetArts.org

HFVA First Aid & Stop the Bleed Classes — Take time to learn skills to save lives! The AHA Heartsaver First Aid course teaches how to respond and manage an emergency before first responders arrive, and the Stop the Bleed Course teaches skills needed in a traumatic bleeding emergency. Hickory Flat Volunteer Association offers both classes. FREE. Donations are appreciated ($75 value). Preregistration is required. First Aid 9:00am-1:00pm and Stop the Bleed 1:002:00pm, Cherokee County Fire Station 23, 7625 Vaughn Road, Canton. 770-4066657. HFVA.org/Class-Registration.php

15 13 & 27

Parent’s Night Out — Drop the kids off at the pool, so you can enjoy adult time! Kids will play in the pool, enjoy a pizza dinner, do crafts, play games, and end the night with a movie! 5:3010:00pm, Cherokee Aquatic Center, 1200 Wellstar Way, Canton. 678-880-4760. PlayCherokee.org

CPR/AED Certification Class — On the last Saturday of each month, 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/ Class-Registration.php Alzheimer’s Caregiver Meeting — Meet up with fellow caregivers of Alzheimer’s patients on the second Thursday of each month for support and to learn caregiving strategies. 11:00am, Little River United Methodist Church, 12455 Highway 92, Woodstock. Fritz Kupsky 678-471-6676 or Rich Seibert 770-712-2961. Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake

Happily Forever After – This is NOT a Fairy Tale! — Knights! Castles! Princesses! Dragons! Join Princess Pride, Sir Brags-a-lot, and their curious band on an amazing trek in a very faraway land. FREE! 10:00am, Bascomb United Methodist Church, 2295 Bascomb Carmel Road, Woodstock. 770-926-9755. BascombUMC.org

Creative Problem-Solvers Every first and third Tuesday of the month, meet up with this gathering of local entrepreneurs and innovators dedicated to crowdsourcing solutions to their business problems in a community brain trust rather than alone. 7:00-8:30am, The Circuit, 1 Innovation Way, Woodstock. 770-345-0600. CircuitWoodstock.com Southern Winds Concert Band Wants YOU! — Southern Winds is a community band for adult musicians (45+) of all skill levels. No audition is required. Just bring your instrument and sit in on a rehearsal.

2020 Cherokee Career Expo Mark your calendar for Cherokee’s premier hiring event! Forget the commute and find out what world-class companies in Ball Ground, Canton, Holly Springs, Waleska, and Woodstock have to offer. 2:00-6:00pm, Northside Hospital Cherokee Conference Center, 1130 Bluffs Parkway, Canton. CherokeeGa.org/careerexpo

Volunteer Aging Council (VAC) Fundraising Luncheon Support VAC programs and get a wonderful lunch for only $5. Come alone or bring a friend, coworker, or family member, and enjoy a tasty lunch while supporting the seniors and veterans of Cherokee County. You can either dine on-site, or pick up and go. RSVP the location, so the amazing chefs can be prepared for all who come to support. 11:30am-1:00pm, The Arbor at BridgeMill, 700 Freedom Boulevard, Canton. VAC-CherokeeGa.org [continued on page 10]

Rehearsals are every Thursday. 2:00pm, First Baptist Woodstock, 11905 Highway 92, Woodstock. SWCB.org Papa’s Pantry Volunteer With Your Kids Volunteer with your kids on the second Saturday of every month. Space is limited, and pre-registry is available. 9:30-11:00am, Papa’s Pantry, 6551 Commerce Parkway, Woodstock. 770-591-4730. PapasPantry.org Detachment 1311 — Every third Saturday of the month, veterans plan programs that benefit the community as well as help WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

LIBRARY EVENTS

Calendar continued from page 9

SequoyahRegionalLibrary.org HICKORY FLAT 2740 East Cherokee Drive, Canton, 770-345-7565

ROSE CREEK 4476 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock, 770-591-1491

WOODSTOCK

Cherokee Music Teachers Association Meeting and Program — After the meeting, the program will be presented by Dr. Raffi Besalyan of Georgia State University, who will discuss the Russian school of pedagogy. All are welcome to attend this FREE event. 10:00am, Falany Performing Arts Center, 7300 Reinhardt Circle, Waleska. Linda@lokey.net

7735 Main Street, Woodstock, 770-926-5859

D.I.G. (DROP-IN GENEALOGY) March 1, 2:00pm, Woodstock Enjoy an afternoon of genealogy discovery by researching and learning about various topics. Ancestry.com is available for use within the library as well as other research tools. Short presentation and discussion in the Woodstock Public Library meeting room. BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP March 10, 12:30pm, Woodstock Enjoy coffee, conversation, and a book discussion with new friends. This month’s selection is The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson. All ages are welcome, and new members are encouraged. MUSIC AND MOVES March 11, 10:30am, Hickory Flat Experience scarf play, music, gross motor skills, and storytelling in one action-packed hour. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Hospital Cancer Institute staff members conduct blood pressure checks and provide information on cancer prevention and awareness. This is for ages 18+. TEEN MANGA CLUB March 16, 6:00pm, Hickory Flat Read, watch, and discuss popular manga and anime series as well as play games, draw, write, and other activities. This is for teens in grades 6-12.

21 21

UGA Master Gardeners Extension Garden Talk Volunteers of Cherokee County present “What Do I Want My Landscape To Be — Triage, Learning From Experience.” FREE! Please register by calling or visiting the website. 10:30am. Northside Hospital (Galleria Room), 450 Northside Cherokee Boulevard, Canton. 770-721-7803. CherokeeMasterGardenersInc. WildApricot.org

Agriculture Expo — Enjoy tractor and gardening classes, children’s area, commodity food and drinks, visiting agriculture booths, and door prizes. FREE! 4:00-7:00pm, Hickory Flat Fellowship Church, 5301 Hickory Flat Highway, Canton. 770-479-1481. CherokeeAgExpo.info

LEGO ROBOTICS CLUB March 26, 6:00pm, Rose Creek Teens in grades 6-12 are invited to join in on some LEGO fun. Take apart, rebuild, and program LEGO Mindstorm robots. DIY FRAMED BUNNY SILHOUETTES March 30, 11:00am, Rose Creek Make your very own bunny silhouette craft to enjoy all spring. Materials are provided. This is for ages 16+. Registration is required.

CANCER PREVENTION & AWARENESS March 12 & 26, 12:00pm, Hickory Flat Northside Hospital and Northside 10

rn how to rkshop — Come lea Leather Working Wo pieces at r d functional leathe create interesting an Ar erokee ts Center, 10:00am-4:00pm, Ch this fun workshop. . CherokeeArts.org nton. 770-704-6244 94 North Street, Ca

Woodstock Family Life | MARCH 2020

ONGOING fellow Marines cope with situations that may arise in their lives. The Woodstock Detachment #1311 is chartered as a subsidiary organization of the Marine Corps League. 9:00am, Semper Fi Bar and Grille, 9770 Main Street, Woodstock. 770-672-0026. Facebook.com/MCLWoodstock IN Season Committee Meeting On the third Thursday of each month, this committee creates projects that help activate and beautify the Woodstock community. Plantings, seasonal decor, tactical urbanism, and engagement events are discussed. 6:00-7:00pm, IN WDSTK office, 1 Innovation Way, Woodstock. 770-592-6056. InWDSTK.org/events More through the door!

APRIL

Eggs-traordinary Extravaganza Ages 4-12 can enjoy an underwater egg hunt, while ages 0-3 can participate in a traditional egg hunt outside the aquatic center. There will also be a bounce house, face painting, games, music, and photos with the Easter Bunny. Please call to schedule a 15-minute time slot for the underwater egg hunt (they fill up quickly). 2:15-2:30pm traditional egg hunt and 2:30-5:00pm underwater egg hunt, Cherokee County Aquatic Center, 1200 Wellstar Way, Canton. 678-8804760. PlayCherokee.org

Woodstock WordPress Meetup Every first and third Wednesday of the month, meet with fellow business professionals to discuss this popular internet tool. 11:30am-1:00pm, The Circuit, 1 Innovation Way, Woodstock. 770-345-0600. CircuitWoodstock.com Business Accounting for Beginners Every third Friday of the month, this interactive monthly meetup gathers to educate, inform, and encourage busy entrepreneurs on best accounting practices. 11:00am-12:00pm, The Circuit, 1 Innovation Way, Woodstock. 770-345-0600. CircuitWoodstock.com Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake

Easter Egg Hunt — The Easter Bunny will hide over 15,000 eggs and stay to pose for pictures. Each family will go home with a complimentary printed photo. Also, children may enjoy a petting zoo, get their face painted, make Easter eggshaped spin art, snack on popcorn, and receive a special age-appropriate prize for their egg hunting efforts. FREE! 11:00am, Barrett Park, 4925 Jonathan Way, Canton. HollySpringsGa.us

UGA Master Gardeners Extension Seminar — Volunteers of Cherokee County present “Terrific Tomatoes.” FREE! Please register by calling or visiting the website. 10:30am, R.T. Jones Library, 116 Brown Industrial Boulevard, Canton. 770721-7803. CherokeeMasterGardenersInc. WildApricot.org

YPOW AM — Each Thursday morning, join Young Professionals of Woodstock for coffee and networking. 7:00am, Copper Coin Coffee, 400 Chambers Street, Woodstock. 770-592-6056. InWDSTK.org/events

JigJam — JigJam is an awardwinning quartet from the heart of the midlands in Ireland. Blending the best of traditional Irish music with Bluegrass and Americana in a new genre, which has been branded as ‘I-Grass’ (Irish influenced Bluegrass), this group’s onstage energy and virtuosic musical ability has captivated audiences throughout the world. Individual tickets begin at $16. 7:30pm, Elm Street Event Green, Market Street, Woodstock. 678-494-4251. ElmStreetArts.org

1 Million Cups The first and third Wednesday of the month, attend this FREE, nationwide program designed to educate, engage, and accelerate early-stage startups. The notion is that entrepreneurs can discover solutions and thrive when they collaborate over a million cups of coffee. 9:00-10:00am, the first Wednesday is at The Circuit, 1 Innovation Way, Woodstock; check the online schedule for the location of the third Wednesday, which changes monthly. InWDSTK.org/events WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

[AcademicLife] John Heywood once said, “Many hands make light work.” This is especially evident in the realm of volunteers. The Cherokee County Educational Foundation (CCEF) has been fortunate enough to have had some amazing people agree to give their time and talents, serving on the board of directors and as volunteers at many events and fundraising initiatives.

passion. CCEF welcomes new members to its board each spring. It is a big commitment, as board members make a financial commitment in addition to volunteering their time. When seated on a nonprofit board in Georgia, you are expected to honor a duty of care, loyalty, and obedience. You serve as a fiduciary member of the organization and are legally responsible as such.

William G. Hasty Jr., former chair of CCEF, was recently recognized as “First Citizen of Cherokee County.” Over the years, he has worked tirelessly to help support the public schools of the Cherokee County School District and has given back to ensure the prosperity and future of our community. Volunteers could learn a lot from Hasty’s service and commitment as a CCEF board member.

Duty of care is making decisions in good faith, in a reasonably prudent manner, which you believe are legal and ethical. Duty of loyalty means the decisions you make are in the best interest of the organization you serve, certain to not gain from your service. Lastly, duty of obedience means you will act within the scope of the legal documents that govern your organization.

“Many Hands Make Light Work”

There are many incredible ways to serve the Cherokee County community, with causes and groups for nearly every

By Lisa-Marie Haygood

Woodstock Family Life | MARCH 2020

Volunteering your time and talents to serve your community are certainly worthwhile. It is important to have a clear understanding of the level of commitment that is expected before you enter into service. CCEF has been fortunate to have some of the best and brightest minds willing to serve to further its mission, purpose, and values. Their many hands are valued and appreciated.

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

More through the door!

Community Woodstock HS Junior Earns Perfect ACT Score Woodstock High School junior Thomas Arntzen earned the top composite score of 36 on the college entrance and placement test. On average, less than one-half of 1% of the 1.8 million students who take the ACT each year earns the top score.

Woodstock 2020 Summer Concert Series Announced The season opens on May 9 with The Ultimate Queen Celebration starring Marc Martel, who played an unseen role in the 2018 biopic Bohemian Rhapsody. The rest of the season is as follows: JUNE 13

JULY 11

Woodstock Selects New Chief Financial Officer Ronald Shelby was recently selected to be the City of Woodstock’s new CFO. Shelby previously worked for nine years at the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies at Georgia State University and for 11 years in Galveston County, Texas, as director of finance and administration, budget officer, and investment officer. “Since 2011, he’s been training CFOs across the state of Georgia, so he brings a world of experience to the position. We’re excited about Ron joining us,” City Manager Jeff Moon said. As CFO, Shelby will establish and administer the city’s financial operations in areas including grant fund management, cash management, financial and budget report preparations, accounting payroll, accounts receivable, and accounts payable.

Rumours, a Fleetwood Mac tribute band

Grammy Award Winner Christopher Cross

AUGUST 8

SEPTEMBER 12

Grammy Award Winners Steep Canyon Rangers

The Black Jacket Symphony a recreation of the Eagles’ classic album, Hotel California

All concerts are free and take place rain or shine at Northside Hospital Cherokee Amphitheater. Opening acts begin at 7:30pm, and headliners go on at 8:30pm. For full rules, parking/shuttle information, and other details, visit WoodstockConcertSeries.com

Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake

ARC’s Green Communities Program Recognizes Woodstock for Commitment to Sustainability The Atlanta Regional Commission announced that Woodstock has been certified through the agency’s Green Communities Program for demonstrating leadership in sustainability practices. City of Woodstock was recertified at the Gold level for building more than 12 miles of a planned 77-mile network of multiuse trails throughout the city through its Greenprints Plan. WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

Community

45th Annual Cherokee Chamber Awards

Six CCSD High School Seniors Named National Merit Scholarship Finalists

All six of the Cherokee County School District’s 2020 National Merit Scholarship semifinalists have been named finalists: Anna DeYoung, Cherokee HS; Jack Eno and Lyriel Todd, Creekview HS; Alicia Mazzurra and Sathvika Narasimhan, River Ridge HS; and Dayne J. Bergman, Woodstock HS. Less than 1% of 1.5 million U.S. high school seniors who take the SAT are named National Merit semi-finalists, and to advance to finalist status is an even more impressive accomplishment as well as the next step on the path to earning scholarship dollars. The finalists now will vie for 7,600 scholarships valued at $31 million to be awarded this spring.

School Board Approves Appointment of New Chief Operating Officer The Cherokee County School Board has appointed a longtime CCSD leader as its next chief operations officer.

William G. Hasty, Jr. (pictured above) was recently named Cherokee County’s 45th First Citizen. This Chamber of Commerce award recognizes citizens who have shown meritorious service to the community through family, civic, and/or religious involvement. Other Chamber of Commerce honorees included: Allegro Business Products, 2020 Small Business of the Year; Live Clean, Inc., 2020 Excellence in Customer Service Award honoree; John Wallace, Chairman’s Council Joan McFather Volunteer of the Year Award; and The Children’s Haven (pictured below), Nonprofit of the Year award.

Dr. Debra Murdock, executive director in the Office of School Operations and a former Georgia High School Principal of the Year, will begin leading the division after Trey Olson retires on April 1. “Not only is Dr. Murdock renowned for how deeply she cares for and advocates for every student, she also is an experienced and effective leader who can rally teams through transitions and growth,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower said. “I know she will excel in this new role and continue to raise expectations for our schools and their leaders.” As chief operations officer, Dr. Murdock will oversee CCSD’s schools, principals, and transportation department, with responsibilities ranging from enrollment to student services to discipline. For the last six months, Dr. Murdock has headed up CCSD’s new Social and Emotional Learning initiative. Dr. Hightower will work with Dr. Murdock to ensure this important effort remains at the forefront. “I am honored to be chosen to serve our outstanding school district as chief operations officer,” Dr. Murdock said. “I look forward to continuing to promote our district’s work in engaging the social and emotional health and well-being of our students and staff as part of my new role.”

Woodstock Family Life | MARCH 2020

Primrose School of Harmony on the Lakes received the Going Green Business of the Year. This award honors companies committed to environmental excellence and implementation of green business tactics. A panel of out-of-town judges reviewed applicants’ accomplishments and chose winners based on merit.

More through the door!

YMCA Honors Cherokee County Volunteer and Teen Leader of the Year G. Cecil Pruett Community Center Family YMCA recently recognized a volunteer and teen leader at the YMCA of Metro Atlanta’s Celebration of Community Champions: 2020 Vision event.

CCSD Celebrates National Girls and Women in Sports Day More than 700 female athletes from Cherokee County’s six high schools participated in the CCSD’s annual celebration of National Girls and Women in Sports Day (NGWSD), held last month at Cherokee High School. NGWSD recognizes the contributions of female athletes, acknowledges the challenges they have overcome, and celebrates the positive influence of sports for girls and women, as well as the impact of Title IX legislation that guarantees equal access to athletics for females. NGWSD is celebrated in all 50 states.

Volunteer of the Year Desi Frazier has been involved with the G. Cecil Pruett Community Center Family YMCA for 15 years. Her first connection with the YMCA was playing racquetball and basketball at the age of 11 and spending two summers at an overnight camp in Wisconsin. Most recently, Desi has assisted with coaching basketball and t-ball teams. Teen Leader of the Year Matthew Crosby’s first involvement with the YMCA was through summer camp 10 years ago. Besides serving as assistant counselor and lifeguard, Crosby is involved with the Advanced Leadership Academy. He plans to earn a pre-med degree from Kennesaw State University then attend medical school to earn a degree in radiology or dermatology.

“National Girls and Women in Sports Day continues to honor the many ways sports push girls and women to achieve excellence and realize their boundless potential,” said Tonya Sebring, event coordinator and administrator on special assignment for student activities and athletics. “This year’s theme is a continuation of the Leadership charge, ‘Lead her Forward.’” The Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce During the NGWSD program, Lorri Little of recently selected the Sequoyah HS was honored for her contributions Leadership Cherokee and support of female athletes. Class of 2020. Members of the 32nd Sebring also presented the Trailblazer Award class were chosen to the Sequoyah Girls Flag Football team and after a nomination, recognized all the Cherokee County athletes who application, and took on the challenge of starting one of the first interview process. flag football programs in Georgia this year. Each school also honored an alumna, an athlete of the year, and a team of the year: • Etowah High School honored alumna Taylor Kimber; Athlete of the Year, Savannah Bray; and Team of the Year, Fast Pitch Softball. • River Ridge HS honored alumna Bayleigh Lott; Athlete of the Year, Gabbi Phillips; and Teams of the Year, Softball and Volleyball. • Woodstock HS honored alumna Ashton Sutton; Athlete of the Year, Haley Roe; and Team of the Year, the Wolverines’ Competition Cheer squad. Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake

Cherokee Class of 2020 Selected

Over the next nine months, the Leadership Cherokee Class will participate in sessions on topics including economic development, infrastructure, government, justice, education, recreation, tourism, public safety, healthcare, and social/human services. The program concludes with a graduation ceremony in September. Members of the Leadership Cherokee Class of 2020 include Front Row (L-R): Alexandra Morris, Rosemary Mburu, Rachel Geoghagan, Paige Reid, and Amanda Rostin. Second Row (L-R): Angie King, Holli White, Mariela Perez, Lisa Grisham, Sherry Lowe-Cooke, Michael Cicero, Frankie Sanders, and Stacy Sabaka. Back Row (L-R): Jodi Drinkard, Lindsay Bowley, Bobby DeCoux, Jay Hutchins, Courtney Putnam, Alexander Bryant, Thomas Pinyan, Walter Jones, and Dean Floyd. WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

Woodstock Notes

Highlights From Mayor Henriques’

2020 State of the City Address

By Stacy Brown

uring his recent State of the City Address, Mayor Donnie Henriques highlighted numerous outreach programs like Law Enforcement Explorers, Citizens’ Public Safety Academy, and Shop with a Hero. He congratulated Officer Shane Bonebrake on deploying a pink patrol car for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which gained national attention and over 1,600 signatures in tribute to survivors. Henriques said Woodstock was recently recertified as a Green Community at the Gold Level by the Atlanta Regional Commission. He shared stats about Greenstock Day, the Christmas Tree Chip N Dip, and Little River Clean Up. He announced that 850,000 pounds of recyclables were collected as part of the Mayor’s Recycling Challenge, for which Woodstock was recognized as having the highest percentage increase (67%) in 2019. Henriques also noted the installation of an urban orchard at Dupree Park. Additionally, over $450,000 in impact fees was collected in 2019 through new residential permits for the expansion of parks and recreation facilities. The mayor then announced that Woodstock received the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Distinguished Budget Award for the fourth year in a row and the GFOA Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting Award for the 26th consecutive year. Henriques conveyed details of infrastructure improvements, stating 34 downtown parking spaces and 10 PTV spaces were added, new sidewalks (one-half mile in length) were created, and two actuated crosswalks were installed. Also, 3 miles of streets were resurfaced, 107 streetlights were added (while 24 were converted to LED), and five turning lanes were installed. The Smart Woodstock Program to develop a master plan and conduct a Smart Corridor Study, using a grant funded by Georgia Smart, was also highlighted. Henriques encouraged citizens to participate in the study at WDSTK.ga/smart. The mayor highlighted efficiency and security measures like the implementation of Project Lifesaver devices to locate at-risk individuals who are reported missing, the deployment of parks software to ensure timely inspections and upkeep, and the acquisition of rapid ID technology by Woodstock Police Department to identify fugitives in the field.

Woodstock Family Life | MARCH 2020

According to Henriques, Woodstock Police Department responded to 31,946 calls with a 2:10-minute response time on priority calls, and crime was down 11% from 2018. Woodstock Fire and Rescue responded to 5,901 calls with a 4:08-minute response time on priority calls. Looking ahead in 2020, Mayor Henriques noted: • Engineering for Woodstock’s Noonday Creek Trail to connect to Cobb County’s section of the trail will be completed. Engineering for the Neese Road/Highway 92 project, • adding dual left eastbound Highway 92 turn lanes and dual left southbound Neese Road turn lanes will be completed. • Design, right of way, and public engagement for the Woodstock Hub project will take place, converting Mill Street to a two-way, creating a roundabout at Mill Street and Towne Lake Parkway, and adding a left turn lane westbound to Towne Lake Parkway from northbound Main Street. • Concept plans for the City Center Development on the Morgan’s Ace Hardware site will be finalized. • The master plan for Little River Park will be completed. The State of the City Address is available at WDSTK. Ga/2020sotc. For more information on City of Woodstock, visit WoodstockGa.gov.

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

More through the door!

The Screen Time Challenge By Ferdinand Yates, Jr., M.D., M.A. [HealthyLife] In today’s times, the digital screen is ubiquitous, and hardly can (nor should) be avoided. Electronic media devices have added to society’s information accessibility, comfort, safety, and communication options. However, they have also created a conundrum in terms of our children — how much of a potentially good thing creates a bad thing? Many children and adults spend too much time on electronic devices. Recent studies in JAMA Peds noted that watching television and playing video games seem to negatively affect academic performance, and the use of social media and television in adolescents may enhance symptoms of depression. Please consider the following suggestions:

Set Time Limits A recent Medscape article identified that limited recreational screen time is associated with better cognition. • Under 2 years — no screen time, in general, but family chats might be an exception. • 2-5 years — should be limited to 1 hour a day. • 5-18 years — should consider a limitation of 2 hours, with some legitimate exceptions.

Establish Usage Rules and Restrictions • Know what your child is viewing. • Set parental controls and use filtering programs for the various devices. • Attempt to know whom your child is chatting with. Child predators are not an imaginary problem. • Refrain from using screen time as a reward or punishment. • Keep media devices in family areas and not in bedrooms. • Consider no TV in the bedroom. A Brown University Child Behavior research letter (2014) showed that children who have a TV in their bedroom tend to have lower academic scores.

Encourage Alternate Activities • Establish a family table for eating and conversation. • Encourage outdoor activities and safe socialization. • Set a regular bedtime, and no screen time prior to bed. Help your child understand the benefits and burdens of social media. Lead by example — your child is watching how you engage in screen time. Early direction has lasting benefits. L Source - American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Pediatricians

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

Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

Senator Speaks

Sharing the Road By State Senator Bruce Thompson

he metro Atlanta area is notorious for heavy traffic. Cherokee County added over 8,000 new residents in 2019, and that trend is not expected to end in the near future, so traffic stresses are not likely to decrease any time soon. Although there is talk that autonomous vehicles will one day dominate the highways, providing constant speeds, maintained lanes, and strategic spacing, that day may have been delayed with the recent Tesla crashes. In the meantime, most everyone can improve upon driving etiquette as well as follow traffic laws. State law requires motorists to maintain a safe distance between themselves and the car in front of them, so don’t try to intimidate other cars to move over. On the other hand, if you are the lead car, you are required to move over/change lanes when a car approaches you from behind. Also, when a car is merging onto the road, be courteous and either move over or slow down, so the driver’s speed can be maintained as the merge is completed. However, being kind to our fellow citizens should not be limited to our roadways. In the past, people often stopped their cars short of their garage to speak to neighbors, or they picked up the neighbor’s

Woodstock Family Life | MARCH 2020

in Life

newspaper from the yard or moved their garbage can up to their home for them. If we had a problem with someone, we followed God’s word from Matthew 18:15: “If a believer does something wrong, go and confront him when the two of you are alone!” We didn’t post our grievance on social media outlets for others to see and add comments. On this past Martin Luther King Jr. Day, I read the “Letter from Birmingham Jail” to my family. It paints a picture of a community unable and unwilling to collaborate, communicate, or compromise. Dr. King reprimands the church for being apathetic and content, allowing the status quo. This letter is just as relevant today. Martin Luther King Jr. had several famous quotes, but two of my favorites are, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?” and “Rarely do we find men who willingly engage in hard, solid thinking. There is an almost universal quest for easy answers and half-baked solutions. Nothing pains some people more than having to think.” When I got home the other day, my wife was watching a Hallmark movie about a man who lost his wife to cancer, and

then a drought threatened to destroy his farm. While it was easy to sympathize with this man, it was frustrating to witness his constant anger, especially when he directed it at his 12-year-old daughter. During one scene in which the character was cursing God for his lot in life, his dad pulled him aside and asked him to look out over the valley and describe what he saw. He responded that he saw a house and some dried-out fields. Irritated by his son’s perspective, the father sternly said, “What you see below is your partner! God provided you with this home and the farm when your wife was alive, and they remain with you during this tough time. They are your grounded reminder that you have memories to cling to and a life to build for you and your daughter.” This story is a great reminder that our family and neighbors are our partners in life, and we should not take them for granted or push them away.

Bruce Thompson is a state senator for District 14, which includes Canton. 404-656-0065. BruceThompsonGa.com

More through the door!

Landscaping for the Dinner Plate

By Joshua Fuder

[HomeLife] Edible landscaping is the practical incorporation of edible plants into the traditional home landscape. Gardeners can add just a few plants with culinary value or develop their entire outdoor space. Here are some things to consider before planting nutritious fruits, vegetables, and herbs in your yard:

Design and Function Most vegetables and herbs will need at least six hours of sunlight and well-drained soil. The soil nearest the home may require some amending to have success. Consider starting with a list of plants your family enjoys eating and see how they will grow in your landscape. Some plants are harvested once, while others are harvested over weeks or months. Plant things that require more attention and frequent harvesting in areas that are easily accessible.

Texture and Color Rainbow chard, purple mustard, kale, and lettuce can all add a dramatic effect with their foliage and midrib color variation in cool season plantings. For texture in cool seasons, try parsley, dill, and fennel. Calendula and nasturtium are both warm season edible flowers that can add color to salads, and nasturtium leaves can be used in pesto.

Ground Cover Thyme, oregano, winter savory, and strawberries make great evergreen ground covers. Sweet potatoes, squash, and melons will also work in the summer months.

Shrubs At maturity, blueberries will make a suitable hedge and good replacement for hollies. Pomegranate and figs will grow with little maintenance and add interest through foliage and fruit. American hazelnut is a deciduous shrub/small tree that also grows well in our area. Herbs like rosemary and garden sage are evergreen and exceptionally fragrant. The Extension Office is currently taking orders through March 13 for a fruit plant fundraiser. Details and specifics can be found on our website at Extension.UGA.edu/county-offices/cherokee.

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

Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

COVER STORY By Gregory Flail

ive years ago, Dan and Meredith McMillan had reached a crucial juncture in their lives. They were ready to make a change — a big change. Meredith had been a preschool teacher for several years, and Dan had been successful in his career as a business-to-business executive sales leader for a large communications corporation. Like many established professionals, Dan found himself faced with the choice of continuing in corporate life or opting for an early retirement. Of course, early retirement sounds tempting to most people, but it also begs the inevitable question, “and then what?” Dan and Meredith knew they had to do their share of soul searching both for themselves and their children. They reflected on what they truly valued in life — faith, family, and home — and they decided to put these values at the forefront of their decision-making process. Dan wanted a chance to work for himself, and, if possible, with his family. Together, they wanted to connect to the community around them, get to know other local business owners and homeowners, and be a part of the many emerging projects in the area. What they did next might seem counterintuitive. Nonetheless, they saw a unique opportunity to fulfill their vision. They purchased a painting franchise from Neighborly, the nation’s largest home services provider. As part of a national company, the McMillans did not have to start completely from scratch. They were able to benefit from timetested processes, procedures, and systems that produce great results nationwide. “From the outset,” Dan said, “Five Star Painting was intended to be a unique painting company.” There was plenty of competition in the area, both large and small.

Woodstock Family Life | MARCH 2020

More through the door!

Often, it seemed as if anyone with a stepladder and a paintbrush could become a housepainter, but Dan believes that the difference between amateurs and professionals lies primarily in the quality of their customer service. “Meredith and I realized that we had the skill sets to re-energize a tried-and-true business model,” said Dan. “We wanted to bring a white-collar experience to a blue-collar profession.” As it turns out, the McMillan’s approach to the painting business is exactly what many customers in the north Georgia area want. Five Star Painting offers a full range of interior and exterior services for residential and commercial projects. In addition, they offer cabinet painting, pressure washing, deck/fence staining, and carpentry. All services include a wide selection of premium paints and eco friendly painting options. With over 385 projects completed in 2019 alone and several freshly painted prominent buildings in the community to their credit, it seems clear that Five Star Painting has lived up to its name. Consequently, the company has grown 40% every year since 2016. “We strive to give our customers exactly what they want,” Dan explains. “One of the ways we do that is to assign a professional Project Manager to each client. All our estimates are conducted on-site, so we can accurately assess the cost. Our estimates don’t change either, unless clients request additional services.” While Five Star’s success has exceeded even the McMillans’ own expectations, Dan and Meredith couldn’t be happier with the additional benefits of running a local business.

Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake

They have found an opportunity to contribute to the beautification of the surrounding community as well as the welfare of their fellow Georgians. Five Star Painting has played an integral role in revitalizing the look and feel of many north Georgia homes, businesses, and churches including the City of Woodstock Municipal Court, the Towne Lake Hills Golf Club, the South Cobb Community Center, and the Resurrection Anglican Church. During the holidays, Five Star offered its customers a discount on painting when they donated toys for needy children. The McMillans also regularly serve the community as a family by volunteering for MUST Ministries, which is a faith-based social service provider that has helped Georgians access food, clothing, shelter, and employment opportunities for over 47 years. Five Star Painting is based in Woodstock, and serves Bartow, Cherokee, and Paulding counties as well as most of Cobb County. Free estimates are Five Star’s standing policy. To discuss an upcoming project or schedule an estimate, prospective customers can visit Five Star Painting’s easy-to-navigate website or give them a call.

404-969-4602 FiveStarPainting.com

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

When Tragedy Strikes By Pastor Andy Rogers

[InGoodFaith] Anyone who has received the news that their child has been in a severe car wreck, been diagnosed with an incurable disease, or faced the untimely death of a loved one knows what tragedy looks like firsthand. In moments like these, we are often caught off guard, overwhelmed, and gripped with grief. The greater tragedy is our tendency to go it alone, thinking we can get around the grief. But, grief is not something we can skip over or ignore. I am reminded of the popular children’s song “Going on a Bear Hunt.” The song is about a quest for a bear that is met with obstacles along the way. The refrain is “We can’t go over it. We can’t go under it. Oh, no we’ve got to go through it.” Grief is like that, too. The good news is that we don’t have to go through it alone — God is with us.

There is a collection of poems in the Old Testament in which the author reminds us of this truth:

I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” (Lamentations 3:19-24)

Life Expectancy By Tim Morris

[Lifestyle] I recently attended a meeting about life expectancy at the Atlanta Regional Commission. I learned about a data system that allows a person to enter an address to discover what the life expectancy is for that neighborhood and area. I was astonished to see that one area had a 12-year difference in a person’s life expectancy compared to another area. When visiting your doctor, you are usually asked about your family’s medical history, 22

Woodstock Family Life | MARCH 2020

so the physician can be on the lookout for any genetic red flags. Since my parents and three of my grandparents died at a young age (based on average life expectancy), my doctor doesn’t have much to go on. My grandfather jumped from a truck and broke his neck, my grandmother was a heavy smoker who died in her early 60s, my dad died from a heart attack at 54 (he had been in poor health for 12 years prior), and my mom was killed in a car accident at 49. Certainly, a person’s lifestyle contributes to life expectancy, but many things can contribute to death that are completely out of our hands. The availability of quality health plans and health care as well as knowledge about our environment can also affect life expectancy. Though people often say,

Even amid grief and anger, this writer was able to find a reason for hope. Hope knowing that grief would not consume him because God’s love was being offered to fill him, and his unfailing compassion was being extended daily for sustenance. This reality is the same for us. Christ’s compassion continues to be expressed by meeting the downtrodden amid their pain and offering healing and wholeness to all. You don’t have to go through tragedy alone. God is with you. L

Andy Rogers is lead pastor at City On A Hill United Methodist Church/ Woodstock United Methodist Church, 109 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock. COAHUMC.org WoodstockUMC.org

“Live today like it’s your last because tomorrow is not guaranteed,” we are not supposed to live recklessly and speed up the process. I recently sat with one of our seniors who was waiting for her daughter to pick her up. At almost 91 years of age, Too is an amazing lady from Vietnam who can do things many who are 20 or 30 years younger than her cannot do. One day, I saw Too crawl under the handrails in front of the building to cut a flower to take with her. When asked how she maintained her youthful abilities, she said that she never stresses over anything and is always happy no matter what her day brings. We should all learn this lesson from Too. L

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

More through the door!

olf Cars of Canton is a brandnew Club Car dealer with over 40 years of sales, service, and parts experience. Owner Gary Grim has an extensive auto background, including owning five new vehicle franchises. On a recent vacation, Grim rented a golf cart for his family to use. He was amazed at how much fun his grandchildren had with it. Upon his return, he began investigating different makes of golf carts with former manager Matt White. It didn’t take long to discover that Club Car was the highest quality option, and that’s where he set his sights. After numerous interviews and a total remodel of the current site, Grim was given the Club Car franchise. He put together his knowledgeable team, which includes Charlie Poarch, who has been a master mechanic and service manager for over 40 years; Teresa Verner, who is the office manager and brings a ton of experience to the back office; and Ryan Grim, an experienced, award-winning sales associate.

The team then went to Augusta, Georgia, for extensive training at the Club Car factory. The training included everything from watching the golf carts roll down the assembly line, to testing the cars on Club Car’s exclusive test track. This was the first time an entire franchise staff had attended Club Car for this type of training. The rental department is now open, offering long- and short-term rentals, just in time for your summer needs. Golf Cars of Canton offers sales, service, parts and accessories, new and used golf

carts (gas, electric, and lithium-ion powered). Utility vehicles are also available for sale and rent. Additionally, Golf Cars of Canton is an authorized Orca cooler dealer, providing your favorite NCAA or pro team merchandise. Golf Cars of Canton is proud to represent Canton and looks forward to being part of the rejuvenation of the city’s downtown area as well as the newly opened Canton Mill. The staff is ready to welcome everyone while taking care of all your golf cart needs.

Golf Cars of Canton 121 Waleska Street, Canton, GA 30114

678-880-1156 GolfCarsOfCanton.com

Sales@SalesGolfCarsOfCanton.com

Woodstock Family Life | MARCH 2020

More through the door!

Quotables “Curiosity will conquer fear even more than bravery will.”

“Where you live in the world should not determine whether you live in the world.”

-James Stephens

-Bono

“You use a glass mirror to see your face: you use works of art to see your soul.”

“Be not affronted at a joke. If one throw salt at thee, thou wilt receive no harm, unless thou art raw.” -Oliver Goldsmith

-George Bernard Shaw, Back to Methuselah

“How strange a thing like that happens to a man. He dabbles in something and does not realise that it is his life.”

“Get on your knees and thank God you’re still on your feet.”

-Patrick Kavanagh

“Man can embody truth, but he cannot know it.” -William Butler Yeats “The thing about love is that we come alive in bodies not our own.”

-Irish Proverb

-Colum McCann, Let the Great World Spin

ENTER THE

contest Please submit your original short story about a family friendly topic for a chance to win a gift certiicate and publication in one of our July 2020 magazines. There are two age divisions: High School and Adult. Please see below for rules and additional information: Story can be no more than 500 words, including title. Submit as a Word document to Contest@FamilyLifePublications.com. Only one submission per person. Story must not be published elsewhere in a print or electronic format. Include the following information at the bottom of your story:

SUBMISSION DEADLINE:

April 1, 2020

*Contact information is for award notiication purposes only and will not be published in the magazine.

Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

Which Home Improvements Are

Worth the

Investment By Zack Bobo

ant to put your home on the market but know it needs some updating first? Some renovations can be helpful, while others may steer potential buyers away. With renovations, the goal should always be to make your home more functional and aesthetically pleasing to your prospective buyers without breaking the bank. Here are some home improvement tips that are proven to have the greatest ROI (return on investment): Curb Appeal Updates Just as a prospective buyer would, start with the outside of your home. Curb appeal sells. Surveys show that one of the best ways to spruce up the exterior of your home is to replace your aged and worn front door. After all, it is one of the first things people will see when they come to your house. You can purchase a new steel entry door for around $250. If you want to go a step further, painting your new door with a bright, welcoming color will add to your homeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s curb appeal. Updating locks and doorknobs are worthy additions to your new door as well. Light landscaping upgrades are also worth the investment. Trim any overgrown shrubbery and add fresh mulch to areas that look bare or worn. Be sure the entry path to your home is clean and clear. Replace any broken or sunken pavers and stones, and do away with any weeds, debris, or clutter. Adding a couple of potted plants or flowers next your door will make the entrance seem more welcoming to house hunters.

Woodstock Family Life | MARCH 2020

More through the door!

Recovering the money spent on updates at the time of closing is generally everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first consideration. Studies show that one of the best improvements with the greatest ROI is replacing garage doors. The study revealed that the cost for an upscale garage door replacement was $3,611, and the estimated value at resale was $3,520. This is a 97.5% ROI, which far surpasses the 66% average for other remodeling projects. Minor Interior Updates An affordable and necessary improvement to your homeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s interior is a fresh coat of paint. Freshly painted walls are an instant update for any house. When preparing to sell your home, you should always stick to a light, neutral color. Some popular options are gray, white, light beige, or greige. Next, scrutinize your fixtures. Nothing dates a home more than old lighting, ceiling fans, etc. Replacing these items is an excellent and affordable way to give your home an instant face-lift. Kitchen Updates A kitchen truly is the heart of the home. Many buyers will instantly decide whether they love or dislike a house after seeing this room. Kitchen remodels have a huge price range, with minimal remodeling projects starting at a few thousand dollars to mid-range remodels costing more than $25,000. It has been repeatedly proven that minor kitchen updates yield the greatest return when selling your home.

re-grouting tile; reapplying caulking around tubs, showers, and toilets; and replacing hardware, light fixtures, and mirrors are always smart upgrades to make. Installing a more modern toilet will keep your home from appearing outdated. A slightly more expensive improvement to consider is converting a standard tub into a tile shower, which can cost around $4,000, but studies show you are likely to recoup 85% of the money spent when you sell your home. Energy Efficiency Updates Adding insulation to your attic can be an important update. Many older homes are not well insulated compared to newer homes. This can result in excessively high power bills, which will certainly be a huge negative for potential home buyers. Installing a digital thermostat can also help keep utility costs down. Most modern thermostats can be set to adjust heating and cooling temperatures throughout the day, and some can even be adjusted remotely. If considering a remodel prior to listing your home for sale, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a good idea to consult with a real estate professional for helpful insight and tips regarding your home and its greatest potential value.

Zack Bobo is a real estate agent with ERA Sunrise Realty. 2542 Reinhardt College Parkway, Canton. 770-876-2790.

First, paint your existing cabinets if they are structurally sound. If your cabinets are damaged or do not function properly, consider replacing cabinet faces. Updating cabinet hardware is absolutely worth the time and money. Another great addition is updated, matching appliances. If your budget allows, granite or quartz countertops and tile backsplashes are an affordable, worthwhile addition to your kitchen. Bathroom Updates After kitchens, bathrooms are a close second in terms of selling points to most home buyers. Minimal improvements such as

Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

Are Your Gums

Fading Away From Your Teeth?

By Steven Anderson, D.M.D. Primary Causes of Gum Recession •

[HealthyLife] When your gums appear to be missing from around the edge of your teeth, we call this gingival (gum) recession. Gingival recession is a process during which the edge of your gums moves away from the upper portion of your teeth. As your gums recede, more of your tooth’s root surface is exposed/visible, and you end up brushing this soft area, which creates deep grooves. You are literally brushing your teeth and roots out of your mouth. Gingival recession appears to make your teeth look longer, and they can also become sensitive to temperature and air. With severe root damage, the tooth’s nerve is affected, causing additional dental problems. Healthy attached gums can only exist where there is healthy supporting bone. Your gum tissue attaches to the bone that surrounds the roots of your teeth. Understanding the reasons why gingival recession occurs can help you avoid it. Some surgical gum treatments can replace receded gums.

Woodstock Family Life | MARCH 2020

•

Brushing Too Hard – Some people are simply too rough when brushing their teeth. This is a pretty common occurrence, especially around the corner teeth (canines). Soft circular motions are best. Gentle but thorough is an excellent brushing approach. Using a Medium- or Hard-Bristle Toothbrush – These types of toothbrushes are only good for cleaning golf clubs, not your teeth. Always use a soft-bristle toothbrush. Periodontal Disease – Periodontal disease causes bone loss around the roots of teeth. When this bone is lost, gums recede, too. Using Chewing Tobacco – Not only is chewing tobacco directly linked to lethal oral cancer, pouch placement in the cheek in direct contact with your gums causes a chemical erosion in the area, which leads to recession. Clenching or Teeth Grinding – When you clench your teeth, it causes micro flexion of your tooth, and the area of tooth structure at the gum line breaks away in microscopic amounts. Over time, as tooth structure breaks away, the gums recede.

•

Traumatizing Your Gums – Using a toothpick or other sharp device aggressively or tongue piercings that repetitively rub against your soft gum tissue can cause recession.

Treatment for Gum Recession Once your gums have receded, they do not grow back. Gingival surgery in the form of gum grafts is required to replace receding gums. Tissue grafts harvested from other areas of your mouth or commercially available graft material can be used to replace lost gum tissue. However, gingival surgery success is not guaranteed, and can be costly and painful. One of the greatest principles in dentistry is prevention, so it’s best to practice great oral hygiene to avoid potential issues and diseases. After all, great dentistry focuses on you, even if it means acting today to prevent costly and painful dental problems tomorrow. 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

More through the door!

Kristie Brooks-Paige Creating Spiritual Richness Through Shapes, Lines, and Colors

ainter Kristie Brooks-Paige has always had an artist’s eye. On family road trips, Brooks-Paige eagerly soaked up the passing rural and urban landscapes.

“My father would drive us to New York,” she said. “I was fascinated with buildings, with brownstones. I just love the shapes.” Today, her childhood fascination with shapes and colors finds expression in Brooks-Paige’s paintings. In a style she calls “urban folklore,” she conveys an uplifting, childlike innocence and optimism. Through the whimsical interplay of active shapes and lines and muted as well as vibrant colors, the scenes come alive — even the buildings seem to be moving. The viewer is treated to a snapshot of city streets and suburban avenues and their inhabitants. Brooks-Paige’s first expression of this subject grew from a trip to Cleveland where, sitting with a friend, she could see children on a playground. “They were stick-like silhouettes, and I thought it was just beautiful,” said Brooks-Paige. Returning to her home in Staunton, Virginia, BrooksPaige couldn’t wait to capture those figures, and although she exhibited the painting of the children on the playground, she wouldn’t sell it. While her urban folklore style paintings are her most frequently requested, Brooks-Paige’s studies of people also evoke human connection and emotion. Set against boldly colored backgrounds amid simply rendered settings, the figures, which mirror her silhouette figures but are larger and fill the foreground, communicate mood and feeling. “I’m not doing straight realism. I’m doing something that came out of me in a divine moment,” Brooks-Paige explained. “Sometimes, when I wake up, I’ll see that’s how I’m going to paint. It will come to me.”

Artist Profile BY ELLEN SAMSELL SALAS

Painting daily is essential, often in the solitude of early morning and late at night. “I find energy for my art. It’s automatic. When it’s time to paint, it’s time to paint. I feel relaxed and free when I paint,” said Brooks-Paige. Brooks-Paige has painted for as long as she can remember. “From the time I was a small child, my father would paint, and I would paint whenever he did. I watched him and asked questions,” she said. It was her high school art teacher, Dorothy Dunnings, who planted the idea that she could make art her career. Heartened by Dunnings’ encouragement, Brooks-Paige enrolled at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh where she majored in fashion illustration/ graphic design. The chance to design apparel graphics brought her to Georgia and led to a successful 13 years in that field. Brooks-Paige has exhibited her work extensively, including at the Shenandoah Valley Art Center, the 2011 Art is King exhibit in Atlanta, and the 2018 Douglasville Vine Cafe and Market Exhibit. Currently, she is preparing for a juried exhibit to be presented in the metro Atlanta area. She is also painting for an exhibit at the Artisan’s Loft in Staunton and volunteers as a docent at MOCA Georgia. Brooks-Paige’s work can be seen at KristiesArt.com.

Deep connection to her subjects and her art is apparent. “At the start of the day, I know I want to do something uplifting, and that’s the feeling I get when I paint,” Brooks-Paige said.

Woodstock Family Life | MARCH 2020

More through the door!

Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

Public Safety

S.W.A.T. By Sheriff Frank Reynolds

hen I began working for the Cherokee Sheriff’s Office in 1994, the agency did not have a formal tactical response team to handle critical incidents. Observing a growing need for such a team, former Sheriff Roger Garrison created a Special Weapons and Tactics (S.W.A.T.) team in 1997. After a lengthy vetting process, I was fortunate to have been selected as one of the original 10 S.W.A.T. team members. I stayed on the team for eight years and served on both the marksman and entry teams. Our first special operations vehicle was a converted bread delivery truck, and our equipment was minimal. What we lacked in equipment, we certainly made up for in specialized training and enthusiasm. As Cherokee County continued to grow, so did the need for a S.W.A.T. team. Today, the team is multi-jurisdictional and is complemented by a Crisis Negotiations team with members from the Cherokee and Pickens Sheriff’s Offices, as well as local municipal police departments. Additionally, we provide this service to other counties in north Georgia that do not have a special response team.

Currently, there are more than 30 members on the S.W.A.T. team, including six tactical medics from Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services as well as six designated defensive marksmen. The team members are not assigned full-time. They are, however, assigned to the various divisions within the CSO to include patrol, warrants, criminal investigation, and training. Each S.W.A.T. member is chosen after a grueling selection process and is required to undergo hundreds of hours of training before becoming a master S.W.A.T. operator. Also, members of the team routinely train with various state and federal law enforcement agencies and the United States military. When an incident occurs, on-duty personnel respond, while other members assemble as the situation dictates. To supplement the team’s effectiveness, a dozen crisis negotiators assist in solving critical incidents peacefully. Besides growing in the number of members, the S.W.A.T. team is now equipped with some of the best equipment and technology available to law enforcement. Fortunately, we retired the old bread delivery truck years ago, and we now rely on a small fleet of command vehicles and an armored truck. Most of these vehicles were purchased through a federal grant. The command trucks are often used during civic events for establishing an incident command headquarters and radio communications integration. You may be asking, “Do we need all this equipment and personnel?” Well, it is a fair question. First, tactical situations in Cherokee County are rare, but they do happen. The type of incidents that require S.W.A.T. and crisis negotiations range from barricaded persons, search warrants that pose a heightened risk to law enforcement, and persons suffering from a mental health crisis. As your sheriff, I want our special response team to be ready and capable to handle any crisis that will adversely impact our community. Our citizens deserve the best, and that is exactly what you have in the Cherokee Multi-Agency S.W.A.T. and Negotiations team.

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

Woodstock Family Life | MARCH 2020

More through the door!

of the child should be. The probate court makes its determination based on what’s in the best interest of the child. The guardian must complete and file an annual report regarding the child with the probate court.

Guardianships of Children By J. Daran Burns, Esq. [StrategicLife] A guardianship authorizes a relative or family friend to stand in the place of the child’s parents and make decisions about medical treatment, school enrollment, and other issues inherent with the care of a child. Georgia courts have recognized that guardianships are intended to encourage parents who experience difficulties to temporarily relinquish the custody of their child while knowing that they will be able to regain custody in the future. The relative or friend who is seeking guardianship will file a petition in the probate court of the county where they live. The petition will request that the

Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake

court appoint him/her as the child’s temporary guardian. The parent(s) of the child may or may not agree to the request for guardianship. Georgia law requires the petition to contain very specific information as to both the petitioner, the child, and the parent(s). If the parent(s) don’t agree to the guardianship, the probate court will dismiss the petition before any hearing for the guardianship is created. However, if the parent(s) agree to the guardianship being created but object to the person who will be appointed as guardian, the probate court will schedule a hearing to determine who the guardian

Guardianship is terminated once the child reaches 18 without filing anything with the court. A guardianship can also be terminated when parents believe they can resume their role and petition the court to terminate the arrangement. Upon the filing of the petition, the guardian will be notified that he/she has 10 days to object. If no objection is filed, the guardianship will be terminated. If an objection is filed, the probate court will schedule a hearing to determine what’s in the best interest of the child. L

J. Daran Burns is an attorney and heads the Burns Law Group. 181 E. Main Street, Canton. 770-956-1400. BASLG.com

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

Community Partner

The Georgia Ovarian Cancer Alliance (GOCA) is a nonprofit currently serving the entire state of Georgia with programs like Bag of Hope, which offers free care packages to newly diagnosed ovarian cancer patients, and Survivors Teaching Students, which brings survivors into the classrooms of health professional students to educate them about women’s experiences with the disease. GOCA also leads education and awareness campaigns throughout the state by participating in health fairs, speaking engagements, Lunch and Learn sessions, and community events. Annual events (including the Teal Trot 5K and the Shaken, Not Stirred Gala) also help raise awareness and critical funds for GOCA’s efforts. “Due to a lack of screening tests and clear-cut symptoms, the key to fighting ovarian cancer is education and awareness,” said Doug Barron, executive director of GOCA. “Our mission is to ensure women of all ages and their families, as well as the health care community, know about the risks and symptoms leading to early detection in the hopes of saving lives from this elusive disease, which can often be confused with other ailments and misdiagnosed.”

GOCA first formed in 1998 when a group of Atlanta women met each other at the St. Joseph’s Gynecologic Cancer Support Group. The women, who were all ovarian cancer survivors with different stories to share, began pooling their energies and passions with the intent to bring awareness and early detection to the forefront of women’s health issues. GOCA has transformed from an idea hatched at a founder’s dining room table to a very strong, community-based nonprofit organization led by those touched by ovarian cancer in some way. With a strong base of supporters, volunteers, and staff, GOCA continues to reach hundreds of thousands of women and their families with lifesaving messages. On March 14, the Georgia Ovarian Cancer Alliance celebrates a milestone year with its 10th annual Shaken, Not Stirred Gala at the Georgia Aquarium. The Southeast’s premier ovarian cancer awareness event offers a first-class evening of specialty cocktails, dinner, dancing, casino games, tributes, and auctions. 11Alive’s Christine Pullara serves as master of ceremonies at the event, and the Celebrity All Star Band provides live entertainment. “The community response to our Gala each year is overwhelming,” said Barron. “The experience is special because it gives everyone a chance to find joy amid the hardship and celebrate those women still with us as well as the ones who always remain in our hearts.”

For more information and to purchase Gala tickets, go to

ShakenNotStirredGala.com. For those interested in learning more, volunteering, or donating to GOCA, please call or visit the website. The Georgia Ovarian Cancer Alliance 6065 Roswell Road, Suite 512 Atlanta, GA 30328 404-255-1337 GaOvarianCancer.org

GOCA has a strong support base in Woodstock through Rachel’s HOPE, a group dedicated to the memory of Rachel Aber, who passed away in 2008 at the age of 26 after a short battle with ovarian cancer. Three Woodstock residents (Rachel’s best friend Heather Olson and parents Donna and Larry Aber) lead efforts to honor her life and fight against this devastating disease. The group participates in GOCA’s Teal Trot 5K annually and has raised more than $220,000 over the past 11 years. 34

Woodstock Family Life | MARCH 2020

More through the door!

Book Review BY FARRIS YAWN

My Conversations With God II: Our Journey Through ALS

lthough we do not usually speak about it, most people secretly live in fear of getting bad news from their doctor. The news can be even worse if it’s about someone we love such as a family member or friend. People react to such news in two very different ways. Some become angry and turn away from God. Others, especially if they already have a rich spiritual life, find that their faith gives them the strength to face their illness, and the peace to accept the outcome of their diagnosis. Lanier and Carolyn Ingram fall in the latter group. When Lanier was diagnosed with ALS, it was the couple’s close relationship with God that kept them going during the painful progression of his condition, and also helped Carolyn find peace and healing when Lanier eventually succumbed to the disease. Carolyn has created a daily habit of spending time in prayer, study, and listening to what God has to say to her. She also keeps detailed journals of her spiritual journey, which she shared in her first book, My Conversations With God. In her new book, My Conversations With God II: Our Journey Through ALS, Carolyn shares the story of Lanier’s diagnosis, his treatment, and his ultimate return to God. She also shares her grief at the loss of her husband of 60 years and her recovery from a serious stroke. Carolyn felt led to share this story in the hope and belief that anyone going through his/her own trials will be able to find strength and comfort from the words that God gave her in her time of need.

Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake

Farris Yawn is the owner of Yawn’s Publishing, 2555 Marietta Highway, #103, Canton. 678-880-1922. YawnsPublishing.com

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

VIKING ANNOUNCES

Launch of New Expedition Voyages By Michael Consoli [Lifestyle] Two new Viking expedition ships will begin sailing in

•

2022 with amazing itineraries. The new ships are part of Viking’s destination-focused travel experiences.

The Innovation The Polar Class 6 Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris will accommodate 378 guests in 189 staterooms while featuring: •

•

The Hangar - An industry first, this enclosed, in-ship marina enables small excursion craft to launch through the ship’s multiple shell doors. Its most innovative feature is an 85-foot slipway that allows guests to embark on rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) from a flat, stable surface inside the ship. The Laboratory - The two ships will function as working research vessels, with an onboard team of Viking resident scientists working on a variety of studies. Developed in consultation with Cambridge University and other Viking academic partners, The Laboratory, at 430-square-feet, is designed to support a broad range of research activities. Guests will have supervised access to The Laboratory, which is in a glass-enclosed mezzanine above The Hangar, to learn from and participate with scientists undertaking primary research. Expedition Equipment - A robust program of complimentary experiences includes expedition equipment available for guests, such as a fleet of military pro zodiacs designed for professional use in the harshest of environments, a fleet of two-seater Arctic-tested kayaks, and two 12-seater convertible RIBs. Each ship will have two six-guest submarines for an incomparable undersea experience. Viking Expedition Kits containing a full range of safety equipment will be provided as well as Viking Excursion Gear, which includes specialty items like trekking poles, snowshoes, and skis. Dining Choices - The Restaurant will offer fine dining, featuring regional cuisine and classics. The World Cafe will provide a new “market” concept, featuring live cooking, an open kitchen, bakery, grill, and premium seafood and sushi choices as well as a wide range of international flavors. Mamsen’s will serve Scandinavian-inspired fare, and Manfredi’s will offer the best of Italian cuisine. In addition, guests will enjoy 24-hour complimentary room service.

Woodstock Family Life | MARCH 2020

•

Enrichment on Board and on Shore - As part of a commitment to destination-focused learning, Viking’s exclusive partnerships with the Scott Polar Research Institute at Cambridge University and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology will match leading researchers and educators with each expedition. On board, guests will enjoy daily briefings and world-class lectures about their destination while engaging with working scientists from renowned academic institutions. On shore, guests can assist in fieldwork or interact through experiential activities such as monitoring birds to help identify migratory patterns, accompanying scientists to collect samples, or taking their cameras ashore alongside a professional photographer to learn how best to capture scenic landscapes. Sustainable Features - Compliant to all guidelines and regulatory requirements from AECO, IAATO, the Antarctic Treaty System, and the Governor of Svalbard, Viking’s expedition ships minimize environmental impact and meet the most stringent emissions and biosecurity standards. Additionally, the straight bow reduces fuel consumption, and a dynamic positioning system enables the ship to hover over the seabed without anchoring, allowing access to pristine environments without damage.

2022 - 2023 Inaugural Itineraries • • • • • • •

Antarctic Explorer (13 days, Buenos Aires to Ushuaia) Arctic Adventure (13 days, round trip from Tromsø) From the Arctic to the Antarctic (44 days, Tromsø to Ushuaia) Undiscovered Great Lakes (8 days, Thunder Bay, Ontario to Milwaukee) Great Lakes Explorer (8 days, Milwaukee to Thunder Bay, Ontario) Niagara and the Great Lakes (8 days, Toronto to Milwaukee) Canadian Discovery (13 days, New York to Toronto) L

Michael Consoli is a professional travel and cruise specialist and owner of Cruise Planners. 770-650-7667. PlanMyCruise.com

More through the door!

Ribbon Cuttings, Ground Breakings, and Celebrations 1. Progress Yoga 8020 Cumming Highway, Suite 307 Canton 770-224-8158 Health & Fitness

2. Clean Slate Services, Inc.

Ellijay 404-918-6286 Cleaning Services Commercial, Janitorial

3. North Georgia Audiology & Hearing Aid Center 280 Heritage Walk, Suite 300 Woodstock 770-726-8948 Hearing Aids

4. Pritchard Injury Firm

128 W. Cherokee Avenue, Suite A Cartersville 470-420-4200 Attorneys

5. Rock N Roll Sushi Canton 1548 Riverstone Parkway Canton 678-880-6450 Restaurant

6. Tea Time

1105 Parkside Lane, Suite 1320 Woodstock 678-909-2991 Restaurant

Prime 120 120 Chambers Street Woodstock 770-800-8049 Restaurant For information about upcoming events, please visit InWDSTK.org

Woodstock Family Life | MARCH 2020

More through the door!

The Importance of Seeing the Dentist by Age 1

By Vishant Nath, D.M.D.

[HealthyLife] The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and multiple other major health care professional organizations recommend that your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first dental visit occurs before his/her first birthday. Dental caries (cavities) are a preventable condition. The presence of dental caries can be accompanied by pain, infection, and in some cases, serious and life-threatening events. Parents who bring their child to a pediatric dentist before his/her first birthday are demonstrating their understanding of the importance of prevention when it comes to dental health. The first visit is the first step in maintaining a lifetime of great dental health. The earlier

Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake

parents get their child acquainted with a dental professional, the earlier certain preventative measures can begin. These preventative measures include education regarding the importance of daily brushing and flossing, application of substances that actively strengthen teeth (such as fluoride varnish and silver diamine fluoride), and assessing a childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s risk of developing caries. Maintaining good daily oral hygiene practices and yearly application of fluoride varnish and/or silver diamine fluoride all represent nonsurgical and noninvasive approaches to prevention of dental caries. Once dental caries form, the approach for treatment will usually involve invasive procedures to prevent the condition from worsening. Primary teeth are just as important as adult teeth. It is not enough to wait until permanent teeth come in to begin

developing the daily habits necessary to maintain the health of the teeth. These habits need to begin much earlier; they need to begin before the baby teeth emerge from the gums. Dental caries are the most prevalent childhood disease. And with a bit of education, this disease can be prevented. Teeth are a vital part of everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s daily life. They allow for us to get adequate nutrition, to speak clearly, and to aid in our overall appearance to others. At a very early age, teach your children the importance of maintaining oral health. Set them on the right path by scheduling their first dental visit before their first birthday.

Dr. Vishant Nath is the owner of Canton/Alpharetta/Roswell Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics. 678-352-1090. KidsHappyTeeth.com

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

Advertiser Index Acworth Art Fest

Anderson Dental

Burns Law Group

C & T Auto Service

Camp Invention

Cherokee Chorale

Cruise Planners Elm Street Cultural Arts Village Five Star Painting GT Plumbing Golf Cars of Canton

5, Inside Back 19 Cover, 20-21 3 24, Back Cover

Holbrook Woodstock

Huntington Learning Center

Jyl Craven Hair Design

Landscape Matters

Inside Front

Law Office of S. Judson Waites, II, P.C.

LGE Community Credit Union

Masterpiece Framer

Inside Back

North Georiga Vein & Wellness

Painting Plus

Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics

Inside Front

and Dentistry at Canton Plastic Surgery Center of the South

Realtor, Dawn Sams

Summit Financial Solutions Taste of Woodstock Woodstock Pediatric Medicine

Woodstock Family Life | MARCH 2020

3 40 1

More through the door!

PRSRT STD ECRWSS US Postage

PAID

Stone Mountain, GA

Permit #1037

POSTAL CUSTOMER