Woodstock Family Life 5-16 by Family Life Magazines

Contents

May 2016

VOLUME 3 | ISSUE 10

28-29

On the Cover:

Frank Reynolds for Sheriff

36-37

A Culinary Twofer

44-45

WWII Veteran, George Norman Sosebee

36-37

44-45 2

Woodstock Family Life | MAY 2016

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

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

....................... Business Life

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

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

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

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

......................... Taste of Life

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

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

......... Main Street Woodstock

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

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

simplicity

Laurie Litke Laurie@FamilyLifePublications.com

We often look to the leadership in our lives when feeling overwhelmed. We seek someone who will honor the trust we place in them for that leadership. An individual or group that will stand for our rights and empower us to move beyond those things that time has placed in our pasts with plans to strengthen our resolve, enhance our situation and give us a positive outlook. As American adults, we need to recognize that it’s important for us to select candidates who understand that being in a leadership position is more than just being in charge; it’s an obligation to stand up for the rights of the American people as dictated by our Constitution. We have the responsibility and civic duty in this country to elect officials who will lead us down the correct path; however, our elected leaders are not our parents. As children, my brother and I were taught to use our Bibles as our guide for being good people and how we should love and care for others. As Americans, our Constitution is intended to be, and should be, used as the guide to being good, honest Americans. It is our personal responsibility to act accordingly and be responsible for our actions, just as our parents taught us. We will reap what we sow. Simplicity at the core, period…end of conversation.

Woodstock Family Life | MAY 2016

770-213-7095

FamilyLifePublications.com FamilyLifePublications 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 24,000, direct mailing over 22,000 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. Woodstock Family Life magazine is not responsible for errors and 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. © 2016 All rights reserved.

E R EC Y C LE

150 North Street, Suite A Canton, GA 30114

Jack Tuszynski, Publisher

Family Life Publishing Group, Inc.

My parents were very good at making sure that my brother and I understood the meaning of personal responsibility. My brother, Victor, and I knew that if we messed up and broke the rules, it was our fault and not that of our parents. Because of our actions and choices, we were deserving of any punishment we received, and it was ridiculous to blame our parents for that. We learned that our parents were the leaders that God had placed in charge of our lives. We were to honor their leadership.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jose Baez, Brandon Beach, Kyle Bennett, Kathleen Boehmig, Chris Bryant, Cobb EMC, Jyl Craven, Arlene Dickerson, Kristi Estes, Joshua Fuder, Hillary Gallagher, Corey Harkins, Lisa-Marie Haygood, Cameron Johnson, James E. Leake, Shannon Marsh, Kelly Marulanda, Robbie Matiak, Tim Morris, E. Anthony Musarra, Vishant Nath, Michael Petrosky, Preston Pooser, Juan Reyes, Nick Roper, Farris Yawn

M AG A ZI

rowing up in central Cherokee County on a small, rural farm with my parents and brother, I learned a lot about simplicity. My father was the head of household until I reached my teens, and then my mom took over that role. Mom was stern and to the point. After some back talk from my brother or me, mom often would say, “period, end of conversation.” Nothing else would be said. There was no gray area. You were going to be good, or you were bad; simple enough.

PLE

SALES Janet Ponichtera Janet@FamilyLifePublications.com

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

Calendar MAY

12-22

Ongoing

Woodstock Farm Fresh Market — Locally grown, fresh produce and other goodies will be available every Saturday through October. 8:30 am-12:00 pm, Market Street, Downtown Woodstock. 770-9240406. DowntownWoodstock.org

Ongoing

Food Truck Fridays — Enjoy delicious food and treats while visiting with neighbors, listening to music and more! Food trucks will rotate each week. Seats may be limited, so bring a blanket and chairs. 6:00-9:00 pm, Recreation Center, 7545 Main Street, Woodstock. 770-924-7768. CRPA.net

6-15

Anything Goes — Presented by Elm Street Arts, winner of three 2011 Tony Awards®, including Best Musical Revival and Choreography! One of the greatest musicals in theater history, Cole Porter’s first-class musical comedy is sailing to Elm Street Cultural Arts Village. Friday & Saturday at 7:30 pm, Sunday at 2:00 pm, City Center Auditorium, 8534 Main Street, Woodstock. 678-494-4251. WhatsUpWoodstock.com

Kentucky Derby Day at the Rock Barn — In conjunction with the running of the Derby at Churchill Downs, the Kentucky Derby Day at the Rock Barn is the Historical Society’s largest fundraiser and a tribute to the Rock Barn’s racing history. This entertaining event features gourmet food, open bar, silent auction, pony pull betting, bourbon tasting and a competitive hat parade and contest. 3:30 pm, the Rock Barn, 658 Marietta Hwy, Canton. 770-3453288. RockBarn.org

Native Plants Seminar — Learn which plants can be dependable additions to your landscape. Cherokee County Senior Services Center, 1001 Univeter Road, Canton. 770-721-7803. Extension.UGA. edu/calendar/event.cfm?pk_id=9914

Trailfest — Live music, featuring the Delta Saints, food vendors and outdoor activities — including a 5k fun run, 1/8 mile test track mountain bike trail, a rock climbing wall and many other activities. 8:00 am, Resurgens Orthopedics Community Stage, Elm Street Cultural Arts Village and the Park at City Center, Downtown Woodstock. 770-517-6788. GreenPrintsAlliance.org

Woodstock Family Life | MAY 2016

Main Street Woodstock’s Bluegrass Concert Series

The Tyler Williams Band, free concert! 7:00-9:00 pm, Resurgens Orthopaedics Community Stage at the Elm Street Arts Event Green by Market Street, Downtown Woodstock. 770-592-6056. VisitWoodstockGa.com

MANopause the Musical! — Produced by Broadway Bound Productions, come see the world premiere of this original musical comedy about men having a midlife crisis, and the women who try to love them through it. Due to some language and adult subject matter, parental discretion is advised. Thursday-Saturday performances at 7:30 pm, Sunday matinee at 2:00 pm, Canton Theatre,151 Elizabeth Street, Canton. 770-720-2698. BroadwayBoundProductionsInc.com

Cherokee County’s Relay for Life The American Cancer Society Relay For Life movement is the world’s largest and most impactful fundraising event to end cancer. It unites communities across the globe to celebrate people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and take action to finish the fight once and for all. 6:00-midnight, River Ridge High School, 400 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock. Main.ACSEvents.org/site/TR/ RelayForLife/RFLCY16SA?pg=entry&fr_ id=70770

Garden Hardware Backyard Agriculture Series — You don’t need a half acre and sore back to enjoy home grown vegetables. Come learn about different space saving methods and tools to help make gardening more enjoyable. Display items will include a drip irrigation system, various weeding tools, seeders, trellis and more. 10:00 am-12:00 pm, Ag Agent Research Garden, 137 Ellenwood Drive, Canton. 770-721-7803. Extension. UGA.edu/calendar/event.cfm?pk_id=9907

VAC 4th annual Charity Poker Run Supporting Needy Seniors and Veterans in Cherokee County — T-shirt included with $25 entry fee/poker hand passenger $5.50/50 pot wins best hand, worst hand gets $25. There will be additional raffle prizes valued over $500. continued on

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 All llbraries will be closed for Memorial Day on May 30. JOIN US FOR SUMMER READING FUN! Summer starts early at the library! Summer Reading begins Friday, May 20 for kids, teens and adults. Everyone can participate. Stop by and pick up your Summer Reading Program packet. Enjoy summer reading goals and be awarded for reaching them. KNITTING & CROCHETING GROUP Tuesdays, 1:00-3:00 pm, Rose Creek Let Mrs. Darlene help you get started on a knitting or crocheting project. Bring your needles and yarn, and be prepared to have fun! No registration or prior knowledge required. SCRIBBLES & SCRABBLES Wednesdays, 2:00-4:00 pm, Rose Creek Drop by on Wednesday afternoons to de-stress. Get your creative juices flowing by playing a game of Scrabble or coloring a picture. All materials will be provided. All skill levels are welcome! COLORING GROUP May 2, 9, 16 & 23, 10:00 am-1:00 pm, Woodstock Find out why coloring books are so popular again. Have fun & make new friends. All materials provided. This is for ages 16+. BRAIN GAMES May 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31, 10:00 am-12:00 pm, Woodstock Enjoy puzzles, cards, games, coloring, word puzzles and stimulating conversations every Tuesday morning, along with a cup of green tea.

management, prevent disease and promote overall health. STEM DAY: CRAZY CATAPULT May 6, 4:30-5:30 pm, Woodstock Celebrate the 4th Annual Georgia STEM Day, and engineer a craft stick catapult of your very own! All supplies are provided, and all ages are welcome.

STEM DAY: LEGO DAY May 6, 4:00-5:00 pm, Rose Creek Celebrate the 4th Annual Georgia STEM Day when we pull out the LEGOs. Show off your engineering skills by building a unique creation to be displayed at the library. All ages are welcome.

Summer Safety Bash — Cherokee Recreation & Parks Agency is partnering with Safe Kids Cherokee County, Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services and the Braves Foundation to bring you their 1st Annual Summer Safety

LEGO CLUB May 7, 2:00-3:00 pm, Hickory Flat May 15, 3:00-4:30 pm, Woodstock Lego Club has a different theme each month. Children can work alone or in teams to make their special creation, which will be displayed in the library until next month’s meeting. All ages are invited; ages 9 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

SIT & STITCH SOCIAL May 5, 12, 19 & 26, 10:00 am-12:00 pm, Woodstock Enjoy the company of other creative people while you stitch on your current project. LANGUAGE OF NUTRITION May 5, 10:30 am, Woodstock Wellstar presents: Learn the Language of Nutrition. Proper nutrition is an essential tool for healthy aging. Learn to make the right food choices to boost your energy, aid in weight

LETTERS TO THE TROOPS: OPERATION GRATITUDE May 16–31, all libraries Drop off letters, or create cards and letters onsite for the men and women in the military. All materials provided.

For more May events, please visit SequoyahRegionalLibrary.org Woodstock Family Life | MAY 2016

Junior Service League Charity Tennis Tournament — 11:00 am, Eagle Watch Tennis Center, 3045 Club House Drive, Woodstock. JSLWoodstock. org

STEM DAY: MARSHMALLOW ENGINEERING May 6, 4:30-5:30 pm, Hickory Flat Celebrate the 4th Annual Georgia STEM Day, and build marshmallow towers using mini marshmallows and toothpicks. Sketch it out, and then go to work. All ages are welcome to join us.

LIBRARY BINGO BOOK CLUB May 12, 10:30-11:30 am or 4:30-5:30 pm, Rose Creek A new kind of book club that lets you decide what to read and when. We provide the criteria; you choose what to read while filling up your bingo board. Come discuss the book you read for the month. Attending meetings is not mandatory to be a member. New members are always welcome.

Registration starts at 11:00 am, first group starts out at 12:00 pm, last bike in at 4:00 pm, Semper Fi Bar & Grill, 9770 Main Street, Woodstock. 770-432-9075. VacJudy.Davila@gmail.com

Bash! Everyone is invited! Activities include: bike rodeo (bring your bike and helmet!), car seat checks, home water safety presentation & community CPR classes, swim lesson information and skill checks, lifejacket fittings and lake safety station, lifeguard demonstrations, Whales Tales presentations, summer safety pledge and photos with Homer — the Braves Mascot! 12:00-5:00 pm, Cherokee County Aquatic Center, 1200 Gresham Mill Parkway, Holly Springs. 770-924-7768. CRPA.net

Calendar 19

iThink Improv Brew Haha — Unique comedy at each event, along with all brewery tours conducted improv style by the iThink Improv Troupe. Comedy is free, but we encourage tips and donations to Elm Street Cultural Arts Village. 5:30 pm, Reformation Brewery, 500 Arnold Mill Way, Woodstock. ElmStreetArts.org

Container Gardening Class — This class will cover containers, soil preparation, plant selection and tips to make your container look great all season. 10:00 am12:00 pm, Cherokee County Senior Services Center, 1001 Univeter Road, Canton. 770-721-7803. Extension.UGA.edu/ calendar/event.cfm?pk_id=9915

21-22

Canton Festival of the Arts — Come visit this juried show of fine arts and crafts. There will be an artist’s market with over 75 exhibitors from 9 different states. The festival will also have: Serenity Gardens, food concessions, a beer and wine garden, interactive children’s activities and live entertainment. 10:00 am-5:00 pm, Downtown Canton. 770-704-6244. CherokeeArts.org

Georgia National Cemetery Memorial Day Program — This year’s keynote speaker will be Col. Carol Mellom, USAF, Ret., who was deployed in Desert Shield and Iraqi Freedom. There will also be a speaker for the Veterans Administration’s three year commemoration of the beginning of “boots on the ground” in Vietnam, presented by Lt. Col. Rick Lester, who flew attack helicopters in Vietnam. Attendees are asked to carpool and arrive early due to parking constraints. 10:00 am, 1080 Scott Hudgens Drive, Canton. 770-479-9300. Cem.VA.gov/cems/nchp/georgia.asp

Succulents Class — When you learn how easy these plants are to propagate and grow, you won’t be able to resist bringing them into your garden. 10:00 am-12:00 pm, Cherokee County Senior Services Center, 1001 Univeter Road, Canton. 770-721-7803. Extension.UGA.edu/calendar/ event.cfm?pk_id=9916

Woodstock Memorial Day Ceremony — Come to Downtown Woodstock to honor and pay tribute to our veterans, past and present, and to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. 10:00 am, the Park at City Center, 101 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock. WoodstockGa.gov

continued on

10 WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

Calendar continued from page 9

Vacation Bible School

JUNE

Downtown Woodstock’s Friday Night Live — Havana Nights! Many restaurants and stores in the Downtown area stay open late for this event. Friday Night Live also features great music, as bands play throughout Downtown Woodstock in front of the stores, which adds to the street festival feel of the event. 6:00-9:00 pm, Downtown Woodstock. 770-924-0406. WhatsUpWoodstock.com

4-5

11th Annual Wing and Rock Festival — FREE, 2-day family friendly, food and music event that has something for everyone! This event is the 3rd largest chicken wing festival in the country, featuring some of region’s

Woodstock Family Life | MAY 2016

6/13-17

best tasting wings. Wing vendors compete in several competitions throughout the weekend, and of course, there will be a wing eating contest. Saturday 12:00-9:00 pm, Sunday 12:00-6:00 pm, Etowah River Park & Amphitheatre, 600 Brown Industrial Pkwy, Canton. WingAndRockFest.com

4-5

Cherokee Chorale’s Pops Concert: America Musical Heritage and Favorites from the Stage Harris Wheeler will conduct this fun show! Saturday at 7:30 pm and Sunday at 3:00 pm, Reinhardt University’s Falany Performing Arts Center, 7300 Reinhardt Circle, Waleska. 770-7209167. Reinhardt.edu

Timothy Lutheran Church presents Cave Quest: Following Jesus, The Light of the World — Registration opens up on May 1st for children ages 3 through rising 6th grade. There is a fee of $10 per child. Timothy Lutheran Church & School, 556 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock. 770-928-2812. Visit TLCWoodstock.org to register.

6/20-24

First Baptist Church of Woodstock’s Deep Sea Discovery Vacation Bible School — Every student receives a free gift from the community each day! Free to the community! 9:00 am-12:00 pm or 6:30 pm-8:30 pm, First Baptist Church of Woodstock, 11905 GA-92, Woodstock. 770-926-4428. FBCW.org

Business For parents concerned about their toddler’s social and communication development, the Autism Center

for Children provides accurate identification and treatment of autism — at the earliest possible signs of detection — for the most immediate, profound and lasting improvement in their quality of life. They treasure your kids and your family. Dr. Julie Crittendon, licensed clinical

psychologist, Ph.D., BCBA-D., is the head of the Autism Center. Her specialty is infant-toddler diagnostic assessment and early intervention with children diagnosed with autism. “I am proud to announce the opening of my new practice,” declares Dr. Crittendon. “This is a culmination of all my work at Ole Miss, Kennedy Krieger Institute/Johns Hopkins, University of Tennessee, Vanderbilt and with the Autism Partnership in California. I am fortunate

Dr. Julie Crittendon

For the third consecutive year, WellStar Health System was named one of the FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For®, which recognizes companies across the country that have exceptional workplace cultures. The prestigious award is a reflection of WellStar’s commitment to taking care of its team members, who are dedicated to taking care of others. WellStar was selected among hundreds of companies vying for a place on the list this year. Applicant companies opt to participate in the selection process, which includes an employee survey and an in-depth questionnaire about their programs and company practices. Great Place to Work® then evaluates each application using its unique methodology based on five dimensions: credibility, respect, fairness, pride and camaraderie.

to have great relationships with the leaders in the field of autism research and treatment, and I’m excited to bring this expertise to my new clients, families and children in Atlanta and North Georgia.” The Autism Center for Children is conveniently located north of Atlanta in Woodstock, at 375 Parkway 575, Suite 120. For more information, visit AutismCenterGA. com, follow them on Facebook at Facebook.com/AutismCenterGA and Twitter @AutismAtlanta or @DrCrittendon, or call 470-228-2040.

Women First Rehabilitation, LLC has relocated its practice to Woodstock! Women First Rehabilitation is an elite healthcare practice devoted exclusively to treating individuals with pelvic pain, urogenital disorders, fertility challenges, pregnancy and post-partum musculoskeletal impairments and pelvic floor dysfunctions. All of its practitioners are licensed women’s health physical therapists, with advanced knowledge and training in pelvic floor rehabilitation and women’s health. With this kind of expertise, their practitioners have the unique benefit of combining their knowledge of the musculoskeletal, neurological and visceral systems as it relates to conditions specific to an individual’s sexual health and general wellness. They offer a holistic approach to healing by providing all-natural pain-relief, bowel and bladder restoration, nutritional counseling, wholebody strengthening, PostpartumStrong®, weight-loss and wellness programs. The new location is at 280 Heritage Walk, Woodstock. For more information, call 770-485-7411, or visit WomenFirstRehab.com.

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

Make Energy Efficiency Work for Your Budget A budget can feel restricting when considering energy efficient upgrades for a home. Try these no-cost and low-cost tips to boost home efficiency without stretching your budget!

No-Cost Energy Efficiency Tips:

• Ceiling fans are a great way to keep cool during summer months and can even allow you to raise your thermostat setting a few degrees without affecting your comfort. • Got a programmable thermostat? Use it to automatically lower and raise your home’s temperature. Setting your thermostat 2 degrees Fahrenheit higher in summer and lower in the winter results in major energy savings. • When cooking, keep the lids on pots, and let hot food cool off before placing it in the refrigerator.

Source: U.S. Department of Energy

Woodstock Family Life | MAY 2016

Low-Cost Energy Efficiency Tips:

• Check for gaps around doors and windows. Can you see daylight? If so, you can seal cracks with caulk or weather stripping to reduce air flow. • When lightbulbs burn out, replace them with LEDs, which have an estimated operational life span of up to 50,000 hours. Look for the ENERGY STAR® label when purchasing LEDs. • Summer is right around the corner! Have you changed your home’s air filter? A dirty air filter makes your system work harder to keep you cool, which wastes energy.

These tips were provided by Cobb EMC, a non-for-profit electric cooperative. 770-429-2100. CobbEMC.com

Woodstock Minute

Steps to Become a Trail Watch Volunteer

Happy Trails to You!

• • • •

Complete an application for and pass a background check. Attend training. Hit the trail. Report your observations.

Woodstock Trail Watch Volunteer Requirements • • • • •

You must be 18 years of age or older. Complete the application, and attend training. Carry a personal cell phone at all times while on the trail. Carry Trail Watch ID, and wear a Trail Watch vest or t-shirt. Log and report time on the trail.

Woodstock’s Trail Watch Volunteer Program

By Preston Pooser

he City of Woodstock offers some of the best trails in the southeastern United States. Currently, residents and visitors to Woodstock enjoy over 15 miles of mountain bike trails at Rope Mill Park, five miles of concrete trails throughout the City and a fitness trail and family mountain bike trail at Dupree Park. In 2017, the City will complete an additional 3 miles of trails with the completion of the Towne Lake Pass Trail that will connect Downtown Woodstock and the Towne Lake area, just north of Woodstock High School. In an effort to help insure the safety of our residents and visitors that utilize our trails, the City started a Trail Watch Volunteer program in the fall of 2014. The program is designed to add an additional layer of safety on the City’s trails. Woodstock Trail Watch volunteers promote safety and appropriate trail use by providing information and assistance to all trail users. They observe and document

Woodstock Family Life | MAY 2016

trail safety issues requiring attention, serve as a positive presence on Woodstock trails and assist the Woodstock Parks and Recreation and Woodstock Police Departments to keep Woodstock’s trails safe and well maintained. “Volunteers are not asked to intervene in potentially dangerous situations, only to report them,” says Mayor Donnie Henriques, adding, “It’s like ‘Neighborhood Watch’ on our trails. Trail Watch is a program in which hikers, cyclists, skaters and walkers assist the City in monitoring Woodstock’s trails and parks. Volunteers are identified by a brightly colored vest or t-shirt and a City issued ID card. They serve as ‘extra eyes and ears’ on the trails.” Trail Watch volunteers report safety hazards, suspicious activity and assist trail users.

The next Trail Watch Academy Classes will be held in the fall. For individuals with current first aid and CPR certifications, the 2 hour class in Trail Watch protocols and rules is required to get started. An 8 hour Trail Watch Academy will be offered for individuals who need to complete their CPR and first aid certifications to participate. Classes are held at Magnolia Hall, 108 Arnold Mill Road, building C, in Woodstock. Anyone interested in applying for the Trail Watch Program and those wanting to sign up for the Trail Watch Academy, are encouraged to call the Woodstock Parks and Recreation Department at 770-517-6788.

Preston Pooser is director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Woodstock. 770-517-6788

Community Feature Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce Teen Leadership Class of 2016 Graduation

The Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the graduation of the participants in the 15th Annual Teen Leadership Cherokee (TLC) Class. Of the 53 Cherokee County high school sophomores who applied, 19 students graduated from the program.

Over the past three months, the TLC Class attended an orientation with their parents, an all-day retreat and several class sessions that were planned by local business leaders. The classes addressed topics such as community involvement, economic and educational responsibility, personal development and team building.

Front row (left to right): Sasha Stogniy, Woodstock; Katherine Relick, Woodstock; Rebekah Carnes, Sequoyah; Katie Pitner, Sequoyah; Middle row (left to right): TLC Vice-Chair Hanna Pintozzi, American Book Company; Emily Nelson, Etowah; Tori Turk, Sequoyah; Leah Garrison, Cherokee; Zack Forrester, Sequoyah; Kennedy Looper, The King’s Academy; Christian Adams, Woodstock; Chase Harris, Cherokee; Back row (left to right): Julia Litrel, Woodstock; Abigale Montgomery, Etowah; Bri Randall, Cherokee; Emma Taylor, River Ridge; Chandler McCloud, Sequoyah; Patrick Ballance, Sequoyah; Griffin Pizzano, Sequoyah; Noah Shever, Sequoyah; TLC Chair Will Goodwin, Oak Leaf Church.

Melanie Tugman! Congratulations to our October “7 Differences” winner, Joyce McMichael!

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

Community Feature CTC’s Executive Director for Adult Education Recognized Nationally Chattahoochee Technical College’s Executive Director for Adult Education, Tamika Phillips, has been named runner up for Outstanding Administrator of the Year by the Commission on Adult Basic Education (COABE) — an award she was nominated for by Beverly Smith, assistant commissioner over the adult education programs for the Technical College System of Georgia. COABE is a 13,000 member organization that exists to provide leadership, communication, professional development and advocacy for adult education and literacy opportunities. The commission’s mission is to inspire educators so adults succeed and communities thrive. COABE provides a variety of services, including competitive national-level awards, incentive grants and scholarship opportunities through special funding provided by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation.

B.J. Weeks Chairing GA Farm Bureau Honeybee Committee Cherokee County Farm Bureau member B.J. Weeks is serving as chairman of the Georgia Farm Bureau Honeybee Committee for 2016. Weeks maintains 500 bee hives, selling honey to 65 local grocery stores and providing limited pollination services. He also raises queen bees and sells packaged beehives. The 10-member GFB Honeybee Committee is made up of fruit producers from around the state. Weeks leads the committee in making recommendations to Georgia Farm Bureau regarding issues that impact the state’s honeybee industry. Weeks has previously served on the Cherokee County Farm Bureau board, including a stint as vice president. He has also served as vice president for Georgia Beekeepers Association and helps teach classes and workshops for the Cherokee County Beekeepers Club.

Woodstock Family Life | MAY 2016

School’s Out for Summer! By Kelly Marulanda

If your children are anything like mine, summer means vacationing at the beach. For me, I immediately think of alternatives to a beach vacation. Whether your child goes to day camp, stays with a sitter or stays home with you, try to plan outings this summer that are special for your family. Allow your child to help plan an activity. Here are some favorite summertime picks suggested by our staff: •

Picnics in the Park — Snacking is more prevalent in the summertime, so it’s important to have healthy options available for your child. Picnic lunches

can be extremely healthy, and Georgia has 66 state parks to visit…see them all!

Library Adventures — Contrary to popular belief, the library isn’t the archaic place of yesteryear. They invite special guests/ readers, and children can find books on anything. Register them for their own library card, and visit weekly! •

•

Hikes — Georgia is the place to hike, and it’s great, free exercise. Recent studies conclude children gain up to three times as much weight during summer as they do during the entire school year…Ouch!

•

Scavenger Hunts — This is a great activity for rainy days. “Find something yellow. Find something that begins with the letter ‘R.’ Find something round.” When they find everything

on the list, reward them with a trip for frozen yogurt. •

Discover Georgia — Georgia offers hundreds of educational and fun places that are free or easy on your wallet. Consider the Etowah Indian Mounds (Cartersville), the Gold Museum (Dahlonega), Amicalola Falls (Dawsonville), Georgia Sports Hall of Fame (Macon), the Little White House (Warm Springs), Museum of Aviation (Warner Robins) and/or the Southeastern Railroad Museum (Duluth).

Disney World, sleep-away camps, cruises and week-long vacations in Destin are not for everyone, but spending time with your child should be. One day, we will wake up and say, “This is the last summer I have with my child before they go to (fill in the blank).” Savor these summer vacations! Kelly Marulanda is the practice manager at Woodstock Pediatric Medicine, 2000 Professional Way, #200 Woodstock. 770-517-0250. WoodstockPeds.com

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

Community Feature

CCSD High School Choral Students Perform at NYC Cathedral Students representing all six of the Cherokee County School District’s high school choruses performed in New York City during Spring Break. Choral Directors Allison Baccala, Brad Ellis, William Hall, Josh Markham, Scott Martin and Ryan McKendrick coordinated the historic trip, which required months of planning and practice leading up to the performance at the Cathedral of Saint John the Divine. More than 340 students participated in the performance. Students also participated in other special activities, such as a workshop with Broadway musical theatre performers, and students from Etowah and Woodstock High Schools sang during a Sunday morning service at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church.

Six CCSD High School Seniors Recognized as 2016 Georgia Scholars Through the Georgia Scholar program, the Georgia Department of Education identifies and honors high school seniors who have achieved excellence in all phases of school and community life, including carrying “exemplary course loads” and excelling in all courses, successfully participating in inter-scholastic and extracurricular activities. Only 151 graduating seniors from schools across Georgia will receive the honor, which includes a seal for his or her diploma. The CCSD honorees are: from Cherokee HS, Jessica Wenclawiak; from Creekview HS, Alex Francoletti, Alyssa Powell and David Wang; from Etowah HS, Madeline Gilmer; and from River Ridge HS, Laura Triana.

Woodstock Family Life | MAY 2016

Woodstock HS Students Compete Internationally

Woodstock HS’s Michael Papadimitriou and Makayla Adams both earned firstplace honors at the State DECA Career Development Conference

Senior, Michael Papadimitriou, and sophomore, Makayla Adams, both earned first-place honors in DECA’s State Career Development Conference in the Principles of Finance category, which earned them the right to compete at the International Career Development Conference in Nashville at the end of April. DECA, an association of marketing students, is a co-curricular organization that promotes the principles of marketing, management and entrepreneurship. Through classroom instruction, community service and competition, DECA encourages students to develop skills in leadership, teamwork, management and decision-making skills.

CCSD Teacher Wins Prestigious Fulbright Award! Carmel Elementary School STEM enrichment specialist, Merry Willis, has been selected by the U.S. Department of State and the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board for a Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching grant to study in New Zealand. Recipients are selected based on their academic and professional achievement and demonstrated leadership potential; Ms. Willis is one of only 45 U.S. citizens named Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching grant winners for 2016-17. She will visit Wellington, New Zealand from February to June of 2017 and observe how technology impacts student learning throughout the country. Ms. Willis will focus on developing classroom resources, collaborative relationships and cross-cultural professional development for teachers in New Zealand and the U.S.

Lifespan

Cost and Benefits

of Metal Roofing By Juan Reyes

A metal roof requires minimal maintenance, so after installation, not much effort or thought needs to be put into them. The 40-70 year lifespan of a metal roof is significantly longer than the 12-25 year lifespan of an asphalt shingle roof.

Durability When considering installing a metal roof on your home, understand that it’s not the least expensive option. The initial investment in a metal roof is well worth the expense, as it has a longer lifespan than most types of roofing, better durability against weather and many other benefits.

Cost The cost for metal roofing materials can vary. Per square foot, it can range from $7 to $10, but for a standing seam metal roof, the cost can be between $9 and $12. When compared to other types of roofing, the initial cost seems very expensive, but with all of the benefits that come along with a metal roof, it’s a practical and worthy investment.

When faced with a severe storm, such as a hail storm or tornado, a metal roof’s performance is far superior to other types of roofs. For durability and protection during a storm, a metal roof is your best bet.

Other Benefits Because the roofing squares aren’t very heavy, they can be installed on top of your existing roof. Weighing around 50-150 lbs, compared to competitors, metal roofing is the lightest way

to go, which also makes for a quicker installation process. In addition, metal roofs are non-combustible, giving them a Class A fire resistance rating. However, if applied on top of another roof, such as cedar shingles, it drops the fire rating to Class C. The fire rating system is based on the roof’s ease in igniting under extremely hot temperatures. Choosing a metal roof seems to be a popular choice for many people. Due to its many benefits, this lowmaintenance and longlasting option is the right Juan Reyes is owner investment of Pro Roofing & for many Siding. 770-777-1733, MyProRoofing.com homeowners.

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

Ouch! Why Does My Elbow Hurt? By Jose Baez, M.D.

The elbow functions as a hinge for your arm, allowing movement and ease of range. It is a joint, which is composed of a complex set of bones and muscles, like your biceps and triceps. When these muscles, tendons, nerves and bones are injured or irritated, it can cause mild to severe elbow pain.

Causes of Elbow Pain Because elbow pain is a general term, there are a number of factors that may be the culprit. Usually, causes of elbow pain are related to injuries incurred while playing sports or from injuries sustained due to other accidents. Sometimes, it can also be caused by disease.

{

Symptoms of Elbow Pain While symptoms vary on a scale from mild to severe, many of the signs and indicators are the same. Patients should see a doctor if:

{

• There is severe pain present in the joint • Swelling or bruising occurs • You have trouble moving your arm normally • Pain doesn’t improve after a few days • Pain is present even when your elbow is not in motion

Common causes of elbow pain include:

• Tendonitis • Olecranon bursitis • A sprained or broken elbow • Various forms of arthritis • Cellulitis • Tumors • Nerve entrapment • Tennis elbow • Golfer’s elbow • Dislocation • Radial tunnel syndrome • Overuse due to an occupation or hobby

Woodstock Family Life | MAY 2016

Patients should seek immediate emergency care if there are signs of a deformity in the elbow or if a bone is protruding.

Elbow Pain Diagnosis & Treatment Causes of elbow pain can be diagnosed several ways through techniques like a physical exam, X-ray, CT scan, MRI, EMG and sometimes biopsy if fluid is present in the joint. Treatment plans differ depending on a patient’s diagnosis. Usually, elbow pain is not serious and can be treated at home with rest, application of ice, compression bandages, antiinflammatory medications and elevating the elbow to reduce swelling. If hospitalization or a doctor’s visit is necessary, inoffice treatments range from steroid injections and medications to surgery.

Dr. Jose Baez is a physician with Atlanta Hand Specialist, located in Canton, Marietta, Smyrna, and Douglasville. 770-333-7888. AtlantaHandSpecialist.com

Senator Speaks

Positive Numbers 2016 House and Senate Bills Benefit Georgians

By Senator Brandon Beach

his year, the General Assembly was able to find common ground and pass legislation that will positively impact Georgians for years to come. We helped to protect our military men and women and their families, supported our growing education system, protected the sanctity of life and kept our state on a fiscally responsible path. Our state remains one of the best places in the nation to pursue a quality secondary education, own a business and raise a family. The HOPE Scholarship is an incredible resource for higher education. It also acts as a powerful driver for the economic development of Georgia. House Bill 798 updates the HOPE and Zell Miller Scholarship eligibility to better include students who didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t graduate from an eligible high school or home study program. To receive the scholarships, these students must meet minimum standardized testing scores and other academic requirements. To better protect our children, we passed HB 905. It enacts new reforms for child abuse laws throughout the state. Some of the reforms include the creation of Child Advocacy Centers to work with the community and law enforcement to protect children, issue a fine for operating a Child Welfare Agency without a license and will allow immunity for anyone who reports possession of illegal materials or images depicting child abuse if they notify law enforcement within 72 hours of ownership. All of these provisions are targeted at specific issues in our communities regarding the safety and protection of Georgiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s children. We also approved final changes to Senate

Woodstock Family Life | MAY 2016

Bill 308, which will create the Positive Alternatives for Pregnancy and Parenting Grant Program. Under the direction of the Department of Public Health, the program will award grants to nonprofit organizations that provide pregnancy and parenting support services. The bill prohibits an organization receiving a grant from performing, promoting or acting as a referral for an abortion. Two bills that I introduced also received final passage this session. SB 307 updates the definition of acceptable advertising on highway billboards to include the multimedia, digital signage. SB 346 allows the Georgia Department of Transportation the ability to forego an Environmental Effects Report if the project has passed environmental and historical preservation standards. Because of the commitment and foresight from the General Assembly, Georgia has the ability to invest in transportation infrastructure improvements and repairs across the state. Under existing law, as a part of the approval process, each project is required to comply with six state environmental standards. These standards remain in place so that the environment will remain protected. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll just be expediting the project by 8 months by eliminating extra paperwork. This change will get our transportation dollars to work in a more efficient way, saving taxpayer dollars.

House and Senate Bills By the numbers

307

Updates the definition of acceptable advertising on highway billboards

308

Will create the Positive Alternative for Pregnancy and Parenting Grant Program

346

Allows the Georgia Department of Transportation the ability to forgo an Environmental Effects Report

798

Updates the HOPE and Zell Miller Scholarship eligibility

Brandon Beach is a State Senator, District 21, who represents a portion of Cherokee County in the Georgia General Assembly.

905

Enacts new reforms for child abuse laws

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

What is

Sensory Integration? By Kristi Estes An important part of a child’s development is the ability to organize information coming from their senses (smell, taste, touch, sight, hearing and movement). We cannot see the brain organizing these sensations from the eyes, ears or body, but we can see how it influences the way a child develops, learns and behaves. Sometimes, information from the senses is not received and organized correctly by a child’s nervous system, causing developmental delays, fine and/or gross motor delays, social issues, speech and language processing difficulties and/or behavioral issues. Sensory Integration

Woodstock Family Life | MAY 2016

Dysfunction can range from mild to severe, and children may exhibit different symptoms. Some signs of possible Sensory Integration Dysfunction are: picky eating, sensitivity to touch, textures or sound, short attention span, poor social interactions, hitting or pushing others, difficulty following directions or understanding sequences of directions, fearfulness of movement or seeking out excess movement, decreased willingness to try new things, clumsiness, difficulty using utensils (fork, spoon, pencil), poor handwriting, delays in establishing hand dominance or poor sleep patterns. An Occupational Therapist (OT) performs therapy with a sensory-integrative approach, which takes place in a sensory-rich gym environment where the therapist guides the child through activities that are fun, yet structured, so the child is constantly challenged but always successful. This helps improve neurological function, promotes learning, play and social skills.

This approach is based on the research and theoretical principles of Dr. A. Jean Ayres, among others, in the field of occupational therapy and neurology. With adaptations, therapeutic intervention and motivation of the child, their cognitive skills, behavioral control, social maturity and motor skills will emerge in a more naturally developing sequence. Occupational therapy intervention helps children reach their greatest potential for development and learning, so that a child can be successful in all they do. Occupational therapy has a powerful effect on helping children who struggle in the previously mentioned areas. It’ll help a child overcome these challenges and function better in school, play and life.

Kristi Estes, Occupational Therapist. Kristi and Jennifer Puckett are co-owners of In Harmony Pediatric Therapy. 770-345-2804. InHarmonyPediatricTherapy.com

Book Review BY FARRIS YAWN

Memorial Road

hose of us lucky enough to have grown up near our extended family know so well that gatherings are usually full of food, fun and a lot of stories — stories that would become family legends or the source of good-natured ribbing. Many, however, were a firsthand account of life in times we only learned about from movies or textbooks. Like many folks my age (or older), I wish I could go back to my grandfather’s knee, and hear those stories one more time (and perhaps write them down this time). Ginger Povelites did just that. She sat down with her grandfather, a WWII veteran, and recorded his stories about war and his experience in Europe.

She faithfully transcribed his words into Memorial Road. His story is humorous at times, such as when he accidently robbed a Nazi bank and used the money to rebuild a town’s brewery, which was the people in that town’s only source of income. It was also horrifying at times, like when he liberated a concentration camp. He earned five bronze service stars during his service as a combat engineer and Army Ranger, from D-Day through December of 1945. The book also includes haunting photos from the camps that have probably never been published before. The men and women of “The Greatest Generation” will soon be gone from our lives, but hopefully never forgotten. For the most part, they don’t feel they did anything special, they just did what needed to be done. I’m glad we have the story of John Calvin Estes, in his own words, and through him, we also have the stories of the men who served with him, so that their stories can live on. Whether you’re a WWII buff looking for a different perspective on the war, or just enjoy a good story, I highly recommend Memorial Road.

Memorial Road ($16.95, ISBN: 9781936815319) is available at Yawn’s Publishing in Downtown Canton and on Amazon.com.

Farris Yawn is the owner of Yawns Publishing, 198 North Canton Street, Canton. 678-880-1922. YawnsBooks.com

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

Community Feature Woodstock Awarded Grant for Downtown Mural The City of Woodstock was excited to be selected to receive one of only four grants that have been awarded in the entire metro Atlanta area by the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) for its inaugural Atlanta Regional Public Art Program. The program was inspired by the City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program. In 2014, a group of metro Atlanta leaders collaborated with ARC and raised private funds to create the program. The program provides matching funding and technical assistance to help communities install public art that will be inspired by a public participation process. Each work of art will celebrate a community’s unique identity, while symbolizing the commonalities of our region. Matching funds for the City of Woodstock’s

Woodstock Family Life | MAY 2016

mural project will be provided by the Downtown Development Authority, Preservation Woodstock and the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau. The new mural will be located on the southern wall of the Woodstock Pharmacy, facing Mill Street, and will highlight Woodstock — its history with a fresh, new and engaging view, along with its future, which includes the present growth and development. The location was chosen for its bustling traffic and high visibility. The mural, to be created with active community input, will be a source of community pride and admiration. Artist Annalysa Kimball has been contracted to design and produce the mural, but the mural project will also have a strong public participation component. This participation can come from ideas suggested, desires for

Annalysa Kimball, contracted mural artist

images or experiences shown in the work, historical references and possible moves to actual production tasks that assist in the mural’s completion. Please visit Facebook. com/DowntownWoodstockMural/ to make suggestions, or DowntownWoodstock.org/ mural for updates about the project.

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

COVER STORY

BY KATHLEEN BOEHMIG

aptain Frank Reynolds is prepared to serve as the next elected Sheriff of Cherokee County. With 22 years of law enforcement experience, and as a resident of Cherokee County for nearly 33 years, Frank has the right combination of education, skill, training and community involvement. Having community awareness and understanding is necessary in these unique times. At age 45, Frank brings a level of experience and stability that will ensure the safe and secure community

Woodstock Family Life | MAY 2016

we desire for our families and businesses in the years ahead.

Garrison first took office. While serving Cherokee for over 11 years, Frank patrolled every corner of the County, including Towne Lake, BridgeMill and Bradshaw Farms. Frank has served Cherokeeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s citizens in many capacities, including Watch Commander, senior SWAT Team member, traffic unit and specialized instructor.

Frank Reynolds began his law enforcement career in Cherokee County in 1994, when Sheriff Roger

In 2005, Frank Reynolds left the Cherokee County Sheriffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office to gain international experience in

Cherokee County faces growing concerns in the future. Frank’s vision is laid out in a strategic plan:

1. Employee retention though competitive salaries — Cherokee County should not lose highly-trained and experienced deputies to smaller metropolitan law enforcement agencies. Frank wants to retain these valuable team members and attract highlyqualified applicants. 2. Community outreach programs offered to citizens of Cherokee County — Frank will institute the first Cherokee County Sheriff’s Citizens Academy, which will allow citizens to experience what it is like to be a deputy sheriff here. He will also implement the first voluntary auxiliary unit to support employees and citizens, and he’ll offer a free basic gun safety and firearms course to citizens. 3. Identify the necessary expansion of the current adult detention center — The existing jail, built in 2004, is at maximum capacity with over 650 inmates. With the projected growth of the County and rapid development of transportation systems leading to Cherokee, there is a need to be proactive against pending future crime. 4. Address the growing addiction crisis in the community — Currently, heroin is a major concern, and one death is too many. “We must treat the addiction and the person; we cannot arrest ourselves out of this problem,” Frank declares. “We must continue our efforts with accountability courts and addiction recovery programs and not compartmentalize the process.” Frank is tough on crime and drug dealers, yet sees the need to understand the addiction and the root cause. He has seen firsthand, in Cherokee County, the effects of preventable and tragic loss.

Iraq, working with the Department of State as an independent contractor. For over three years, Frank was a valuable member of the diplomatic security force and was charged with protecting U.S. diplomats and highranking military leaders. Upon returning home in 2009, Frank was appointed as a senior commander at the Pickens Sheriff’s Office under Sheriff Donnie Craig. Over the next several years, he was in command of all uniform patrol, criminal investigations, school resource officers and training. Currently, he is assigned to the multi-jurisdictional Drug Task Force, overseeing three northern counties. Frank has been responsible for overseeing and managing large budgets, equipment and all personnel within his assigned areas of command. Prior to receiving his Masters of Public Administration from Columbus State University, Frank graduated from Reinhardt University. Additionally, he is a graduate of the Georgia Law Enforcement Command College, the Georgia Chiefs of Police Executive Course and the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. He also has over 4,400 hours of advanced training through the Peace Officers Standards and Training Council. Frank is married to Dr. Jennifer Reynolds, a special education teacher in Cherokee County. They have three children: Frank II, Emelia and Sophia.

Irbil, Iraq 2005. Diplomatic security detail at a Kurdish compound in Northern Iraq.

Frank Reynolds plans to stand on the shoulders of the fine men and women who have built the Cherokee Sheriff’s Office over the last 24 years. “My vision is to continue to move forward as a premier law enforcement agency, providing the citizens of Cherokee County with the highest quality of law enforcement services,” Frank says. “I want to strengthen and enhance community relationships with our citizens and build lasting partnerships with our business owners.” “I have a vested interest in our County,” Frank continues; “I grew up here; I worked here; my children go to school here, and I want to ensure that our future is safe and stable.” Frank urges everyone to get out and vote on May 24th, whoever your candidate is. “The way we make Cherokee County the best possible place to live and raise our families,” he says, “is to be involved! Make your voice heard. Vote your conscience. Vote for the person you feel will be the best choice for Cherokee County. I humbly submit: I believe I am that person, and I’m asking for your vote.”

elect Frank A. Reynolds P.O. BOX 5691, Canton, GA 30114 770-877-1145 • FrankReynoldsForSheriff.com FrankReynoldsForSheriff @FrankReynoldsSO WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

Savings Add Up With Microsoft Office 365 will enable businesses of any size to gain a competitive edge with the latest applications, storage and more. A subscription-based service, Office 365 harnesses cloud-based technology for its personal and business users, allowing them to choose the subscription plan they need for the number and types of devices, as well as by price point. Businesses can easily change or upgrade their plan as needed. Save Time Accessibility to data and ease of communication has an enormous impact on a company’s bottom line. With easy integration across multiple devices, a mobile phone or tablet allows users to set up an office wherever they have an internet connection. Businesses can easily add new users – and their

Woodstock Family Life | MAY 2016

By Arlene Dickerson

devices – for a small monthly fee per user. Save Money Using the Office 365 Business Essentials or Business Premium service allows for unlimited online meetings, video conferencing and file sharing, as well as instant messaging, email and more. Bundling services within the subscription rate reduces the cost of outdated fee-foruse services and provides an opportunity to more easily budget communications and meeting expenses. Eliminate Hassles Office 365 means no more worrying about when or whether to update applications. The basic subscription includes access to the latest online Office application versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote, and

subscribers can use desktop apps, as well as mobile apps for their Android and iOS devices. Office 365 also includes OneDrive for secure storage of data in the cloud, currently at 1TB per user, and additional space for sharing across a business. It was only a matter of time before Microsoft harnessed cloud technology in a way that makes the most sense for its full spectrum of users across all types of devices. With the capability of updating any device from anywhere there’s an internet connection, Microsoft Office 365 provides the simplicity, accessibility and services that mean greater productivity for any size business.

Arlene Dickerson is the co-owner/ director of Technical Resource Solutions. 678-928-9491, TechnicalRS.com

Quotables

is still love

escape

“You will never be able to from your heart, so it is better to listen to what it has to say.”

“Lost love . It takes a different form, that’s all. You can’t see their smile, or bring them food, or tousle their hair or move them around a dance floor. But when those senses weaken, another heightens…memory. Memory becomes your partner. You nurture it. You hold it. You dance with it. Life has to end; love doesn’t.” -Mitch Albom

eye candy;

“Don’t be be soul food.” –unknown

reward

“The for conformity was that everyone liked you except yourself.” –Rita Mae Brown

-Paulo Coelho

Between what is said

and not meant and what is meant and not said, most of love is lost.” –Khalil Gibran

two days

“There are only of the year that nothing can be done. One is called yesterday and the other is called tomorrow, so today is the right day to love, believe, do and mostly live.” –Dalai Lama

monsters in ourselves

“Until we have met the , we keep trying to slay them in the outer world, and we find that we cannot. For all darkness in the world stems from darkness in the heart, and it is there that we must do our work.”

“When a

flower

doesn’t bloom, you fix the

environment in which it grows, not the flower.” –Alexander Den Heijer

forgive

“You can someone without letting them back into your life. Forgiveness does not equal reentry. Sometimes it’s hard to mend things that are broken, but holding onto shattered glass will do nothing but hurt you in the long run.” –unknown

-Marianne Williamson

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

By Cameron Johnson, M.D.

In recent years, there has been much publicity about laser–assisted cataract surgery. This surgery uses a laser to perform portions of the procedure. These include making small incisions, creating a round opening, called a capsulorhexis, on the front of the cataract and breaking the lens into pieces, which can be sucked out. These portions of the surgery are usually performed manually with surgical instruments. Using a laser allows these steps to be performed more precisely and to the same specifications every time. It has been predicted that by making the capsulorhexis with a laser, it may improve a patient’s chance of not needing distance glasses after surgery, since the lens will sit in a more predictable location in the eye. Also, when the laser is used to “soften” the lens up prior to removal, it takes less energy to remove the lens, and this may result in less swelling of the eye and faster visual recovery. At this time, clinical trials have not yet proven laser cataract surgery to be superior to manual cataract surgery. One study did show less swelling and

Woodstock Family Life | MAY 2016

improved vision at 1 day and 1 week after surgery, but there was no difference in outcomes at 6 months. Most studies looking at the need for glasses after surgery have shown no difference in the percentage of patients dependent on glasses, although one showed a small improvement with laser surgery. Complication rates have been shown to be very low with both manual and laser cataract surgery, although there have been slightly higher rates reported with laser surgery. It’s a testament to the great outcomes that are currently achieved with standard cataract surgery that so far, it has been difficult to prove that lasers are superior. More studies are needed to find the definitive answer to this question.

How Long Do Results Last? Does cataract surgery last forever? Once removed, cataracts do not grow back. In order to understand why, it’s important to know that a cataract is the natural human lens that has

gotten cloudy. When cataract surgery is performed, this cloudy lens is removed, leaving behind the “bag” in which the lens was sitting. A new, clear, artificial lens is then placed in this bag. Once the natural lens is removed, it doesn’t come back. The artificial lens is designed to last for the rest of your life. There are some patients who note their vision gradually becoming cloudy, starting some months after cataract surgery. This can happen in about 20% of patients due to microscopic lens cells that remain in the “bag” after cataract surgery. Sometimes, these cells multiply, forming a sheet of scar tissue behind the artificial lens. If this occurs, a low risk procedure can be performed with a laser to create a window in the scar tissue, returning the vision to the clarity that was present right after cataract surgery.

Dr. Cameron Johnson is a boardcertified ophthalmologist with Milan Eye Center, located in Canton. 470326-0320. MilanEyeCenter.com

Tasteof

Preparation

BY CHEF HILLARY GALLAGHER

Ingredients

(Serves 4)

4 boneless chicken breasts 3 small zucchini, cut into half moons 8-10 potatoes, boiled in salted water until tender 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced 6-8 tarragon leaves, chopped ½ cup chicken broth Juice of ½ of a lemon 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1 tablespoon unsalted butter Salt and pepper to taste

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. 2. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat in a large sauté pan until hot. Generously season the chicken breasts with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, and place skin side down in the pan. Sauté until golden brown and the fat in the skin melts; turn down the heat if necessary. Continue cooking the chicken for 5-7 minutes; turn the breasts to cook on the other side, and place the pan in the oven and cook until done, approximately

7-10 minutes. When the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a baking dish; cover it loosely with tin foil, and keep it warm. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil to the same pan. Turn on low to add the garlic, and cook for 1 minute. Turn the heat up to medium, and add the zucchini; cook for 2-3 minutes. Add the potatoes, and season well with salt and black pepper. Turn up the heat, and add the chicken stock, lemon juice and butter. Cook until the sauce has reduced, and the zucchini is tender but still firm to the tooth. Add the chopped tarragon leaves. Serve each chicken breast with the potatoes and vegetables.

Hillary Gallagher, CCC is the Culinary Arts Program Director and Lead Instructor at Chattahoochee Technical College in East Cobb. Hillary.Gallagher@ChattahoocheeTech.edu. 770-509-6350. ChattahoocheeTech.edu

Woodstock Family Life | MAY 2016

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

Teach Skills and Make Memories with Your Kids in the Kitchen Teaching kids how to cook is one of the most important life skills we can give them. They get excited about food, interested in trying new things and shine with pride when they accomplish cooking a meal. Many kids today are eager food television fans, so they’ve learned a lot of culinary information. Working hands-on in the kitchen allows them to dive deeper. When I was growing up, my parents exposed me to lots of different cuisines through travel in Europe. I’m fortunate for those experiences because it opened my mind and palate to a world of flavors. The more we can expose kids to different cuisines, the less likely they are to be picky eaters. Kids are curious by nature, so why not take advantage of that with food? My mom and I often baked together after school days, making cookies and brownies. I credit those memorable times in the kitchen with her to my life-long passion for baking and pastry making. By Shannon Marsh

Tips and Safety Rules: Use good, quality ingredients. When cooking from scratch, the goal is to eat more whole foods and less processed foods.

then they can try to wing it, and let their style lead the way. Think about what happens at a kid’s eye level. Check for proper table height, and have step stools/ chairs when needed.

With older kids, review the differences between wet and dry measuring. For younger children, you may need to measure out ingredients ahead of time. Know that cooking with kids can get messy. Encourage a “clean-asyou-go” mentality, and enlist their help to clean up.

Woodstock Family Life | MAY 2016

No sharp knives for small children. Keep them out of reach. Teach kids basic cooking techniques and how to follow recipes. After they develop a higher level of comfort in the kitchen,

For older kids, knife safety is key. Model for kids how to properly hold a knife. Curl fingertips under during cutting, and safely walk

Benefits of Getting Into the Kitchen with Your Kids: • It exposes your family to new

•

recipes, flavors and cuisines. Change up your routine by testing recipes with your kids, and discover new family favorites. You make healthier choices. It’s a common fact that when we cook at home, we are empowered to make more healthy eating decisions. We know exactly where our ingredients come from, and we can control the fat, sugar and salt content. You have the opportunity to be creative and build self-confidence. Allowing your kids to follow their inspiration in the kitchen builds imagination. Maybe not every dish is a winner, but trying new recipes is a great way to instill confidence and encourage flexible thinking. You learn to plan and stick to a food budget.

a knife with the tip down to the sink for cleaning. I often suggest to adults to sharpen their own skills by enrolling in a knife skills cooking class. Hand washing is crucial. Avoid touching hair, face, floor, etc. after hands are clean. Always clean items that were in contact with raw meat and eggs immediately after use.

• You enjoy quality time •

connecting with family in a way that fosters teamwork. Kids are more likely to eat what they make. Along the way, they enhance science, math, problem-solving, sharing, communication, reading and fine motor skills.

k o o C s ’ Let Toddlers: putting ingredients away, setting the table, washing produce, washing hands, wipe up countertops, mix ingredients for batters, cut cookies with cookie cutters or using a pastry brush to “paint” oil or melted butter onto bread.

Make sure all pot and skillet handles are turned inward during use on the stove, so they aren’t sticking out and get bumped. Make sure all ingredients are measured and equipment is at your fingertips. Praise them! Let kids know they did a great job!

Shannon Marsh is a Salud! Cooking School administrator and instructor at Whole Foods Market Avalon, 2800 Old Milton Pkwy., Alpharetta. 770-442-3354 x2. WFM.com/SaludAlpharetta.

What’s Age appropriate?

Ages 6-9: cracking eggs, using a peeler on fruits and vegetables, measuring out ingredients, loading the dishwasher, cutting herbs with scissors, mixing dough and batters together, beating eggs, juicing citrus, shaping burgers and pounding out chicken. Ages 10-12: reading and prepping recipes, pulling equipment out, measuring ingredients accurately, sautéing and simmering on the stove, boiling pasta, beginning knife skills, slicing or chopping vegetables (with supervision) or baking items in the oven. WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

Georgia’s Winged Workforce Needs a Hand By Joshua Fuder

Pollination is the transfer of pollen from the male parts of a flower to the female parts of the same or different flower. For most of the fruits and vegetables that we enjoy, this pollination is done by insects such as flies, moths, butterflies, wasps and bees. A 2014 economic impact study by the University of Georgia determined that the annual value of pollination to Georgia is over $360 million. This service is just as critical to our agriculture as rainfall and soil fertility. Pollinators, bees in particular, have suffered declining populations in recent years. The cause for this decline is multifaceted and includes the following: loss of habitat, simplification of agricultural and suburban landscapes, pests and diseases that affect domesticated pollinators and the use of pesticides. Pollinators are in need of

Woodstock Family Life | MAY 2016

help, and there are a number of things that the average homeowner can do to help improve the situation for these wonderful creatures.

Plant a pollinator garden. Choose plants that flower at different times of the year to provide a continuous supply of nectar and pollen, and plant in clumps instead of single plants. Provide a variety of colors and flower shapes, and use native plants as much as possible.

Provide nesting sites. Most native bees nest in the ground, in wood or in dry plant stems. If it is not a safety concern, consider leaving a dead tree or limb undisturbed. Small blocks of wood can be drilled with ¼ to ½-inch holes that are 3 inches deep to provide a nest habitat. Avoid or limit pesticide use. Pesticides can often lead to worse pest problems, as they kill predatory insects, as well. A landscape with a variety of plants that are well adapted to our area is one of the best ways to reduce the need for pesticides.

Joshua Fuder is Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent, UGA Cooperative Extension Cherokee County. Contact the UGA Extension office for any gardening assistance, 770-721-7830 or CAES.UGA. Edu/extension/cherokee

in the

*Marine Corps lingo Semper Fi Always Faithful scuttlebutt talk/rumor “Top” Master Sergeant in the Marine Corps bulkheads walls gung-ho enthusiastic/ committed mess hall eating place Ooh-rah! motivation/ excitement

limelight

If you listen to the scuttlebutt* about Semper Fi* Bar & Grille, located on Main Street, just south of Highway 92 in Woodstock, it’s easy to recognize the latest “best place to eat,” which also just happens to be where military personnel, veterans and the general public can dine, swap stories, and go home having made a few new friends.

a Marine Corps themed bar, where they immediately felt at home. The visit made them gung-ho* about creating a similar atmosphere in Woodstock. The comfortable cinderblock building houses a bar, dining area and events room, and the bulkheads* are covered with military memorabilia, photographs, uniforms and more, all donated by Semper Fi patrons.

Mess Hall*

The menu features comfort foods that make both military and civilian mouths water: delicious appetizers, an array of burgers, sandwiches and salads; and Semper Fi specialty entrees, including “Medevac Meatloaf,” Braised Beef, “Two Tours Brats” and “Platoon Tenders.” For dessert, the Pound Cake Bananas Foster can’t be beat.

Oorah!*

Since it opened last August, Semper Fi Bar & Grille has earned a gold star on the restaurant map in Woodstock, with a steady flow of regular customers and “new recruits,” six days a week.

Retired Marines Ralph (“Top*”) and Carrie Roeger wanted to open a restaurant that uniquely reflected their commitment to both giving back Semper Fi Bar & Grille to their community and supporting 9770 Main Street military veterans and families. During a trip to Las Vegas in early 2015, Woodstock, GA friends recommended they check 770-672-0026 out Leatherneck’s Club Bar & Galley, SemperFiBarAndGrille.com – or “Like” them on Facebook.

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

Ingredients h 1 medium sized loaf ciabatta

or other bread h 2 pounds mussels h 1 Belgian beer h 3 cloves garlic, minced h 1 medium sweet onion, minced h 2 sprigs each of parsley, thyme and rosemary h 2 cups vegetable stock h ½ teaspoon each of salt and pepper h ½ stick of butter (2 oz.)

Woodstock Family Life | MAY 2016

Preparation h Preheat the oven to 350 degrees, and h h h h

toast your bread. Put all other ingredients into a pot, and cover it. Bring it to a boil for about 5 minutes or until all mussels open, discarding any that refuse to open. Transfer the mussels to a large serving bowl, and serve with sliced, toasted bread to soak up the broth. Serve with a Belgian beer, and enjoy. It is an awesome, easy appetizer that doesn’t take long to prepare. You may also substitute clams or shrimp for mussels, or do a mixture of all three.

Summer Safety Tips for Potential Dental Emergencies By Vishant Nath, D.M.D. The summer months bring with them lots of fun playtime, which can often lead to accidental injuries. It’s important to familiarize yourself with the best way to react to certain injuries, so you can respond appropriately. If your child has an injury that causes a tooth to become knocked out, contact your pediatric dentist immediately. If the tooth is a primary, or baby tooth, the emphasis will probably not be toward saving the tooth. However, it’s still important for your child to be seen by a dentist, so they can check for damage to any adjacent teeth. If your child loses a permanent, adult tooth, it’s much more critical that every effort is put into saving the tooth. Find the tooth, and rinse it gently in cool water. Do not scrub it with soap; use only water. If possible, replace the tooth in the socket, and

hold it there with clean gauze or a washcloth. If you can’t put the tooth back in the socket, place the tooth in a clean container with milk, saliva or water. The faster you act, the better your chances of saving the tooth. If your child chips or fractures a tooth, contact your pediatric dentist immediately. Quick action can save the tooth, prevent infection and reduce the need for extensive dental treatment. Rinse the mouth with water, and apply cold compresses to reduce swelling. If you can find the broken tooth fragment, bring it with you to the dentist. All of these scenarios have something in common. All require the immediate attention of a dentist. Time is truly of the essence. Having a pediatric dentist who is familiar with you and your child can greatly assist you in nursing your child back to great dental health!

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

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

Community Partners

aybe your grandfather once told you about the time he was an Army Ranger in WWII, and when he was captured, the enemy paraded him through town like a human trophy so the villagers could spit on him as he walked by them. Or maybe your dad was a grunt Marine and told you about the time he belly crawled across a bullet littered battlefield in Vietnam to the temporary safety of a foxhole, describing the fear he felt and the unimaginable things he heard and saw. Now, realize that these stories will one day pass on with our veterans if not recorded and preserved somehow. The Witness to War Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) and was founded in 2001 by Atlantabased entrepreneur, Tom Beaty. The Foundation is dedicated to capturing the stories of individual combat veterans. It is about the ‘foxhole’ or ‘windshield’ view of combat as seen by the soldiers, sailors and airmen who experienced it. It is about the fear, the emotions, the training and the previously untapped wells of personal courage that enabled ordinary individuals to survive, and in some cases thrive, under extraordinary pressures and almost unimaginable danger. The Witness to War Foundation is dedicated to understanding, as much as possible, what it was like to ‘be there.’

Honoring Veterans, Preserving History and Educating the Public Their mission is 3 part:

PRESERVE

HONOR

EDUCATE

They desire to capture the combat stories of veterans from all wars. They film interviews in broadcast quality, HD digital video before these extraordinary stories are lost forever.

Witness to War staff members then professionally edit these 1+ hour long interviews into 2-5 minute war stories to make them more consumable by today’s media savvy generation.

They then use these recorded war stories to teach current and future generations about the price of freedom and the extraordinary valor of our veterans.

Witness to War has interviewed nearly 1,800 combat veterans of WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan) and other conflicts, as well as soldiers and civilians from other countries affected by war. The website contains over 3,000 clips from the interviews that they have conducted and hundreds of photos and written materials submitted by veterans and their friends and families. All Witness to War Foundation interviews are conducted free of charge, and each participant receives free DVD copies of their interview. They also submit copies of their interviews to the Library of Congress Veterans History Project, and are a

partner of the Department of Defense Vietnam Commemoration Program (VietnamWar50th.com). If you or someone you know is a combat veteran who would like to share your story and experiences with Witness to War, please visit WitnessToWar.org/share_ your_story. If you’re interested in being a corporate sponsor, making a personal donation or volunteering your time to support this worthy cause, please visit WitnessToWar.org/support_our_cause.

Witness to War Foundation 5555 Triangle Parkway, Ste. 300 Norcross, GA 30092 770-481-3018 WitnessToWar.org

“A nation reveals itself not only by the men it produces, but also by the men it honors, the men it remembers.” — John F. Kennedy

Woodstock Family Life | MAY 2016

MAY IS

Older American’s Month By Tim Morris LIFESTYLE I think most people didn’t know that May is Older American’s Month. We normally take the month of May to celebrate the life of our precious commodity — our older adults. When I worked in Gwinnett, we’d have a picnic and bring all our members together for food and fun. Later that month, we’d hold a health fair. I feel people don’t respect seniors like they used to, or maybe they just don’t have the patience anymore. About a month ago, I was at the funeral home for one of our older golf members. I went to show my respect for him and to tell stories about what a great person he was to everyone who knew him. It made me think about our future generations, and when it’s my time, would they come to show respect for me? I’d like to think so. The Older Americans Act started in the late 60’s to help enrich the life of seniors who needed it most. It’s a program designed to assist the elderly with meals, transportation, socialization, homemaker services, caregiver support and several other things. The purpose was to help the elderly maintain their independence for as long as possible. I get asked to speak to legislators at our capital and, sometimes, to write letters to Washington to help fight any cuts to our program. You see, a lot of our funds are from federal, state and county levels. Legislators like to hear cost comparison. The last figures I got allowed a nursing home to get reimbursed $147 a day for one Medicaid patient. I love to tell legislators that our programs can provide similar care for people wishing to remain in their home for $140 a month per person. That gets their attention! This month, tell a senior in your life how much you love and appreciate them. I constantly practice this at the Senior Center because I lost both of my parents at a young age, and I think of them every day. L

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

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

The Story of WWII Veteran,

By Julie Senger

At only 15 years old, George Norman Sosebee was playing football in Canton’s Brown Park when he first heard about the bombing of Pearl Harbor. At the time, he was too young to even know what Pearl Harbor was or that we even had a problem with the Japanese. That didn’t stop him from wanting to enlist to fight for his country. Since his parents wouldn’t sign for him to enlist early, Norman enlisted as soon as he turned 18. He entered into the Army by default, because it was the only branch that hadn’t filled their “enlistment quota” for that day. After a short, 12 44

Woodstock Family Life | MAY 2016

weeks of training at Camp Wheeler in Macon, GA, Norman was sent as a replacement infantryman to Holland. He had never been out of the country before. Upon arrival, he was handed a bazooka and told that he was the new “bazooka man,” because having shot the weapon for a mere 1-2 rounds in training, he was incredulously the most qualified for the job. After carrying the bazooka for 2 weeks, Norman said he and a few of his fellow soldiers in his company were given their first “orders.” Their commander

pointed at them and said, “You, you, you and you — go with Marcus, and do what Marcus does; you’re now going on patrol.” This was the only “instruction” they were given. Having been in war

Germany in an effort to take the German town that lay on the other side, and friendly fire exploded near him and was only a foot away from taking off his leg.

for only a week or two longer than Norman, Marcus was considered an “old-timer.” While following Marcus along the river, not even knowing what they were looking for, it began to get “dusky-dark” when Norman suddenly heard this “terrible noise,” and he didn’t know what it was. “As I looked around, there were suddenly all of these terrific explosions. That was my first experience of hearing incoming artillery. Fortunately, there was a lot of soft mud and dirt, so the shells burned down into the mud before they exploded, so no one was injured, but we looked around and Marcus was on the ground, yelling, ‘Get down! Get down!’” Norman explained. After seeing that he would be given little direction by men who weren’t much more qualified than himself, Norman, nervous and scared, realized he’d have to learn quickly from personal experiences in order to survive.

The third close-call is the one that would forever change George Norman Sosebee; it would dictate nearly every decision he made for the rest of his life. It would instill in Norman an important sense of purpose that, at 90 years old, he still pursues to this day. “We were trapped (by the Germans) in the Norman Elm Canal, which had been drained. Our squad’s job was to capture a bridge, but when we got there, (the Germans) had already blown it. The front end of the bridge was dropped down into the canal. So we went down into the bridge to see if we could get on the other side somehow. The Germans were on the opposite side, and they had us trapped there for over an hour when our radio went out. So my fellow soldier, Carlton Simon, had to risk his life going back and forth to get us some help. Every time anyone tried to run up and down the bridge, they (the Germans) had us in crossfire [sic]. Carlton went twice up and down that bridge to get help. On his second trip is when he got shot…I couldn’t see it, but I heard him holler out [sic]. I still hear that sound today. After that, the only thing that saved the four of us who got out alive was that it got pitch dark; the fog started to move in, and it started raining. To escape, we had to run up the bridge one at a time, with 6-8 Germans firing at us from their foxholes at less than 100 feet away and then belly crawl about 400 meters to safety. But nobody should’ve gotten out…nobody,” Norman’s words trailed off, as his eyes began to water.

There would be 3 other close-calls that Norman would survive. He once lay unconscious on a battlefield for 2 hours following the explosion of a 90 mm mortar, which hit so close behind him that it knocked him out. The second close-call occurred just after the Battle of the Bulge ended, when Norman and some of his fellow soldiers were making their way through the Die Hard Forest in

It took 2 days for news to reach Norman’s troop in Nephten, Germany that the war was officially over. It would be more than a year after that when he finally came back to the U.S. and went home to his parent’s house. His dog, Jack, was on the front porch when he pulled into the driveway and immediately began barking with recognition and excitement. His mother was awake, even though it was

Replica of bazooka carried by George Norman Sosebee.

2 am, waiting to hug and kiss him, and as many mothers would do, she asked him if he needed anything to eat. But his father, who had picked Norman up from the airport, had picked up an entirely different young man than the one he’d seen off to war only a year and a half earlier. “You see, I had been rebellious against parental control,” Norman said, “I bucked my dad on everything at home. After he picked me up, I thanked my dad many times for being so persistent and disciplined with me. When you have someone who gets killed saving your life, it’s hard to take. It makes you want to do something with your life to help others. It made me grow up.” Norman had 93 days of actual combat in WWII. He said, “The fear, the anxiety, the emotion is always with you. Some people ask, ‘how can you remember all of that stuff?’ and I say…how can you forget it? And really, I don’t want to forget it.” Norman returned to Germany in 1982. It was important to him that he revisit the place where he “should never have lived.” The collapsed bridge had been rebuilt. “It was very emotional,” Norman said, “I sat on that bridge and cried for 2 hours. Every emotion I had at that time, every experience that transpired that day, I relived it.”

Uniform worn by George Norman Sosebee. WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

DON’T PUT OFF

Needed HVAC Repairs For most of us who are enduring the hot and humid summer months, the largest consumer of energy in our homes is the HVAC system. While the increased consumption is inevitable, it can be reduced. Having your HVAC system properly maintained seasonally will ensure that it is operating at peak efficiency. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a well-maintained HVAC system can expend up to 20% less energy than neglected systems. Having maintenance performed on your home’s HVAC system isn’t only about energy savings, it’ll also preserve the life expectancy of the equipment and aid in preventing unexpected, more costly repairs. During an HVAC maintenance inspection, a professional technician will view the condition of both indoor and outdoor coils. Dirty coils contribute to your system working longer and harder to cool your home, which increases energy consumption. The technician will change the filter and inspect mechanical parts that are designed to wear out, thus aiding in decreasing the potential for more severe, costly repair fees in the future. He may also provide recommended repairs depending upon the age and operating condition of the system. It’s important not to put off recommended repairs. Doing so may lead to larger, more costly repairs. Your home’s HVAC system is a mechanical system, and parts are designed to wear out after a period of time under normal operating conditions. Delaying recommended repairs can cause the system to run in a stressed condition, possibly causing the failure of larger, more expensive components. Call an HVAC professional if you notice large variations in the normal operation 46

Woodstock Family Life | MAY 2016

By Robbie Matiak

of your home’s HVAC system, such as: • Increased energy consumption from one season to another, when your cooling habits have not drastically changed. • Noticeable drop-offs in performance levels, such as warm air coming from your HVAC

HVAC system is running optimally. If your home experiences a high dust and dander volume, the filter may need to be changed more often than normal to allow for maximum air flow through the system. Landscaping vegetation should be pruned back to ensure that there is at least a two foot clearance around the

system, or the system doesn’t seem to be reaching the thermostat setpoint. • Strange sounds or smells coming from your HVAC system.

outside unit to allow for proper air flow.

The sooner a professionally trained HVAC technician can diagnose and resolve any problems, the less likely those repairs are to be very complex or disruptive to your comfort. In addition to having your home’s HVAC system professionally maintained, there are several proactive steps you can take to ensure your

Just as a car benefits from consistent tune-ups, your home’s HVAC system works better, lasts longer and needs fewer repairs when it’s professionally maintained by a qualified HVAC service provider.

Robbie Matiak is a project coordinator at R & D Mechanical Services, Inc. 770-917-1795. RandDMechanical.net

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

ArtistProfile

By Julie Senger

nnalysa Kimball has had an interest in creating art ever since she could grip a crayon. Starting young, she worked as an art teacher, entered shows and contests and took many classes. Eventually deciding that art school was the way to go, she received her BFA from the University of New Mexico and continued on for a MA in Art Therapy from Florida State University. Annalysa was working as an art therapist in residence at an elementary school when a job as a theatre arts teacher fell into her lap. She loved crossing her skills over into theater design and writing scripts. She states, “Suddenly, my personal work began to take on a deeper perspective, which involved more storytelling, documentary elements and even a 3-D perspective.” So what has kept Annalysa engaged with her art and wanting to dive deeper into the subject matter she chooses to portray in her work? “I love creating a narrative, capturing a moment in time that anyone can look at and relate to in some way. Either they have a similar memory, or maybe they wish that they did. I like to add a bit of humor, too, so that it makes the viewer look twice and want to talk about it,” she says. What is Annalysa’s process? “While looking at one of my paintings, a dear friend once asked

Woodstock Family Life | MAY 2016

me, ‘how do you see purple in that rock?’ I tend to paint with ‘windows’ open to the under layers so that you can see my process. I hate to waste materials, especially paint, so I use any excess from my palate and lay color on the next canvas so that it isn’t white when I’m ready to use it. I just slap it on there with no plan. When I’m ready with an image, I start closing in a sketch with blocks of color. These colors are usually not the correct color, not yet. I may choose a complimentary color or something neon…who knows? At this point I’m just looking for a sketch. Once I have an idea of where the image is going, then I start using appropriate color choices. Still leaving ‘windows’ behind creating… a purple rock,” Annalysa says, smilingly. Annalysa was recently contracted to design and produce Downtown Woodstock’s new mural, but the mural will also have a strong public participation component. “The process for this mural is wonderfully inspiring. The design must be a community collaboration. We’ve had a few community gatherings downtown to engage passersby in the process, asking questions like ‘What makes Woodstock unique?’ and ‘What do you love about our city?’ We’ve received great feedback and honest answers. I take the answers, ideas and memories that have been shared and pay attention to any recurring themes, ideas or emotions. This is what will drive the overall design of the mural,” she says, excitedly. Please visit Facebook. com/DowntownWoodstockMural/ to make suggestions for the mural, or visit DowntownWoodstock.org/mural for updates about the project.

Mother’s Day

Celebrate Your Mom! By Drs. Musarra, Leake, Petrosky & Harkins

Mother's Day is a time to appreciate mothers and mother figures. Many people give gifts, cards, flowers, candy, a meal in a restaurant or other treats to their mother and other mother figures in their life, including grandmothers, great grandmothers, stepmothers and foster mothers. Self-esteem is an essential component to mental health. How many times

do you analyze yourself in the mirror, contemplating each aspect of your appearance, your face and the contours of your body? How a person feels about their physical appearance can affect their overall approach to life. Plastic surgery offers a solution to improve a person’s appearance, which helps reestablish selfesteem and confidence. Plastic surgery helps a person maintain a youthful appearance, allowing them to look in the mirror and approve of the person looking back. Mothers play such an important role in our lives and give to others without giving back to themselves. Mother’s Day is a great time to give back to your mom.

This year, why not do something a little different than usual? What a great time to treat her to Botox© or an injectable filler, such as Radiesse, Restylane or Juvederm. Have you considered a gift certificate for a treatment of her choice? With any procedure you are considering, make sure your consultation is with a specialty trained, board certified plastic surgeon.

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

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

When purchasing hair care to protect against the season’s harsh elements, consider looking for products that contain the following: •

•

The Mane Defense

•

By Jyl Craven

LIFESTYLE Spring is in full swing, which means you’ll soon begin spending much more time outside soaking up the Vitamin D! What you may not be aware of is that extended sun exposure can cause considerable damage to your hair. Although outdoor activities mean a bronzed body, too much sun can also bring about dry, sensitized, lifeless hair. Here are a few tips that will ensure your hair remains healthy all season long.

Why not provide your locks with the right protection? Just as your skin needs moisture and SPF, your hair needs specialized products to maintain its vitality and beauty. There are amazing hair care 50

Woodstock Family Life | MAY 2016

lines designed specifically for sun exposure that are available at your local salon. From moisturizing leavein treatments to UV defense masks, you’re sure to be provided the best resistance against this season’s harsh sun. Other damaging elements during this fun-filled time of year include chlorine and salt water contact. As the neighborhood pools begin to warm and family vacations commence, protecting our mane often gets ignored. Just ask our blonde friends, as they know all too well how repeated trips to the swimming pool can affect your color. Luckily, by implementing solar care into your hair routine, you can prevent that extra trip to the salon.

Ceramides and Pro-Vitamin B5 are great for reinforcing the cuticle and improving water retention to make the hair fiber more supple. Glycerin is excellent for improving the hydrating properties that ensure smooth touch. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps absorb oxidative molecules generated by the environment to help minimize damage. Photo-Defense Filters absorb UVA/ UVB rays during sun exposure, and prevent deterioration of the hair fiber.

Also, do not underestimate the power of a keratin smoothing treatment! These restorative systems work from the inside out to considerably reduce frizz and ease daily styling. Another added benefit of a smoothing treatment is that your blow dry time will be significantly reduced. So whether you find relaxation at the pool or the shores of Lake Allatoona, don’t forget to protect those beautiful locks. By keeping your hair flawless this year, you’re sure to stand out at those neighborhood barbeques and become poised to have your most beautiful summer yet. L

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

Prepare for Summer Heat Economically By Nick Roper As we prepare for the summer heat, we all worry about our homeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s air conditioning unit(s). Replacement or repair of an air conditioning unit is something that every homeowner dreads. However, have you thought about installing additional ceiling fans in your home? According to an article published by the New York Times, a central a/c unit costs about 36 cents per hour during operation; a window a/c unit costs about 14 cents per hour to run, whereas a ceiling fan only costs you around 1 cent per hour that it is being used. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m definitely not advocating that you not use your a/c unit, because letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s face it, they are a necessity during southern summer months. However, the use of ceiling fans will allow you to be able to raise your thermostat a few

degrees in some situations while maintaining the same comfort level, which will result in energy cost savings and a longer shelf life for your air conditioning unit. Ceiling fans are not going to last forever either, Nick Roper is manager of business development for H&H Electric and Security LLC. 770-735-1136. MyAtlantaElectrician.net but the cost to replace a ceiling fan as opposed at a relatively low cost. A ceiling fan on to replacing an a/c unit is not even a covered porch can turn a space that is comparable. Ceiling fans can be added unbearably hot during the summer into to almost every room in your home and a usable space all year long. even to outside covered porches or patios

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

By Kyle Bennett

D The Tyler Williams Band Sweet Auburn String Band

owntown Woodstock and live music has always been a wonderful combo. This summer will see a new and exciting endeavor burst onto the music scene in Downtown Woodstock! Main Street Woodstock, Inc. is proudly presenting a series of bluegrass concerts that will feature some of the best bluegrass acts in the region. The concerts are free to attend. All concerts are on the 2nd Thursday of the month, May-August, 7:00-9:00 pm and will take place on the Resurgens Orthopaedics Community Stage at the Elm Street Arts Event Green by Market Street. This beautiful setting, next to the Noonday Creek Trail, is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy some great live music. It is important to note that this concert series will not feature food vendors. Instead, this is a perfect chance to have an early dinner at one of the amazing restaurants in Downtown Woodstock before you head to the concert, or maybe youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d rather grab a to-go order to bring to the concert, and enjoy a lovely picnic as you listen to some beautiful bluegrass music. The exciting lineup for this series of bluegrass concerts is:

Wilson Banjo Co.

May 12th

The Tyler Williams Band

June 9th

Sweet Auburn String Band

July 14th

Wilson Banjo Co.

August 11th

Jody Hughes Trio

For more information on each of the bands featured in the concert series, check out the event calendar at VisitWoodstockGa.com. If you have additional questions about the bluegrass concerts, please contact the Main Street Office at 770-592-6056.

Jody Hughes Trio Kyle Bennett is director of tourism and operations for the Woodstock Visitors Center. 770-924-0406. KBennett@WoodstockGa.gov

Woodstock Family Life | MAY 2016

Forgiving

Chris ians

It’s not something we realize, but physicians and nurses can get sick just like everyone else. In fact, they work harder to not get sick because they are constantly around illness. Their calling is to treat sickness, to heal disease, to mend wounds. This calling does not make them immune; it actually puts them in greater jeopardy. As an analogy, how does this relate to the Christian calling to minister to the spiritually sick, those infected with self-pity, vengeance, malice or resentment? What does it mean for the role forgiveness plays in all of our relationships, especially within the church? Churches and hospitals need to get a lot of things right, but forgiveness,

By Pastor Chris Bryant like treating infection in a hospital, is something the church better always get right. This is because we need it so much and so often. As the body of Christ, we are not immune to the troubles, hurts, wounds and issues of the world. As a matter of fact, we’re even more susceptible because of our calling to be healers in Christ’s name. Thus, despite the flawed-yet-popular opinion that the church is not special because we aren’t or can’t become sick with bitterness, resentment or selfpity, we’re special because we have the treatment: forgiveness. Christians believe in all kinds of wonderful things: love, mercy, justice, kindness, goodness, good works,

miracles, truth and compassion, and we believe in the forgiveness of sins. It’s one of the few things the ancients ranked among the irreducible hallmarks of the Christian faith as stated in the Apostles’ Creed. It’s of paramount importance! Perhaps because Jesus put it in his model prayer, “forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us...” Perhaps because asking for and offering forgiveness saturates the pages of the New Testament. So, if you’re a Christian, are you the forgiving kind? If church is a hospital and forgiveness is the treatment, are you actively working to heal the sick? How careful are you being to not be sick yourself with un-forgiveness?

Chris Bryant is lead pastor at City On A Hill United Methodist Church. 678445-3480. COAHUMC.org

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

Ribbon Cuttings

The Joint of Woodstock

Canton Arts Academy

1428 Towne Lake Parkway, Suite 28102 Woodstock 678-595-8057 Chiropractors

6768 Hickory Flat Highway, Suite 112 Canton 770-345-7529 Art & Music School

The Wright Stuff

Autism Center for Children

8646 Main Street Woodstock 410-294-8226 Collectibles

375 Parkway 575, Suite 120 Woodstock 470-228-2040 Child Psychologist

Woodstock Family Life | MAY 2016

In November, Georgia voters will have a big decision to make at the ballot box, and I don’t mean selecting the next President of the United States....“Shall the Constitution of Georgia be amended to allow the State to intervene in chronically failing public schools in order to improve student performance?” The language is very flowery and compelling, so make sure you understand it before casting your vote. The “Opportunity School District,” also known as SB133, will allow for the governor to appoint a statewide superintendent to take over as many as 20 schools per year around the whole state of Georgia. That superintendent will not report to the tax payers, but directly to the governor. Yet, while not reporting to you, that same administrator will be allowed to control school property and all of the school’s assets.They can spend federal, state and local education monies. They can select, replace or remove

principals and teachers, waive board of education policies and procedures and can govern a failing school by “any model allowable by law.”

p U y d 3 u 3 t 1 S SB on

We certainly want to help failing schools. However, we already have laws in place that allow us to do this. This amendment will take away local control from our schools. Many people think it won’t affect Cherokee County because we have such an amazing school district. Unfortunately, we have a handful of scores that are marginal, and a rash of sickness or absences, or even poor performance on standardized testing day, could cause them to slip into take-over numbers. I have complete faith and confidence in our Cherokee County School Board. They are well-equipped to make the best educational decisions for Cherokee. This issue is important

rie

-Ma

a Lis

od ygo a H

and will touch every student in Georgia. I urge you to study this proposal for yourself. Visit GeorgiaPTA.org for educational videos and more information.

Lisa-Marie Haygood is the President of Georgia PTA. 404-659-0214. LMHaygood@GeorgiaPTA.org

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

Advertiser Index Aaron Barlow for Senate 33 Anderson Dental Inside Front Atlanta Hand Specialist 13 C&T Auto Service 16 Canton Festival of the Arts 9 Chattahoochee Technical College 17 Cherokee Chorale 39 Cobb EMC Inside Front Committee to Elect Frank Reynolds Cover, 28 & 29 Dance Imagination 47 Dawn Sams, Realtor 25 Downtown Kitchen 24, 40 Dr. Fixit Ph.D. 23 Elm Street Cultural Arts Village 35 Fire Stone Wood Fired Pizza & Grill 5 GA All-Stars Gymnastics 43 H&H Electric & Security, LLC 51 Huntington Learning Center 25 In Harmony Pediatric Therapy 38 The Joint 5 Jeff Donley for Sheriff 16 Jyl Craven Hair Design 21 Landscape Matters 47 LGE Community Credit Union 53 Masterpiece Framer 49 Milan Eye Center 3 North Georgia OB/GYN Specialists 5 Northside Hospital-Cherokee 1 The One Taekwondo Center 27 Park Pediatric Dentistry of Woodstock 23 Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics 30 and Dentistry at Canton PharMoore & Woodstock 19 Health Mart Pharmacy Plastic Surgery Center of the South 27 Pro Roofing and Siding 41 R & D Mechanical Services, Inc. Inside Back Re-Elect Judge Michelle Homier 43 Re-Elect Patty Baker for Cherokee 31 Rejoice Maids 35 Semper Fi Bar & Grille 39 Skin Cancer Specialists, P.C. 12 & Aesthetic Center Summit Financial Solutions 23 Technical Resource Solutions 26 TrailFest 10 Wellstar Family Medicine 56 WellStar Health System Back Cover Wing and Rock Fest 7 Woodstock Pediatric Medicine 55 56

Woodstock Family Life | MAY 2016

POSTAL CUSTOMER

PRSRT STD ECRWSS US Postage

PAID

Stone Mountain, GA

Permit #1037