Contents
May 2019
VOLUME 6 | ISSUE 10
28-29 On the Cover:
[28-29]
Mosquito-Free
36-37
Homemade Dog Treat Recipes
40-41
Animal Casting Could Your Pet Be a Star?
[36-37] Homemade Dog Treat Recipes
[40-41] Follow Us >>>
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Family Life Publications
Woodstock Family Life | MAY 2019
04
.......................... Perspective
06
................ Woodstock Minute
08
.............................. Calendar
16
........................ Public Safety
19
.................... Community Life
30
................... Senator Speaks
38
......................... Book Review
48
......................... Artist Profile
53
............... Community Partner
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.................... Ribbon Cuttings
familylifepublications
@FamilyLifeMags
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Publisher’s Perspective PUBLISHER/PHOTOGRAPHER Jack Tuszynski Jack@FamilyLifePublications.com EDITORIAL Julie Senger Julie@FamilyLifePublications.com EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Cyndi Braun ART Laurie Litke Laurie@FamilyLifePublications.com
If we continue our current course, in about 30-40 years, there could be more plastic in our oceans than fish. Plastic molecules are now being found within the meat of the fish we eat. “We as a society need to consider whether it’s worth trading off some convenience for a clean, healthy environment,” Geyer says. “For some products that are very problematic in the environment, we need to think about using different materials or phasing them out.”
Woodstock Family Life | MAY 2019
770-213-7095
FamilyLifePublications.com Family Life publications have the largest monthly circulation of direct-mailed community magazines in our area. Woodstock Family Life is a monthly community magazine with a total print count of over 30,000, direct mailing over 28,000 copies to Towne Lake, downtown Woodstock up to Hickory Flat and toward the Roswell border. The viewpoints of the advertisers, columnists, and submissions are not necessarily those of the editor/ publisher, and the publisher makes no claims as to the validity of any charitable organizations mentioned. The cover and its accompanying magazine content are a paid advertisement. Woodstock Family Life magazine is not responsible for errors or omissions. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the publisher. Subscriptions are available for $25 per year. Please contact us for payment options. © 2019 All rights reserved.
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630 East Main Street Canton, GA 30114
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Working together as a community, we can attack this problem locally. Refill your water bottles and ask others to do the same. If everyone does this just once per bottle, we can cut waste in half. When paper or other biodegradable products are available, consider these options instead of plastic. Let’s stop trashing our planet. Think cleaner and more clearly when reaching for your next drink of clean water. Jack Tuszynski, Publisher
Family Life Publishing Group, Inc.
E
According to a recent National Geographic article, a study by Roland Geyer that was published in the Science Advances journal was the first global analysis of all plastics ever produced — and their fate. Of the 8.3 billion metric tons that have been produced, 6.3 billion metric tons have become waste. Of those, only nine percent have been recycled. The vast majority — 79 percent — is litter or taking up landfill space. At some point, much of that ends up in our oceans, causing countless problems for the marine environment and the quality of water for every living thing.
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Gavin Adams, Steven Anderson, J. Daran Burns, Cherokee Office of Economic Development, Jyl Craven, James B. Depew, Jimmy Eley, Joshua Fuder, Corey Harkins, Lisa-Marie Haygood, Maria Klouda, Stephanie Landry, John Midkiff, Tim Morris, Vishant Nath, Michael Petrosky, Frank Reynolds, Sen. Bruce Thompson, Katie Wise, Ferdinand Yates, Jr., Farris Yawn
M AG A ZI
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ecycling is no longer an excuse to use single-use plastics. Less than 10 percent of plastic waste is recycled. There are better alternatives that aren’t as costly to our personal and environmental health. The problem is that there is too much recycling to do, and it’s our fault. Our unintentional disregard for the obvious is filling up our planet with debris. Yes, it really is happening. Modern luxuries and conveniences are accelerating the demise of our home.
SALES Janet Ponichtera Janet@FamilyLifePublications.com
PLE
Think Cleaner
Mandy Marger Mandy@FamilyLifePublications.com
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Woodstock Minute
Beginning this month, the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) open burning ban will be in effect for 54 Georgia counties including Cherokee County. This ban has been in place during the summer ozone season since 2005.
Open Burning Ban in Effect By Jimmy Eley
Citizens and businesses are prohibited from burning yard and land-clearing debris from May 1 through September 30. The open burning ban is in addition to the rule that prohibits the burning of household garbage, which is never allowed anywhere in Georgia.
Ground-level ozone, which is most commonly produced in the heat of the summer, can cause lung inflammation as well as other health problems. Open burning creates particle pollution, which consists of extremely small particles that can increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke.
May through September is a time of year when people, particularly children, are more likely to be outdoors. The outdoor activity also coincides with the increase in ground-level ozone and particle pollution.
“We can’t control the weather,” said Karen Hays, chief of the Georgia EPD Air Protection Branch. “Limiting open burning during the summer months helps to improve Georgia’s air quality.”
Recreational activities, such as campfires and grilling, are exempt from the open burning ban. Agricultural activities are also exempt.
EPD recommends that citizens check with their local fire marshal and the Georgia Forestry Commission before conducting any burning.
Citizens can access more information on the open burning ban by visiting EPD.Georgia.gov (click on “Open Burning Ban” under “Quick Links”), or call the EPD Mountain District office at 770-387-4900. To contact Woodstock Fire Department’s fire marshal, please call 770-926-2302.
Jimmy Eley is the assistant chief/ fire marshal for the Woodstock Fire Department. 225 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock. 770-926-2302. WoodstockGa.gov
Source - EPD.Georgia.gov
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Woodstock Family Life | MAY 2019
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Calendar MAY
6, 13, & 20
Music Mondays in May — This is a delightful melodic alternative to the Monday “blues.” The tunes will be cranking, and all are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch or pick up lunch at a nearby restaurant then join the fun. In ascending order, Music Mondays will feature DJ music from a different decade starting with the 1960s and moving through the 1980s. 11:00am-1:00pm, Northside Hospital Cherokee Amphitheater, 101 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock. 770-592-6000. WoodstockGa.gov
2, 4, 7, 11, 15, 16, & 18 Author Events — Bestselling authors in various book genres will present their latest releases. Please check the website for author names, book titles, and event times. FoxTale Book Shoppe, 105 E. Main Street, Suite 138, Woodstock. 770-516-9989. FoxTaleBookShoppe.com
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mINgle at Little River — Enjoy this FREE quarterly after-hours networking event and “mINgle” with investors and their guests. This event is hosted by downtown Woodstock’s newest clothing and outdoor outfitter. Food and beverages will be served. 5:30-7:30pm, Little River Clothing, 8368 Main Street, Woodstock. 770-592-6056. InWDSTK.org/events
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iThink Improv — This fun show will have audiences rolling down the aisle with laughter. 8:00-9:30pm, City Center Auditorium, 8534 Main Street, Woodstock. 678-494-4251. ElmStreetArts.org
ONGOING May Is Military Appreciation Month — This observance is meant to raise awareness and encourage celebration and appreciation of those who serve – or who have served – in the armed forces for their country. This month is also meant to show appreciation for the families of servicewomen and servicemen, who tirelessly stand by and support their serving relative.
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Woodstock Family Life | MAY 2019
More Than Music: The Legend of Lee Roy Abernathy — Through July 20, enjoy this FREE temporary exhibit containing artifacts pertaining to the life of this local gospel music legend. Wednesday-Friday 10:00am5:00pm and Saturday 10:00am-3:00pm, Cherokee County History Museum and Visitors Center, 100 North Street, Canton. 770-345-3288. RockBarn.org Woodstock Farm Fresh Market — Each Saturday through December, Woodstock’s Farm Fresh Market rules guarantee the best market in the region by requiring
10 & 24
Parent’s Night Out — Drop the kids off at the pool, so you can enjoy adult time. Kids will play in the pool, enjoy a pizza dinner, do crafts, play games, and end the night with a movie. 5:3010:00pm, Cherokee Aquatic Center, 1200 Wellstar Way, Canton. 678-880-4760. CRPA.net
vendors to grow at least 85 percent of the product they sell. This year’s Market will feature events from the Cherokee County Farm Bureau, cooking demonstrations from local chefs, and live music. 8:30am12:00pm, Market Street, Woodstock. 770-924-0406. VisitWoodstockGa.com Farm Fresh Tuesday Evening Market — This evening, mid-week version of Woodstock’s Farm Fresh Market is held on Tuesdays, May through August. 5:00-8:00pm, Backyard at Reformation Brewery, 105 Elm Street, Woodstock. 770-924-0406. VisitWoodstockGa.com
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Woodstock Summer Concert Series Presents Mark Wills — Enjoy live, original, country music performed by this new Grand Ole Opry inductee. FREE! 7:30pm, Northside Hospital Cherokee Amphitheater, 101 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock. 770-592-6000 x1952. WoodstockParksAndRec.com
11 & 12
30th Annual Cherokee County Mother's Day Powwow and Indian Festival — Enjoy a Native American dance competition, honor dance for Chipa Wolfe, and a Mother's Day honor dance; Native American cuisine; Native arts and crafts, jewelry, and clothing; a living Indian village and displays; environmental and wildlife displays; kids’ activities; and more. Saturday 10:00am6:00pm and Sunday 11:00am-6:00pm, Boling Park, 1200 Marietta Highway, Canton. RThunder.com
AMPED in the Park — This is a monthly fitness series presented by Woodstock Parks and Recreation and local partner PLAE HARD. Every first Saturday morning of the month through November, all are invited to attend an hour-long fitness class featuring aerobics on the lawn, running stairs, yoga, you name it! To register for AMPED in the Park, please visit PlaeHard. com. 8:00am, Northside Hospital Cherokee Amphitheater, 101 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock. 770-517-6788. WoodstockGa.gov
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WDSTK Roots Music Nights — Andrea & Mud will be performing at this FREE original music series event. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring their own blankets, chairs, food, and beverage. 7:00-9:00pm, Elm Street Arts Village Event Green, 111 Elm Street, Woodstock. VisitWoodstockGa.com
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Brew HaHa — Belly laughs + beer on tap with iThink Improv! Join local performers for improv games. 7:00-8:30pm, Reformation Brewery, 105 Elm Street, Woodstock. 678-341-0828. ReformationBrewery.com
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Volunteer Aging Council (VAC) Fundraising Luncheon — Support VAC programs and get a wonderful lunch for only $5. Bring a friend, coworker, family member, or yourself, and enjoy a tasty lunch while supporting the seniors and veterans of Cherokee County. Stay and eat, or pick up and go. RSVP the location, so the amazing chefs can be prepared for all who come to support. 11:30am1:00pm, Manor Lake, 131 Holly Street, Canton. 678-230-4067. VAC-CherokeeGa.org
IN Season Committee Meeting — On the third Thursday of each month, this committee creates projects that help activate and beautify the Woodstock community. Plantings, seasonal decor, tactical urbanism, and engagement events will be discussed. 6:00-7:00pm, IN WDSTK office, 1 Innovation Way, Woodstock. 770592-6056. InWDSTK.org/events Free CPR/AED Certification Class — On the last Saturday of each month, this fundraiser benefits the Hickory Flat Volunteer Association. Donations are appreciated ($75 value). Preregistration is required. 9:00am-12:00pm, Cherokee
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Bacon & Banjos — Come on out to this delicious and melodic foodie/music festival with multiple bands scheduled to appear and more food options than your stomach can handle. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Woodstock Public Safety Foundation. The festival will also include a craftsman alley with rustic creations for sale. 11:00am6:00pm, Northside Hospital Cherokee Amphitheater, 101 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock. 678-300-3906. WoodstockGa.gov [continued on page 10]
County Fire Station 23, 7625 Vaughn Road, Canton. 770-406-6657. HFVA.org/ Class-Registration.php Morning INfluence — On the last Friday of the month, breakfast is served! Enjoy this monthly morning networking event, which includes a brief presentation that focuses on updates given by greater Woodstock or Cherokee County officials on important issues or services offered that affect the community. 8:00-9:00am, Chambers at City Center, 8534 Main Street, Woodstock. 770-592-6056. InWDSTK.org/ events
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Calendar continued from page 9
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Elm Street Arts Lantern Series Presents the Huntertones — The high energy, horn-driven sound of the Huntertones fuses inspired improvisation and adventurous composition, melding jazz, funk, rock, and soul. 7:30-9:30pm, Elm Street Event Green, 113 Elm Street, Woodstock. 678-494-4251. ElmStreetArts.org
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Visionary Cookout — Looking for a way to get involved at Elm Street? Come to the Visionary Cookout. Meet other visionaries, have some food, and enjoy good company, as we talk about Elm Street’s growth and enjoy the evening. The main dish will be provided; please bring a side to share. 6:008:00pm, Elm Street Event Green, 113 Elm Street, Woodstock. 678-494-4251. ElmStreetArts.org
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Mastermind — Enjoy learning opportunities offered for free to IN WDSTK investors aimed at providing information and idea sharing for business leaders. If you are not currently an investor, please register as a guest. 8:009:30am, Chambers at City Center, 8534 Main Street, Woodstock. 770-592-6056. InWDSTK.org/events
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Movies in the Park — Enjoy a family friendly movie shown on a 30-foot movie screen. Lots of popcorn, candy, refreshments, and kids’ activities will be available, too. Bring blankets and lawn chairs. 8:45pm, Northside Hospital Cherokee Amphitheater, 101 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock. 770-592-6000 x1952. WoodstockParksAndRec.com
ONGOING Women’s Entrepreneur Meetup — Every third Friday of the month, meet with current and aspiring fellow businesswomen to take action and hold each other accountable for stated goals. This is not a lead exchange or a referral program. 11:30am1:00pm, The Circuit, 1 Innovation Way, Woodstock. 770-345-0600. CircuitWoodstock.com
Papa’s Pantry Volunteer With Your Kids — Volunteer with your kids on the second Saturday of every month. Space is limited, and pre-registry is available. 9:3011:00am, Papa’s Pantry, 6551 Commerce Parkway, Woodstock. 770-591-4730. PapasPantry.org Creative Problem-Solvers — Every first and third Tuesday of the month, meet up with this gathering of local entrepreneurs and innovators dedicated to crowdsourcing solutions to their business problems in a community brain trust rather than alone. 7:00-8:30am, The Circuit, 1 Innovation Way, Woodstock. 770-345-0600. CircuitWoodstock.com
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Woodstock Family Life | MAY 2019
Woodstock WordPress Meetup — Every first and third Wednesday of the month, meet up with fellow business professionals to discuss this popular internet tool. 11:30am-1:00pm, The Circuit, 1 Innovation Way, Woodstock. 770-345-0600. CircuitWoodstock.com
Women Who Code — Every fourth Wednesday of the month, all experience levels and languages are welcome – from newbie to guru. This is a great place to dedicate quality time to learn a new
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Memorial Day Flag Placement and Program — Honor America’s fallen soldiers by attending this annual flag placement and ceremony program. Be sure to arrive early or be prepared to walk a great distance (parking fills up quickly). 8:00am-12:00pm, Georgia National Cemetery, 1080 Veterans Cemetery Road, Canton. ATBSA.org/nationalcemetery-programs.html
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Memorial Day Ceremony — The City of Woodstock along with the American Legion Post 316, Marine Corps League Detachment 1311, Warriors’ Watch Riders, and other local veterans’ organizations honor America’s fallen soldiers. Highlights include the POW/MIA Remembrance, the reading of Woodstock’s Honor Roll, placing of the memorial wreath, dove release, rifle honors, and playing of “Taps.” 10:00am, The Park at City Center, 101 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock. WoodstockGa.gov
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Memorial Day 5K — Be sure to register by May 6 to be guaranteed a race T-shirt. The 5K is open to all ages. After the 5K, there will be a 1K Fun Run for runners 12 and under, as well as refreshments and an awards ceremony. This year, proceeds will be donated to L.R. Tippens Education Center. $25 preregistration/$30 day of race. 7:00am registration/8:00am race, Holly Springs Elementary School, 1965 Hickory Road, Canton. 770-345-5536. HollySpringsGa.us
language or work on a new project. 6:00-8:00pm, The Circuit, 1 Innovation Way, Woodstock. 770-345-0600. CircuitWoodstock.com Detachment 1311 — Every third Saturday of the month, veterans share their firsthand war experiences, which are then used as editorial research data to assist others. The Woodstock Detachment #1311 is chartered as a subsidiary organization of the Marine Corps League. 9:00am, Semper Fi Bar and Grille, 9770 Main Street, Woodstock. 770-672-0026. Facebook. com/MCLWoodstock
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[continued on page 13]
YPOW AM — Each Thursday morning, join Young Professionals of Woodstock for coffee and networking. 7:00am, Copper Coin Coffee, 400 Chambers Street, Woodstock. 770-592-6056. InWDSTK.org/ events Ongoing Square Dancing — On the second and fourth Friday of each month, enjoy square dancing with the Cherokee Squares. 8:00-10:00pm, Woodstock Jaycee Hall, 216 Rope Mill Road, Woodstock. 404-408-3180 or 901-3375330. CherokeeSquares.com
1 Million Cups — The first and third Wednesday of the month, attend this FREE, nationwide program designed to educate, engage, and accelerate early-stage startups. The notion is that entrepreneurs can discover solutions and thrive when they collaborate over a million cups of coffee. Drop in on this community of innovators to connect with and support local startups. 9:0010:00am, the first Wednesday is at The Circuit, 1 Innovation Way, Woodstock; check the online schedule for the location of the third Wednesday, which changes monthly. InWDSTK.org/events
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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
BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP May 21, 12:00pm, Woodstock Enjoy coffee, conversation, and a book discussion with new friends. This month’s selection is The River of Doubt by Candice Millard. All ages are welcome; new members are encouraged.
TODDLER SPRING SENSORY WALK May 3, 10:30am, Rose Creek Help your toddler experience all the sights and sounds of spring during this indoor activity. Children must be accompanied by an adult. STEAM KIT DAY May 3, 11:00am, Woodstock Celebrate Georgia STEM day at the library by trying out some of their STEAM kits that are available for check-out. Children must be accompanied by an adult. STAR WARS ESCAPE ROOM May 4, 11:00am, Hickory Flat Put your Jedi skills to the test! This is for all ages; children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required by calling 770-345-7565. TEEN ADVISORY BOARD MEETING May 6, 6:00pm, Hickory Flat The Teen Advisory Board (TAB) is a way to make your voice heard by planning and implementing library events. Earn volunteer hours, help select new materials for the library, and more. Teen Summer Reading Program events will be discussed and graduating high school seniors will be recognized. All teens are welcome to attend. If you’re interested in becoming a member of TAB, you may pick up an application at the library. HOMESCHOOLER’S BOOK CLUB May 8, 1:30pm, Woodstock Join a community of readers who meet once a month to enjoy lively conversation about literature. This month’s theme is “space.” Children should read a book independently or with a caregiver and share a brief book talk about it with the group. Refreshments are provided.
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Woodstock Family Life | MAY 2019
LEGO LAB May 11, 3:00pm, Rose Creek May 19, 3:00pm, Woodstock Using a different theme each month, children may work alone or in teams to build LEGO masterpieces, which will be displayed in the library until next month’s meeting. LEGO and DUPLO are provided. Children must be accompanied by an adult. ARE YOU SMARTER THAN A LIBRARIAN? May 13, 6:00pm, Hickory Flat Think you’ve got what it takes to outsmart a librarian? Play this game to find out! Refreshments are provided for both participants and audience members. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required by calling 770-345-7565. MUSIC AND MOVES May 15, 10:30am, Hickory Flat Get moving and grooving with friends from Go Noodle. It’ll be a dance party to remember! Experience parachute play, music, gross motor skills, and storytelling in one actionpacked hour. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
RECORDING YOUR FAMILY’S SECRETS May 23, 11:00am, Rose Creek Author Angela Rochon discusses her book, Fatherless: My Father’s Memoir and Mine. Learn about researching, organizing, and recording your own family history as well as different methods of genealogy research. CHILDREN’S WRITERS CRITIQUE GROUP May 25, 3:00pm, Rose Creek Inklings Creative Expressions presents its Children’s Writers Critique Group. If you enjoy writing stories for children, this is the place for you.
YARN BOMBING 101 May 16, 3:30pm, Rose Creek Learn all about yarn bombing and find out how you can be a part of the library’s yarn bombing project in June. This is for all ages; children must be accompanied by an adult.
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Calendar continued from page 11
30 & 31
SPLISH SPLASH Break Camp — Camp includes lots of pool fun, arts and crafts, off-site field trips, and more! To attend camp, children must be able to pass a 25-yard, deep water swim test with no assistance. 7:30-9:00am drop off, 9:00am-4:00pm camp activities, 4:006:00pm pick-up, Cherokee County Aquatic Center, 1200 Wellstar Way, Canton. 678880-4760. CRPA.net
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Home By Dark Concert Series Presents The Young Fables and Liz Longley — Enjoy this one-of-a-kind music experience that truly demonstrates that “a song can change your life.” Bring food, friends, and family for a night you'll always remember. 8:00pm, Chukkar Farm Polo Club & Event Facility, 1140 Liberty Grove Road, Alpharetta. 678-665-0040. HomeByDark.com
JUNE
1
1&2
Elm Street Arts Lantern Series Presents Violet Bell — The Americana sound of Violet Bell is woven from threads of folk, soul, bluegrass, psychedelic, and classical music. On stage and in the studio, the energy between duo Lizzy Ross and Omar Ruiz-Lopez is fiery, intimate, and intuitive. 7:309:30pm, Elm Street Event Green, 113 Elm Street, Woodstock. 678-494-4251. ElmStreetArts.org
Cherokee Chorale Concert, Days of Wine and Roses — The Cherokee Chorale wraps up its 31st season with two performances featuring timeless music from America’s songbook. Well-known beloved classics by Cole Porter and Johnny Mercer will captivate audience members both young and old. Adults $15, students $5. Saturday 5:00pm and Sunday 3:00pm, Reinhardt University’s Falany Performing Arts Center, 7300 Reinhardt College Parkway, Waleska. 614-302-0160. CherokeeChorale.org
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Friday Night Live — Thanks to the extended hours during this fun event, everyone has a chance to explore the variety of shops downtown. Events and live music at various locations create a street-party style atmosphere that is sure to offer everyone something to do. 5:008:00pm, downtown Woodstock. 770-5926056. VisitWoodstockGa.com
School Dates to Remember
Last Day of School Cherokee HS Graduation Creekview HS Graduation Etowah HS Gradation Woodstock HS Graduation River Ridge HS Graduation Sequoyah High School
Wednesday, May 29 Thursday, May 30 at 8:00pm Friday, May 31 at 8:00pm Friday, May 31 at 4:00pm Saturday, June 1 at 1:00pm Saturday, June 1 at 4:00pm Thursday, May 30 at 4:00pm
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PART 1 OF A 3-PART SERIES
By Katie Wise [StrategicLife] Some people have a plan to meet their financial goals, while others simply hope they’ll have the money they need to fund the life they desire. Without a goal and a plan, you’re relying on good fortune to determine whether you’ll have the money you need or want. Whether your goals include early retirement, college for the kids, or a great life lived your way, it’s never too soon to
To determine your DTI, divide your monthly debt obligations by your gross monthly income and multiply that number by 100. Ideally, you want to keep your DTI at 36 percent or less.
create a plan. In this three-part series, you will learn how to figure out where you stand, set goals, and formulate a plan to reach them. Before creating a financial plan, determine where you stand right now. What does that mean? Quite simply, it comes down to three key numbers: 14
Woodstock Family Life | MAY 2019
your income, credit score, and debt-toincome ratio, also called DTI. Most people understand the importance of their credit score. But credit scores alone don’t give the whole picture. That’s where the DTI comes in. This number shows whether you’re living within your means or spending more than you earn. The two numbers together are important because they can determine the rates you pay on mortgages, car loans, and more. To determine your DTI, divide your monthly debt obligations by your gross monthly income and multiply that number by 100. Ideally, you want to keep your DTI at 36 percent or less. Once you have a good idea of where you stand, you need to determine where you want to be. Discuss with your partner to determine what in life is important to you – both in the short and long term. Are you determined to retire early? Do you have kids with aspirations that require an out-of-state school? And what about the short
term? Do you want to travel? Have money for family outings? Identify your goals and how much they cost. Goal-based financial planning maximizes how effectively you manage your money and creates a specific end point to help you stay on track. In order to start saving for the future, the general rule of thumb is to save about 20 percent of your income. But if you have a lot of debt to pay off, you can make adjustments to that number, if necessary. By regularly setting aside money for savings and paying bills on time, you may also see your credit score increase and DTI decrease in the long run. Money management is a critical step in meeting your financial goals. In next month’s article (part two), learn specific steps you can take to save more money in order to fund the life you desire. L
Katie Wise is the Woodstock Financial Center manager at LGE Community Credit Union.12186 Highway 92, Suite 111B, Woodstock. 770-424-0060. KathrynW@LGEccu.org, LGEccu.org
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PublicSafety
Georgia’s
FUNERAL PROCESSION CODE By Sheriff Frank Reynolds
I
’ll just be honest; I don’t like funerals. Funerals are usually filled with grief and sorrow, especially if the passing was due to a tragedy. Having said that, there is one part of the funeral process that I enjoy — the procession to the final resting place.
The Cherokee Sheriff’s Office and municipal police departments often provide a police escort from the funeral service to the cemetery. When my dad passed away a few years ago, I remember how honored our family was to have such an escort. As we made our way from the church to the National Cemetery, my heart was full of pride to watch his final farewell. Our procession was led by a patrol car and motorcycles with their lights activated. The deputies and officers moved with gentle precision, as we rolled onto the road and made our way to the cemetery. While we drove down the road, traffic stopped, and some drivers even exited their cars to give my dad a final salute. My eyes filled with tears. Call it a southern tradition if you will, but it is something that lifts my spirit every time.
Here are a few things to remember should you happen to drive upon a funeral procession. The Official Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A.) 40-6-76 states the following:
(2) Operators of vehicles in a funeral
(f) The operator of a vehicle not in a funeral
procession shall yield the right of way
procession shall not attempt to pass vehicles
when directed to do so by a traffic officer.
in a funeral procession on a two-lane highway.
(c) Funeral processions escorted by the police,
(g) Any person violating subsection (d), (e),
a sheriff, or a sheriff’s deputy shall have the
or (f) of this Code section shall be guilty of a
(a) As used in this Code section, a “funeral
right of way in any street or highway through
misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof,
procession” means an array of motor vehicles
which they may pass. Local governments may,
shall be punished by a fine not to exceed
in which the lead vehicle displays a sign,
by ordinance, provide for such escort service
$100.00.
pennant, flag, or other insignia furnished by a
and provide for the imposition of reasonable
funeral home indicating a funeral procession
fees to defray the cost of such service.
As a final note, if you are in the procession, always use caution and never take for granted
unless led by a state or local law enforcement vehicle, and each vehicle participating in the
(d) The operator of a vehicle not in a funeral
that you have the right of way. Always leave
funeral procession is operating its headlights.
procession shall not interrupt a funeral
sufficient space between vehicles in case of a
procession except when authorized to do
sudden stop.
(b) Funeral processions shall have the right of
so by a traffic officer or when such vehicle
way at intersections subject to the following
is an authorized emergency vehicle or law
conditions and exceptions:
enforcement vehicle giving an audible and
It is an honor to be your sheriff, and I am always at your service.
visual signal. (1) Operators of vehicles in a funeral procession shall yield the right of
(e) Operators of vehicles not a part of a funeral
way upon the approach of an authorized
procession shall not join a funeral procession
emergency vehicle or law enforcement
by operating their headlights for the purpose of
vehicle giving an audible and visual
securing the right of way granted by this Code
signal; and
section to funeral processions.
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Woodstock Family Life | MAY 2019
Frank Reynolds is the sheriff for Cherokee County. 678-493-4100. CherokeeGa-Sheriff.org
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Woodstock Family Life | MAY 2019
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Pie Provisions Wins at Flavor of Georgia Contest Pie Provisions, a Do-It-Yourself Pie Company owned by the duo that brought Pie Bar to downtown Woodstock, recently took home 1st Place in the Confections Division in the 2019 Flavor of Georgia Contest with their Georgia Blueberry Pie Filling, which is made with organic blueberries sourced from a blueberry farm in Waynesboro, near where owners Lauren and Cody Bolden grew up.
Community Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce Teen Leadership Cherokee Class of 2019 Graduates Over the past three months, the 20-member class attended an orientation with their parents, participated in a retreat, worked on an extended project, and attended several classes that addressed topics such as community involvement, economic and educational responsibility, personal development, and team building. The mission of Teen Leadership Cherokee is to develop the knowledge and leadership skills of young people in Cherokee County, so they may confidently become our leaders of tomorrow. For more information on the Teen Leadership Cherokee Class of 2020, please visit CherokeeChamber.com.
“When you start with quality ingredients, you really do not need to add much to them,” Cody said. “Our Georgia Blueberry Pie Filling contains six ingredients: organic Georgia-grown blueberries, pure cane sugar, fresh lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and pectin.” Each jar is hand canned and labeled by the Pie Provisions team. The company’s pie fillings can be found in approximately 85 retailers across the U.S. or ordered online. The Flavor of Georgia contest is held by the UGA Center for Agribusiness and Economic Development and allows Georgia food businesses to showcase their best products. The 2019 contest had 33 finalists across a variety of categories including the Confections category. For more information about Pie Provisions, please visit PieProvisions.com.
(front row L-R) Bekah Seng, Cherokee; Ethan Lasenyik, Woodstock; Aarya Kothari, River Ridge; Will Dowd, Creekview; Grayson Richards, Creekview; Emma Parker, Creekview. (middle row L-R) TLC Chair Jessica Helms, R & D Mechanical Services; Kayli Jones, Woodstock; Jack Cody, Creekview; Brinn Dameron, Creekview; Emily Baldwin, Creekview; Will Jones, Creekview; Gabby Christian, Creekview; Abbi Gallagher, Creekview; TLC Vice-Chair Will Goodwin, Oak Leaf Church. (back row L-R) Ethan Nichols, The King’s Academy; Ivan Shi, Creekview; Aliyah Salame, Etowah; Josh Vickers, Cherokee; Faith Burns, Cherokee; Analise Black, Etowah; Tori Pitts, Creekview.
Program Manager Named for Woodstock Office of Economic Development Sylvia Breitbart was recently named program manager for the Office of Economic Development following an internal search. She assumed her new position on April 11. Breitbart has been with the City of Woodstock since June 2018, serving as the Citizen Request for Action coordinator and in a customer
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service role in the utility billing office. Prior to coming to Woodstock, Breitbart served in office management and sales management roles for both locally owned companies and national companies such as AT&T. “Sylvia was identified as a candidate for this position early on in the search, and I am confident that the relationships she has already established across all City departments and her customer service and sales background will allow her to hit
the ground running for our office and the IN WDSTK organization,” said Brian Stockton, director of Economic Development. In addition to administering the City’s Economic Development strategy, the program manager role serves as the secretary for the Downtown Development Authority as well as chief operations officer for IN WDSTK, Inc., which is an investorled 501(c)6 organization charged with business development and destination marketing within the city. WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM
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Community Woodstock HS Teacher Earns State’s Top Honor for Math Education Loretta Muise of Woodstock High School has been named the Georgia Council of Teachers of Mathematics’ High School Teacher of the Year. Each year, the Council presents three awards — for elementary, middle, and high school levels — to “excellent teachers who have strong content foundations in mathematics appropriate for their teaching level, show evidence of growth in the teaching of mathematics, and show evidence of professional involvement.” Muise, who has 29 years of experience, is the school’s math department chair and teaches advanced placement (AP) calculus and multivariable calculus. The Council praised Muise for demonstrating excellence in her profession: “Loretta is not only great at collaborating, she is a superb leader. She works with teachers to help them improve their performance and find innovative methods that will increase student performance.”
Upper Etowah River Alliance Presents Awards The Upper Etowah River Alliance recently presented the City of Canton with its 2018 Partnership of the Year Award. The organization also honored Professor Zach Felix of Reinhardt University with the Georgia Adopt-A-Stream Partner of the Year Award, Julie Moeller of Woodstock High School with the Educator of the Year Award, and Past Chair Lori Forrester with the Gene Cornelison Award for her many years of dedication to the Upper Etowah River Alliance.
A Season to Prevail – Elm Street’s 2019-2020 Season Announced Elm Street will unveil two new initiatives in their A Season to Prevail, 2019-2020 season – American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation and sensory-friendly performances of select productions. “Everyone should have the opportunity to be a part of the arts,” says Siobhan Brumbelow, Elm Street’s associate artistic director. “Through partnerships with local organizations, we are able to provide more accessibility to the theatre for our community members who may not be able to attend without it.” Each production will include an ASL-interpreted show on a Sunday matinee performance, where an interpreter will sign along to the show for those deaf and hard of hearing. The complete ASL-interpreted performance schedule is as follows: Puffs (Play, Comedy): Sunday, September 1, 2019 at 2:30pm (Rated PG-13) Little Shop of Horrors (Musical, Comedy): Sunday, September 29, 2019 at 2:30pm (Rated PG-13) Willy Wonka Jr. (Musical, Family): Sunday, November 17, 2019 at 2:30pm (Rated G) A Christmas Carol (Musical, Family): Sunday, December 22, 2019 at 2:30pm (Rated PG) Mary Poppins Jr. (Musical, Family): Sunday, February 2, 2020 at 2:30pm (Rated G) Helvetica (Play, Drama): Sunday, March 22, 2020 at 2:30pm (Rated R) Legally Blonde (Musical, Comedy): Sunday, April 26, 2020 at 2:30pm (Rated PG-13) Orphie and the Book of Heroes (Musical, Family): Sunday, June 21, 2020 at 2:30pm (Rated G) James and the Giant Peach (Musical, Family): Sunday, July 19, 2020 at 2:30pm (Rated G)
Five productions in the upcoming season will include a special Saturday performance that is sensory-friendly for individuals with sensory sensitivities, such as autism, and their families or caretakers. During these performances, sound and light levels will be adjusted, audience members will have an opportunity before the show to see all the characters and any elements that may surprise or startle them, and areas and resources will be available for anyone who may need to step out at any time. A pre-show guide will also be available online for families to become familiar with each show and Elm Street itself, such as pictures of the lobby and the stage. The complete sensory-friendly performance schedule is as follows: Willy Wonka Jr. (Musical, Family): Saturday, November 16, 2019 at 2:30pm (Rated G) A Christmas Carol (Musical, Family): Saturday, December 21, 2019 at 2:30pm (Rated PG) Mary Poppins Jr. (Musical, Family): Saturday, February 1, 2020 at 2:30pm (Rated G) Orphie and the Book of Heroes (Musical, Family): Saturday, June 20, 2020 at 10:00am (Rated G) James and the Giant Peach (Musical, Family): Saturday, July 11, 2020 at 10:00am (Rated G)
For more information about getting involved in this organization, visit EtowahRiver.org.
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Woodstock Family Life | MAY 2019
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Cherokee County District Attorney Honored Cherokee County District Attorney Shannon Wallace recently received a 2019 Outstanding Women in Leadership award.
Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services Presents Check to Goshen Valley Boys Ranch The Cherokee County fire department recently presented a check for $5,364 to Zach Blend, CEO at the Goshen Valley Boys Ranch located in the Salacoa area of Waleska. The fire department donated their winnings from this year’s Guns and Hoses 5K and Fun Run. Goshen Valley Boys Ranch provides hope and a family-model home for boys in foster care.
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Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan honored 25 outstanding women leaders, including District Attorney Wallace, during a March event to celebrate Women’s History Month. During the presentation, Lt. Gov. Duncan said that the women leaders have made a profound impact on residents and communities throughout Georgia. “I am honored to be recognized as an outstanding woman leader,” said Wallace. “I am proud to represent Cherokee County among a group of highly accomplished leaders from across our state. While this award honors me, I believe it truly represents all of the great work we accomplish in the District Attorney’s office.”
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Community Assistant District Attorney Named liveSAFE Resources Woman of the Year Rachel Ashe, assistant district attorney for Cherokee County, was honored as the liveSAFE Resources Woman of the Year for her tireless work on behalf of domestic abuse victims. Ashe received the award during liveSAFE’s 34th annual Tribute to Achievement benefit event at the Cobb Galleria. “We are thrilled that Rachel has received this prestigious award that recognizes her commitment to seeking justice on behalf of our most vulnerable victims, those who have been affected by domestic violence,” said Shannon Wallace, Cherokee County District Attorney. “We are blessed to have Rachel as part of our team.” In the District Attorney’s office, Ashe is assigned to the Domestic Violence Unit, where she prosecutes felony cases involving intimate partner violence. She works alongside an investigator and victim advocate to ensure that victims have a voice throughout the legal process. Previously, Ashe worked in the Cherokee County Solicitor General’s office, where she prosecuted misdemeanor cases involving domestic violence. Ashe was chosen from among 15 outstanding women leaders who live and/ or work in metro Atlanta. The honorees were inducted into the Academy of Women Leaders during the event. A nonprofit organization, liveSAFE Resources provides services to victims of sexual assault including 24-hour medical exams by registered nurse examiners trained in advanced assessment and forensic techniques.
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Woodstock Family Life | MAY 2019
Empower Cherokee of GA., Inc. Celebrates 50th Anniversary Empower Cherokee of GA, formerly Cherokee Day Training Center, recently celebrated its 50th anniversary with a ribbon cutting/re-grand opening. This organization for men and women with intellectual and developmental disabilities offers community integrated services, based on the needs of the individuals it serves. Empower Cherokee provides support to help people maintain local jobs and to connect and contribute through activities such as volunteering and socialization.
Woodstock Police Introduces Newly Updated Motor Unit The Woodstock Police Department has added two Can-Am Police F3 Spyders to its fleet in order to focus on traffic safety. After exhaustive research into various motorcycle options, the department decided on the purchase of the Can-Am Spyders based upon numerous criteria – the most important being officer safety. The Can-Am Spyders provide police officers with the stability of a three-wheeled riding platform to help in their duties on the roadways of Woodstock, in addition to the opportunity to carry more equipment to aid in response to emergencies. Public feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. The department is excited about having another tool to help engage with citizens and continue its tradition of community involvement and betterment. The inaugural ride was completed in early April, as the Spyders met with the Road Warrior Foundation in North Georgia to make their way through the state on a ride with four wounded veterans, which was Woodstock Police Department’s second time participating with the Foundation in support of our nation’s wounded veterans. For more information on the Road Warrior Foundation, please visit RoadWarrior.org.
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Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services Donates Fire Safety House to Gilmer County Last month, Cherokee County Fire donated its old fire safety house to Gilmer County. After the merger of Cherokee County and Canton fire departments, the consolidated organization ended up with two fire safety houses – one from Canton, one from Cherokee. After careful review and consideration, Cherokee County Fire & Emergency decided to keep the city’s newer fire safety house and donate the county’s older model. Cherokee County Fire Chief Tim Prather contacted the Gilmer County fire chief and determined that they did not have a fire safety house. Earlier this year, the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners approved the transfer. “On behalf of the Gilmer County Board of Commissioners and Gilmer County Public Safety, we would like to extend our sincerest gratitude for your generous donation of the fire safety training trailer,” said Keith Kucera, director of Gilmer County Department of Public Safety. “Our Fire/Life Safety team at Gilmer County has already used this wonderful gift at Ellijay Primary School, which saw over 50 first graders pass through and learn about home safety. Our entire community truly appreciates you and your staff.”
CCSD Students Win State Leadership Awards The 21st Century Leaders organization presented Georgia Youth Leadership Awards to Cherokee High School junior Michael Garcia and Etowah High School junior Kailen Kim. Each year, the youth leadership and talent development program selects 21 youth leaders from throughout Georgia for the honor. The high school leaders selected are already making names for themselves as nonprofit founders, entrepreneurs, philanthropists, authors, and community advocates.
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Trends in Family Law By J. Daran Burns, Esq. [StrategicLife] Over the past five years, there have been many changes in family law. Some have slowly emerged, while others appeared without much warning. A smooth divorce proceeding requires planning. A few of the changes include new alimony tax law, trends in child custody awards, the importance of mental health issues in custody awards, and the changing use of retirement savings. A new tax on alimony awards began in January 2019. Prior to 2019, the paying party was not taxed on the monthly alimony paid to their spouse, as it was deductible on the paying party’s tax return. Today, for alimony awards ordered after December 31, 2018, the paying party can no longer deduct the monthly alimony payment on his or her tax return. Alternate tax-saving strategies are still available through creative drafting of agreements by skilled professionals. Child custody awards are gradually changing. Fathers are receiving more
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Woodstock Family Life | MAY 2019
custody and parenting time than in the past. There is no longer a presumption that child custody should be awarded to mothers simply based on gender. The law says neither parent is to be favored because of gender, as children need strong relationships with both parents. However, inherent biases are still present. Careful attention to a parent’s mental health issues is also a trend. Mental health issues and addiction diagnosis, counseling, and treatment are now common elements during divorce. Working with a mental health professional prior to a divorce action is wise. Treatment of retirement savings has evolved. Often, parties have significant marital debt and must cash out retirement savings to meet cash flow needs for two households. Although cashing out retirement comes with tax liability, many couples have no choice. One strategy available is awarding retirement funds to the party with the lower tax rate and requiring that party to pay specified marital debt with the net 401(k) award. This can be especially helpful when the 401(k) cannot otherwise be cashed out. These are a few of many changes that could impact a divorce. Make sure you seek professional counsel if you are considering one.
J. Daran Burns is an attorney and heads the Burns Law Group. 181 E. Main Street, Canton. 770-956-1400. BASLG.com
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[HealthyLife] When talking about dental trauma and emergencies, understanding what dental emergencies command our immediate attention should benefit us in the future. A 15-year-old who was struck in the jaw by a school bully required jaw surgery and two months of jaw fixation therapy, which forced him to eat almost everything through a straw. His knocked-out tooth was temporarily replaced, and a dental implant followed a few years later when his facial growth reached maturity. Dental emergencies come in lots of different forms, from severe trauma to annoying toothaches. However, most dental emergencies are not lifethreatening, and immediate and effective treatment is usually rendered in a local dental office environment. If an adult tooth is knocked out, do your best to find the tooth. Do not wash or rinse the tooth. Store the tooth in saliva
(carefully in the cheek) or in milk. Water is not ideal, but it is better than transporting the tooth dry. If you are comfortable orienting the tooth correctly back in the mouth, and the tooth does not have foreign debris on it, you can reposition the tooth back in the mouth. If there are no urgent/life-threatening conditions, call your dentist immediately. Repositioning the tooth back in the mouth is most successful if done within the first hour after the trauma occurs. Abscessed teeth usually cause the most pain and facial swelling. Severe facial swelling from an abscessed tooth can be life-threatening, so it is important to see your dentist immediately. Although pain is often associated with dental conditions, dental pain alone is not life-threatening. An immediate exam by a dentist is
necessary. Antibiotics are only effective in treating and reducing the visible facial swelling, not the pain associated with an infected or abscessed tooth. Never take antibiotics unnecessarily and/or “from a friend.� Antibiotics can hurt your body when taken unnecessarily. Pain medicine, such as Tylenol or Motrin, is usually the most immediate short-term remedy. Remember, an abscessed tooth requires immediate treatment from a dentist to avoid future pain and/or a life-threatening facial infection. Most dental emergencies can be avoided. Seeing your dentist regularly will help ensure that painful problems never come your way. After all, it’s your mouth, and diligent oral health and prevention techniques really are all about you.
What to Do During a
Dental Emergency By Dr. Steven Anderson, D.M.D.
Dr. Steven Anderson is owner/ dentist with Anderson Dental of Woodstock and East Cobb. 650 Claremore Professional Way, Suite 200, Woodstock. 770-384-8505. DrStevenAnderson.com
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Woodstock Family Life | MAY 2019
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COVER STORY By Maria Klouda
Three years ago, Jody Wheeler and Chad Woodall combined their longstanding friendship, resources, and previous business experiences to form Mosquito-Free. They set out to make Mosquito-Free the No. 1 choice for mosquito control solutions. Through some heartfelt prayers and a great deal of hard work, they are well on their way to accomplishing that feat. As lifelong residents of Cherokee County, Wheeler and Woodall are excited to grow their business in the area they call home. Independently owned and operated, the company is based near BridgeMill in the Sixes community. Their service area includes Cherokee and Cobb Counties as well as parts of Bartow, north Fulton, Forsyth, Pickens, and Paulding counties. Most would agree, mosquitoes have a special ability to ruin outdoor activities. With the buzzing, biting, swatting, and scratching, one might think it is easier to stay inside. No doubt, mosquitoes are a long-standing nuisance in the South, but they are a distant memory for Mosquito-Free customers. Long gone are the days of spraying the
family down with insect repellant to go outside. Mosquito-Free offers a variety of solutions that are 100 percent biodegradable and completely safe for your family and pets. Applications are guaranteed to repel mosquitos for three weeks with recurring treatments every 21 days. In addition to mosquitoes, Mosquito-Free treatments help control over 70 other harmful insects including fleas, ticks, ants, and spiders. While mosquitoes are the primary target, flea and tick control is equally important to many customers as a preventative measure for their pets. If you don’t need seasonal mosquito control, Mosquito-Free offers one-time applications for special outdoor events and parties. They also offer other treatment alternatives such as mosquito-free misting systems that
In 2018, Mosquito-Free launched a new division called SpiderFree. Spider-Free is a service offered solely to boat dock owners and lake enthusiasts with marina slips. Spiders have long been troublesome to boaters as well as the topic of many complaints. Spider webs, spider bites, spider excrement, and spider phobias all contribute to the frustration of the boating community. Servicing Lake Allatoona, Lanier, and other north Georgia lakes, Spider-Free can rid boats of unwanted pests. Spider-Free is a unique and effective way to treat for spiders. It is all natural, environmentally friendly, and safe for all aquatic life. In addition to treating for spiders and other insects, the Spider-Free service also includes removal of all
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Woodstock Family Life | MAY 2019
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automatically mist an area based on pre-set schedules. Whether your need is ongoing or one-time, residential or commercial, Mosquito-Free will create a mosquito-free zone for you to enjoy your outdoor living space. Mosquito-Free offers the first treatment FREE for new customers with a seasonal service plan. Pricing meets any budget and begins at $49 per application. Any lot size, from a small enclosed courtyard to a large acreage home, is treatable. Service is seamless for customers with a reminder notice before the application date, followed by a completion notification and online payment capabilities. Customer satisfaction is guaranteed, and any issue can usually be resolved in 24-48 hours. The typical mosquito season begins in March and ends in October; however, Mosquito-Free service plans are highly flexible based on the needs of the customer. Customers have quickly fallen in love with the results and services offered by Mosquito-Free. The company maintains five-star ratings on Google and Facebook reviews.
“We cannot believe how much it has helped. I just wish we’d started using them sooner.” - Jeff C. “Last summer was the first summer that I could really enjoy being out on our deck and working in my little garden without having to cover myself in bug spray. It was amazing! These guys will take care of you.” - Cindy C. “Absolutely the best customer service around! We couldn’t sit in our backyard until they came out and treated. I was doubtful it would work, but it does! Worth every penny!” - Denise P.
Lane lly Brook 2171 Ho Canton -4560 770-704
Free.com o t i u q s Mo ee.com LLC r F r e d i Sp ree osquitoF
k.com/M reeLLC Faceboo osquitoF M / m o m.c oFreeLLC Instagra Mosquit / m o c r. Twitte
Learn more about M osquito-Free and Sp ider-Free, including their customer refe rral program, at Mos quito-Free.com and Spider-Free.com, or by calling 770-70445 60. Follow them on Facebook, Twitter , and Instagram. webs, egg sacks, and other insect nests. Pricing varies based on the size of the boat dock or marina slip. Service plans are seasonal, typically starting in March and running through October. Instead of spending two to three hours cleaning spider messes, boaters can affordably treat their boat docks. The extra time allows boaters to “Boat More and Clean Less.” Wheeler and Woodall plan to continue to grow and serve Cherokee and the surrounding area because it is more than just a place to do business; it is their home. They grew up here and are raising their families here. They are working to make the outdoors more enjoyable by creating Mosquito-Free and Spider-Free spaces.
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Call or visit either website and mention code “FAMILY LIFE” to receive $100 off a full season of mosquito control or $50 off a full season of spider control. New customers only. Offer expires June 30, 2019.
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SenatorSpeaks
Providing the
Best Opportunities
for All Students
By Senator Bruce Thompson
E
arlier this year, I was contacted by a mom from Atlanta asking me to introduce legislation that would allow her homeschooled daughter access to extracurricular programs at her local public school. I honestly did not understand the homeschool model well enough to immediately commit, but I agreed to help when I reviewed extensive research showing that this legislation exists in 35 other states. Frankly, with so many laws ensuring people have equal access, I was surprised the legislation did not already exist in Georgia.
music, and chorale. Lots of parents also stated that they would consider sending their children to private schools, but their financial situation prevented that option.
Although I originally believed it would be a relatively easy bill to enact, I quickly discovered passionate individuals both for and against this issue. Those asking for access believe that parents of homeschooled students pay property taxes and should have access to public school facilities that their tax money funds. Many of these parents are not necessarily interested in athletic opportunities, but desire to allow their children to pursue opportunities in speech, debate,
While that decision may be true for many families, it certainly isn’t true for all. Cherokee County has excellent schools, led by a great superintendent and great teachers, but not all districts enjoy the same level of excellence. Some parents choose to homeschool their children because their local public school is failing academically. Other factors leading parents to homeschool include bullying, anxiety, and spectrum disorders. Some homeschool parents are concerned about more government intrusion in their lives.
Those who oppose allowing homeschool students to participate in public school activities argue that homeschooling is a choice, and that choice has consequences.
While I am uncertain of the fate of Senate Bill 163, it has become clear that a divide still exists when it comes to the best approach to educating and providing opportunities for our children. I am certain the concerns on both sides can be addressed.
By Senator Bruce Thompson Bruce Thompson is a state senator for District 14, which includes Canton. 404-656-0065. BruceThompsonGa.com
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Woodstock Family Life | MAY 2019
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Considering an Injectable Filler or Botox? By Drs. Petrosky, Harkins, and Depew [HealthyLife] Fillers and Botox are not age specific; most people have an area they would like to correct. Have you seen movie stars with plump lips and prominent cheek bones and wondered how they look so good? The answer is injectable fillers. Many injectable fillers can target a specific area. Refyne, Define, Voluma, Radiesse, Restylane, or Juvederm can be used for patients who want to both lift lines and sculpt their face. They can be used to fill wrinkles, scars, depressions under the eyes, or build up cheeks or chin. They can help lift your brow, remove sunken areas, and define/enlarge your lips. With age, skin becomes more susceptible to wrinkles. Exposure to sun and years of muscle movement (squinting, chewing, smiling) contribute to the skin’s tissue breakdown. Facial fillers volumize creases and folds in areas that have lost fat and collagen. The face starts to lack volume
Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake
and appears aged with deeper nasolabial folds (marionette lines), a deeper mentalis fold (chin), and thinning lips that turn down at the corners. Dermal fillers can be injected underneath these folds to replace lost volume. You might even hear them referred to as “liquid facelifts” because they offer many of the benefits of a surgical facelift without the downtime.
being treated. In general, the results last from several months to over a year, which depends on the type of filler and product used. To maintain results, additional treatments are encouraged.
With all fillers, the goal is to look like a younger, more vibrant version of yourself. There have been many recent advances involving minimally invasive techniques and products that produce very naturallooking results.
As with any procedure you are considering, make sure your consultation is with a specialty trained, boardDrs. Petrosky and Harkins are certified board-certified plastic surgeons, plastic and Dr. Depew is a board-eligible surgeon. plastic surgeon at Plastic Surgery
Injectable fillers require little downtime, so patients can return to normal activities immediately following treatment. The average length of time to do a filler injection is about 30 minutes, depending on the individual and the number of areas
Center of the South. 770-421-1242. PlasticSurgeryCenterOf TheSouth.net
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[Lifestyle] Odds are, either you’re an incredibly busy super mom or an on-thego professional. Either way, the task of blow drying your hair each morning can add a significant amount of time to your morning ritual. What price would you pay to create a few extra minutes in your morning schedule without having to get up any earlier? What if you were able to significantly reduce the amount of time spent blow drying your hair in the morning? Here are four blow drying tips to help you create faster finishes and help get you on the go sooner than expected.
Moisture Be Gone
Before you begin styling your hair, you must first get rid of as much moisture as possible. Rather than using a towel with a vigorous back and forth motion that creates tangles and knots, try using a microfiber towel, and squeeze your hair. A microfiber towel is softer and will soak up more moisture out of your hair. Then allow your hair to air dry for 10 minutes before adding any heat.
Quality to the Rescue
The No. 1 thing you need in your blow dryer is power. More power equals more air flow. Look for a dryer with at least 1800 watts of power. Also, look for an IONIC dryer. Negative ion emitting dryers create an energy that breaks down water molecules into fine particles that penetrate the hair shaft then rehydrate, recondition, and restore balance to the hair. A cool shot button is another nice feature that will help to set the style, as you blow dry. The BIOIONIC 10X Pro Ultralight Speed Dryer provides all of these benefits, uses 75 percent less energy and dries hair in under 10 minutes.
ends. Once your hair is 80 percent dry, then you can begin styling it. Adopting one of these recommendations alone will do little to reduce your blow drying time. But like many things in life, it’s the cumulative effect that matters. Once you include all of these habits into your morning routine, you’ll quickly reward yourself with a few extra valuable minutes. Yes, faster finishes can be in your future and so can better hair. L
Jyl Craven is owner of Jyl Craven Hair Design of Canton. 770-345-9411. JylCraven.com
Perfecting Your Technique
Begin rough drying by first focusing on the saturated roots and mid lengths. Make sure to keep the dryer moving in the direction of roots to
Power of Product
After towel drying, apply a blow drying booster to help speed up the process. Quality blow drying products contain heat-conducting polymers that help wick away the moisture and can greatly reduce the amount of time spent drying your hair. STRAIGHTFORWARD Time-Saving Blow Dry Oil, by Shu Uemura, is perfect for faster finishes. It contains black cumin oil, which gives your strands a sleeker, smoother finish.
Fast
Finishes By Jyl Craven
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Success With Raised Garden Beds
By Joshua Fuder [HomeLife] example, a 4x8’ bed that is 10” deep would There are many benefits to gardening in raised beds. The ease of use and our heavy clay has made most hobby gardeners quick believers. Here are a few things to remember when building or managing existing raised beds.
Dimensions and Materials
require a cubic yard of soil, or 27 cubic feet. There are many websites that have builtin soil volume calculators that can make estimating easy.
Managing for Yearly Success
Raised beds should be a minimum of 8-10” deep. The deeper the better, as lots of 6” beds fall victim to Bermuda grass. The bed width is generally 3-4’, depending on the reach of the gardener. Materials can range from cinder blocks, metal, decking boards or wood. What a gardener chooses depends on their personal taste and budget. When budgeting, it is worth considering the general life expectancy of the material, as even treated wood will only last five to seven years in Georgia’s climate.
One of the biggest challenges is when first-year plants do great, but subsequent years become challenging. When this occurs, gardeners often test their soil, which is often too light and almost completely organic matter. These soils may contain nutrients, but the nutrients become unavailable for plant uptake because they are bound up in the decomposition of the high organic matter. Try removing half of the soil and incorporate a more mineral-based native soil to the mix.
During planning and construction, don’t forget to budget for the cost of soil. For
Another challenge is rotating plant families to avoid plant diseases. If a
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gardener only has one or two raised beds and is growing peppers and tomatoes every summer, then diseases will build up. Ideally, a gardener can have four raised beds, so plant families are rotated out for at least three years. If this cannot be done, then total soil replacement may be required at some point.
Joshua Fuder is an agriculture and natural resources agent at the UGA Cooperative Extension Cherokee County. 770-721-7830. CAES.UGA. edu/extension/cherokee
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Prepping Your Child for the Dentist By Vishant Nath, D.M.D.
[HealthyLife] Many adults have
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a child’s first dental visit take place before their first birthday. It is also important to begin cleaning your baby’s gums with a warm, damp cloth, even before they have teeth. It’s never too late to start this habit; it’s a great way to get your baby used to having his/her mouth examined. Once your baby’s first tooth emerges, it is important to begin gently brushing with a moistened, soft-bristled brush.
unpleasant memories of childhood dental visits. Whether you think of dentist appointments as a walk in the park or a necessary evil, everyone would prefer that their children have good dental experiences.
If you give this type of attention to your baby’s mouth on a daily basis, their first dental visit will be nothing out of the ordinary for them. If a child has never had their teeth or gums cleaned, you can imagine how much more difficult it will be for the dentist to be the first one to try.
Depending on the type of dental visit your child has scheduled, there are certain steps you can take. Believe it or not, these steps should begin during your child’s infancy.
Since dental hygiene visits are fairly repetitive, once your child has a few visits under his/her belt, he/she should begin to feel more comfortable with them. If your child has anxiety, be sure to call the
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pediatric dentist office ahead of time to let them know, as there are additional steps that can be taken to help put your child at ease. If your child needs dental treatment, it is important to prepare him/her for this as well. Once treatment is diagnosed, regardless of your child’s age, talk to him/ her about what can be expected from the appointment. Familiarity with the dentist, staff, and office can also help put your child at ease. Establish a pediatric “dental home” for your child. Creating pleasant, easy dental visits early on will help your child avoid having anxiety about future dental experiences.
Dr. Vishant Nath is the owner of Canton/Alpharetta/Roswell Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics. 678-352-1090. KidsHappyTeeth.com
Over 30,000 Each Issue, Every Month
Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake
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By Julie Senger Are you concerned about the ingredients that make up your furry family member’s treats? Well, worry no more! Try one of the following recipes, all made with healthy items, most of which you likely already have in your kitchen. Choose from a variety of options to accommodate senior dogs, puppies, and middle-aged pets alike. There’s even a no-bake option if you need something in a hurry.
No-Bake Honey-Oat Peanut Butter Treats
- - - -
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1 cup quick oats 1/2 cup peanut butter 1/3 cup honey 1/3 cup peanuts Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Allow the mixture to chill in the fridge for 30 minutes. Using your hands or a spoon, scoop out enough mixture to roll into a 1-inch ball. Repeat this process until all the batter is used. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in your fridge for up to one week.
Woodstock Family Life | MAY 2019
Anti-Inflammatory Biscuits
4 cups quick oats ½ cup ground flax seeds 1 teaspoon turmeric Pinch of black pepper 1 cup water 1 large egg
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and preheat the oven to 350 degrees. - Combine all dry ingredients in a bowl. - Add water and egg to the dry ingredients, and mix until thoroughly blended. - Knead the mixture for about 3 minutes. The dough will be sticky, so allow it to sit for 15 minutes while the oats absorb the water to help the dough reach a drier texture. - Use a rolling pin to roll the dough out to about ¼-inch thick. - Use a cookie cutter to cut into biscuits, and place on the baking sheet. - Bake for 30 minutes. - Store in an airtight container for up to a week, or two weeks in the fridge.
Fresh Breath Treats 1 ½ cups coconut oil ½ cup chopped parsley ¼ cup chopped mint (optional) - Soften your coconut oil in the microwave. Do not allow it to boil. - Mix parsley (and mint if you are using it) into the softened coconut oil. - If you have a cookie mold, pour the mixture into the mold. If not, roll the softened mixture into small balls and place on a plate or parchment paper. - Refrigerate the treats for 1 hour. - Give your dog 1 treat each day, and store in the fridge to help maintain shape and freshness.
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Carrot and Sweet Potato Treats
3 cups whole wheat flour ½ cup baked sweet potato ½ cup finely shredded carrots 1 large egg ¾ cup water
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and preheat the oven to 350 degrees. - In a large bowl, add the flour, sweet potato, carrots, egg, and water, and mix until well combined. - Knead the batter into a large dough ball. - Use a rolling pin to roll the dough out to about ¼-inch thick. - Use a cookie cutter to cut shapes for treats, and place them on the baking sheet. - Bake for approximately 30 minutes or until golden brown. - Allow to cool before serving. - Store in an airtight container for up to a week, or two weeks in the fridge.
Banana Bread Soft-Chew Treats - - - - - - - - -
½ cup coconut flour 1 tablespoon ground flax seeds ½ cup pumpkin puree 2 large eggs 1 banana, mashed 1 tablespoon coconut oil Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In a small bowl, whisk the coconut flour and flax seeds together. In a separate bowl, combine pumpkin, eggs, banana, and coconut oil. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, and mix until thoroughly combined. It should be the consistency of thick batter. Spoon the batter onto the baking sheet, making a ¼-inch thick layer, and allow it to sit for 5 minutes. Score the batter with a knife to create horizontal and vertical lines to make square treats. Bake for 35 minutes. Remove treats from the oven, and allow them to cool. Once cool, break or cut the treats along the scored lines. Store in an airtight container for up to a week, or two weeks in the fridge.
Hope Bones Peanut Butter Flavored Treats Recipe provided by Next Step Ministries
6 3 1 3
cups whole wheat flour cups rolled oats cup peanut butter ¾ cups hot water
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and preheat the oven to 350 degrees. - In a large bowl, mix the flour and oats together. - Blend the peanut butter and hot water into the flour and oats mixture. You may need to add more flour if the dough is too sticky. - Knead the batter into a large dough ball. - Use a rolling pin to roll the dough out to about ¼-inch thick. - Use a cookie cutter to cut shapes for treats, and place them on the baking sheet. - Bake for 40 minutes, and allow to cool overnight.
Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake
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Book Review BY FARRIS YAWN
Studying the Bible can be intimidating for many people. Some will pick it up and start reading, while others will seek out study guides or classes. During her years as a Sunday school teacher, Wanda Erbse found the most effective way to teach the Bible, particularly to children, was to make it fun. She created quizzes, puzzles, riddles, and games to help her students better understand and remember the stories and lessons from the good book. Erbse collected those lessons and games into several books in order to share the puzzles and devotions with parents, ministers, and her fellow teachers. She has recently combined those books into a single volume entitled Bible Fun. Here are a few riddles and questions in the book: “I wasn’t very tall / So in a crowd I couldn’t see / But I wanted to see / So I climbed a sycamore tree” “Each day I walked with God / And when my eyes grew dim / I never tasted death at all / But was taken straight to Him” “Upon our pages / Gems of wisdom are found / We’re a book of the Bible / With advice very sound” “What kind of animal was Rebekah riding when she came to meet Isaac?” This book also includes several devotions written for children, but it is not only for the young. Bible Fun would make an enjoyable addition to any person’s spiritual journey, and it will definitely test your knowledge of the Bible. Wanda Erbse has been writing since 1975. She has written a column for Union Gospel Press for 22 years called NOAH’S ARK. She has also written hundreds of articles used in multiple curriculums and published six children’s books.
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Farris Yawn is the owner of Yawn’s Publishing, 2555 Marietta Highway, #103, Canton. 678-880-1922. YawnsPublishing.com
Over 30,000 Each Issue, Every Month
Striving for [InGoodFaith] I love the idea of “better.” When something in our lives isn’t going as we hoped or planned, we might not be able to completely turn it around, but odds are we can make it better. Even a little bit better is still better. One percent better is better. Better is possible! So why aren’t our lives moving to a better place? It’s probably not because we don’t want things to be better. It’s more likely because we just lack the consistency in an area of weakness to see better results. Small, incremental, consistent deposits of better over time create a lasting difference. But when we are facing a need for better in an area of weakness, we are somewhat set up to fail. How can we be better in weak areas of our lives? The apostle Paul gives us some great advice. Apparently, he had an area where better was desperately needed. He asked
Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake
God multiple times to fix it, but God did not or would not. In this situation, Paul learned an important lesson about God: his power is made perfect in our weaknesses. You can read more about it in 2 Corinthians 12:9. After fully experiencing God’s power, Paul actually began to look forward to being “weak” because when he was weakest, he experienced God the most. What was true for Paul 2,000 years ago is still true today. Rather than give in to an area of weakness, we can look to God and allow his strength to be made perfect in our lives. Eventually, like Paul, maybe we’ll no longer be afraid of weakness, but instead find joy and peace in the midst of it. Maybe we’ll experience God in a fresh way by going through it and getting just a little bit better.
BETTER By Pastor Gavin Adams
Gavin Adams is lead pastor at Woodstock City Church, 150 Ridgewalk Parkway, Woodstock. 470-689-6000. WoodstockCity.org
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By Julie Senger
M
any of us have admired the clever animals we’ve seen in our favorite shows and movies, and with the booming film and television industry we now have in Georgia, you may be wondering how your pet can get in on the “action.” Here’s some basic information for you to “chew on” when deciding if you’d like your pet to try and “fetch” a part in front of the camera.
Training According to an animal trainer career profile, “Movie animal trainers use their knowledge of animal behavior to train and care for a variety of species. Trainers use operant conditioning to train animals to perform specific behaviors that are desired for roles in television and movies,” (TheBalanceCareers.com). Using operant conditioning, a theory created by psychologist B.F. Skinner, “trainers teach animals to connect a behavior with a cue (or signal), and then reward the animal for correct behavior. Whenever the animal behaves in the desired way — or even close to the desired way — the trainer offers positive reinforcement (usually in the form of food). The idea is that positive reinforcement of a seemingly random behavior increases
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the likelihood of it happening again,” (Entertainment.HowStuffWorks.com). Visit FilmGeorgia.com to find a qualified animal trainer/training company in Georgia.
Have Your People Call My People
American Humane has additional Humane Hollywood Initiatives that seek to protect and serve animals in the film and television industry:
•
“No Animals Were Harmed” is an end-credit certification awarded to productions that meet American Humane’s rigorous standard of care for animal actors. American Humane “works with production personnel and trainers in the pre-production planning stage, monitors the animals on set during production, and enforces American Humane’s Guidelines for the Safe Use of Animals in Filmed Media. It also investigates allegations of mistreatment and cruelty and sanctions productions that do not meet its standards of humane animal treatment.”
•
Celebrity Supporters help take American Humane’s message to a larger audience to “champion the causes of the voiceless.” Celebrities include Whoopi Goldberg, Betty White, Robert DeNiro, Kristin Chenoweth, Terry Bradshaw, Ice-T, Hugh Jackman, and many others.
Some training companies also offer promotion and representation for animals. While most of these companies promote and represent animals that are trained in their facilities, some allow you to submit your animal for consideration. You will likely be asked to send a quality photo of your animal along with information about training received, special skills/talents, certifications, professional experience/ resume credits they may already have, etc.
Nobody Puts Baby in a Corner According to their website, American Humane “monitors over 1,000 productions per year, helping ensure the safety and humane treatment of animal actors.” They work in association with the American film and TV industry “to help ensure the wellbeing of animal actors and promote the human-animal bond. They are on the set to protect animal actors.”
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Show Me the Money! What animals earn varies widely based on project budget, length, talent, special skills required, and many other factors. But here are a few examples from TheRichest of what some of the highest paid, well-known animal stars have made in the past:
Rinty, who starred as Rin Tin Tin, earned $6,000 per week back in the 1930s, which would equate to around $78,000 per week today.
Bart the Alaskan brown bear from the movies The Edge, The Great Outdoors, and Legends of the Fall earned $6 million for his movie roles.
Keiko the killer whale of Free Willy movie franchise fame earned a total of $36 million.
Pal, the collie that originated the role of Lassie in the 1950s, made $4,000 per week, which would equate to $51,000 per week today.
Moose, the Jack Russell terrier that starred as Eddie on the TV show, Frasier, earned $10,000 per episode.
Crystal the Capuchin monkey earned $12,000 per episode for the television show Animal Practice. Crystal also starred in the movies Night at the Museum and The Hangover Part II.
Sources: TheBalanceCareers.com/movie-animaltrainer-125861 Entertainment.HowStuffWorks.com/arts/ circus-arts/lion-taming3.htm TheRichest.com/expensive-lifestyle/ money/the-highest-paid-animal-actors AmericanHumane.org
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We Live in a Different Time By Tim Morris
After my recent birthday, it became increasingly [Lifestyle] apparent to me that life is very different now than it was 50 years ago. For example, I grew up in a time when it was mandatory for children to refer to adults as “sir” or “ma’am.” My dad made sure there were negative consequences if I didn’t say “yes sir” or “no sir” when someone asked me a question. I still refer to my elders in this way. Now, we rely more on social media and texting to correspond with each other instead of speaking face-to-face. New technology can be overwhelming for seniors. My daughter thinks I’m crazy when I tell her what my brothers and I used to do for fun. We played outside and rode bikes all day when school was out. Our TV only had two channels, and we didn’t want to watch Gilligan’s Island or soap operas all day.
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The final straw with me and technology was something I recently saw on the news involving an elder gentleman and his family while he was in the hospital somewhere out west. He had been diagnosed with cancer and was waiting to hear back from his doctor about his prognosis. The elder gentleman was sitting up in his bed with his family close by, and a nurse walked in with what appeared to be a robot with a monitor, which she placed in front of the elderly gentleman and turned on. The family was confused. Suddenly, his doctor appeared on the screen (he could not make it in person). The doctor explained that the gentleman’s cancer had spread, and he only had three weeks to live. The family sat in stunned silence, and the elderly gentleman couldn’t even hear the doctor, as he was shown asking his family what the doctor was saying. Please take the time to explain important things in person with members of our older generation, using terms they can understand, and please be patient with them. L
Tim Morris is the director of Cherokee County Senior Services. 1001 Univeter Road, Canton. 770-479-7438. www.CherokeeGa.com/ Senior-Services
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Driving —
It’s a Privilege By Ferdinand Yates, Jr., M.D., M.A. [HealthyLife] School is almost out for summer break, which means many of our teenagers will be asking to borrow the family car for doing fun things (such as being with their friends) and necessary things (such as commuting to a job or running an errand). Some think that driving is a “rite of passage” to adult status, but driving is actually a privilege that sometimes needs to be revoked or suspended. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified “Eight Danger Zones” where care, education, and experience are necessary:
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
Driver Inexperience – The risk of a crash is highest in the first year that a teen is driving. Provide supervised practice in a variety of road situations as well as weather and daylight conditions. Driving With Passengers – The risk of a crash goes up when other teens are present in the car. Encourage passenger restrictions early and often. Nighttime Driving – Fatal crashes are more likely at night (for all age groups). Night curfews are a wise decision. Not Using a Seat Belt – “Seat belts save lives.” Require that seat belts be used by all passengers. Distractions While Driving – “Don’t text and drive” is a law, not a slogan. Eating and loud music are also distractions. Driving While Tired – Early mornings and late nights are problem times. We all have limits in our abilities, and teens need to be taught about theirs. Reckless Driving – Teens lack the experience, judgment, and maturity to recognize and react to risky situations, and they often take risks. Be sure your teen understands that driving is already risky enough. Impaired Driving – Driving under the influence of alcohol or illicit substances impairs judgment and reaction time as well as having a deleterious effect on reasoning skills. It is also illegal.
Consider employing a “Parent-Teen Driving Agreement” (CDC.gov/MotorVehicleSafety/ pdf/Driving_Contract-a.pdf), so your child understands exactly what is expected of them. Source – “CDC 24/7: Saving Lives, Protecting People” (CDC.gov)
Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake
Dr. Yates is a pediatrician at Woodstock Pediatric Medicine, 2000 Professional Way, Woodstock. 770-517-0250. WoodstockPeds.com
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Cherokee By Choice —
A World of Opportunity By Cherokee Office of Economic Development
People are often surprised to learn that many household brands such as the Adidas SPEEDFACTORY, the first of its kind in the U.S., and the Papa John’s regional hub share Cherokee County zip codes.
Craving a Chick-fil-A Spicy Chicken Sandwich? This Chick-fil-A menu favorite was researched and developed in coordination with Canton-based Pilgrim’s, one of the world’s leading poultry suppliers.
Own a BMW, Volkswagen, Ford, or RAM truck? You can thank Cherokee-based Inalfa Roof Systems for your state-of-the-art sunroof.
These industries all have one thing in common – they’re in Cherokee by choice.
In 2018, the Cherokee Office of Economic Development (COED) continued to turn strategy into action by launching the first-ever Cherokee By Choice (CBC) investment campaign. This public-private partnership boasts 74 investors and $2.6 million pledged over five years. COED also revealed the CBC branding, a publicfacing image to connect key target areas that COED focuses on to foster economic growth.
The brand was launched along with a new, interactive website that serves as the county’s premier place for Cherokee-based companies to promote hot jobs (and it’s free!). As a bonus, COED’s careers page features local job opportunities and a “Company Highlight” that gives residents an insider’s look at Cherokee’s leading industries. Ready to forget the commute and find a job close to home? Visit CherokeeGa.org/careers/find-a-job. Cherokee is the fastest growing county in metro Atlanta. Our commitment to sustainability, greenspace, the wealth of talent and skilled workforce, and the vibrant community are responsible for that growth. One of the many ways COED is working to develop talent locally is through the Cherokee Workforce Collaborative. This united, community-based partnership brings together industry, education, government, and local organizations to close the skills gap and create a world of opportunity. This past summer, the collaborative launched Cherokee’s firstever Summer Internship Program for rising high school juniors and seniors. In its inaugural year, the program featured six local
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employers and 13 interns representing every high school in the county. We are pleased to once again offer this dynamic six-week program to help students earn while they learn. Apply by May 20 to gain real-world experience with some of Cherokee’s top employers. To take career training to the next level, the collaborative also partnered with the Construction Education Foundation of Georgia (CEFGA) and the Matiak Foundation to offer two specialized training programs – The Construction Ready Program and Tools for Success. To learn more or to apply for these programs, including the summer internship program, visit CherokeeGa.org/careers/ cherokee-workforce-collaborative. These immersive, hands-on experiences go a long way toward equipping students with important life skills that will follow them throughout their entire career. However, ensuring our students have pathways to success is only the beginning.
Work/life balance is important to you, and creating high-paying, diverse job opportunities is important to us. With 78 percent of our workforce commuting out of the county daily, COED is committed to creating an exceptional quality of life and world of opportunity right here in Cherokee. Whether that’s recruiting dynamic companies, helping our existing businesses expand, or providing a fresh start for entrepreneurs, we want living, playing, and working in Cherokee to be the best decision of your career and life.
Cherokee Office of Economic Development is located at One Innovation Way, Woodstock. 770-345-0600. CherokeeGa.org
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“
In Our Customer’s Words
“We have been very happy with the response we’ve been geeing from our ad in Family Life. I’ve tried ads in three local lo publications, and Family Life is performing the best by far.”
Christina Lachenmeyer, British Swim School - North Atlanta
Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake
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The CCEF Prize Patrol Is Coming to a CCSD School Near You By Lisa-Marie Haygood [AcademicLife] May means grant delivery time for the Cherokee County Educational Foundation (CCEF). We are excited to begin our surprise grant deliveries to teachers and classrooms all over the Cherokee County School District (CCSD). Each year, since the inception of the CCEF, Classroom Impact Grants of up to $2,500 each have been awarded to encourage innovation for CCSD students and to ensure that teachers have access to the latest technology, curriculum, and materials for continued excellence in helping students excel. CCEF’s grant application cycle opened over the winter holidays, and teachers were given a six-week period to apply for funds at CherokeeCountyEducationalFoundation. org. In order to complete the application, teachers had to have approval for submission from their school principal or administrator.
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Woodstock Family Life | MAY 2019
Once the applications are submitted, they are reviewed by the Curriculum and Instruction, Technology, and Finance Departments of CCSD to ensure materials are age and grade appropriate, align with CCEF standards, have technology components that can be integrated safely with current tech products, and have not been requested more than once. Approved applications are then brought before the CCEF board of directors, which funds as many requests as is financially possible to carry for the fiscal year. This year, CCEF has 66 pending grant requests, totaling $113,000. CCEF will use proceeds from its annual Celebration of Education Gala, the annual Chick-fil-A Moove It 5K Road Race, the annual golf outing at BridgeMill Athletic Club, and the annual CCEF T-shirt campaign to meet the demand of these worthwhile classroom requests.
CCEF notifies the principal at each of the schools about grant award winners, and CCEF board members travel to the individual schools to surprise the teachers and students with their awards. So, keep your eyes open for the CCEF Prize Patrol, coming soon to a school near you!
Lisa-Marie Haygood is the executive director for the Cherokee County Educational Foundation. 770-704-4213. CherokeeCountyEducationalFoundation. org
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ArtistProfile BY JOHN MIDKIFF
T
om Knight has a colorful history in show business. As a drummer, Knight has performed in packed venues all over the world with bands such as TLC, Monica, and Stevie Nicks. His voice-over talents have been utilized by companies such as Disney, Walmart, Crown Royal, and many luxury car brands, and he can be heard on several movie trailers like Running on the Sun: The Badwater 135. Knight won an Emmy for his voice-over work on “Fans for Life,” a commercial for SportsTime Ohio. Born in Uniontown, PA, Knight bounced up and down the east coast before finally making Georgia his home. He studied music at Georgia State University, eventually landing gigs with well-known artists, which culminated with TLC’s Fan Mail tour. He fondly remembers his time on the road as “one big adventure — like being on a constant vacation.” In 1999, the Fan Mail tour came to an end, and Knight decided to seek out a well-known company to help him make an audition video. When the company came back with an exorbitant quote,
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Knight taught himself basic video editing and made his own demo. When he returned to that same company with his finished product, they were so impressed that they offered him a video editing job. Knight’s career in voice acting happened in much the same way. While working on a project, the company needed a voice-over, so he successfully did the read, and word quickly spread. He admits that most of his jobs come from referrals or someone hearing his prior work. When Knight got into the voice acting industry, he met Don LaFontaine, who was one of the most widely recognized voices in Hollywood. Their friendship became an inspiration. Knight had reached out to LaFontaine in hopes of getting him to do voice work for one of his demos. LaFontaine found out that Knight had just returned from his honeymoon and waived his usual fee with the stipulation that Knight would eventually “pay it forward.” Their friendship lasted until LaFonatine’s death. Knight said, “He (LaFontaine)
made me feel like I could do it. I mean, a legend just invested in a stranger he didn’t know. He made me feel as special as I thought he was.” As an artist and a human being, Knight is a pleasure and an inspiration. He is a testament to perseverance and willpower. When asked if he had any advice to share, he said, “In whatever field you endeavor, don’t quit. Stay the course, hold onto an idea, see it through, and you will find magic on the other end.”
John Midkiff is a student in the MFA creative writing program at Reinhardt University. 770720-5582. Reinhardt.edu/Graduate/MFA-CW
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Photos courtesy of Cassandra Bickel
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Woodstock Family Life | MAY 2019
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Woodstock Family Life | MAY 2019
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Community Partners BY STEPHANIE LANDRY
In 2009, still living in New Jersey, I experienced the most devastating event of my life: the loss of my full-term unborn daughter. I was 41 weeks pregnant — four days past my due date and three days before I was scheduled to be induced. There were no warning signs. I was healthy and having a “typical pregnancy” according to my OB team. Yet, on this April morning, everything changed. My OB told me he couldn’t find her heartbeat. She was gone. I still had to be induced and go through all the emotions of traditional childbirth, except in the end, there was no crying baby to console. My husband and I felt the hollow stillness in the room. Our OB quietly stood up, said his condolences, and held back tears as he left the room. “What now?” was the only thing I remember my husband saying. Through the kindness of our church family, we received funding to provide our baby girl with final arrangements. We did not have money saved up for our daughter’s funeral, grave site, and headstone. We barely had enough money saved up for all the diapers we thought we were about to use. Yet, there we were, facing the worst. Life has never been the same for us. My husband and I started attending bereaved parent support groups in the
hospital where our daughter was born. We met several other parents who had experienced the same grim reality of not having their baby in their home. We all wanted to help those who were not as financially fortunate as we had been. The New Jersey chapter of The TEARS Foundation was formed as the second chapter from our national office in Puyallup, WA. We quickly found out how many families experience this life-altering event as well as how many of them needed our help. The TEARS Foundation seeks to compassionately lift a financial burden from families who have lost a child by providing funds to assist with the cost of burial or cremation services. We believe that every child’s life deserves to be honored and memorialized in accordance with the grieving parents’ wishes and are committed to helping bereaved parents with this experience. Every grieving parent deserves access to ongoing bereavement support, so we also offer parents comprehensive bereavement care in the form of grief support groups and peer companions. My husband and I now live in Georgia, where we eventually met a wonderful woman who had started The Georgia Chapter of The TEARS Foundation. We instantly wanted to continue helping others while honoring our daughter. Today, my husband and I are co-leaders together, continuing our mission in helping bereaved parents.
Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake
The need is great in the state of Georgia. There are no government funds available to support bereaved families who need to make final arrangements for their baby and ongoing support to rebuild their lives. With your help, we can support these families and make a difference in Georgia. The Georgia Chapter of The TEARS Foundation has assisted many families with funeral services, has hosted memorial gatherings remembering babies, and holds its annual Rock & Walk gathering for the community and bereaved families to walk and raise funds together in honor of their baby to help future families. The TEARS Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are 100 percent tax deductible. For more information, please visit TheTearsFoundation.org/Georgia or connect with us on Facebook at Facebook. com/GeorgiaTEARS
c/o Stephanie Landry 3874 Stone Hearth Place Marietta, GA 30066
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Ribbon Cuttings, Ground Breakings and Celebrations
110 Mountain Vista Boulevard Canton 770-213-4058 Restaurant
J. Michael’s Prime
2016 Woodside Park Drive Woodstock 678-494-6688 Business Consulting & Training
People Connector
Little River Clothing & Outdoors
Triple Gems Appraisal Services
Woodstock Furniture Outlet Distribution Center
Comfort Inn & Suites North Canton
P.O. Box 93 Holly Springs 404-402-6278 Jewelry Appraisal
Infiniti Roofing & Remodeling 2288 Marietta Highway, Suite 170 Canton 770-720-1160 General Contractors
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Woodstock Family Life | MAY 2019
6050 Old Alabama Road Acworth Distribution Center
Empower Cherokee
133 Univeter Road Canton 770-345-5821 Developmental Disabilities Services
8368 Main Street Woodstock 770-325-1743 Clothing & Outdoor Recreation
713 Transit Avenue Canton 770-479-7300 Hotels/Motels
Anna Christine Bridal
559 Riverstone Parkway, Suite 110 Canton 770-213-8189 Bridal Boutique
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Alpine Bakery
39
Anderson Dental
27
Bacon & Banjos
21
Burns Law Group
43
C & T Auto Service
45
Canoe 35 Chateau Meichtry
18
Cherokee Chorale
47
Cherokee County Tax Commissioner
25
Coosawattee River Resort
18
Cotton Mill Exchange
46
Dawn Sams, Realtor
42
Dentistry for Woodstock
Inside Front
Drug Studies America
17
Elm Street Cultural Arts Village
38
Fore the Children Golf Tournament
47
Golfing FORE! the Children
45
Gondolier Italian Restaurant and Pizza
35
Healing Hands Youth Ranch
56
Holly Springs Memorial Day 5K
47
Jyl Craven Hair Design
55
Landscape Matters
23
LGE Community Credit Union Little River Clothing & Outdoors
Inside Back 3
Mason Main
51
Massage Geeks
35
Masterpiece Framer
33
MerryMac Dog Training
42
Miracle Method of NW Atlanta Mosquito-Free
7 Cover, 28-29
Northside Cherokee Pediatrics Northside Heart
7 15
Northside Hospital Cherokee
1
Northside Vascular Surgery
5
Outdoor Living, Indoor Comfort, LLC
15
Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics
31
and Dentistry at Canton Perimeter North Medicial Associates Pie Bar
23
Plastic Surgery Center of the South
51
Relentless Sports Academy
49
Salon Spa VenĂŠssa
35
Southern Sky Home Outlet
46
Summit Financial Solutions
24
Threads on MainStreet
34
Three Sisters Gifts & Home Accents
34
Towne Plumber
45
WellStar Health System Woodstock Pediatric Medicine
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Woodstock Family Life | MAY 2019
3
Back Cover 5
Woodstock Summer Concert Series
52
Woodstock TrailFest
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