Woodstock Family Life 2-19

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Contents

February 2019

VOLUME 6 | ISSUE 7

24-25 On the Cover:

Mr. Woodstock Quantum Realty

36-37

Start With the Heart For Better Health

42-43

Credit Scores 101 Understanding the Numbers

[24-25] [36-37]

[42-43] Follow Us >>>

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Family Life Publications

Woodstock Family Life | FEBRUARY 2019

04

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

08

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

14

................ Woodstock Minute

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

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................... Sheriff Reynolds

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

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

32

......................... Artist Profile

44

............................ IN WDSTK

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

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

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

familylifepublications

@FamilyLifeMags

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

I’ve been inspired by several new books that I received over the holidays (yes, as you may imagine, publishers get books for gifts). This year I got some real gems. They all seem to have a similar course/theme that really got me thinking. Great books tend to do that.

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Woodstock Family Life | FEBRUARY 2019

Jack Tuszynski, Publisher

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Gavin Adams, Hunt Anderson, Steven Anderson, Jessica Asbell, J. Daran Burns, Jyl Craven, James B. Depew, Joshua Fuder, Corey Harkins, Lisa-Marie Haygood, Rob Hogan, Mandy Marger, Jennie Mayes, Tim Morris, Vishant Nath, Michael Petrosky, Frank Reynolds, Mike Simmons, Sen. Bruce Thompson, Ferdinand Yates

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. Subscriptions are available for $25 per year. Please contact us for payment options. © 2019 All rights reserved.

AS

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E R EC Y C LE

I’m not a scholar on happiness. However, I do practice it as much as possible. Since starting this publication,

Wishing you a path filled with better problems and an easier route to much happiness in your future.

SALES ASSISTANT Alexander DuLong

TH

In past perspectives, I’ve written about joy, overcoming challenges, helping others, living life to the fullest, accepting God’s blessings, and facing problems and challenges. These things make us feel fulfilled and genuinely happy. Of course, we all want to look, feel, and be happy! But what is it? What IS happy?

We must do things; even doing nothing is something that solves the problem of being overworked, right? As the band Rush’s lyric says, “If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice.” To be happy, we must choose to solve our problems. Problems and challenges, therefore, are the catalyst to happiness. When we think about it that way, happiness is an easier choice to make.

SALES Janet Ponichtera Janet@FamilyLifePublications.com

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With January behind us and February bright on the winter horizon as a fresh clean month before us, I wonder what is ahead. What would happen if the next month, and maybe the rest of the year, was completely problem free? No deadlines, no dirty laundry, no friends in need, and no dog hair to sweep from the baseboards sounds nice on the surface. But what would we do with all the extra time? A-ha! See what just happened? A new problem for me to solve.

I’ve been happier than ever and, conversely, I’ve also had more problems. This has gotten me thinking that maybe happiness is an action noun. The idea that happiness comes from solving problems is not too hard of a concept to grasp. Some people clean to be happy — dirty problem solved. Others glean happiness from exercise and physical exertion, solving an unhealthy sedentary problem. Camping to get away from it all. Dieting because we feel fat. Teaching to see others learn. It’s not so much what we do, but why we do it.

Mandy Marger Mandy@FamilyLifePublications.com

M AG A ZI

N

“T

he real man smiles in trouble, gathers strength from distress, and grows brave by reflection.” – Thomas Paine

ART Laurie Litke Laurie@FamilyLifePublications.com

PLE

The Problems With Happiness

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Cyndi Braun

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Love and Appreciation By Tim Morris

Cherokee Senior Services and the [Lifestyle]

Volunteer Aging Council work hard to take care of the needs of seniors in our community. Amazing things have been accomplished with many success stories throughout the years. The Council helps seniors who don’t have family nearby. They help with things like repair work, past-due bills, housing, transportation, pharmacy needs, vision, and so much more. The group also assists homeless seniors with weeklong hotel stays to get them out of the cold during the winter. In most cases, those who receive help from the Council are just grateful that someone cares enough to do something for them. Sometimes, it’s as simple as replacing light bulbs and designing a contraption that allows seniors to pull a string to turn their light on and off, simple things many of us take for granted. Other times, they need someone to come in their home and remove clutter, so they can walk through their house without tripping. Most times, the Council couldn’t do the work they do without volunteers who take time during their busy schedules to lend a hand. All volunteers are appreciated more than they will ever know. If you would like to help the Volunteer Aging Council or make a donation, please contact Cherokee Senior Services at 770-479-7438. L

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Woodstock Family Life | FEBRUARY 2019

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

Over 30,000 Each Issue, Every Month


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Calendar 15

Arbor Day Celebration & Seedling Giveaway — The City of Woodstock will be giving away seedlings and tree care guides for Arbor Day. They can be picked up between 8:00am-5:00pm at the following locations: City Hall Annex, 12453 Highway 92; Woodstock Parks & Recreation Department, 105 E. Main Street, Suite 142; Woodstock Visitor’s Center, 8588 Main Street; woodstockga.gov

FEBRUARY

1-3

Shrek Jr. — Based on the 2001 DreamWorks film Shrek and William Steig’s 1990 book Shrek!, this play follows a hideous ogre in his attempt to reclaim his swamp by saving a princess from a tower. Friday and Saturday 7:30pm, Sunday 2:30pm, City Center Auditorium, 8534 Main Street, Woodstock. 678-4944251. ElmStreetArts.org

1 & 15

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 Aquatic Center, 1200 Wellstar Parkway, Canton. 678-880-4760. CRPA.net

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Cherokee Arts Center Parents’ Night Out — Show your love for the Cherokee Arts Center by participating in the Camp Imagine Date Night/Art Class. Tickets are $25/child + $5 supply fee. 5:30-8:30pm, Cherokee Arts Center, 94 North Street, Canton. 770-704-6244. CherokeeArts.org

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Volunteer Aging Council (VAC) Fundraising Luncheon — Support VAC programs and get a wonderful lunch for only $5! Bring a friend, coworker, family member, or yourself, and enjoy a tasty lunch while supporting the seniors and veterans of Cherokee County. Stay and eat, or pick up and go. RSVP the location, so the amazing chefs can be prepared for all who come to support. 11:30am1:00pm, Provident Village, 1100 Reinhardt College Parkway, Canton. 678-230-4067. VAC-CherokeeGa.org

1-22

Exhibit by Photographer L.E. Baskow of Left Eye Images — Check out stunning photos by this talented photographer. Tuesday-Friday 11:00am5:00pm and Saturday 12:00-5:00pm, Cherokee Arts Center, 94 North Street, Canton. 770-704-6244. CherokeeArts.org

ONGOING Morning INfluence — On the fourth Friday of the month (except November and December), breakfast is served! Enjoy this monthly morning networking event, which includes a brief presentation that focuses on updates given by greater Woodstock or Cherokee County officials on important issues or services offered that affect the community. 8:00-9:00am, Chambers at City Center, 8534 Main Street, Woodstock. 770-592-6056. InWDSTK.org/ events

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Woodstock Family Life | FEBRUARY 2019

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. 9:3011:00am, Papa’s Pantry, 6551 Commerce Parkway, Woodstock. 770-591-4730. PapasPantry.org Free 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

Over 30,000 Each Issue, Every Month


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iThink Improv — This fun show is back and ready to get audiences rolling down the aisle with laughter. 8:00-9:00pm, City Center Auditorium, 8534 Main Street, Woodstock. 678-494-4251. ElmStreetArts.org

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17th Annual Prom-A-Palooza Prepare for a magical dream prom! FREE prom dresses and accessories are provided for teen girls in foster homes, group homes, and grands raising grands/relative care homes throughout the entire state of Georgia. This event is sponsored by Foster Care Support Foundation. 11:00am2:00pm, Foster Care Support Foundation Distribution Center, 115 Mansell Place, Roswell. 770-641-9591. FosterCares.org

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Random Acts of Kindness Day — Sometimes, it’s the smallest act that makes the biggest impact. Something as simple as saying "please" or "thank you" can turn a day around, and make a life seem that much better. Random Acts of Kindness Day encourages you to get out there and be the light you want to see in the world.

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Author Marie Benedict — The author will read from her new book, The Only Woman in the Room.

The Lunch Circuit — Every second Wednesday of the month, entrepreneurs can meet other local entrepreneurs, both current and aspiring, share a meal, and learn their story. At each Lunch Circuit, a different entrepreneur will be interviewed regarding wins, losses, and lessons learned on their adventure. Event cost is $20/person and includes lunch, community, and the program. Seats are limited to 30 people. 11:30am-1:00pm, The Circuit, 1 Innovation Way, Woodstock. 770-345-0600. CircuitWoodstock.com Creative Problem-Solvers — Every first and third Tuesday of the month, meet up with this gathering of local entrepreneurs and

Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake

2:00pm, FoxTale Book Shoppe, 105 E. Main Street, Suite 138, Woodstock. 770516-9989. FoxTaleBookShoppe.com

18 & 19

Cherokee Theatre Company Auditions — Six males, five females, and two or three extras, ages 18+, are needed for an upcoming production of Jeff Lovett’s The Papers, which is a comical, Weekend at Bernie’s type of story. Performance Dates are May 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, and 19. Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script. 7:00pm, The Hangar, 654 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock.

18-22

SPLISH SPLASH Break Camp — Camp includes lots of pool fun, arts and crafts, off-site field trips, and more! To attend camp, 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 Parkway, Canton. 678-880-4760. CRPA.net [continued on page 10]

18, 22, & 24

It’s a Wibit — Children must be able to pass a 25-yard swim test to use the inflatable Wibit water obstacle course. Monday and Friday 12:00-4:00pm, Sunday 1:00-5:00pm, Cherokee County Aquatic Center, 1200 Wellstar Parkway, Canton. 678-880-4760. CRPA.net

innovators dedicated to crowdsourcing solutions to their business problems in a community brain trust rather than alone. 7:00-8:30am, The Circuit, 1 Innovation Way, Woodstock. 770-345-0600. CircuitWoodstock.com

with current and aspiring fellow businesswomen to take action and hold each other accountable for stated goals. This is not a lead exchange or a referral program. 11:30am-1:00pm, The Circuit, 1 Innovation Way, Woodstock. 770-3450600. CircuitWoodstock.com

Woodstock Wordpress Meetup — Every first and third Wednesday of the month, meet up with fellow business professionals to discuss this popular internet tool. 11:30am-1:00pm, The Circuit, 1 Innovation Way, Woodstock. 770-345-0600. CircuitWoodstock.com Women’s Entrepreneur Meetup — Every third Friday of the month, meet WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

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Calendar [continued from page 9]

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Dennis Aloia Magic Comedy Mentalism Show – Enjoy a night of laughter with family and friends. This show benefits the Cherokee Arts Center. 7:00pm, Cherokee Arts Center, 94 North Street, Canton. 770-704-6244. CherokeeArts.org

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Guns & Hoses 5K and Fun Run — Participate in this 13th annual 5K and help raise funds for local charities selected by Cherokee County Fire Department (Hoses) and the Cherokee Sheriff’s Office (Guns). This year, CCFD’s chosen charity is the Goshen Valley Boys Ranch, and Cherokee Sheriff’s Office is the Cherokee Sheriffs Foundation. Shirts are available for 5K participants only. 7:30am, Hobgood Park, 6688 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock. LCollette@CherokeeGa.com. CRPA.net

22-24

Guys and Dolls: A Benefit Concert — This show features some of Frank Loesser’s most memorable tunes, including the hilarious “Adelaide’s Lament,” the romantic “I’ve Never Been in Love Before,” the exuberant “If I Were a Bell,” and the classic “Luck Be a Lady.” Friday and Saturday 7:30pm, Sunday 2:30pm, City Center Auditorium, 8534 Main Street, Woodstock. 678-494-4251. ElmStreetArts.org

ONGOING Women Who Code — Every fourth Wednesday of the month, all experience levels and languages are welcome — from newbie to guru. This is a great place to dedicate some quality time to learn a new language or work on a new project. 6:00-8:00pm, The Circuit, 1 Innovation Way, Woodstock. 770-345-0600. CircuitWoodstock.com Detachment 1311 — Every third Saturday of the month, veterans share their firsthand war experiences, which are then used as editorial research data to assist

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Woodstock Family Life | FEBRUARY 2019

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Author Alyson Richman — The author will read from her new book, The Secret of Clouds. 3:00pm, FoxTale Book Shoppe, 105 E. Main Street, Suite 138, Woodstock. 770-516-9989. FoxTaleBookShoppe. com

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Author Dr. Darria Long Gillespie — The author will read from her new book, Mom Hacks. 6:30pm, FoxTale Book Shoppe, 105 E. Main Street, Suite 138, Woodstock. 770-516-9989. FoxTaleBookShoppe.com

others. The Woodstock Detachment #1311 is chartered as a subsidiary organization of the Marine Corps League. 9:00am, Semper Fi Bar and Grille, 9770 Main Street, Woodstock. 770-672-0026. YPOW A.M. Coffee — Each Thursday morning, join Young Professionals of Woodstock for coffee and networking. 7:00am, Copper Coin Coffee, 400 Chambers Street, Woodstock. 770-592-6056. InWDSTK.org/events

Over 30,000 Each Issue, Every Month


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Jennifer Robson in Conversation With Mary Kay Andrews — Author Jennifer Robson will be in conversation with New York Times bestselling author Mary Kay Andrews. Robson will be discussing her new historical fiction novel, The Gown. 6:30pm, FoxTale Book Shoppe, 105 E. Main Street, Suite 138, Woodstock. 770-516-9989. FoxTaleBookShoppe.com

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mINgle — This is a great opportunity to meet other local current and aspiring business professionals, socialize, and enjoy great food. 5:30-7:30pm, J. Miller’s Smokehouse, 150 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock. 770-5926056. InWDSTK.org/events

MARCH

1

Friday Night Live — Thanks to the extended hours during this fun event, everyone has a chance to explore the variety of shops downtown. 6:00-9:00pm, downtown Woodstock. 770-5926056. VisitWoodstockGa.com

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 1 Million Cups — The second and fourth Wednesday of the month, attend this FREE, nationwide program designed to educate, engage, and accelerate earlystage startups. The notion is that entrepreneurs can discover solutions and thrive when they collaborate over a million cups of coffee. Drop in on this community of innovators to connect with and support local startups. 9:00-10:00am, the first Wednesday is at The Circuit, 1 Innovation Way, Woodstock; check the online schedule for the location of the third Wednesday, which changes [continued on page 12] monthly. InWDSTK.org/events

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LIBRARY EVENTS 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

BEGINNER’S YOGA February 4 & 11, 10:00am, Hickory Flat See what yoga is all about in this introductory course led by Jigna Patel. Registration is required. MUSIC AND MOVES February 6, 10:30am, Hickory Flat Get moving and grooving with friends from Go Noodle; it’ll be a dance party to remember! Experience parachute play, music, gross motor skills, and storytelling in one actionpacked hour. Children 9 and under must be accompanied by an adult. LUNCH AND LEARN WITH MASTER GARDENERS February 8, 12:00pm, Rose Creek Bring your lunch, and learn how to get your garden going. Be sure to pick up some free seeds from the Seed Library before you leave. DIVORCED WOMEN’S BOOT CAMP February 9, 10:00am, Hickory Flat This workshop provides an overview and discussion on legal and financial questions and concerns. There will be a therapist present to discuss the stress and impact of divorce. VIRTUAL AUTHOR VISIT — LISA SEE February 11, 2:00pm, Rose Creek Listen to bestselling author Lisa See discuss her recent novel The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane during this tea tasting, author chat, and Q&A session.

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Woodstock Family Life | FEBRUARY 2019

CREATE A WINTER BACKDROP NIGHT February 12, 6:00pm, Rose Creek Teens in grades 6-12 are invited to join the Cherokee County Teen Advisory Board in creating a winter backdrop for the young adult area at the library. Materials are provided.

BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP February 19, 12:00pm, Woodstock Enjoy coffee, conversation, and a book discussion with new friends. This month’s selection is Still Life by Louise Penny. All ages are welcome; new members are encouraged.

TEEN ANTI-VALENTINE’S DAY February 13, 4:30pm, Woodstock Teens in grades 6-12 are invited to NOT celebrate love and romance. With snacks, games, and more to entertain and keep minds off mushy-gushy romance, it’s sure to be a nonspecial day.

MANGA CLUB February 19, 5:00pm, Hickory Flat Teens are encouraged to read and discuss different manga series and related topics. This month, read and discuss My Hero Academia, draw characters, and compete in manga/ anime-inspired group games.

SCIENCE CLUB February 14, 4:30pm, Rose Creek Help your children investigate their world and have fun using the scientific process. Valentine’s Day science experiments focusing on color and reactions will be conducted. This is for grades K-3; children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required. VALENTINE’S DAY CELEBRATION February 14, All Day, Woodstock Stop in the library, and celebrate Valentine’s Day! There will be holiday-themed story times at 10:30am and 3:30pm. Create additional Valentine’s crafts anytime during the day. PROJECT PINTEREST February 17, 3:00pm, Woodstock Explore Pinterest-inspired creative projects. ROBOT FREE PLAY February 19, 12:00pm & 2:00pm, Hickory Flat Experience hands-on coding and robots with Dash & Dot, Sphero Sparks, and Bee Bots! This is for ages 3+; children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required.

CUPCAKE DECORATING PARTY February 19, 6:00pm, Woodstock Make treats for your sweets! All families are invited. Materials are provided. This is for all ages; children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required. FIRE TRUCK VISIT February 21, 11:00am, Rose Creek Fire fighters from Engine Company #20 will visit the library! Families are invited to stop by, check out a real fire truck, meet real firefighters, and learn about fire safety. This is for all ages; children must be accompanied by an adult. PAJAMA STORY TIME February 26, 4:00pm, Rose Creek Put on your PJs, grab a fuzzy bedtime buddy, and head to the library for some nighttime stories, songs, crafts, and fun. Children must be accompanied by a participating adult. SAFE SLEEPING February 28, 11:00am, Rose Creek Learn what a safe sleep environment looks like, featuring safety information provided by Beth Elder of the Cherokee County Office of Fire & Emergency Services. Don’t forget to take home a grab bag with lots of good information. This is for all ages; children must be accompanied by an adult.

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Woodstock Minute

T

he City of Woodstock has experienced a historic Renaissance that includes an emphasis on live/ work/play development with parks, trails, entertainment, commercial facilities, and a vibrant downtown. Phenomenal success and growth lead to obvious challenges in the provision of infrastructure to support the community. Woodstock Water has met those challenges with a variety of capital improvement projects, including the development of new water sources to ensure the growing supply of high-quality drinking water for decades to come. Woodstock Water has traditionally maintained water supplies from two wholesale providers in Cobb and Cherokee counties. These water sources originate from the Chattahoochee River and Lake Allatoona. The City of Woodstock recognized the advantages of further diversifying beyond those sources to establish a new supply of drinking water from groundwater wells. This diversification plan culminated in 2017 with the construction of five groundwater production facilities. Each production facility pumps groundwater from deep wells and professionally treats the water according to strict Environmental Protection Division guidelines before being added to the distribution network. Groundwater has natural quality advantages over surface water supplies, and it typically tastes like natural spring water. The treatment process ensures quality levels are consistently maintained. Each of the five production facilities have specific daily testing processes, and Woodstock Water has expanded overall water quality initiatives to include significantly more testing throughout the network, including expansion of the many chemical characteristics being tested. These quality initiatives are included in the annual Water Quality Report published each year for the public. The Groundwater Production Project has allowed Woodstock Water to expand the overall water supply necessary to support the growth of the city. Woodstock now has 11 separate supply channels of drinking water from the two wholesale providers and internal groundwater facilities. The diversification of supply sources also provides a significant reduction of risk of supply interruption. The success of the project has continued, as Woodstock Water continues to explore more groundwater sources in the future. This Groundwater Production Project is only one component of an overall Capital Improvement Plan that includes the addition of many miles of new water mains, the upgrade of existing main lines, and the continued expansion of water quality analysis. All of this is accomplished by the water technicians behind the scenes, serving citizens every day, ensuring that high-quality drinking water is available to support the growth associated with the success of Woodstock.

By Rob Hogan

Rob Hogan is the public works director for the City of Woodstock. 770-592-6000. WoodstockGa.gov

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Woodstock Family Life | FEBRUARY 2019

Over 30,000 Each Issue, Every Month


Book Review BY JESSICA ASBELL

“Evelyn Hardcastle will be murdered at 11:00pm. There are eight days and eight witnesses for you to inhabit. We will only let you escape once you tell us the name of the killer.” Stuart Turton’s The 7 ½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle begins with Aiden Bishop in someone else’s body, with the name “Anna” on his lips. He sees a woman running, hears her scream and a gunshot, and is passed by the killer, who drops something into his coat pocket and whispers, “east.” As Sebastian Bell tries to make his way to get help, he discovers once he arrives at Blackheath that all is not as it seems. The Hardcastles are having a party, a dreadful one to remember the anniversary of their son’s murder. Everyone who is at this party was at their house long ago when it happened. Confused, Sebastian tries to figure out what happened to him, as he also tries to convince everyone that a murder has occurred. Along the way, he meets the players in this twisted game. And day after day, he wakes up as someone else, racing against time to discover who murders Evelyn Hardcastle each night. As he relives the same day through different hosts, he slowly changes the game, setting things into motion with one host, so that another host has the information they need when they need it. Turton’s inventive book is filled with twists and turns. The 7 ½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle will make you examine the things you think you know, people’s motives, and the balance between grace and punishment. If you are searching for a mystery that is utterly different, pick up this book. Good luck in your quest to discover who murdered Evelyn Hardcastle. It may be more difficult than you think!

Jessica Asbell is an avid reader and a children’s minister. She holds a BBA from Mercer and a Master of Divinity in Christian education from McAfee School of Theology. She’s also a frequent customer at FoxTale Book Shoppe. 770-516-9989. FoxTaleBooks.com

Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake

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Information and Resources

That May Help Save a Life E

ach year, the Cherokee Marshall’s Office keeps a statistical report of all death investigations within the county, which includes the Sheriff’s Office and each of the municipalities. In 2018, there were 133 death investigations within the county. The manner of death is ruled by both the Coroner’s Office and the state crime lab, which may include accidental, accidental overdose, fire, homicide, natural, suicide, and undetermined. The coroner and crime lab reports often rely on toxicology results before making a final determination as to the cause of death. Last year, there were 33 reported cases of suicide. However, that number could increase, as cases are still being finalized. These investigations are some of the most troubling, as detectives must search for reasons that may lead a person to consider suicide.

According to the Georgia Survivor Family Network, an estimated 43,000 Americans commit suicide each year, and almost 1,300 of those are Georgians. There are many risk factors that may lead a person to consider harming themselves: • Bullying • Child abuse or neglect • Alcohol and/or drug abuse • Stress • Exposure to suicidal behavior by others • History of depression or other mental illness • Family history of suicide The warning signs of someone contemplating suicide may vary from person to person. However, there are some common factors/warning signs to consider when someone is trying to cope with pain and may be having suicidal thoughts or tendencies.

By Sheriff Frank Reynolds

A person contemplating suicide may exhibit these warning signs: • Increased substance abuse • Anxiety, agitation, unable to sleep, or sleeping all the time • Hopelessness • Withdrawn from friends and family • Rage, uncontrolled anger, seeking revenge • Talking or writing about death • Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities, seemingly without thinking Another aspect of suicide are the loved ones left behind (survivors). “A survivor of suicide is any person who has lost a loved one to suicide. It could be the loss of a family member, friend, client, or co-worker. Loss is relative to the relationship with the person, so all who are impacted by the loss are considered a survivor of suicide.” -Georgia Survivor Family Network Survivors often feel guilt, shock, and blame when learning that someone close to them has taken his/her life. Resources are available for people who are affected by suicide. One such group is the Georgia Survivor Family Network (GeorgiaSurvivors.com).

If you (or someone you know) are considering suicide, or you are a survivor and need to talk, please reach out to someone to help you cope with your pain. There are many resources available to you.

Georgia Crisis & Access Line 800-715-4225 Suicide Prevention Lifeline 800-273-TALK (8255) GSPIN.org

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

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Woodstock Family Life | FEBRUARY 2019

Over 30,000 Each Issue, Every Month


Farm Bureau Seeks Entries for Art Contest Students in ninth through 12th grade are invited to enter the Georgia Farm Bureau Art Contest. Artwork should be drawn in black ink or dark soft lead pencil on an 8 1/2 x 11-inch piece of white paper. The artwork should be camera ready. Drawings will be judged on how well the artwork represents modern agriculture found in Cherokee or Georgia’s agriculture industry as well as artistic merit. To enter the contest, students should contact the Cherokee County Farm Bureau for an official entry form and contest rules. All entries must be received at the Cherokee County Farm Bureau office by February 15. For more information, contact the Cherokee County Farm Bureau office at 770-479-1481, ext. 0.

Community Georgia Has Talent 2019 Fundraiser Now in its eighth year, the Georgia Has Talent show promises to be the best ticket in town on March 2, with guest performances by Erin Kirby, Victoria Hill, and Belle Rousse. Ticketholders will enjoy 26 competitive acts including singers, dancers, martial artists, rock bands, a twirler, a beat boxer, a STOMP percussion performance, and a bagpiper. The event takes place at Cherokee High School. The silent auction begins at 5:00pm, and performances begin at 6:00pm. With more than a hundred donations from local and national businesses, the silent auction includes musical instruments, massages, gift cards, and family outings. During the show, there will be a raffle for a weekend at a cabin in the mountains. Proceeds are donated to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. Over the past seven years, this all-volunteer fundraiser has raised about $50,000 for cancer research. See GeorgiaHasTalent.com to access the full lineup of performers, purchase tickets, and pledge a donation. The website also includes sponsorship information. Businesses interested in being a featured sponsor will receive advertising on the Georgia Has Talent social media streams as well as publication in the event program.

Congratulations to our January Contest Winner, Mary Ann Walter! Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake

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Community Military Spouses — Cherokee Veterans Community Is Your Support Connection Cherokee Veterans Community (CVC) understands how tough deployment can be for military spouses. Most of the organization’s members have been deployed and know firsthand the stress, struggles, loneliness, fears, and other emotions that spouses experience. During deployments, having a strong support system is critical. CVC offers support groups for both male and female spouses. Groups meet separately once a month, and CVC will assist in getting groups started in local communities. CVC also helps military spouses with minor home repairs, car problems, and other issues that may arise. Other benefits include Operation Rally Point - Rally Boxes, which are sent to the deployed spouse. All services are free. Attend an informational meeting on Saturday, February 16 at First Baptist Church of Woodstock (11905 Highway 92 in Woodstock) from 10:00-11:30am. Coffee and donuts will be served. There will be a play area set up for children. RSVP to DMSnyder7000@comcast.net, or call 678-494-2680.

Foundation Donates $200,000 to Local Nonprofits The LGE Community Outreach Foundation recently presented $200,000 to local nonprofit organizations representing the four counties LGE services (Cobb, Cherokee, Fulton, and Paulding). Nonprofits receiving donations included Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, SafePath Children’s Advocacy Center, Next Step Ministries, CASA of Paulding County, Mostly Mutts, The Zone/ Davis Direction Foundation, the Epilepsy Foundation of Georgia, and Warehouse of Hope. The LGE Foundation conducts fundraisers throughout the year to raise money for the nonprofit organizations. Every dollar raised by the LGE Foundation is matched by LGE Community Credit Union.

Cherokee County Board of Commissioners Receives Optimas Award Cherokee County Board of Commissioners recently received two Workforce magazine Optimas Awards. The Board achieved the Gold Award in Benefits and the Silver Award in Business Impact. The prestigious awards program, now in its 28th year, recognizes companies that achieve successful measurable business outcomes through visionary and impactful human resources initiatives. Thirty-one companies were named winners from this year’s pool of nominees. “For over 28 years, we’ve seen companies place increasing importance on human resources initiatives, realizing the potential a strong HR department can have on business growth,” said Rick Bell, editorial director of Workforce magazine. “This year’s finalists stand out in an ever-expanding field of qualified nominees, and we’re pleased to see so many organizations using innovative HR practices to improve their business.”

$200,000

For more information on the 2018 Optimas Award recipients, visit Workforce. com/2018/10/22/2018-optimas-awards.

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E.M. Barrett Store to Be Demolished for Road Widening Project After months of collaborative effort among the City of Holly Springs’ elected officials, staff, and engineers, a decision was made to demolish a brick structure known as the E.M. Barrett Store in order to widen Hickory Road as part of the Town Center Road Network Plan. The building is located at the corner of Palm Street and Hickory Road. “When engineers suggested this option, we asked them immediately if plans could be reworked to avoid the demolition of the E.M. Barrett Store,” said Mayor Steven W. Miller. “When the other option presented was the demolition of the Hardin House at the other corner of Hickory Road and Palm Street, we began to look at each building’s part of history within our city. While the E.M. Barrett Store was a staple in our community for many years, the building as it currently stands is not indicative of its importance to our history. We do plan on salvaging what materials we can from the current structure and integrating those pieces into a permanent feature in the redeveloped Town Center.” The City of Holly Springs has reached out to Stefanie Joyner at the Cherokee County Historical Society for her input on the preservation of the materials salvaged during demolition as well as historic photographs and written history to document the building for future generations.

Cherokee Chamber Selects Teen Leadership Class of 2019 Front row L-R: Emily Baldwin, Creekview; Kayli Jones, Woodstock; Aarya Kothari, River Ridge; Emma Parker, Creekview; Ethan Nichols, The King’s Academy; Ethan Lasenyik, Woodstock; Grayson Richards, Creekview; Will Dowd, Creekview. Middle row L-R: Jessica Helms, 2019 Teen Leadership Cherokee Chair; Brinn Dameron, Creekview; Abbi Gallagher, Creekview; Will Jones, Creekview; Gabby Christian, Creekview; Bekah Seng, Cherokee; Tori Pitts, Creekview; Will Goodwin, 2019 Teen Leadership Cherokee Vice-Chair. Back row L-R: Ivan Shi, Creekview; Aliyah Salame, Etowah; Josh Vickers, Cherokee; Faith Burns, Cherokee; Analise Black, Etowah; Jack Cody, Creekview. The mission of Teen Leadership Cherokee is to develop the knowledge and leadership skills of young people in Cherokee County, so they may confidently become our leaders of tomorrow. For more information on the Chamber and its programs, visit CherokeeChamber.com.

New Cherokee County Commissioners Take Office The Cherokee County Board of Commissioners welcomes two new members: Harry Johnston, the new chairman; and Corey Ragsdale, District 4 commissioner. Harry Johnston has held numerous city and county positions. From 2000-2014, he served as District 1 commissioner. From 1996-2000, he served on the Planning Commission, holding the position of chairman from 1998-2000. He is chairman of the City of Canton’s Board of Zoning Appeals and is a member of the City’s Historical Preservation Committee. Corey Ragsdale has a professional background in engineering and business management with a focus on manufacturing. Currently, Corey is director of manufacturing for a custom parts manufacturing company.

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Community Woodstock MS Student Wins Metro Water District Essay Contest Bryce Jones, a seventh-grade student from Woodstock MS, recently won the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District (Metro Water District) Essay Contest for Cherokee County and was selected as the grand prize winner, earning him a $500 prize. Bryce’s winning essay was called “I Am Stormwater Pollution.” In it, he wrote, “I do not mean to cause harm, but when you throw down your trash, salt, oil, and fertilizers, I cannot help but to take it to where I flow. I cannot help what I do, but you can. You can help clean me up and cleanse me of pollution.” Metro Water District announced the contest results during an awards ceremony for winners from the city of Atlanta and 12 counties. More than a thousand students participated in the contest in which middle school students were asked to write a 300- to 500-word essay on the topic, while considering the following questions: What is stormwater pollution? What impact does it have on the health of our rivers, lakes, and streams, and what can you do to prevent it? Cherokee County Water and Sewerage Authority congratulates Bryce Jones for representing Cherokee County with an imaginative essay that exhibits a clear understanding of stormwater. Check NorthGeorgiaWater.org to read all the winning essays.

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SenatorSpeaks Senator Speaks

THE ACCESS PROGRAM By Senator Bruce Thompson

A

few years back, I had the privilege of chairing a study committee on cybersecurity. This study committee explored several aspects of cybersecurity including the readiness of our state agencies. In conclusion, our white paper recommended purchasing $100 million of cyber insurance, creating a GBI center in Augusta, and several other action items. The entire process made it abundantly clear how well positioned our state was in becoming the cyber hub for the U.S. Over the next year, technical colleges and universities began adding curricula to prepare students for the incredible opportunities that lie ahead for those who study cybersecurity. In 2018, experts reported that 300,000 jobs in that sector were unfilled. That leads me to an exciting program I successfully launched at the beginning of this year. This program is designed to identify 11th-grade students who may have never been chosen for anything in their life. When I spoke to the selected 25 teens and their guardians back in December on “Signing Day,” I addressed the fact that most of them had never been chosen for athletic teams, academic teams, and in some cases had even been abandoned by their own family. Why would I say such a harsh thing to these students? Well, the answer is in the next statement I made to them: “Boys and girls, today you are chosen. We have chosen you because you are important. In fact, in 16 months, you will walk across that stage and receive your diploma at graduation, because we will see to it! We will have a mentor assigned to you, and you will also simultaneously be employable in the cybersecurity vertical. You see, you have been selected to participate in a cybersecurity curriculum that will prepare you and ensure that you obtain three certifications by graduation day.”

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I call this program “Access” because these free/reduced lunch students will have a renewed access to their future. By design, I wanted to offer a specialized program to students who have a higher risk of falling through the cracks of society. In fact, the first group of Access students has several homeless, foster care, and single-parent teens. My desire is to launch a second class by May 2019 and several more in January 2020. The exciting thing about the Access program is that it provides the training to enter a field of study with zero unemployment, but also ensures that someone will become a contributor to the tax system instead of a recipient.

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

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COVER STORY By Cyndi Braun

W

hen selecting a real estate agent, you could call a friend-of-a-friend, someone who sold a house in your neighborhood, or the guy whose picture appears on interstate billboards. You might search for an agent online. But how do you choose the best of the bunch? A good way to choose the best agent is to consider local expertise, commitment to clients, and experience.

He’s Not Forrest Gump,

If you live in or around Woodstock, the choice is clear — Dana Possick, also known as Mr. Woodstock, your local expert.

Specializing in Woodstock Whatever the issue, the best solution is to call a specialist. When you need help with taxes, you call an accountant. If you have a legal problem, you call an attorney. If you need help buying or selling a home in this area, you call Mr. Woodstock. Possick has shown, listed, sold, rented, and managed homes in nearly every Woodstock neighborhood. In the past 17+ years, he has sold more than 700 homes. Early in his career, he learned that if he focused on one geographic area, he could offer clients a level of expertise and service that other agents couldn’t match. “Some Realtors go everywhere, but I’d rather be an expert in this specific area. I know the ins and outs of each neighborhood. I know the houses, the roads, and the traffic patterns. I know the construction of the homes. I know the entire community,” said Possick. “If you’re buying, you want a specialist who knows what neighborhoods will suit your needs best. And if you’re selling, you want an agent who knows how to sell your home and community.” It should come as no surprise that Possick’s An Introduction to Woodstock, Georgia and Mr. Woodstock promo video has more than four thousand views on YouTube.

Going the Extra Mile

but Mr. Woodstock Definitely Goes the Extra Mile! 24

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By going the extra mile with his clients, Possick offers a level of service beyond expectations. He prides himself on his attention to detail and availability. He’s easy to reach by phone or email, and he encourages clients to reach out to him before, during, and after a transaction since his goal is to be a lifelong resource, not just a salesman. When working with buyers, he helps them make good long-term decisions by pointing out potential issues while viewing homes. He tells clients to consider the practical before the aesthetic. Over 30,000 Each Issue, Every Month


“I don’t say, ‘Look how pretty that is? Can you see yourself drinking coffee on this beautiful deck?’ Instead, I look at what future expenses might be, and I ask questions like, ‘How old is that air conditioner?’” said Possick. “I want to protect my buyers from buying somebody else’s problem.” Clients selling their homes benefit from Possick’s marketing background, real estate experience, and knowledge of Woodstock. But, most of all, they benefit from his desire to help them through every step of the process. “When you sell a house, you’re marketing, branding, advertising, and negotiating, but you’re also serving as a liaison for the homeowner,” said Possick. “I am here to serve and guide my clients. I am a counselor, concierge, and coach.”

Guiding Through Experience Possick has a bachelor’s degree in business. He earned his real estate license in 2001 and his broker’s license in 2004. A life member of the Cherokee County Board of Realtors, he earned the Platinum Award the last three years. He has continually been a top producer in Woodstock since 2003. He excels as both a buyer’s agent and a seller’s agent. Clients include all ages and incomes, from starter homes to investment properties to luxury homes. “I want to help people find the best house for them. I want to help homeowners prepare their house and market it,” said Possick. “When it comes down to it, I just want to help people.”

When Is the Right Time to Call a Realtor? If you’re interested in buying a home, contact an agent as soon as you decide you want to buy a home, even if it’s a year away. Waiting until you have already found a home you want to see is a big mistake. There are lots of steps that should be taken months in advance. If you’re planning to sell your house in the next year, contact your Woodstock expert now to do a walk-through and put together a to-do list, so you aren’t overwhelmed later. If you have any real estate related questions, it’s always the right time to call a realtor. Real estate transactions are like a box of chocolates... You never know what you’re going to get. But, with Dana Possick, aka Mr. Woodstock, you’ll get a local expert who is committed to his clients and has years of experience. Call Mr. Woodstock today.

9910 Highway 92, Suite #220 Woodstock, GA 404-309-2930

MrWoodstock.com Facebook.com/misterwoodstock Instagram.com/misterwoodstock

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Marriage Is Easy — Divorce Is Hard

Next, what can each individual do to improve? Take accountability – don’t blame your spouse for all the issues. The only person you can change is yourself. See a counselor if you need help, or start with a self-help book. Gary Chapman’s The 5 Love Languages or Dr. John Gottman’s The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work are excellent resources.

Be sure to obtain a credit report to assess your credit standings. Could you prequalify for a mortgage? Consider these issues before you file – not after.

[StrategicLife] Couples must often make the tough decision to work to improve their marriage or to divorce.

Finally, identify things you’re grateful for. The grass is not always greener on the other side. Make a list of both the good and the bad in your marriage.

Lastly, reach out to an attorney. What are your equitable division, parenting plan, child support, and alimony divorce goals? What are your spouse’s priorities?

If you choose to divorce, planning is key. After completing the “Domestic Relations Financial Affidavit” for each person, determine how two households will be supported with the income currently supporting one household. Is bankruptcy a possibility? Can you afford an attorney? Should you ask family for financial assistance? Will medical insurance or COBRA be available after divorce?

Remember, divorce is not about failure. It’s about better possibilities.

By J. Daran Burns, Esq.

For those who choose to work on their marriage, the most common challenge is finances. Start the analysis by completing a “Domestic Relations Financial Affidavit.” This standard family law form is available online. Often, this simple form reveals where problems lie. What steps can be taken to relieve financial stress? If facts are dire, consider reaching out to a financial coach or consult with a bankruptcy attorney.

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Next, is your spouse considering divorce or dating? Should you hire a private investigator? Has your spouse hired one? Should you terminate all social media until your divorce is final?

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

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Know Your Dental Benefits By Vishant Nath, D.M.D. [HealthyLife] During the shortest month of the year, with the hustle and bustle of the holidays now a distant memory, it’s a great time to think about dental insurance benefits. While it isn’t the most exciting topic, it is important to know your coverage. And if you figure it out early in the year, you increase your chances of getting the most out of your benefits. Unlike medical insurance, which is in place to cover unforeseen and emergency medical costs, dental insurance is more like a coupon that can offset routine dental care

costs. Dental insurance plans differ in what they cover – routine visits and treatment, orthodontics, or even cosmetic treatments. They also differ in the percentage of dentist’s fees they cover.

participant in knowing your coverage options. Empower yourself by calling your provider, or visit their website and get all the information you can regarding your specific plan.

If you have dental insurance coverage, you are probably paying a monthly premium. As with all things in life, it is important to know what you are paying for. Some insurance plans have parameters that limit which dentist you can choose for treatment. Others require preapproval of treatment plans. Some may limit the number of times a certain treatment will be covered. All these parameters can diminish your options, so it is best to know the details of your specific plan before treatment is scheduled/performed.

If you do not have dental insurance, realize that many dental offices understand the financial burden of dental treatment, so they often offer finance options using third-party vendors.

It is also important to remember that your dental insurance plan is an agreement between you and your insurance provider. Though many dental offices take the time to submit dental claims on your behalf, you need to remain an active

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The bottom line is this: Start the year off right by knowing your dental insurance coverage options, and then schedule your twice-yearly dental visits for cleanings and exams. Remember, prevention is the best way to avoid the need for extensive dental treatment.

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

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Why Are There Different Types of

Dental Cleanings? By Steven Anderson, D.M.D.

[HealthyLife] When patients ask this question, their dentist should take time to explain a common disease known as periodontitis. Treating periodontitis is the primary reason why there are different types of dental cleanings. What is periodontitis, and why does it require a different type of cleaning? Periodontitis is a common inflammatory disease where the bone structure around the roots of your teeth deteriorates. When you lose bone height around the roots of your teeth, your teeth loosen, can become severely infected, and require removal. Once you have severe periodontal inflammation, bone levels deteriorate from around your teeth, and lost bone does not regenerate. Therefore, it is critical to have excellent oral hygiene if you have periodontitis. Understanding periodontitis, especially if you have the disease, is critical to maintaining good oral health and keeping your teeth stable and in your mouth for your entire life. In fact, patients who have periodontitis are at a much higher risk of losing teeth in their lifetime. Patients who have periodontitis require a cleaning technique that removes the buildup of bacterial plaque and tartar below the gum line. The distinction of tartar below the gum line is very important. The distinction of bone loss around the roots of teeth is also very important. The cleaning technique is commonly known as a “deep cleaning”; dentists call it “scaling and root planning.” Deep cleaning requires more time to perform and is more invasive than other routine types of cleanings.

usually performed at three- or four-month intervals. Periodontal maintenance cleanings take less time and are less invasive than the initial deep cleaning. Periodontal maintenance cleaning techniques extend cleaning below the gum line because this area still requires regular professional cleaning. By contrast, a periodontal maintenance cleaning takes more time and is more invasive than routine cleanings that are common for patients who do not have periodontitis. It’s very important that periodontitis patients understand the importance of regular maintenance cleaning intervals, which can stop and control the chronic inflammation and infection in their mouths. Since this disease causes serious bone loss around the roots of teeth, it is directly linked to your overall systemic health. Extensive research has shown that periodontal disease and its associated inflammation are linked to other serious systemic issues such as diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis, respiratory disease, and cancer. Therefore, treating periodontal inflammation not only helps to maintain your oral health, but also helps to manage other serious chronic inflammatory conditions. After all, great dentistry is all about you, so diligently treating periodontal disease is crucial.

Dr. Steven Anderson is owner/dentist with Anderson Dental of Woodstock and East Cobb. 650 Claremore Professional Way, Suite 200, Woodstock. 770-384-8505. DrStevenAnderson.com

When patients have periodontitis and their teeth have been deep cleaned, follow-up periodontal maintenance cleanings are

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Romantic Styles for

Valentine’s Day By Jyl Craven

[Lifestyle] For centuries, February has been a month focused on lovers and loved ones, and Valentine’s Day continues to bring hearts, flowers, romance, and love to mind. This year, get in the spirit with romantic hairstyles and accessories. Here are some ways to create a different look or add something new to your hairstyle to bring love your way. For long hair, try a sexy, messy chignon (bun), which is easy, versatile, and works on all hair types, although it works best on hair that hasn’t been washed in 24 hours. You can choose to wear this bun high on your head or low at the base of your neck. To get this style, see the chignon tutorial in the pink box on this page.

Chignon Tutorial Brush your hair and pull it backward, gathering it into a loose ponytail. To create a lower messy chignon, start the ponytail at the nape of your neck; for a higher bun, make a high ponytail. Tie your ponytail with an elastic band. Smooth out the bumps with a paddle brush and pull up the ponytail to create fullness on the top of your head. Split your ponytail in half and make a single loose tie. Take the two loose ends and tuck them into the chignon, followed with bobby pins that match your hair color, and place them where necessary inside the chignon. Add dangling earrings to this updo for an even more dazzling effect!

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For a more relaxed look, leave your hair down and go over it with a flat iron for shiny locks. Then, wrap the ends of your hair around a curling iron for a polished, stress-free look that your significant other will go wild for. Pull one or both sides up with a rhinestone pin or pretty brooch for added allure. For medium-length layered hair, use a vent brush for extra volume, switching to a round brush to flip out the ends. Rub in a small amount of pomade for a textured look, and you’re ready for a night out. Use a flower to sweep up one side for a bohemian look. For short hair, get a pixie cut with bangs that show off your eyes. Use a lightweight smoothing styler and blow-dry the hair forward with a natural bristle brush. Distribute a wax-based pomade from roots to ends and tuck the extralong pieces of hair behind your ear with a bobby pin. Wear sparkly earrings to showcase this look. So, spread some love this February by making your own magic with the confidence that comes from knowing you look fantastic! L

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

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Plastic Surgery Is About You —

Forget the Stigma By Drs. Petrosky, Harkins, and Depew Patients often say that [HealthyLife] plastic surgery is a positive, life-changing experience. At the same time, there is also a stigma surrounding cosmetic plastic surgery, although it seems to be more accepted with each passing year. Some people still consider whether or not to have plastic surgery as a moral question — that physical self-improvement is somehow wrong. Others believe plasticsurgery patients are pursuing some unrealistic ideal, and many are influenced by the media’s focus on sensational and bizarre cosmetic surgery stories. To put it plainly, there is nothing immoral about plastic surgery. Men and women spend hours at the gym, not only for health reasons, but to improve their appearances.

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No one really thinks that’s immoral.

The fact is that most patients don’t want to radically alter their appearance. They simply want to make specific changes that can boost their self-esteem. Plastic surgery is more about giving people natural-looking results than it is about chasing an unrealistic ideal. For example, many women who follow a healthy diet and exercise regimen can’t regain the flat tummy they had before birthing children, and they are self-conscious about the excess abdominal skin. Some call plastic surgery “vain.” However, it should be viewed as self-pride. Our population is living longer and feeling better at older ages. People want to look as good as they feel. Plastic surgery corrects or improves many different problems. Some patients have been bothered by certain physical attributes

their whole life, which can affect their daily function on many levels. If an improvement can be made, thereby improving quality of life, then it’s worth serious consideration. More people than ever are choosing to undergo plastic surgery or nonsurgical cosmetic treatments. Anyone considering a cosmetic procedure should meet with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can answer questions and help individuals make informed decisions. 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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Artist Profile BY JENNIE MAYES

The Ever-Evolving Art

Jennifer Ferris

of

Ferris first started painting small birds as gifts, and it’s easy to see why these gifts became so popular. Her paintings are full of joy and vibrancy. “My goal has always been to paint happy paintings,” she says, “and I would see the joy in so many of my loved ones while watching their bird feeders.” She also feels that studying birds and nature has improved her work. It has helped her to become more observant over time, “I feel I can ‘see’ better in terms of color and structure. It is hard to improve on the beauty already provided by nature, so really seeing what is there can be key,” says Ferris.

L

ocal artist Jennifer Ferris has traveled a lot, picking up inspiration along the way, but she gives the lion’s share of credit to her mother and grandmother. When asked how her art is a continuation of or departure from theirs, she says, “The most common thread is our love of nature and our choice of flowers and birds as a frequent subject matter. Also, our drive for perfecting our craft — my grandmother wanted to paint a rose realistic enough that you would want to smell it, and my initial desire with my birds was to paint them so they looked like they were about to fly off the canvas. I have since tried to loosen up, and that is one indicator of how my work differs from theirs. While I like to incorporate elements of realism in my work, I tend to lean toward abstraction. My color palette is also quite different, being inspired more by trends in fashion and home decor, and theirs more closely align to those found in nature.”

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Ferris began with oils, but after an acrylics workshop, she says she was completely converted. “I take photos constantly, and most of my realistic paintings are based on these. I get the most joy, though, out of painting nonrepresentational abstracts right out of my head without any reference, as that is the most freeing for me.”

doesn’t allows her to continue to evolve both as an artist and as a teacher. “The students who stick out most are the ones at the opposite ends of the spectrum, those who are super excited about the lesson and seem to really get it, and then those who have more trouble understanding the process or direction. The former makes me love teaching so much, and the latter helps me get better at ‘rescuing’ students before they get frustrated.” Ferris’ advice for beginning artists? “Be authentic. Don’t copy anyone else’s work, and remember that goes for photographers as well. Practice your craft as often as possible. Never stop trying to learn and improve. Find a community of artists to work with, or to at least chat with frequently. Painting can be a lonely endeavor ­— lots of ups and downs. Try to be super confident at your easel and super supportive of other artists.” To learn more about Ferris’ work, visit FerrisWheelArts.com or JenniferFerrisArt.com.

When asked about her daily practice, Ferris replied that she works on her paintings in a series and will typically have “at least three to five paintings of a series going at once,” and sometimes multiple series, meaning as many as 10-20 paintings at a time. Ferris has also learned from her students. Paying attention to what works and what

Jennie Mayes is a student in the MFA creative writing program at Reinhardt University, 7300 Reinhardt College Circle, Waleska. 770-720-5582. Reinhardt.edu/Graduate/MFA-CW/

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UNIVERSAL Parenting Tips By Lisa-Marie Haygood

Those who work and [AcademicLife] volunteer in our schools spend a lot of time around parents and children. Over the years, they see many different parenting styles, ideas, and trends from spanking to time-out to bargaining and everything in between. Though each child is unique, and family dynamics are different for everyone, there are a few common do’s and don’ts that can be adopted in all households.

Don’t… •

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Be too controlling. Controlling parents can stifle growth and development. Look for approval from

Woodstock Family Life | FEBRUARY 2019

others. Social media is a great way to share, but remember that you usually just see folks at their best on those sites. Popular parenting does not produce strong, capable children. Try to make your kids happy. Happiness is fleeting. Trying to make your kids happy sets them up to expect that of everyone else in the world, and sadly, the rest of the world is not here to please us. Happiness comes from within. Do things for your children that they are capable of doing for themselves.

Do… •

Hold your children accountable for actions and inaction. Forgetting chores, homework, or other responsibilities will not improve without consequences. Teach children to function independently from you. Constantly

enabling and bailing kids out does not help them learn and grow. Make tough and unpopular decisions. Your child needs a parent, not a friend. Being tough now makes parenting easier later. Pick your battles. If your daughter comes home from college with her hair shaved and dyed a frosted shade of purple, yet she is also an honors chemistry student with straight As and a full academic scholarship, refer to the first “Don’t,” and let that shockingly creative hairstyle go.

No parent is perfect, and no child is either. At the end of the day, if you teach, guide, and love your children, you can be assured that your very best is all anyone is expecting from you.

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

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By Hunt Anderson, M.D.

February is American Heart Month, but taking care of your heart is something you should prioritize yearround. A strong heart is essential to vitality; taking it for granted can be deadly. According to the American Heart Association, cardiovascular disease accounts for one out of every three deaths in the United States. To put that into perspective, a person in this country dies of heart disease every 38 seconds. Much like the national statistics, Georgia’s own numbers on

cardiovascular disease are grim. According to the Georgia Department of Public Health, heart disease is responsible for 20,000 deaths a year. In addition, Georgia Health News recently cited a report that nearly one in five young Georgians (ages 10 to 17) is obese, as well as recent findings by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that this grows to one in three adults being obese. This extra body weight can significantly increase the risk for heart failure, heart disease, and stroke.

In Georgia and beyond, taking care of one’s heart is a serious matter. While some are predisposed to heart conditions based on family history, making healthy choices is important in battling heart disease and other cardiovascular illnesses. Diet, exercise, scheduling regular checkups, and finding ways to manage stress are factors we can — and should — aim to improve and maintain, no matter what genetic factors may be at play. Here is what you can do:

Establish and stick with a smart and sensible diet.

The well-being of the circulatory system and heart is very dependent on foods that promote proper heart function. Eating healthier foods can make a big difference. Controlling portion size, staying well hydrated, limiting unhealthy fats, and consuming lots of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains are essential to a healthy diet. Nutritionists recommend choosing options such as fish, eggs, and dairy to get your protein. Reducing sodium intake to below 2,300 milligrams per day – about a teaspoon of salt – is also important.

Get the right amount of exercise.

With discipline, we can keep our hearts successfully pumping oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. True to its name, cardiovascular exercise is beneficial to the cardiovascular system. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends at least 150 minutes per week of moderateintensity activity, which can be broken into 10-minute blocks, if needed. 36

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Schedule regular checkups.

Some individuals wait until something is wrong with their health before seeing a doctor, but the adage is true: Early detection is crucial. Doctors use measurements like body weight and blood pressure, as well as conducting cardiovascular screenings during routine appointments, to help make recommendations about heart health. If you’re older than 20, get your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and body mass index checked. q BMI q Blood Pressure q Cholesterol

Manage stress.

The American Heart Association recommends trying “stress-busting” activities such as creating art, reading a book, listening to music, or going for a walk, in addition to “stress-stoppers” like counting to 10 before reacting, meditating, and more. Similar to maintaining a healthy diet and exercising, attempt to make managing stress part of your daily routine.

Know your family history.

Heart trouble (including high blood pressure), heart disease, and other related issues can be passed from one generation to the next. If your parents or grandparents have experienced a stroke, heart disease, or a heart attack, it’s important to tell your doctor, who may recommend further testing. If heart disease is part of your family history, it’s even more essential to live a healthy lifestyle that incorporates proper diet, physical activity, and stress relief. While American Heart Month is a great reminder to take care of the body’s most important organ, we should aim to keep it a priority year-round. Statistics from the American Heart Association paint a daunting picture for those who ignore symptoms and choose to live an unhealthy lifestyle. The good news? By eating better, exercising more, scheduling checkups, managing stress, and learning family history, you can soon be on the road to better heart health.

FAMILY HISTORY q Stroke q Heart Disease q Heart Attack Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake

Dr. Hunt Anderson is currently in practice with WellStar Medical Group Cardiovascular Medicine. 4500 Hospital Boulevard, Suite 230, Roswell. 770-410-4520. WellStar.org

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How many times have you [HomeLife]

square erasers, are removing the shiny, protective surface. The same products you use to wash away mold, mildew, dirt, and germs are what are ruining the finish and causing more problems. Once the top coat is worn down and dull, it is very literally acting as a magnet for dirt and scum. A brand-new tub or recently refinished tub can go from beautiful and easy to clean to impossible to maintain. When you go to clean your bathtub (new or old), put down the bleach and bleach products.

cleaned your tub to have the first dirty foot, paw, or squirt of soap bring back all the grime and then some? This is a common problem among homeowners, and the cause is simple and surprising. Whether you have a cast iron, porcelain, cultured marble, or fiberglass tub, they all have one thing in common: a bright, shiny top coat that protects the surface of your tub or shower unit. Or at least the item/ appliance did when it was new. What exactly is causing that gorgeous finish to dull and turn into a grime magnet? Bleach! Bleach and abrasives, like those handy

38

Put Down That Bleach!

By Mike Simmons

Woodstock Family Life | FEBRUARY 2019

Many will cry, “But it’s flu season!” It’s completely understandable that you want to disinfect. However, keep the bleach on

surfaces that won’t cost you in the long run, and use a safe alternative. There are many options that will clean without damaging, as well as a way to refinish your tub/sink if you have already made the bleach or abrasive mistake, but the best option is to save money by preserving surfaces in the first place.

Mike Simmons is the owner of Miracle Method of Northwest Atlanta, 4700 Ecton Drive, Marietta. 678-809-7866. MiracleMethod.com/atlanta-nw

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Bring on the Bluebirds! By Joshua Fuder

For many, a day in the yard [HomeLife] isn’t complete without sitting on the porch to watch the hustle and bustle at their bird feeders. Various feathered friends flit about in a cacophony of colors and sizes. However, the eastern bluebird is one that marches to its own beat and is not a traditional feeder visitor. There are many reasons to love the eastern bluebird. The males have the distinct, brilliant blue on their wings, back, and tail with a reddish-brown chest. The female is similarly marked but paler in comparison. Their spring and summer diet consists almost entirely of insects like caterpillars, beetles, crickets, and grasshoppers. Perhaps the best thing about an eastern bluebird is its resurgence and survival. Populations fell dramatically in the 20th century with the introduction and spread

Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake

of aggressive species such as European starlings and house sparrows. By the late 1970s, bluebirds were considered rare and uncommon in most of their native range. Conservation efforts and concerned citizens have helped bluebird populations recover and increase. A bluebird box is sometimes all that is needed to bring these beauties to your landscape. They prefer open, grassy areas or meadows with low ground cover. Areas that are open but have a few trees, fences, or utility lines for perching are even better. Things to keep in mind when placing a bluebird home: • Build or buy a home made of untreated wood. The entry hole should be no wider than 1 1/2 inches (round hole) or 1 3/8 by 2 1/4 inches (oval hole).

• •

• •

Mount the box so the entry faces east or south. The entrance hole should be at least 5 feet above the ground, preferably on a pole instead of in a tree. Poles should have predator guards, or predator guards made of hardware cloth should be used on the house. Have houses in place by mid-February. Clean existing houses by removing old nests and sanitizing with a 2 percent bleach solution.

Please check out Cornell Lab of Ornithology for downloadable house plans at Birds.Cornell.edu.

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

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39


How to Make Clear Decisions in Cloudy Situations By Pastor Gavin Adams [InGoodFaith] Have you ever struggled with making a difficult decision? If you lead, have ever led anything, or are a human, the answer is probably “yes.” Making decisions is a crucial part of life and leadership, but the decisions people face during times of transition, whether personal or organizational, are often the most difficult. The reason is simple: Transitions bring cloudy conditions. Great decisions are only possible when we have clarity. But transitions are cloudy because they happen between what is known and what is next. “New” always has an element of unknown, and unknown is usually unclear. It’s like driving your car

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Woodstock Family Life | FEBRUARY 2019

into a dense fog. When you can barely see, it makes driving nearly impossible. In your car, you can always pull over and wait for the fog to dissipate. But in life, waiting out the transition isn’t an option, which leads to a decision dilemma: How do we make great decisions in cloudy conditions? The answer? Trust in outside counsel. However, when you are in the middle of the transitional clouds, not only is your decision-making ability obscured — so is your decision to trust. Those outside your transition will have a clarity you don’t have. The challenge is trusting what the counsel is seeing even when you can’t see it yourself.

We can all remember times when we had incredible clarity in the midst of another’s cloudy situation. We offered our advice and even attempted to explain our view. But the person, overwhelmed by the cloud, couldn’t see clearly to decide to trust what others were seeing. We must fight against becoming the person in the cloud who refuses to trust or listen to the counsel of those outside of the cloud. So, who is in your outside counsel? If you don’t have anyone, make it a point to find someone sooner rather than later. And when you do, begin to build trust. You, and those around you, will appreciate your intentionality when the clouds of transition form around your next big decision.

Gavin Adams is lead pastor at Woodstock City Church, 150 Ridgewalk Parkway, Woodstock. 470-689-6000. WoodstockCity.org

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The Five Love Languages for Kids

By Ferdinand Yates, Jr., M.D., M.A.

Whereas Gary Chapman’s The 5 Love Languages was intended for spousal relationships, the languages can easily be [HealthyLife] applied to the parent-child relationship. Just like adults, some children are bilingual. Give these behaviors a test drive and see how your child (or your spouse) responds to your efforts.

rmation Words of Affi ent are

couragem Praise and en ne. rtant to everyo extremely impo sincerely and When offered ted, and , spirits are lif appropriately n soar. confidence ca

Acts of Service

Doing something for someone else (helping a child wi th a tedious chor e, mowing the lawn, preparing a family meal, etc.) not on ly shows love, it also sets an exam ple for your child . Children really do live what they learn.

Quali

ty Time Quality ti me is ben eficial an enjoyable d usually , as it can be an op to play, sh portunity are, train , and rein good hab fo rce its. Try to make sure this time that is more p lay than w ork.

skill, and uly be a unique Gifting can tr years of ft can provide the proper gi sation. s, and conver fun, memorie

Physical Touch

Don’t be afraid to properly show love to your child. Our children need to learn how to receive appropriate expressions of love, and — more importantly — how to exhibit these behaviors as they grow and mature into adulthood.

hugs or a pat Gentle touches, like affection that can on the back, show in a moment of be a special blessing younger children joy or sorrow, and receive this type are typically glad to ver, one must be of attention. Howe and there are wise and respectful, s with physical important boundarie touch.

Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake

Gifting

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

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41


CREDIT SCORES 101 By Mandy Marger

M

uch is made of your “scores” in life. Your school grades partly determine where you go to college and are sometimes considered in employment evaluations. Your health scores (weight, blood pressure, cholesterol, etc.) determine if you are high risk for certain ailments and are also considered by insurance companies when you apply for coverage. These numbers aren’t the best representation of an individual, but for the institution that is interested in that aspect of your life, they are a reliable, concise view of that facet of you. The same can be said for your credit score and the lenders and groups who are interested in your financial history. Consider financing a house. Lenders with the capital to back your mortgage note need to be convinced that you are a “good student” who is worthy of them blindly trusting you to pay them back. And while a mortgage is a large and obvious instance where your credit score is scrutinized, there are many

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Woodstock Family Life | FEBRUARY 2019

other reasons it is referenced when an organization is screening you. Knowing this, and considering it takes time to establish and change your score, it’s important to keep tabs on it and think about it when making financial decisions. Who Uses Your Score? It seems logical that a company that you are asking to lend you money would check your credit score. This could include credit card companies, mortgage lenders, as well as car and student loan lenders. But you might be surprised to learn that utility companies, insurance companies, cell service providers, and even your employer can use your credit score to make judgments about providing services or hiring you. A Recipe for Good Credit The Fair Isaac Corporation (FICO) is one of the largest predictive analytic firms whose scoring models are used by a large portion of lenders. Their basic formula for calculating your score uses the following breakdown:

• 35 Percent Payment History – Demonstrating that you are financially responsible by paying your bills on time is the largest portion of your score. Late payments will drastically affect your score, and in the case of mortgages, a past-due mortgage payment can keep you from obtaining a new loan for up to 12 months. • 30 Percent Amounts Owed – Also called credit utilization, this refers to how high your balances are compared to your credit limits. • 15 Percent Length of Credit History – This refers to how long your credit accounts have been open. • 10 Percent Types of Credit Used – This refers to the mix of accounts you have, such as revolving (credit cards, retail stores, personal loans) and installment (fixed-payment loans like mortgages, car, and student loans). • 10 Percent New Credit – This is about your pursuit of new credit, including credit inquiries and the number of recently opened accounts. Planning Ahead If you have a future major purchase that you plan to finance, it is a good idea to prepare well in advance. Check your credit annually using an accredited free service like FreeCreditCheck.com. It is estimated that one in five Americans have an error on their report, so review it carefully, and open a dispute (if needed) so problems can be resolved ahead of your application. You will save yourself time and heartache if you fully understand your budget and finance options before you begin shopping for a home or car. Make plans to speak with a mortgage broker or other finance professional several weeks before looking at homes or hitting the road for a test drive.

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Maintaining Healthy Credit As complex as your credit life can be, it’s important to stay mindful about your credit health. Consider your daily credit changes and the potential benefit or detriment of opening a new charge card. Plan to save and pay in full for moderately large purchases, such as jewelry and electronics, so that financing does not

affect your credit utilization. Try to keep all bills current and credit utilization under 30 percent. If you are newly establishing or reestablishing your credit history, speak to a finance professional or counselor about the best way to reach your goals. Your credit score is both a complex and overly simplified representation of you.

CREDIT SCORE CONCEPTIONS — TRUE OR FALSE?

3

Credit inquiries will lower your score. True, but there are exceptions. Generally, when your score is pulled by an interested party, it will take a “hit” of less than five points. However, when shopping for a mortgage, car, or student loan, you will not be penalized for having credit pulled by multiple lenders in a typical shopping time frame of about 14 days. Credit inquiries remain on your report for two years, and studies show that those with six or more inquires on a report are up to eight times more likely to declare bankruptcy than people with no inquiries on their reports. With that knowledge, you can understand how an inquiry might affect your score by a more significant amount if you have a greater inquiry history.

6

The credit report I see on my free report is my actual score. False. There are many different credit score models; each is used for various credit purposes. So, you may have a different score depending on what an organization is trying to glean from the report. The free scores that you can (and should) be reviewing once a year are based on an educational scoring model; whereas the score your mortgage lender sees is based on a lending scoring model. Even when your scores are pulled from more than one credit scoring company, it’s not always your best that is used. For instance, during a mortgage application, your “middle” score will be used – this would be the middle value of a trimerge score, which is where lenders pull your report from each of the three major companies (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). And again, considering mortgages, if you have a co-borrower, it would be the lowest of the mid scores of all borrowers that would be used to tabulate qualification and interest rate.

6

I can pay to have my credit repaired. False. Indeed, attorneys at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation’s consumer protection agency, say they’ve never seen a legitimate credit repair operation making bold, boastful, or “guaranteed fix” claims. Instead, they suggest seeking out a certified credit counselor who can help you make the necessary repairs through education and effort.

Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake

Just as you need to work to maintain grades and your health, it takes effort to keep your credit score/profile up to par. Though it may seem complicated to build and maintain a good score, your efforts will pay off in financial savings (lower interest rates) and peace of mind.

HOW GOOD IS YOUR CREDIT? Having a good or excellent score can make securing financing easier and offer you better interest rates, saving you money in the long run.

Excellent: 750 and above Good: 700-749 Fair: 650-699 Poor: 550-649 Bad: 549 and below

Mandy Marger is a local Canton mortgage loan officer for Safe Harbor Mortgage (personal NMLS #1539697, company NMLS #995103, GRML #25780), 4841 Stone Moss Path, Hoschton. 770-364-2913. MMarger@SafeHarborLoans.com, MandyMarger.com.

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Woodstock is home to a lot of creative professionals. There are top-level branding experts and graphic designers, brewers and distillers, makers and artisans, painters, and recording artists who call Woodstock home.

The events take place at the City Center Theater at Elm Street Cultural Arts Village unless otherwise noted. Entry to the event is $10 per person, and students are free with I.D. at the door. Money raised by entry fees will be invested in future STC events.

IN WDSTK focuses on opportunities for makers, artists, and creatives to connect with each other and engage with the community. This creative culture will be an inspiration to the residents and visitors and promote the vibrancy of the town.

The next STC event, A Small Town Big Dreams Evening, is February 7. Check in, refreshments, cash bar, and networking starts at 6:30pm. Talks by recent Savannah College of Art and Design graduate Courtney Myers, leather designer Beth Dryden, and brand strategy expert Tom Cox begin at 7:30pm, which will be followed by more networking.

One way IN WDSTK connects local creative professionals, such as designers, illustrators, photographers, writers, artists, filmmakers, and so on, is through an event series called Small Town Creatives (STC). STC promotes the value creative professionals can add to the local economy and culture. Creatives gather monthly for encouragement and insight into the opportunities that exist in today’s global network and gig economy. The series features local and national creatives presenting topical discussions with informal networking before and after the talks.

IN WDSTK recently launched Dean’s Store Sessions, intimate performances of original music from Woodstock artists. The series is filmed in the Woodstock Visitors Center in Historic Dean’s Store on Main Street by local filmmaker Aaron Macias of Zoë Stories.

The gallery in the Woodstock Visitors Center at Historic Dean’s Store hosts exhibitions monthly. Exhibits include collections of works by local artists and historical exhibits assembled by Preservation Woodstock. Last year, the gallery had exhibits by local artists Chase King, Madison Beaulieu, and Jordan Stockton; history exhibits about Dean’s Store and the Hubbard family; and an exhibition about the process behind the community mural on Mill Street by artist Annalyse Kimball. IN WDSTK exists to bring together residents and businesses from every community who/ that are INvesting, INvolved and INcluded, IN Woodstock’s growth and opportunity. IN WDSTK connects and energizes the people of greater Woodstock. For more information or to join, visit InWDSTK. org. To register for Small Town Creatives – A Small Town Big Dreams Evening, go to WDSTK.ga/stcdreams.

e v i t a Cre

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Woodstock Family Life | FEBRUARY 2019

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Quotables “Your competition isn’t other people. Your competition is your procrastination, your ego, the unhealthy food you consume, the knowledge you neglect, the negative behaviors you nurture, and/or your lack of creativity. Compete against these things.” -Unknown

“Prejudice is a burden that confuses the past, threatens the future, and renders the present inaccessible.” -Maya Angelou “There are two reasons why we don’t trust people. First, we don’t know them. Second, we know them.” -Unknown

“We gain the strength of the temptation we resist.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson

“You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.” -C.S. Lewis

“The future is no more uncertain than the present.” -Walt Whitman “Unable are the loved to die, for love is immortality.” -Emily Dickinson

“Be stubborn about your goals and flexible about your methods.” -Unknown

Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake

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45


Eagle Business Credit, LLC

SpeeDee Oil Change, Tires & Auto Care

615 Molly Lane, Suite 130 Woodstock 678-905-1321 Finance Company

Chick-fil-A

6114 Hickory Flat Highway Canton 678-493-0091 Restaurant

3058 Eagle Drive Woodstock 770-591-1999 Automobile Repair & Service Center

For information on upcoming events, please visit

CherokeeChamber.com

For information on upcoming events, please visit

InWdstk.org

46

Woodstock Family Life | FEBRUARY 2019

Vingenzo’s

105 E. Main Street, Suite 100 Woodstock 770-924-9133 Restaurant

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Skye Precious Kids’ mission is to provide resources to families in financial crisis who are caring for children facing life-threatening illnesses and disabilities to support a healthy and safe home environment, full access to medical care and equipment, as well as educational support. Their cause is to aid families in short-term financial hardship with obtaining the necessary tools to allow them to fully focus on caring for their children’s medical and educational needs. Skye Precious Kids serves Georgia families with documented economic hardship, not already receiving financial aid from other organizations or government entities, that are caring for children from birth to 18 who are living with an illness or disability. There are an estimated 13,000 children in Georgia living with a long-term disability or chronic, incurable diagnosis. Nearly 60 percent of these children are cared for by single mothers and in many sad cases, grandmothers. The economic burdens placed on families caring for their special-needs children, particularly those fighting cancer and other life-threatening diseases, is tremendous. Often, a parent must stop working to care for their child, reducing their ability to pay for the many medical costs that are not covered by insurance. Many families may be at risk of eviction or having the lights turned off because they are behind on their bills. Some face the cost of having their homes renovated for wheelchair accessibility or will need a handicapped-accessible vehicle, both of which are not covered by insurance programs. Some will be homebound with children who cannot attend school and are struggling to keep up, so they do not fall behind in their education.

Community Partner ASSISTANCE OPTIONS

Precious Families

Short-term financial support for rent, utilities, food, gas, and other necessities during times of unemployment due to caring for children or due to transition between jobs; renovations to homes for handicapped accessibility with items such as stair lifts, wheelchair lifts, ramping, and bathroom accessibility renovations

Precious Health

Medical costs including co-pays, deductibles, medications, durable medical equipment and supplies, diapers, treatment and therapies, as well as skilled nursing and respite care; aid with bridging the gap between what Medicaid and private insurance provides and what sick and disabled children truly need but their parents cannot afford

Precious Minds

Support to continue meaningful education while homebound including tutors, homework assistance, computers and assistive technology, and scholarships for special and online courses

The families that need assistance go through Skye Precious Kids’ application screening, applying for support for their unique needs. If approved for aid through one of Skye Precious Kids’ three key programs, the organization works with medical providers, utility companies, vendors, and other payees directly. Financial aid is never given directly to individuals. Assistance is provided in the following ways:

For more information on upcoming events, and to learn how you can help, volunteer, and make a difference, visit SkyePreciousKids.org, or call 404-478-9794. Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake

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Advertiser Index Anderson Dental

29

Atlanta Gynecologic Onocology

7

Bug You No More

27

Burns Law Group

3

Canoe 21 Cherokee County Historical Society

41

Crabapple Medical Center, P.C.

31

Darleen Prem Photography

26

Dawn Sams, Realtor

13

Dentistry for Woodstock

1

Elm Street Cultural Arts Village

11

Fire Stone Wood Fired Pizza & Grill

15

Gondolier Italian Restaurant and Pizza

40

Guns and Hoses 5K/Fun Run

45

Healing Hands Youth Ranch

48

Jyl Craven Hair Design

35

Kenny Phelps for County Commissioner District 3 LGE Community Credit Union Little River Clothing and Outdoors

21 Inside Front 23

Mandy Marger - Safe Harbor Mortgage

31

Maple Leaf Lawn and Landscape

40

Massage Geeks

21

Masterpiece Framer

39

Miracle Method of NW Atlanta

Inside Back

North Georgia OB/GYN Specialists

3

Northside Cherokee Surgical Associates

5

Northside Radiation Oncology Consultants

Inside Back

Outdoor Living, Indoor Comfort, LLC

23

Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics

20

and Dentistry at Canton Plastic Surgery Center of the South Quantum Realty

34 Cover, 24-25

Salon Spa VenĂŠssa

41

Southern Sky Home Outlet

13

Suite Six Venue

6

Summit Financial Solutions

15

Tour of the Southern Highlands

38

Towne Lake Primary Care

13

Towne Plumber

27

WellStar Health System Woodstock Funeral Home Woodstock Pediatric Medicine

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Woodstock Family Life | FEBRUARY 2019

7

Three Sisters Gifts

Back Cover 45 5

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