Woodstock Family Life 7-19 by Family Life Magazines

Contents

July 2019

VOLUME 6 | ISSUE 12

24-25

[24-25]

On the Cover

The Providence Group

32-33

Q: What Can I Do With a Liberal Arts Degree? A: Almost Anything You Want

36-37

Hosting a Foreign Exchange Student One Familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Experience

44-45

Cherokee Search & Rescue

[32-33] [24-25] [36-37] [44-45] Follow Us >>>

Family Life Publications

Woodstock Family Life | JULY 2019

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

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

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

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

........................ Public Safety

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

................. Woodstock Notes

.............. Woodstock Summer Concert Series

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

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

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

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

“The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining.” – John F. Kennedy

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Cyndi Braun ART Laurie Litke Laurie@FamilyLifePublications.com Mandy Marger Mandy@FamilyLifePublications.com

The only thing we know about the future is the mere fact that, most likely, it is coming. Our path leading up to this point has been filled with hints and clues as to what may lie ahead, but nothing is certain. The best we can hope to achieve is a readiness toward our expectations. Little thoughts, near solutions that didn’t work, and mental connections that we reuse precede what we do next. We have a growing familiarity with our life and the circumstances within it that set us up for our next steps. We pool our insight and leverage what is already there to make things happen. By remembering both, consciously and subconsciously, we can do better next time.

630 East Main Street Canton, GA 30114

770-213-7095

FamilyLifePublications.com Family Life publications have the largest monthly circulation of direct-mailed community magazines in our area. Woodstock Family Life is a monthly community magazine with a total print count of over 30,000, direct mailing over 28,000 copies to Towne Lake, downtown Woodstock up to Hickory Flat and toward the Roswell border. The viewpoints of the advertisers, columnists, and submissions are not necessarily those of the editor/ publisher, and the publisher makes no claims as to the validity of any charitable organizations mentioned. The cover and its accompanying magazine content are a paid advertisement. Woodstock Family Life magazine is not responsible for errors or omissions. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the publisher. Subscriptions are available for $25 per year. Please contact us for payment options.

E R EC Y C LE

We live to learn, and we learn to live. Chances are, your past is telling you something. That little voice you’ve been blessed with is your own. Trust it.

Family Life Publishing Group, Inc.

Last month, I was at a photo shoot for one of our cover stories. It was a beautiful sunny day, with comfortable temperatures and a gentle breeze. As I set up my fill flash on a stand with an umbrella to soften and reflect the strobe, I knew I had to keep an eye on it. Umbrellas, like kites, tend to catch wind. A small tent stake that I keep with my gear would typically hold it down; however, I was set up on the pavement, so that wasn’t an option. As I peered through the lens, a short breeze flowed toward me. My subject gasped, as she saw the stand and strobe slamming to the ground. I said to myself, “I told you so” and set it back up with a smile. Fortunately, the umbrella saved the flash, and the bulb did not break. So, an Amazon order for a replacement umbrella and a new sandbag to add to my gear is on the way. Lesson learned.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Steven Anderson, K. Dakota Carruthers, Cherokee Office of Economic Development, Michael Consoli, Marsha Cornelius, Jyl Craven, James B. Depew, Joshua Fuder, Jonathan Good, Corey Harkins, Lisa-Marie Haygood, Laura L. Hoskins, Johnny M. Hunt, Ashley Keegan, Mandy Marger, Tim Morris, Vishant Nath, Hannah Olson, Michael Petrosky, Frank Reynolds, Sen. Bruce Thompson, Katie Wise, Ferdinand Yates, Farris Yawn

M AG A ZI

e all have those moments when we think about bringing a raincoat, packing an extra set of clothes, or double-checking to be sure we have our keys. When reality sets in, we wish we had listened to that inner voice. Everyone makes mistakes, but those “Oh, I knew it!” ones usually leave me laughing at myself after all is said and done. I’ve never been one to get upset over a problem. Chances are, I could’ve prevented the consequences from raining down on me; I probably knew better in the first place.

PLE

SALES Janet Ponichtera Janet@FamilyLifePublications.com

Jack Tuszynski, Publisher

Woodstock Family Life | JULY 2019

Over 30,000 Each Issue, Every Month

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Do I Really Need to Floss? By Vishant Nath, D.M.D.

[HealthyLife] How much of a difference can flossing make? Isn’t brushing twice a day (and always right before bedtime when bacteria really like to go crazy) enough? How many times have children asked these questions? But let’s face it, flossing is just as important as brushing — they go hand in hand. One is not very effective without the other if the goal is to have a clean bill of oral health at twice yearly dental visits. Remember the following next time your child complains about flossing:

•

Your mouth is not clean unless you are flossing daily. As much as onethird of the plaque on your teeth can only be reached with floss or floss

Woodstock Family Life | JULY 2019

• •

•

picks. Plaque is a mass of bacteria that sticks to your teeth. If left on your teeth, the plaque will do one of two things: (1) It becomes tartar (a crusty deposit), which can only be removed by a dental professional. (2) It becomes acidic, in which the plaque demineralizes the teeth, which then leads to cavities. Cavities that occur between teeth are much more difficult to treat than other cavities. Flossing can help prevent bad breath. A clean mouth is less likely to be smelly. If you do not floss, or only floss rarely, your gums are more likely to become sore, inflamed, and may even bleed. For pain-free gums, floss daily. Flossing daily is likely to be good for your wallet in the long run. Having great oral hygiene will help prevent the need for expensive dental treatments.

So — just to review — floss, floss, floss! Preach this to your children and remember to set a good example by doing it yourself. Some would say that flossing is even more important than brushing. Oftentimes, people use hard, crunchy foods, or even chewing gum to clean debris off tooth surfaces. But when it comes to the areas between tooth surfaces and at the gum line, flossing is the only way to clean these areas. So, don’t delay, floss today!

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

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Facebook. Is It Like a Bottle of Merlot? By Laura L. Hoskins, Esq.

[StrategicLife] Wine and Facebook both allow users to live/imagine living better lives. But are there other similarities between the two? While Facebook has become a staple for many, it has also become a gold mine for family law attorneys because Facebook often destroys marriages and prodes evidence of ongoing bad behavior. A recent study showed that excessive Facebook use coupled with Facebookrelated relationship conflict often result in negative relationship outcomes. Relationship conflict may occur when: 1) You realize a spouse is viewing/stalking other possible partners. Is your spouse closely following someone else on Facebook daily/hourly? While it may start innocently enough, the reality is that making a new “friend” is often problematic.

Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake

2) You or your spouse believe “the grass is always greener on the other side” after seeing only the best parts of friends’ lives on social media. Many become depressed or anxious when comparing their lives to the glowing representations of others. Some also become addicted to Facebook. 3) You can easily connect with people from the past – without motives ever being questioned. Your new Facebook friend might be a high school crush, a past teammate, or a co-worker. If that person telephoned you and asked personal questions, you might be suspicious. But when suddenly asked to be his/her Facebook friend, you instantly accept the invitation, where everything from your current relationship status to your favorite book is already on display. These relationships may not be in the best interest of your marriage.

“May your life someday be as awesome as you pretend it is on Facebook.” threaten marriages. Doctors have said there are heart health benefits to having just one glass of red wine, such as merlot. Yet, drinking an entire bottle of merlot each night is detrimental. Reasonable use of social media can be fun. Excessive use can end marriages. Source: Russell B. Clayton, Alexander Nagurney, and Jessica R. Smith. “Cheating, Breakup, and Divorce: Is Facebook Use to Blame?” Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking. October 2013.

Laura L. Hoskins, Esq. is an attorney at Burns Law Group. 181 E. Main Street, Canton. 770-956-1400. BASLG.com

As with many things, Facebook can be a positive tool, yet the negative aspects

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Calendar JULY

1-7

The Complete History of America (Abridged) — Sixhundred years of history in 6,000 seconds; history will never be the same! From Washington to Watergate, from the Bering Straits to Baghdad, from New World to New World Order, this play is a roller coaster ride through the glorious quagmire that is American history, reminding us that it’s not the length of your history that matters, it’s what you’ve done with it. Fridays and Saturdays 7:30pm, Sundays 2:30pm, City Center Auditorium, 8534 Main Street, Woodstock. 678-494-4251. ElmStreetArts.org

23rd Annual Woodstock Freedom Run 5K — Celebrate our nation's birthday with an early morning run through downtown Woodstock! All runners and walkers receive a short-sleeved T-shirt (guaranteed to all preregistered entrants). Free fruit and lots of water are provided. 7:15am, Morgan's Ace Hardware parking lot at the corner of Arnold Mill and Main Street, Woodstock. 678-469-5726. WoodstockFreedomRun.com

July 4th Spectacular — A festive parade kicks off the daylong celebration, starting at Woodstock Elementary School and travelling down Main Street to Sam’s Club at Highway 92. After the parade, head to The Park at City Center until 3:00pm for food, live music with A Theory of Now band, children’s games, inflatables, arts and crafts, Adam the Juggler, and vendors of all types. The day concludes with fireworks at dusk behind the Target shopping center at Highway 92 and I-575. 10:00am parade, downtown Woodstock, 770-592-6000 x1952. WoodstockParksAndRec.com Friday Night Live — Thanks to the extended hours during this fun event, everyone has a chance to explore the variety of shops downtown. Events and live music at various locations create a street-party style atmosphere that is sure to offer everyone something to do. 5:008:00pm, downtown Woodstock. 770-5926056. VisitWoodstockGa.com

5&6

Home By Dark Concert Series Presents Britton Cameron and Kaci Bolls — Enjoy this one-of-a-kind music experience that truly demonstrates that “a song can change your life.” Bring food, friends, and family for a night you’ll always remember. 8:00pm, Chukkar Farm Polo Club & Event Facility, 1140 Liberty Grove Road, Alpharetta. 678665-0040. HomeByDark.com

8-12 & 15-19

Camp Imagine — Presented by Cherokee Arts Center, if your child or teen is interested in exploring their creative side, this mixed-media art camp will allow them to create various types of art. $125 + $25 supply fee. Ages 5-8 9:30am-12:30pm, ages 9-13 and 14-18 1:30-4:30pm, Cherokee Arts Center, 94 North Street, Canton. 770-704-6244. CherokeeArts.org

8, 10, 13, 16, 17 & 22 Author Events — Bestselling authors in various book genres will present their latest releases. Please check the website for author names, book titles, and event times. FoxTale Book Shoppe, 105 E. Main Street, Suite 138, Woodstock. 770-5169989. FoxTaleBookShoppe.com

ONGOING

Woodstock Farm Fresh Market — Each Saturday through December, 8:30am12:00pm, Market Street, Woodstock. 770-924-0406. VisitWoodstockGa.com Farm Fresh Tuesday Evening Market Each Tuesday through August. 5:008:00pm, Backyard at Reformation Brewery, 105 Elm Street, Woodstock. 770-924-0406. VisitWoodstockGa.com

Woodstock Family Life | JULY 2019

Plastic-Free July — Plastic has become the No. 1 product people use each day, despite how damaging it is to the environment. Dedicate this month to learning about the dangers of plastic and challenge yourself to avoid single-use plastic items for a month. Share this holiday with your friends online by using the hashtag #PlasticFreeJuly, and see if you can convince them to join you in your efforts. More Than Music: The Legend of Lee Roy Abernathy — Through July 20, enjoy this FREE temporary exhibit containing artifacts pertaining to the life of this local gospel music legend. Wednesday-Friday 10:00am5:00pm and Saturday 10:00am-3:00pm, Cherokee County History Museum and

Visitors Center, 100 North Street, Canton. 770-345-3288. RockBarn.org Alzheimer’s Caregiver Meeting — Meet up with fellow Alzheimer’s patient caregivers on the second Thursday of each month for support and to learn caregiving strategies. 11:00am, Little River United Methodist Church, 12455 Highway 92, Woodstock. Fritz Kupsky 678-471-6676 or Rich Seibert 770712-2961. AMPED in the Park — This is a monthly fitness series presented by Woodstock Parks and Recreation and a local fitness partner. Every first Saturday morning of the month through November, all are invited to attend

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WDSTK Roots Music Nights — Pony League, a five-piece retro-acoustic band, will be performing at this FREE original music series event. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring their own blankets, chairs, food, and beverage. 7:00-9:00pm, Elm Street Arts Village Event Green, 111 Elm Street, Woodstock. VisitWoodstockGa.com

10-24

The Wizard of Oz — This timeless classic movie is brought to stage with songs like “Over The Rainbow,” “If I Only Had A Brain,” “We’re Off to See the Wizard,” “If I Were King of the Forest,” and “The Merry Old Land of Oz.” Wednesdays 10:00am, Fridays 7:30pm, Saturdays 2:30 or 7:30pm, and Sundays 2:30pm, City Center Auditorium, 8534 Main Street, Woodstock. 678-494-4251. ElmStreetArts.org

Teen Night — This fun night of pool time is for ages 13-17. 7:009:00pm, Cherokee Aquatic Center, 1200 Wellstar Way, Canton. 678-880-4760. CRPA.net

12 & 26

Parent’s Night Out — Drop the kids off at the pool, so you can enjoy adult time. Kids will play in the pool, enjoy a pizza dinner, do crafts, play games, and end the night with a movie. 5:3010:00pm, Cherokee Aquatic Center, 1200 Wellstar Way, Canton. 678-880-4760. CRPA.net

Give a Kid a Chance — This event helps low-income families equip their children for each new school year. For more information, to register a child and receive an appointment time, or to volunteer, please call or visit the website. 8:00am-4:30pm, Hillside United Methodist, 4474 Towne Lake

12-24

Cherokee Arts Center’s Members' Show & Sale — Support local artists by coming out to enjoy their talent and perhaps take home a new favorite work of art for your home or office. Opening reception is July 11 from 6:00-8:00pm. Show hours are TuesdayFriday 11:00am-5:00pm and Saturday 12:005:00pm, Cherokee Arts Center, 94 North Street, Canton. 770-704-6244. CherokeeArts.org

Parkway, Woodstock. 404-480-2334. GiveAKidAChance.org

Woodstock Summer Concert Series Presents The BB King Blues Band Featuring Michael Lee of The Voice — Enjoy live renditions of popular blues songs that were written and recorded by the legendary BB King. FREE! 7:30pm, Northside Hospital Cherokee Amphitheater, 101 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock. 770-592-6000 x1952. WoodstockParksAndRec.com

A Wonderful Time Up There, A Lee Roy Abernathy Tribute Concert — Enjoy a Southern gospel music performance by the Cagle Family. Tickets are $15. 3:00pm, The Rock Barn, 658 Marietta Highway, Canton. RockBarn.org/ events

Brew HaHa — Belly laughs + beer on tap with iThink Improv! Join local performers for improv games. 7:00-8:30pm, Reformation Brewery, 105 Elm Street, Woodstock. 678-341-0828. ReformationBrewery.com

an hour-long fitness class featuring aerobics on the lawn, running stairs, yoga, you name it! 8:00am, Northside Hospital Cherokee Amphitheater, 101 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock. 770-517-6788. WoodstockGa.gov

Association. Donations are appreciated ($75 value). Preregistration is required. 9:00am12:00pm, Cherokee County Fire Station 23, 7625 Vaughn Road, Canton. 770-406-6657. HFVA.org/Class-Registration.php

second Saturday of every month. Space is limited, and pre-registry is available. 9:3011:00am, Papa’s Pantry, 6551 Commerce Parkway, Woodstock. 770-591-4730. PapasPantry.org

IN Season Committee Meeting — On the third Thursday of each month, this committee creates projects that help activate and beautify the Woodstock community. Plantings, seasonal decor, tactical urbanism, and engagement events will be discussed. 6:007:00pm, IN WDSTK office, 1 Innovation Way, Woodstock. 770-592-6056. InWDSTK.org/ events

Morning INfluence — On the last Friday of the month, breakfast is served! Enjoy this monthly morning networking event, which includes a brief presentation that focuses on updates given by greater Woodstock or Cherokee County officials on important issues or services offered that affect the community. 8:00-9:00am, Chambers at City Center, 8534 Main Street, Woodstock. 770592-6056. InWDSTK.org/events

Creative Problem-Solvers — Every first and third Tuesday of the month, meet up with this gathering of local entrepreneurs and innovators dedicated to crowdsourcing solutions to their business problems in a community brain trust rather than alone. 7:00-8:30am, The Circuit, 1 Innovation Way, Woodstock. 770-345-0600. CircuitWoodstock.com

Free CPR/AED Certification Class — On the last Saturday of each month, this fundraiser benefits the Hickory Flat Volunteer

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Papa’s Pantry Volunteer With Your Kids — Volunteer with your kids on the

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Calendar continued from page 9

Volunteer Aging Council (VAC) Fundraising Luncheon — Support VAC programs and get a wonderful lunch for only $5. Bring a friend, coworker, family member, or yourself, and enjoy a tasty lunch while supporting the seniors and veterans of Cherokee County. Stay and eat, or pick up and go. RSVP the location, so the amazing chefs can be prepared for all who come to support. 11:30am-1:00pm, Tranquil Gardens, 330 Tranquil Gardens Drive, Acworth. VAC-CherokeeGa.org

Movies in the Park — Captain Marvel will be shown on a 30-foot movie screen. Lots of popcorn, candy, and other refreshments will be available. Kids can enjoy activities before the movie starts at sundown. Be sure to bring blankets and lawn chairs. FREE! 8:55pm, Northside Hospital Cherokee Amphitheater, 101 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock. 770-592-6000 x1952. GeorgiaMoviesInThePark.com

Elm Street Arts Lantern Series Presents House Of Waters — This band incorporates elements of West-African, jazz, psychedelic, indie rock, classical, and world music into their astonishingly unique sound.7:30-9:30pm, Elm Street Event Green, 113 Elm Street, Woodstock. 678-494-4251. ElmStreetArts. org

ONGOING

Woodstock WordPress Meetup — Every first and third Wednesday of the month, meet up with fellow business professionals to discuss this popular internet tool. 11:30am-1:00pm, The Circuit, 1 Innovation Way, Woodstock. 770-345-0600. CircuitWoodstock.com

Woodstock Family Life | JULY 2019

29-31

SPLISH SPLASH Break Camp — Camp includes lots of pool fun, arts and crafts, off-site field trips, and more! To attend camp, children must be able to pass a 25-yard, deep water swim test with no assistance. 7:30-9:00am drop off, 9:00am-4:00pm camp activities, 4:00-6:00pm pick-up, Cherokee County Aquatic Center, 1200 Wellstar Way, Canton. 678-880-4760. CRPA.net

Friday Night Live — Thanks to the extended hours during this fun event, everyone has a chance to explore the variety of shops downtown. Events and live music at various locations create a street-party style atmosphere that is sure to offer everyone something to do. 5:008:00pm, downtown Woodstock. 770-5926056. VisitWoodstockGa.com

2&3

Home By Dark Concert Series Presents Cindy Morgan and Tony Arata — Enjoy this

Women’s Entrepreneur Meetup — Every third Friday of the month, meet with current and aspiring fellow businesswomen to take action and hold each other accountable for stated goals. This is not a lead exchange or a referral program. 11:30am-1:00pm, The Circuit, 1 Innovation Way, Woodstock. 770345-0600. CircuitWoodstock.com Women Who Code — Every fourth Wednesday of the month, all experience levels and languages are welcome – from newbie to guru. This is a great place to dedicate quality time to learn a new language or work on a new project. 6:00-8:00pm, The Circuit, 1 Innovation Way, Woodstock. 770-345-0600. CircuitWoodstock.com

AUGUST one-of-a-kind music experience that truly demonstrates that “a song can change your life.” Bring food, friends, and family for a night you’ll always remember. 8:00pm, Chukkar Farm Polo Club & Event Facility, 1140 Liberty Grove Road, Alpharetta. 678-665-0040. HomeByDark. com

2-17

7th Annual Discover Woodstock Scavenger Hunt — Woodstock residents and visitors will have the opportunity to learn about and explore Woodstock during this unique experience, as participants team up to gather photographic evidence of their journey through 100 different venues in the city. Scavenger hunters will have two weeks to complete as many of the tasks or challenges as they can. The winning team will receive a $100 Downtown Dollars gift certificate. For more information, visit VisitWoodstockGa.com.

Detachment 1311 — Every third Saturday of the month, veterans share their firsthand war experiences, which are then used as editorial research data to assist others. The Woodstock Detachment #1311 is chartered as a subsidiary organization of the Marine Corps League. 9:00am, Semper Fi Bar and Grille, 9770 Main Street, Woodstock. 770672-0026. Facebook.com/MCLWoodstock YPOW AM — Each Thursday morning, join Young Professionals of Woodstock for coffee and networking. 7:00am, Copper Coin Coffee, 400 Chambers Street, Woodstock. 770-592-6056. InWDSTK.org/events Square Dancing — On the second and fourth Friday of each month, enjoy square

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LIBRARY EVENTS

SchmoozaPalooza — SchmoozaPalooza is designed to bring businesses together in a fun and casual networking environment. Exhibitors will have a tabletop display that will allow them to promote their business and make new contacts, while attendees will enjoy door prizes, food, and fun as well as preview the latest featured products and services. Admission is FREE and open to the public. 4:00-7:00pm, Woodstock City Church, 150 Ridgewalk Parkway, Woodstock. 770-3450400. Brandy@CherokeeChamber.com. CherokeeChamber.com

36th Annual National Night Out — Neighborhoods throughout the City of Woodstock are invited to join forces with the local police department and thousands of communities nationwide to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; generate support for and participation in local anti-crime efforts; strengthen neighborhood spirit and policecommunity partnerships; and send a message to criminals, letting them know neighborhoods are organized and fighting back. 6:00-9:00pm, The Park at City Center, 101 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock. 678-614-9104. WoodstockGa.gov

dancing with the Cherokee Squares. 8:0010:00pm, Woodstock Jaycee Hall, 216 Rope Mill Road, Woodstock. 404-408-3180 or 901-337-5330. CherokeeSquares.com 1 Million Cups — The first and third Wednesday of the month, attend this FREE, nationwide program designed to educate, engage, and accelerate early-stage startups. The notion is that entrepreneurs can discover solutions and thrive when they collaborate over a million cups of coffee. Drop in on this community of innovators to connect with and support local startups. 9:00-10:00am, the first Wednesday is at The Circuit, 1 Innovation Way, Woodstock; check the online schedule for the location of the third Wednesday, which changes monthly. InWDSTK.org/events

Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake

SequoyahRegionalLibrary.org HICKORY FLAT 2740 East Cherokee Drive, Canton, 770-345-7565 ROSE CREEK 4476 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock, 770-591-1491 WOODSTOCK 7735 Main Street, Woodstock, 770-926-5859 THE AMAZING SPACE July 8, 6:30pm, Hickory Flat Families compete to complete space-related activities and win the grand prize! This is for all ages.

SUMMER READING FINALE — JEFFINI’S READING BLAST-OFF MAGIC SHOW July 16, 10:30am, Hickory Flat Enjoy a magic and puppet show with Jeffini the Great, as he leads the audience on a musical reading adventure. This is for all ages.

SPACE JAM DANCE PARTY July 9, 10:30am, Rose Creek Dance along with the Etowah High School color guard. This is for all ages.

SUMMER READING FINALE — WATER BLAST-OFF PARTY July 18, 10:30am, Woodstock Enjoy refreshments from Kona Ice and celebrate the end of summer at the library. Bringing a towel and a change of clothes is recommended. This is for all ages.

ZOO ATLANTA MOBILE — BEASTLY BASICS July 11, 2:00pm, Woodstock Presented by Zoo Atlanta’s ZooMobile project, explore animal characteristics, learn how animals meet their basic needs, and learn how they care for their young. Call the library to sign up.

GREEN SPACE GARDENING July 18, 12:15pm, Rose Creek Learn about good horticultural practices and how to select the best site for your plants. Make your yard the greenest space in the neighborhood. This program is sponsored by the UGA Extension Office in Cherokee County.

JUGGLING WITH ADAM BOEHMER July 12, 11:00am, Woodstock July 12, 2:00pm, Hickory Flat Witness the amazing talents of Adam Boehmer, as he wows the audience with his highly entertaining and engaging juggling expertise.

CYBERSPACE INTERNET SAFETY July 22, 3:00pm, Rose Creek Do you hate technology and anything to do with computers? Learn basic internet browsing techniques, so you don’t get lost in cyberspace. Learn about some of the library’s technology resources. There will be a Q&A session at the end.

SUMMER READING FINALE — UNDER THE DOME July 15, 11:00am, Rose Creek Celebrate the end of summer with carnival-style games, balloons, and a whole lot of fun! Experience the planetarium show, Under the Dome, presented by Operation Teach. This is for all ages. APOLLO 11 ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION July 15, 4:00pm, Woodstock Enjoy a live webcast to celebrate the 50th anniversary of NASA’s historic Apollo 11 moon-landing mission. Hosted by the American Museum of Natural History, experience a guided recreation of the Apollo 11 voyage — the space flight that landed the first two astronauts on the Moon. This is for all ages.

SPACE SENSORY WALK July 24, 10:30am, Rose Creek Complete an indoor sensory walk for an out-of-this-world experience. This is for ages 6 and younger. PROJECT PINTEREST July 28, 3:00pm, Woodstock Explore Pinterest-inspired creative projects. This month, enjoy making solar system bracelets. This is for ages 16+. Call the library to sign up. TEEN ICE CREAM BAR July 30, 4:00pm, Woodstock Create your own cool sweet treat. Materials provided. This is for teens in grades 6-12.

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Straighten Up to Keep Your Pearly Whites Until You Reach the Pearly Gates By Steven Anderson, D.M.D. [HealthyLife] Chocolate, golf, or fresh apple pie may be a few of our heavenly hopes, but having straight teeth in this life is critical. It helps avoid serious oral diseases that will likely cause tooth loss if not corrected. While perfectly aligned white teeth are aesthetically pleasing, why would an astute dentist recommend your teeth be straightened? Periodontal disease is the deterioration or loss of the supporting bone around teeth. Bone is what holds our teeth in our mouth, and healthy pink gums should cover that bone. Our gums should not be red, tender, or bleed when we gently brush and floss. Bleeding gums can be an initial sign of periodontal disease. Crooked teeth collect plaque in overlapping areas, and unfortunately, regular brushing and flossing does not always adequately remove it. Plaque hardens and turns into a substance called “calculus.” Patients cannot remove hardened calculus at home, and it becomes a breeding ground for harmful bacteria. Periodontal disease often sets in, and the bacterium involved destroys the supporting bone around teeth. Left untreated, the disease spreads, teeth

Woodstock Family Life | JULY 2019

become loose, and eventually need to be removed or may fall out. Dentists want their patients to keep their teeth, so they can enjoy eating chocolate and fresh apple pie (in moderation). Your dentist should courteously address problem areas during regular checkups. By performing a comprehensive periodontal exam with probing and x-rays, dentists will show patients existing problem areas and color images supporting periodontal findings. A periodontal exam can help you understand the gravity and severity of looming problems, which is critical during any initial dental exam. Periodontal disease is treated by “deep cleanings,” more frequent exams, and other drug or surgical procedures necessary to control it. Currently, there is no cure, so dentists must work with patients to control it. Proper periodontal disease treatment takes cooperation from patients, which may include the consideration of treating crooked teeth. Periodontal disease is serious and should command a patient’s attention once diagnosed. Modern medicine is linking periodontal disease to other medical issues such as diabetes and

cardiovascular disease. Listen to your dentist and do your best to follow his/her advice. Back to straight teeth — clearly, avoiding periodontal disease is another benefit beyond the obvious cosmetic benefit of straight teeth. Traditionally, visible wire and brackets are used for children and adults. However, modern dentistry offers new and advanced methods to straighten teeth. Modern alternatives include clear, thin, plastic retainers (known as aligners) that fit over a patient’s teeth and slowly move them into alignment, similar to traditional wire methods. Many patients prefer clear aligners because they are removable, easily cleaned, soft to the inner lip area, not readily visible, and typically require a shorter treatment time. Ask your dentist about straighter teeth and other treatment alternatives to periodontal disease. After all, great dentistry is all about you and helping you arrive at the pearly gates with all your pearly whites intact.

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

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Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake

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Woodstock Family Life | JULY 2019

Over 30,000 Each Issue, Every Month

Community Mayors’ Recycling Challenge

The rising stars recognized as Cherokee County’s next generation of community leaders include (front row, L-R): Colin Ake, Hayden Holcomb, Dr. Daniel Tari, and Justin Page. (Second row, L-R): Marsha Terry, Jamie Johnston, Melissa Sneed, Emili Roman, Dr. Ashley Kennerly, and Crystal Welch.

Cherokee County Top 10 in 10 Young Professionals to Watch Named The Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce recently recognized the 2019 group of Cherokee County’s Top 10 in 10 Young Professionals to Watch. This recognition program focuses on Cherokee County residents under age 40 who are considered to be up-and-coming leaders over the next 10 years. “The Top 10 in 10 initiative is designed to cultivate and showcase exceptional Cherokee County young professionals,” said Pam Carnes, Chamber president and CEO. “We were extremely pleased with the number and caliber of candidates for this year’s recognition. As we have grown accustomed to, far more than 10 nominees were submitted. Each application was carefully reviewed by a panel of judges that found the task of only choosing 10 honorees challenging,” said Chamber Board Chair John Barker.

The 8th Annual Mayor’s Recycling Challenge is underway in Cherokee County. This initiative, developed by the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce Going Green Committee, seeks to spark awareness about community recycling while spurring friendly competition among the cities involved. Until the end of July, cities throughout the county will compete to see which can win awards for most recycling per capita and most improved city based upon 2018 collection totals. Sanitation services partner with the Chamber of Commerce on this initiative to track curbside and large recycling container weigh slips within participating cities. Cycle Works Sanitation & Recycling, Santek Waste Services of Georgia, Waste Management, and Advanced Disposal (all Chamber member sanitation services) collect recyclables from Ball Ground, Canton, Holly Springs, Waleska, and Woodstock. The mission of the Chamber’s Going Green initiative is to encourage residents to implement green practices that conserve community resources while helping businesses thrive. For more information on the Chamber’s green initiatives, or to download a recycling guide, please visit CherokeeChamber.com.

Help Our City WIN...

Judging criteria included past professional achievements and awards, five- to 10-year professional goals, as well as the nominees’ volunteer and community activities. The winners were recognized during the Chamber’s monthly networking breakfast. The honorees who will be under the age of 40 on October 1 have been nominated for the prestigious GeorgiaTrend Magazine 40 Under 40 recognition. The mission of the Cherokee County Chamber, a Georgia Certified Chamber of Commerce, is to promote business and the community while expanding the economy and enhancing quality of life.

The Mayors’ Recycling Challenge During June & July 2019 Living GREEN! working GREEN! THINKING GREEN!

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Community Next Step Ministries Announces Expanded Space Next Step Ministries is excited to announce a newly expanded Trickum Road location in Woodstock, which will allow the organization to serve more clients with special needs in Cherokee, Cobb, and Fulton. This expansion to its original space will allow more flexibility, room for client growth, and needed space for its growing staff. New hours of operation are 8:00am6:00pm. The additional hours and service space will provide more opportunities for client family members to rejoin the workforce while knowing their loved one will be in a safe and fulfilling day program.

Woodstock Receives Excellence in Financial Reporting Award The Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting was recently awarded to the City of Woodstock by Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada for its comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR). The certificate is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, which represents a great accomplishment by a government and its management. The CAFR was judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program, which included demonstrating constructive “spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the CAFR.

Woodstock Family Life | JULY 2019

Friends of Holly Springs Police Foundation Supports Detective for Police Unity Tour The Friends of Holly Springs (FoHS) Police Foundation made two donations to Detective Sherron Conrad for the Police Unity Tour, Chapter XI. This is Detective Conrad’s eighth year to ride for the Police Unity Tour, and she is the only officer from Georgia in her Chapter as well as Cherokee County.

(Front row, L-R): Chief Michael Carswell, Viktoriya Dubovis, Detective Sherron Conrad, Travis McCloskey, Cheryl Darnell, and Lori Flink. (Back row, L-R): Jeff Wilbur, Brandi Hackett, and Steve Yap.)

“We were excited to present Detective Conrad with a check from the Foundation and one for a raffle held specifically for the Police Unity Tour,” said Foundation President Lori Flink. “We are all humbled by the passion and dedication Detective Conrad has about such a worthy cause.”

The Police Unity Tour is a 270-mile bicycle ride for law enforcement officers and family members of the fallen. It starts in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and ends at the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington, D.C. The motto of the Police Unity Tour is, “We Ride for Those Who Died.” Currently, there are 20,267 names of fallen law enforcement officers engraved on the memorial. Detective Conrad attended the annual candlelight vigil where each officer is celebrated and remembered for his/her sacrifice. “I am honored and so appreciative of the support I received across the community through prayers and sponsorship. I could not have succeeded in this effort without my agency, friends, and family. I look forward to bringing more awareness to this incredible cause for 2020,” said Detective Conrad. For more information about FoHS Police Foundation, visit FriendsOfHollySpringsPoliceFoundationInc.org. For more information about the Unity Tour, visit PoliceUnityTour.com.

CCWSA Drinking Water Art Contest Cherokee County Water and Sewerage Authority (CCWSA) is proud to announce the winners of the Drinking Water Week coloring contest. Students from all over Cherokee County submitted more than 750 entries, which made it difficult to choose the best entry from each grade. Winners received a $10 ice cream gift card. Congratulations to the winners: Kindergarten - Clara Sloan Bujeker, homeschooled 1st grade - Michael Jo Prose, Ball Ground ES 2nd grade - Jianelly Bermudez, Oak Grove ES 3rd grade - Campbell Haskett, Arnold Mill ES

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LGE Community Credit Union Celebrates Newly Relocated Woodstock Branch

Woodstock Names New Parks and Recreation Director Michael Huffstetler was recently named parks and recreation director for the City of Woodstock following an extensive search.

LGE Community Credit Union recently celebrated its newly relocated Woodstock branch, now at 12900 Highway 92. The event included a ceremonial ribbon cutting with the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce, entertainment from local radio station B98.5, and free tacos from The Queso Truck, courtesy of LGE. Both Chris Leggett, president and CEO of LGE, and Pam Carnes, president and CEO of the Cherokee Chamber, gave remarks about the new location. “Providing value to our members is part of the mission of LGE, and we know this new location will do exactly that. It’s an expansive space relative to where we were, and we’ve had the opportunity to incorporate new technology, which is very exciting for both us and our members,” said Leggett. When describing LGE, Carnes said, “Talk about a community partner — that’s what we all have grown to know from LGE. We appreciate the continued presence they have in Cherokee County.” LGE’s Woodstock branch is managed by Katie Wise, a longtime volunteer with the Cherokee Chamber.

Georgia’s 50 Safest Cities Ranked for 2019 The home security website, Safewise, has released its rankings of the 50 safest cities in Georgia, topped by Senoia, which is known by fans everywhere as the home base of the AMC TV show The Walking Dead. While the safest cities are scattered across the state, the following Cherokee County cities made the list:

Holly Springs (No. 14) Woodstock (No. 15) Canton (No. 43)

Only two cities on the SafeWise list had more than 100 violent crimes, and 70% of the safest cities had no murders. Survey respondents ranked digital security as the top safety concern in Georgia; 26% reported personal experience with digital security issues in the past year, which is two points higher than the national average.

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Since 2017, Huffstetler has served as the superintendent of parks and recreation services for the City of Marietta. In his two years with Marietta parks, recreation, and facilities, Huffstetler helped manage a $3.5 million general fund budget and a $25 million parks bond, including the establishment of policies and procedures, staffing, budget, and maintenance requirements for Marietta’s new $7.5 million Franklin Gateway Sports Complex and new $3.5 million Elizabeth Porter Park, which has a 3,500 square foot splash pad operation. “I believe each community is unique, so the management style and methods for all the agencies I have worked for depended on the community, the staff, and evolved naturally as needed,” said Huffstetler. “I believe in continuous improvement and learning, ongoing assessment, and community engagement involving the citizens and elected leaders to guide the work we do in parks and recreation.” Huffstetler is a certified park and recreation executive, a certified aquatic facility operator, and a certified recreation delivery system program planner. He has held multiple leadership roles in the National Recreation & Park Association since 2013. “Throughout the hiring process, Michael’s track record of effective leadership in parks and recreation was demonstrated, and his commitment to creating a great live-work-play community is apparent,” said City Manager Jeff Moon. For more information on City of Woodstock parks and recreation, please visit WoodstockGa.gov WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

Cherokee’s Newest

Entrepreneurship Initiative State Representative Michael Caldwell recently spoke with Cherokee Office of Economic Development (COED) President Misti Martin about the North Atlanta Venture Mentoring Service (NAV), which is headquartered in Cherokee County and one of COED’s newest entrepreneurship initiatives. Rep. Caldwell is a key stakeholder in the COED initiative and is also a local entrepreneur. Rep. Caldwell: Tell us about NAV and why it matters? Misti Martin: NAV, led by our COED team, is the first of its kind in the state of Georgia. The program was made possible through the Cherokee By Choice initiative – a five-year, results-driven, public/ private partnership aimed at reinforcing Cherokee’s role as a leader in economic development. NAV is principled and trained by MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) Venture Mentoring Service (VMS) and is based on the proven concept of team mentoring. We landed on the MIT VMS program after years of research to find the best mentorship approach that supports local entrepreneurs and helps to build an entrepreneurial ecosystem. As you know, we asked you and Russ Sanders of FactoryMation, two of our region’s strongest advocates for entrepreneurs, to join our key stakeholder team and attend the Immersion Training at MIT earlier this year. Rep. Caldwell: What motivated COED to start NAV? Misti Martin: Connecting entrepreneurs to a team of mentors within a formally structured program is a valuable way to guide them on their journey toward success. We’ve seen this program solidify entrepreneurship programs in cities across the country such as Asheville and Greenville. Thanks to strong leadership and strategic vision, we knew that making this ecosystem sustainable would require committed mentors who believe in giving back to the future generation of entrepreneurs. Rep. Caldwell: What makes NAV different? Why is it a game changer? Misti Martin: It was important to our team that NAV is principled and trained by MIT, which is a major draw for our pool

of mentors. MIT VMS has a 20-year proven track record operating its internal program and has disseminated its mentoring model to numerous organizations in 23 countries. NAV will be the 90th sister program of the MIT VMS program. In real train-the-trainer style, NAV will build on the local mentor community in Cherokee and north Atlanta to offer the best and brightest minds to local entrepreneurs. Rep. Caldwell: What kind of impact could NAV have on the Cherokee or Atlanta region? Misti Martin: Entrepreneurs build a collaborative culture through job creation, innovation, and technology. When entrepreneurs have a team of mentors to help them navigate challenges, the venture has a greater chance of success. NAV will focus on developing the entrepreneur as much as the venture. The impact will be measured through job creation, revenue growth, leadership development, and community involvement. For us, the goal is much bigger than building successful companies; it’s about fostering stronger entrepreneurs. Rep. Caldwell: Who is NAV looking for when it comes to mentors and ventures? Misti Martin: We want to grow our entrepreneurs but don’t want to limit our reach to our county borders. Diversity and inclusion matter to us, which is why we are selecting 20 mentors from a variety of backgrounds and seven ventures for our pilot. During the pilot, we will continue receiving applications for mentors and ventures who believe in the program’s value. NAV mentors are seasoned entrepreneurs or executives, who come ready to learn, listen, and guide. NAV ventures recognize their need for mentorship, are coachable, and ready to develop themselves and their businesses. Misti Martin: Let me flip it back to you Michael. Why call it North Atlanta Venture Mentoring Service? Rep. Caldwell: Georgia is the No. 1 state in which to do business and has been for the past six years. Initiatives like NAV will establish Cherokee as the No. 1 place to start a business. Entrepreneurs create jobs, and Cherokee County creates entrepreneurs. L

Cherokee Office of Economic Development is located at One Innovation Way, Woodstock. 770-345-0600. CherokeeGa.org

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Senator Speaks

By Senator Bruce Thompson

y friend made a statement from the pulpit recently that caused me to chuckle and feel a bit convicted at nearly the same time. He spoke about a family that was enduring a very difficult situation, and that no matter what the outcome, we were instructed to consider it pure joy when facing trials. He said that many of us say we have joy in our heart, but some of us forget to tell our face and our attitude. Ouch — guilty. My daughter’s friend recently returned from a mission trip that took her to remote areas in three countries over a ninemonth period. She shared her personal experiences such as contracting typhoid fever, showering in public view, and sleeping with the animals in the fields. Of course, our family has participated in many mission trips over the years, but we did not truly assimilate into each country’s culture. While our sleeping arrangements were not a five-star hotel, we always had plenty to

Woodstock Family Life | JULY 2019

eat and never really felt threatened. Each time we returned, we resolved to remain grateful for living in this incredible country. But over time, the impact of the mission trip always seemed to wane. Since my friend’s comments from the pulpit, I have made a conscious effort to keep everything in perspective. Each morning, I review my calendar on my smart phone to refresh my memory of upcoming appointments. I enjoy a nice hot shower, apply personal hygiene items, and head out the door with a cup of hot coffee. While I sit in traffic on 575 heading south, my radio is playing my favorite tune, the AC is set to a nice temperature, and my hot coffee is in my Yeti. Let us contrast my morning with that of folks in Third World countries. They wake up outside to the elements and do not have hot showers waiting for them.

The breakfast they may enjoy could be leftovers from the previous day if they are fortunate enough to even have food for that meal. The temperatures may be cool in the morning, but by midday, they could be working the fields in 100-plus degrees. As for that car or truck they may desire, that is just a dream. With an average income of just over $5 a day, it would take them a lifetime to pay for what we drive to work/ school/other activities each morning. The next time I am stopped in traffic, standing in line at a fast food restaurant, or frustrated with the TSA line, I promise to smile and allow the joy of living in America to shine through.

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

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n e r d l i h C g n i v Gi

WHAT THEY NEED M.A . Yates, Jr., M.D., By Ferdinand

[HealthyLife] Children are entitled to certain things such as love, protection, education, and food. However, they are not entitled to entitlement, meaning that a child should not necessarily get everything that he/she asks for.

DELAYED GRATIFICATION Waiting and learning patience is a necessary part of growing up. Not all requests need to be granted, but take the opportunity to offer an explanation and make the situation educational. CLEANING UP Most children do not have personal servants, and they need to be taught to clean up after themselves. Toys, dishes, and laundry are simple items to start with.

The following are a few reminders of constructive ways to handle things most families frequently encounter:

FOCUS ON THE GIFT-GIVER, NOT THE GIFT Teach gratitude for thoughtfulness and not for grandiosity. A sincere “thank you” (or the old-fashioned thank-you note) can be an indication of genuine and polite gratitude.

TALKING Communication is wonderful, but be sure that it is done with care and respect. The child’s words and opinions are not the only voice in the room.

TAKING OWNERSHIP We all make errors, and mistakes are a part of life. A reprimand is sometimes necessary, but education and words of encouragement are always proper. Even a

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young child can learn accountability and be taught not to shift the blame. Resist the urge to be a “fix-it” parent, which can be a real disservice to a child’s adaptation skills. Children need to understand the difference between wants and needs. It is sometimes appropriate to deny wants. A simple explanation is helpful, and it is OK for the parent to ignore the possible subsequent temper tantrum. All caretakers should respond in a similar fashion for this type of training. Actions often speak louder than words, and children absorb much of what they see, hear, and learn. A parent’s actions are always on display, so be sure to set a good example. Source - Crosswalk.com

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

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Public Safety

The Roger D. Garrison Law Enforcement Training Center By Sheriff Frank Reynolds

de-escalation, mental health, use of force, and community policing. Most CSO deputies receive an average of 100 hours of annual training. The CSO also hosts an annual 36-hour in-service class for all certified deputies and city officers throughout the county. This ensures deputies and officers are training on topics that are specific to the needs of our community and to their specific duty assignment. In order to keep the facility properly maintained, other law enforcement agencies make annual financial and equipment contributions to a designated training fund that is maintained by the CSO finance office.

he Cherokee Sheriff’s Office (CSO) is fortunate to have one of the finest training facilities in Georgia. The Roger D. Garrison Law Enforcement Training Center (RGLETC), named in honor of former Cherokee County Sheriff Roger Garrison, was established in 2013 to offer specialized law enforcement training for agencies throughout metro Atlanta and north Georgia. The 42-acre campus is located in Canton next to the Cherokee County Adult Detention Center. The training division is led by Captain John Gunning, a retired command sergeant major with 28 years of military service and over 20 years as a certified Georgia peace officer. Captain Gunning has a staff of seven full-time instructors, 13 adjunct instructors, and two administrators. Since January of 2017, the RGLETC has supported 261 classes, nearly 20,000 law enforcement officers and deputies comprised from 26 separate federal, state, county, and city law enforcement agencies, by providing instruction, classrooms, firearms ranges, and technical support. Numerous other government agencies and charitable organizations utilize CSO’s RGLETC facilities for meetings, training,

Woodstock Family Life | JULY 2019

and events. On any given day, the training center has nearly 50 students from at least two or three law enforcement agencies. The firearms training complex is complete with pistol, rifle, and shotgun ranges on traditional turning target platforms and more modern computer programmed steel targets. This includes two multi-purpose ranges, a 50- and 100-yard range, a 25-yard turning target range, and a “Bill Rogers” computerized steel target range, 50-foot rappelling tower, and 6,500-foot indoor multipurpose building. Although firearms proficiency is a part of the training curriculum, de-escalation techniques are equally emphasized. A lot of time is spent training in the field, but classroom time is also an integral part of the training curriculum. The RGLETC offers students the opportunity to attend classes on ethics, Georgia and Constitutional law, first aid, community relations, and a variety of law enforcement courses required for advanced certification through the Georgia Peace Officers Standards and Training Counsel (P.O.S.T.). Georgia law (O.C.G.A. 38-8-21) requires each peace officer to undergo 20 hours of mandatory training to include firearms,

In addition to training law enforcement officers from around the state, the CSO hosts an annual Sheriff’s Office Citizens Academy, where citizens learn about the CSO and its function within the community. The RGLETC also hosts a citizen’s firearms course through the Apple Seed Project, a program that emphasizes basic marksmanship skills, firearms safety, and history of the United States as it pertains to the 2nd Amendment. Reinhardt and Columbus State Universities are off-site campuses for their certificate, undergraduate, and graduate degrees, a partnership that helps CSO employees further their educational goals. The Cherokee Sheriff’s Office is dedicated to providing our community with the finest public safety, and the RGLETC sets the standard for all law enforcement agencies in the state of Georgia.

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

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Book Review BY FARRIS YAWN

Many have the utmost respect and admiration for anyone who answers the call to serve and puts on a uniform to defend our country. There are those, however, who go above and beyond by answering that call over and over. First Sgt. Michael J. Conley is such a person.

N ot Alone

In a career spanning 42 years, Sgt. Conley has served as a soldier, Green Beret, Ranger, and Ranger Instructor. He saw combat in Vietnam and Iraq and served in several National Guard units as well as an assignment in the Republic of Georgia. In between assignments and deployments, he also worked as a science teacher. In his book, Not Alone, Sgt. Conley shares his lifetime of military experiences as well as the stories of some of the soldiers he met along the way. He shares his encounters with a few special dogs as well. As the title implies, he did not go through this journey alone. In addition to his men and his family (particularly his wife), he gives the credit for his remarkable career to God. Even during the worst of circumstances, he never felt alone. He credits God for his safe return home. Sgt. Conley has just released a revised edition of his memoir for a very unfortunate reason. As anyone who deals with bureaucracy can tell you, government records are not always accurate. Certain individuals, for their own reasons, seized upon such inaccuracies in Sgt. Conleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s records to accuse him of being dishonest about his service. These attacks hurt him deeply, and he was determined to set the record straight. After considerable effort and expense, he was able to get his DD-214 corrected to accurately reflect his service. Those updated documents are now included in his book. Spend some time getting to know Sgt. Conley in his own words. You will be glad you did.

Farris Yawn is the owner of Yawnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Publishing, 2555 Marietta Highway, #103, Canton. 678-880-1922. YawnsPublishing.com

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Building Hometown Pride “Urban walkable” communities are the future according to the New York Times. Mason Main, the modern transitional townhomes on Main Street in Woodstock, are just far enough away from the action to allow privacy, but close enough to provide a true connection to downtown. North of the roundabout, and directly across from the Woodstock library, these contemporary three-story units have a chic exterior with state-of-the-art interiors that make buyers feel right at home. Not only is vibrant downtown Woodstock a quick walk or bike ride of less than one mile, but the Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta with over 100 shops and great restaurants are right around the corner. Farmers markets,

hometown parades, restaurants, clothing stores, and home goods can be found within a two-mile radius of Mason Main. Don’t forget the free summer concert series at Northside Cherokee Amphitheatre, other live music options at additional downtown restaurants, or the community theatre at Elm Street Cultural Arts Village. Plus, a free trolley runs Friday and Saturday evenings. The Providence Group brought an incredible in-town-living feel that used to only be found inside the perimeter. Now, luxurious design with upscale, premierquality craftsmanship and the flexibility to modify the interior to suit individual

u Spacious three-story design with outdoor deck on main level u Gourmet kitchen with island overlooking dining and family room u Lovely owner’s suites and up to four secondary bedrooms u Guest retreat or media space on terrace level u Elevator option available u Two-car garage u HOA-maintained exteriors

Woodstock Family Life | JULY 2019

lifestyles is available in Cherokee County. Mason Main is truly urban living without the chaos of downtown Atlanta.

Something for Everyone Buyers looking to downsize to a more rural environment that’s close to amenities need look no further than Idylwilde, “Where Stories Live.” This gated community offers modern farmhouse designs, nestled in the sought-after Hickory Flat area of Cherokee County on Highway 140. The story begins with a choice between ranch-style or two-story designs with the master on the main, all HOA-maintained, so homeowners don’t have to lift a finger. However, active residents can play pickleball or stroll along miles of trails to enjoy crisscrossed streams and ponds. With sidewalks on both sides of the street,

Mason Main 7784 Main Street Woodstock, GA

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COVER STORY By Marsha Cornelius

Idylwilde 5300 Hickory Flat Highway Canton, GA

Add to the fun with game nights at the clubhouse or spend a relaxing afternoon at the pool. Residents can sit on their front porch and greet friends or enjoy the privacy of a secluded patio on the side of the house. Don’t worry about being too far into the country. Grocery stores are minutes away. The new Northside Cherokee Hospital is just up the road. There’s plenty of shopping at either the Canton Marketplace Shopping Center or Riverstone Plaza, plus restaurants, movie theaters, and awardwinning restaurants in downtown Canton. It’s attention to details that puts Mason Main and Idylwilde in the highest class of quality housing. The company always suggests that buyers compare apples to apples. The Providence Group exceeds

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the norm of standard features and construction quality. And to top it off, buyers will appreciate an incredible inhouse warranty, great customer service, and property taxes that are significantly lower than surrounding counties.

Make Space for Life The Providence Group, LLC, developers of both Mason Main and Idylwilde, originally led by the father-son team of Pete and Warren Jolly (both Atlanta natives) have earned a reputation for excellence with the success of Jolly Development, one of the city’s premier land development firms. The home-building arm of the company, The Providence Group, was created and is considered one of the leading lifestyle builders in Atlanta. The Providence Group has a passion for building well-crafted new homes with a personal touch – inspired by and uniquely

designed for each homebuyer’s life. Timeless, yet ever evolving, and set in Atlanta’s most sought-after communities, The Providence Group provides longlasting, low-maintenance homes. Each home is intelligently crafted and ready to be personalized, so homebuyers can move in with ease and feel right at home. Building communities where homebuyers can make space for life and focus on the things that matter most is The Providence Group’s goal, believing that is what coming home is all about.

The Providence Group builds in over 15 new home communities throughout Atlanta and is a subsidiary of Green Brick Partners. Learn more at TheProvidenceGroup.com, or call 678-475-9400.

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homeowners will be sure to get their steps in every day with the option to linger at one of the community’s green spaces, too.

“The Providence Group does an amazing job of strategically looking at how buyers live. We know that there are families who love Cherokee County and want to stay here, but their current homes no longer fit how they live. It was great maybe when the kids were small, and they needed a large home on a basement with huge yard. Now, they want to spend more time doing the things they love versus maintaining a huge yard. Or perhaps, it is their first home that is a little bit more on trend with the newest architecture, building trends, and technology. I love talking to people who are coming in and saying, ‘Now THIS is exactly what we have been looking for.’ The buzz words right now are ‘urban suburban’ and ‘tiny and shiny,’” says Amy Turcotte, the on-site salesperson at Idylwilde.

Come meet all of our Cherokee County Residents who are great employees!

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Wild Bill By Tim Morris

[Lifestyle] I recently reflected on all the seniors I have had the opportunity to get to know in my career. There are many who have had an impact not only on my life but also on a program. For example, when I met Wild Bill for the first time, I knew he was going to be a tough nut to crack. Wild Bill came to the senior center for the first time with a friend who just wanted him to give it a try. When I first met him, he barely said a word to me. The best place for me to approach Bill was at the center’s pool table because he liked to shoot pool. I liked to play and was not bad. Bill was pretty good at it when he wanted to be. He would sometimes try difficult shots, and his friend would look at him as though he was crazy. Those two would shoot pool for hours.

longer work at the same senior center, but Bill is forever in my heart. Senior centers are all about socialization and enhancing quality of life. As we get older, it’s important to have friends and remain active. All who are 60 and older are invited to join us at any of Cherokee’s senior centers. Maybe you’ll be the next Wild Bill. L

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

Over time, Bill and I also became very close friends, and I became very protective of him. We remain friends, as he enjoys life in his 90s. Years ago, we would introduce ourselves as father and son to anyone who asked. Bill ended up making the senior center his own, and when he did not show up, we would always call to make sure he was okay. If he missed several days in a row, we would put his picture on a milk carton as if we were looking for him. I may no

Woodstock Family Life | JULY 2019

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Woodstock Notes

oodstock’s journey to go green began in 2009 after receiving stimulus grants for demonstration projects such as the solar panel display at the City Chambers building and the installation of solar hot water heaters at Fire Station #10. These projects, along with adopting the first citywide Sustainability Policy, are among a laundry list of other measures completed by City staff that allowed Woodstock to earn the Atlanta Regional Commission’s Green Communities Certification at the bronze level in 2010 and gold in 2015. The Green Communities Program assists local governments with implementing measures that will reduce their environmental footprint not only within government buildings but throughout the entire city. The resulting successes, much like green energy, have generated their

own momentum and created a cycle of expanding efforts and incentives. Fast forward to 2019; the City is now aiming to be the fourth recipient of the Green Communities Certification at the platinum level — making Woodstock the first community on the northwest side of the perimeter to reach the achievement. Since platinum is the highest certification level, a significant number of tasks must be completed. One large task is developing a sustainability plan that outlines future goals, projects, and programs with the ultimate goal of lowering community greenhouse gas emissions. Woodstock aims to address measures revolving around seven core focus areas: Energy & Building, Land Use, Solid Waste, Water Management, Transportation, Government Operations, and Public Outreach.

The last focus area, Public Outreach, will guide the entire process. With this in mind, a sustainability committee of active community members has been formed to assist in defining a green future fit for Woodstock. Sustainability committee members address the plan’s specific project needs and overall vision. Members come from all parts of Woodstock, including the commercial sector, engaged residents, and City officials. To engage the Woodstock voice at large, the City is hosting a public engagement event Thursday, July 18, at the Chambers at City Center (8534 Main Street, Woodstock) at 7:00pm. Community development staff invites all community members to attend this meeting, so that they can tap into your thoughts about Woodstock’s sustainable future.

K. Dakota Carruthers is the process planner of community development for the City of Woodstock. 12453 Highway 92, Woodstock. 770-5926000 ext. 1606. WoodstockGa.gov

Energy & Building Land Use Solid Waste Water Management Transportation Government Operations Public Outreach

Woodstock’s Sustainable Future By K. Dakota Carruthers

Woodstock Family Life | JULY 2019

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[InGoodFaith] “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full,” (John 15:9-11). These verses are preceded by the passage where Jesus describes himself as the true vine and his followers as the branches. Just before he references joy, Jesus directs us to abide in his love. And before that, he explains that the key to abiding in his love is to keep his

Pure Joy By Pastor Johnny M. Hunt

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commandments. The order is significant: keeping commands — abide in his love — joy. Is it possible, then, for us to experience joy without being obedient? What is real joy? We tend to associate joy with emotion. In literal terms, some synonyms are happiness, delight, pleasure, glee, and exhilaration. But this definition of joy can distort our perception of the joy to which Jesus is referring. It isn’t happiness. Happiness is determined by our circumstances. Joy is based on our relationship with God — our taking delight in doing his will, regardless of circumstances. It isn’t putting on a plastic smile and bearing through pain behind a superficial mask. It is being content in his arms, knowing and believing that your creator is in control, and voluntarily surrendering to him in obedience — no matter what. Consider this quote from Oswald Chambers:

“Living a full and overflowing life does not rest in bodily health, in circumstances, nor even in seeing God’s work succeed, but in the perfect understanding of God, and in the same fellowship and oneness with Him that Jesus Himself enjoyed. But the first thing that will hinder this joy is the subtle irritability caused by giving too much thought to our circumstances. Jesus said, ‘…the cares of this world…choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful,’ (Mark 4:19).” Pure joy is found in aligning ourselves with God’s will. If we dwell on that which is worthy of praise rather than the “cares of this world,” we will find ourselves unable to be anything but joyful.

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

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[StrategicLife] Whether it’s taking weekend trips on a moment’s notice, or running in top marathons, we all want to live life our way. Typically, that requires money. In the last two articles, setting financial goals, determining a budget, and plugging spending leaks were covered – all with the idea of putting more money in your pocket to live the life you want to live. In this final installment, you’ll learn ways to save more money, which will increase your ability to pay for the things that are important to you. 1. Pay yourself first. Every time you are paid, take your budgeted savings amount out before you have a chance to spend a dime. Even easier, set up automatic transfers to your savings account, so you never see the money in your spending account. And don’t forget to choose a savings vehicle that earns a good interest rate. 2. Reduce your debt. Many financial advisers suggest that your monthly payments to debt should not exceed 20% of your net income. If you can reduce that figure, all the better. It’s no secret that compounded interest on a loan or credit card can add up to a substantial amount of money

over time. That is money that could be spent on more fulfilling aspects of life. If you have accumulated debt, your local credit union can likely consolidate it into one loan at a lower interest rate, thereby helping you pay it down faster. 3. Find ways to save. There are all kinds of ways to save a dollar here and there without feeling deprived. Sign up for every rewards program. Most retailers are willing to reward you for shopping with them. Simply set up an email account for all your rewards emails and check it regularly for coupons. Switch financial institutions. Compare fees and rates from your bank to other financial institutions such as credit unions. It’s very possible you could be saving on fees and earning more on your checking and savings accounts – all areas that add up over time. Make gifts instead of buying. Things like candles, baked goods, soap, and other goodies will be more appreciated if you made them yourself, and you’ll save money at the same time.

PART 3 OF A 3-PART SERIES Use the 24-hour rule. This means waiting 24 hours before making any impulse purchase, especially those online. You’ll be surprised at how many times you change your mind. Invite friends over instead of going out. You’ll save big bucks on the restaurant and enjoy your friends all the same. In the end, it’s all about spending less money on the unimportant things in life and saving more for the important ones. We all want to live our best life. By making some simple changes, you’ll be rewarded with more money in your pocket and a more fulfilling life ahead. L

Katie Wise is the Woodstock Financial Center manager at LGE Community Credit Union.12186 Highway 92, Suite 111B, Woodstock. 770-424-0060. KathrynW@LGEccu.org, LGEccu.org

By Katie Wise

Woodstock Family Life | JULY 2019

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The engineering major asks, “How does it work?” The business major asks, “How much will it cost?”

By Jonathan Good, Ph.D.

The liberal arts major asks, “Do you want fries with that?”

Most liberal arts majors have heard some version of this joke, and it’s always annoying — in part because it’s somewhat true. The joke points to the dual purpose of higher education: does it exist to preserve “the best that has been thought and said” in our culture? To teach young people how to think and about what it means to be human? To open new vistas in human understanding? Or does it exist to prepare people for paid employment? At one point, you could have both — a bachelor’s degree in any subject

Woodstock Family Life | JULY 2019

signaled that its holder was diligent and intelligent, and thus, suitable for whitecollar work. Unfortunately, at some point in the 20th century, politicians noticed that university graduates enjoyed a higher status and standard of income, so they figured that if everyone went to university, then everyone could enjoy a higher status and standard of income. They sponsored a vast expansion in higher education, both in terms of the number of university campuses built and in the number of people who were able to attend through grants and loans to help cover their tuition.

Universities were happy to play along. In fact, it is a major reason why university tuition fees have risen at twice the rate of inflation for the past 40 years or so. Universities are not charities; they are businesses. And even though they are not-for-profit, they hate leaving money on the table. If you get a student loan, the university will make sure that it gets every penny of that loan. Someone must pay for the new football stadium. Alas, for the graduates themselves, the law of diminishing returns kicked in. Once bachelor’s degrees became both more common and more expensive, it

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meant that students could not afford to spend their undergraduate years developing a personal life philosophy and still expect that their degree would be worth something in the job market. Instead, their degree had to start paying off immediately. Thus, technical and professional majors, which prepare graduates for specific fields like business management or information technology, really started to take off. Even people who were interested in the liberal arts felt they had to major in something “practical,” out of fear for their livelihood. Now, it should be said that universities have not completely abandoned their other cultural purpose. They will generally require students to take a few liberal arts courses in such subjects as history, English, philosophy, or religion for the sake of polish or breadth. People who want to major in these subjects, however, are regularly condescended to. One guest speaker at Reinhardt University recently said, “What’s the difference between a liberal arts major and a pizza? A pizza can feed a family of four!” However, as most liberal arts professors can safely attest — based on the success of many of their past students — this view is not accurate. For one, it does no one any good to major in a subject he/she hates. Better to pursue something that you’re really

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interested in and graduate than to drop out on account of tedium. Secondly, the skills acquired in the pursuit of a liberal arts degree are transferrable to a wide range of careers. Chief among these is the ability to pull information from a variety of sources, to synthesize it, and to present it in a coherent and eloquent manner. A Reinhardt University history graduate, who is a project manager at ProSys Information Systems, says that his literacy and communication skills are “superior to almost everyone I work with,” and credits the history program for preparing him for his job. Another graduate worked as a property analyst in Atlanta. His employers were glad to hear that he was a liberal arts major because they knew he could think through problems and analyze situations. As he says, “Every day, I craft proposals and analyses that need to be articulate and persuasive.” Of course, success in the job market still depends on the exercise of a certain amount of initiative. Holding an internship in a field you’d like to enter, developing contacts there, and marketing oneself through LinkedIn are all useful. Minoring in something technical can also be a good idea. But knowing how to think and knowing how to write will stand you in good stead wherever you end up — whether that’s in business, higher education, law enforcement, public administration, teaching, ministry, or health care to name a few of the fields liberal arts graduates have found careers in. Long after

this year’s hot programming language has been made obsolete, liberal arts graduates will still have the ability to “see around corners,” in the words of Kevin Reinhart, professor of religion at Dartmouth College. Blogger Joe Asch concurs, saying that, “Over the years, whether in dealing with managers or lawyers or even architects and other professionals, I have found that folks with a liberal arts background understand larger issues, which people with only technical training just can’t comprehend.” It might take some effort to find your first job as a liberal arts major, but chances are, you’ll end up performing very well in it.

“Over the years, whether in dealing with managers or lawyers or even architects and other professionals, I have found that folks with a liberal arts background understand larger issues, which people with only technical training just can’t comprehend.” -Joe Asch, Blogger

Dr. Jonathan Good is a professor of history at Reinhardt University, 7300 Reinhardt Circle, Waleska. Reinhardt.edu

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Liposuction – FAST FACTS By Drs. Petrosky, Harkins, and Depew

[HealthyLife] Since the beginning of the year, many have done well regarding resolutions to get healthier by eating better and exercising more. However, some bulges of fat just won’t go away. These areas may be due to family traits rather than a lack of weight control or fitness. If you are considering liposuction, here are some fast facts:

• • • • •

•

Liposuction is the most common cosmetic procedure done in the U.S., with more than 300,000 performed each year. Liposuction is not a weight loss program but a cosmetic procedure. The procedure is normally outpatient and done under a general anesthesia. The most common areas are abdomen, waist, hips, thighs, arms, and back. There are several different techniques. Tumescent liposuction is one of the most popular. Others include dry liposuction, ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL), power-assisted liposuction (PAS), and laser-assisted lipolysis (LAL). Risks include severe bruising, inflammation, thrombophlebitis, and contour irregularities. The risk of complications is usually associated with how large the procedure is as well as the surgeon’s skill level and specific training.

Woodstock Family Life | JULY 2019

Liposuction slims and reshapes specific areas of your body by removing excess fat deposits, improving your body’s contours and proportion, ultimately enhancing your self-image. Fat removed from these areas can also be used to enhance other areas such as the buttocks or breast. Liposuction works best for people with good skin tone and elasticity. To discover how body contouring procedures can help your look, request a consultation with a specially trained board-certified plastic surgeon. During a thorough examination, your expectations and realistic goals should be discussed, and a plan of action set in place. Be careful not to put your body on the “discount rack.” Choosing a surgeon based on the lowest price might ultimately be the most expensive choice if you have to repeat a procedure that wasn’t done well. Choose your surgeon based on expertise and experience. It’s always wise to do Drs. Petrosky and Harkins are board-certified plastic surgeons, your homework and get a couple and Dr. Depew is a board-eligible different consultations/quotes, plastic surgeon at Plastic Surgery so you can make an informed Center of the South. 770-421-1242. PlasticSurgeryCenterOf TheSouth.net decision.

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The Great Georgia Pollinator Census [HomeLife] On August 23-24, 2019, many Georgians will become citizen scientists, as they participate in the first Great Georgia Pollinator Census. This census is an important initiative to document a snapshot of Georgia’s pollinator populations. Other goals include increasing sustainable pollinator habitats and increasing the entomological literacy of Georgia’s citizens. The goal is for people to go from “Eww, it’s a bug,” to “Look at the tarsal claw on that bee!” All Georgians are invited to be part of this project. For 15 minutes, participants will count the insects landing on their plant and organize them in the following categories: • Bumblebees • Carpenter bees • Honeybees • Small bees

• Wasps • Flies • Butterflies • Other insects

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The website, GGaPC.org, contains all the information needed to participate. An “Insect Identification and Counting Guide” explains the details of the project. On the census dates, people are encouraged to pick a favorite pollinator plant from their garden to use for counting. This plant should have many blooms that are attracting insects. Georgians do not have to be an entomologist to participate; species-level identification is not necessary. The “Insect Identification and Counting Guide” provides all the tools needed to distinguish a bee from a fly and a bumblebee from a carpenter bee. The website also has information on building a pollinator habitat as well as information about other pollinator events. After counting, participants will upload their totals to the website. For those excited to learn more about these insects, the Georgia Pollinator Census Facebook page shares educational snippets

By Joshua Fuder

daily and is a format for insect discussion. Pollinator conservation is important for everyone from apartment dwellers to farmers. Through this project, homeowners will learn that many native bees forage in a small area (300-500 square feet), and if the bees’ needs are met, they will stay and provide valuable ecoservices for the homeowner. Participants can make a real and lasting difference in pollinator protection. To be a part of Georgia pollinator history, sign up on the website and consider joining the Georgia Pollinator Census Facebook group to receive updates and information before the event.

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

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Exchange of Heart

Our Year With Maite

By Mandy Marger

ike most good things, sponsoring an exchange student was not planned. A local Facebook group published a post

looking for a family to take in an exchange student in our school district. The year had already started, and her first family had not worked out as expected. After reaching out to ask for how long, my family quickly made the decision to help.

Approval Process & Preparation

Because of the emergency situation, the approval process was pretty rapid, but it was still extremely thorough. The application was detailed and extensive but not tedious. My husband and I submitted background checks and scheduled an in-person home visit. Taryn Evans, the local coordinator for EF (Education First) Exchange was very helpful and addressed all our questions and concerns. As we moved through the process, though we felt called to move forward, the doubt of feasibility was ever present. We believed ourselves to be “very busy” with our own sixth-grade twins, work, and other sport and social engagements, and we wondered how we could layer another active life into our family schedule. In talking to Taryn, we discovered that she had a full-time job and five children (including twin toddlers and a special-needs teen), and she took in two exchange students at the same time. Thus, we had no excuse to not be able to make this work.

Maite & Dave

Since we had recently redecorated our guest bedroom, our house was ready. Soon, a 16-year-old girl from the Basque region of northern Spain would move into our home. For many reasons, we were apprehensive. After her shaky start, we expected a scared, wounded young girl. But instead, brave Maite showed up, and after a brief welcome and house tour, she began folding the family underwear alongside me on the couch.

Getting to Know Our Exchange Student

We were on our best behavior in the early days — keeping things neat, being courteous to one another, eating healthy home-cooked

Welcome home!

Flags around the world ney ents Phin r a p t s o H Maite dy with n a M d n a

Woodstock Family Life | JULY 2019

“Sisters” on Cumberland Island

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meals, and acting as a family “should.” We also got to know Maite’s parents via Facebook and FaceTime, and of course, we quizzed her about her home and culture. However, real life couldn’t wait long, and the usual stresses of a dirty house, inevitable family conflicts, and our casual everyday way of living reemerged. What I thought would be awkward, Maite made easy. One night, after she had lived with us a short while, she was headed downstairs to her room for the evening, and we wished each other a good night. I thought of my own children, and how I still tucked them in every night. If my kids were far away, I’d hope someone would give them that physical reminder of love, so I went downstairs. I told Maite I could no longer send her to bed without a hug, and so we did.

School Life

Because of her outgoing nature, Maite was quick to make friends. She was also a great student. EF brings in all students as juniors, so they may participate in upperclassmen activities, and the organization has strict academic expectations. She was also a successful member of the varsity swim and track teams. As the year went on, Maite had more opportunities for typical American teen activities and attended parties and hung out with friends. Having been unexpectedly thrust into parenting a high school teenager, my husband and I found ourselves worrying about unfamiliar things like new friends, teen drivers, and staying out too late. Tragically, a fellow student was killed in an accident. Maite had met him on a few occasions and had become close to some of his friends. She found herself a stranger, thousands of miles from home, surrounded by kids who were affected in ways they were too young to understand or handle. We, too, were unprepared, but we connected with Maite’s parents from afar and rallied around her to provide support.

Part of the Family

From the beginning, Maite was great at making herself a part of our family. She became a true sibling to our twins, both supporting and ribbing them in good measure. Many other exchange students in the area had host siblings or fellow exchange students in the house that were close to the same age, whereas Maite only had our 11-year-old twins to keep her company. One evening, I apologized that we didn’t have any friends in the house like other exchange students had. From her heart, Maite replied, “I do have friends; they’re upstairs sleeping.” My husband and I have grown to feel the same protective instinct for Maite as we do for our biological children. I’ve enjoyed many mature talks with her about her perspective on life, her culture, and her future. I kept hugging her good night every evening, and I sent her away each morning with a kiss on the cheek and a “love you.”

What’s Next?

As the end of the school year drew near, we avoided talking about what came next. We felt the impending loss – we were going to lose a family member. We were lucky that Maite could join us on one final family trip, and we enjoyed a week at the beach as one big happy family. Two days later, we packed up a year’s worth of memories into bulging suitcases, said tearful goodbyes, and sent our “daughter” home. We’re already making plans to visit Maite and her family in Spain in a year. What began as a casual Facebook comment became such a good experience that we decided to do it again for the 2019-20 school year. This time, we’re bringing in a “brother” named David, with whom we already video chat – Maite included. By design, he’s also from northern Spain, so in future travels to see our EF kids, we can enjoy large family reunions near the Bay of Biscay. For more information about hosting a foreign exchange student with EF Exchange, contact Taryn Evans at 678-448-8631 or EvansFamilyInGa@aol.com. You can also visit EFExchangeYear.org.

Host siblings P.J. & Arliss

Swim team friends

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Heading in the Right Direction TIPS FOR YOUR BASIC HAIR CARE ROUTINE By Jyl Craven

Use an at-home conditioning treatment. Salons love to be your one-stop shop to style, but if your stylist could tell you to do one thing at home, it would be to use a conditioning treatment. This is especially true if your hair feels dry, which is a common occurrence in summer months. Gently toweldry your hair, lather in the conditioner, and wear a shower cap, so your hair can lock in the moisture while the conditioner does its work.

Don’t forget the heat protectant. [Lifestyle] None of us are born knowing the optimal way to care for our hair. Even stylists must study intensively and constantly update their training in order to maintain “hair care expert” status. Luckily, you don’t need any advanced training in order to start a healthy hair routine at home. Here are five basic tips to help manage your mane:

Get regular haircuts. Split ends can strike in as few as four weeks after a haircut. Left unchecked, they can damage hair right up to the follicle. If you notice a lot of tangles when combing your hair, split ends are sure to follow. There are more variations of split ends than many people realize, so be sure to get a haircut at least once every six weeks.

Use the right products for your hair type. Your hair isn’t like your mom’s, best friend’s, or your favorite celebrity’s, so their favorite products may not work for your hair. Dry and curly hair is best served by a completely different set of products than naturally oily or straight hair. For example, when choosing a conditioner for limp, fine hair, you should select a volumizing conditioner. If your hair is dry and frizzy, then a moisturizing option is your best choice. Ask your stylist about products that benefit your particular hair texture.

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Towel-dry your hair until the maximum amount of moisture is removed before blow-drying. After blow-drying, many women like to use a flat iron to tame their locks. However, be sure to use a heat protectant first to avoid damaging your hair.

Maintain a balanced diet. Have you ever noticed how unhealthy eating habits can cause acne or other skin woes? A poor diet affects your hair, too — it’s just more difficult to notice the cause-and-effect relationship because your hair grows slowly. Eat a balanced, varied, proteinrich diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, and your hair will thank you. Make this a part of a healthy lifestyle in general. When it comes to your hair, it’s not just what you put on your tresses that counts! Following these five tips will have your hair looking healthy, shiny, and vibrant. Before you know it, they’ll become second nature. L

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

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ArtistProfile BY HANNAH OLSON

From wedding coordinator to police officer, Megan Austin held a surprising variety of jobs before discovering her passion for jewelry design. As a student, she majored in computer graphics. Now, she spends 11 months out of the year crafting unique jewelry pieces and traveling to art shows across the United States. During her interview, Austin was wearing a pendant she made with her children’s birthstones set in silver. Each of the oblong, cabochon stones in the pendant were presented close to their natural shape. Unlike most commercial jewelers who order gems cut to standard fittings, Austin crafts her jewelry around the unique shape of each stone to preserve their beauty and value. Of the many varieties of gemstones Austin cuts and polishes, her expertise is ammolite, larimar, turquoise and, her all-time favorite, opal. Austin’s love for polishing stones began in childhood, but she did not seriously consider a career as a juried artist until she set up her first display in 2010 at the Woodstock Market. Since then, she has filled her calendar with a range of juried and non-juried shows as far south as Florida and as far north as New York. Austin’s jewelry-making process is surprisingly eco-friendly. She personally retrieves her gemstones from mines in Georgia and North Carolina. She is also a certified precious metal clay (PMC) instructor. Austin uses silver and gold PMC in her jewelry settings. She explains how scientists at Mitsubishi developed a way to combine noble metals from recycled computer components with organic clay to create the malleable product known as PMC. The easily sculpted PMC

makes it possible for artists to craft detailed silver and gold settings for pendants, necklaces, bracelets, and other fine pieces. Once sculpted, the PMC is dried then fired in a kiln, which burns out the clay and leaves a pure gold or silver product. Austin enjoys her private collection of necklaces, including her children’s birthstones, and often wears her treasured pieces while on show tour. Her hand-sculpted mermaid pendant is especially popular among patrons who frequently request copies of the mythical sea creature. Austin was overjoyed to demonstrate how she forms a mermaid from PMC. The commissioned piece she was working on featured a dolphin and mermaid embracing the top and bottom of a large pearl. The application process for a juried art show is intense, and the submissions are an ongoing process for Austin. “For every show I get into,” she said, “I’ve applied to three that I didn’t get into.” Austin is at shows three to four weekends out of every month throughout the year. While her production schedule can be demanding, Austin enjoys the broad base of patronage and peer networking opportunities that nationwide art shows offer. For more information about Austin’s work, email Md_Design@rocketmail.com, or visit MDJewelryDesign.com. Hannah Olson is a student in the MFA creative writing program at Reinhardt University, 7300 Reinhardt College Circle, Waleska. 770-720-5582. Reinhardt. edu/Graduate/MFA-CW

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By Michael Consoli

[Lifestyle] For many, July means national celebrations and summertime fun. We may have started shopping for our holiday needs, but do we really want to think about it already? The answer is yes! Well, at least for your holiday travel plans. July is the perfect time to start thinking about, planning, and booking holiday travel. Traveling during the holidays can be a beautiful way to experience this time of the year with your family and friends, but it tends to sell out quickly, so planning early is a must. For those who enjoy cooler weather and really want to celebrate the beauty of the season, nothing is better than a Holiday Markets River Cruise. During December, Viking Cruise Lines offers two different Danube itineraries for the Holiday Markets. Both itineraries allow you to take in the sights, aromas, and shopping in this picturesque part of Europe:

•The “Romantic Danube” itinerary

starts in Nuremberg, Germany, and finishes in Budapest, Hungary. Guests visit Austria with the option to begin or end with a few days in Prague, Czech Republic.

•The “Danube Waltz” itinerary starts in

Passau, Germany and ends in Budapest, Hungary. This option allows guests to spend more time in Austria and visit Bratislava, Slovakia.

The Danube offers some of the longest running Christmas markets anywhere in Europe. There is nothing like sipping on warm spiced wine while strolling through beautifully decorated grounds to shop for unique gifts. The markets offer many goods made locally such as jewelry, handblown ornaments, crystal vases, textiles, and delicious food items. Be sure to pack an extra bag for the treasures you find. Others may prefer to leave the cold behind and head to the Caribbean. Celebrity Cruise Lines offers a few different sevennight, Eastern, Western, and Southern Caribbean cruises over Christmas. If you find you have more time available, there

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is a lovely 12-night Southern Caribbean cruise that covers Christmas and New Year’s Day. Travelling over the holidays with family is a memorable way to spend the season without all the stress. All cruise lines decorate their ships in full holiday regalia. Some cruise lines, like Crystal Cruises, travel with a priest and sometimes a rabbi, which allows holiday services to take place on board. Whether you prefer a snowy holiday or a sunny one, cruising is a perfect way to spend quality time together — there’s something for everyone. And, it will feel great to have all your Christmas shopping finished! L

Michael Consoli is a professional travel and cruise specialist and owner of Cruise Planners. 770-650-7667. PlanMyCruise.com

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Photos courtesy of Darleen Prem

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[AcademicLife] Board members from the Cherokee County Educational Foundation (CCEF) were recently spotted at schools across the Cherokee County School District (CCSD), as they surprised multiple recipients with Classroom Impact Grants to close out the school year. CCEF is a nonprofit, charitable organization that commits its time and talents to raise funds to benefit excellence in education by promoting teaching, learning,

leadership development, and celebrating achievements. Members seek funding and resources to enrich the learning experience in areas not fully funded in the regular school curriculum. This is done through a variety of annual fundraisers: the Moove It 5K road race, CCEF T-shirt Fundraising Campaign, CCEF Golf Classic, and the Celebration of Education Gala. Board members review and score grant applications based on a rubric provided to applicants. After scores are totaled and ranked, CCEF awards as many grants as possible until funding is depleted.

What Is CCEF?

By Lisa-Marie Haygood

Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake

The grants are available yearly to any CCSD employee and can be for any amount up to $2,500. The amount the applicant requests does not have bearing on their rank or score.

This year, 34 Classroom Impact Grants were funded (some grants had multiple applicants). The CCEF Prize Patrol communicated with school principals to coordinate surprise deliveries for the recipients. Classroom Impact Grants are only one of the initiatives CCEF supports to give funds back to the CCSD. Members also support the CCSD with funds to increase the graduation rate, the CCSD Choices program to support children with special needs, funding for at-risk students to earn course recovery credits, as well as Teacher and Support Staff of the Year programs and Leadership Development opportunities for CCSD staff and administrators.

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

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“That others may live” —

responsibility that potentially has life or death consequences.

It’s not only the motto, but also the guiding purpose of Cherokee County’s Search and Rescue team (Cherokee SAR). Volunteers are the lifeblood of this operation, but it’s not a typical volunteer organization.

The team, consisting of over 20 volunteers, is overseen by Cherokee County Fire’s Special Operations Chief Darrell Mitchell. Affectionately known as “Chief,” Mitchell has worked in fire service for four decades. He manages the hazardous materials team, the dive team, and the search and rescue team.

This team requires dedication, discipline, and a desire to serve the community in a significant way. After all, it’s Cherokee SAR that is called to assist when citizens from Cherokee County, and sometimes citizens of surrounding counties, are missing, lost, or hurt. These volunteers understand that while SAR may not be their full-time job, it is a tremendous

Team Leader Ken Logan guides Cherokee SAR. Assistant Team Leader Trent Manning and Squad Leader and Training Coordinator Patti Pratt assist Logan. The team is divided into two squads, each led by squad leaders and assistant squad leaders. In addition, the team includes designated dog handlers because Cherokee SAR is supported by both local

humans and canines. Other professional skills and disciplines represented on the team include EMTs, sign trackers, firefighters, and more. Assistant Squad Leader Anthony Roman has been on the team for three years and was recently promoted to this leadership position. Roman believes success on the team is achieved through “spirit, willingness, selflessness, and the desire to help.” In addition to the required physical nature of the job, Roman said that overall success demands both physical and mental abilities, which is why training exercises focus on flexing both brains and brawn. Training occurs on a regular basis and is designed to be immersive and thorough. The curriculum is structured around

By Ashley Keegan

Woodstock Family Life | JULY 2019

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National Association for Search and Rescue (NASAR) standards. To qualify to be on the team, each team member must be able to pass the annual Wildland Firefighter Pack Test, which requires walking 2 miles in under 30 minutes while wearing a pack that weighs at least 25 pounds. The team trains to be ready for all possible scenarios that may be encountered on a real-life search. The team never knows when it will be called upon, so preparedness is key. Each month, team members dedicate at least one Monday evening and one full Saturday to building and maintaining skills required for a successful search. Monday evening training takes place inside a classroom with instruction typically designed to complement Saturday field trainings. When the team trains in the field, the primary focus is building and expanding knowledge of land navigation, first aid, technical skills, and more. Real-life searches take place in the outdoors and

Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake

in urban settings, both of which bring their own set of uncertainties: the possibility of extreme weather, unknown terrain, and obstacles. On a recent team field training, squads conducted a mock search scenario at Garland Mountain. As a volunteer subject waited to be “rescued,” squads deployed and took the opportunity to use the skills they’ve learned in land navigation and map reading to search the area and locate the subject. This type of exercise is not just about utilizing tangible skills; it also adds to team members’ expertise for the intangible as well. According to Roman, one of the most important aspects of search and rescue is teamwork and not letting one’s ego get in the way. Learning to work as a team provides lessons that extend beyond work in search and rescue. “I think at any level, everybody’s involved in a team. And so, when you learn to put

team before self — and in our situation, you have to do that — you have to be very cognizant of your own capabilities and limitations, as well as others,” said Roman. “You can take those concepts and extrapolate them into your personal and professional life.” Training prepares the team for callouts. Dispatched by Cherokee 9-1-1, team members could get called at any time, day or night. When a call comes, team members will encounter a variety of circumstances. It could be the coldest night or the warmest day, and the subject could range from a child who wandered a little too far from home while playing outside to an adult who sustained an injury while running. Training and organization ensure that the team will be prepared for whatever comes its way. If you are interested in learning how to become involved with search and rescue, please visit CherokeeSAR.org for more information.

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Community Partners

The mission of the Georgia Transplant Foundation (GTF) is to bridge the gap between hope and opportunity by educating and enriching the lives of those affected by organ transplant. GTF was founded in 1992 by transplant recipient Tommy Smith, who saw firsthand the tremendous financial impact that transplantation can have on individuals and their families. Smith gathered a team of health care professionals with the goal of providing emergency financial assistance, so that no one would ever go without the medications needed to maintain a lifesaving organ transplant.

GTF’s Financial Assistance Program awards grants for transitional, short-term support to alleviate the financial burden of organ transplantation. The average cost of post-transplant medications is $26,300 each year. The annual cost of lab work, biopsies, hospital visits, and follow-up medical care is more than $60,000. Financial assistance grants are used to fund the exorbitant costs of daily essential medications, health care insurance premiums, travel to and from the transplant hospital, and household costs incurred during the time of transplant.

Located in Roswell, GTF collaborates with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory Healthcare, Piedmont HealthCare, and Augusta University Health to provide vital services for Georgia’s population. Seven GTF staff members assist more than 2,000 patients annually through $1.9 million in financial assistance grants and services. In Georgia, there are currently more than 18,185 pediatric and adult transplant recipients, 3,900 living donors, and 5,316 organ failure patients waiting to receive a lifesaving organ transplant.

Additionally, GTC offers patients and caregivers support programs to promote optimal health, academic successes, effective coping skills, emotional well-being, and a strong and supportive family unit.

GTF provides funding for essential post-transplant medications, health insurance premiums, housing costs, transportation to and from transplant centers, and emergency expenses. In addition to financial assistance, GTF also provides a complete range of services to Georgia’s transplant population, including statewide health care education conferences, transplant fundraising programs, career counseling and training, mentoring, tutoring, marriage counseling, and academic scholarships.

Physicians, surgeons, nutritionists, and other health care experts provide transplant patients with information on community resources and other treatment opportunities at the Trends in Transplant health care conferences, which are held in six cities across Georgia. GTC awards nine academic scholarships to deserving transplant patients to help with the costs of tuition and books. The Mentor Program pairs trained mentors with newly diagnosed patients to promote peer support. The JumpStart Program provides job readiness skills, so that patients may re-enter the workforce after a lengthy hospitalization and recovery. Today, Georgia Transplant Foundation is the primary source for transplant patient assistance and support for all solid organ transplantation in Georgia. GTF is a 501(c)(3) organization funded through the generosity of foundations like the Carlos and Marguerite Mason Trust, corporations, and individuals. All funds raised support Georgia residents who are transplant candidates, recipients, living donors, or their families. More than 85 cents on every dollar directly supports client services. Georgia Transplant Foundation 2201 Macy Drive Roswell, GA 30076 678-514-1180 GaTransplant.org

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Ribbon Cuttings, Ground Breakings and Celebrations

LGE Community Credit Union 12900 Highway 92 Woodstock 770-424-0060 Financial Services

Networking Exhibitors A Taste of Cherokee Giveaways Door Prizes

Law Office of S. Judson Waites, II, P.C.

103 Springfield Drive, Suite 206 Woodstock 770-420-6566 Attorney

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www.CherokeeChamber.com 770-345-0400 Brandy@CherokeeChamber.com

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Cherokee County Fire Station #9

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Alma Coffee @The Circuit 1 Innovation Way Woodstock 770-213-3123 Coffee Shop

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