Woodstock Family Life 1-20 by Family Life Magazines

Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake

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Contents

January 2020

VOLUME 7 | ISSUE 6

20-21

[20-21]

On the Cover

Burns Law Group

24-26

Best of Life 2020 Winners

32-33

20/20 Vision The Inexact Science of Predicting the Future

[24-26] 2 0 2 0 ï&#x201A;&#x161;A W A R D S

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

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

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

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

17.......................... 22

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

30................

[32-33] Follow Us >>>

Family Life Publications

Woodstock Family Life | JANUARY 2020

Book Review

Holly Springs Notes

34..........................

Public Safety

36...........................

Artist Profile

37..............................

Quotables

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

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

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Ring in the New Year With Our Best Special Breast Augmentation Saline $3700 / Silicone Gel $4450 New Consults Only | Valid 1/1/20 - 1/31/20

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120 Vann Street, Suite 150, Marietta • www.PlasticSurgeryCenterOfTheSouth.net Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake

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Publisher’s Perspective PUBLISHER/PHOTOGRAPHER Jack Tuszynski Jack@FamilyLifePublications.com EDITORIAL Julie Senger Julie@FamilyLifePublications.com EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Cyndi Braun

After learning from our parents, teachers, and mentors, it is our individual selfdiscipline that gets stronger, as we use it more. This makes us more responsible stewards of our own path as well as the paths of those who learn from us. We often are persuaded by convenience, pleasure, or peers to look the other way. We each know what is the “right” thing to do; our good conscience tells us that. Be kind to each other, the planet, and yourself. Next year, when I look back on 2020, I hope my actions will have provided a good example for many, inspiring them to make positive personal changes, too. This is the first month of the rest of your life. Let’s do this for everyone.

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

M AG A ZI

Jack Tuszynski, Publisher

Woodstock Family Life | JANUARY 2020

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

Discipline isn’t a friendly word, but we should be mature enough to embrace it and grow from it. In our youth, discipline is prescribed to help us learn the basics of what is right and what is wrong. As adults, it is our responsibility to turn that knowledge into wisdom to share with others.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Steven Anderson, Stacy Brown, Michael Consoli, Jyl Craven, James B. Depew, Joshua Fuder, Corey Harkins, Lisa-Marie Haygood, Steven W. Miller, Mandy Marger, Tim Morris, Jeremy Morton, Vishant Nath, Michael Petrosky, Frank Reynolds, Ellen Samsell Salas, Bruce Thompson, Ferdinand Yates, Farris Yawn

Over 30,000 Each Issue, Every Month

Of course, it takes a special kind of discipline to make this happen. And yes, I know “discipline” is a scary word to many of us. It may make you think of a crabby teacher who just never understood your sense of humor or level of energy, or perhaps it brings back memories of when you and a buddy got a bit too curious about something to do with physics and then had the misfortune of becoming the unlucky landing zones of the broad side of a paddle. Oh, the fond memories we share of an adventurous youth well spent in the pursuit of learning.

SALES Janet Ponichtera Janet@FamilyLifePublications.com

PLE

elcome to 2020, a year I’m sure we will be looking back on for some time to come. As we enter this new decade fresh and ready to move forward, it’s time to consider what we can do for ourselves to make it a better year for everyone. It’s time for a little bit of self-investment. If we each make a better “me,” then we see vast improvement and healthier growth together, as “we” evolve. After all, we are a group of individuals who strive each day to become better people for our families, our communities, and our planet.

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

Preparing for the Second Half of the School Year By Lisa-Marie Haygood

[AcademicLife] At the beginning of a new year, people often set out to improve their quality of life by making resolutions. As students head back to school, here are a few things they and their parents can resolve to do to help ensure a successful learning experience:

• Clean out backpacks and book bags. If your child has a

•

washable bag, launder it to make sure it’s clean. Discarding broken pens, pencils, and crayons and ensuring loose papers are organized and sorted are great ways to declutter and make room for new contents. Restock backpacks with enough paper and other supplies to finish out the year. This is also a good time to replenish hand sanitizer and tissues for your child and his/her classroom. Manage social media and screen time. Many families are more relaxed about rules during the holidays. Children stay up later, play more video games, and have more down time to post to their social media accounts or surf the internet. As school starts up again, remember to dial back the amount of time spent on electronics, so your child has enough time for homework, studying, and quality sleep.

• Set priorities and organize calendars. Returning to school often results in resuming a hectic family schedule. Many children participate in sports or other after-school activities, and parents struggle to balance work and all the requirements of daily life. Have a family meeting to clarify everyone’s schedules and priorities and create a calendar that is posted in a place where everyone can see it/access it. Being prepared for back to school can alleviate a lot of stress and confusion and help create a smooth transition for students and teachers alike.

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

Voted Best Realtor in Woodstock

Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake

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Make 2020 Extraordinary by Traveling the World By Michael Consoli

[Lifestyle] How many places on your bucket list did you check off last year? Why not embark on the journey of a lifetime? How about a world cruise?

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Viking’s 2020-2021 World Cruise itinerary visits dozens of the planet’s preeminent cities, which will span 161 days, six continents, and 75 ports, with overnight stays in 13 cities. Viking’s Culture Curriculum offers additional enrichment through onboard lectures and entertainment such as Viking’s Resident Historian program, which provides highlevel historical and cultural education specific to your journey.

Highlights include the following: •

•

Oahu (Honolulu), Hawaii (NEW) - Guests can enjoy everything from historic landmarks to world-class shopping as well as visit Pearl Harbor. Kauai (Nawiliwili), Hawaii (NEW) Nicknamed Hawaii’s “Garden Island,” guests will explore the lush vegetation and wildflowers while in port.

Woodstock Family Life | JANUARY 2020

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Moorea (Opunohu Bay), French Polynesia (NEW) - This tropical island is famous for unprecedented beauty and cuisine as colorful as its landscape, drawing on influences from both European and Chinese settlers. Hue (Chan May), Vietnam (NEW) Discover this ancient imperial city, which is a rich repository of palaces and temples and has been the seat of the Nguyen Dynasty for 150 years. Sydney, Australia - Guests will sail into Sydney’s magnificent harbor, the world’s largest, and enjoy an overnight stay allowing ample time to explore this culturerich city. Mumbai, India - Formerly Bombay, this bustling city is the financial, commercial, and entertainment capital of India. Istanbul, Turkey - An overnight stay gives guests more time to experience this historic city that straddles two continents across the Bosporus. London (Greenwich), England - Guests will end their sailing in this historic royal borough on the Thames River, allowing easy access to the regal capital’s iconic sights, including the Tower of London, Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, and St. Paul’s Cathedral.

Those who have traveled on Viking’s world cruises in the past often select a second cruise to see the countries they missed, and they choose to travel with Viking again because they appreciate the learning opportunities and workshops offered onboard.

The Viking Sun is an all balcony ship with business class air included along with these World Cruise exclusives: •

• • • • •

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Ground transfers to and from the ship; private car transfer for Owner’s Suite or Explorer’s Suite All onboard gratuities and service fees Silver Spirits beverage package, including virtually all drinks on board Complimentary visa service Free luggage shipping services for embarkation $2,000 per person shore excursions credit, which can be used toward optional shore excursions or overland tours $1,000 per person shipboard credit, which can be used toward onboard spa services

These features and services are also included in this Viking cruise: • • • • •

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One excursion in each port Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary) Alternative restaurant dining at no extra charge Access to top-rated spa and state-of-theart fitness center Self-service launderette available to all guests; laundry, dry cleaning, shoeshine, and pressing available based on stateroom category Port taxes and fees

When you think about the voyage including 161 days, 74 guided tours, and 33 countries, the value is incredible. Take that, bucket list! L

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

Over 30,000 Each Issue, Every Month

New Year — New Shape

By Drs. Petrosky, Harkins, and Depew

[HealthyLife] Breast augmentation is more than a physical enhancement. Your body’s shape can affect and reflect your well-being. You probably have a preference as how you want your implants to look and feel:

•

Projection is the distance between the chest side and the outer-facing side of the implant. “High profile” indicates more projection from the chest, while “low profile” indicates less projection. • Fullness varies depending on implant type. Round implants show more fullness above the nipple, while teardrop implants have a gradual increase in fullness and projection from top to bottom. • Firmness determines how natural the breast feels to the touch. Saline delivers the firmest feel, while gel implants feel like natural breast tissue.

Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake

Breast augmentation is a relatively short, out-patient procedure. Each patient’s postop instructions are different, but some women can return to work within a few days. Following surgery, it’s important that you avoid lifting or any strenuous or stressful activities that could raise your pulse or blood pressure. Prices for breast augmentation vary based on the type of implant, your location, surgery-related expenses, and surgeon’s fees. Ask your surgeon if all costs are included in your estimate. There are no set costs for things like facility, anesthesia, or prescriptions, so make sure you meet with several surgeons to compare estimates. Breast implants are safe, FDA approved, and backed by substantial clinical data demonstrating safety and effectiveness in both augmentation and reconstruction, including 10-year clinical trials. Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA- ALCL) is an

uncommon type of lymphoma that has been found in women with breast implants. The FDA has noted that, “BIA-ALCL occurs more frequently following implantation of breast implants with textured surfaces,” which many surgeons no longer offer. As of November 2018, there have been 626 unique, pathology-confirmed cases of BIA-ALCL reported worldwide. The FDA had previously estimated that there were 5-10 million women with breast implants worldwide. As with any procedure you are considering, make sure your consultation is with a specialty trained boardcertified 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

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Calendar JANUARY

1-13

Christmas Tree Chip & Dip — Throw away your Christmas tree the environmental way! Bring your old tree to be fed into the woodchipper. Then, the following week, bring a shovel to the park and “dip” into the free mulch. This Bring One for the Chipper event is sponsored by the Keep Georgia Beautiful campaign and the City of Woodstock Stormwater Department. FREE tree seedlings, coffee, and donuts will be available on 1/4 from 9:00am-4:00pm. Please no flocked, painted, or decorated trees (they poison the waterways). 8:00am to dusk, Olde Rope Mill Park, 690 Olde Rope Mill Park Road, Woodstock. 770-592-6000 x1952. WoodstockGa.gov

3 & 2/7

iThink Improv — Attend this live improv comedy show for a hilarious, fun time (rated PG). 8:00pm, Elm Street Cultural Arts Village, 8534 Main Street, Woodstock. 678-494-4251. ElmStreetArts.org Author

4, 7, 9, 14, 18, & 25 Events

Bestselling authors in various book genres will present their latest releases. Please check the website for author names, book titles, and event times. FoxTale Book Shoppe, 105 E. Main Street, Suite 138, Woodstock. 770-516-9989. FoxTaleBookShoppe.com

Cherokee Chorale Auditions — Audition for the second portion of the Cherokee Chorale’s 32nd season. Singers do not need to prepare an audition piece in advance, but they will be asked to demonstrate their vocal range and pitch-matching

ONGOING January Is International Creativity Month This month, be sure to acknowledge people who work in different creative industries and take time to appreciate how creative and cultural infrastructures provide new ideas and address challenges across different sectors. Creativity can solve many problems. While honoring folks who think outside the box, challenge yourself to do the same. Project Valentine — Every year, Cherokee Recreation and Parks

Woodstock Family Life | JANUARY 2020

Association collects donations for Project Valentine. Items include lip balm, lotion, sticky notes, pens, markers, word searches, art or music activities, candy (sugar free and regular), and any other holiday related items. These items will be made into goody bags and delivered to Empower Cherokee, which is a nonprofit organization that serves the special needs community. Donations may be dropped off at the Recreation Center, 7545 Main Street, Building 200, Woodstock. 770-924-7768. CRPA.net

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 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

Over 30,000 Each Issue, Every Month

1-2/1 Etowah Film Festival Seeks Student Film Submissions

ability, as well as sight read a short musical selection. Tenors, baritones, and basses are especially encouraged to try out. The audition is open to high school juniors or older. 3:00pm, Canton First United Methodist Church chapel, 930 Lower Scott Mill Road, Canton. 678-4398625. CherokeeChorale.org

All Cherokee County high school students (public, private, and homeschooled) are invited to submit original films for consideration. The winner will have his/her film shown sometime during the festival,

May 28-31, at Canton Theatre as well as receive a $500 scholarship. Please visit EtowahFilmFestival.com to submit your film or for more information.

2-3 & 6

SPLISH SPLASH Break Camp — Camp includes pool fun, arts and crafts, off-site field trips, and more! Children must be able to pass a 25-yard, deep water swim test with no assistance. 7:30-9:00am drop off, 9:00am-4:00pm camp activities, 4:00-6:00pm pick-up, Cherokee County Aquatic Center, 1200 Wellstar Way, Canton. 678-880-4760. CRPA.net

11-29

Brenda Rehrig and Friends Exhibit — Enjoy this wonderful art exhibit and take advantage of the opportunity to meet the artists on January 25. Tuesday-Friday 11:00am-5:00pm and Saturday 12:00-5:00pm, Cherokee Arts Center, 94 North Street, Canton. 770-704-6244. CherokeeArts.org

3, 17, & 31

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! 5:30-10:00pm, Cherokee County Aquatic Center, 1200 Wellstar Way, Canton. 678-880-4760. CRPA.net

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

5 & 26

It’s a Wibit — Bring the kids to play on this inflatable water obstacle course. Children must be able to pass a 25-yard swim test to use the Wibit. 1:00-5:00pm, Cherokee County Aquatic Center, 1200 Wellstar Way, Canton. 678-880-4760. CRPA.net

[continued on page 10]

business problems in a community brain trust rather than alone. 7:008:30am, The Circuit, 1 Innovation Way, Woodstock. 770-345-0600. CircuitWoodstock.com 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

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. 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 fellow Marines cope with situations that may arise in their lives. The Woodstock Detachment #1311 is chartered as a subsidiary organization [continued on page 10]

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LIBRARY EVENTS

Calendar

SequoyahRegionalLibrary.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

SPHERO SPRK+ ROBOT DISCOVERY January 9, 4:00pm, Woodstock Learn the basic principles of coding in an approachable and fun way with the library’s round robots. This is for ages 9+; children must be accompanied by an adult.

Learn about the benefits of rescuing shelter pets, then “adopt” your own stuffed pet! Participants will receive a stuffed animal, adoption certificate, and a book to read to their new plush pal. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required.

WINTER WONDERLAND SENSORY WALK January 10, 10:30am, Rose Creek Enjoy a sensory walk with a variety of winterthemed textures and shapes to explore! This is for ages 6 and younger; children must be accompanied by an adult.

TEEN MANGA CLUB January 21, 5:00pm, 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.

DIY WOOD REPURPOSING January 11, 2:30pm, Hickory Flat Out-of-the-Box Art Studio will demonstrate how to repurpose wood items. Materials are provided. Registration is required.

PALS AND PAGES January 22, 3:30pm, Rose Creek Sign up for a 15-minute slot to read or chat with a senior. Pals of all ages can register for a session by calling 770-591-1491. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

GONE WITH THE WIND — 80 YEARS LATER January 13, 11:00am, Rose Creek Step back in time and celebrate 80 years of belles, books, and scandals. Presented by the Marietta Gone With the Wind Museum. Refreshments will be provided. TEEN WRITERS NIGHT January 14, 6:00pm, Woodstock Celebrate the art of writing and encourage your fellow teens. Bring projects you have written or projects you are currently working on. This is for teens in grades 6-12. MUSIC AND MOVES January 15, 10:30am, Hickory Flat Get moving and grooving with friends from Go Noodle. Experience parachute play, music, gross motor skills, and storytelling in one action-packed hour. Children must be accompanied by an adult. STUFFED ANIMAL RESCUE January 18, 2:00pm, Hickory Flat 10

MAD LIBS STORY CUES January 23, 6:00pm, Rose Creek Grades 6-12 are invited to enjoy a game of Mad Libs Story Cues. Draw a cliché young adult book statement from a bowl and fill in the rest! NOVEL IDEA — SLOW READING CLUB January 23, 6:00pm, Woodstock Do you like the idea of a book club but not the assigned reading or discussion? Join fellow introverts for quiet reading time. Coffee, cookies, and books will be provided. ART SHOW OPENING January 26, 2:00pm, Woodstock Attend the opening of the Georgia Thrivers group show for a chance to see works made by some of the local artists. Refreshments will be provided. This is for all ages; children must be accompanied by an adult.

Woodstock Family Life | JANUARY 2020

continued from page 9

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 Retreat at Canton, 3333 E. Cherokee Drive, Canton. VAC-CherokeeGa.org

Watercolor Workshop — Perfect your watercolor painting technique in this fun class. 1:00-4:30pm, Cherokee Arts Center, 94 North Street, Canton. 770-704-6244. CherokeeArts.org

30-2/2 Mary Poppins Jr.

Young Jane and Michael Banks have sent many a nanny packing before Mary Poppins arrives on their doorstep. Using a combination of magic and common sense, she must teach the family members how to value each other again. Thursday-Saturday 7:30pm and Sunday (ASL) 2:30pm, Elm Street Cultural Arts Village, 8534 Main Street, Woodstock. 678-494-4251. ElmStreetArts.org

ONGOING 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,

continued from page 9 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 Woodstock WordPress Meetup — On the third Wednesday of the month, meet with fellow business professionals to discuss this popular internet tool.

Over 30,000 Each Issue, Every Month

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.

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 YPOW AM — Each Thursday morning, join Young Professionals of Woodstock

Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake

for coffee and networking. 7:00am, Copper Coin Coffee, 400 Chambers Street, Woodstock. 770-592-6056. InWDSTK.org/events 1 Million Cups — On the 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. Please check the website for event locations, as it

changes every month. 9:00-10:00am, Woodstock. InWDSTK.org/events Square Dancing — On the second and fourth Friday of each month, enjoy square dancing with the Cherokee Squares. 8:00-10:00pm, Woodstock Jaycee Hall, 216 Rope Mill Road, Woodstock. 404-408-3180 or 901-3375330. CherokeeSquares.com

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Going Long? By Jyl Craven

Your face shape tells a lot about whether a certain hairstyle is right for you. Round or oval face shapes are best for anyone wanting to grow longer hair. Those with more prominent or elongated chins should consider holding back the length because longer hair will give the illusion of an extended face shape. If you have a lengthier visage and still want longer hair, then cutting blunt bangs will help widen the appearance of your face.

Hair texture is another important feature to consider: [Lifestyle] Long hair is something that most

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women have desired at some point in their lives. If you want to allow your tresses to grow, winter is the season to go for it. Before you begin, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you gain the most benefit from your newly lengthened locks. While most anyone can grow their hair long, make sure you grow it out with style. Whether you already have long hair or are planning to experiment with a longer style this winter, these tips will help you achieve a more graceful grow-out.

Woodstock Family Life | JANUARY 2020

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If you have fine hair, consider adding long layers for body and movement. Face framing with carefully placed layers can add more interest to your appearance. Also, keeping your hair just below your collarbone will ensure your ends don’t appear too stringy. For medium-textured hair, try something fun such as an undercut. Undercuts are great

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for anyone who wants to punk up their lengthening locks. If your hair is curly, then it will look best naturally long. The weight of longer hair will result in looser curls or a more relaxed looking wave.

Having the right balance between hair length and your height is also important when deciding how long to grow your hair. Long hair is best on anyone who is at least average height or taller. If you are shorter than average height, long hair can make you appear shorter, just as super-short hairstyles on taller women can leave an unflattering impression. While we can’t change the shape of our face, hair texture, or height, we can definitely change our hairstyle. So, if your goal is to go long this season, why not allow your natural features to work in your favor? Remember — growing your hair out will not happen overnight, but by following these tips, your finished look will surely turn some heads. L

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

Over 30,000 Each Issue, Every Month

Community Local Equestrian Receives National Award Officials with the United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) recently honored lifelong horsewoman Sunny Stevens of Ball Ground with the Jane Marshal Dillon lifetime achievement award at the organization’s annual convention in Denver, Colorado. The award was created to recognize equestrians who have devoted their lives to teaching and mentoring riders in the hunter/jumper riding discipline. Stevens, owner of Stevehaven Stables, has been involved in the sport for more than 50 years and has been based out of several farms in north Fulton and Cherokee County. She has focused her time on teaching, coaching, and developing students into well-rounded horse people. Throughout her career, Stevens has helped to improve countless riders while providing them with a positive experience in the show ring and beyond, as they progress from novice to national level riders.

USHJA President Mary Babick (L) and Sunny Stevens

CSO Announces Outstanding Cherokee County Citizens Residents play a significant role in contributing to the quality of life in Cherokee County. For this reason, the Cherokee Sheriff’s Office (CSO) recently recognized Denver Peardon and Rebecca Johnston as Outstanding Cherokee County Citizens.

Denver Peardon

Rebecca Johnston

Denver Peardon has worked to bridge the differences that separate people and to improve the quality of life in Cherokee. He has also strived to preserve the military history of our community by writing a book that recounts the experiences of 13 World War II veterans, and he has raised money for disabled veterans by traveling to 400 locations to display a collection of military memorabilia in a mobile museum.

Rebecca Johnston has made a difference in the lives of many in Cherokee by devoting her time, talents, and compassion to projects and activities that improve the lives of her fellow citizens. Johnston has written two books about Cherokee County and has served as member of the press corps covering local news for more than 20 years. She has served as president of the Cherokee County Historical Society, member of the Cherokee Board of Trustees for the Sequoyah Regional Library System, member of the Service League of Cherokee County, and chairwoman of the Canton Downtown Development Authority.

Cherokee Chamber Names Volunteer of the Quarter The Cherokee Chamber of Commerce recently named Angie King with Killian Automotive its Chairman’s Council Volunteer of the Quarter for fourth quarter 2019. In determining the Volunteer of the Quarter, attendance at Chamber events is evaluated for all Chairman’s Council members. “Angie is a committed volunteer who gives 100% to the Chamber and its programs,” said John Barker, Chamber board chair. For information on the Cherokee County Chamber and its programs, visit CherokeeChamber.com. Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake

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Community VILLA Parent Academy Sees Record Participation Cherokee County School District’s third annual Volunteer Instructional Leadership Learning Academy (VILLA) saw record participation this year. The award-winning parent academy program began two years ago as a pilot initiative developed with the Georgia School Boards Association (GSBA) and with the support of Cherokee County School Board Chair Kyla Cromer. The program recently won GSBA’s Leading Edge Award, which recognizes innovative practices by governance teams and school districts.

Johnston Elementary Wins Chamber’s Recycling Competition The Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce Going Green & Education Committees, in partnership with Waste Management, co-sponsored a two-day Plastic Bag Recycling Competition for 12 of Cherokee County’s elementary schools. During the competition, the elementary schools collected over 167,000 plastic bags. Johnston Elementary collected a total of 22,408 bags, for an average of 38.57 bags per student. Through a grant from Waste Management, the Chamber funded this elementary school recycling initiative. The grant was used to purchase a bench for the winning school (made from recycled plastics), along with an attached plaque, which recognizes the school as the winner of the 2019 Recycling Competition. The mission of the Chamber’s Going Green initiative is to encourage the community to implement green practices that conserve community resources while helping businesses thrive. To learn more about the initiative, or to download a recycling guide, please visit CherokeeChamber. com or call 770-345-0400.

Woodstock Family Life | JANUARY 2020

In response to the program’s popularity, a morning session and an evening session were offered to expand enrollment, with 37 parents completing the program and graduating at the school board’s November meeting. “We greatly appreciate the growing number of parents who want to learn more about our school district, and how they can better support our schools and our students,” Cromer said. “Parent engagement is critical to our success, and the school board and I see VILLA as an important way for us to foster that engagement.” VILLA is a free six-week program that offers participants the opportunity to learn more about public schools in their community. Topics including school operations, governance, funding, and accountability are covered in classes presented by CCSD staff, with question-and-answer sessions offered by the school board and school superintendent. Participants also take part in field trips to schools. The program concludes with a dinner and graduation ceremony. Class size is limited, with participants selected by application (the 2020 application window will begin in May). Classes are held in the fall with graduation in November. VILLA Class of 2019 includes Kari Armstrong, Amanda Bailey, Nicole Balejcsik, Dina Beeler, Jennifer Benns, Kim Beumel, Julie Carter, Bonnie Clark, Heather Crachi, Ashley Nettles Davey, Lynn Epps, Ashley Frey, Scott Grayson, Suzy Griffies, Amanda Griffin, Antoniqua Harris, Michelle Jones, Amy Kuleszynski, Alicia Lakhansingh, Heather Lawless, Audrey Legrand, Bob McNally, Angela Milko, Patricia Mwisa-Okoth, Kelly Nagel, Staci Powell, James Pugh, Jr., Kathy Sanders, Chanda Schwab, Megan Sparger, Scott Steinbrenner, Heather Stray, Anna Tang, Erin Thomas, Jennifer Ward, Tara Watkins, and Heather Zambrano. Over 30,000 Each Issue, Every Month

Clark Creek STEM Academy Receives Prestigious Recognition Clark Creek ES STEM Academy was recently named Georgia Title I Distinguished School. This prestigious recognition is only awarded to the top 5% of Title I schools in the state based on student academic success and progress. Title I schools are those that serve higher populations of students who qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. “Clark Creek has achieved a phenomenal list of accolades in its short history, and while we are proud of each one, this one is a true testament to what we’re all about: ensuring equity and access, so all students can achieve academically,” Cherokee County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower said. “Principal Joey Moss, her dedicated team of teachers and staff, and her outstanding partnerships with parents and the business community make success like this possible.”

CCSD Awards Anti-Vaping PSA Winners Cherokee County School District (CCSD) recently held its first student video PSA contest to raise awareness about the dangers of vaping. More than 60 students in grades 6-12, working individually or on teams, created and entered short public service announcement-style videos to educate their classmates. Entries were judged on message, quality, and creativity. The initial announcement of the contest called for one winner to receive $500, sponsored by the Service League of Cherokee County. Due to the strong response and outstanding quality of entries, two runners-up also were named, and each received a $100 Amazon gift card funded by CCSD partner donations. The overall winner was Chloe Feibus, a seventh grader at Creekland Middle School. The runners-up were Alicia Mazzurra, a senior at River Ridge High School, and Casten Augustine, an eighth grader at E.T. Booth Middle School.

Georgia’s Distinguished Schools, including Clark Creek, are eligible to apply for the National Distinguished Schools Award. Each state can select two schools for the national recognition. “While we are focused on continuous improvement for all schools, it’s also essential that we recognize when schools are doing well,” State School Superintendent Richard Woods said. “These schools are overcoming barriers, meeting challenges, and producing great gains for their students.”

Mayor Henriques Delivers State of the City Address At the In WDSTK Morning INfluence meeting on January 31, Mayor Donnie Henriques will deliver his State of the City Address, which will cover the previous year’s accomplishments as well as updates on where the city is headed in 2020. Registration and networking with complimentary breakfast starts at 7:45am, with the program beginning at 8:15am. Citizens who are interested in attending may visit WDSTK.ga/sotc2020 for tickets and additional information, or call 770-592-6056. The event will be held at Elm Street Cultural Arts Village (8534 Main Street). Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake

Overall winner Chloe Feibus and runner-up Casten Augustine are pictured with the school board, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower, and Service League of Cherokee County leaders. Not pictured: runner-up Alicia Mazzurra.

Remembering Joan McFather and Her Contributions to the Community A community volunteer, former educator, and the 39th annual First Citizen of Cherokee County, Canton resident Joan McFather recently passed away. McFather taught English for 30 years at Cherokee High School and devoted thousands of hours to community service through dozens of organizations, for which she won countless awards. Her many volunteer efforts and community service work benefited organizations such as the Service League of Cherokee County, Cherokee FOCUS, Cherokee Arts Center, Cherokee Chamber of Commerce, Juvenile Court Citizens Review Panel, the Cherokee Community Chorale, Cherokee County Retired Educators Association, Sequoyah Regional Library board, Reinhardt University/Funk Heritage Center, and the Cherokee County Master Gardeners, among others.

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Senator Speaks

Life Lessons By State Senator Bruce Thompson

ach Sunday afternoon, my family meets in our living room to discuss what we learned from the sermon we heard earlier in the day. One Sunday, our pastor preached on the Ten Commandments and stealing. That afternoon, my family’s discussion got quite interesting. My 14-year-old said that stealing could include working too much and not allowing enough time for the family. He went on to say that stolen objects can be replaced, but time cannot. The following week, my family watched the nightly news together, and the subject of lying became the topic. My son asked how two different stations could have such dissimilar accounts of the same events. I tried to explain that maybe it’s just a difference of perspective, to which he responded, “Maybe someone is outright lying, Dad!” We have become so accustomed to accepting phony advertising, exaggerated news stories, and false statements that no one knows what to believe. Even the weather station was busted last year when a reporter pretended he could hardly stand due to “strong storm winds.” It was a very believable performance until someone walked across the parking lot behind him. Maybe it’s your fish story, or the tale about how great you were 50 years ago on the football field. Either way, my son is right — it’s lying. The Bible warns about bearing false witness, yet society has become very accepting of it.

Woodstock Family Life | JANUARY 2020

Recently, my church’s pastor discussed the 10th Commandment, which warns against coveting. This warning literally involves anything that belongs to your neighbor. Clearly, the creators of radio commercials don’t subscribe to this teaching. It seems that every other commercial begins with, “Get the ______ that you deserve!” A few years ago, my family traveled to India to attend a wedding. On this trip, we witnessed poverty like we’d never seen before. Shocking numbers of children roamed the streets in search of scraps of food. While in our cab, we saw homes made of cardboard boxes, and sidewalk vendors that would surely fail a state health department inspection if they were in the U.S. After arriving safely to our hotel, we discussed how challenging it must be to experience such dire conditions. My daughter said, “They are so poor, yet they seem so content!” Her profound statement still resonates with me to this day. It’s interesting that in our rich country, the one thing that seems to elude most people is contentment.

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

Over 30,000 Each Issue, Every Month

Book Review BY FARRIS YAWN

ullying has always been an issue in our schools, but it seems to have gotten much worse in recent years. While there has been much debate about the causes and consequences, veterinarian Michael Good has come up with a solution that may solve several problems at once for some children and animals. According to Dr. Good, “Through positive interaction with animals, we can help children as young as 4 years to develop a sense of empathy and appreciation for the people around them such as their siblings, relatives, teachers, and classmates. Then, from elementary through high school ages, schools can play a major part to stop bullying by offering students the opportunity to participate in Homeless Pet Clubs.” Author Laura Payne illustrates this concept by sharing Bobby’s story. His teachers and parents got him involved with the Homeless Pet Club at his school, and it totally changed his life. Helping the animals, particularly a one-eyed dog named Lucky, gave Bobby a sense of purpose and allowed him to make friends while becoming more engaged at school. When he changed schools, Bobby was able to start a club at the new location to help even more animals while continuing to help himself. Participation in these clubs will help the youth of America build character while saving the lives of homeless pets. Additionally, participation in Homeless Pet Club has resulted in the following: • Increased enthusiasm for learning • Stronger social skills • Increased compassion • Heightened sense of achievement • Improved self-worth

• Decreased bullying behaviors • Expanded awareness of networking for good • Increased responsibility • Increased creativity and cooperation

It is Dr. Good’s and the author’s hope that this book will help your children get involved with a Homeless Pet Club at their school or start a Homeless Pet Club if one doesn’t yet exist. It is definitely a win-win situation.

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

Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake

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While many people love to make New Year’s resolutions, others have resolved never to make them again. Due to the latter, Woodstock Family Life offers this “2020 To-Do List” for those who find checking off individual tasks more manageable than larger, life-overhauling commitments. Here are 20 things to do this year that may help others while you do something fun for yourself:

1. Run a 5K, play in a golf tournament, or participate in another sporting activity that helps raise funds for a worthy cause while you complete your daily workout.

2. Shop local and support a small, independent business. 3. Utilize BOGO deals from grocery stores, then give the free items to local food banks.

4. Volunteer your time at a local charity. 5. Protect the environment by using metal straws, sustainably sourced paper towels, and reusable water bottles.

6. Take the time to meet your neighbors. You never know how much you may have in common.

7. Try a local restaurant you’ve never eaten at before. You may discover a new favorite.

8. Clean out your closets/garage and donate unneeded items. 9. Date your spouse. Plan at least one special night a month that gives you a chance to focus on each other.

10. Plan a family fun night once a month. Check out Woodstock 11.

Family Life’s event calendar for ideas! Commit to having at least one meal per day as a family. It

12. Unplug from your electronics for a day and find creative, old fashioned ways to connect with your loved ones.

13. Attend a seminar or class to learn a new skill. 14. Travel to a place you’ve never been to. It doesn’t have to be expensive or hundreds of miles away. Day trips to nearby parks, historical sites, or museums can be educational and a lot of fun.

15. Write a paragraph a day — about anything! Just get your ideas/thoughts on paper.

16. Avoid eating meat for two days each week. It’s good for your family and the environment.

17. Get outside. Take a hike, ride a bike, have a picnic, or meditate in the fresh air.

18. Visit a nursing home to chat with someone who may not have family nearby. Seniors have lots of wisdom to share and may really appreciate your company.

19. Support the arts. See a play, visit a gallery, or go out with friends to hear live music by local musicians.

20. Call your momma (or your dad, grandparents, or other loved

doesn’t have to be dinner. Breakfast may work better for

ones). Sometimes, it’s just nice to hear someone’s voice

everyone’s schedules.

instead of receiving a text.

Woodstock Family Life | JANUARY 2020

Over 30,000 Each Issue, Every Month

Parental Care Needed By Ferdinand Yates, Jr., M.D., M.A. [HealthyLife] “CBD Sold Here” — This sign is ubiquitous in many communities, and the use of CBD products is increasing. This is a very complicated issue, which implies problems, questions, concerns, and safety issues. Cannabis-based products can be toxic to children, and the ingredients are found in various oils, lotions, foods, drinks, vape products, and pills. They are widely available and are marketed for a variety of uses. Furthermore, some of these products contain more or less CBD or THC than what is on the label, and there is no easy way to tell if products are contaminated with harmful ingredients.

Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake

Please be aware that “medical marijuana” does not refer to a medical product that is approved by the FDA. Only one CBDbased medication is FDA-approved for children, which is used for two rare types of epilepsy. The American Academy of Pediatrics has observed that medical marijuana may be an option for children with life-threatening conditions for whom no other treatments are available. One of the risks of widespread availability of these products is that young children may have rather easy access and may consume the product. Poison control centers around the country have witnessed a substantial increase in the number of calls following unapproved ingestion. These psychoactive substances — CBD and THC — have myriad effects including extreme confusion, anxiety, paranoia, delusions, severe stomach symptoms, drowsiness, muscle weakness, and alterations in heart rate and temperature.

Caveats: 1. Weekly marijuana use has been associated with impaired learning, memory, and reading. 2. Near-daily use has been associated with psychotic disorders in adulthood. 3. Youths who use marijuana are more likely to experience psychotic symptoms. 4. Use has been associated with future tobacco or illicit drug use or alcohol problems. Please check in with your child regarding what he or she knows, has heard, believes, or is doing regarding the use of these products. Source: ContemporaryPediatrics.com and HealthyChildren.org

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

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COVER STORY By Ellen Samsell Salas

“We’re Cherokee’s Firm” “I try to remember that the most important thing to our clients is knowing someone with experience is working to resolve their issue.” —Daran Burns, founder of Burns Law Group

s the lead attorney of the firm he established in 1993 in downtown Canton, Burns is passionate about taking care of clients and achieving the best possible outcomes for them. “What’s essential is not just understanding our clients’ legal needs but also learning their personal ones,” Burns said. “Our clients come to us in times of crisis. They need to know someone is fighting for them, and they’re not in it alone.” 20

Woodstock Family Life | JANUARY 2020

Crises in family and criminal law can be the most devastating events people will ever face. Assisting Burns in serving clients is an experienced team of three other attorneys: Laura Hoskins is the lead for most of the family law issues, while Susan Zereini focuses on criminal cases, and Wally Rogers handles juvenile and criminal matters. Their efforts are complemented by three paralegals: Traci Lingefelt, Madeline Kite, and Lorinda Green. Firm manager, Sheree Ramsey, and administrative assistant, Elizabeth MacMaster, ensure that clients’ needs are addressed promptly.

Teamwork Works for Clients

“Together, our team brings over 100 years of legal expertise to each of the cases we are retained to handle. Teamwork is a key facet of our firm’s effectiveness,” Burns said.

According to Zereini, “In the criminal defense arena, teamwork is especially important in making the process as easy

and effective as possible for the client. One attorney can’t do it alone.” “I love when a client walks in, and there is a cohesive group reaching toward the same goal: to provide excellent legal service, but also to help people in distress,” Burns reiterated. “Because we’re a team, someone is always available,” Burns assured. “Our clients can always reach a person who knows about them and their case.” “Clients’ work schedules can sometimes limit their ability to meet during the day. Therefore, I make time available for night and weekend appointments,” Hoskins explained. “Meeting my clients’ needs is a small part of the service that I am thrilled to provide. Often, an emergency requires me to work weekends, and I am happy to do that.”

Listening Is Key

Whether the focus is family or criminal law, the firm associates agree that listening to each client is essential, hearing their goals, fears, and hopes. Over 30,000 Each Issue, Every Month

“It’s all about developing a relationship with each client and understanding their needs, which builds trust. It’s our job to help them walk through this process,” Burns said. “We use our knowledge and experience to prepare our clients for the road ahead.” “We’re especially good at addressing people’s personal issues and goals versus taking a cookie-cutter approach,” Zereini added, “listening to their needs then developing an action plan.”

Experience Matters

Invaluable to clients is the experience and know-how the attorneys bring to their cases. “The secret is to know what the case needs legally, to stand up for someone, and to protect their rights,” Burns explained. “Clients need someone who understands that there are many avenues to get to the same result, but we must customize our approach.” “We don’t force clients into one way of moving forward,” Hoskins noted. “We give the client options on how to proceed, explaining the pros and cons of each approach. Often, I listen to a client’s case facts, offering numerous options on how to proceed.”

Having their office steps from the courthouse in the heart of the Cherokee County legal world means that sometimes difficult problems can be settled through one-on-one contact without having to litigate.

“We’re Cherokee’s firm,” said Burns. “If you have a problem in Cherokee, we’re here for you. Whatever the best outcome can be, we won’t stop till we get it. You’ll be glad you hired Burns Law Group to fight your battle.”

“When I need something from an attorney, I often go talk to them personally. You can’t do that in downtown Atlanta or even in Woodstock,” said Burns.

“We Are Cherokee’s Firm”

When he tried a case in Canton in the early 1990s, Burns fell in love with the city and Cherokee County. Immediately, he knew that he wanted to make Canton his home and the site of his law practice. “We feel very connected to this county, and our excellent working relationship with the District Attorney’s Office, the Solicitor-General’s Office, judges, and local law enforcement benefits our clients,” Burns said. “It’s about trust. I need to be able to trust what they say and vice versa.”

181 East Main Street Canton, GA 30114 770-956-1400

BurnsLawGroup.com

Daran Burns

Susan Zereini

Laura Hoskins

Wally Rogers

With 13 years of experience as a prosecutor and six years as a defense attorney, Zereini said she has the advantage of seeing cases from “both sides of the aisle.” “I can educate my clients as to the strengths and weaknesses of their case; I can anticipate the arguments against them,” said Zereini. Being local and having tried cases against other local attorneys often benefits the firm’s clients. “We know their tactics, we know what to anticipate, so we can know how to move forward,” Burns assured. Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake

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Woodstock Notes

Visit Woodstock Parks To Achieve

2020 Fitness Goals H

By Stacy Brown

appy 2020! The parks in Woodstock are a great place to work toward your fitness-related New Year’s resolutions.

Dupree Park is located on Neese Road, just south of Arnold Mill Road. It features a large playground, a disc golf course, four tennis courts, a pickleball court, two basketball courts, onequarter mile walking trail, one-third mile paved walking path with fitness stations, and a family mountain bike trail. Dupree Park also has a boardwalk and a floating dock, which are perfect for fishing in the beautiful pond. Northside Hospital Cherokee Amphitheater is in the heart of downtown Woodstock. Home to the popular Woodstock Summer Concert Series, the venue regularly boasts a crowd of over 7,500 guests. Amphitheater programs include a monthly fitness series (AMPED in the Park), Music Mondays in May, and Sunset Symphony.

Olde Rope Mill Park is at the end of Rope Mill Road. This park features multiple mountain bike and multiuse trails, park benches, picnic tables, pavilion with grill, and a scenic overlook/fishing platform. Olde Rope Mill Park is home to the Taylor Randahl Memorial Mountain Bike Trail, which has 14 miles of connecting trails that twist through nearly 100 acres of public park land. A pedestrian/bike bridge connects the south side of Little River to the north side where visitors can see the remnants of an 1800s rope mill.

Woofstock Park, Woodstock’s own dog park, is located on Dupree Road. Get in shape with your four-legged friends. The park features separate large and small breed off-leash areas, shade structures, water fountains, benches, and restrooms. The trailhead to Noonday Creek Trail and Towne Lake Pass Trail is also located here. The Elm Street Playground (Coming Soon!) will be located on Market Street next to the Elm Street Event Green in downtown Woodstock. The area will have boardwalks and natural play features that will blend into the wooded surroundings. In addition to parks, there are miles of fantastic trails in Woodstock. Paved loops like the Wellstar Community Health Trail at Woodstock Elementary School and wide, multiuse trails like the Noonday Creek Trail, the Towne Lake Pass Trail, the Rubes Creek Trail, and the Trestle Rock Trail are great options for walking, jogging, or biking. You can find more information about Woodstock’s parks and trails at WoodstockParksAndRec.com. Best wishes for reaching your fitness goals!

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

Woodstock Family Life | JANUARY 2020

Over 30,000 Each Issue, Every Month

God Is Our

Strong Tower By Pastor Jeremy Morton [InGoodFaith] The Bible says Proverbs is the book of wisdom, written by King Solomon — the wisest man to have ever lived. Proverbs 18:10-12 says, “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are protected. The wealth of the rich is his fortified city; in his imagination it is like a high wall. Before his downfall a person’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor.” When I was a little boy, I used to enjoy climbing trees during hunting trips with my father. I loved being in the deer stand. There was something about being high above everything else that gave me perspective. What does Solomon say about this perspective? “The name of the Lord is a strong tower.” God is higher, greater, and stronger. Whatever you are facing, nothing is bigger or greater than the name of the Lord.

“He protects us from the devil,

the world, and from the inclinations of our own imperfect heart.” In the ancient days, if you could get to the tower, you were safe and secure. The enemy couldn’t touch you. God is our tower and our refuge. He protects us from the devil, the world, and from the inclinations of our own imperfect heart. Notice what Solomon says next, “the righteous run to it and are protected.” You are not righteous outside of the blood of Jesus, and God’s grace is what declares us righteous. Is sin plaguing you? Is temptation stalking you today? Is something you know you shouldn’t be a part of lurking around you? Run to the word of God. Solomon follows this up with a sober warning: “before his downfall a person’s heart is proud.” Do you think you can live without God? Don’t let pride creep in and destroy you. Humility is what you need to be blessed before God. Let us ask his forgiveness for every occasion of arrogance and pride. Let God’s name be praised as our strong tower.

Jeremy Morton is the lead pastor of First Baptist Church Woodstock. 770-926-4428. FBCW.org

Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake

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Congratulations 20 2 0 AWA R D W I N N E RS

2 0 2 0 ď&#x201A;&#x161;A W A R D S Best Chiropractor

All winners will receive an award certificate and window emblem to proudly display at their place of business. In addition, the contact information for each winning business will be promoted as a Best of Life winner at FamilyLifePublications.com.

Best Medical Specialist

Ridgewalk Chiropractic & Massage

Atlanta Gastroenterology Associates

1000 Woodstock Parkway, #160 Woodstock, GA 30188 RidgewalkChiro.com 678-388-7788

900 Towne Lake Parkway, Suite 308 Woodstock, GA 30189 AtlantaGastro.com 770-926-5459

Eyes on Towne Lake 1075 Buckhead Crossing, #130 Woodstock, GA 30189 EyesOnTowneLake.com 770-702-5996

119 Mill Street Woodstock, GA 30188 DanceImagination.com 678-445-2731

Best Orthodontist

Kragor Orthodontics 1816 Eagle Drive, Suite 100B Woodstock, GA 30189 KragorOrtho.com 770-485-8827

Best Pediatric Dentist

Dentistry for Children

Best Medical Practitioner Family/Internal Medicine

Northside Family Practice 960 Woodstock Parkway, Suite 300 Woodstock, GA 30188 NorthsideFamilyPractice.com 770-517-2145

Best OB/GYN

OB/GYN Associates of Woodstock 100 Stoneforest Drive, #150 Woodstock, GA 30189 ObGynAssociatesMarietta.com 678-445-3555

Woodstock Family Life | JANUARY 2020

9880 Hickory Flat Highway Woodstock, GA 30188 InHarmonyPediatricTherapy.com 770-687-2542

Dance Imagination

Dentistry for Woodstock

Best Eye Doctor

In Harmony Pediatric Therapy

Best Dance Studio

Best Dentist

1816 Eagle Drive, Suite 200A Woodstock, GA 30189 DentistryForWoodstock.com 770-238-1437

Best Therapy OT, PT, Pediatric, Music

2230 Towne Lake Parkway Woodstock, GA 30189 Dentistry4Children.com 678-813-1909

Best Pediatrician

Woodstock Pediatric Medicine 2000 Professional Parkway, Suite 200 Woodstock, GA 30188 WoodstockPeds.com 770-517-0250

Best Plastic Surgeon

Marietta Plastic Surgery 149 Towne Lake Parkway, Suite 104 Woodstock, GA 30188 MariettaPlasticSurgery.com 770-425-0118

Best Day Spa/Massage Salon & Spa VenĂŠssa 8516 Main Street Woodstock, GA 30188 SalonVenessa.com 770-591-2079

Best Fitness/Health Club Orangetheory

200 Parkbrooke Drive, Suite 140 Woodstock, GA 30189 Woodstock.OrangeTheoryFitness.com 770-833-4550

Best Gymnastics Center

World of Gymnastics and Cheer 104 Victoria North Court Woodstock, GA 30189 WorldOfGymnasticsAndCheer.com 770-516-6898

Best Martial Arts Center

The One Taekwondo Center 6238 Old Highway 5, Suite C-1 Woodstock, GA 30188 TheOneTKD.com 770-240-1833 Over 30,000 Each Issue, Every Month

Best Bakery

Best Auto Care

Best Plumber

Alpine Bakery

Mike the Mechanic

Glen Moffatt Plumbing, Inc

405 Toonigh Road Woodstock, GA 30188 AlpineBakeryAndTrattoria.com 404-410-1400

451 Toonigh Road Woodstock, GA 30188 MikeTheMechanic.com 770-517-4133

WoodstockGaPlumbingServices.com 404-692-7438

Best Breakfast

Best Boutique/Gift Shop

J. Christopher’s 315 Chambers Street Woodstock, GA 30188 JChristophers.com 770-592-5990

Dress Up Boutique

425 Chambers Street, Building J Woodstock, GA 30188 ShopDressUp.com 678-445-6300

Best Fine Dining

Best Ice Cream/Frozen Yogurt

250 Cinema View Woodstock, GA 30189 MyTuscanyRestaurant.com 678-453-0888

6870 Hickory Road Woodstock, GA 30188 Brusters.com 770-720-2868

Best Dinner

Best Travel Agency

Tuscany Italian Restaurant

Bruster’s Real Ice Cream

Century House Tavern

Cruise Planners - Michael Consoli

125 E. Main Street Woodstock, GA 30188 CenturyHouseTavern.com 770-693-4552

885 Woodstock Road, Suite 430, #351 Roswell, GA 30075 PlanMyCruise.com 770-650-7667

Best Live Entertainment

Best Wine and Spirits

Best Landscaping Design/ Installation Landscape Matters

LandscapeMattersInc.com 770-403-5813

Best Nursery Buck Jones

7470 Hickory Flat Highway Woodstock, GA 30188 BuckJonesNursery.com 770-345-5506

Best Real Estate

Hollingsworth & Company Real Estate, Keller Williams Partners 722 Stonecroft Lane Woodstock, GA 30188 MyNextMoveGa.com 678-494-0644

Best Senior/Adult Living

Merrill Gardens at Woodstock 12730 Highway 92 Woodstock, GA 30188 MerrillGardens.com 678-718-8700

MadLife Stage & Studios

Bullock’s Wine & Spirits

8722 Main Street Woodstock, GA 30188 MadLifeStageAndStudios.com 678-384-2363

1050 Buckhead Crossing Woodstock, GA 30189 BullocksWine.com 678-445-5222

Best Lunch

Best Electrician Mr. Sparky

Green Basements and Remodeling

4379 Towne Lake Parkway, #140 Woodstock, GA 30189 FamilyTradition.net 770-852-2885

2064 Canton Road Marietta, GA 30066 MisterSparky.com/Atlanta-Ga 404-692-6324

13987 Highway 92 Woodstock, GA 30188 GreenRemodeling.com 678-445-5533

Best Family Dining

Best Heating and Air

Family Tradition

Gondolier Italian Restaurant and Pizza 10029 GA-92, #112 Woodstock, GA 30188 GondolierWoodstock.com 770-516-6292

Best Catering

Best Remodeling/Painting/Flooring/ Handyman

Best Pest Control

Southern Air Pros

Bug Busters USA

520 Industrial Drive Woodstock, GA 30189 SouthernAirPros.com 770-713-0168

6975 Highway 92 Woodstock, GA 30189 BugBustersUSA.com 770-517-0200

Best Roofer

Prestige Catering

Findlay Roofing

147 Reinhardt College Parkway Canton, GA 30114 SidelinesGrille.com 770-824-4858

4181 JVL Industrial Park Drive Marietta, GA 30066 FindlayRoofing.com 770-516-5806

Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake

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202 0 AWA R D W I N N E RS Best Financial Planner

2 0 2 0 A W A R D S

Best Cleaning Service

Mom’s Helping Hand Maid Service 101 Mountain Brook Drive, #104 Holly Springs,GA 30115 MomsHelpingHand.com 770-345-7134

Best Interior Design Pineapple Park

240 Chambers Street Woodstock, GA 30189 PineapplePark.com 678-494-8494

Best Furniture/Home Decor Woodstock Market 5500 Bells Ferry Road Acworth, GA 30102 WoodstockMarket.com 770-517-7771

Best Attorney

Huntington Learning Center

402 Creekstone Ridge Woodstock, GA 30188 HillAndHillFinancial.com 770-672-0402

6244 Old Highway 5 Woodstock, GA 30188 Woodstock.HuntingtonHelps.com 678-445-4746

Best Insurance Agent

Best Hair Salon

Andy Jabaley - State Farm

Jyl Craven Hair Design

10917 GA-92, Suite 100 Woodstock, GA 30188 AndyJabaley.com 770-926-4434

7970 Knox Ridge Highway, Suite 2 Canton, GA 30114 JylCraven.com 770-345-9411

Best Art Classes Painting/ Sculpture/Mixed Media

Best Jewelers

Sips n Strokes

1428 Towne Lake Parkway, Suite 107 Woodstock, GA 30189 SipsNStrokes.com 404-272-0156

Best Music Classes

Dance and Music Academy of Woodstock 6238 Old Highway 5, Suite C-3 Woodstock, GA 30188 WoodstockDance.com 770-924-1661

Best Performing Arts

Elm Street Cultural Arts Village

145 Towne Lake Parkway, Suite 200 Woodstock, GA 30188 HartmanlawFirm.com 770-284-1111

8534 Main Street Woodstock, GA 30188 ElmStreetArts.org 678-494-4251

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Summit Financial Solutions

Hillside Preschool and Academy

1816 Eagle Drive, Suite 100-A Woodstock, GA 30189 SFSGa.com 770-928-8100

4474 Towne Lake Parkway Woodstock, GA 30189 HillsideUMC.org/HillsideAcademy 770-924-4776

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LGE Community Credit Union 12900 Highway 92 Woodstock, GA 30188 LGECCU.org 770-424-0060 26

Hill & Hill Financial, LLC

Hartmanlaw

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Woodstock Family Life | JANUARY 2020

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Art Jewelers

136 Woodstock Square Avenue, Suite 400 Woodstock, GA 30189 ArtJewelers.net 770-924-3133

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Animal Hospital of Towne Lake 3105 Parkbrooke Circle Woodstock, GA 30189 TowneLakeVets.com 770-591-9500

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The Pet Hotel 2897 Eagle Drive Woodstock, GA 30189 ThePetHotels.com 678-494-4102

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architecture of trees. The season also provides time for reflection and planning. One of the highlights of a winter landscape is the delicate beauty and fragrance of Edgeworthia Chrysantha, also known as the paperbush.

Winter’s Wonder By Joshua Fuder

[HomeLife] Winter is a great season in the landscape. When the regular chores of mowing and weed eating subside, gardeners are finally able to enjoy the beauty of things formerly masked by foliage such as bird nests and the

Edgeworthia is a well branched shrub that thrives in partial shade with light, moist soil conditions. Its foliage has a bluish to silvery hue, with the leaves somewhat resembling rhododendron. It can tolerate full sun, but the foliage is not as lush green as you will find in a shaded area. In autumn, the foliage turns fantastic shades of yellow. As interesting as the plant is during the growing season, it is the winter season that sets Edgeworthia apart. From December through January, the large, fuzzy flower buds will start to swell and may remind you of a cat’s paw. By February, the buds usually break, revealing clusters of 1 ½ to 2-inch tiny

•

Seniors Need Your Help By Tim Morris

[Lifestyle] The last few months have been very challenging for Senior Services staff and volunteers. Our No. 1 priority is to assist seniors who desperately look to us to help them in various ways.

•

Recently, a valuable, heavily involved volunteer retired from assisting our organization. But just because this person no longer volunteers doesn’t mean the program comes to a stop. So, we are reaching out to more organizations for help. We get many calls from desperate seniors who are trying to navigate the struggle in their day-to-day lives. Here are recent examples: Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake

•

A lady in her 80s was living in a single wide mobile home that had been invaded by rats. Various people tried to help her, but a professional had to be called in to fix the problem. Along with tremendous help from the Senior Services’ retired volunteer, The Volunteer Aging Council (VAC) agreed to assist this lady. A family with both parents in their 60s and one special needs older child had been living behind Target for several weeks, using the Cherokee Area Transportation System (CATS) to ride to various locations just to stay warm. The driver alerted her office, and the CATS director went out to find them. With the help of the VAC, the family was put up in a local hotel for two weeks. An elderly woman frantically called Senior Services because her pilot light went out, and she was afraid to light it herself. A staff member

florets. These clusters resemble popcorn or chunks of honeycomb on the bare branches, showing off with shades of white, yellow, or orange and red. The best part of these flowers is their intoxicating fragrance that will stop you in your tracks. The aroma is similar to a gardenia but with slightly spicier notes. Do yourself and your landscape a favor and find a spot for this plant. Remember, it will do best in a semi-shaded area, and like most fragrant plants, it is best to place near the home or anywhere it can be enjoyed. At full maturity, it will reach 7-feet high and wide, so space it accordingly. Available cultivars include Gold Rush, John Bryant, Red Dragon, and Snow Cream.

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

stayed late to see if the gas company could go out, and she was instructed to have the lady call a technician. To ensure her safety, Senior Services staff stayed in contact with this lady until a neighbor was able to come over to ignite her pilot light. These are just a few examples of situations that happen every day. Senior Services and the VAC need several individuals or groups of volunteers who can assist in these emergencies. If you or your church, volunteer, work, or nonprofit group may be interested in helping, please call Senior Services Resource Coordinator Deanna Gail at 770-479-7438. LL

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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Sports Dental Injuries By Dr. Steven Anderson, D.M.D.

[HealthyLife] At a recent high school women’s basketball tournament, a player hit her head on the floor, was knocked unconscious, and experienced convulsions. She was not wearing a sports mouth guard. These types of injuries, which are both painful and scary, can often be avoided by wearing professionally made, custom mouth guards. A necessary and affordable piece of sports equipment, custom mouth guards can help reduce the overall trauma to an athlete’s head and mouth. Concussions, brain injuries, soft tissue lip or cheek trauma, and/or complete tooth loss often occur in sports activities. Dental injuries are the most common type of damage sustained to the face during athletic activities, and they are often preventable. An athlete is 60 times more likely to sustain damage to his/her teeth when not wearing a protective mouth guard. Also, the cost of fixing or replacing a fractured or lost tooth is much higher than the cost of a professionally made, custom mouth guard from your dentist. A mouth guard should be considered for all contact sports as well as sports where the athlete is at a higher risk for head injuries. Professional, custommade mouth guards are not bulky and do not interfere with play. They are fabricated to custom fit the upper and/or lower teeth, so they fit snuggly and stay in place during play. 28

Woodstock Family Life | JANUARY 2020

Mouth guards can even be fit over braces. However, the cheap “bite and boil” mouth guards often fall out during impact play (rendering them useless), disintegrate prematurely, obstruct breathing and speaking, and sometimes require a strap attachment. Athletes usually find bite and boil mouth guards uncomfortable. For about $50, custom-made mouth guards provide a great return on investment due to the safety and protection they offer. A trip to the dentist to treat facial trauma and/ or to replace a tooth can cost 10 to 100 times the amount of a custom mouth guard. If your child has braces, choose a dentist who is experienced in fabricating mouth guards to accommodate them because it can be tricky. The most important function of the mouth guard is to protect against concussions and brain injuries. For less than the cost of athletic shoes, a custom-made mouth guard can be designed and fabricated by your dentist to help protect your face and teeth. Everyone sees your teeth, and we all need them to chew our food, so be sure to protect your pearly whites. After all, great dentistry is all about you and keeping your teeth!

What do you do if an adult tooth is knocked out? •

Do your best to find the tooth.

•

Do not wash or rinse off the tooth.

•

Store the tooth in saliva (carefully in the cheek) or in milk. Water is not ideal, but better than transporting the tooth dry.

•

If you are comfortable orienting the tooth correctly back in the mouth, and the tooth does not have foreign debris on it, you can reposition the tooth back where it goes.

•

If there are no urgent/life threatening conditions, call your dentist immediately. Repositioning the tooth back in the mouth is most successful within the first hour after trauma.

Dr. Steven Anderson practices cosmetic, restorative, and implant dentistry at Anderson Dental of Woodstock and East Cobb. 650 Claremore Professional Way, Suite 200, Woodstock, GA 30188. 770-384-8505. DrStevenAnderson.com

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HollySpringsNotes

UPDATE ON THE

HOLLYTOWNSPRINGS CENTER PROJECT

City Hall Rendering

By Mayor Steven W. Miller

love when I have been assisting business owners, community activists, or residents over the phone or by email with a problem they are having, and then I finally get to meet them in person. There is just something about putting a face with a name that brings to life whatever project or problem we were working on together. Over the past several years, the staff at the City of Holly Springs has been keeping citizens abreast of every step taken, as we get closer to breaking ground on the Town Center Project. In 2020, years of behind-the-scenes planning and preparing will finally give way to visible progress on this much anticipated project in downtown Holly Springs. I am happy to finally put faces with some of the names you have been hearing about for so long.

During the meeting last October, the City Council approved proposals based on the renderings shown for the new City Hall; the mixed-use structures; and the amphitheater stage, dressing rooms, restrooms, and pavilions of the Town Center Project. Caldwell-Cline Architects and Designers will oversee the preliminary design, design development, and construction management of these structures. The new City Hall will be a three-story structure between 20,000 and 24,000 square feet and will house all the administrative functions of the City. The mixed-use structures will be composed of restaurant and retail space on the ground floor, with two stories of residential units above. I know many of you are familiar with the road construction taking place near

Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services Station 8 on Hickory Road. We look forward to that projectâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s completion this summer. In addition to a second western travel lane on Hickory Road, the elimination of the stop sign on Hickory Road east of the railroad, and the conversion of the intersection of Palm Street at Hickory Road to a right-in/right-out configuration, the real stunner of the project will be the beautiful clock tower situated in the middle of the roundabout. I believe the clock tower, which was designed by Caldwell-Cline Architects and Designers, will become one of the most beloved structures in Holly Springs.

Steven W. Miller is the mayor of Holly Springs, 3237 Holly Springs Parkway, Holly Springs. 770-345-5536. HollySpringsGa.us

Mixed-Use Structures Rendering

Amphitheater Stage Rendering

Woodstock Family Life | JANUARY 2020

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By Mandy Marger

The Inexact Science of Predicting the Future

he year 2020 sounds like a futuristic fantasy, and many in the past have imagined what this year would hold. Lots of “unbelievable” predictions, such as automation and wearable technology, have become commonplace realities. Other predictions have been less accurate. Thankfully, as a new decade begins, failed forecasts can only be enjoyed in our imagination or in science fiction stories. Here is a random collection of futuristic visions you may find amusing.

1900: Ixnay on the C, X, Q In 1900, Ladies’ Home Journal published a vision of the 21st century written by John Elfreth Watkins Jr., an engineer. In the article, Watkins predicted, “There will be no C, X, or Q in our everyday alphabet. They will be abandoned because they are unnecessary.” While those three letters are still very much a part of our alphabet, Watkins’ prediction of communication with “condensed words expressing condensed ideas” could be argued to have come true with modern day abbreviated text language, emojis, and gifs.

C X

1950: Easy Cleanup Popular Mechanics predicted that the housewife of 2000 would clean the interior of her home by hosing it down. Furniture, curtains, rugs, and floors would be made with synthetic fabric and waterproof materials. After the hose had done its job, the water would run down a concealed drain, and the housewife would dry everything with a blast of hot air. Another interesting cleaning idea was suggested in 1955, when Alex Lewyt, president of Lewyt Vacuum Company, predicted that in 10 years we would be using nuclear-powered vacuum cleaners to clean up everyday dust.

1967: “Home Jeeves” – Your Ape Chauffeur In 1967, The Futurist magazine ran an exclusive report from the RAND Corp. that suggested the future would hold new opportunities for apes. RAND Corp. speculated that by the year 2020 humans might be capable of breeding intelligent animals like apes that could clean, garden, and perhaps even drive the family car. In fact, the study said, “The use of well-trained apes as family chauffeurs might decrease the number of automobile accidents.”

1947: Chomp Shop A 1947 Modern Mechanix article describes the possibility of “tooth banks,” which would operate much like blood banks. Instead of going to the dentist for artificial dentures, bridges, plates, and partial plates, patients could have real human teeth imbedded in their gums. This vision of a “tooth bank” for dental repair has, thankfully, yet to come to fruition. 32

Woodstock Family Life | JANUARY 2020

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1957: Take the Long Tube Home Another article in Popular Mechanics touted the benefits of the 21st century’s tube road system. With asphalt streets “replaced by a network of pneumatic tubes,” Americans would only need to drive from their home to the nearest tube to beat rush hour traffic and be transported to their destination.

1943: Does not Compute Would this be 2020 if everyone didn’t carry computers in their back pockets? Surprisingly, techies of the past did not predict the rise in home computers and personal devices. “I think there is a world market for maybe five computers,” surmised Thomas Watson, president of IBM, in 1943. Of course, back in the 1940s, computers were about the size of a house and would not have fit on our desk, let alone in our pockets. In 1977, Ken Olsen, the founder of Digital Equipment Corp, said, “There is no reason anyone would want a computer in their home.” Ironically, within four years of his prediction, IBM proved him wrong.

1959: You’ve Got Rocket Mail In 1959, a Navy submarine used a modified rocket to send 3,000 letters to political figures including President Dwight D. Eisenhower. The letters were placed in the payload of an unarmed cruise missile. Postmaster General Arthur E. Summerfield was so excited by the successful delivery that he predicted “missile mail” would become commonplace. “Mail will be delivered within hours from New York to California, to Britain, to India or Australia by guided missiles,” the postmaster said. “We stand on the threshold of rocket mail.” Thankfully, he was proved wrong when email was developed only 12 years later.

1911: A One-Toed Baby in a Steel Cradle According to a Miami Metropolis article published in 1911, Thomas Edison envisioned the house of the 21st century would be “furnished from basement to attic with steel, at a sixth of its present cost,” including steel furniture in formal dining rooms, sitting rooms, and even the nursery. That same year, a surgeon by the name of Richard Clement Lucas delivered a lecture to the Royal College of Surgeons, in which he predicted the demise of eight of mankind’s toes. He speculated that since humans had been using their toes less and less, their outer toes would gradually disappear, and mankind would likely become a “one-toed race” in about 100 years.

While these predictions failed to become facts, the true promise of 2020 lies ahead, and the brightest future has yet to be imagined. Happy New Year!

Sources: “The 7 Worst Tech Predictions of All Time” by Robert Strohmeyer, PCWorld.com/article/155984/worst_tech_predictions, December 31, 2008. “20 Hilarious Predictions About the Year 2020 Made Long Ago” by Bob Larkin, MSN.com/en-nz/lifestyle/lifestylegeneral/20-hilarious-predictions-about-the-year-2020-made-long-ago/ssAAIbmlR?li=BBqdb1S#image=1, June 10, 2019. “The Future That Never Was” by Gregory Benford and the editors of Popular Mechanics. PopularMechanics.com/flight/g462/future-that-never-was-next-gen-tech-concept, January 27, 2011. “Mail Delivery by Rocket” by Kat Eschner, Smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/mail-delivery-rocket-never-took, June 8, 2017. “Things Will Come to Pass of Which Man Little Dreams,” Miami Metropolis, June 20, 1911.

Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake

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Public Safety

Our Brothers and Sisters in

Fire and Emergency Services A

By Sheriff Frank Reynolds

s a law enforcement officer, I get to work with amazing people while serving our community. I’d like to take time now to recognize our brothers and sisters in Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services, and the magnificent job they do every day.

When not responding to calls for service, firefighters are busy staying in top physical shape. They can be seen flipping tractor tires to build strength, carrying heavy bags and ladders up steep hills for endurance, or lifting weights and running, all while wearing their turnout gear.

If you have ever been around a group of law enforcement officers and fire/EMS personnel, you will note the friendly rivalry between the groups. In law enforcement, we often kid our brothers and sisters of “eating until they’re tired and sleeping until they’re hungry.” In return, they say we eat crayons and doughnuts while watching episodes of Live PD and Cops. Hurling witty insults back and forth is all well intended because we actually care deeply about one another.

When they are not strengthening their bodies, they are exercising their minds, learning the latest medical procedures and techniques. Although I might joke that they are just getting ready for the next “fireman’s calendar,” they are really preparing themselves for the fight — the fight to save a life.

These fine people are away from their friends and families, often for days. Most work extra jobs to make ends meet. They miss holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, and their children’s extracurricular activities. It is their calling, and they sacrifice those things for you and me.

Whether it’s securing a line down the street in 101-degree heat, holding on to the “Jaws of Life” to free a trapped victim, or carrying a patient down a flight of stairs on a cold and windy night, it takes a special person with courage and determination to make that kind of a difference.

You may not know their names or where they are from, but know you are in good hands with these heroes. So, the next time you see our firefighters, paramedics, and EMTs, please give them a word of encouragement and a heartfelt, “Thanks for your service.”

The job of a paramedic/firefighter/EMT also takes compassion and empathy. When I had a medical emergency a few years ago, the firemen and paramedics

To Chief Prather and all my firefighter and EMT/paramedic friends, thanks for what you do. We appreciate you very much. Stay safe out there.

Cherokee County Fire Chief Tim Prather and his team are some of the best and bravest first responders. They work hard every day to ensure Cherokee citizens are safe and receive emergency care in their time of need. Since I live close to one of the fire stations, each morning I hear sirens at precisely the same time, as firefighters inspect the emergency equipment on each apparatus. By the time I drive past, the station is a flurry of activity with firefighters moving trucks out of the bay, stowing gear, inspecting vehicles, and preparing themselves to meet the challenges of the day.

from Waleska were simply awesome. The level of care and understanding they gave me and my family reassured us that everything was going to be fine. The fact that they poked fun at me at the same time was part of my reassurance. Once they had me in their care, I was never worried. By the way, “Thanks, guys!”

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

Woodstock Family Life | JANUARY 2020

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Primary teeth shift and change quite a bit. During this phase of change, a child may experience an abnormal bite that might feel odd to them, which can lead to teeth grinding at night. Most children who experience teeth grinding at a young age will outgrow it when their 6-year molars come in. Once a more permanent bite pattern is established, the teeth grinding tends to stop.

Teeth Grinding in Children By Vishant Nath, D.M.D. [HealthyLife] Teeth grinding is quite common in children. Depending on the age of your child, the cause can vary. Children younger than 7-8 years old still have many of their primary teeth.

Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake

In older children and teenagers, teeth grinding can be caused by stress. If you notice teeth grinding in older children/ teens, try talking with them to see if they are especially worried about something. Teeth grinding can become severe in some cases. If steps are not taken to protect the surfaces of the teeth, the grinding may wear down the enamel, chip a tooth, and increase temperature sensitivity. Extreme cases can even lead to facial or jaw discomfort and temporomandibular joint disease, more commonly known as TMD.

For the most part, in primary teeth, the dentist will simply wait for the child to outgrow the grinding, as permanent teeth come in. In cases of grinding with permanent teeth, the dentist may recommend that the child wear a mouth guard at night for protection. These are similar to the mouth guards worn in sporting events. They can be specifically molded to fit the individual’s mouth for the best and most comfortable fit. Visiting your pediatric dentist every six months is a great way to keep up with any changes you may notice with your child’s teeth or mouth. Staying on top of these changes can help ensure your child’s oral health.

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

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ArtistProfile BY ELLEN SAMSELL SALAS

Tristan Tuttle REFLECTING THE LIGHT

Stained glass creator Tristan Tuttle has always been an artist of some sort. When she was a child, she sang and played bluegrass-gospel music in her father’s prayer meetings. At 15, she started teaching guitar, mandolin, and dog-house bass. After earning a degree in English, Tuttle became a freelance writer. Now, from her home studio in Ball Ground, she shares her vibrant spirit as the artist and owner of Reflecting Light Stained Glass. Four years ago, Tuttle discovered that making stained glass is yet another way to reflect the love she believes God has blessed her with. Drawn to the medium by its beauty, she said, “I always loved glass and how the light looks through it.”

Her first home portrait was a gift for her mother-in-law, a portrait of the cabin that has been in the family for generations. “I didn’t know how it would turn out,” she said. “But everyone loved it, and then people started asking if I would do their homes.”

Under the tutelage of her mentor, Jasper artist Tony Raxter, she learned how to enhance that light and reveal hidden beauty of glass. “You think glass wouldn’t be flexible, but it is,” she said.

When clients commission home portraits, Tuttle asks them to share significant details about their houses, so she can capture them. In her cabin portrait, she included the carved yard sign of the cabin’s name, and using confetti glass, she conveyed the fall leaves her mother-in-law loved so much.

Working primarily in the copper foil method that allows more detail than using lead strips, Tuttle creates almost anything her clients request, from small butterflies and birds, to chandeliers, windows, and skylights.

She even mimics a home’s textures by making her windows three-dimensional, layering textured glass on top of clear glass. If the client requests it, her husband, Jared, will make a plaque for the portrait.

But it is her house portraits that have a special meaning to her.

While she finds creating stained glass to be relaxing “as long as the glass is breaking right,” Tuttle is often impatient to see the beauty she will capture.

“So much life happens in those walls. You build your life there. I love to commemorate that and to give that to people,” Tuttle said.

“I love that once I solder it, I can finally pick it up and see the light shine through it,” said Tuttle. Whether she is making a home portrait or a window commissioned as a special gift, Tuttle feels “truly blessed” to share the beauty of light and glass with her clients.

For more information about Tuttle and her work, visit

ReflectingLightStainedGlass.com or call

770-557-8228

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Woodstock Family Life | JANUARY 2020

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Quotables

“My arms grew tired from the reaching, so I wra pped them around myself and allowed them to rest .” -L.E. Bowman

“What if you wake up some day, and you’re 65, or 75, and you never got your memoir or novel written; or you didn’t go swimming in warm pools and oceans all those years because your thighs were jiggly and you had a nice big comfortable tummy; or you were just so strung out on perfectionism and people-pleasing that you forgot to have a big juicy creative life, of imagination and radical silliness and staring off into space like when you were a kid? It’s going to break your heart. Don’t let this happen.” -Anne Lamott u

“Art doesn’t have to look good because the process is more important. It’s about how you came up with the idea. Artists are here to pose questions, not give answers.” -Anonymous u

“Not everything that is faced can be changed. But nothing can be changed until it is faced.” -James Baldwin u

“You will never be criticized by someone who is doing more than you. You will only be criticized by someone doing less.” -Unknown u

“Confidence is not, ‘They will like me.’ Confidence is, ‘I’ll be fine if they don’t.’” -Christina Grimmie

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Art of Living Ministries A

Art Barn and Retreat House

fter exiting I-575 in Ball Ground, you travel along a road that cascades slowly through a canopy of trees to open fields. As you descend the curving road, you admire the rolling landscape before making a turn into the driveway of the Art of Living Ministries Art Barn and Retreat House. Once inside the warmth of the two-story Retreat House, located on 40 acres at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, you find that the spacious Art Barn offers a welcoming atmosphere that inspires creativity. In 1994, the Art of Living Ministries was born to provide the arts as a form of therapeutic medicine for groups such as nursing homes, senior centers, veterans, special needs, drug and alcohol rehab communities, and local charities.

Since 2000, the organization’s artisans and volunteers have been offering overall wellness salvations for people throughout the region. They nurture the spirit of individuals, supplying refreshment and a pathway for restoration through art, music, recreation, and nature programs. Artisans and volunteers impart tools in the art of living to create a community of hope. Beyond the walls of the Art Barn, the Art of Living Ministries offers a mobile art studio called “VAN-GO!” that allows local artists to bring classes directly to facilities. Yes, art does heal. Founder and Therapeutic Arts Specialist Patricia Reeves knows firsthand how art heals, and that is why she is so committed to sharing art with others. “We are passionate about bringing ‘soul food through the arts’ to those who might normally have no outlet for creativity in their daily lives,” said Reeves. 38

Community Partner

Woodstock Family Life | JANUARY 2020

The Art of Living Ministries also hosts fundraisers, such as last month’s Artwork & Pickleball Open House, during which attendees took selfies with Santa, purchased original paintings and artwork from local artisans, and enjoyed a free pickleball workshop at the picturesque tennis court and pavilion. Former Association of Tennis Professionals and Georgia Tennis Hall of Fame inductee Ryan Blake volunteered his services for the event while promoting the tennis/pickleball court. “This has been an unbelievable experience helping put together this program while Signature Tennis volunteered their resources to renovate the tennis court as well as line the two pickleball courts,” said Blake. The public can rent the courts hourly or for the day. “Having access to your own private court(s) with these views is incredible,” added Blake. Furthermore, the Art Barn/Retreat House is open for booking retreats, camping, and hiking with access to over 300 acres of trails. The Art of Living Ministries believes in using the arts to restore the spirit. “We feel we are the perfect venue for charitable organizations in ministries for restoration and refreshment,” Reeves said.

Art of Living Ministries Art Barn and Retreat House Patricia Reeves 1600 Howell Bridge Road Ball Ground, GA 770-479-6961 ArtOfLivingMinistries.org

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Ribbon Cuttings, Ground Breakings and Celebrations

1. Lennar at Haddonstone 171 Woodstock Parkway, Woodstock 404-931-7462 New Home Builders

2. Lennar at Hickory Bluffs

422 Bluffs Parkway, Canton 404-931-7462 New Home Builders

3. Giving Care at CNRC 1320 Oakside Drive, Suite 204-205, Canton 678-831-0830 Education

4. South Canton Florist

1036 Marietta Road, Canton 770-720-2953 Florist

For information about upcoming events, please visit InWDSTK.org

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Advertiser Index Anderson Dental

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EconoRides 19 Elm Street Cultural Arts Village

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

Masterpiece Framer

Midgard Self Storage

North Georgia Vein & Wellness

Painting Plus

Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics and Dentistry at Canton

Plastic Surgery Center of the South

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