Woodstock Family Life 7-15 by Family Life Magazines

Contents

July 2015

Volume 2 | Issue 12

[28-29]

28-29 On the Cover:

Chattahoochee Technical College

40-41 #ConcertFlashback

[40-41]

Woodstock Family Life | JULY 2015

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

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

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

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

....................... Scoop of Life

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

............. Community Partners

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

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

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

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

............................. Chamber

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Publisher’sPerspective

Woodstock Family Life | JULY 2015

SALES Janet Ponichtera Janet@FamilyLifePublications.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Steven Anderson, Jose Baez, Sen. Brandon Beach, Kyle Bennett, Kathleen Boehmig, Nathan Brandon, Chris Bryant, Crystal Bryant, Cobb EMC, Jyl Craven, Arlene Dickerson, Catherine Groves, Corey Harkins, Heike Hellmann-Brown, Eric Hill, Annie Kim, Michelle Knapp, James E. Leake, Pamela Marquess, Robbie Matiak, E. Anthony Musarra, Vishant Nath, Cindy Nelson, Jeff Nevison, Michael Petrosky, Preston Pooser, Janet Read, Juan Reyes, Gail Roos, Nick Roper, Kiran Sajja, Jodi Sears, Suzanne Taylor, Kathryn Wise

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

770-213-7095

FamilyLifePublications.com FamilyLifePublications Woodstock Family Life welcomes your comments, stories and advertisements. The viewpoints of the advertisers, columnists and submissions are not necessarily those of the Editor/Publisher, and the Publisher makes no claims as to the validity of any charitable organizations mentioned. Woodstock Family Life magazine is not responsible for errors and omissions. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the Publisher. Subscriptions are available for $25 per year. Please contact us for payment options. as

e r ec y c le

Jack Tuszynski, publisher

Laurie Litke Laurie@FamilyLifePublications.com

Each one of us has a daily opportunity to be a hero. It may not be slaying a dragon, it could just be helping a turtle cross the street, opening a door for someone burdened or helping a child learn to swim or ride a bike. Perhaps something you feel is, “larger than” is upon you in your life and it’s your move. Say your prayer, listen and find your inner peace, gather your strength. Whatever Goliath you may find yourself or someone else up against, take a breath, grab your pebble and make a difference.

ART Candice Williams Candice@FamilyLifePublications.com

There may be occasions where certain events find us, collectively or separately, heart wrenched over what we’re going to do next. It could be that you’ve found yourself at a crossroads, a cliff or other concern. You know it’s time for a change. You aren’t alone. All around us are those who have overcome great obstacles. They have changed their life or the course of history by standing up for what is right, creating a movement by simply being the pebble that birthed the ripple that grew into a wave and became a force.

EDITORIAL Cherryl Greenman Editor@FamilyLifePublications.com

m ag a zi

— George S. Patton —

PUBLISHER/PHOTOGRAPHER Jack Tuszynski Jack@FamilyLifePublications.com

Ple

“Accept the challenges so that you can feel the exhilaration of victory.”

ometimes we find ourselves burdened with worry and feel like we are walking about with a dark cloud bearing down on us, feeling the pressure of an impending storm. We’ve all been there. We’re often challenged by an obligation, oppression or something else we perceive as ominous. We find ourselves drenched in worry, paralyzed with inaction, at the edge of fear, dizzied and confused.

Calendar JUly Woodstock Farmers Market — Each Saturday morning and Tuesday evening the Woodstock Farmers Market will be held downtown on Market Street, between Mill and Maple Streets, adjacent to the Elm Street Arts Village event green. Saturdays, 8:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.; Tuesdays, 4:30-7:30 p.m. 770-924-0406, DowntownWoodstock. org/Farmer/

Ongoing

Farmers Ongoing Waleska Market — Sponsored by Reinhardt University, the Waleska Farmers Market is in the parking lot, behind the North Cherokee Church of Christ at the corner of Hwy 140 and 108 in downtown Waleska. Admission and parking are free, and the market will operate rain or shine. Every Thursday through August from 3:007:00 p.m. Through July

USDA Seamless Summer Option — This program offers free meals during the summer for children 18 years of age or younger. The distribution sites and times are listed below. Some sites also serve breakfast, and children can participate in either or both meals at no cost. For more information, you may contact Susan Turner, Supervisor of School Nutrition, at Susan.Turner@Cherokee.k12.ga.us or at 770-479-4268.

SFSP Sites for 2015 YMCA Canton 151 Waleska Street Canton, GA 30114 Breakfast: 8:30-9:00 a.m. Lunch: 11:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. YMCA Woodstock 201 E. Bells Ferry Road Woodstock, GA 30189 Breakfast: 8:15-8:30 a.m. Lunch: 12:00-12:30 p.m. East Gate Mobile Home Park 6310 Bells Ferry Road

Woodstock Family Life | JULY 2015

Acworth, GA 30102 Lunch: 11:30-11:45 a.m. Hidden Falls Mobile Home Park 6359 Bells Ferry Road Acworth, GA 30102 Lunch: 10:45-11:20 a.m.

Friday Night Live — Downtown Block Party. Join us for a Downtown Block Party to kick off the 4th of July weekend. For each Friday Night Live theme, participating downtown merchants will have activities going on at their stores and throughout the downtown area related to the theme of the month. Friday Night Live also features great music as bands play throughout downtown Woodstock in front of the stores, which adds to the “street festival feel” of the event. 770-924-0406, DowntownWoodstock.org

The day concludes with fireworks at dusk behind the Target Shopping Center at Hwy 92 and I-575. WoodstockParkandRec.com

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Nehemiah Project — The Nehemiah Project is a 4 day event filled with daily worship, dynamic messages and community service. All youth in grades rising 7 through 12 are welcome to serve. There will be three days of community service that will consist of painting homes, and simple repair of properties for elderly people in our community. Liberty Hill Church, 141 Railroad Street, Suite 106b, Canton. 678493-8920. Info@LibertyHillUMC.org

Annual Woodstock Freedom Run This run begins the 4th of July festivities. Come enjoy the big race event with a small town feel! Late Registration and early packet pickup will be at Ipp’s Restaurant, 8496 Main Street, Thursday, July 3 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. The 5K begins at 7:15 a.m.; 1 Mile & Tot Trot at 8:15 a.m.

Woodstock Summer Concert Series — Put on your dancing shoes for the best community concert series celebrating its 18th year! The July concert will be Departure and Electric Avenue (Journey Tribute Band and 80’s Synth/Pop Hits). Bring a blanket or lawn chair and come early; food vendors, a moonwalk provided by Colby Chiropractic, face painting, balloon animals for the kids, and water brought to you by Momentum Church. FREE, 7:30 p.m., Park at City Center, downtown Woodstock. WoodstockConcertSeries.com

Stars & Strikes July 4 Spectacular The annual parade kicks off at 10:00 a.m. The new parade route starts and ends at Woodstock Elementary School on Rope Mill Road. It travels up Main St. to Towne Lake Pkwy, Mill St., Market St., Fowler St., Main St. and back to the school. Trophies for parade float competition will include Best Holiday, Most Original and People’s Choice. After the parade, join us in The Park at City Center, 101 Arnold Mill Road until 3:00 p.m. for food, live music in the gazebo, children’s games, cake walk, arts and crafts, Adam the Juggler, and vendors of all types. Fun for everyone! The day will include a free concert with The Block Party Band.

Botox Party — Plastic Surgery Center of the South will host this party. Bring a friend who has never been to the practice and receive a $25 gift certificate good toward any product or service. 5:00-7:30 p.m., Plastic Surgery Center of the South, 120 Vann Street, Suite 150, Marietta. 770-421-1242. PlasticSurgeryCenterOfTheSouth.net

Cheers to 25 Years — Join the Junior Service League of Woodstock as we celebrate 25 years of service! 7:00 p.m., Fire Stone Wood Fired Pizza and Grill, 120 Chambers Street. 770-592-3535. JSLWoodstock@yahoo.com

Free Skin Cancer Screening According to the National Cancer

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 St., Woodstock, 770-926-5859

Institute (NCI), more than 2,000 cases of melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer, will be diagnosed in Georgia this year. As with other cancers, early detection is important. The Northside Hospital Cancer Institute would like to help you get ready for the sun with a free skin cancer screening. Medical professionals will provide brief skin assessments in a private setting. Everyone is invited to attend. 6:00-8:00 p.m., Northside/Alpharetta Medical Campus, 3400 Old Milton Pkwy, Bldg B. Alpharetta. 404-531-4444

Summer Reading Club Finale Hero Training Academy July 20, 3:30 p.m. Rose Creek July 21, 3:00 p.m. Woodstock July 21, 3:00 p.m. Hickory Flat Do you have what it takes to be a super hero? Come dressed as your favorite super hero and see how many of these fun activities you can do! Fun for heroes of all ages; 9 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

8th Annual Canton Explorer’s Rodeo — The best cowboys and cowgirls in the southeast - August 1 compete in saddle bronc, July

continued on

Special Summer Family Story Times Mondays, 3:00 p.m. Rose Creek Tuesdays, 3:00 p.m. Woodstock Thursdays, 3:00 p.m. Hickory Flat

Story Time Themes: Week of July 6, Unsung Heroes; Week of July 13, Super dog and Friends.

Special Programs Reading Dogs These 10-15 minute programs encourage children 6 years of age and older to read by providing a non-judgmental, furry listener who won’t laugh if you make a mistake or stumble over a word. Children are asked to select their own reading material before their scheduled session. Call your local Cherokee County library to reserve your spot for one of our Reading Dog programs. continued on

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Library Continued . . .

Lego Club July 11, 3:00 p.m. Rose Creek July 19, 3:00 p.m. Woodstock Lego Club has a different theme each month. Children can work alone or in teams to make their own special creation, which will be displayed at the library until the next month’s meeting. All ages are invited; 9 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Duct Tape Sparklers July 1, 10:30 a.m. Woodstock Just in time for the 4th of July! Learn how to get the illusion of a sparkler as we make this craft with duct tape. All materials will be provided. Space is limited; registration is required. For ages 9-12. The Great Diving Experiment! July 1, 3:00 p.m. Hickory Flat What makes you float when you swim in a pool? Tellus Museum volunteer and retired science teacher — hero, Sharon Chistenson, will help us find out in this classic water experiment. We will make “divers” and a game of air pressure called Hook out of soda bottles. Space is limited; registration is required. This program is for ages 9-12. TaeKwonDo July 2 & 14, 10:30 a.m. Hickory Flat Learn about South Korea and TaeKwonDo from our special guests from Master Kim’s TaeKwonDo Education in Hickory Flat. Kids will learn about respect and confidence and will even participate in a mini class! Space is limited; registration is required. Children may only register for one TaeKwonDo program at this branch. This program is for ages 4 and up; 9 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Heroes Everyday — Firemen! July 8, 10:30 a.m. Woodstock Come meet our everyday community heroes! Firemen from the City of Woodstock Fire Department will be at the library so that we can see the fire trucks up close and learn about how our firemen heroes make our community

Woodstock Family Life | JULY 2015

Calendar

a safer place. This program is for all ages; 9 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Shocking Science! July 8, 3:00 p.m. Rose Creek Retired science teacher-hero and Tellus Museum volunteer, Sharon Christensen, is going to teach us all about static electricity and magnetism as we perform fun science experiments. Space is limited; registration is required. For ages 8-12; 9 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Luna the Tooth Fairy July 9, 10:30 a.m. Hickory Flat Luna the Tooth Fairy is bringing her magic to the library! She’ll show us her tricks and teach us the importance of eating right, taking care of ourselves, and having a sparkling smile! She’ll bring a gift to share with her friends. All ages are invited to attend. Space is limited, so arrive early to reserve your spot. Children 9 and under must be accompanied by an adult. All the Way to the Ocean July 15, 10:30 a.m. Woodstock Gregg Roach with the City of Woodstock, and Lori Forrester of the Upper Etowah River Alliance and Cherokee County Water Authority, are going to teach us all about water pollution by sharing the book “All the Way to the Ocean” with us. We will also learn about plastic pollution by playing a fun game called Fatal Food. Space is limited; registration is required. This program is most suitable for children 4-11; 9 and under must be accompanied by an adult. What Frozen Things Do in Summer July 15, 3:30 p.m. Rose Creek Join us for games, activities, and crafts when we finally do what Frozen things do in summer! This fun program is based on the movie “Frozen” and is for ages 4 and up. 9 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Space is limited; registration is required.

bareback riding, team roping, steer wrestling, calf roping, cowgirl’s breakaway roping & barrel racing and bull riding. PLUS the BEST of the BEST put on a show like no other with Cowboy Kenny Bartram’s Steel Rodeo Tour Freestyle Moto X Show, loved by all ages. Adults $15, kids ages 5-10 $8, and under 5 free. July 31, 8:00 p.m.; August 1, 11:00 p.m.; Boling Park, 1098 Marietta Hwy., Canton. 706-8970956. facebook.com/BarWRodeoCo

AUGUST

Woodstock Summer Concert Series Put on your dancing shoes for the best community concert series celebrating its 18th year! August concert will be The Rupert’s Orchestra, Atlanta’s foremost party band! Bring a blanket or lawn chair and come early; food vendors, a moonwalk provided by Colby Chiropractic, face painting, balloon animals for the kids, and water brought to you by Momentum Church. FREE, 7:30 p.m., Park at City Center, downtown Woodstock. WoodstockConcertSeries.com

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Dental Trauma Emergencies

By Dr. Steven Anderson, DMD When talking about dental trauma and emergencies, understanding what dental emergencies command our immediate attention should benefit us in the future. I recall attending to a 15 year old who was struck by surprise in the jaw by the fist of a bully school mate. The boy underwent jaw surgery and endured two months of jaw fixation therapy while eating primarily through a straw. The knocked out tooth was temporarily replaced and a dental implant followed in a couple years when his facial growth reached maturity. Dental emergencies come in lots of different forms, from severe trauma to annoying tooth aches. Most dental trauma and emergencies, however, are not life threatening and immediate and effective treatment is usually rendered by a doctor in a dental office environment. Severe facial swelling can be life threatening, therefore it’s prudent to see your dentist immediately. Although “pain” often associates itself with dental conditions, dental pain by itself, is not life threatening. Abscessed teeth usually cause the most pain and facial swelling. 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. You never want to 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 remedies. Remember an abscessed tooth requires immediate treatment from a dentist to avoid future pain and/ or a life threatening facial infection. Interestingly most dental “emergencies” can be avoided. Seeing your dentist regularly will go a long way to ensuring the painful problems never come your way. After all, it’s your mouth and dentistry really is, “all about you”.

Dr. Steven Anderson, DMD is owner/dentist with Anderson Dental of Woodstock and East Cobb. 650 Claremore Professional Way, Ste 200, Woodstock, GA 30188. 770-3848505. DrStevenAnderson.com

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Business

2015 Partners in Education Award Winners

The Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce Education Committee presented the 2015 Excellence in Partners In Education (PIE) Awards. The awards were given in four categories, including elementary school partnering with a small business, elementary school partnering with a medium or large business, middle/high school partnering with a small business and middle/high school partnering with a medium/large

The four winners were (left to right): FactoryMation, LLC (Steve Smithwick) for their partnership with Cherokee High School (Debra Murdock), Just Driver Training (Melody Gullett) for their partnership with Mill Creek Middle School (not pictured), Free Home Elementary (Karen Carl) for their partnership with Cherokee County Farm Bureau, Inc. (Vicky Grizzle), and Carmel Elementary School (Dr. Pam Green) for their partnership with Walmart, Inc. #5275 (Don Rowland).

Woodstock Family Life | JULY 2015

business. All nominees and nominating schools received a certificate honoring their partnership. The four winning businesses received a congratulatory plaque to recognize them for being an outstanding Partner in Education.

Donations to SRLS The Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce Education Committee, in partnership with Cobb EMC, recognized retiring educators from the Cherokee County School District by donating funds to the Sequoyah Regional Library System. The funds will be used to purchase books for all five library branches located around the county. The books will include a label recognizing all faculty, staff and administrators who retired during the 2014-2015 school year. Each retiree will receive notification that a book is being donated in their honor.

Left to right: Pam Carnes, President/CEO, Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce with Anita Summers, Director, Sequoyah Regional Library System as she receives the donation for books from Mark Goddard and Meredith Zonsius, Cobb EMC.

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Welcome Visitors to Your Garden By Eric Hill

Sharing our gardens is half the fun of gardening. What better way than to have an inviting garden path that beckons visitors to explore? A path allows you to show off specific plants, and highlight features of your garden or landscape. Keep these few principles in mind while designing your path and you’ll soon be the envy of your gardening friends.

Create mystery. Everybody wants to know what’s around the corner. Make them walk to find out.

Add surprises along the way. Whether it’s off-the-wall yard art or an unusual plant that starts a conversation, keeps your company wondering what’s next.

Have a destination. Your path can lead to a secluded

Group the same plants along both sides of your path in a few areas so you feel more like you are walking through the garden. Picture walking through a swath of ferns or crested iris.

Make the surface user-friendly. Pea gravel and round stones never settle, and take more effort to walk on. Slate chips or gray gravel are easy to maintain, and walk on. Some surfaces like flagstone can become slick when wet, and can invite slippery moss to grow in shady areas. Shredded mulch is an economical option that also is user-friendly.

sitting area, or a fountain, or maybe a spectacular view.

How about a rest stop along the way? Plan for a comfortable spot to bide a moment and take in the garden.

Woodstock Family Life | JULY 2015

Eric Hill, along with his wife Kari, own Autumn Hill Nursery in Hickory Flat and Autumn Hill Four Seasons Gift & Garden in Canton. For 22 years they have been helping and inspiring their customers to enjoy their yards and gardens.

We Only Have

So Much Time By Chris Bryant

Didn’t summer just start? Time flies by! This is especially true for those of us in child-rearing years. The regularity of life, now busier than ever, daily responsibilities, the need to just get bills paid, all seem to get in the way of our realizing how each week is precious. We only have so much time to pass on the beliefs and values that we hold most dear and we know this when we think about it, but in the normal hustle and bustle of each week, time passes, one week after another, and with it, the opportunity to influence our kids in the

way they should go is depleted one after another after another. I can’t believe my oldest is going into 8th grade! One year until high school! Some of the children of the people I pastor, are no longer children, as I see them driving themselves to and from church activities and overhear their conversations which now have definitive adult-like overtures. How can this happen?! They were just in children’s church a few years ago … We only have so much time.

Additionally, our influence wanes as they reach the teen years. We have only a small window of opportunity to make sure that things we say are the most important, and are demonstrated as the most important. Otherwise what we pass on may not be the things we really do hold most dear, because we didn’t take the time we had to show it. My wife and I are realizing more on more we only have so much time left to show our oldest how faith in Christ means everything to us, how it makes a difference in our marriage, and through us, makes a difference in the world. Whether we like it or not, or embrace it or not, we only have so much time left. We have to make the most of it.

Chris Bryant is lead pastor at City On A Hill United Methodist Church. 678-445-3480, COAHUMC.org

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Woodstock Minute

Woodstock July 4th Celebrations 1 9 9 7 - 2 0 1 5 By Preston Pooser

s the City of Woodstock prepares for this year’s July 4th Celebration, we’ve been looking back at our past Independence Day celebrations. Although the way we celebrate July 4th in the City of Woodstock may have changed from year to year, one thing remains the same, Woodstock shows its patriotic pride every time!

1997

1997 winning float was of the City of Woodstock birthday cake celebrating the City’s 100th birthday. Pictured in the center of the float is Felicia Whitmore, author of the centennial tribute book, Georgia’s Woodstock.

2014

Do you remember when … skydivers used to land in the middle of Main Street just before the parade, hot air balloon rides and go cart races? How about Grand Marshall’s Corky Jones, Don Hatcher, Earl and Linda Mulkey, and Lillie Mae Brownlee? Can you remember when the fireworks were displayed at Dupree Park, the old Woodstock Elementary School field, and in the downtown City Park? The City’s official July 4th tradition started in 1997 with the celebration of the City’s 100th birthday. The City Charter was granted in 1897. The Woodstock Centennial Commission was formed and a year round birthday celebration followed. The building and dedication of Woodstock’s Centennial Park, now The Park at City Center, was also celebrated in 1997. This year, the event is sponsored by Stars and Strikes Family Fun Center bringing us the Stars and Strikes July 4th Spectacular! In 1997, the first official Freedom Run was held and had about 600 runners. Today, the second largest race in Georgia has numbers close to 1,000. The race was originally meant to accommodate those who were not chosen to participate with the 50,000 runners in the Peachtree Road Race in Atlanta. Many now prefer the Woodstock race for its professionalism, competition, course, and hometown feel. Tony Crawford, Pastor of Dayspring Church, still organizes the race, now in its 19th year! For more info, visit WoodstockFreedomRun.com

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Over the years, the annual July 4th parade has had many organizers including the Woodstock Jaycee’s, Woodstock Centennial Commission, and the Parks and Recreation Commission. Today, the City of Woodstock Parks and Recreation Department organizes both the July 4th and Christmas Jubilee Parades with the help of the Public Works, Police, and Fire Departments. A new parade route starts at Woodstock Elementary School, circles downtown Woodstock and ends back at the school. Competition for the best float is heating up as the entries get better and better each year. Due to school being out for the summer, no marching bands will be performing; however, there is still much entertainment to be enjoyed by all! Continuing the July 4th celebration after the parade is the festival in The Park at City Center. Guests can enjoy live music in the gazebo, children’s games and inflatables, arts and crafts, food, Adam the Juggler and vendors of all types. Stay to find out the winners of the best, most original and people’s choice floats. Since the fireworks display moved to its new location off Highway 92, behind Kohl’s in 2002, the crowds have grown to over 30,000 spectators! The show increased in size last year and boasts one of the largest and best pyrotechnic displays in North Georgia! Visitors come early to tailgate in anticipation of the show at dusk. More information about the parade, festival, and fireworks can be found on the Woodstock Parks and Recreation website, WoodstockParksandRec.com

Woodstock Family Life | JULY 2015

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

Community Feature CMTA Winners Receive Awards The Cherokee Music Teachers Association recently held its annual Awards Ceremony at Reinhardt University. Twenty-six students received trophies for points accumulated by participating in CMTA’s yearly Auditions and Solo Festival. CMTA Summer Scholarship winner, Joshua Anderson, and guest artist Alexander Wasserman performed for attendees.

CMTA students and teachers: Brianna Nerestil, Franklin Nerestil, Kendall Reichman, Leia Lankford, Zoe Cesar, Joseph Babish, Sophia Babish, Caroline Honea, Evan Rea, Carly Dornellas, Matthias Lamps, Nico Lamps, Jayden Wen, Ike Wachter, Alexandra Hultstrom, Josh Watkins, Grace Watkins, Reilly Dornellas, Rosie Meinzen, Nico Brett, Stephanie Lozier, Caleb Parker, Jamila Hughes, Sarah Burgess, Clara Nash and Laurelyn Ostrowidzki. Seated on the piano bench is the CMTA Scholarship winner Joshua Anderson. Attending teachers were Mike Hale, Lily Bowman, Wanda Hughes, Laura Lozier, Joe Seidel, Suzanne Hooper and Linda Lokey.

Congratulations to our June “7 Differences” winner, Karolyn Metzger!

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Community Feature Fire & Emergency Services Awards Presented Thomas M. Brady, Post #45 of the American Legion, located in Canton, Georgia, honored several firefighters and staff members with Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services during their annual Community Service Awards Banquet, held at the local legion hall. Those recognized included: Battalion 1 Firefighter Award, James Laughlin; Battalion 2 Firefighter Award, Capt. Kevin Lanier; Battalion 3 Firefighter Award, Chris Ginn; Volunteer Firefighter Award, Michelle Ice; EMS Employee of the Year Award, Scott Coppola; Fire Administration Award, Michael Priest; Special Operations Award, Todd Weidman, and Explorer of the Year Award, Josiah Gnanamuttu.

Front row (left to right): Michael Priest, Stephanie Barton, Michelle Ice, Scott Coppola, Capt. Kevin Lanier and Raymond Rollins, Commander of the American Legion Post. Back row: Josiah Gnanamuttu, James Laughlin and Chris Ginn.

CCSD 2015 Valedictorians/Salutatorians The Cherokee County School District recognized its 2015 Valedictorians and Salutatorians at the 15th Annual Scholar Recognition Banquet at Woodmont Golf and Country Club. School Superintendent Dr. Frank R. Petruzielo and School Board Members congratulated the top graduates from each high school, who shared their plans for college and future career fields. Each valedictorian and salutatorian selected a teacher who was especially influential on his or her high school career to honor at the banquet. Sponsors provided each student with an iPad and gift cards, and teachers also received gift cards. Commemorative plaques were also presented to each of the students and teachers.

Woodstock Family Life | JULY 2015

SURGE PROTECTORS

Help Keep Home Appliances Safe By Nick Roper Most families look forward to the fun in the sun that comes along with the summer season. However, an unfortunate sidekick of the warm weather is lightning. Homeowners have smoke detectors in their home to protect them if lightning were to be the cause of a fire; however, far less homeowners take the added precaution to protect their appliances and electronics. Most people have power strips that

double as surge protectors and having a high quality one is a definite must for expensive electronics, but you can do more! Electrical service companies have the ability to install a surge protector in your electrical panel which not only protects your electronics that are plugged into a surge suppressing power strip, but also protect everything in your house that is connected to an outlet. A whole house surge protector installed at the panel catches the power surge before it enters the wiring in the home. Did you know that 40% of all computer crashes and data loss is a direct result of a power surge and the average North American home faces five or more surges a day or 2,000 a year? In addition, half of surges come from inside your own home when large appliances turn on and off.

all homeowners should do is to install a power strip surge protector that is rated to handle higher surges than the basic extension cord with 5 or 6 outlets on the end of it. To do so go to your local hardware store and purchase a surge protector strip with a UL rating of at least 1449. Although there is no surge protector on the market that will protect your house 100% from a direct lightning strike, installing a surge protector in your panel will protect you from the day to day surges that could cost you thousands of dollars in repairs and replacement of electrical items that are essential in your everyday activities.

Nick Roper is manager of business development for H&H Electric and Security LLC. 770-735-1136, MyAtlantaElectrician.net

One quick inexpensive project that

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Community Feature

Honors Day Award Presentation

RRHS AFJROTC Scores High! The Air Force Junior ROTC instructors and cadets of River Ridge High School in Woodstock recently earned an overall unit assessment score of “Exceeds Standards.” This is the highest rating attainable during their rated unit evaluation. Lt Colonel Brian Studley and Chief Master Sergeant Marvin Palmer created a dynamic and supportive learning environment, coupled with an excellent community outreach.

Left to right: Chief Master Sergeant Marvin Palmer, Darian Kent, Alex Harrington, Eelliot Gouba, Connor Gerdts, Harley Pyron, Ryan Perkins, Cody O’Dell, Javier Alvarenga, Michael Brown, Cameron Cone, Patrick MacKay, Connor Bomeisl, John Phillips, Lieutenant Colonel Brian Studley

During Etowah’s Honors Day, Towne Lake Optimist Club President Charlice Byrd presented Kingsley Green, female Athlete of the Year award for cross country and track and Jake Pollack, male Athlete of the Year award for tennis. Left to right: Kingsley Green, Jake Pollack, and Charlice Byrd.

Boston ES Chess Club Champ Jeffery Meadows, a third grade student at Boston Elementary, is the school’s Chess Club Champion. He won first place in Blindfold, Bughouse, and Classic Play Chess. Jeffery especially enjoyed playing Blindfold chess. Blindfold chess forces players to maintain a mental model of the positions of the pieces, because they do not see the positions of the pieces or touch them. Moves are communicated via a recognized intermediary. For Bughouse Chess, normal chess rules apply, except that captured pieces on one board are passed on to the player of the other board, who then has Jeffery with his first place trophy. the option of putting these pieces on his/her board. The game is usually played at a fast pace. This, together with the passing and dropping of pieces, can make the game look chaotic and random to the casual onlooker, hence the name Bughouse.

RRHS Academic Bowl Takes Division 3 State River Ridge High School’s Academic Bowl team finished the season on a high note by winning the Division 3 State Championship and the Cherokee County Academic Tournament. The team traveled to Chicago at the end of May to compete at Nationals. The team would like to give a special thanks to Publix for their financial contribution to make this trip possible. Academic Bowl team members include Bethany Norman, Felicia Williams, Josh Isaksen, Rishab Kaup, Chloe Phillips. Josh Carver, not pictured.

Mill Creek MS Students Attend Braves Game

Mill Creek Middle School student, Jason Ousley, recently won the opportunity to attend an Atlanta Braves game through the 2015 Superior Plumbing Club Contest. Through the online contest, Superior Plumbing selects special needs students from across the Southeast to watch home games at Turner Field from the exclusive Superior Plumbing Club, which is located between home plate and third base. Jason, 15, loves all sports and especially enjoys watching Braves games with his mom.

Woodstock Family Life | JULY 2015

The Value of Second Opinions

When your child is diagnosed with the need for dental treatment, it is very important that the parents both understand why the treatment is needed and have trust in the child’s dentist to best diagnose the treatment. In most cases, when treatment is prescribed in children, time is of the essence. Primary or baby teeth are softer than permanent or adult teeth. Decay can often spread quickly in children.

why they are taking this approach. If you do not understand, make it a point to ask lots of questions, even if you plan to get a second opinion. The information you receive by asking questions may help you to decide which approach you are most comfortable with regarding your child’s dental treatment. Make sure that you get the second opinion quickly. If you wait too long, your child’s need for treatment may worsen, which will mean that the dentists are not comparing the same situation, and therefore their diagnoses could differ. After you have found a dentist whom you are comfortable with and trust to perform your child’s treatment, it is most important to schedule treatment in a timely manner.

It’s important for parents to understand exactly what the child’s dentist is prescribing regarding treatment, and

Remember that every dentist gets a similar education in dental school and residency, but once they begin practicing, their

By Vishant Nath, D.M.D. In many healthcare fields, second opinions can be a valuable tool. In the field of dentistry, second opinions can promote a greater understanding of the oral health in question, and also can promote a healthy relationship with the dentist.

experiences will build a knowledge base that can differentiate them. Each dentist will have different treatment methods that they are most comfortable with and have seen provide the best results. There are often different approaches to prescribing dental treatment, all within the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry guidelines. All can lead to great oral health for your child.

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

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Scoopof by Michelle Knapp & suzanne taylor

Now that the temperature is rising, it’s

popsicles, will have a food truck at Avalon

in North Canton is Sweet Escapes,

time to enjoy some cool, sweet treats.

all summer long on Thursday-Sunday from

which name stands for more than just

Fortunately for everyone living OTP, there is

12:00-6:00 p.m. Flavors will change daily.

their ice cream. The owners also have

no shortage of delicious summer treats.

The Queen of Cream ice cream food truck

Some of them are even mobile this year!

does make it rounds OTP, and we have

a Hot Air Balloon business called Fly Wendy Fly. Get your ice cream and a

Check out our list of our favorite ice

been told it’s worth waiting in line for a

trip of a lifetime! If you like sno-balls,

creams and cool treats that are sure to

taste!

check out Woodstock’s Big Easy Snow

There are several unique ice cream

Orleans style dessert around town. We

Summer screams watermelon, and Atlanta

parlors around town. In Cherokee Country,

were surprised to learn that some of their

Balls; they claim to be the best New

make everyone happy this summer.

based King of Pops will be making

we love Hickory Flat’s Frosty Frog

flavors add ice cream to the mix, changing

summer watermelon flavors, and you

Creamery & Cafe’s award winning

up the traditional sno-ball taste.

won’t have to go in town to get them! The

handmade ice cream that comes in more

fresh, all natural King of Pops handmade

than 250 flavors! Just down the road

In North Fulton, Four Fat Cows Ice

Cream Parlor on Main Street in Alpharetta also carries gluten and diary free options. For an adult treat, check out Roswell’s The Counter’s special beer float (vanilla ice cream and stout) and Peach and the Porkchop also has a full list of yummy, “Adult” milkshakes. Finally, desserts just for the grown ups. So, if you have to be hot all summer, why not enjoy some of these treats that for some reason, just taste so much better in the summer? Please join us, we hate to have to feel guilty all by ourselves! And if you do pop into any of these spots, tell them Scoop sent you!

Scoop of Life is compiled by Scoop OTP owners Suzanne Taylor and Michelle Knapp. For more Outside The Perimeter “Scoop,” visit ScoopOTP.com.

Woodstock Family Life | JULY 2015

What Does Your Website Say About You? By Arlene Dickerson

When someone meets you for the first time, it’s likely that they are making a lot of assumptions about you based on your appearance: the clothes you wear, how you style your hair, the car you drive. Whether they choose to do business with you often is based on their first impression, even before you say a word. With so much business being conducted online these days, business interactions are often based on a first impression that has nothing to do with meeting you face-to-face, but rather with your online appearance, especially your website.

You know you need an online presence to do business in today’s market, but what kind of impression is your website making about you and your business? Is your site designed using a template or does it reflect the unique services your business can offer? Keep in mind that popular do-ityourself sites offer templates that can be used by anyone, in any industry. It’s embarrassing to find that you and a competitor both use the same design! You wouldn’t buy a hammer and nails to build your own storefront; it

wouldn’t be secure or up to building codes — and it certainly wouldn’t express the professional image you want for your business. So why would you consider a do-it-yourself website? Online shopping carts add another dimension to website design. In light of recent news about hackers and cybertheft, customers want to know that they are making their purchase from a business whose site is secure. It’s easier to do things right the first time than to try and make up for mistakes down the road. A website that is attractive, industry-appropriate, easy to find, functional, and secure makes for a great first impression!

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

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3 Ways You Could Be Damaging Your Hair (And Not Even Know It)

By Jyl Craven

LIFESTYLE Worried about dull, brittle or broken hair? Things you do every day could be damaging your locks without you even realizing. Before we help you change your hair-damaging routines, it’s necessary to know a little about what’s going on beneath your tresses. Hair is composed of primarily proteins and made up of three different layers: the medulla (the inner most part of the hair), surrounded by the cortex, and then the cuticle, which is the outer most layer of the hair. When hair is damaged the protein bonds become broken and the hair can feel dry and brittle.

Here are the three ways you may be damaging your hair, and what to do about them:

Mechanical Damage

Excessive heat styling is a leading cause of damaged hair. Extreme heat causes temporary changes to the hydrogen bonds that hold hair together. Over time, these temporary changes can lead to more permanent damage, especially if you tend to blow dry or iron on a daily basis. To avoid mechanical damage: 1. Using a thermal protector that’s heat activated and protects the hair fiber inside and out is strongly recommended. Also, try to stay under 400 degrees when using any styling iron. 2. Wait until the hair is at least 50% dry before beginning to blow dry.

Chemical Damage

Chemical damage may occur if you’re attempting to make extreme changes to your hair. Over processing is just one form of chemical damage where the outer portion of the hair is opened so that the product can reach the inner section. Overuse or improper use of color and bleaching agents can weaken hair strands and permanently damage your hair. Damage may occur if the concentration of the chemicals are too high or if the products are left on for too long. To prevent chemical hair damage: 1. Always consult with a professional who knows how to properly perform any chemical service. 2. Color your hair on average only every 6 to 8 weeks.

Diet Damage

You are what you eat, and what you eat often shows through in the strength and luster of your locks. Protein-rich foods provide your body with amino acids, which produce the keratin that makes your hair strong. In fact, a deficiency in keratin may cause hair to grow more slowly and causes already-existing hair to be weak. Other diet considerations for damaged hair: 1. Vitamin C helps absorb vegetable-based proteins in the body, which are the building blocks for keratin. So eat citrus fruits, fresh peppers and Brussels sprouts as these foods can help promote keratin development. 2. Ensure you get enough Omega 3 fatty acids. These nutrients, found in foods like salmon, walnuts and flax seeds, are known to benefit not only the hair but the skin as well. If you’re dealing with damaged hair, make sure to take some of these precautions so your locks can look as good as you feel! L

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

Woodstock Family Life | JULY 2015

See a Slimmer You By Drs. Petrosky, Musarra, Harkins & Leake Summer is here, shorts and short sleeves are your attire, and your bathing suit is on underneath. But are you avoiding each mirror you walk past? Liposuction or CoolSculpting could be the solution for you. What is the difference? Liposuction is a surgical procedure that slims and reshapes specific area of the body by removing excess fat deposits that don’t respond to diet and exercise. We can treat the chin, neck, cheeks, upper arms, back, abdomen, buttocks, hips, thighs, knees, calves, and ankles. The best candidates are in good health, with firm, elastic skin. You will wear a surgical compression garment after your surgery. In most cases, patients return to work

after a few days and then are cleared for all normal activities after about 3 weeks. CoolSculpting, on the other hand, is a non-surgical fat reduction treatment, using controlled cooling to eliminate stubborn fat. No needles, no surgery, and no downtime, anesthesia, or incisions. The procedure is effective on many of the same body parts as liposuction – particularly around the mid-section, back, flanks and thighs – and patients love the easy treatment process. The procedure takes only 1 hour and you can return to your normal activities immediately. Although results aren’t as extensive as with liposuction, CoolSculpting is perfect for certain candidates.

Before embarking on this process, it is critical to find an experienced board certified plastic surgeon that has the skill and aesthetic eye to turn your goals into reality. Talk to your friends and family, do some research online and finally, schedule consultations to ensure you select a qualified specialist to get the best possible results. We invite you to explore these options to see a slimmer you in no time. Drs. Petrosky, Musarra and Leake are board-certified plastic surgeons at Plastic Surgery Center of the South. 770-421-1242, PlasticSurgery CenterOf TheSouth.net

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Senator Speaks

New Laws Going Into Effect By Senator Brandon Beach

s the calendar moves into the summer months, new laws are going into effect. The Georgia General Assembly works hard during our time in the Capitol to pass laws that are good for Georgia and the future of those that live in it.

Senate Bill 89, called the “Digital Classroom Act,” sets a guide for local education authorities to begin the transition to primarily digital instruction materials. With the rise of smartphones and tablets, it is in the best interest of our students to see these devices as windows into information, education and knowledge. By 2020, students in the 3rd grade will be learning in digital classrooms featuring rich multimedia examples and texts. The long-term cost savings are also in the benefit of school systems and the state. This bill is good policy for students, tax payers and highly-skilled workforce in Georgia’s future.

Woodstock Family Life | JULY 2015

Another education reform eliminates the Georgia High School Graduation Test as a requirement to receive a high school diploma in Georgia. House Bill 91 also allows students who have fulfilled all requirements for graduation other than passing the graduation tests themselves to petition their local school board for a high school diploma. Very often, legislators are asked to settle disputes among businesses that are innovative. This session’s ride sharing legislation is an example of how patience and perseverance can settle disputes without burdensome regulation. House Bill 190 and House Bill 225 work together to protect Georgians in transactions with ride sharing companies like Uber and Lyft while removing some regulations from the established taxi and limousine industry that has served the Metro Atlanta area for years. Both pieces of legislation are a result of months of deliberation and compromise among representatives of all parties involved. HB 225 moved through the Senate Science and Technology Committee that I chair. Our committee worked on the necessary definitions for background checks of all who would offer their services as a paid driver to anyone in Georgia.

One of the most honorable bills passed all session was House Bill 252. Named for late State Representative Calvin Hill, Jr. the bill deletes or corrects sections of Georgia’s legislative code that has either become outdated or been overruled in the courts. Altogether, HB 252 removes more than 20 pages of code. This is one of the few pieces of legislation that received unanimous passage in both the state House and Senate. To continue to advocate for children and elderly with life-threatening conditions, the state of Georgia has created a Medical Marijuana Commission as defined in House Bill 1. State Representative Allen Peake was recently named the chairman of this commission. My colleague in the Senate, Senator Renee Unterman will also serve as part of this commission that will explore how to ensure access to the proper medical treatment without promotion of the recreational use of marijuana.

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

5 Tips for Your

Roof Repair

S H I NG L E

By Juan Reyes

Shingle roof repair is essential for preventing further damage to your roof. After all, your roof is the core part of the home that protects it from harsh weather elements. If you are in need of help here are 5 tips to keep in mind for your next shingle roof repair.

Locate All Areas that Need Shingle Repair If there are leaks entering your home, it is extremely important to have your roof inspected and any damaged shingles or rotted wood located. If you cannot determine where the leak is coming from inside, contact your local roofing expert to perform a roof assessment for you.

Discuss Budget for the Repair Shingle roof repair can be costly depending on a variety of factors. In many cases, your homeownerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s insurance policy should cover some of the cost. Regardless, it is wise to sit down with a roofing contractor to get an estimate and figure out an appropriate budget for your roofing repair.

Juan Reyes is owner of Pro Roofing & Siding. 770-777-1733, MyProRoofing.com

Choose Proper Shingles Once you know what areas of the roof need shingle repair and your budget, it is time to choose the proper shingles to make the repair. In most cases, your contractor will be able to find the same manufacturer and style to match your current roof.

Plan for the Shingle Roof Repair Accordingly All materials should be in stock and ready to go on the date of the roof repair. Most contractors can repair or replace a roof in a day.

Look Over the Repair Once the repair is complete, have it inspected to make sure that the repairs were done according to the contract and written estimate. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important for you to be satisfied!

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Community Partners

Cherokee Day Training Center (CDTC) is a progressive CARF accredited non-profit organization that has provided Cherokee County residents with training and support since 1969. We focus on safe and fun learning opportunities to assist individuals to be productive, successful, and actively involved in their community. CDTC provides services to persons age 18 to end of life. We currently support over 135 individuals who have a developmental or intellectual disabilities. The Mission of Cherokee Day Training Center is to enhance the quality of life available to each person we support by providing employment and training necessary for achieving increased independence, personal development, social connections, and optimal health and safety. CDTC provides an array of individualized services to the men and women we support including employment skills, community connection services, and enhancement of daily living skills. We operate two facility-based programs on Univeter Road about two miles apart: a full time community connections program; and a full time community employment program. All programs are run by a team of competent and energetic staff. Supports and services are provided with the individual receiving services at the helm of decision making for their program. Services are individualized and based on the expressed needs, hopes, and dreams of each person we serve, with the assistance of their team which may include family members, staff, professionals, and anyone else that individual wants to provide input.

Cherokee Day Training Center is guided through the support of a volunteer board of directors who have a variety of skills that they offer. Among the board members at least half are family members of people we support with a vested interest in how supports and services are delivered. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit which means that donations are tax deductible. We gladly accept the support from our community in a variety of ways. Monetary donations, donations of goods, volunteering, and participation in our community programs such as Amazon Smile and Kroger Community Rewards are welcome. If you are interested in services or if you would like to make a contribution please contact us at our website CherokeeTrainingCenter.com, our Facebook page Facebook.com/CherokeeDayTrainingCenter, or call at 770-345-5821 or 678-880-6434 and ask for Steve or Heather.

Woodstock Family Life | JULY 2015

Supporting Our Children As They Learn From Their Actions

By Crystal Bryant

So, we all are surviving the summer, and to the dismay of our children, it is time to start thinking of the school year all over again. This year I have an 8th grader, a 6th grader, and a Kindergartener. I think my oldest has decided there is little to no value in school. My 6th grader is an overachiever. And my 5 year old is excited about going to “big boy” school, which I am positive will change by the second week when he realizes there are actual consequences to his actions, and he actually has to do school “work” this year. I could easily stop breathing entirely just at the thought of what this year might bring! First, we informed our children that the entire summer is NOT in fact just “vacation.” We still have chores that need to be done, rules and routines to follow, and structure to our day. Secondly, we get involved with our boys concerning grades and behavior starting the very first day. We help them get focused on doing the best that they can from the very beginning. This is a hard balance, especially with our less than motivated 8th grader. We can easily become micro-managers, which will prevent him from taking responsibility for himself, learning how to manage his time and prioritize, learn from his mistakes and grow closer to adulthood. Lastly, we carve out time for each child individually for when they need help or just need to talk. This may be the hardest part of all. Three boys take up a lot of time (I am in awe of you who have more than three children!!!). Even with the best plans, loving support and encouragement, motivation and/or consequences, children will make mistakes, we all do. The hardest thing I have ever done is watch my child fail due to bad choices. But sometimes allowing our children to make mistakes, or even fail, is the most loving thing we can do.

Crystal Bryant is the wife of Pastor Chris Bryant at City On A Hill United Methodist Church in Woodstock. She is involved in women’s, prayer and children’s ministries. 678-445-3480, COAHUMC.org

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COVER STORY

Chattahoochee

Technical College Eight Campuses, Six Counties, One Vision By Kathleen Boehmig

Dr. Ron Newcomb, President of Chattahoochee Technical College, is excited about the reopening of the Woodstock campus, their eighth location, this October. “A community-centered campus such as Woodstock is the on-ramp to the interstate of college,” he declares. Chattahoochee Techical College is the largest technical college in Georgia, and the only public post-secondary higher education institution in Cherokee County. It was founded on July 1, 2009, from the merger of three previously independent units of the Technical College System of Georgia — Appalachian Technical College, Chattahoochee Technical College, and North Metro Technical College. Now, with a combined service area of six counties (Bartow, Cherokee, Cobb, Gilmer, Paulding, and Pickens) and with eight campuses and online offerings, Chattahoochee Technical College serves over 15,000 credit students annually. They offer 45 programs, for students who range from recent high school graduates to seasoned workers who are pursuing new careers. The newly-renovated Woodstock campus is a stellar example of recycled space. Formerly Woodstock Elementary School, the property was leased from the Cherokee County board of education in 2004, then deeded by Cherokee County to the state in 2013 for use by Chattahoochee Technical College. Over the past year, it’s been closed for extensive renovations. David Simmons, Vice President for Facilities, says, “The original structure was built in the 1930s. The biggest challenge was working through government regulations,

Woodstock Family Life | JULY 2015

Standing (l-r): Tammy Owen, Designer, Impact Office Interiors; and Tara Ackermann, Sales Rep, Arc-Com Fabrics, Inc. Seated (l-r): Jeannetta Jordan, Owner/Designer, Jeannetta Design Associates, Inc.; and David Simmons, VP of Facilities, Chattahoochee Technical College.

but it was amazing how everyone cooperated. Woodstock has a strong sense of civic pride, and we wanted to re-claim the beauty and history of the original school building. So many people who still live here have ties to the elementary school…the community has been incredibly supportive throughout the whole renovation process.” Jennifer Nelson, Vice President for External Affairs, agrees. “We had to replace roofs, upgrade the HVAC system, replace windows and kid-size bathrooms. It’s come together beautifully. We are so grateful to the school board for making it possible.”

Before Renovation

Bird’s Eye View Artist Rendering Main Street Elevation Artist Rendering

Woodstock Campus Renovation Square Footage Renovated 46,011 gross square feet

Total Cost $5,304,822.00

Architect CGLS Architects

Contractor New South Construction, Inc.

Areas Renovated 13 classrooms, library, student success center, student center, faculty offices, office space, restrooms, and plaza area.

The campus will not only be used for classes, but will also be available for business meetings and conferences, since downtown Woodstock has limited space for such functions. Nelson adds, “Our threepronged purpose of the campus is advantageous for Woodstock: as public space, continuing education development training, and training space for local industry.” “Our college’s education mission is to be a great citizen in the communities we serve,” Dr. Newcomb says. “The location of this campus is so impactful for the community,” Dr. Newcomb continued. “In terms of a public college in the county, we’re it. That coupled with the fact that the population of Cherokee County is roughly a quarter of a million, and the fact that we already had 1,800 Cherokee residents taking one or more classes this past Spring — well, we’re going to take off! One strategic emphasis of the State, the College, and Cherokee County Schools is to enroll many more high school students in college. We expect this reopened campus to double our enrollment from Cherokee High Schools.” Chattahoochee Tech has a great transfer relationship with Reinhardt and Kennesaw State University. “Reinhardt takes most of our courses, and in fact, many of our students and

even some of our staff take courses from Reinhardt,” Dr. Newcomb says. “We actually provide them space to teach a few of their graduate courses. As for KSU, we’ve had a strong relationship with them, they accept roughly 60 to 70 of our courses, and we’ve just completed an articulated Associate of Science degree in Culinary Arts with them — with more to come, we believe.” At Chattahoochee Tech, you will find a collegiate atmosphere that fosters learning, creative thinking, and personal character development. You will also find, in the staff, executive administrators and faculty, a group of people dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and the communities where they live. Woodstock is the latest community to be served in such a positive way. The ribboncutting ceremony is scheduled for October 22, 2015. This promises to be a long-lived, mutually beneficial relationship…for the community, and for the people who live there.

Woodstock Campus 8371 Main Street Woodstock, GA 30188 Classroom-Only Location

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What is Elder Law? When I first introduce myself to people as an elder law attorney I am often met with the response, “What is Elder Law?” Understandably, the confusion exists because elder law was a generally unknown practice area even 10 years ago. The first thing you should know about elder law is that it is very broad. It can describe any legal issue facing older adults and their families. It includes things like estate planning, probate, guardianship, real estate, nursing home neglect and many other areas of law. A huge advantage of working with an elder law attorney is their knowledge of the so called “elder network” in the community. For example, a good elder law attorney should be able to guide you to different public and private agencies/resources that are able to help local seniors. Overall the one essential skill that elder law attorneys must possess is an ability to be compassionate to their clients. The

Woodstock Family Life | JULY 2015

By Cindy Nelson issues that elder lawyers address are very personal and their ability to cater to the needs of older adults makes them a more suitable choice for protecting older clients. Another type of lawyer may be able to solve these legal matters, but the process would be completely different and may lack the nuisances needed to properly advise older clients. Elder lawyers not only know how to take care of the legal matters presented above, they know how to take care of older adults. What elder law attorneys strive for when people walk out of their office is that clients are able to say, “Whew, that is a load off my shoulders and I feel so much better about my situation now.” Cindy Nelson is an Elder Care Law Attorney with Nelson Elder Care Law, LLC. 2230 Towne Lake Parkway, Building 900, Suite 200, Woodstock. NelsonElderCareLaw.com

Community Feature Fishers of

Young Men

On Saturday, May 16, several men from First Baptist Church of Woodstock arranged a fishing rodeo for 39 young men of Goshen Valley Boys Ranch. The morning was spent enjoying each other’s company while fishing for prizes. While several fish were caught, including some bass weighing in at nearly 5 lbs., the focus was truly on the boys having the chance to spend quality time with the men of FBCW. The event was also made possible by Family Life Publications, who donated fishing poles and tackle for the boys to use. It was truly a Saturday that will not soon be forgotten for the young men who participated. Hope comes through the healing Goshen’s young men receive. Hope, combined with intentional services and education results in life direction for each young man. Goshen’s greatest achievement is how they equip the young men at Goshen Valley to see past the burden of their circumstances by helping them not only overcome their past, but to use their story as a blessing to themselves and others. With spiritual mentorship and training in life skills, Goshen Valley Boy’s Ranch provides every possible opportunity for a hopeful future. Goshen Valley Boy’s Ranch is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization based in Cherokee County.

Cherokee County’s

Top 10 in 10 Top 10 in 10 Young Professionals to Watch

Young Professionals The Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce, during their June Good Morning Cherokee breakfast, recognized the 2015 group of Cherokee County’s Top 10 in 10 Young Professionals to Watch. “The Top 10 in 10 initiative is designed to cultivate and showcase exceptional Cherokee County young professionals,” said Pam Carnes, Chamber President and CEO. Coordinated by the Chamber, in partnership with Enjoy! Cherokee Magazine, this recognition program focuses on Cherokee County residents under age 40, who are considered to be Cherokee County’s up and coming leaders over the next 10 years. Those rising stars recognized as Cherokee County’s next generation of community leaders include Meagan Biello, teacher, Creekview High School; Matt McClain, owner, the McClain Agency/Nationwide Insurance; Ben Thacker, retail sales specialist, LGE Community Credit Union; Matthew Thomas, Economic Development manager, City of Canton; Paul Ghanouni, owner and founder, Ghanouni Teen & Young Adult Defense Firm; David Pitts, operations support coordinator/customer satisfaction, Georgia Power Company; Kryss Roch, assistant Solicitor General, Cherokee County Solicitor General’s Office; J. Mark Smith, Principal, Woodstock High School; Adam Smith, commercial banker, Bank of North Georgia and Kyle Wallace, partner/attorney, Alston & Bird, LLP.

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Book Review by CATHERINE GROVES

Celia Garth “Celia Garth” is a story about a girl that loved adventure, but nothing really exciting seemed to happen to her in the dressmaking shop where she lived and worked in Charleston, South Carolina during the year 1779. Well, things did start happening to Celia, but it wasn’t exactly what she had planned… The king’s army captured Charleston, and the Carolinas became a ruin of blood and fire. The author sweeps us quickly into the lives and characters intertwined with Celia; intriguing Vivian; Jimmy, who loves Celia desperately; Vivian’s irrepressible, daredevil son, Luke. Many Americans had joined the side of the king, and even more felt the Revolution was a lost cause. No one had counted on Francis Marion, who came out of the swamps with a heart of fire and men who believed in him and freedom. Celia’s “boring” life in the dressmaking shop became one of danger; she became one of Marion’s spies. Celia smiled and waited on those who were on the side of the king, and then risked her life each day making sure all she learned got back to Marion. As Celia grows into a woman, she begins to find what loyalty, grit, and true friendship is really about. Gwen Bristow, a southern author who also wrote the bestselling books, Calico Palace, Jubilee Trail, and the Plantation Trilogy, may no longer be with us, but her stories and characters will live forever. In Bristow’s Celia Garth, she takes us through the entire Revolutionary War though the eyes of a young southern girl. As with all of Bristow’s books, Celia Garth gives us a piece of history and characters that leave us wishing they were real. Celia Garth can be purchased through Amazon or found at most public libraries.

Catherine Groves is an avid reader and book collector (owning more than 5,000 books). She also is publisher of two neighborhood magazines and is writing her first novel.

Woodstock Family Life | JULY 2015

Forecasted Higher Tax Digest Good News for CCSD By Janet Read The Cherokee County School District operates on a budget calendar year that is similar to the school year. The new fiscal year begins July 1 and runs through June 30. Beginning in January of each year, the budget committee works continuously on the entire budget for the upcoming school year. The School Board and staff wait patiently for the outcome of the tax digest for the county. This year, the tax assessor has forecasted that the overall tax digest will be slightly higher than it was last year. This is good news for our school district and especially our students.

The tentative budget was discussed with the School Board Members at our May work session. In his proposed budget, the Superintendent outlined the expenditure increases for the 2015-16 school year. Once again, I was thrilled to learn that no furloughs are planned for the year. The plan is to reduce class sizes in our middle and high schools with the hiring of additional teachers. We are adding six additional nurses to our staff — one at each high school. We will also increase our nurse hours at our other schools to ensure maximum coverage when students are present. We are also adding a onehalf teacher allotment at each of our high schools to focus on our Credit Recovery Program for our students. Students who take advantage of our Credit Recovery Program are able to stay on track for graduation.

that required all visitors at our elementary schools to be buzzed in from the front office. The success of this pilot has resulted in the implementation at all of our elementary and middle schools starting in August. Thank you to the elementary schools in the River Ridge Innovation Zone that were the ‘pioneers’ of this system. Thank you to the numerous members of the Superintendent’s Budget Committee who have worked diligently over these last six months on the budget process. Thank you for keeping the dollars in the classroom and for keeping it all about the children!

Janet Read is chair of the CCSD board. 770-516-1444, Janet.Read@Cherokee.K12.Ga.us

This past year we piloted a program

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Community Feature

wing zone

the Butcher and Bottle

j. miller’s smokehouse 2nd Wingstop 3rd The Butcher and Bottle

2nd Keegan’s Public House rd 3 Jump Kitchen & Sports Saloon

2nd Bub-Ba-Q

Set Your Kids Up for

inancial Success By Kathryn Wise

LIFESTYLE It’s never too early to begin saving and to learn financial responsibility. Youth accounts, at any age, are a great way for parents to give their child the opportunity to save, budget and to manage their own accounts. Learning these important lessons early in life will set your child up for financial success in the future.

Beyond the Piggy Bank While piggy banks are cute and great at holding coins, consider opening a youth account for your child as it will provide not only safe storage for their funds, but will serve as an educational tool. Find a financial institution that 34

Woodstock Family Life | JULY 2015

3rd Stars and Strikes

offers savings or checking accounts for youth or students. Typically these will be free accounts with no monthly maintenance fees or minimum balance requirements. Ask if the accounts offer online or mobile banking access so your child can get in the habit of checking his or her account and balancing it frequently. Some institutions, like LGE, even reward your child for saving by offering a high interest rate on their savings account. Also, make sure to ask how your child will be able to access their funds. Some institutions will allow the child to have an ATM or debit card, depending on their age, while some places may require the child (or joint owner of the account) to deposit or withdrawal funds in person at a branch. Finally, find out if your financial institution provides any financial education resources. Some offer websites which provide articles and financial tips based on their age, while some institutions provide newsletters or magazines. So before your child gears up for Kindergarten or heads out the door to college, consider opening a youth or student account. Remember, it’s never too early to save!

Kathryn Wise is the LGE Community Credit Union Retail Manager in Woodstock. 12186 Highway 92, Suite 111B — behind Starbucks in Walmart shopping center. 770-424-0060, KathrynW@LGEccu.org, LGEccu.org

Tasteof by jodi sears

Ingredients 1 1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs 1/ cup sugar 4 1/ cup melted butter 3 2 cans sweetened condensed milk

cup Egg Beaters cup bottled Key lime juice Whipped topping

1/ 2 1/ 2

Preparation Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar and melted butter in pie pan. Press mixture firmly onto the bottom and sides of the pan. Combine sweetened condensed milk, Egg Beaters and lime juice in bowl. Whisk together until thoroughly combined. Pour filling into crust. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Chill at least 6 hours. Garnish with whipped topping after slicing.

Recipe is from the “Gatherings & Traditions Cookbook,” produced by the Service League of Cherokee County. The Service League of Cherokee County has been working to meet the needs of the children of Cherokee County since 1935. In addition to the cookbook, the organization’s fundraising efforts include the annual Riverfest Arts and Crafts Festival; “Run for the Children” 5K Walk/1-mile Fun Run; and Annual Ball, featuring the “Dancing for the Children” competition.” ServiceLeague.net

Woodstock Family Life | JULY 2015

Bringing Families and Businesses Together Entertaining, Enlightening & Educational

Alpharetta, Roswell and Milton are cities with much to do at the core of the North Fulton area. These active cities provide plenty for residents and visitors including shopping, dining and the arts. To tap the incredible marketing potential of the area, North Fulton Family Life magazine distributes to 25,000 in many of the most affluent neighborhoods to guarantee you will reach your clients.

Woodstock is a growing, vibrant city that is on the move. Several parks and an expansive trail and waterway system provide plenty to do in and around the city. Family Life Publications is proud to partner with Woodstock through our Woodstock Family Life magazine. Currently our magazine reaches over 23,000 homes including those in downtown Woodstock, Towne Lake, and surrounding areas.

Canton, seated in the center of Cherokee county has a perfect balance of small town feel and big time business. New restaurants and businesses are popping up one after the other. Canton and her surrounding areas including Holly Springs and the Hickory Flat and Sixes communities have a very desirable market rich with history and tradition. Canton Family Life is the only magazine in Canton that reaches east and west of I-575 with a distribution of 24,000.

Direct mailed to homes means your business reaches more potential customers for a better return on your investment.

Call 770-213-7095 for more information.

Visit us online at FamilyLifePublications.com To view all three publications.

Common Questions Get Answered By Kyle Bennett

I have worked in Downtown Woodstock for the past nine years and have certainly seen a lot of changes during that time period. When I was deciding what I should write about for this monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s article I thought it would be a good time to answer some of the most common questions I get about my job in Downtown Woodstock.

Q. A.

Does Downtown Woodstock have tourism?

The answer to this question is a big yes. We see a wide range of people visit Woodstock and especially the Downtown area. Perhaps the most common type of visitors to Downtown Woodstock are day trippers from cities in the region who are visiting Downtown Woodstock for the day to check out the great shopping and dining that Downtown Woodstock has to offer. But we also get visitors from much farther away. Just in the past couple days at the Woodstock Visitors Center we have welcomed guests from Minnesota and Massachusetts as they visited Woodstock as a part of their trip to the Atlanta region. We also regularly welcome families who are in town for several days for their children sports tournaments in the area.

What is the biggest change you have seen in Downtown Woodstock since you started working here in 2006?

For me that would be Downtown Woodstock becoming a foodie destination. Since I was hired the number of restaurants in Downtown has grown from 5 to 21. It is not just the quantity, but the quality of the restaurants in Downtown Woodstock it is amazing.

Woodstock Family Life | JULY 2015

Q. A.

What is your favorite event to work on?

Q. A.

What do you hope to see next in Downtown Woodstock?

Yes I have the pleasure of working on several fun events that take place in Downtown Woodstock. It is hard to pick a favorite. I have had the pleasure of being involved with the Woodstock Farmers Market since it started and the same is true for the Friday Night Live series. I love both of those events so much. But I have to say my favorite event to work on is the Discover Woodstock Scavenger Hunt. It is a lot of fun to select 100 locations, features, and events in the city to feature in a scavenger hunt. Then each year I have been amazed by the passion of the teams that participate in the scavenger hunt. This year the scavenger hunt will take place August 21-September 5 and I am excited to start working on what this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hunt will feature!

For me I am excited to see the expansion of the trail network throughout the city of Woodstock which will enable more residents to walk or bike to Downtown Woodstock. I am also very excited to see the next phases of the Elm Street Cultural Arts Village develop. Both of these projects are going to have such a positive impact on Downtown Woodstock.

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

Cobb EMC’s

Energy Efficiency Tips Size up your home’s energy efficiency. A simple walk through your home can help you reduce monthly energy bills. Each room houses opportunities to cut small costs that add up quickly. One of the easiest ways to save in every room is pulling the plug on old and outdated appliances. New appliances with the ENERGY STAR® label save considerably more energy than their older counterparts.

Laundry • Washing only full loads of clothes can save more than 3,400 gallons of water each year. • Clean your dryer’s lint trap before

every load. It ensures air can move sufficiently throughout your clothes and will save you roughly $34 a year. • When possible, wash clothes in cold water, using cold water detergents. This can save $30-40 a year. • Use your dryer’s moisture sensor. The machine will automatically switch off when clothes are dry, and you’ll avoid wasting energy on over-drying.

Living Room Consumer electronics make up 15 percent of the average household’s electricity use. If you’re looking to upgrade, look for ENERGY STAR®certified models and know that LED screens use less energy than LCD.

than a stovetop or oven. • After dinner is over, scrape food off of plates rather than rinsing them, and use your dishwasher’s no-heat, air-dry setting.

Basement or Garage Heating water for laundry, dishes and bathing accounts for a major portion of your home’s energy expenses. Save money through your home by setting your water heater at 120 degrees Learn more about energy efficiency and ways to save at CobbEMC.com/ conserve. Source: ENERGY STAR®

Kitchen • Recommended temperature settings are 5 degrees for your freezer and between 37 and 40 degrees for your refrigerator. • When cooking small meals, use a toaster oven or microwave rather

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

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n 1974, I lived in Brookhaven, Georgia and was a senior at Cross Keys High School. My best friend Debra talked me into sneaking out late one night to go to a concert. I had never been to a concert before nor would my parents have let me. But what is a girl to do? I was barely 18 at the time and real excited and scared but grabbed hold of the opportunity. We put on our best summer short shorts and homemade tie-dyed halter tops we created. Yes, we really spent the day making them! Debra had this adorable Volkswagen beetle that she drove. And let me tell you, boy did we ever have fun in her little ride. Ok back to the story. We had an 8 track tape in the deck playing some Nitty

Gritty Dirt Band tunes that we turned up loud. The drive to the venue took about twenty minutes and our ears were primed for the concert. We were filled with happiness and bubbly with anticipation. We had laughed and sang the whole way there. We went to Piedmont Road in Atlanta, Georgia to a venue at Broadview Plaza. It was Alex Cooleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Great Southeast Music Hall. Walking into the lobby, we were amazed to see the walls were all written on with different little quippy quotes and graffiti, truly a sight to see. I remember the hall being really small and really dark and very psychedelic. I think the stage was elevated just a little off the floor. We were really getting excited and couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait for the show. Soon thereafter we found our place in the crowd of fans and fun seekers. The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band took the stage and their sounds of their guitars began

Woodstock Family Life | JULY 2015

to fill the air. You may remember some of their songs: House on Pooh Corner (my personal favorite), Will The Circle Be Unbroken, and One Step Over The Line. Amazed in so many ways. The best part was there were no chairs and we sat on the floor! I am now a Grandmother and I have been to too many concerts in my lifetime, but none compare to the excitement and total electric feeling you got from that very first concert!! Wish you had been there!

Becky Wentzel

’ve been to many concerts in my life, and I love watching musicians do their thing. Stories told through song may elicit emotions, foster camaraderie and conjure memories. Just hearing a few notes of your favorite ditty from high school can immediately take you right back to that time, reminding you of people and places you haven’t thought of in years! So when you discover a band that has stood the test of time, having churned out hits for over three plus decades, you know you’ve found something special. For me, this band is U2. The first time I saw them perform live was their Joshua Tree tour in December 1987 at The Omni in Atlanta. I’ve since attended at least one show on every tour. My favorite show was definitely their 360 tour. You see, I had the good fortune of marrying a fellow ardent U2 fan. And what happens when both you and your spouse are dedicated followers of the lads from Dublin? You book a trip to see them perform in their hometown, of course! July 23, 2009, we boarded a red eye flight from NY to Dublin. We landed early Friday morning, jet lagged and bleary eyed. After spending most of the day recovering, we decided to venture out in the late afternoon. The area around Croke Park is mostly residential with an abundance of Irish pubs. On this particular afternoon, the pubs were filled with pint consuming locals preparing for an evening with Bono, The Edge, Larry and Adam. There was no more authentic way to acquaint ourselves with this local culture than to share an ale (or two) with other concert goers. As always, U2 did not disappoint. Their playlist included many of their chart topping hits, but seeing them perform to their hometown audience brought out a side I’ve never observed stateside. The pride and camaraderie among Dublin’s finest was palpable. And though we were thousands of miles from home, they made us feel more welcome than I ever expected. Our collective camaraderie facilitated a kinship that I will never forget.

Shelley McDonald

ne of my best concert memories was going to see Def Leppard back in the late 1980’s with a group of my high school friends. It was during the height of Def Leppard’s career, and back in the days where you couldn’t buy tickets online. My friends and I had to set alarm clocks to wake up bright and early to go get in line at Turtle’s Record Store on Canton Hwy to purchase our tickets for one of three, sold-out shows that Def Leppard would be performing at the now non-existent Omni in downtown Atlanta. By the time we arrived at Turtle’s, the line was wrapped around the parking lot! Those first in line had brought sleeping bags and camped out on the sidewalk the night before in an effort to get front row seats. We successfully obtained our tickets, and anxiously waited for the date of the show. When the concert date finally arrived, we all donned our acid-washed miniskirts, crop tops, and Aqua Net hairspray, teased-to-the-moon, in big 80’s hairstyle fashion. We entered the Omni amidst a sea of other guys and girls who were similarly dressed, and excitedly made our way to our seats!! The lights went out and everyone screamed as Def Leppard took the stage surrounded by blasting pyrotechnics and colorful stage lights! Rick Allen’s drums pounded through our chests as we sang every word, to every song, right along with Joe Elliot. Much to our delight, they announced that they were filming footage for their upcoming video for their hit song, “Armageddon It.” Months later, when the video was finally released, my mother recorded it on VHS so that we could watch it over and over, carefully scanning each frame, looking for ourselves in the crowd scenes. Sure enough, in a quick pan of the crowd during the song’s bridge, I spotted my blond hair and red crop top! There it was...my two seconds of fame, and my 80’s persona immortalized.

Julie Senger WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

Winners

Live Music Venue

Jump Kitchen and Sports Saloon

678-388-7717, Woodstock.JumpKitchenSaloon.com

Karaoke Bar

Gustonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Grille

770-485-6565, Gustons.com/Woodstock

Music Store

Ken Stanton Music

770-516-0804, KenStanton.com

Music Lessons

Ponier Music

770-928-8807, PonierMusicWoodstock.com

Woodstock Family Life | JULY 2015

Truth About

STDs By Dr. Annie Kim

Although sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) may be an embarrassing topic to bring up with your gynecologist, he/she is the first person you should talk to about your concerns. Not only will it ease your mind, but it could save your life. STDs are infectious diseases that are spread from person to person through intimate contact. It is estimated that 20 million new cases occur annually in the United States. STDs are most common among teens and young adults, with about

Woodstock Family Life | JULY 2015

two-thirds of all STDs occurring in people under the age of 25. Some common STDs include HIV, human papillomavirus (HPV), chlamydia, gonorrhea, genital herpes, hepatitis B, syphilis and trichomoniasis. Most are spread through contact with infected body fluids such as blood, vaginal fluids or semen. They can also be spread through contact with infected skin or mucous membranes, such as sores in the mouth. You may be exposed through vaginal, anal or oral sex, and by sharing needles or syringes for drug use. Many STDs may not cause any symptoms. Symptoms will vary, but may include sores around the genital area or in the mouth, pain or burning with urination, discharge from the vagina or penis, itching, pelvic pain or abnormal bleeding. Sexual activity at a young age, multiple sex partners and having unprotected sex all increase your risk of STDs. The best way to prevent contracting an STD is to abstain from any type of sexual activity. However, if you decide to become sexually active or are currently sexually active, there

are several ways to help reduce your risk, including: limiting the number of sexual partners, having a mutually monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner, consistently using condoms, avoiding anal intercourse, and having regular checkups for STDs. If you have any symptoms of an STD or think you may have been exposed, see your healthcare provider right away and get tested. Most STDs can be treated so the earlier you get treatment, the better. If STDs arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t treated, they can cause serious health problems, including infertility, chronic pelvic pain, ectopic pregnancy, cervical cancer, birth defects, brain damage, heart disease, and death. STDs are an ongoing and serious epidemic so it is absolutely essential to take charge of your health. Get tested and treated, and make visiting a healthcare provider a priority to protect your sexual health. Dr. Annie Kim M.D., is with Falany & Hulse Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Center, located in Woodstock. 770-926-9229, FalanyAndHulse.com

Misunderstandings

About Home and Liability Insurance By Jeff Nevison Following are a few of the most commonly misunderstood aspects of home and personal liability insurance that we encounter.

Home Insurance Dwelling Replacement Cost Coverage — The argument is that this coverage is often higher than the, ‘What I paid or could sell the house for,’ value, the tax assessment value, my loan value and many other perceived values. Replacement cost is actually the amount that it would take to rebuild a home if there was a complete and total loss. Reconstruction typically costs more than new construction, is based on market material and labor costs. Every company uses a data based estimator program to determine this value. The agent and insured should be diligent to make sure the data used is correct. Policy Types — The perception is that all policies are the same so it doesn’t matter if I live in my home, rent it to others, or leave it vacant with a ‘For Sale’ sign in the yard. There are different policy types: homeowners, renters, condo owner, home rented to others, vacant home, secondary home, etc. Usage is critical to the type of policy needed and the coverage provided by your policy. Significant coverage exclusions occur if the home is not insured by the correct policy type.

Liability Insurance Personal Liability — The notion is that it’s a high coverage limit so it must cover a lot of stuff and will pay me for various types of losses. Liability is Spelled: ITPAYSTHEOTHERGUY! Liability insurance does not cover your personal property, or put money in your pocket to replace anything lost, stolen or damaged. Liability coverage keeps the ‘other guy’, who claims that you damaged or injured him in some way, out of your pocket when he sues you for everything you’ve got. It can pay for legal fees and cover you world-wide. It will not cover the stuff you have in storage or anywhere else. Always take the time to check with a licensed and experienced agent when it comes to what is or is not covered. Jeff Nevison is the co-owner/managing agent of Mountain Lakes Insurance. 770-926-9444, MountainLakesInsurance.com

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ArtistProfile by Heike Hellmann-Brown

As long as he can remember Damon Carter has been interested in creating art — starting at the young age of 3 with drawing cowboys and comic book characters to the portrait of Ambassador Andrew Young that was commissioned by Georgia Public Broadcasting. “As a child I encountered artists at my grammar school and knew this was what I wanted to do,” Carter remembers. “Watching them paint ignited a burning desire in me to recreate life on canvas as realistically as possible.” The trend of the times however was Abstract Expressionism; therefore Carter chose a career in commercial art as a photo-realistic illustrator and graphic designer. “I got hired right after graduating from the University of Georgia and stayed with this company for 40 years,” the artist recalls. Dedicated to his corporate career, Carter painted only on the weekends and for his own enjoyment, but embraced the rare opportunity to study with preeminent figurative sculptor Richard MacDonald. After his retirement in 2001 Carter decided to follow his heart and focus on a second career as a professional artist. Loving the rolling hills of Cherokee County, he moved to Hickory Flat and began taking workshops with noted artists around the nation. Today the quality of his work is recognized both locally and nationally. Damon Carter was honored as a finalist in the Artist Magazine’s National Portrait Contest from a field of over 10,000 entries, he was a finalist twice in the prestigious International Cleo Awards, and in 2011 he was juried into the Oil Painters of America’s National Show in Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho. Clients and collectors of Damon’s work include such notables as Ted Turner, The MeadWestvaco Corporation, the Kappa Sigma Fraternity, the Uncle Remus Museum in Eatonton, GA, Georgia Tech University, and Standard Office Systems in Atlanta. Interestingly, Damon Carter’s quest for realism that made him turn his back to a career in fine art earlier in his life, is now transitioning into a more impressionistic style. “I love the process of painting and believe a true artist never stops learning,” Carter notes. “By studying the works of the old masters in museums, galleries and my growing studio library and experimenting with various techniques, I am now beginning to learn how to incorporate a piece of myself into a painting. A big part of creating a painting is knowing what to put in, what to leave out, how to emphasize the points of interest and what you can achieve with energetic brushstrokes with the goal to create an image that goes beyond recording the visual facts of a photograph.”

Woodstock Family Life | JULY 2015

A former President of the Portrait Society of Atlanta, Carter is known for his portrait work and also teaches his skills, but his passion is plein-air landscapes and the challenges they bring. A poem he wrote for his son Greg, a fellow artist, describes it best:

Mentors So much I’ve learned from masters past, And from living painters too. Amazed I stand at all they did, And tasks they’ve helped me through, But painting in God’s open air, Mid mountain, field and stream, By far the best classroom of all, Plein air painters know well what I mean, To master kinsmen of the brush, Indebted I’ll always be But you dear Nature, my great mentor, I’m most in awe of thee!

DamonCarterArtist.com

Heike Hellmann-Brown is a published writer in the United States and Europe. She has translated and edited several New York Times bestsellers and has taught both English and her native German as a foreign language in a career that has spanned more than 20 years.

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Why Dehumidify? Thanks to living in Georgia, we’re familiar with that muggy, sticky feeling of summer air in the south. Escaping into the sanctuary of our homes where it’s cool and dry after a long day on the ball field or the lake is a refreshing thought, until we walk in the door and are met with that same muggy, sticky air. Experts agree that homes should have a humidity level of 40-60%. Newer constructed homes are built tightly, which is great for insulation value and energy efficiency, but that same insulation prevents the exchange of stale air for fresh outdoor air, trapping moisture from showers & baths, cooking and more. Outside air can cause issues in older homes as well, when air seeps through cracks in electrical outlets, floors and around doors and windows. Excessive humidity can make you feel miserable in the one place that should offer the ultimate in comfort, your home. Summer energy consumption and costs can increase dramatically as the thermostat is adjusted to a lower and lower temperature to help off-set that muggy feeling, resulting in your home’s HVAC system running seemingly non-stop. There are also health concerns with

excessive humidity. When humidity exceeds the recommended level the air in your home becomes a breeding ground for insects, dust mites, mold & mildew. Over extended periods of time your wood floors and furniture may begin to warp; the air may smell musty. These contaminants can also trigger breathing issues for those in your home with compromised immune systems, allergies or asthma. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, “As many as 10 percent of the general population and 90 percent of people with allergic asthma are sensitive to dust mites. Recent studies in the United States suggest that at least 45 percent of young people with asthma are allergic to dust mites.”

Dehumidification Systems are integrated directly into your home’s HVAC system(s) eliminating the need for manual emptying of the water collected and offering relief throughout the home with an increased capacity for dehumidification.

Modern HVAC systems offer a level of dehumidification, but for those experiencing an excessive moisture problem the Honeywell TrueDRY™ Dehumidification Systems is a wholehouse solution. While there are portable single-room dehumidifiers available on the market today, they require daily emptying of the collection receptacle to prevent overflow. They also use more energy to operate and only affect the room it is running in. The Honeywell TrueDRY™

Enabling Honeywell’s RedLINK™ Wireless Technology – and their full-suite of wireless-enabled comfort systems – will provide an even greater efficiency by putting control of the your home environment in the palm of your hand, even when you are away via the web portal or the mobile app. You will be able to remain connected to your home whether you are at a neighbor’s house, a soccer game or half way around the world. As your system operates every RedLINK™ enabled component is communicating allowing your system to learn as it operates, optimizing itself for comfort and efficiency based on your family’s needs.

Honeywell TrueDRY™ Dehumidification Systems also provide energy savings. ENERGY STAR® estimates that homeowners can save up to six percent on cooling costs for every degree the thermostat is turned up. Since air with less humidity feels cooler, TrueDRY™ helps reduce energy costs because you can turn your thermostat up and run the HVAC system less often. In addition, TrueDRY™ uses significantly less energy than your HVAC system.

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

Honeywell TruDryTM DR65, DR90, DR120 48

Woodstock Family Life | JULY 2015

How Can Compounded Meds

Serve You? By Pamela S. Marquess, Pharm. D.

Today, most medications are made commercially with strict guidelines for the manufacturing process. Yet, there are many instances when patients need medications to match their unique need. The preparation of the specific

medication is referred to as compounding. Compounded medications still need to be ordered through a prescription written by the prescriber, who has to be a doctor, a nurse practitioner, a dentist and many times, a veterinarian. One of the most popular areas for specialized orders includes natural ingredients, such as Bio-Identical ingredients. Quite often when a prescription is written for this category, the prescriber wants a particular strength along with a unique delivery method, like a cream, a spray. Many children are unable to swallow pills, even at the older ages. If a medication is needed, but a liquid is not commercially available, then a liquid can be compounded and flavored so that the child will be able to take the medicine at the dosage and frequency prescribed.

conditions or a temporary need to be bedridden, they too are unable to swallow the same way. A liquid medication removes a stress level for them, and you the care giver. Veterinarians actively use compounded prescriptions. They know that our 4-pawed family members need special attention for their medications. The best way to get the right dose and the right frequency is to prepare a med to the exact need of our 4-pawed patients. In addition, flavors have been devised for these “family members” to insure that the medicine will be taken and not given back to our hands full of their “liquid love.” A neighborhood pharmacy with a compounding center provides this personalized service for your wellness.

Pamela S. Marquess, Pharm. D. is CoOwner of Woodstock Pharmacy, 8612 Main Street. 770-926-6478

As seniors age and develop certain health

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Ingredients: 2-4 (Â˝ lb) Lamb chops Goat cheese (tbsp/chopped)

Balsamic Roasted Grapes 1 pound black or red grapes Half cup balsamic vinegar Half teaspoon kosher salt

Preparation: Mix ingredients for roasted grapes in a small sauce pot and cook over medium high heat until grapes have softened and remaining liquid is nice and syrupy. Cook your lamb to your desired preference. Top with the goat cheese, grapes and grape enhanced balsamic. Enjoy this simplistic dish with your favorite side and a nice earthy red wine.

Woodstock Family Life | JULY 2015

s p m a R g Buildin For Our Seniors By Nathan Brandon

for a wheelchair ramp in Canton. Not only did he scope the project, he brought men from his church and they constructed the ramp and deck in one day! Through his experience and expertise, we were able to provide a beautiful ramp and deck for a family whose senior was on hospice. This enables the children to safely take their parent to and from doctor visits and other necessary trips. LIFESTYLE Senior Services strives to help seniors stay in their homes as long as possible. During the aging process, there are numerous hurdles to navigate. When seniors require assistance in order to go in and out of their homes, ramps help facilitate that a great deal. Through the Volunteer Aging Council, Senior Services is able to recruit volunteers to help in the design and construction of ramps for the homes of our seniors. In March we had a very experienced volunteer, Mr. Charles Chase the Missions Director for Sixes United Methodist Church attend our Volunteer Aging Council meeting. He listened to the needs of various families and quickly volunteered to scope the need

Senior Services provides a variety of services and information to the citizens of Cherokee County. Through Meals On Wheels, Homemaker Services and Case Management, we are able to help families as they progress through the aging process. If you have questions or know of a need of a senior please give us a call. 770-345-2675. L

Nathan Brandon is director of Cherokee County Senior Services. 770-479-7438, CherokeeGa.com/Senior-Services

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Fingertip injuries include any injury to the skin, bone, nail, nail bed, tendon, or the pulp of the padded area of the fingertip. The skin of the palm side of the fingertip has many more nerve ending than most other parts of the body. These nerve endings enable fine sensation, but can be damaged. When this specialized skin is injured, exact replacement is difficult.

Evaluating an Injury

How the injury occurred as well as any medical problems are important factors in determining treatment. A hand specialist will examine the extent of the tissue injury and its size. He/she will also assess sensation and circulation of the finger tip.

Hand and Fingertip Injuries

By Jose Baez, M.D.

A hand specialist may check the mobility of the tip, as injuries can occur to the tendons that bend or straighten the fingertip. An X-ray may be necessary to see if the bone has been injured.

Fingertip Injury Treatment

Severe crush or avulsion injuries may completely remove some or all of the tissue at the fingertip. If just skin is removed and the defect is less than a centimeter in diameter, you may simply treat these injuries with dressing changes. If there is a little bit of bone exposed at the tip, the specialist may trim it back slightly and treat it with a dressing, too. For larger skin defects, a hand specialist may recommend skin grafting. He/she can obtain smaller grafts from the little finger side of the hand. Larger grafts may be harvested from the forearm or groin. If the nail bed is injured, a hand specialist can repair that as well.

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

Woodstock Family Life | JULY 2015

what to do

Lawnmower Injury Basics ......................................................

If an operator of a lawnmower is not careful, it can cause serious injury to the hands. Lawnmowers are made to cut, and if a hand gets in the way trying to dislodge something that is â&#x20AC;&#x153;stuckâ&#x20AC;? the blades of the lawnmower can quickly cut through the skin and bones of the hand.

Treatments for Lawnmower Injuries.....................................

Even if you are extremely careful, accidents can happen. Injuries from lawnmowers often times result in multiple finger amputations and infections are common. Infections can be treated with antibiotics, while multiple surgeries could be needed to patients with severe injuries. Most patients with severe injuries will not recover full, normal use of the hand.

If you obtain a serious injury from a lawnmower to the fingers or hands, it is highly important to head to the emergency department right away. If you need reconstructive surgery, contact highly experienced hand surgeon. A hand specialist can work with you to help you regain as much function in your hand as possible.

Growing Bearded Irises in Your Garden The bearded iris, Iris x germanica, is a favorite perennial and is the most widely grown of all irises. They come in a huge array of colors, from white to deep dark purple. Size range is from 6 inches to 3 feet tall. Irises are deer resistant, attract hummingbirds and butterflies, and they make lovely cut flowers. They are particularly stunning in mass plantings. There are dwarf (5 to 15 inches), intermediate (16 to 23 inches), and tall bearded irises (24 to 48 inches). The dwarf bearded irises bloom around midMarch, the intermediates bloom early to mid-April, and the tall irises bloom from early May to June. Bearded irises need six hours of sun a day to bloom well, and they need good drainage. Plant the rhizomes in September or October

By Gail Roos

in moist but well-drained soil, amended with lots of organic matter, and space them 1 to 2 feet apart. When you plant, leave the top third of each rhizome above the ground. Place them horizontally at ground level with the roots spread out. Add some time-release fertilizer at this time. Water after you plant, and regularly until the plants are settled. In late winter or early spring, when you see new growth, start watering regularly until about six weeks after the blooms fade. The buds for next year are formed during that time. Irises have some pests and diseases â&#x20AC;&#x201D; bacterial soft rot, iris leaf spot, and iris borers. Good drainage and keeping the area free of plant debris will prevent most of those. The iris clumps will become overcrowded in three or four years, and

you can divide and transplant them anytime between the last blooms and the first frost. Dig the rhizomes carefully with a spading fork and shake off the dirt. Divide them using a sharp knife. Discard any easily loosened leaves, and for tidiness, trim the remaining leaves. Bearded irises have so much to offer in your garden. Admire them from a distance, or be amazed by the intricate beauty of the blossoms. Give bearded irises a try! Gail Roos is a certified Master Gardener Extension Volunteer with Cherokee County Master Gardeners, part of the UGA Cooperative Extension. Contact the Cherokee County UGA Extension office for gardening assistance. 770-721-7803, CAES.UGA.edu/Extension/Cherokee

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Ribbon Cuttings 2015 B.L.A.S.T.T. Workshops Wednesday, August 5 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Financial Scorecard Burnette Arbitration and Mediation Services, Inc.

150 North Street, Suite F Canton 770-893-7085 Mediation and Arbitration (Legal)

Evaluating a company’s financial health is an essential skill for all business owners. Learn the fundamentals of financial analysis, with instruction on reading financial statements, understanding financial ratios and return on investment.

Edward Jones — Kelly Geiken, Financial Advisor 4390 Earney Road, Suite 210 Woodstock 678-297-0154 Financial Advisors

Wednesday, August 26 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Building Your Beach In “Building Your Beach”, Jim Bulger, President of WorkThrive Consulting, will discuss how you can increase the momentum and productivity in the employess, contractors, and vendors

Staymobile Venture, LLC

2295 Towne Lake Pkwy, Suite 124 Woodstock 678-217-5077 Mobile Cellular Repair

Nelson Elder Care Law, LLC

that make up your workforce.

2230 Towne Lake Pkwy, Bldg 900, Ste 200 Woodstock 678-250-9355 Attorneys, Estate Planner, Financial & Estate Planning

To register for workshops, please visit

CherokeeChamber.com

Thursday, August 6, 7:00 a.m.

Tuesday, August 25, 4:30-6:00 p.m.

Sponsored by: LGE Community Credit Union

Location: Canton Theatre

RSVP by 3:00 p.m. on August 4.

RSVP by 5:00 p.m. on August 21.

For more information on this event, please visit CherokeeChamber.com.

Woodstock Family Life | JULY 2015

Restore Your Vision Refresh Your Appearance By Kiran Sajja, M.D.

Our eyelids play a vital role in the normal function of our eyes and maintenance of clear vision. First, the eyelids are a physical barrier that shields the eye’s surface from the damaging environment. Second, the motion of the eyelids allow for the even spread of the tear film over the surface of the eye providing a smooth surface necessary for optimal visual clarity. And finally, the eyelids define the overall aesthetic of the face and convey your emotion and mood. Excess skin of the upper eyelids, referred to as dermatochalasis or “baggy eyelids”,

can significantly affect an individual’s peripheral and, at times, central vision. Also, the redundant skin may become increasingly irritated associated with redness, swelling, itchiness, and discomfort. The prominence of the excess skin often gives an unintended tired, angry, or aged appearance to the face. You may often complain of heaviness or puffiness of the eyelids which makes it difficult to see — this is referred to as dermatochalasis or “baggy eyelids”. Patients often remark having to lift their forehead, tilt their chin up, or manually hold the skin in order to see. This is most common when driving or reading with worsening complaints over the course of the day.

The treatment of dermatochalasis or “baggy eyelids” with functional or cosmetic upper blepharoplasty is an effective and relatively pain-free procedure. Upper blepharoplasty serves to improve peripheral vision, eye comfort, and provide a more youthful and natural appearance. Referral to an eyelid and ophthalmic specialist will ensure the highest level of care with the attention to detail to give you the optimal result functionally and aesthetically.

Kiran Sajja, M.D. is an Oculoplastic Surgeon with Milan Eye Center, located in Canton. 678-381-2020, MilanEyeCenter.com

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Woodstock Family Life | JULY 2015

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