Woodstock Family Life 5-17 by Family Life Magazines

Contents

May 2017

VOLUME 4 | ISSUE 10

32-33

[32-33]

On the Cover:

Cherokee Bail Bonds

42-44

Georgiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Swimming Holes & Rock Slides

56-57

Honoring the Fallen

[42-44]

[56-57] Follow Us >>>

Family Life Publications

Woodstock Family Life | MAY 2017

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Publisher’s Perspective

PUBLISHER/PHOTOGRAPHER Jack Tuszynski Jack@FamilyLifePublications.com EDITORIAL Julie Senger Julie@FamilyLifePublications.com ART Candice Williams Candice@FamilyLifePublications.com

If there was one thing my mother had that helped her the most in raising a pair of rambunctious country boys, it was grace. She needed it, of course, but not nearly as much as my brother and I did. We were not overly wild, as we had respect for our parents, others and God, but in the days of, “Go outside; stay there, and be home before dark,” we had our share of mischief. Most of the time, our father was calm and collected,

at least up until the moment when Mom would be pushed to her breaking point, and then she would enlist Dad to do her bidding. We knew when we were not being proper young men; we understood why and accepted the consequences. We also knew we were forgiven and would be graced with more opportunities to learn along life’s winding path. Because our parents taught us lessons with patience, understanding, an occasional attitude adjustment and always with a hearty helping of grace, we knew they loved us. It provided us with an opportunity to learn from our mistakes and grow stronger, better, wiser. Grace is one of the blessings we receive in life that isn’t earned through our works and actions; grace is a gift, an attribute of love. When we are concerned over what we have done or failed to do, where or how we fell, it is good to remember that there is always His grace to give our mistakes purpose, lift us up, brush us off and help us carry on with our lives.

Family Life Publishing Group, Inc. 150 North Street, Suite A Canton, GA 30114

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FamilyLifePublications.com Family Life publications have the largest monthly circulation of direct-mailed community magazines in our area. Woodstock Family Life is a monthly community magazine with a total print count of 26,000, direct mailing over 24,000 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.

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very now and then, being the younger, forever smaller sibling, I would end up in the shadow of my big brother’s angry side. Vic was six-feet tall in seventh grade. To this day, he still outweighs me by two large bags of dog food. On a couple of occasions, I wound up in need of medical attention, but most of the time, I was just a little bruised. In retrospect, I ended up being the one who used size to my advantage; it just sometimes took Mom a little longer to save me than I hoped, and then Dad would handle the rest. Often, being the little guy, one must be resourceful.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Steven Anderson, Atlanta Hand Specialist, Sen. Brandon Beach, Stacy Brown, Rick Cheney, Cobb EMC, Rajayne Cordery, Jyl Craven, Attri Dalta, Brittany Duncan, Kristi Estes, Joshua Fuder, Hillary Gallagher, Corey Harkins, Lisa-Marie Haygood, Jessica Helms, Johnny Hunt, James E. Leake, Jamie Mackrell, Pamela Marquess, Tim Morris, Tina Morris, Vishant Nath, Michael Petrosky, Frank Reynolds, Jill Rowlands, Farris Yawn, Ferdinand Yates

M AG A ZI

SALES Janet Ponichtera Janet@FamilyLifePublications.com

PLE

Grace — It’s Enough.

Laurie Litke Laurie@FamilyLifePublications.com

Jack Tuszynski, Publisher

Woodstock Family Life | MAY 2017

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Calendar ONGOING

Through July Poultry in Cherokee County This is a temporary exhibit at the History Museum. Wednesday-Friday 10:00am-5:00pm, Saturday 10:00am-3:00pm, Cherokee County History Museum, 100 North Street, Canton. 770-345-3288. RockBarn.org

2017

Woodstock Farm Fresh Market — Enjoy fresh baked goods, homemade health and beauty products and farm-fresh fruits and veggies. Produce vendors are now required to grow at least 85% of the product they sell. The Market will be open every Saturday through September. 8:30am-12:00pm, Market Street, downtown Woodstock. 770-924-0406. VisitWoodstockGa.com

MAY

4, 11 & 18

YPOW A.M. Coffee Join Young Professionals of Woodstock for coffee and networking. 7:00-8:30am, Copper Coin Coffee, 400 Chambers Street, Woodstock. 770-592-6056. MainStreetWoodstock.org

5 & 19

Parent’s Night Out Drop the kids off at the pool, so you can enjoy adult time! They will play in the pool, enjoy a pizza dinner, do crafts, play games and end the night with a movie! 5:30-10:00pm, Cherokee Aquatic Center, 1200 Gresham Mill Parkway, Holly Springs. 678-880-4760. CRPA.net

5-21

Annie Get Your Gun — This classic musical is loosely based on the real-life, child-prodigy sharp-shooter, Annie Oakley. Rated PG.

Woodstock Family Life | MAY 2017

Friday & Saturday 7:30pm, Sunday 2:00pm, City Center Auditorium, 8534 Main Street, Woodstock. 678-494-4251. ElmStreetArts.org

6&7

27th Annual Cherokee County Indian Festival & Mother’s Day Powwow See Native American dance competitors, musicians and primitive skills presentations. There will also be kids’ activities, Native American food and crafts. Saturday 10:00am-6:00pm, Sunday 11:00am-6:00pm, Boling Park, 1098 Marietta Highway, Canton. 770-735-6275. RThunder.com

Trailfest 2017 Run a 5k, and then stay after to listen to some great live music, and enjoy delicious food and beverages! This event benefits the Greenprints Alliance. Featured artists include Aquashade, Paige Hargrove, the Bitteroots, the Georgia Flood, Josh Roberts and the Hinges. The Dexateens will be headlining. 12:00-9:9:00pm, Resurgens Orthopaedics Community Stage at Elm Street Arts Village, downtown Woodstock (off Market Street). VisitWoodstockGa.com

Galloping Against Violence — This is a fundraiser for victims of domestic violence victims, survivors and their dependent children in Cherokee County. $35 tickets include music, gourmet food and beer and wine. There will also be a silent auction. 1:00-4:00pm, Chukkar Farm Polo Club, 1140 Liberty Grove Road, Alpharetta. 770-479-1804. CFVC.org

Johnny Hunt Golf Classic — Money raised from this event helps students attend Student Leadership University. 8:00am, Woodmont Golf Club, 3105 Gaddis Road, Canton. 404-502-7129. FBCW.org/golf

Women’s Exchange - The Power of Forgiveness — Two women with incredible courage will be delving into the power of forgiveness. They will be sharing their stories of tremendous heartache and pain, as well as their subsequent journeys to forgiveness. 7:009:00pm, The Exchange Woodstock, 12015 Highway 92, Woodstock. 678-687-9188. TheExchangeGa.org

Woodstock Summer Concert Series - the Charlie Daniels Band — Join country music legend Charlie Daniels for the first concert of the 2017 Woodstock Summer Concert Series at the new amphitheater. 7:30pm, Northside HospitalCherokee Amphitheater, 103 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock. 770-924-0406. WoodstockSummerConcertSeries.com

12-21

Ruby and the Bookmarks — Produced by Broadway Bound Productions, this musical premiere follows the lives of sweethearts James and Ruby from high school through their golden years. The “Bookmarks” are a 3-person musical group that provides background vocals for James and Ruby. You’ll hear such favorites as “At Last,” “Close to You,” “Rock and Roll is Here to Stay” and many more. Friday & Saturday 7:30pm, Sunday 2:00pm, Canton Theatre, 171 E Main Street, Canton. 770-704-0755. CantonTheatre.com

Cherokee County Prayer Breakfast — Come enjoy a delicious breakfast and a morning prayer, presented by the Rotary Club of Canton. 7:30-9:00am, Cherokee County

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Conference Center, 1130 Bluffs Parkway, Canton. 678-772-4894. AKing@alanking. com

Business After Hours — This is a great networking opportunity. 4:30-6:00pm, Suntex Boat Club & Water Sports, Little River Marina, 6986 Bells Ferry Road, Canton. 770-345-0400. CherokeeChamber.com

Food Truck Friday — Enjoy delicious food and treats while visiting with neighbors, listening to live music and more! 6:00-9:00pm, Cherokee County Recreation Center, 7545 Main Street, Woodstock. 770-924-7768. CRPA.net

Regional Issues Awareness This meeting focuses on topics

Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake

that effect not only Cherokee County and its residents but the region as well. 8:009:30am, The Chambers at City Center, 8534 Main Street, Woodstock. 770-3450400. CherokeeChamber.com

TGIF Concert: Atlanta Dance Party — Atlanta Plays It Forward presents this concert series. Gates open at 6:30pm. Concert starts at 8:00pm. Chukkar Farm, 1140 Liberty Grove Road, Alpharetta. 770-664-1533. ChukkarFarmPoloClub.com

6th Annual Woodstock Public Safety Foundation Spring Festival This fundraiser helps support the many different projects of the Foundation and Woodstock Police and Fire Departments. Enjoy moonwalks, games and other fun activities! There will be police K-9

demonstrations, food vendors, arts and craft vendors, and music in the gazebo all day! Explore police and fire trucks on display. 10:00am-5:00pm, The Park at City Center, 101 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock. 770-592-6000 x1008. WPSFoundation.org

Hustle for Heroes 5k — Hosted by the Woodstock Public Safety Foundation in recognition of National Police Memorial Week. 7:30am, First Baptist Church of Woodstock, 11905 Highway 92, Woodstock. 770-592-6000 x1008. WPSFoundation.org continued on

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LIBRARY EVENTS SequoyahRegionalLibrary.org HICKORY FLAT 2740 East Cherokee Drive, Canton, 770-345-7565 ROSE CREEK 4476 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock, 770-591-1491 WOODSTOCK 7735 Main Street, Woodstock, 770-926-5859 BEADING BUDDIES Wednesdays, 10:00am-1:00pm, Woodstock Bring your supplies, and enjoy the excitement and inspiration that a group of friends creates! This new program welcomes everyone to come and experience the beauty of beading.

SPY SCHOOL 2.0 May 17, 4:30pm, Rose Creek Come learn how to be a successful spy while brushing up on your agility and brainpower! Create your secret agent name; crawl through a minefield and laze maze, and write a message using invisible ink. This is for ages 7+.

MUFFINS WITH MOM May 9, 10:30-11:30am, Rose Creek Celebrate the special woman in your life with refreshments, games and crafts while making memories to last a lifetime. Any female mentor is welcome at this event (mom, sisters, aunt, etc.) This if for ages 2+.

REPURPOSED YARD ART May 17, 6:00-7:30pm, Hickory Flat Repurpose odds and ends to make beautiful yard art. Bring your own items to be repurposed. Glue and instruction will be provided.

GOODWILL JOB FAIR May 9, 2:00-5:00pm, Rose Creek Bring your resume, and get a jump on your summer job hunt at the Youth Career & Resource Fair. Employers will be on site. Open to all job seekers ages 16+. BABY BOOKWORMS May 11, 10:30am, Rose Creek A special one-on-one story time with caregiver and baby, focusing on developing early literacy skills through play, songs and stories. This is for ages 0-12 months only. POKÉMON PARTY May 12, 4:30pm, Woodstock Can you “catch ‘em all?” Search for Pokémon in the library; win prizes at trivia, and make a Pokémon-themed craft in this end-of-the-school-year Pokémon party. This is for ages 9-12. INKLINGS WRITERS CRITIQUE GROUP May 13 & 27, 11:00am-1:00pm, Woodstock Individuals interested in starting a new group to support their writings are invited to attend. Meetings are the second and fourth Saturday of each month. FAMILY AND FRIENDS CPR May 16, 11:00am & 1:00pm, Woodstock This free course teaches the lifesaving skills of adult CPR and relief of choking in an adult. Instruction is in a group environment and is video-driven, using a practice-whilewatching technique, providing the most hands-on CPR practice time.

Woodstock Family Life | MAY 2017

PINKALICIOUS PARTY May 18, 4:30pm, Hickory Flat Celebrate all things pink! Come dressed in your Pinkalicious best to hear stories, play games, and enjoy refreshments inspired by the popular children’s book series. Ages 3+. Registration is required. PINTEREST NIGHT May 18, 6:30pm, Woodstock Create at the library. Ages 16+. Registration is required. SIT & STITCH WITH HAPPY CAPS May 19, 10:00am-1:00pm, Woodstock Join other creative and caring people, and come together to make hats for cancer patients. Everyone is invited to participate. Beginners crochet and knitting instruction is available. REMEMBERING WWI THROUGH THE EYES OF A WWI COMBAT ENGINEER May 23, 2:30-4:30pm, Rose Creek Local author Dr. Virginia A. Dilkes will discuss how she and her sisters edited and published her father’s WWI memoirs. THE BENEFITS OF ESSENTIAL OILS May 24, 10:30am, Hickory Flat Sharon Sheffield will discuss the benefits of using essential oils in everyday living. Registration is required. MOVIE AT THE LIBRARY May 31, 3:30pm, Hickory Flat Celebrate the end of the school year with a free movie and popcorn. All ages are welcome. Children 9 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Calendar continued from page 7

20-21

Canton Festival of the Arts — This festival focuses on arts and crafts, literary arts as well as the art of living green. There will be hands-on children’s activities, an artist’s market, live entertainment and a variety of food and drink. 10:00am5:00pm, Brown Park, 94 North Street, Canton. 770-704-6244. CherokeeArts.org

Downtown Buzz — Chief Dave Soumas will discuss issues related to the Woodstock Fire Department. 8:00-9:00am, Fire Station 14, 225 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock. 770-592-6056. MainStreetWoodstock.org

Memorial Day 5k & Fun Run This year’s proceeds will be donated to Holly Springs Elementary School STEM Academy. Race day registration and packet pickup begins at 7:00am, race begins at 8:00am, Holly Springs Elementary School, 1965 Hickory Road, Canton. 770-345-5536. HollySpringsGa.us/memorialday5k

Memorial Day Celebration — The City of Woodstock joins forces with the American Legion, Marine Corps League and other local veterans’ groups to honor those who fight to keep us free. Come on Memorial Day for a special service of remembrance. The Cobb New Horizons Concert Band will make the occasion even more special. Visit the Woodstock Memorial — 10 tons of polished granite dedicated to our Woodstock Veterans who paid the ultimate price. 10:00am, the Park at City Center, 101 Arnold Mill Road, 770-517-6788. VisitWoodstockGa.com

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JUNE

Good Morning Cherokee Breakfast — These meetings offer both current and future Chamber members the opportunity to conduct business and network with more than 200 fellow business leaders. 7:00am, Northside Hospital Cherokee Conference Center, 1130 Bluffs Parkway, Canton. 770-345-0400. CherokeeChamber.com

Friday Night Live- Caribbean Night — Enjoy Caribbean fun in downtown Woodstock, as we kick off summer. Thanks to the extended hours during Friday Night Live, everyone has a chance to explore the varied shops downtown. 6:00-9:00pm, downtown Woodstock. 770-592-6056. VisitWoodstockGa.com

2&3

Home by Dark Concert- Emily Shackelton and Jonathan Kingham — Enjoy live music under the stars! Chukkar Farm is over 100 acres of rolling landscapes and breathtaking views of the polo field. Chukkar Farm is the place to be for music, friends and memories. 8:00pm, Chukkar Farm Polo Club, 1140 Liberty Grove Road, Alpharetta. 770-479-1804. ChukkarFarmPoloClub.com

3&4

12th Annual Wing and Rock Fest — Voted one of the Top 50 Food Festivals in the country by Parade magazine, this FREE, two-day, family friendly event offers something for everyone. The festival features some of metro Atlanta’s best tasting chicken wings from over a dozen restaurants plus great live music. Saturday 12:00-9:00pm, Sunday 12:00-6:00pm, Etowah River Park, 600 Brown Industrial Parkway, Canton. WingAndRockFest.com

Trinity River Band — This is a FREE concert! Dinner is at 5:00pm. The concert will begin at 6:00pm, Bascomb United Methodist Church, 2295 Bascomb Carmel Road, Woodstock. 770-926-9755, BascombUMC.org

Chamber Classic Golf Tournament — Get involved with this annual tournament. 8:30am registration, 10:00am shotgun start, BridgeMill Athletic Club, 1190 BridgeMill Avenue, Canton. 770-345-0400. CherokeeChamber.com

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Business have 10,000 students who attend school each day, and they serve two-million meals annually. Each year, New Missions hosts a shoebox drive, which benefits not only the children within their program but also children in surrounding communities. Last year, they were able to collect over 17,000 shoeboxes to distribute. Last year, a local company, R & D Mechanical, sponsored its first annual shoebox packing party, and they were able to put together over 100 shoeboxes. This year, R & D Mechanical would like to blow that figure out of the water, and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why they need your help! They need

New Missions is an organization that provides children with an education, food and medical care, so they can grow strong and make an impact on their community. New Missions has been in both Haiti and the Dominican Republic for over thirty years, establishing local churches and Christian schools. They currently

Woodstock Family Life | MAY 2017

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local business partners and individuals to help collect items for shoeboxes. Right now, they need a commitment that your business would be willing to collect one specific item (ex. flip flops) or a group of items (ex. school supplies). Your business would determine when to collect the items; all items just need to be collected by October 1, 2017. R & D Mechanical will provide your business with the necessary marketing materials. Once they get commitments from local businesses, they can help determine what each one will collect. To learn more about New Missions, please visit NewMissions. org. To volunteer your business or to make an individual contribution, please call 770-917-1795, or email Jessica@ RAndDMechanical.net.

After the 1994 World Cup, soccer began its slow climb to where you find it today. In that time, more and more kids have started playing soccer, most, if not all, colleges across the U.S. are fielding soccer programs as a scholarship sport. MLS has staked its claim as a major pro sports league. Over the course of the fifteen years Marc Spector has lived in Woodstock, he noticed soccer was growing in popularity in Cherokee County. He also noticed that a lot of the parents of the kids in the soccer movement didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t play soccer themselves, as it was not a popular sport when they were children. Marc decided that it was a perfect time to bring to Cherokee County what he, as a child, didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have and what a lot of the parents of kids playing soccer needed. So, in September of last year, Marc opened Full Volley Soccer, a soccer-specific store, where soccer players can try on soccer equipment, and they and their parents can talk to a knowledgeable staff about the game. In addition, high-level players can get top-of-the-line gear without having to wait for weeks from soccer supply websites. The staff at Full Volley Soccer looks forward to serving the community of Cherokee County as well as supporting the local soccer scene. They carry name-brand soccer equipment and apparel for coaches, referees and soccer players of all levels. Full Volley Soccer is located at 6175 Hickory Flat Highway, Suite 170, which is in the Hickory Flat Village Shopping Center. For more information, please call 770-213-7389.

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Woodstock Minute

Woodstock Public Safety Foundation Will Host 5k and Spring Festival with National Police Memorial Week Photos courtesy of Darleen Prem

By Brittany Duncan

n Saturday, May 20th, the Woodstock Public Safety Foundation will host events in recognition of National Police Memorial Week. The day’s events will start off with the Hustle for Heroes 5k run, followed by the 6th Annual Spring Festival. The 5th Annual Hustle for Heroes 5k run/ walk will start the day at 7:30am, at First Baptist Church of Woodstock, 11905 Highway 92 in Woodstock. Participants can run alongside local SWAT teams in what has quickly been deemed, “The only place in Georgia to legally attempt to outrun the cops.” The one-mile run will follow at 8:30am. All participants will receive a t-shirt and race packet. Award recipients will include: Best Overall Male/ Female, Top Hero (Police/Fire/EMT) and age-group awards. The race route is kid, family, wheelchair and stroller friendly. Tori Hand, board member of the Woodstock Public Safety Foundation and Race Coordinator, says, “This race continues to grow in size and popularity. It is a great way to get a Saturday morning workout in while supporting your local heroes. Whether you run or walk, supporting Woodstock Police

Woodstock Family Life | MAY 2017

and Fire Departments by participating is what this event is really all about.” To register, please visit EnduranceCUI. Active.com/event-reg/selectrace?e=43395951, or you may register the day of the race (day-of registration does not guarantee you your choice of t-shirt size). Registration begins at 7:00am, and the race is part of the Grand Prix Race Circuit. The 6th Annual Spring Festival will begin at 10:00am in the Park at City Center as well as Northside Hospital-Cherokee Amphitheater. This festival will feature a DJ and numerous activities for children. There will also be various food and merchandise vendors. The Georgia Law Enforcement Moving Memorial trailer will be on display for the duration of the Spring Festival. The moving memorial honors the almost 700 Georgia law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the line of duty. Scott O’Meara, president of the Woodstock Public Safety Foundation, stated, “This day serves as an excellent opportunity for citizens to enjoy a day of fun with our local heroes, while we, as a

community, remember those heroes who lost their lives in the line of duty.” All proceeds from this day will directly benefit the charitable programs of the Woodstock Public Safety Foundation. Charitable programs include: Shop with a Hero, community oriented partnerships, emergency aid to first responders, equipment and training, Law Enforcement Explorer Post and other non-profit outreach programs benefiting public safety. For more information on the Woodstock Public Safety Foundation, please visit WPSFoundation.org.

Brittany Duncan is the information officer for the City of Woodstock. 770-592-6000. WoodstockGa.gov

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A period of waiting can be one of the most confusing and discouraging times of our lives. A man has been jobless for months. A grandmother waits for healing. A single person has been waiting for a companion for years. A lifelong friend waits for reconciliation after a falling out. There could be any number of situations.

In the Waiting By Pastor Johnny M. Hunt “If the Lord Jehovah makes us wait, let us do so with our whole hearts; for blessed are all they who wait for Him. He is worth waiting for. The waiting itself is beneficial to us: it tries faith, exercises patience, trains submission and endears the blessing when it comes.” — Charles Spurgeon Are you in a season of waiting? Patience doesn’t come easy to most of us. Maybe you’ve been waiting so long that you’re close to losing hope.

Woodstock Family Life | MAY 2017

Waiting is indeed difficult (and often painful), but don’t view this season as a mistake. Don’t believe that God doesn’t hear your prayers or that resolution will never come. And don’t think that this time is meant for you to waste. Use it! Take heart; pray, and keep obeying, as you train your eyes on Him. I encourage you to read through Psalms. Take note of how many times David and the other Psalmists trust in the Lord whilst in waiting!

heart; wait, I say, on the Lord!” (Psalm 27:14). “Wait for the Lord, and keep his way, and he will exalt you to inherit the land; you will look on when the wicked are cut off” (Psalm 37:34). “I wait for the Lord; my whole being waits, and in His word, I put my hope” (Psalm 130:5). He will deliver you. It will be in His timing, and your waiting season may not conclude the way you expect it to, but His promises are real. And we know that in all things, “God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).

Johnny Hunt is senior pastor of First Baptist Church Woodstock. 770-9264428, FBCW.org

“Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your

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Woodstock ES Teacher Named to Apple® Distinguished Educators Class of 2017 Woodstock Elementary School teacher Kristen Brooks is the first CCSD educator to achieve this distinguished honor, which Apple® began in 1994 to recognize K-12 and higher education pioneers who use the company’s products to transform teaching and learning. Ms. Brooks and her fellow Class of 2017 honorees were hand-picked from thousands of applicants and join 2,500 visionary educators and innovative leaders worldwide who were previously named to this elite group. Apple® Distinguished Educators serve as advisors, authors and ambassadors for Apple® and as advocates for their peers in the classroom. Among her many accomplishments, Ms. Brooks created and launched CCSD’s first iPad Lab at Woodstock ES. She is a 2016 Apple® Educator, Apple®Vanguard Certified, a Certified BrainPOP Educator, OSMO Ambassador and Seesaw the Learning Journal Ambassador as well as winner of a 2015 PBS Digital Innovator Award.

Community Feature Arnold Mill ES Supports Relay for Life with Color Me Fun Run Arnold Mill Elementary School recently held its firstever Color Me Fun Run to support Relay for Life for the American Cancer Society. Teacher Becky Lane and the school’s Relay for Life team organized the event, which was open to students and their families. After racing the course, runners were splattered with color by teachers and staff members.

Teachers Robyn Pitkins and Robyn Wong splash runners Patrick Moore, Hadley Moore and Max Derman with color.

“7 Differences” winner, Rosalind Rosenburg! Melanie Tugman! Congratulations to our April October “7 Differences” winner, Joyce McMichael! Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake

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Community Feature Woodstock Police Department Announces Promotions Woodstock Police officials announce the promotion of Detective Ron Hughes and Corporal Ron Sinfelt to the rank of Sergeant. Since being hired in 2006, Sergeant Ron Hughes has served in many roles during his career with Woodstock Police Department. Sergeant Hughes has been a training officer responsible for training newly hired police officers, a detective in the Criminal Investigations Unit, and in 2012, Sergeant Hughes successfully completed certified arson investigator training.

Sergeant Ron Hughes

In 2016, Sergeant Hughes graduated from the National Forensic Academy, which is a 10-week training program on advanced evidence identification, collection and preservation. He was selected as WPDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Officer of the Year in 2008, 2012 and 2015. Sergeant Ron Sinfelt began his career as a patrol officer with WPD in 2009. In 2016, Sergeant Sinfelt was appointed as corporal. In addition, he has been a training officer followed by becoming a police training officer coordinator, where he had the additional responsibility of overseeing the schedules of newly hired police officers. Sergeant Sinfelt completed his general instructor certification, and he graduated from Kennesaw State University with a degree in Criminal Justice. He was selected as WPDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rookie of the Year in 2010 and has been selected by his peers as Employee of the Quarter twice in his career. Sergeant Ron Sinfelt

Sergeant Ron Hughes is currently assigned as supervisor of the Criminal Investigations Unit, and Sergeant Ron Sinfelt is currently assigned as supervisor of delta shift/night watch. They were recognized for their promotion in rank at a recent Woodstock Mayor and City Council Meeting.

Woodstock Family Life | MAY 2017

Over 26,000 Each Issue, Every Month

M Mother’s Day By Tim Morris

LIFESTYLE Mother’s Day is always my favorite time to reflect on my mom and her determination for her sons to have a better life than she experienced. My mom had all four of us before she was twenty years old. She worked three jobs to make sure we never went without anything, but in return, we had to promise to finish school and perhaps go to college. My mom never finished 8th grade; becoming a high school graduate was something she never experienced. I wanted to make her proud, so I finished high school. I followed my brothers’ footsteps to Georgia Southern University. Three of us obtained our college degree, and our proud mother was at each graduation with the biggest smile. In 1990, at the age of 49, my mother was killed in a car accident. Each

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Mother’s Day, I have those lasting memories of her. I ask myself every year, “Would she be proud of the man I’ve become?” In my working career in aging, I’ve been told some horrible stories about mothers who had no relationship with their children. These people spent the remaining years of their life alone. There’s always two sides of a story, but I only get to hear one. I could never imagine anything my mom would’ve done to cause me to not want to see her. One recent story that hit home was after Christmas; I had a 62-yearold homeless lady in my office. She moved here from up north to live with her son, but on Christmas Eve, she was told to leave. So, she lived in her car for over week. Senior Services and the Cherokee County Aging Council put her up for a week

in a hotel. The Veteran’s Homeless Program found her another place to live. I’d like to challenge you to take the time this Mother’s Day to tell your mom how much you love her. I’d love to be able to say “I love you” to my mom one more time. L

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

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Etowah HS Counselor Named CCSD Counselor of the Year

Community Feature CCSD Recognizes Student Athletes at Scholarship Signing Event Cherokee County School District student athletes were recently recognized in a ceremony at the Northside Hospital Cherokee Conference Center in Canton for signing scholarship commitment letters to compete at the college level. This stellar group of athletes signed letters of intent to compete in basketball, baseball, football, lacrosse, soccer, cheer, swimming, cross country, track, tennis, golf, cycling and wrestling.

ATHLETE

HS SPORT COLLEGE

Brady Barker EHS Baseball Hayden Neal EHS Basketball Blake Wilson EHS Cycling Alan Michael Harris EHS Football Collin Mitchell EHS Football Ryan Hines EHS Golf Noah Fitzgerald RRHS Baseball Justin Economu RRHS Football Jarrod Fletcher RRHS Football Grant Jacobs WHS Baseball Jason Woszczynski WHS Baseball Josiah Jaqua WHS Cross Country Liam Byrne WHS Football Logan Cox WHS Football Cory Long WHS Lacrosse Sydney Bridge WHS Tennis

Tennessee Tech (TN) Oglethorpe University Milligan College (TN) Berry College Birmingham Southern University (AL) Middle Tennessee State University (TN) Chattanooga State Community College (TN) Emory and Henry College (VA) Shorter College Shorter University Georgia Highlands College Mercer University Georgia Tech Georgia Southern University North Greenville University (SC) Piedmont College

Kara Landsiedel

Piedmont College

WHS

Tennis

Michele Dowd knew she wanted to live a life of service, and found her calling in Etowah High School’s counseling office. Her favorite quote speaks to this mission: “A hundred years from now, it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in or the kind of car I drove, but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child” - Forest E. Witcraft. Ms. Dowd was recently surprised with an award recognizing the difference she is making in the lives of thousands of children at Etowah High School as a school counselor when she was recognized as the Cherokee County School District 2017 Counselor of the Year. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower presented her with the honor in front of a packed crowd assembled for a student-staff basketball game fundraiser for Relay for Life. Dr. Hightower praised Ms. Dowd as “one of Etowah’s finest,” noting he’s especially proud to see one of his own former students be so successful and respected by her colleagues. “Michele knows her ‘why’ — she sees it in the faces of the kids she serves every day,” Dr. Hightower said. “Whether she’s providing them a shoulder to lean on in tough times or a helping hand in finding their career path, Ms. Dowd is all in and approaches her work with professionalism and passion.” Among her roles at Etowah, Ms. Dowd provides students with a wide variety of counseling services, coordinates the Advance Placement (AP), hospital homebound and foreign exchange programs and serves on the school’s leadership team.

River Ridge HS Yearbook Selected for National LookBook The River Ridge High School 2016-17 yearbook is featured in the Jostens LookBook as an example for other yearbooks. This is a prestigious honor, as yearbooks across the nation compete to be featured. The school qualified based on the following criteria: sports, contrast, repetition, tight spacing, graphic accent, photo package, quick read, quote display, rule lines and modular. Kate Norris is the school’s yearbook teacher, and she noted the work of class of 2017 graduates Ally Surovchak, Olivia Webb, Sam Varriale, Maddi Huff and Katie Pettit-McFerrin helped achieve the honor.

Woodstock Family Life | MAY 2017

Over 26,000 Each Issue, Every Month

Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake

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Are Your Gums Running Away from Your Teeth? By Dr. Steven Anderson, D.M.D. Gingival (gum) recession is a process where the edge of your gums move away from the upper portion of your teeth. As your gums recede, more of your tooth’s root surface becomes visible, which means you end up brushing the soft root surface of your teeth, creating deep grooves in the root surface. You’re literally brushing your teeth and roots out of your mouth. Gingival recession appears to make your teeth look longer, and they can become sensitive to temperature and air. Also, with severe root damage, the nerve of your tooth is affected, causing further dental problems. Healthy gums can only exist where there is healthy supporting bone. Your gum tissue attaches to the bone that surrounds the roots of your teeth. There are several reasons why gingival recession occurs that can often be avoided. There are also some surgical gum treatments that can help replaced receded gums.

Causes of Gum Recession: •

•

Some people are too rough when brushing their teeth. A gentle force should be applied when brushing your teeth. Soft, circular motions applied at the gum line and on the tooth surface are best. “Gentle but thorough” is an excellent brushing approach. Medium- or hard-bristle toothbrushes are only good for cleaning golf clubs, not your teeth. Always use a soft-bristle toothbrush. Periodontal disease is a common oral disease that causes bone loss around the roots of teeth. When bone is lost, gums recede, too. Not only is chewing tobacco directly linked to lethal oral cancer, pouch placement in the cheek in direct contact with your gums causes a chemical erosion in the area, which leads to recession.

Woodstock Family Life | MAY 2017

•

When you clench your teeth, it theoretically causes micro flexion of your tooth, and the area of tooth structure at the gum line breaks away in microscopic amounts. Over time, as this tooth structure breaks away, the gums recede. Traumatizing your gums can cause recession, such as aggressively using a toothpick or when tongue piercings repetitively rub against your soft gum tissue.

Treatment for Gum Recession Once your gums have receded, they do not grow back. Gingival surgery in the form of gum grafts is required to replace receding gums. Tissue grafts harvested from other areas of your mouth or commercially available graft material can be used to replace lost gum tissue. However, gingival surgery success is not a guarantee and can be costly and painful. As with most treatment in dentistry, it is best to try to avoid the damaging causative factors to prevent future dental problems and oral disease. One of the greatest principles in dental medicine is prevention. After all, great dentistry focuses on you, especially if it means taking action today to prevent costly and painful dental problems tomorrow.

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

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Senator Speaks

Balancing Georgia’s Budget T

he Georgia General Assembly comes together every year to review and approve the state’s budget. Passing a balanced budget before the end of session is a constitutional requirement, which makes it a priority for both the Senate and House. We passed House Bill 44, the general budget for Fiscal Year 2018 (FY18), which is the largest budget in state history, sitting at almost $25 billion, in March of this year. As the chairman of the Transportation Committee, I find the recommendation of allocating $1.71 billion for transportation funding in FY18 appropriate for the number of current projects throughout the state. This amount of funding consists of $54.5 million in state general funds and $1.66 billion in state motor fuel funds, which are a result of the Transportation Funding Act of 2015. This funding will allow the Georgia Department of Transportation to continue their work on improving our transportation infrastructure through road repaving, expansion and bridge repair. This will allow us to ensure the safety of Georgians and those who travel in and around our state.

Woodstock Family Life | MAY 2017

By Senator Brandon Beach

Some other recommendations from the governor include adding $133.2 million for enrollment growth and training programs at our K-12 public schools as well as adding $240 million in bonds towards new school construction and equipment. These recommendations will allow us to accommodate the population growth and the overcrowding in our schools as well as create new construction and teaching jobs. Last year, in the Fiscal Year 2017 general budget, the General Assembly provided funds for Georgia’s teachers to receive a salary increase. Unfortunately, we did not require school districts to distribute the funds to the teachers, even though the funding was there. As a result, many school districts chose not to use the money for teacher salary increases. To fix this, we allocated an additional $160.1 million in funds for 2% base-salary increases for Georgia’s teachers. This ensures they will receive the raises they were supposed to get last year. Higher education has long been a top priority for Georgia, so the recommendation of $49.2 million in additional funding for the HOPE and Zell Miller scholarships is needed to ensure

that we’re building an educated and talented workforce. I’m pleased that the General Assembly continues to pass fiscally conservative budgets that result in Georgia receiving AAA bond ratings year after year. The FY18 budget includes funding for a variety of state agencies and programs including community health, criminal justice, economic development, judicial systems, statewide library renovations, homeland security and more. You can find the FY18 budget in its entirety at Senate.Ga.gov. I look forward to keeping you updated, as we continue through the 2017 legislative session. If you have questions or concerns, please feel free to contact my office at 404-463-1378, or email me at Brandon.Beach@senate.ga.gov. I am here to serve you.

Brandon Beach is a state senator for district 21, which encompasses a portion of Cherokee County in the Georgia General Assembly.

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What is Organic and Certified

Naturally Grown? By Jill Rowlands

Though the term “organic” is now popping up on everything from foods, to cosmetics, to lawn care, many people are still confused as to exactly what “organic” means. Organically produced products are done so without the use of toxic pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, genetic engineering, antibiotics, sewage sludge or irradiation. To become certified, land must be without all disallowed materials for three years. If transitioning livestock, the

Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake

animal must be raised organically for a period of one year. Using synthetic pesticides and fertilizers depletes nutrients in the soil, thereby depleting the nutrients in the plant. Organic farmers use compost or other organic material, crop rotation, cover crops and beneficial insects to increase the nutrient content of the soil and protect crops. Health problems including cancer, infertility, asthma, endocrine disorders, neurological illness and birth defects have been linked to pesticide exposure. By choosing organic products, consumers reduce their exposure to disease-causing chemicals. Over one-billion pounds of pesticides are used in the U.S. each year, and approximately 5.6 billion pounds are used worldwide. Nearby streams are often contaminated by pesticide runoff, which pollutes drinking water supplies and harms wildlife such as honey bees. Organic practices help

keep water supplies clear of toxic runoff and persistent chemicals. Moreover, by prohibiting the use of petroleum-based fertilizers and by absorbing carbon dioxide from the air, organic agriculture helps to reduce our carbon footprint. A lesser-known product certification program is Certified Naturally Grown (CNG). CNG farmers do not use any synthetic herbicides, pesticides, fertilizers or genetically modified organisms. Mostly, CNG livestock are raised on pastures with space for freedom of movement. Feed must be grown without synthetic inputs or genetically modified seeds. Participation requires a full commitment to robust organic practice but keeps certification dues affordable for smaller, local producers.

Jill Rowlands is the owner of Nature’s Corner Market, 200 Parbrooke Drive, Woodstock. 678-310-2532. NaturesCornerMarket.com

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Start Them Young! Teach Your Children Healthy, Money-Saving Habits By Jamie Mackrell

LIFESTYLE Saving is one of life’s most important skills to master, the younger the better. Building sound financial understanding skills will help children throughout their lifetime. However, according to Forbes, up to 74% of parents are hesitant to discuss financial advice with their children. Whether you’re a parent of a small child or a teenager, here are some ideas to get your offspring on the right path to saving.

Elementary School Children:

Teenagers:

Ideas for a Child of Any Age:

1. Open a savings account. Young children can start to understand the value of saving when they are as young as three or four. This knowledge can teach them about patience and waiting for things they truly want. 2. Use games and math to help them understand. Traditional games like Monopoly® or apps designed for this purpose can get kids to think about the value of money, along with ideas like saving for future events. 3. Take advantage of teachable moments. Taking a trip to the grocery store can be a great time to teach your kids about saving through cost comparisons or about the basics of credit cards.

1. Get a job. Part-time jobs can teach the value of earning money and how it can quickly accumulate. Younger kids can do chores or neighborhood jobs. 2. If your kids don’t already have a bank account, now’s the time to open one. Many financial institutions have mobile banking through phone apps, so your kids can track their balance at any time. This will help them feel in control and gain much needed financial independence. 3. Come up with a plan for saving. Creating a plan such as “save X amount every Y weeks” will prepare them for saving for college, a home and retirement. It also helps them learn to budget their money by having preset amounts already set aside for future uses. After all, $1,000 invested now at an 8% return rate will be $20,000 in 40 years if left alone.

1. Allowances are a fantastic tool for building money management understanding. Small amounts will teach savings habits when your kids are younger, whereas earning from chores will help them feel valued during their teenage years. Visualizations, such as charts monitoring their progress, are great tools to motivate them. 2. Matching the amount can be a great incentive towards saving. If your child is saving for a specific item or event, matching the amount they save will go a long way towards teaching them good savings habits. L

Woodstock Family Life | MAY 2017

Jamie Mackrell is the LGE Community Credit Union Retail Manager in Roswell. 1010 Mansell Road — next to Hennessy Porsche. 770-424-0060. JamieM@LGEccu.org, LGEccu.org

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By Sheriff Frank Reynolds

o police

over. Press

officers

hard

like to

big guy;

consume

it’s four

doughnuts more

copies thick. This

than the average

steady presence of

person? Where did this

officers throughout

stereotype

the night and day gave

come from?

the perception that all police officers would just “hangout” in

There is this forgone conclusion that

the coffee shop. The fact is that it was

police officers are somehow drawn to

the only place open for an officer to

doughnuts like the Millennium Falcon

In a land far away, there existed a

write a report while getting a cup of

was pulled into Darth Vader’s Death

planet with no cellphones or portable

coffee and a bite to eat at the same time.

Star. Does the heavenly potpourri

computers. Their language was written

of warm dough and sprinkles make

on a thing called “carbon paper,” and

So, the next time a cop pulls you over,

police officers lose their sensibilities?

the only 24-hour places to eat were

don’t say, “Bad cop, no doughnut.”

Well, maybe when the Krispy Kreme

called diners and coffee shops. The

And, for the love of glory, don’t throw

delivery truck stops at the QuikTrip®

local patrolman would often stop in one

a doughnut out your window, and

at 4:00am. I’m just kidding, kind of…

of these establishments to write his

expect the officer to chase after it

report and grab a “cup of Joe” and a

while you speed away.

I had the same question years ago, so I

“snack” for later. Yep, you guessed it

went to one of the veteran cops, and I

— that flaky, golden, magical ring-of-

asked his opinion on the matter. I have

life…the doughnut.

since conducted a little research and found the same response. Here is what

The duty sergeant would also stop by

I have learned:

and read the officer’s reports. Heaven

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

forbid if you had to write that darn thing

Woodstock Family Life | MAY 2017

Over 26,000 Each Issue, Every Month

Should I Repair or Replace My HVAC System?

By Jessica Helms

Temperatures are hot, and we are all preparing for a spicy summer! If you are already having troubles with your air conditioning unit, then you may be wondering, “Should I continue to repair my system, or should I replace it?”

Consider the following when making this decision: • The age of your system – if your unit is over fifteen years old, you should consider replacing it. Think of a vehicle; once a vehicle gets past a certain mileage, it is not worth investing money into costly repairs. You are better off purchasing a new ride and forgoing the repair costs. • Have you recognized that your utility bills are increasing but your energy provider has not increased their rates? This is an indicator that you could benefit from replacing your current system with a more efficient system. • Are you planning to move or retire any time soon? If you plan to stay in your current home for several years, it may be worth your initial investment to replace your system entirely. This will save you the headache of costly and timely repairs. In the same regard, if you are planning to retire, the last thing you want to have to worry about during your retirement is constant repairs to your unit. • Contact a contractor you can trust to Jessica Helms is an executive assistant/ give you an honest, comprehensive communications director for R & D Mechanical Services, Inc. 770-917opinion of the condition of your 1795. RAndDMechanical.net system, which will help you determine what is best for your family.

Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake

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F i n d g e e r r Treatment e v e S By Atlanta Hand Specialist Staff

If you sever a finger in an accident, there are four immediate actions you can take that can help preserve your finger and staunch the flow of blood. Taking these quick steps, along with contacting the right medical personnel, may affect whether the finger can be reattached or not.

Clean and Dress the Injury

After cutting and severing a finger, one of the first things to do is wash the affected area. Run the finger under water to clean the injury and to remove any debris. If a large piece of debris is still lodged in your finger, do not remove the piece. Clean around the debris as much as possible. After cleaning the area, place a bit of sterile dressing, like gauze or a clean washcloth, on the area. Compress the injury to help stop the flow of blood.

Clean and Preserve the Severed Finger

After cleaning your injury, quickly sanitize the amputated finger with water or a saline solution. Wrap the finger in moist gauze or a moist towel, and place it in a watertight bag. Place that bag in a container or a bag of ice to preserve the finger. Do not place the finger directly on ice, as this can further damage the finger.

Elevate and Immobilize the Hand

After youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve cleaned and dressed the area, try and keep the hand up as much as possible to help slow the flow of blood. If you have a splint available, immobilize the hand and finger to help prevent further injury and to slow blood flow.

Contact the Appropriate Medical Personnel

Atlanta Hand Specialist is located in Canton, Marietta, Smyrna and Douglasville. 770-333-7888. AtlantaHandSpecialist.com

Woodstock Family Life | MAY 2017

If you feel like you are in need of an ambulance, call 911 for medical attention. If at any time after the injury you feel lightheaded or dizzy, lie down immediately, and contact medical personnel or someone in your household to take the necessary steps for your medical care. Whether you need an ambulance or have a friend or family member drive you to the emergency room, seek medical attention sooner rather than later. Over 26,000 Each Issue, Every Month

Book Review BY FARRIS YAWN

As many people know, members of what is known as the Greatest Generation don’t often share a lot of personal war stories. Many of the people who came home from WWII kept their war experiences to themselves. As time passes, there are fewer and fewer of these veterans left, and some people are trying to record these first-hand accounts before they are lost forever. Denver Peardon is one such person. Denver sat down with these veterans in their homes or assisted living centers and wrote down their experiences to share with the world. Denver stated, “For most veterans, it was very difficult to share their stories. I have a couple of them that took years to agree to talk about the war, and some still refused. I feel like I am keeping a secret from the rest of the world if I don’t share what I have. We have all heard the stories of famous divisions or famous individuals from World War II, but these are the stories of the local, everyday soldiers that you very rarely hear from. Some stories may be difficult to understand or to relate to. I didn’t want to change anything because it would not be the accurate history. The stories are told in the words of the ones who were there.” For this collection, Denver has stories from William Pressley, Fred Goodwin Sr., George and Rae McLaughlin, Louis Moysin, H.T. Padgett, Charlie Harrell, Carl D. Beck, Jake McGarity, Floyd J. Land, Leland and Elsie Bell, Louis and Fran Wagner, Cecil Page Davis, Alfred L. Butterworth, Wilmer Frady and Cliff Nolte. Their stories will carry you from the Aleutian Islands of Alaska, to Pearl Harbor, to Casablanca, to Calcutta and all points in between. We owe an enormous debt to these men and women, and everyone should read and share their stories of fighting for our freedom. Everyone who puts on a uniform should be celebrated as part of the Greatest Generation.

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

Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake

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Community Partners Founded in 2016, Kind Bikes is the brainchild of co-founder Jimmy Stubbs. Drawing from his experience as a participant and then cycling coach with Team in Training, Jimmy realized that there was a huge obstacle preventing thousands of people from participating in charity cycling races and triathlons â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the cost of the bicycle. With entry-level road bikes averaging around $1,000, participation in these types of fundraising events is often limited. To promote the sport of cycling and to remove the costly hurdle for those interested in improving their health and supporting their favorite charities, Jimmy developed the idea of Kind Bikes. Kind Bikes provides affordably priced rental bicycles and related cycling equipment to individuals participating in charity cycling events. Rentals include a road bike, transportation rack, pump and lock. The rental also includes a drop-off of the cycling equipment by Kind Bikesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; volunteer staff. This allows them to ensure a proper fit and provide oneon-one training. Today, Kind Bikes proudly serves the greater metro Atlanta area and a growing number of other communities throughout the United States. Its fleet of bicycles and related cycling equipment is working hard to raise awareness and money for local and national charities such as the Kiwanis Club, American Diabetes Association, Camp Twin Lakes and Action Cycling Atlanta. As Kind Bikes continues to serve those who care about the community, they hope to inspire individuals to find creative, healthy ways to support the charities they hold dear. Since January of 2016, Kind Bikes has helped raise awareness and funds for the causes its riders care about the most. Last year, Kind Bikes outfitted thirty riders who pedaled more than 478 miles for five different charity events, raising a little over $13,690 for their favorite charities and nonprofits. Some riders traveled from as far as California, Texas, Pennsylvania, New York and Massachusetts to participate in charity rides. While Kind Bikes riders have already made a significant impact for their favorite causes, they hope to continue their momentum of positive impact while helping many others achieve their charitable goals in the years to come. Kind Bikes is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization based in Alpharetta. If you are interested in learning more about Kind Bikes, how to become a charitable partner, or ways you can become involved, please visit KindBikes.org. 30

Woodstock Family Life | MAY 2017

Over 26,000 Each Issue, Every Month

A Tribute to Our Mothers… By Drs. Petrosky, Harkins and Leake

”Of all the rights of women, the greatest is to be a mother” – Lin Yutang Mothers, this is dedicated to you. Mothers make sacrifices. They cook, clean, work, run a household, help with homework, kiss their children’s boo-boos, read bedtime stories, take them to the dentist, doctors and extracurricular activities. They stay up late when little ones are sick and when older ones get home from their nerve-wracking first date. Mothers strive to give their children every opportunity available to them. They do their best to raise their children to be good, moral adults. They pass on the best of themselves. With Mother’s Day approaching, we recognize all this and more. It’s time to do something for yourself.

Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake

Are you tired of your insecurities? Then invest in yourself by addressing whatever may be bothering you. Throughout the ages, women have turned to brassieres, corsets and surgery to obtain a more pleasing bust line. The size, shape and appearance of the breast can influence how women feel about their bodies. From stubborn fat on the thighs to that little extra pooch on your belly, liposuction is often just what you need to achieve the appearance you’ve always dreamed of. Liposuction continues to be one of the most asked about procedures. A person’s eyes can tell you a lot about them. But what happens when your eyes look older than you feel? What if aging has made your eyelids look tired, puffy and wrinkled, but inside, you feel vibrant and ready to take on the day? This year, vow to focus on yourself. There are a variety of treatments available today

to improve your body, face or skin. You deserve to look and feel your best. Cheers to you, mothers everywhere!

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

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COVER STORY By Rajayne Cordery

“To err is human; to forgive divine.” — Alexander Pope Mistakes are made. It is the absolute nature of the human condition on many levels. Whether you are locked out or locked up, Cherokee Bail Bonds holds the key to open the door. Staffed by knowledgeable and dedicated professionals, Cherokee Bail Bonds has the expertise and reliability needed when securing a bond issue. A full-service bail bond company serving Canton, Woodstock, Ball Ground, Holly Springs and Waleska, Cherokee Bail Bonds is here to help in all of Cherokee County. In addition to Cherokee County, Cindy and Scott Echols are also approved by the City of Atlanta, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett and Rabun Counties and normally can facilitate bonds anywhere within the state of Georgia. Cherokee Bail Bonds is deeply committed to the service of its clients, ensuring respect and confidentiality. Trust is an essential element in bonding relationships, and Cherokee Bail Bonds assures that faith is never violated. Licensed bail bond agents are available seven days a week, 24 hours a day, ready to serve in all capacities. A bail bond is determined by the court after a defendant is booked, and a judge sets the dollar amount required for release until an arraignment hearing is scheduled. The bonding company provides the financial assistance to guarantee full payment of the bond should the defendant not make a court appearance until final disposition is reached. A cosigner or indemnitor is required, signing a contract with the bail bonds company, who agrees to honor payment of the bond amount should the defendant fail to attend a court appearance. The agents at 32

Woodstock Family Life | MAY 2017

Cherokee Bail Bonds supervise the process, preparing and issuing the necessary paperwork and negotiations from initial defendant release to the fulfillment of all court requirements. Cindy explains their business services: n Bail agents and law enforcement depend on one another for holding defendants accountable, and both play a critical role in the criminal justice system. n A bail agent’s goal is to help people help themselves. n If a client violates the terms of a bail bond contract, a bail agent does what is necessary to find the individual and return them to custody, which can be an easy or difficult task. n Bail agents do what they can to help their clients do the right thing, reminding them of court dates, weekly check-ins and stressing the importance of showing up for court. Owners Cindy and Scott Echols have collectively been in the bonds business for over 29 years, establishing a professional reputation worthy of much respect. Any negative perception of the bonding business is far removed from the real positive experience of working with Cherokee

“A man of courage never needs weapons, but he may need bail.” — Lewis Mumford

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Bail Bonds. Forget the mind-set. Cindy feels a compassion for clients, remarking on the perception, “If anyone has had doings with the law, are they bad people? That’s not necessarily the case.” “They just may have made a poor choice,” Scott adds; “Crime doesn’t discriminate. A lot of good people find themselves in uncomfortable situations.” With a background in insurance and the fostering of children, Cindy is a resident of Cherokee County since being born at the old R.T. Jones Hospital in Canton, and she’s also a graduate of Cherokee High School. She founded North Georgia Angel House in Canton with her parents, where she was introduced to the juvenile justice system through interventions. She holds an A.A. in Criminal Justice and a B.S. in Human Services Management. Cindy was elected and currently holds the position of region 1 director for the Georgia Association of Professional Bondsmen. She explains, “It is a passion for helping others.” Scott Echols, her husband, is the immediate past president of the Georgia Association of Professional Bondsmen for a maximum of two consecutive terms. “We are at the Capitol, working on legislation,” Scott explains. They have worked to secure the approval of education dollar increases for bondsmen through a dedicated commitment to their professional cause. “There’s something to learn every day. It is our business to be aware,” says Scott. The bond agents at Cherokee Bail Bonds are highly qualified and approved by the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Department, having undergone extensive background checks and having been accredited for moral turpitude. They undergo continuing education in their field on a yearly basis, following the dictates of state law. “We could not have asked for a better team,” Cindy smiles. “We Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake

call ourselves ‘Team Echols.’ Our agents are your friends. They are going to take the time, be patient and explain the process.” Scott offers, “Our agents will explain what you need to know, so you’re not in the dark. You are only as good as your team.” Why do they do it? Cindy quickly quips, “You may be the only person when they get out that door who can say something to them that can make a change in their lives.” Cherokee Bail Bonds is a member of the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce and frequently sponsors events for local charities. They are a supporter of Northstar Educational and Therapeutic Services, a supporter of Food for the Poor, a member of the Georgia Association of Professional Bondsmen, a member of the National Professional Bail Agents of the United States, and a supporter for the Georgia National Guard Family Support Foundation. “I am doing business in my hometown,” says Cindy, thankfully. Tyler Perry said, “The key to life when it gets tough is to keep moving. Just keep moving.” Cherokee Bail Bonds holds that key to unlock the door for you to walk through.

Cherokee County Location: 2920 Marietta Highway, Unit 106, Canton Call: 770-224-9150 • Fax: 770-224-9149

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Save Energy While Entertaining By Cobb EMC

As the nights get longer, and the days get warmer, entertaining outdoors offers a more relaxed setting, easier cleanup and the chance to save on the usual energy costs that go along with hosting. Here’s a few basic tips to get your home party-perfect: • Air conditioning and heating can make up 40-50% of your home’s energy costs, so change out HVAC filters monthly to keep your system running effectively. • Replace decorative, outdoor lighting with outdoor-rated LED

Woodstock Family Life | MAY 2017

bulbs that come in a variety of warm colors. Newer models can also be operated by remote control, so your party lights can be twinkling before you even step outside. • Keep extra bags of ice in your freezer. Your freezer operates most efficiently when it’s full, and you’ll always be prepared for a party.

exception. Keep your home cool and energy-efficient with these cooking tips: • Use a slow cooker instead of your stovetop to save you time and energy dollars. • To reduce heat in your kitchen, use your microwave rather than your traditional oven. Better yet, choose no-bake recipes or ones that can be prepared on an outdoor grill.

The day of the party, small changes can make a big impact on your energy bills: • During the day, keep drapes and shades closed to keep out the summer heat. • Have guests enter through the front door or the garden gate. Keeping your garage closed can help lower the temperature in your home. • When you head outside, turn off indoor ceiling fans. Fans cool people, not rooms.

For energy efficient recipe ideas, follow Cobb EMC on Pinterest. Pinterest.com/ cobbemc/energy-efficient-recipes/

The best part of every party is the food, and an outdoor gathering is no

Sources: Department of Energy, Touchstone Energy Cooperatives

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

Over 26,000 Each Issue, Every Month

in the

limelight

Main Street Nail Studio

Main Street Nail Studio is an American-owned-and-operated salon with a comfortable, relaxing and cozy feel. Guests can enjoy the serenity of its environment while having a cup of herbal tea or a freshly brewed cup of coffee. Main Street Nail Studio opened in 2008; it’s the second nail salon in downtown Woodstock for owner Marlene Iossa. The salon is a drill-free and odor-

Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake

free environment. They specialize in traditional, hard-gel enhancements. Main Street Nail Studio pedicures are performed with your health in mind by using a disposable liner in every foot bath. They offer spa manicures and pedicures that include options like paraffin wax, toenail reconstruction, traditional hard-gel nails, and gel-polish manicures. They also offer eyelash extensions, waxing and facials. The Main Street Nail Studio team includes: - Owner Marlene Iossa has 26 years of experience as a nail technician, and she is licensed by the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology. - Michele Baker is a licensed esthetician as well as a sixteen-year manufacturer’s educator with American International Industries. She is Woodstock’s only awardwinning nail artist. - Delfina Chandra joined the team in 2013.

She is a licensed nail technician, and she specializes in giving her clients relaxing pedicures with great attention to detail! Main Street Nail Studio is complemented by East of Main, an upscale hair boutique that is owned and operated by Angie Stodghill. Gift certificates are also available and come elegantly wrapped and ready for gift giving. Book your appointment early for all your holiday indulgences! Main Street Nail Studio has earned a reputation for being a great place for neighbors to meet and relax. Their motto is, “Relax… Life is beautiful.” Main Street Nail Studio is conveniently located next door to Century House Tavern in beautiful downtown Woodstock.

127 East Main Street Woodstock

770-928-2662

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Tasteof

BY CHEF HILLARY GALLAGHER

Ingredients:

• 1 oz. bacon •2 oz. olive oil • 1 medium onion, diced • 2 stalks celery, diced • 2 medium carrots, diced • ½ small head green cabbage, chopped • 1, 14-16 oz. can fire-roasted tomatoes • 2 qt. chicken stock • 4 oz. cooked chickpeas • 6 oz. cooked ditalini pasta or other small variety • Salt and pepper to taste • ¼ cup parmesan cheese

Procedure:

• Cook the bacon over a low heat until it becomes crispy. • Add the onion, celery, carrots, cabbage and garlic; season with salt and pepper, and sweat until the onions are translucent (about 15 minutes). • Add the tomato, chicken stock, salt and pepper, and simmer until the vegetables are tender (about 25-30 minutes). • Add the chickpeas and ditalini, and bring to a simmer. • Season with salt and pepper, and serve. • Garnish with grated parmesan cheese.

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 2017

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PALATAL EXPANDERS By Vishant Nath, D.M.D. Between the ages of six and thirteen, most children lose their baby teeth, which are replaced with permanent, adult teeth. For some children, their jaw is not big enough to accommodate all of their permanent teeth. So what happens? Extraction is sometimes required. In other cases, an expander can be used to â&#x20AC;&#x153;make roomâ&#x20AC;? for the adult teeth to come in. The approaches differ depending on if the need is to expand the upper teeth versus the lower teeth. The palate of the upper jaw is actually formed by two separate bones, which come together in the middle. They do not typically fuse together until the age of fourteen to sixteen. So, before a patient reaches this age, it is a good time to expand the palate. The expander mimics the upper palate in that it consists of two separate pieces, which are attached in

Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake

the middle by a screw. The screw can be adjusted on a schedule prescribed by your orthodontist to expand or widen the palate over time. Since the lower jaw is not comprised of the two separate bones, it cannot be widened. Instead, a lower jaw expander works to move the teeth themselves. The expander can slowly, over time, put pressure on the teeth to tilt them outward. In some cases, this can also be accomplished using a removable retainer. Regardless of whether or not the appliance being used to expand the palate is removable or not, it is very important to keep up with good oral hygiene habits. But having an appliance in the mouth can make it more difficult to keep teeth clean. If your child has an upper palatal expander, even though they

might be quite independent with brushing and flossing, you may need to give more attention to monitoring their oral hygiene habits. Talk to your pediatric dentist and orthodontist regarding whether or not your child might benefit from palatal expansion, as their smile grows and develops!

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

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“It’s a small world, but I wouldn’t want to paint it.”

Quotables “Worry is like a rocking chair. It gives you something to do but never gets you anywhere.” - Erma Bombeck

- Steven Wright

“The best way to destroy an enemy is to make him a friend.” - Abraham Lincoln “It is impossible to

live without failing

at something, unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all — in which case, you fail by default.” - J.K. Rowling

“Being a mother is learning about strengths you didn’t know you had and dealing with fears you didn’t know existed.” - Linda Wooten

“Do not make your goal to be the best.

‘Best’ is a label.

It’s something someone else decides for you. ‘Better’ is more personal.” - Mikhail Baryshnikov

“A man can fall many times, but he isn’t a failure until he begins to blame someone else.” - Unknown

“Despite how open, peaceful and loving you attempt to be, people can only meet you as deeply as they’ve met themselves.” - Matt Kahn

“It doesn’t matter that your dream came true if you spent your whole life sleeping.” - Jerry Zucker

“The great and curious truth of the human experience is that selflessness is the best thing you can do for yourself.” - David McCullough Jr. “Each friend represents a world in us, a world not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born.” - Anais Nin

Woodstock Family Life | MAY 2017

“What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals.” - Henry David Thoreau

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in the

limelight

After nearly a decade of working in fashion and retail, 27-year-old Brittany Cox decided it was time to make her lifelong dream a reality. On October 1, 2016, months of hard work came to life in the form of Southern Local, one of Woodstock’s newest and most unique boutiques. Choosing to place the first store in downtown Woodstock was an easy choice to make. “We have experienced overwhelmingly positive feedback from our locals. It feels like home, and we couldn’t be more blessed to receive such incredible support from

Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake

the community,” states the store’s owner. Community is of huge importance to Southern Local. Most all men’s apparel, along with gift items and jewelry, are made locally in the south. Southern Local’s primary focus is unparalleled service and hospitality, which makes shopping the items they offer for men and women even more enjoyable. “We love getting to know our customers. We want to know about their family, what they do for fun, what items they want to see in the store. We take a personal interest in the people who support our vision. Our customers are more than customers; they become our friends,” states Kelsey Maher, Southern Local’s store manager. Sandra Bennett, Southern Local’s public relations manager, states: We travel to find up-and-coming lines that are made anywhere from Texas all the way to North Carolina. There is something so special about knowing the story of where an item

comes from, knowing the people who have used their time and talent to make such beautiful things. We hope it encourages others to have the same intention when choosing where to shop. We also love partnering with our neighbors for special events and giveaways. With new items arriving daily, customers can come into Southern Local and find entirely different items to choose from on a regular basis. Southern Local is located at 8650 Main Street in Woodstock. For more information, call 678-223-4130, or visit M.Facebook. com/SouthernLocal.

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THIS SUMMER By Jyl Craven

LIFESTYLE Red hot sun and hot red hair — summer is fast approaching! Soon, the Georgia heat will have everyone paying attention to the humidity levels while relaxing by the pool. If you’re part of the 1-2% of the population who has red hair, you’re already getting attention because of your naturally brilliant ginger locks. But for those of us who aren’t blessed with fiery red strands, what options do we have? Stunning red hair has always graced the red carpet, but how can us nonHollywood elites flaunt this pretty pigment? Try one of these red hair colors this summer, and see if you can look hotter than the sun.

Warm Reds

If you have fair skin, then warm red hair color could be your best friend this summer. To make a bold, vivid statement, opt for fiery copper, which is a combination of bright orange and red. This hue, synonymous with carrot-colored hair, will make a strong and sexy statement. For a softer look, consider light auburn, which is a fusion of gold, red and brown. The 40

Woodstock Family Life | MAY 2017

most natural-looking red hair color is ginger. If your aspiration is to be the typical “ginger,” like Prince Harry, then a light-to-medium reddish-brown tone will be your warm red of choice.

turn up the heat on those around you. Or how about a candy-apple ombre? On dark brown or black hair, this transition of hair color from dark to a sweet, red-apple color speaks of individuality all on its own.

Cool Reds

More than any other hair color, red is all about finding the right balance between skin tone and hair color. It seems many of our favorite Hollywood stars have flawlessly embraced red locks at some point in their careers, leaving us wondering if we could ever be “red carpet” ready. The good news is that even if we weren’t blessed with red hair at birth, we still have options. Gorgeous red hair always makes a statement and looks great yearround. But why wait?! Go ahead, and ask your hairdresser if there’s a red-hot hue waiting for you. L

When choosing a hair color, complimenting it with your skin tone is always an important first step. Just like warm reds look best with warm skin tones, cool reds are best paired with cooler skin tones. Cool red hair colors range from deep, rich red, like red velvet cupcakes, to a blending of red and black for a dark-cherry affect. If deep reds are too bold, consider a lighter cherry or red mahogany. These shades of red have a touch of brown that is subtly unique and will enhance the richness of your eyes.

Fun Reds

Throw away skin tone for a moment, and explore some of the most exciting ways to be a hot red head this summer. A sunset balayage with an amalgam of fiery reds cascading off your shoulders will absolutely

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

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Recent Studies: Marijuana Use in Teens/Tweens By Ferdinand Yates, M.D. Marijuana is presently under intense discussion because of its potential medicinal uses. Some are convinced that this use is warranted, and others fear that such availability would provide access through possible subsequent legalization of marijuana for recreational purposes. Even after only brief legalization in Colorado and other states, there have been increased reports of accidental ingestion by minors who are inadvertently exposed to the product. Additionally, regulation has been difficult, problematic and expensive. Please know: 1. The FDA has not approved any medical use for marijuana. 2.

Synthetic cannabis has been available by prescription for years. There is

Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake

modest evidence suggesting that some active compounds may benefit some types of muscle spasticity, nausea associated with chemotherapy and appetite improvement. The approved synthetic product may be legally prescribed for these conditions. The only data documenting limited benefit to children is in some young patients with specific epileptic conditions. The THC product that is available today is 3-4 times more potent than what was available decades ago, and it carries a much higher risk of unintended side effects. Recent studies in teens have identified adverse, short-term effects such as memory impairment and problems with attention, concentration and problem-solving as well as diminished coordination and reaction time, which is of great concern if a teen is driving. There is also an increased risk of depression and psychosis in those who use THC. A recent long-term study in adolescents using THC has documented a 6-8-point

reduction in adult IQ percentage and raised the issue of persistent neurocognitive problems that may not be reversible. There is a subgroup of youth that has a gene variant in which daily use of THC predisposes them to a dramatic increase in the risk of developing schizophrenia. A 2014 study demonstrated that twenty percent of 12th graders were using THC, and six percent used it daily. There was also a marked increase in the number of teens opining that THC caused no risk to their health or wellbeing. Please talk to your tween/teen about the use of this illegal substance.

Dr. Yates is a pediatrician at Woodstock Pediatric Medicine, 2000 Professional Way, #200, Woodstock. 770-517-0250. WoodstockPeds.com

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By Julie Senger

nyone who has spent any amount of time in Georgia knows that the line between spring and summertime is often a blurry one. Georgia’s transition between these two seasons is not usually dictated by a date on the calendar, but rather by the temperature outside. Georgia frequently sees 80-90°+ temperatures while it’s still technically “spring.” So, if you’re looking for a unique way to cool off, check out some of these breathtaking waterfalls; submerge yourself in one of Mother Nature’s sparkling swimming holes, or let the kids (or kids at heart) glide down an awesome rock waterslide! Gather family and friends together, and make a day out of exploring these gorgeous Georgia locations!

Woodstock Family Life | MAY 2017

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Highway 53 West, Dawsonville Latitude: 34.426321 Longitude: -84.211665

Just off the Amicalola River Trail, you’ll find an awesome swimming hole and fun rock slides! You will need to purchase a parking pass ahead of time. A day pass is $3, or you can purchase an annual pass at GeorgiaWildlife.com. The entire trail is almost three miles long, but according to a post on 365AtlantaFamily.com, you won’t have to hike the entire trail to get to the swimming hole: From the parking lot, head down the stairs to the trailhead. You’ll follow the boardwalk for about a half-mile. When the boardwalk ends, you can catch a spectacular view of the rapids from a small observation deck. Don’t stop here. Follow the rough-terrain trail for a few hundred more feet. It will split, with the Amicalola River Trail following the top split to the left. You want to take the fork to the right to reach the swimming hole. If you happen to be an advanced kayaker: You may want to take the road from the north end of the parking lot (the area furthest away from the road) to the boat ramp/handicap parking area. This is a major put-in spot for those who want to test their skill on the class IV Edge of the World rapids that are about a half mile downstream (GeorgiaTrails.com).

Wildcat Camp Road, Dawson Swimming Hole Latitude: 34.5006580 Longitude: -84.2845210 Waterfall Latitude: 34.498855 Longitude: -84.293823 Wildcat trail is a streamlined hike along Wildcat Creek. There’s nothing quite like being able to hear the rushing water in the distance throughout your 3.4-mile hike to the reach the waterfall. It builds your anticipation of the amazing view that awaits you around an uncertain corner, as the crashing sound gets closer and closer, and the temperature in the air gets just a little bit cooler as you near the falls and the delightful swimming hole at its base. Wildcat Creek also connects with the Huckleberry, Fall, and Rocky Ford Creeks. This creek joins the Amicalola River in the Wildcat Campground, so you are welcome to make this trip an overnighter! The campground is by one of the bridges that crosses the Amicalola River. The total hike is almost seven miles long. There are a few moderate climbing spots, so this trail may not be the best choice for smaller children or those with physical limitations. There are also some areas that have ropes you can use to help you along your way. Be sure to dress appropriately because there are several areas where you will cross over the water, some are small, shallow areas, while others are nearly knee-deep streams. Many people like to hike this trail barefoot.

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7725 Pooles Mill Road, Ball Ground Poole’s Mill Park is ten acres of lovely property, boasting a charming covered bridge over Settendown Creek. The bridge was built in 1901 and refurbished in 1997. The stream alternates between gathering in small pools, providing great little swimming holes for kids to dip in the water, and areas where the water flows over rock, creating little waterfalls throughout creek. If you like to fish, be sure to bring your rod, and try your luck. There are also sloping rocks for the kids to slide down. This park has a nice playground with slides and swings as well as plenty of parking. There are a few walking trails with some great scenery along the way. The picnic areas are perfect for enjoying an afternoon lunch. continued on page 44 WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

continued from page 43

Chattahoochee National Forest 338 Jane Hurt Yarn Road, Tallulah Falls

Ø Be sure to wear an old swim suit. If

you’re rock sliding or sitting on rocks and sediment, you probably don’t want to wear your most expensive trunks or bikini.

Ø Wear water shoes. You will likely be

walking across rocks and other rough terrain, and you’ll want to protect your feet. Also, be careful when stepping on rocks and stones. They are often slippery, and smaller “stepping stones” may be unstable.

If you plan to hike down to Bridal Veil Falls via Sliding Rock Trail, it would be wise to arrive early, especially on nice days, as you must obtain a free permit to hike this trail, and permits are limited to only 100 per day. This is a pretty rigorous 3.4-mile hike, which may not be suitable for younger children or anyone with physical limitations; dogs are also not allowed on this trail. So, if you’re up for the challenge, when you get to the floor of the gorge, you are rewarded with a huge rock slide that lands you right in the middle of a deep, sparkling swimming hole, which is the only spot where you’re allowed to swim in the entire gorge. Even if you don’t manage to score one of the day’s 100 permits to hike Sliding Rock Trail to the slide and swimming hole, there are many other openaccess trails to traverse at this hiker’s paradise, complete with waterfalls and whitewater-filled views. There is also an impressive, breathtaking suspension bridge that ascends to the canyon’s south rim.

Ø Obey the rules. Be sure that you don’t go

past any private property signs that may be posted near some of these locations, and for your safety, be sure to adhere to all government-posted signs.

Ø Whatever you carry in, carry it back out.

Respect these beautiful areas, and the visitors who want to enjoy them after you, by not leaving any of your trash or personal belongings behind.

Ø Don’t forget the sunscreen! For more information about these and other beautiful Georgia locations, visit GaStateParks.org, AtlantaTrails.com, SwimmingHoles.org/ga.html or ExploreGeorgia.org.

Woodstock Family Life | MAY 2017

650 Watson Mill Road, Comer Just twenty minutes east of Athens, this park is somewhat of a hidden gem. Its covered bridge is the longest of the fewer than twenty covered bridges that remain in Georgia. During summer, visitors can play in or slide down the cool river shoals just below this historical bridge. Visitors can also go fishing, rent kayaks or pedal boats (seasonal), rent campsites or cabins, reserve a picnic shelter for a family reunion or other large event. Bikers and hikers will find five and seven miles worth of trails, respectively, and horse owners can reserve a stable for their horse, and enjoy fourteen miles worth of horseback riding trails.

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Annual

Many men take better care of their vehicles than themselves. Oil changes, car washes and yearly tune-ups are routine. But unlike caring for their cars, men can be reluctant to schedule an annual checkup for themselves. Many worry about what they will discover. In fact, one-third of all men don’t even have a primary care physician. Don’t men deserve regular maintenance, too? An annual well check can be the difference between a vibrant life and terrible quality of life — or worse. It may surprise some that a yearly wellness visit with a primary care physician is included in most insurance plans. It’s more effective to treat a health condition early rather than treating it after it is out of control. Like car maintenance, basic health screenings point to areas of concern that need to be addressed before they cause damage in the future. Recommended tests vary from patient to patient based on factors including age, sex, medical history and family history. Most

Woodstock Family Life | MAY 2017

are Crucial to Men’s Health physicians evaluate for things like high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, depression and prostate cancer. It’s also important to make sure men are up-todate on immunizations and boosters (like flu shots). In order to be proactive about health, men should stay informed about diet and

exercise recommendations from specialty groups, and make sure to schedule one physical with lab work each year. These appointments help men learn what aspects of health they need to work on and allow them to set healthy goals. Many times, goals may include losing weight. Maintaining a healthy weight decreases the risk for high blood pressure,

By Attri Datta, M.D.

diabetes, stroke and heart disease. It is not a realistic goal to lose twenty pounds in a week, but losing realistic amounts of weight a little bit at a time is achievable. Long-term health goals are easier to accomplish if they are broken down into smaller, more reasonable objectives. In addition to having the reward of a healthier life, patients are being rewarded for going to wellness checks in other ways. Many companies have health initiatives and give financial benefits to employees who take the time to talk about their health with their healthcare provider. Most men would not let their vehicle get to 30,000 miles without a tune-up. Men also need their “tune-up” each year to remain running like a well-oiled machine.

Attri Datta is a board-certified physician at WellStar Family Medicine, 203 Woodpark Place, Woodstock. 770-926-4150. Wellstar.org

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Photo cour tesy

of Ashley Busc

Artist Profile

By Tina Morris

Peachy Pyron’s debut album, Worth the Burn. was released when she was only fourteen years old and included several self-penned tracks. At that time, her music decidedly fell into the country music genre. As she matured, her sound transformed to an eclectic mix of indie singer/songwriter with a bluesy tone and an acoustic style. Whichever genre, Peachy has a soulful voice that can mesmerize the listener. Her creativity has always been evident. As a toddler, she asked her parents to call her “Peachy.” In that moment, a star was born. It is this type of unwavering support from her parents that cultivated the creativity that has shaped Peachy into the young woman she is today. She first picked up the guitar at eight years old, but according to Peachy, she didn’t immediately fall in love with it. After a few years and a change in instructors, as her song titled “In Love with My Guitar” suggests, she was re-inspired. At the age of twelve, Peachy began playing, singing and performing shows. continued on page 48

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ArtistProfile continued from page 47

Artists such as Chris Stapleton and Ray LaMontane greatly influence Peachy as she continues to create her own sound and image. She appreciates Stapleton’s ability to cross genres. She first heard LaMontane on a road trip with her family and was captivated by his sound. The rental car the family was using happened to be tuned to the “Coffeehouse Radio” station. Since that day, Peachy has attended four of Ray LaMotane’s concerts and considers him one of her biggest musical influences. Photos courtesy of Lou Ramondi

From playing the guitar and singing to song writing and performing, Peachy enjoys all aspects of the craft. Over the years, she has taken several trips to Nashville to co-write music. While she has not recorded anything lately, at age seventeen, Peachy is busy taking college courses while finishing high school and working. With all that she has going on, she wishes she had more time to write and play. Peachy still finds the time to perform, most recently playing shows at Madlife Stage and Studios in Woodstock. She enjoys giving her audience new music at every show. The creative process is important to her, though it’s always different. Sometimes, a billboard inspires her; other times, it may start with a line, title, hook or melody. Peachy calls music her outlet and finds the process of writing and playing a healing one. Even though she is young, she is poised beyond her years. Her advice to artists just starting out? “Always stay inspired.” This is what allows the creative process to keep moving forward.

Tina Morris is a student in the MFA creative writing program at Reinhardt University. 770-720-5582. Reinhardt.edu/Graduate/ MFA-CW/

Woodstock Family Life | MAY 2017

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Ipads, Iphones, Androids, etc… children are beginning to get these devices at earlier ages and are seen glued to them, playing apps, texting or watching videos. Children develop depth perception, eye teaming, tracking and other visual skills by playing with real objects in real space, which is lacking with the introduction of smartphones/tablets. Children and adults are experiencing significant eye issues that may be caused by overuse of “smart” devices. The brightness of a device needs to be considered when in use. If a phone is too bright, eyes often have difficulty adjusting, which causes eye fatigue. Additionally, eyes can become very dry, as a person typically blinks 12-15 times a minute, whereas when staring at a screen, this is reduced to 7-8 times. The tear film that lubricates the eye doesn’t work properly when blinking is reduced; this causes deterioration of the surface of the eye much younger in life. These devices also use blue light to illuminate the screen. This type of light can be responsible for restlessness if used

Woodstock Family Life | MAY 2017

Tablets and Smartphones:

The Hidden Risks for Children By Kristi Estes too close to bedtime, as it can cause a decrease in melatonin. It has also been found that blue light can lead to the breakdown of macular pigment in the back of the eye, which can later lead to macular degeneration. Since the launch of smart phones, there has been a significant increase in myopia

(short-sightedness), and it’s expected to increase. Some physicians have linked blue light exposure to a greater chance of obesity, diabetes and cancer. Things to consider when using a device: • Blink more frequently (every 10-15 seconds). • Adjust the screen brightness to bright during the day but with blue light reduction apps at night. • Keep the screen 20-28 inches away from your eyes. • Every twenty minutes, stare at something at least twenty feet away for at least twenty seconds. • Be aware of how long you’re on your device, perhaps setting a timer to stop. • Make sure to get your eyes checked annually.

Kristi Estes is an occupational therapist and co-owns In Harmony Pediatric Therapy with Jennifer Puckett. 770-345-2804. InHarmonyPediatricTherapy.com

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“If you build it, they will come.” While this is a popular quote from the movie Field of Dreams, it has certainly been true for Cashin’s Sculpture Garden in Alpharetta. Jack Cashin, owner of Chukkar Farm Polo Club & Event Facility, had envisioned an outdoor sculpture garden on the property for some time. Jack is a serial entrepreneur and creator of many commercial enterprises. As a passionate supporter of the arts, he always felt large sculptures along the trail through the forest made sense. The response has been wonderful. Many people visit the farm each year to attend weddings, corporate outings and concerts or to watch a polo match, take riding and polo lessons and now, to partake in “Nature’s Cathedral” by walking Cashin’s Sculpture Garden trail. Cashin’s Sculpture Garden is located on the 100+ acres of Chukkar Farm Polo Club & Event Facility, which hosts a vast array of events and activities, drawing a diverse crowd of many thousands of visitors each year, so they can be immersed in the charm

and gorgeous surroundings that make up Chukkar Farm. The grand opening of the Sculpture Garden took place in May of 2015. The installation is along an existing horse riding trail that gently meanders through a spectacular hardwood forest. The sun dapples through the leaves, setting the stage for wonderment. There are 26 large-scale sculptures, including a great variety of art styles, from abstract to representational. The artist roster includes many well-known professionals from Georgia, Florida and North Carolina. Chukkar Farm also offers the facility for fund-raising events by non-profit organizations, and they include a polo match as the entertainment feature. Whether you are planning a wedding, looking for a great location for your

Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake

company outing, planning a fund raiser, want to attend a concert, try your hand at polo or are looking for a peaceful, soul-enriching walk in the woods, pairing art and nature, Chukkar Farm Polo Club & Event Facility is the place to go. When you visit for an event, you can add the Sculpture Garden to your activities. If you are just visiting for the Sculpture Garden, it is only open by appointment with a group of eight or more. More sculptures will be added in phases, and current sculptures will be replaced with new ones from time to time. All sculptures are on consignment and for sale to the public. In 2017, Mr. Cashin wants to add a variety of programming that would allow the Sculpture Garden to be open more to individuals who want to enjoy the art. For more information, or to see their calendar of events, check out ChukkarFarmPoloClub.com.

1140 Liberty Grove Road Alpharetta 770-664-1533 770-833-1283 ChukkarFarmPoloClub.com WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

UPCOMING EVENTS MainStreetWoodstock.org

TrailFest May 6, 8:00-10:00am Downtown Woodstock

Excursion Residential Development Tour May 12, 9:00am-1:00pm

Woodstock Concert Series May 12, 7:30-10:00pm Northside Hospital-Cherokee Amphitheater Charlie Daniels Band

Mastermind May 17, 8:00-9:30am Chattahoochee Technical College How to Deal With Difficult People

Downtown Buzz May 26, 8:00-9:00am Woodstock Fire Department, Station 14

Walk Woodstock! By Stacy Brown

ocals and greater Atlanta area neighbors alike love how vibrant downtown Woodstock has become. Amazing restaurants, shops, trails and events are drawing great numbers of locals, day trippers and even travelers from far away. Two common misconceptions voiced by residents are that, “Woodstock has a parking problem,” and “Woodstock is a victim of its own success.” A study conducted last year showed that midweek and on weekends, there are generally several hundred vacant spaces around downtown. There are 1,700 parking places in the downtown district; of those, 1,300 are public, and 400 are privately owned. The core parking areas on Main Street, East Main Street, Chambers Street, Wheeler Street, Mill Street and the City Center make up about 780 spaces. About 280 of those are on-street spaces; 500

Woodstock Family Life | MAY 2017

are in parking lots located just a block off Main Street. While on-street parking is roughly 80% occupied at peak times (like lunchtime), the parking lots average only 10-25% of capacity. So, if you’re willing to take a few minutes and a few steps, you can take your pick among the 300-450 spaces available. The City has added parking signs. Look for the large blue circles with a capital letter “P” along Main Street, Towne Lake Parkway and Arnold Mill Road, which indicate the locations of public parking lots. There’s a great map on the Woodstock Trolley website, WoodstockTrolley.com, which shows downtown parking areas with the trolley route. In addition to the core parking areas studied, there are an additional 180 spaces at the Woodstock campus of

Chattahoochee Tech available to residents in the evening and on weekends when classes aren’t in session. There’s a trolley stop in front of the campus, but it’s just a sixminute walk from Chattahoochee Tech to that frozen margarita on your favorite rooftop bar. When you look at it that way, it’s a four-minute walk from the lot at City Center to the window of your favorite food truck on Wall Street. The City continues to improve walkability in our community by developing new wayfinding signage. Coming soon, look for directional signs telling you just how many minutes it is to your favorite things found downtown. A favorite Woodstock small business owner recently put it perfectly when he said, “Woodstock doesn’t have a parking problem; we have a walking problem.” Walk Woodstock. It’s not too far.

Stacy Brown is marketing and tourism coordinator at the Woodstock Visitors Center. 770-924-0406. VisitWoodstockGa.com

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Photos courtesy of PhotoJack.net

Woodstockâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s First Friday

Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake

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Risotto Ingredients and Procedure: Select your favorite Italian Arborio rice, and prepare it according to package instructions. Finish it with one cup of parmesan cheese.

Shiitake Mushroom and Fire-roasted Tomato Sauce Ingredients: 10 Roma tomatoes, roasted and charred on the grill then pulsed in a food processor 1 small Vidalia onion, minced 3 cloves garlic, minced 2 cups full-flavor chicken stock 8 oz. shiitake mushrooms, stems removed and sliced thick Âź cup brandy 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped 1 teaspoon each salt and pepper 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 tablespoon butter (serves 4)

Shiitake Mushroom and Fire-roasted Tomato Sauce Procedure: Heat the olive oil and butter in a sauce pot. Add the onions, garlic, salt and pepper, and cook until they start to sweat. Add the shiitake mushrooms, and cook slightly until they start to soften, and the juices start to render. Add the brandy, and reduce slightly. Add the roasted tomatoes and chicken stock. Reduce over medium heat for about 10-15 minutes or until the consistency has thickened. Add the thyme, and turn the heat off, but leave the pot on the stove top to remain warm.

Grilled Lamb Chops Procedure and Plating: Grill 4 lamb chops to your desired preference of doneness. Put a generous bed of risotto on a plate, and top with a lamb chop. Top the lamb chop and risotto with the sauce, making sure to get a decent amount of shiitake mushrooms on each. Garnish with parmesan cheese, if desired.

Woodstock Family Life | MAY 2017

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Homes these days are filled with tons of electronics. With so much money tied up in these devices, many people are choosing to protect their investment with surge protectors. Some surge protectors can be purchased and installed easily behind sensitive electronics such as your DVD player or computer, but what about your home appliances and everything else that’s plugged in without a surge protector? One great option is a whole-house surge protector installed at your electrical panel. A whole-house surge protector is typically hardwired into your home’s electrical panel by a licensed electrical contractor and can usually be installed in about one hour. No one surge protection device is foolproof, and if your home takes a direct lightning strike, only luck will keep anything that is plugged into a receptacle

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from being destroyed. However, weighed against the damage that even everyday power fluctuations can cause, wholehouse surge protection is an investment well worth the cost. The gold standard is a two-tiered system: a whole-house surge protective device (SPD) installed at the circuit breaker box coupled with plug-in SPDs on individual outlets. A whole-house SPD can protect against up to 40,000 amps of current flowing into your home from the outside; normal household power is 200 to 300 amps. When a sudden surge occurs, such as from a lightning strike or damage to a power line, the device detects the excess current and safely diverts it through the house’s grounding path. For the most sensitive electronics, such as computers and home entertainment systems, a second layer of protection is recommended in the form of point-of-use SPDs. These can be purchased at most any retail electronics store.

Whole-Home Surge Protectors By Rick Cheney Additionally, you may want to look at surge protectors for your phone, TV and data lines coming into your home. These lines are often left unprotected and can lead to damaged computers, TVs and more. If you’d like more information on how you can better protect your home from power surges, contact your local electrical contractor for an estimate on installing a whole-home surge protector.

Rick Cheney is in the purchasing department at H&H Electric and Security, LLC. 770-735-1136. HHElectrician.com

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hile all funerals are somber, special, personal and moving experiences for the family and friends who are in mourning, if you’ve ever attended a military funeral, you have experienced an additional level of respect and gratitude through the different traditions, protocols and etiquettes that must be followed by our nation’s military as they assist families in honoring our nation’s veteran and active duty soldiers. There’s nothing quite like the vision of the impeccable, white-gloved hands of the soldiers as they make each meticulous, meaningful fold of the flag. There’s nothing quite like the emotional feeling one gets as one of our nation’s soldiers kneels in front of a fallen veteran’s spouse, mother, father or child to present them with that now folded flag that had been draped across their loved one’s casket only moments before. There’s nothing quite like the sound of “Taps” being played in the distance as you sit with your head bowed, while chill bumps prickle across your skin. And there’s nothing that will jar you back into the moment quite like the honor displayed through the 3-volley firing of rifles. Why is it so important to perform these tasks? “The importance of etiquette during a military funeral/burial is

By Julie Senger

that it is a way to show reverence and respect to the fallen and their family. There is a certain protocol at each military funeral/burial that ensures that the service will be presented the same way for each of the fallen,” said Robert Wallace, chairman of the advisory council for the Georgia National Cemetery. But what do all of these things mean? What do they symbolize? 56

Woodstock Family Life | MAY 2017

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The 3-Volley Rifle Fire

This tradition dates to the European dynastic wars (1688-1748). The volleys were shots fired during a battle to request a pause in the fighting to allow time for both sides to remove the bodies of fallen soldiers from the battlefield. The three bullets represent the three volleys fired, and also symbolize the words duty, honor and country. Three shell casings, one for each volley, are often slipped into the folded flag before it is presented to the family. Many people often mistake a 3-volley rifle fire for a 21-gun salute. The three volleys are fired from rifles, not “guns.” In the military, a “gun” is actually a large-caliber weapon, such as a cannon.

“Taps”

After the 3-volley rifle fire, a bugler will play “Taps” as the flag is being folded. “Taps” originated during the Civil War. It was played to indicate to the soldiers that it was time to extinguish the lights and to go to sleep. It was later used as a figurative call in death, symbolizing the extinguishing of life, or eternal sleep.

Flag Folding

When a veteran or active duty soldier dies, the casket is covered with the flag, and the stars are always placed over the left shoulder of the deceased. This is due to the patriotic tradition started during the Napoleonic wars. During the Napoleonic Wars, a flag was used to cover the dead as they were taken from the battlefield on a caisson. As soldiers remove the flag from the casket, they

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make exactly twelve folds in it. Each fold has a meaning: 1. Life on earth 2. Eternal life 3. The veteran gave a portion of him/ her self for the defense of the United States. 4. Humanity’s weaker nature and American reliance of God in peace and war 5. Tribute to the United States 6. The state of the American heart 7. The United States armed forces 8. Tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death that humanity might see the light of day 9. Tribute to motherhood 10. Tribute to fatherhood 11. For the Jewish citizen, this fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon, and glorifies the God of Abraham, Issac and Jacob. 12. For the Christian citizen, this fold represents the eternity, and glorifies God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Flag Presentation

When the flag is presented to the deceased’s next of kin, the blue field of stars is always facing up. The following is what is said to the next of kin during presentation, based upon to which branch of the military the deceased belonged:

U.S. Marine Corps: “On behalf of the President of the United States, the Commandant of the Marine Corps, and a grateful nation, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved one’s service to country and Corps.” U.S. Navy: “On behalf of the President of the United States and the Chief of Naval Operations, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved one’s service to this country and a grateful Navy.” If the next of kin has expressed a religious preference or belief, the following may be added: “God bless you and this family, and God bless the United States of America.” Everything about a military funeral/ burial is very deliberate. Robert Wallace assured, “The courtesies at a military funeral/burial are so that all aspects of the service for the fallen and their family are completed with honor and respect. It will impact the family members by showing them that we appreciate their service and sacrifice to our great nation, and they will not be forgotten.”

U.S. Air Force: “On behalf of the President of the United States, the Department of the Air Force, and a grateful nation, we offer this flag for the faithful and dedicated service of (service member’s rank and name).” U.S. Army: “This flag is presented on behalf of a grateful nation and the United States Army as a token of appreciation for your loved one’s honorable and faithful service.” U.S. Coast Guard: “On behalf of the President of the United States, the Commandant of the Coast Guard, and a grateful nation, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved one’s service to country and the Coast Guard.”

« Sources: VeteransUnited.com: “A Final Salute: Know the Symbolism Behind Military Funerals,” Derek Hartley. TheBalance.com: “What Do the Three Bullets Represent in Military Funerals?” & “Military Funeral Customs and Traditions” Rod Powers. MilitarySalute.ProBoards.com: Military Salute Project.

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Spring Gardening May Yield Historical Surprises By Joshua Fuder

As a youngster, I was fascinated with the idea of becoming an archaeologist. I would routinely bury my coin collection in plastic bags, make maps, and months later, get my metal detector out and go dig them up. Indiana Jones I was not, but I never lost my appreciation and sense of wonder about the people and animals that inhabited the earth before me. Last spring, my wife and I were expecting the arrival of our first child. As a new parent, my mind was continually preoccupied with what kind of parent I would be, what type of personality and interests my son would have and how that would influence his life into adolescence and adulthood.

Woodstock Family Life | MAY 2017

Just a few weeks after our son was born, I was taking a midday stroll in my freshly tilled garden. It was after a rain, which is prime rock-harvesting time. I jokingly refer to my garden as a prehistoric parking lot, given the neverending supply of jagged, granite stones. However, this stroll yielded more than the typical handfuls of brown granite. Usually, I only bend down for bigger rocks that go clank on the hoe or tiller, but at the end of one row, a small rock caught my eye through the rain-soaked soil. I reached for the burgundy-hued rock, and I was surprised to find an arrowhead about the size of a fifty-cent piece. Not knowing much about Native American relics, I sent some pictures off to the University of Georgia’s Anthropology Department.

They reported that my “arrowhead” was, in fact, much older than bow and arrow technology and was actually a corner-notch spear point from the Middle Archaic Period (5000-3000 B.C.). I was astounded and humbled to have found this piece of ancient history while performing the trivial task of picking up rocks. Finding the treasure has given me a greater connection to my garden, and I hope it will inspire my son to value human history and the natural world. If I am lucky, he will one day be in charge of picking up the rocks in the garden.

Joshua Fuder is an agriculture and natural resources agent at the UGA Cooperative Extension Cherokee County. Contact the UGA Extension office for any gardening assistance, 770-721-7830 or CAES.UGA.Edu/ extension/cherokee

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he Budget Blinds journey for Karin and Joe began two years ago when they purchased a new home and wanted custom window coverings. Having used Budget Blinds in the past, they called them again, as they had been very pleased with their products, warranty and customer service. Their design consultants made it fun and really listened to what they wanted. The consultants provided sample books, and they began selecting styles that complimented their décor; it was so easy! After the consultants left, Karin said to her husband, “I could totally see myself doing that!”

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Karin always had a passion for decorating and often regretted that she didn’t pursue it as a career. After discussing her desire for a career change, she researched purchasing a franchise only to find there wasn’t one available in her area. After two years, a franchise became available, and Karin and her husband became the excited new owners of Budget Blinds of Woodstock! If you’ve had to run from department stores to bed and bath stores looking for window coverings, only to find the right color or style, but the wrong size, you’re not alone. The internet is not reliable when it comes to quality or accuracy of colors, and the headaches of shipping and returns can be very frustrating. If you’re a new home owner, bored with your existing coverings or have a challenging window, you can schedule a free consultation. Budget Blinds of Woodstock carries many of

in the

limelight

the current trends in an array of colors, textures and patterns. They’ll take care of the measuring and installation and provide professional advice — with a five-year, “no questions asked” warranty. They can accommodate every budget in blinds, shutters, shades and panels. They also offer draperies, pillows, area rugs and faux iron for that extra special touch. Additionally, Budget Blinds provides products with features such as child friendly, room darkening, light filtering, energy saving or motorization. For more information, visit BudgetBlinds.com, or call 678-540-1615. Karin or her very knowledgeable Design Consultant, Jeanine Shipp, will bring samples to show in your own décor and lighting, making the process simple, convenient and fun!

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Monitoring Your Child’s Social Media Habits By Lisa-Marie Haygood

Many of us are thankful that our teenage/collegiate years were over before the invention of social media. While social media has many benefits, it can become a life-changing problem for some, and parents should take time to talk to their teens to help them understand the potential consequences. For example, when friends take compromising or inappropriate photos, perhaps all in fun, they frequently end up in the wrong hands and get shared on social media, often without the consent of the person in the photo or of the photographer.This can spell big trouble for many teens. Distributing inappropriate images is considered a form of child pornography, and just by appearing in the images, teens are

Woodstock Family Life | MAY 2017

considered party to this crime. While the intent may have only been a funny, lighthearted prank, teens can be severely punished by both the authorities and the school system. Consequences range from in-school suspension, loss of extra-curricular activities, expulsion and even criminal prosecution.These penalties can occur even if the act was committed away from school grounds or using one’s own personal devices.There are currently instances playing out in the criminal justice system in which student athletes have lost full college scholarships because they are eighteen years of age, and they shared compromising images of their friends who were underage, even though they had their friend’s consent.

Children/teens should not take or allow anyone to take this type of photograph. Explain to your children that they should never share such an image with their friends, and they should notify you immediately if an image like this is sent to them. Parents must remain vigilant in protecting children from these images. Parents are responsible for monitoring their child’s social media, so please help raise awareness of these trends, and if you suspect a problem, notify your school administrators or your local authorities.

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Ribbon Cuttings

Cherokee Insurance Center, LLC 115 Palm Street Holly Springs 770-720-1314 Insurance — Auto, Home, Life & Business

Patriots Park

1485 Kellogg Creek Road Acworth 770-924-7768 Government — County

Ace Hardware Woodmont 8026 Cumming Highway Canton 678-666-1310 Hardware Store

Woodstock Family Life | MAY 2017

Mosquito-Free, LLC

2171 Holly Brook Lane, Suite A Canton 770-704-4560 Pest Control

Autism Center for Children 429 Creekstone Ridge Woodstock 678-996-4998 Medical Services

Medi-Weightloss

PT Solutions Physical Therapy

Nature’s Corner Market

Allstate — The Bray Agency, Inc.

12195 Highway 92, Suite 144 Woodstock 678-540-7827 Weight Loss & Spa

200 Parkbrooke Drive, Suite 150 Woodstock 678-310-2532 Health Foods

1810 Cumming Highway, Suite 1360 Canton 678-885-9965 Health Care

2945 Holly Springs Parkway Holly Springs 770-345-1747 Insurance — Auto, Home, Life & Business

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“What? I Have Diabetes? How Could I?” By Pamela S. Marquess, Pharm. D.

Simply stated, when you have diabetes, your body has trouble processing a special type of body sugar called glucose. In a healthy body, the bloodstream carries a natural glucose to your cells; your pancreas produces a type of insulin that serves as a “key” that opens the wall of the cell to receive the glucose in order to have energy to do its work. When a person has diabetes, two conditions occur. First, there is more glucose in the bloodstream than the cells can absorb. Second, the pancreas is either not producing enough insulin or is not producing the correct insulin that is needed to unlock the wall of the cell to receive the glucose. Thus, the cells are not energized properly. Sometimes, an early sign of diabetes is lack of energy. The number of people diagnosed at the very early stage, known as prediabetes,

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has grown dramatically. It is estimated that nearly thirty-million people have some type of diabetes but are not diagnosed. In years past, diabetes education classes have been available, and their cost is often covered by insurance. However, you had to be diagnosed with the disease in order to access those classes. Effective, January 2018, classes will become available for those individuals who have been identified as prediabetics, so they can learn about the disease, and take steps to prevent the full diagnosis by increasing physical activity along with better food and beverage choices. These classes will offer answers to the many patient questions. Currently, a diabetes patient sees their doctor twice a year and their nurse practitioner four times a year. That same patient sees their pharmacist 36 times per

year. As medication experts, pharmacists recognize the active relationship they have with each patient. Learn how to care for yourself in advance of a diagnosis, so you can enjoy a wonderful quality of life. Be on the lookout for sources of early learning in order to avoid the challenges of a diabetes diagnosis.

Pamela S. Marquess, Pharm. D. is Co-Owner of Woodstock Health Mart Pharmacy, 8612 Main Street, Woodstock. 770-926-6478. WoodstockRX.com

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Anderson Dental 21 Atlanta Hand Specialist Inside Front British Swim School — North Atlanta 35 Budget Blinds — Woodstock 59 Burns Law Group 3 C & T Auto Service 61 Canton Festival of the Arts 9 Cherokee Bail Bonds Cover, 32 & 33 Cherokee Chorale 61 Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta 25 Sports Medicine Chukkar Farm 51 Cobb EMC 61 Dawn Sams, Realtor 31 Diamond Castle Fine Jewelry 11 Downtown Kitchen 27, 54 Dr. Fixit, Ph.D. 31 Elm Street Cultural Arts Village 29 Fire Stone Wood Fired Pizza & Grill 11 Funeralocity 16 H & H Electric & Security, LLC 55 Healing Hands Youth Ranch 63 Hill & Hill Financial, LLC 64 In Harmony Pediatric Therapy 19 Jyl Craven Hair Design Inside Back Landscape Matters 19 LGE Community Credit Union 45 Main Street Nail Studio 35 Masterpiece Framer 23 Nature’s Corner Market 37 North Georgia OB/GYN Specialists 3 Northside Cherokee Pediatrics 5 Northside Cherokee Surgical Associates 14 Northside Hospital-Cherokee 1 Northside Radiation Oncology Consultants 10 Northside Vascular Surgery 17 Park Pediatric Dentistry of Woodstock 19 Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics 60 and Dentistry at Canton PharMoore & Woodstock 5 Health Mart Pharmacy PhotoJack.net 63 Plastic Surgery Center of the South 38 R & D Mechanical Services, Inc. 49 Salon Spa Venessa 59 Southern Local 39 Summit Financial Solutions 58 Three Sisters Gifts 16 WellStar Health System Back Cover Wing and Rock Fest 13 Woodall Family Realty 50 Woodstock Pediatric Medicine 34 Woodstock Summer Concert Series 7 Woodstock TrailFest 41 64

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