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25 Publisher & Co-Owner Brian Meek Executive Editor & Co-Owner Michelle Meek
Mount Paran North Canton Campus
editorial
When is a new church not a new church?
art
Editor Cherryl Greenman Social Media Delaney Young Graphic Designer Candice Williams Graphic Designer Tiffany Atwood
sales
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FEBRUARY 2012
SHS vs. RRHS Basketball Chiefs take on the Knights
May the Work I Have Done Speak for Me Collins Dixon inspired a community
My Community Favorites Don’t forget to cast your vote!
Will You Marry Me? Local residents share their proposal stories
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In Every Issue
10 Celebrations 12 CalendaR 16 Library 18 chamber of commerce
Directory Listings 58 Community Info 59 Local Officials 60 Churches 62 Clubs My East Canton | february 2012
contributors
Photographers Jack Tuszynski, Wendell Webb, Charles Melvin Writers Dr. Kellie Baxter, Rep. Charlice Byrd, Dr. Charles Cooley, Jyl Craven, Rep. Calvin Hill, Dan Jape, Dr. James Kilgore, Lowell Lawson, Dr. Mike Litrel, Dr. Dawn Mason, Jeremy McGouirk, Matthew Pierce, Jamey Prickett, Sen. Chip Rogers, Archie Speights, Amy Turcotte, Dr. Monika Yadav Volume 1 | Issue 4
Health & Wellness Guide
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Market Director Janet Ponichtera Advertising Design Ashley George
Footprints Publishing, LLC 113 Mountain Brook Drive, Suite 204 Canton, GA 30115 tel. (770) 720-7497 fax. (770) 720-1329 editor@myeastcantonmonthly.com admanager@myeastcantonmonthly.com www.myeastcantonmonthly.com My East Canton Monthly magazine is your monthly community magazine and a publication of Footprints Publishing, LLC. The magazine’s mission is to bring relevant, positive stories and timely information to its readers and to provide local businesses with a premium outlet for community based advertising. Each month, more than 15,000 copies are distributed free by mail and through local businesses in the East Canton area. Please contact us or visit our website for a current list of locations where copies of the magazine can be found. My East Canton Monthly welcomes your comments, stories and advertisements. Subscriptions are available for $25 per year. Please contact us for payment options. 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. My East Canton Monthly magazine is not responsible for errors and omissions. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without the written permission from the Publisher.
© 2012 All rights reserved. My East Canton Monthly is printed using soy-based inks and paper stocks that are at least 25 percent recycled. Our printer also recycles all paper and ink waste.
Trusted experts delivering the latest in cardiac care Northside is home to a team of talented and experienced professionals specializing in comprehensive cardiovascular services. From leading diagnostic services to angioplasty and pacemaker implantation, Northside’s experts deliver leading cardiac care right in your community. Visit us online at www.northside.com.
EastCommunity Canton — Home
by Michelle Meek, editor@myeastcantonmonthly.com Shefa Urgent Care is now open at 2000 Village Professional Dr., Suite 110 in Canton. They are open seven days a week from 10 a.m. — 8 p.m., no appointment needed. Please call (404) 647-4332 for more information. Piedmont Physicians Group introduces a new practice location at 9766 Highway 92 in Woodstock. Jackie Williamson, M.D. and Yacoba Hudson, M.D. lead the practice, which focuses on family medicine. The new location is convenient to families in Woodstock, Canton, Acworth, Marietta, Kennesaw and Roswell. Piedmont Physicians at Woodstock provides a variety of basic services including medical care for illness, disease and injury for patients of all ages. Additional services include preventative care, immunizations, wellness counseling, complete annual physicals, health screenings and chronic disease management. To schedule an appointment, call (770) 926-8717. For more information, visit piedmontphysicians.org.
South Cherokee Jazzercise has moved to the new gym of Hopewell Baptist Church located at 75 Ridge Rd in Canton next to Sixes Elementary School. The schedule of classes will now include both regular and Low Impact Jazzercise. Childcare is available. For more information, visit jazzercise.com or call (770) 289-6696. BridgeMill Family Dentistry is moving to their new location at 3682 Sixes Rd. in Canton, located directly across the street from their current location. Dr. Scott Merritt has been serving the Cherokee community for many years and is excited to move into his new facility. They are scheduled to see patients in their new office beginning February 27. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call (770) 704-1812 Pineapple Park is moving! Please visit them at their new location at 240 Chambers St. in downtown Woodstock. Their Grand ReOpening celebration is scheduled for February 4 from 10 a.m. — 7 p.m. Call (678) 494-8494 or visit them on facebook for more information.
Don’t miss the Valentine’s Chocolate Walk in historic downtown Canton on February 11 from 1 — 3 p.m. Fifteen downtown locations are participating, each featuring a different type of chocolate. Advance ticket sales only — $10 per ticket, available at Yawn’s Bookstore, Chamberhouse and City Hall or order online at http://www.cantonhdlcom-efbevent.eventbrite.com/ The Chocolate Walk will begin at the Canton Theatre — Eat, learn about chocolate and shop your way through downtown Canton! Calling all teenagers ages 13-19 — The Cherokee County Teen Republicans are for you! Become involved in your community and government because we are the future and next generation! 4
My East Canton | february 2012
Join now and get in on all the fun! For more information, please contact Chairman Brandon Roberts at brandon.roberts@ cherokeecountytrs.org and log onto www.cherokeecountytrs.org. The Cherokee County Farm Bureau encourages students in 9th through 12th grade to enter the Georgia Farm Bureau Art Contest. Prizes will be awarded for first and second place winners. To enter the contest, students should contact the Cherokee County Farm Bureau for an official entry form and contest rules. All entries must be received at the Cherokee Farm Bureau office by February 10. Information can be downloaded by visiting http://www.gfb.org and selecting GFB Programs and then selecting Ag in the Classroom. All entries must be officially submitted by the Cherokee Farm Bureau to the Georgia Farm Bureau home office.
MOJO Productions celebrated its 10th Anniversary on January 2, 2012. Founded in 2002 by Alan Thompson (pictured), the company offers a wide range of creative and well-designed advertising and marketing solutions to a diverse group of clients. For more information, please call (770) 479-3461 or email Mojomen@ windstream.net. MOJO is located at 151 East Marietta St., Suite D in downtown Canton in the Old Ford Building. MOJO Productions is very appreciative of their many loyal clients.
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r Deadline fo s: munity New
March Com
th
February 5
COMMUNITY
Canton FUMC Welcomes New Pastor
Canton First United Methodist Church has experienced a new enthusiasm under the leadership of the Reverend Jim McRae (pictured), appointed as Senior Pastor in June, 2011. Born in Atlanta, he attended Pace Academy and the University of Georgia. He pursued a career in contracting, starting his own business, but the call to the ministry was undeniable. He earned a Masters at Candler School of Theology at Emory University and became an ordained minister in the United Methodist Church. Married for ten years to his best friend and soul mate, Lisa, he calls her “An angel on earth!” Jim loves fly fishing, working on cars, painting and anything that he can create with his hands. Lisa loves traveling, designing and inspiring people to live life to the fullest.
Announcing Second Annual “Gospel Fest” In Celebration of Black History Month
The second annual “Gospel Fest,” a musical extravaganza to celebrate Black History month, will be held on February 24 at 6 p.m. at the Cherokee County Arts Center located at 94 North Street, in downtown Canton. Gospel Fest II will showcase a diverse group of talents with a mass choir, praise and dance teams, as well as Soloist performances. Collaboration between members of the community is ongoing in order to surpass the success of last year’s worthwhile event. Admission to Gospel Fest II is free of charge and everyone is encouraged to join in on this joyous occasion to celebrate Black History month. The Reverend Fred Forsh will once again be coordinating the music for the choir and the musicians. Anyone wishing to participate in Gospel Fest II is requested to contact Reverend Forsh at (770) 926-4792 or Ms. Pat Tanner, Gospel Fest II Coordinator at (770) 479-8676 or (404) 918-6827.
Celebrating the First Baby Born at Northside Hospital-Cherokee in 2012
Barbara and Michael Jacoby of Waleska are the proud parents of the first baby born at Northside Hospital-Cherokee on New Year’s Day 2012. Charles “Charlie” Homer Jacoby was born at 2:05 p.m. on January 1, 2012. He weighed 9 pounds, 12.8 ounces, and was 21.5 inches long. Dr. Michael Litrel, who 6
My East Canton | february 2012
delivered the baby, wore a “Happy New Year” top hat during the delivery. Barbara is the director of public information for the Cherokee County Schools. Michael is a freelance photographer. Barbara was due December 30 and said that many of her friends and family Dr. Litrel with (l-r) Susan Griggs, CNM (certified nurse midwife); Jodi Toledo, joked that she would CNM; and Dr. Michael Litrel of Cherokee have the first baby of Women’s Health Specialists, along with the New Year. “I didn’t the family. think he actually would be,” she said. “Everything went really well.” Charlie joins big brother, J. Henry, age 21 months, who also was born at Northside Hospital-Cherokee. “I dream of taking them on adventures,” said Michael, “doing boy stuff.” In celebration of the event, the hospital gave the family a giant diaper cake and the Northside HospitalCherokee Auxiliary donated an elephant plush toy. The hospital’s newborn photography service, also donated a gift certificate for a free photo package. Congratulations to the family!
Salon•Spa Venèssa Receives Prestigious Award
Salon•Spa Venèssa received the honor of being named “One of the TOP 200 Fastest Growing Salons and Spas in America in 2012” by Salon Today magazine. The award was given in the area of philanthropy for their continued work with My House, a non-profit shelter for medically fragile children located in Cherokee County. Owner, Venessa Lanier said, “Five years ago, we first became involved with My House. We give the children haircuts every 6-8 weeks, stock their pantry of daily necessities, have raised necessary funds for special equipment and also have fulfilled their Secret Santa wish lists at Christmas time.” During this annual holiday fundraiser, the team at Salon•Spa Venèssa donated more on a portion of revenue from every service to My House. page 8
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COMMUNITY
And, guests were also extremely generous to match that contribution. A check in the amount of $1500.00 was presented to the director of My House, Donna Carson. To learn more about My House go to: http://www.myhouseweb.org
radKIDs Coming to Cherokee
The Canton Police Department’s Sgt. Stacy Bailey was sent to training through Keep GA Safe and certified as an instructor for radKIDS. Sgt. Stacy Bailey along with Bianca Cummings of the Rivergreen community, also a certified radKIDS Instructor, will be offering classes to children in Canton and Cherokee County. The first class will be offered over the winter break in February. The Canton Police Department received a kind donation of $3,000 from Kevin Williams, owner of Chick-fil-A restaurants in Marketplace and Riverstone, and David Resendiz of Cotton States insurance located at 1558 Riverstone Pkwy., Ste. 130 in Canton. The radKIDS is a Personal Empowerment Safety Education Program. The program includes a 10-hour, family centered, safety education program that emphasizes essential decision making skills as well as physical resistance options to escape violence. Children from 3 1/2 to 13 years of age participate in the program, ideally with their adult partners, to create a true safety partnership. radKIDS, stands for: Resist Aggression Defensively. To find out more information, please contact Sgt. Stacy Bailey at (770) 720-4883 or Stacy.Bailey@canton-georgia.com or Bianca Cummings at biancacummings@comcast.net. www.radkids.org www.keepgeorgiasafe.org
From left, back row: Chief Jeff Lance, Sheri Murphy. David Resendiz, Councilman John Beresford; from left, front row: Bianca Cummings, Stephanie Cummings, Julia Williams & Sgt. Stacy Bailey.
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My East Canton | february 2012
Santa Open Benefits Needy Children
The Fairways of Canton donated toys to the Canton Police Departments toy drive. The Fairways of Canton hosted a Santa Open golf outing. By bringing a toy for a needy child’s Christmas, the participant reduced the entry fee by $10. The toys were donated to the police department and distributed to families in Canton the week of Christmas 2011.
From left: Nathan Devictor, Head Golf Professional, Mike Kilgore, Sgt. Stacy Bailey, Ron Miller, Catering Event Coordinator
Northside Hospital-Cherokee Awarded Re-Certification for Pneumonia Care
Once again, Northside Hospital-Cherokee has earned the Gold Seal of Approval™ for health care quality, receiving Disease-Specific Care Certification for pneumonia by The Joint Commission. The hospital was first certified in 2009 and, alongside Northside Hospital-Atlanta and Northside HospitalForsyth, the three hospitals remain the only Georgia hospitals, of nine in the nation, to have certification in pneumonia care. To receive this two-year certification, Northside HospitalCherokee underwent an extensive on-site evaluation by a Joint Commission surveyor. The hospital was evaluated against Joint Commission standards through an assessment of its pneumoniacare processes, its ability to evaluate and improve care within the organization, and interviews with patients and staff. The surveyor was complimentary of the high quality of care provided to pneumonia patients at Northside Hospital-Cherokee and of all the work staff did to prepare for the survey. “We are very proud of the continuous dedication and hard work by our staff to deliver high quality care to our patients,” said Jan Johnson, RN, chief nursing officer, Northside Hospital-Cherokee. “We are honored, once again, to receive this certification from The Joint Commission.” For more information about the programs and services available at Northside Hospital-Cherokee, visit http://www.northside.com.
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WANT TO SEE YOUR PHOTO IN OUR CELEBRATION SECTION? Birthday, Anniversary & Wedding Announcements are Free!
Babies, Birthdays and Anniversaries
Michelle Meek
Celebrating on February 4 Happy Birthday! We love you! Wife of Brian Mother of Ansley & Addison
Kylie Roe
Age 8 on January 26 Happy Birthday Sweet Girl! Love, Mom, Dad & Little Sis Presley
My East Canton Monthly 113 Mountain Brook Dr., Suite 204, Canton, GA 30115 or art@myeastcantonmonthly.com Deadline is February 10th for the March Issue!
Savana Church
Kathryn Grace Barchie
Nick Huggins
Arcadian Freund
Age 5 on February 11 Happy Birthday! We Love You! Daughter of Brooke & Jason Sister of Luke
Happy 20th Birthday Nick! We are so proud of the young man you have become! We love you! Mom, Dad & Amaris
Christine & Ed Firment Happy Birthday Mom & Dad! Love, Adam
10 My East Canton | february 2012
Age 4 February 29 Happy 4th Birthday to our Leap Year Baby Girl! We love you! Mommy, Daddy, Jake, Amanda & Ben
Age 1 on January 11 Happy 1st Birthday Arcadian! We love you! From Mommy, Daddy, Shawna & Noah
Judy Stevens
Happy Birthday “Bmom” We love You! Maddie, Tyler & Kaiden
Sky Swan
Age 9 on February 5 Happy Birthday Sky! We love you! From Mom, Emily & Erin
Laurie Hamrick
Celebrating on January 29 Happy Birthday Mom! From Kim, Skyler, Evalynn, Tracy, & Aiden
Reagan Rycyk
Age 1 on January 1 Happy 1st Birthday Sweetie! Love, Mommy & Daddy
Vanessa Ridley & Kevin Thornton Jr. Vanessa Ridley from Canton and Kevin Thornton Jr. from Woodstock are getting married October 6, 2012 at Chene-Rouge. Congratulations!
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February
Things to do in East Canton
The Falany Performing Arts Center (Reinhardt University Campus) www.reinhardt.edu/fpac/ 7300 Reinhardt Circle, Waleska (770) 720-9167
February 4
February 11
Wonderful World of Roses Gardening with the Masters Seminar
Marcus Belgrave’s New Orleans Trumpeter with seven-piece band and vocalist Time: 2 & 7:30 p.m. Cost: $35 Adults, $28 Seniors (+55) & Children (12 & under)
Location:
Hickory Flat Library 2740 East Cherokee Dr., Canton Time: 10 a.m. Cost: Free Information: Learn to make those beautiful ornamentals flourish in your garden. Registration is encouraged — (770) 479-0418, uge1057@uga.edu, www.caes.uga.edu/extension/cherokee/
February 20 University of Southern Mississippi Winds Time: 7:30 p.m. Cost: Free
February 22 Bridget Kibbey, Harpist & Claire Chase, Flutist Time: Cost:
7:30 p.m. $30 Adults, $24 Seniors (+55) & Children (12 & younger)
At the door — Adults, $14 Seniors/Students, $12 12 years old and under, $11
History Temporary Exhibition Location:
February 21 — 24 Elm Street Cultural Arts Village www.elmstreetarts.org City Center, 8534 Main Street, Woodstock (678) 494-4251
February 10, 11, 17 & 18 Brigadoon — A Show for Sweethearts In Memory of Jean Miller Times: Fridays, 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, 2 & 7:30 p.m. Cost: Advance tickets — Adults, $11 Seniors/Students, $10 12 years old and under, $9
12 My East Canton | february 2012
Winter Break Workshops for All Ages
Times:
Please visit website for complete details.
Cherokee County History Museum and Visitors Center, 100 North Street, Suite 140, Canton (Historic Marble Courthouse) Wednesdays — Fridays, 10 a.m. 5 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m. — 3 p.m.
February 27 & 28
February 7
Auditions for Jack and the Beanstalk
Propagation
Time: 7 — 9:30 p.m. Ages: 8 years old — Adult Information: Please call for audition time and check website for complete details.
February 1 — May 15 Cherokee County’s African-American
Gardening with the Masters Seminar Location: YMCA, 151 Waleska Street, Canton Time: 7 p.m. Information: Start plants from seeds, division, cuttings, layering. We all want to save money; here is an easy way to do so. Registration is encouraged — (770) 479-0418, uge1057@uga.edu, www.caes.uga.edu/ extension/cherokee/
February 8 Ball Ground Business Association Lunch & Learn — Sponsored by Pardee Combat Martial Arts Location: Ball Ground City Hall 215 Valley Street Time: 11:30 a.m. Cost: Free Information: RSVP to Christina Herndon at Christina@awnexinc.com or call (770) 7047140. www.ballgroundbusinessassociation.com
February 11 Goddard School Community Games Location:
310 Prominence Point Parkway, Canton Time: 10 a.m. — noon Information: Children, families and all community members are invited to join the Goddard School to celebrate friendship through a variety of games and activities — Goddard Olympics with light refreshments, information on Summer Camp 2012, Winter and Spring Break Camps, and Fall 2012 enrollment. www.goddardschool.com, (770) 720-3003
February 11 Vegetable Gardening for Beginners Gardening with the Masters Seminar Location: Ball Ground Community Center, 250 Civic Drive Time: 10 a.m. Cost: Free Information: Join us for the beginning techniques of vegetable gardening.
Deadline fo r March Cale ndar Events
Registration is encouraged — (770) 4790418, uge1057@uga.edu, www.caes.uga.edu/ extension/cherokee/
February 16 & 21 Learn How to Effectively Lose Weight, Quit Smoking, Exercise Regularly or Make Other Lifestyle Changes for a Healthy Heart —
Februar y 5 th
Woodstock Time: Noon & 7:30 p.m. Information: All are invited. (770) 924-7286
presented by Georgia Hypnotherapy
March 2, 3 & 4
Associates, LLC Location: Georgia Hypnotherapy Associates, LLC, 6478 Putnam Ford Rd., Suite 125, Woodstock Time: 7 — 8 p.m. Cost: Free with advance registration Information: GeorgiaHypnotherapy@live.com or (678) 938-7274 or www.GAhypnotherapy.com
4th Annual Indoor Yard Sale — Benefitting the Animals
February 22 Tea with Princess Belle Location:
Tea Leaves and Thyme 8990 S. Main St., Woodstock Time: 10 a.m. Cost: $15 includes tea, treats, tax and gratuity Information: Please call for reservations, (770) 516-2609
February 22, 29 & March 7, 14, 21 & 28 Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Ash Wednesday & Midweek Lent Services Location:
1208 Rose Creek Drive,
:
Location:
Climatized Self Storage, 1125 Roberts Blvd., Kennesaw Time: Friday & Saturday, 9 a.m. — 4 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. — 4 p.m. Information: Gently used and new items will be sold by local animal rescue organizations in approximately 20,000 square feet of space. All proceeds of the sale will benefit animal rescue efforts. http://www.climatizedselfstorage. com/woodstock-georgia.html or (404) 381-8586
March 11 Northwest Georgia Bridal Expo Location:
Clarence Brown Conference Center, 5450 State Route 20, Cartersville Time: 1 — 5 p.m. Cost: Prepaid $6, at the door $8 (cash only) Information: Complimentary champagne and hors d’ oeuvres courtesy of Center Cut Catering Please visit www.nwgeorgiabridalexpo.com or call (770) 606-5763.
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Under the
DOME
by State Senate Majority Leader Chip Rogers
A Growing Economy — The Single Greatest Answer Once again, a recent statewide poll shows job creation tops the list of “issues” for Georgia as the 2012 session of the General Assembly gets underway. This marks the fourth consecutive year that the economy and jobs is ranked as top priority. An astounding 2.4 million fewer Americans held jobs in July of 2011 compared to January 2009. Despite a disturbingly high unemployment rate, which measures Americans looking for work, the real tragedy lies in the number of Americans who have simply given up and stopped searching. Georgia is in the same boat as most states with unemployment rates well above 8 percent for almost three years and a workforce that continues to stagnate. There are some signs of good news as the Georgia unemployment rate took an historical drop in the last months of 2011. However, the need for economic growth remains paramount. Lawmakers at every level of government understand this “growth” dilemma and have offered up almost every imaginable “plan” to tackle it; sadly with little success. Perhaps it is now time to return to the foundational building blocks of growth and focus on the long-term, not the quick fix. Employers and entrepreneurs tell us time and again about the three roadblocks to growing the private sector; taxation, regulation, and litigation. These issues along with an educated workforce and a functioning transportation system are absolute necessities for long-term economic growth. I have written many times on the desperate need for true education reform in Georgia and will do so again. However, with major tax reform under consideration this session, it is time to rethink how we make Georgia more “growth” oriented. Job tax credits, opportunity zones, short-term tax cuts are all worthy ideas with merit. Yet each of these incorporate the dangerous practice of government choosing winners and losers. I am convinced now more than ever, a permanent 14 My East Canton | february 2012
reduction in the state income tax is the most beneficial “reform” we can create. Current and potential employers want stability, predictability and low tax rates equally applied to all. Taxpayers, particularly those with great mobility, agree. Groundbreaking work on comparing tax policy among states has been performed by former Reagan economics advisor Dr. Art Laffer, Stephen Moore of the “Wall Street Journal,” and Jonathan Williams of the American Legislative Exchange Council. Their work captured in the book, “Rich States Poor States,” shows incredible differences between high income tax states and low/no income tax states. A comparison of the nine states with the highest personal income tax rates and the nine states with no personal income tax is startling. During the decade between 1999-2009 the states with no income tax had 115 percent greater population growth than the high income tax states. The states with no income tax had an incredible 1655 percent greater payroll (employee) growth rate when compared to the high income tax states. And the no tax states had greater employee productivity with a 17 percent higher per capita state product growth rate. Finally, for those who wish there to be more money going to the government, the states with no personal income tax actually had a 98 percent better growth rate of state tax receipts compared to the high income tax states. The simple fact is that a growing economy is the single greatest answer to many of our problems. Population growth, job growth, productivity growth, even tax receipt growth is linked to an expanding economy not an expanding tax rate. As Georgia decides how we reform our tax system we do well to remember the basics. A low/no income tax rate is far better for everyone than a high/progressive income tax rate. Let us not be fooled by the latest job creation gimmick. Instead committing ourselves to a path of prosperity – lower, flatten, perhaps even eliminate the Georgia income tax and the next generation of Georgians will rightly thank us. Chip Rogers is the State Senator for District 21. You may contact him by phone at (404) 463-1378 or by e-mail at chiprogers21@comcast.net.
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LIBRARY
R.T. Jones l Woodstock
februaryEvents February 1 & 20 R.T. Jones Memorial Library February 2, 9 & 16 Woodstock Public Library Tail Waggin’ Tutors & READing Paws
This program encourages children to read by providing a non-judgmental listener and furry friend to read to. Children learn to associate reading with being with the dog and begin to view it in a positive way. It enhances their confidence and reading ability. Parents can register their child two weeks in advance for one session by calling the corresponding library. Sessions are 10 to 15 minutes. Children are asked to select their own reading material before their scheduled time.
February 4, 11:30 a.m. R.T. Jones Public Library R.T. Jones Book Club: “Full Black”
Join the R.T. Jones Book Club as we discuss Brad Thor’s “Full Black.” To register, please call the Reference desk at (770) 479-3090, ext. 3.
February 9, 4:30 p.m. R.T. Jones Public Library Fancy Nancy Soiree!
Girls age 3 — 5 are cordially invited to attend a soiree (that’s a fancy word for party) in honor of our friend, Fancy Nancy! Space is limited, and registration is required. Attendees are encouraged, but not required, to wear their most elegant attire (that’s a fancy word for clothes).
February 19, 3 p.m. Woodstock Public Library LEGO Club
A new LEGO Club meets the third Sunday of each month from 3 — 4:30 p.m. The club has a different theme and children will work as individuals or on teams constructing their LEGO masterpieces. The creations will be displayed in the library until the next month’s LEGO Club meeting. Children of all ages are invited to participate.
February 20, 11 a.m. Woodstock Public Library Fine, Feathery Friends
Join us as we meet our fine, feathery friends from the Georgia Caged Bird Society. Their owners show off these amazing birds as they share with us their skills, history and how to take care of them.
Contest Corner
Find the hidden picture
Week of February 01: “Sweets for our Sweets” Week of February 19: “Bears, Bugs & Bumblebees!” Week of February 26: “Shiver Me Timbers!”
Ball Ground Public Library Family Story Time — Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.
Hickory Flat Public Library Family Story Times — Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. & 3:30 p.m.
R.T. Jones Memorial Library Family Story Times — Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m. & 3:30 p.m. Lapsit Story Time — Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. Super Saturday Family Story Time — Saturdays, 10:30 a.m.
Sequoyah Regional Library System Ball Ground Public Library 435 Old Canton Road — (770) 735-2025 M — F: 10 a.m. — 6 p.m.
Saturday: CLOSED
Sunday: 2 — 6 p.m.
Hickory Flat Public Library 2740 E. Cherokee Drive — (770) 345-7565 M — Th: 10 a.m. — 6 p.m. Friday: 1 p.m. — 5 p.m. Saturday: 9 a.m. — 5 p.m Sunday: CLOSED
R.T. Jones Memorial Library 116 Brown Industrial Parkway — (770) 479-3090 M — Th: 10 a.m. — 6 p.m. Friday: 1 p.m. — 5 p.m. Saturday: 9 a.m. — 5 p.m Sunday: CLOSED
www.sequoyahregionallibrary.org
Chris Poland was our winner for January’s contest corner. Chris will receive a gift card to Jill’s Cakes & Bakes. Congratulations! If you find the hidden picture, be the first to email: art@myeastcantonmonthly.com Only emailed answers will be accepted. Contest participants are able to win one time per calendar year.
16 My East Canton | february 2012
www.footprintspublishing.com 17
770-345-0400
P.O. Box 4998
www.CherokeeChamber.com
3605 Marietta Hwy, Canton
February good morningCherokee Sponsored by Cherokee Office of Economic Development Thursday, February 2, 7 a.m. Location: Northside Hospital — Cherokee Conference Center, Cherokee Co. Administration Bldg. 1130 Bluffs Parkway, Canton Advanced Registration
$15
No Reservation
$20
OOLALA Yogurt Ur Way 2990 Eagle Drive, Suite 102 Woodstock (770) 726-8845 Restaurant
Non-Members $25 RSVP deadline is 5 p.m. on January 31.
March good morningCherokee Sponsored by Edward Jones Investments Thursday, March 1, 7 a.m.
CHILL Cherokee Hockey In Line League P. O. Box 325 Lebanon (770) 313-3376 Non-profit Organization
Location: Northside Hospital — Cherokee Conference Center, Cherokee Co. Administration Bldg. 1130 Bluffs Parkway, Canton Advanced Registration
$15
No Reservation
$20
Non-Members $25
OOLALA Yogurt Ur Way
RSVP deadline is 5 p.m. on February 28.
3760 Sixes Road, Suite 116 Canton (678) 493-6953 Restaurant
18 My East Canton | february 2012
A True Love Story
Jean and Jim Miller were regular patrons of Elm Street — even back in the old Towne Lake Arts Center days. They came to every show, always smiling and happy to be there and always so sweet to each other. Jean was a chocoholic of the first order and owned about 50 different chocolate lover t-shirts with cute pictures and sayings on them. In December 2008 they even auditioned for “A Christmas Carol” and we cast them as the Charity Collectors who come to talk to Scrooge. They also did the famous “Old Folks” Carol Burnett skit for our Valentine’s cabaret/dinner show. Then Jean got sick. She had lung cancer — even though she wasn’t a smoker. After a two year battle, she died leaving Jim a widower. He still came to see our shows, but alone. Soon he began making regular, substantial donations to Elm Street in her memory. Then one day in the summer of 2011, he came to my office and said, “We need to use your computer.” Knowing he does
not own or use a computer, this made sense and I thought maybe he needed to find something on the internet. Turned out he wanted to find out how much it would cost us to produce the musical “Brigadoon” — which was actually on my short list of romantic musicals to choose from for February 2012. We made an online application for the rights and he gave me a check for $2,000 and said, “‘Brigadoon’ is one of our favorite Broadway Musicals and I want you to use this to put on that show for my Jean.” At this point we both just started to cry. I told him if the application went through we would use his check for the royalties but we’d have to wait a little while to see if it was accepted. Pretty soon TamsWitmark granted us the rights and we added “Brigadoon” to our season. If that wasn’t enough, about a month later, Jim returned to my office and said, “I got to thinking this could be a more expensive show due to the costumes — I know you don’t have the kilts and such — and you’ll need to hire a bagpiper.” And he gave me another check for $1,000. I said, “Jim! You’re making my head spin — you gotta stop!” He said, “Well, I can’t do this every year, you know!” And we had a good laugh. So here we are, deep in rehearsal for this beautiful show with songs like “Come Home to Bonnie Jean,” “Come to Me, Bend to Me,” “Heather on the Hill” and “Almost Like Being continued on page 63
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r Deadline fo News: ol ho Sc March th
February 5
SCHOOL
Cherokee Charter Academy Conducts Campus-Wide Food Drive
First grade students at Cherokee Charter Academy in Canton worked hard to make sure no one went hungry during the holiday season. Through the school’s STRIVE 65 character education program, they collected non-perishable food donations for CCA students and teachers: Laurel Blasé, Papa’s Pantry food Brooke Tryan, Brigham Rogers, Angela ministry. Brigham Welsh, Sophia Rodriguez, Nate Speaks, and Rogers says they Principal Vanessa Suarez. collected food for those less-fortunate “so they can be healthy.” Sophia Rodriquez and Laurel Blase both wanted to be sure everyone had Christmas dinner. One in every 11 Georgia households experiences hunger due to financial hardship.
Parapros Honored at Avery ES
Avery Elementary School recently honored its paraprofessionals by holding “Paraprofessional Appreciation Day” to thank these ladies for all their hard work in supporting the educational process of students. The paraprofessionals were each presented with an Avery Cub tumbler stuffed with candies and also provided lunch by the school. In addition, they each received a beautiful flower bouquet from Avery PTA.
Indian Knoll Holds Spelling Bee
Indian Knoll Elementary School held its school Spelling Bee recently. Fifth-grader Thomas Brumbeloe came in first place and represented Indian Knoll ES at the county Spelling Bee on January 24. Sixth-grader Jacob Carper came in second and will serve as alternate.
Spelling Bee winner Thomas Brumbeloe, left ; Indian Knoll Principal Dr. Ann Gazell; and alternate Jacob Carter, right.
Ball Ground Food Service Staff Honors its Students
The Food Service Staff of Ball Ground Elementary recently held their second annual Holiday Stocking give-away, which honors one boy and girl student. The Food Service Staff undertook this program as a way of giving back to the students whom they have the pleasure of serving throughout the school year. Back row, right to left: Peggy Pearson, Shirley Holcomb; Middle row, Judy Popham, Food Service Manager and Louise Jones. The student winners were Levi Jordan and Alexis Rocafort.
CMS Students Achieve Success with Successmaker
From left: Paraprofessionals Susan Day, Mel Gary, Bobbie Byrd, Joanne Waver, Wendy Comelitti and April Simmons. Not pictured is Taylor Smith Johnson who is on leave to do her student teaching at Liberty ES. 20 My East Canton | february 2012
Recently, Creekland Middle School held its annual BINGO event, with nearly 600 qualifiers. Many prizes were donated by the school’s business partners, so the excitement grew throughout the event as the value of the prizes rose. Donated prizes ranged from teen facials to televisions and from pizzas to Publix gift cards. With the state tests coming up in April, the teachers and the administration appreciate the efforts of so many students putting forth so much time practicing to get ready more on individually. Successmaker is an online software page 28 program for mathematics that is designed to match
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Charter & Private Schools Antioch Christian Preschool
Hickory Flat UMC Preschool and Kindergarten
(770) 475-8553
S C H O O L
(770) 345-9354, www.hickoryflat.org
Brenwood Academy
Legacy Home School Academy
(770) 704--4925, www.brenwoodacademy.com
(678) 493-8584, www.legacyhsa.com
Cherokee Charter Academy
Messiah Christian Academy
(678) 385--7322, www.cherokeecharter.org
(770) 479-5280 www.messiahchristianacademy.org
Cherokee Christian Academy and High School
Woodstock International School
(678) 494-5464, www.cherokeechristian.org
(678) 977-6501 www.woodstockinternationalschool.org
Children’s Academy of Hickory Flat (770) 345-2929, www.cahf314.com
Mission Point Christian Academy
Community Christian School
The Carpenter’s Shop Christian Preschool
(678) 880-1345, www.fbccanton.org
(770) 479-9535, www.ccscanton.org
(770) 720-2333, www.thecarpentershopcanton.com
Dogwood Hills Academy
Union Hill UMC Preschool
(770) 345-3220, www.dogwoodhillsacademy.com
(678) 297-0550, www.unionhillumc.org
Public Schools
Cherokee County School District Website: www.cherokee.k12.ga.us (770) 479-1871 Avery Elementary School
Crossroads Middle/High School
Holly Springs Elementary School
Ball Ground Elementary School
Dean Rusk Middle School
Indian Knoll Elementary School
Creekland Middle School
Free Home Elementary School
Creekview High School
Hickory Flat Elementary School
6391 East Cherokee Drive Canton, GA 30115 (770) 479-6200 Principal: Ms. Letitia Cline
480 Old Canton Road Ball Ground, GA 30107 (770) 735-3366 Principal: Mr. Doug Knott
1555 Owens Store Road Canton, GA 30115 (770) 479-3200 Principal: Dr. Deborah Wiseman
1550 Owens Store Road Canton, GA 30115 (770) 720-7600 Principal: Dr. Bob Eddy
3921 Holly Springs Parkway Holly Springs, GA 30142 (770) 345-2005 Principal: Mr. Richard Landolt
4695 Hickory Road Canton, GA 30115 (770) 345-2832 Principal: Dr. Adrian Thomason
2011 — 2012 Calendar at a Glance February 20 — 24 March 15 & 16 April 2 — 6
May 25
School Holiday Furlough Days
Macedonia Elementary School 10370 East Cherokee Drive Canton, GA 30115 (770) 479-3429 Principal: Ms. Tammy Castleberry
Sequoyah High School 4485 Hickory Road Canton, GA 30115 (770) 345-1474 Principal: Mr. Elliott Berman
Local Colleges & Universities Kennesaw State University
(770) 423-6000, www.kennesaw.edu
School Holiday Last Student Day
Cafeteria account information: www.mealpayplus.com Parent Connect: https://pcxp.cherokee.k12.ga.us 22 My East Canton | february 2012
3635 Univeter Road Canton, GA 30115 Principal: Ms. Ann Gazell
12525 Cumming Highway Canton, GA 30115 (770) 887-5738 Principal: Mr. Val Bahun
2755 East Cherokee Drive Canton, GA 30115 (770) 345-6841 Principal: Dr. Keith Ingram
1965 Hickory Road Canton, GA 30115 (770) 345-5035 Principal: Dr. Dianne Steinbeck
Chattahoochee Technical College
(770) 528-4545, www.chattahoocheetech.edu
Reinhardt University
(770) 720-5600, www.reinhardt.edu
Robert Wilson Hillhouse (center) along with two other workers operate the Hillhouse steam sawmill engine. Bob Hillhouse would travel to different sites to cut lumber and then sell to Stephens Lumber in Holly Springs.
February 21, 2012 Old Barns of Milton County History Program Presented by Robert Meyers Time: 7:00 p.m. Location: The Rock Barn 658 Marietta Highway, Canton Information: Join us on February 21 at the Rock Barn for our history program. Author/photographer Robert Meyers embarked on a two-year quest to document some of the oldest remaining historic barns in an area once known as Old Milton County, Georgia, a region with its own rich history. He recently published the book, Old Barns of Milton County, and more information can be found at www. barnsbook.com . The program is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.
March 23, 2012 Historic Preservation Awards Banquet (Cherokee Co. Historical Society) Time: 7:00 pm Location: Northside Cherokee Conference Center 1130 Bluffs Parkway Canton Cost: Tickets are $25 Information: www.rockbarn.org
February 1 — May 15, 2012 Cherokee County’s African-American History Temporary Exhibition Times: Wednesday — Friday, 10 a.m. — 5 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. — 3 p.m. Location: Cherokee County History Museum and Visitors Center, 100 North Street, Canton Suite 140 of Historic Marble Courthouse
(770) 345-3288
•
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COVER
When is a new church not a new church? The answer might be found in the new Canton campus of Mount Paran North Church of God. This new campus appeals to those who want to be a part of an exciting new church in our community, while offering the security of being connected to a larger, more established organization. After hosting preview services in late 2011, the new campus held its first official service and began meeting weekly January 8, 2012, at 10:30 a.m. at Sequoyah High School. The Mount Paran name is not new to our community. Mount Paran North was started 25 years ago in Marietta as an extension campus of Mount Paran Church of God. Then Senior Pastor, Dr. Paul Walker, was a pioneer in the methodology of today’s more commonly accepted multisite ministry model. At one time Mount Paran had five locations around the greater Atlanta area and served more than 12,000 congregants.
In 1997 Mount Paran North and Mount Paran disengaged and became two separate churches. Since that time the North church has been under the leadership of Dr. Mark and Udella Walker, who will continue to serve as Senior Pastor over both Marietta and Canton campuses. In 2008, after 21 highly fruitful years of ministry at the Marietta location, Pastor Mark began to feel God leading him to consider new ministry possibilities in order to help more people find Christ. After several months of prayer, information gathering, and church consultations, the leadership of the church believed God was directing Mount Paran North to open a new campus away from their present Marietta location. The location of the new campus was based on four criteria: a community with 1) a good number of current Mount Paran North attendees, 2) a large number of unchurched people, 3) a growing population track in the coming decade, and 4) a high percentage of young adults and families. After considering several other communities and praying about this opportunity, all those involved felt that Canton was the best place to launch this new campus. Pastor Mark asked Jeremy and Corrie Isaacs to serve as the new Campus Pastors in Canton. Jeremy and Corrie have lived in Canton since 2007 and expressed excitement about doing ministry in this community where they shop, play, do life, and have their kids in school. The Isaacs have four children ages 6 months through 7 years. Their primary responsibilities for the new campus will be to pastor
24 My East Canton | february 2012
and care for the new congregation. About 120 people from the Marietta campus have joined the Isaacs in serving and attending the Canton campus. Pastor Jeremy said, “This core team of people is committed to showing up on Sundays and helping turn a school into a church. It’s one of the most amazing things I’ve ever seen. They aren’t just setting up tables and children’s classrooms. They truly believe they are creating an environment for people’s lives to be changed forever.” The Sunday services include a worship band and live teaching from Pastor Mark or Pastor Jeremy. They also have a Children’s ministry on Sundays for ages 6-weeks old through 5th grade, and ministry opportunities for middle school and high school students throughout the week. In addition, the Canton campus utilizes the World Missions efforts of Mount Paran North to support 13 missionaries around the world, while engaging in local efforts that meet the needs of those within our community. In the Canton campus first few weeks, an average of more than 270 people have been in attendance. When asked what excited him most about this new effort in Canton, Pastor Mark said, “That’s simple — People. I’m excited about the people that God led to help start this new campus by serving. I’m also excited about the many people who will walk through the doors of Sequoyah and experience the love of God for the first time or maybe the first time in a long time.” Pastor Jeremy said, “We know there are great churches in Canton. We aren’t opening this campus to compete with them. We’re coming to Canton because statistics tell us there are more than 85,000 unchurched people within 10 miles of Sequoyah High School and every one of those numbers has a name. Those names matter to us, because those names matter to God.”
For more information about Mount Paran North Canton Campus, please visit http://mpncanton.com or call (678) 285-3288.
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2012 DISTRICT 20 Update
by Representative Charlice Byrd Earlier this year the Georgia General Assembly completed the 2011 Special Legislative Session, concluding the most transparent and inclusive redrawing of Georgia’s political boundaries in modern history. It was also the shortest special session in Georgia’s history. The work of crafting House, Senate and Congressional maps was completed in half the time it took a decade ago, saving taxpayers considerable money. Georgia’s Constitution dictates that our state Senate consists of 56 districts and the state House of Representatives consists of 180 districts. The General Assembly is required to undertake this process every 10 years, following each census. Georgia’s official 2010 population is more than 9.6 million residents. That means each district represents 53,820 people with a margin of error of one percent.
yoking the lake communities together with areas that share their concerns and interests. Cherokee County’s Local Delegation to the Georgia General Assembly will now consist of three Senators: the Majority Leader Chip Rogers (R-Woodstock), Barry Loudermilk (R-Cassville), and John Albers (R-Roswell); and five Representatives to the House: Calvin Hill (R-Canton), Sean Jerguson (R-Canton), the new open seat (District 23), John Carson (R-Marietta) and myself, Charlice Byrd (R-Woodstock).
Representative Charlice Byrd represents the citizens of District 20, which includes Woodstock and Acworth. She was elected into the House of Representatives in 2004 and is currently the Vice Chairman of the Children & Youth Committee and Secretary of the Science and Technology Committee. She also serves on the Economic Development & Tourism, Health & Human Services, and Judiciary Non- Civil Committees. Charlicebyrd@gmail.com
Perhaps the most prevalent factor driving the reapportionment process, other than the population, is the Voting Rights Act. Georgia is one of a small handful of states that still must get federal approval of its redistricting process. Every map submitted must comply with the complex legal requirements On the federal level, Georgia’s explosive growth over the that are intended to insure minority-voting strength is not last 10 years [more than one million residents] earned our diluted. State legislatures state an additional seat in must use the population the United States Congress, shifts to modify districts. All raising our total allocation to Perhaps the most prevalent factor driving state and federal legislative 14. The new congressional the reapportionment process, other than the districts should be as close to district caused a shift in all population, is the Voting Rights Act. Georgia is the same size in population of the current congressional as practical. Thus, the districts throughout Georgia. one of a small handful of states that still must process is a complicated one, Cherokee County in its entirety get federal approval of its redistricting process. hopefully, ensuring all are lies within Phil Gingry’s (R-7) equally represented. congressional district.
“
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The 20th House District, which I have the honor to represent, was reduced in geographical size because of the tremendous growth in our community. Specifically, areas west of Bells Ferry Road previously in District 20 now lie in the new District 23. District 20 now encompasses all of Towne Lake and City of Woodstock. I see this as a very positive move, uniting all of Towne Lake with one State Representative and
I look forward to working with all of my colleagues in representing your values this year in the 2012 Legislative session. My goal has always been to be an effective conservative voice for you in the Georgia House of Representatives. As always, I will work hard to continue to protect your ideals and to represent the needs of our community. Let me know how I can continue to be of service.
Happy Valentine’s Day! 26 My East Canton | february 2012
Photos courtesy of C&W Photography and Charles Melvin Photography
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SCHOOL & SPORTS
continued from page
20
up with the Georgia CRCT math standards for each grade. CMS decided to allow each student to play BINGO as a reward for making their individual goal of 65 percent of a year’s growth by the semester break. The math teachers go out to the local business Hickory Flat Publix manager Joe Yurillo community and presenting a $50 gift card to Hannah garner donations. Landrum from Free Home, daughter of CMS business Denise and Mark Landrum. partners, understanding the value of a quality math education, came through once again with approximately $3,000 in prizes, ranging from food to electronics. The tension builds as the prize values grow.
Free Home Donates to DFCS
Free Home Elementary School donated more than 400 toys for children in the care of the Cherokee County Department of Family and Children Services. The DFCS Toy Drive and Holiday Sing Along assembly began with children filing into the gym by class carrying donations for the “toy box” of gifts to be given to DFCS to distribute. DFCS Social Services Case Manager Specialist Debra Danneman thanked students for the donations, and she and other guests including parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles packed the gym to enjoy the students’ singing. All of the students were
invited to wear pajamas to school as part of the day’s festivities.
School Counselor Susanna Brooks, center, and DFCS representatives Debra Danneman and Olive Aneno.
Local Student Recieves Ed Liebman Scholarship
Recently, the 3rd Annual Ed Liebman Scholarship Award was presented to Aaron Levinson, a junior golfer at BridgeMill Athletic Club. Aaron is an outstanding senior student at Woodstock High School, maintaining a 3.5 From left: Barney Liebman, Aaron GPA while also Levinson and Denise Killeen (Director of being involved in Player Development at BridgeMill) other sports such as his participation with high school and outside club ice hockey teams. Aaron was the recipient of this award for his continued improvement in golf, his tremendous leadership ability with the Juniors Golf Program at BridgeMill and his outstanding service in the community along with his excellent academics.
Send us your School & SPORTS NEWS EMAIL: editor@myeastcantonmonthly.com
28 My East Canton | february 2012
by Amy Turcotte Through the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Turcotte was involved in coordinating prayer events for Collins Dixon, a Teasley Middle School seventh grader, who died on January 14 after a 10-month battle with brain cancer. May the work I have done speak for me were the words written on a small round medallion. I can’t recall if it was pewter in color or brass. Tears came to my eyes as I read those words — How perfectly simplistic. Not drawn out, not trying to be fancyjust real. After standing in line, hugging familiar faces, sharing favorite memories and hearing new ones, I was not sure how I was going feel as I approached Collins Dixon’s parents, Bob and Robin, at his visitation. Over the past few months and these last few weeks, no matter how hard everyone kept praying for a miracle, a turnaround in test results for a change in Collins’ health, it was not there. Now, looking back, that was not the miracle that God had planned. It was not because we didn’t pray, because let me tell you, there was reverent prayer. From children, from other countries, from a personal phone call from Dr. Charles Stanley, from the locker rooms at the University of Georgia — this community came out, prayed and supported Collins and this family in a way that changes communities. God did not choose to heal Collins here on earth. He had a bigger and better plan for Collins. So now, one of the concerns would be, how will the kids and community react to the news that Collins is not going to be healed here on earth? They have been praying and praying — are they going to be angry and question God? Here on earth, we only see a small glimpse or part of God’s bigger and greater plan. We limit God’s vision and plan. We try to make excuses and offer reasons for why things happen. Believing that God can see the entire picture is sometimes hard for us to understand. We do not get to see what that big plan is, but faith is trusting fully that it is better than anything we could possibly imagine. Faith is what Collins had, and his was unwavering. So, here is the question: if we can watch a 12-year-old boy take the past 10 months and change other people’s lives by believing that God has a plan for him, and face one of the most aggressive types of stage 4 Glioblastoma brain cancer, then what are we waiting for? We all have trials and challenges and things in our lives that we use as excuses for why we can’t do something. But Collins faced his challenges bravely, savoring the words of one of his favorite songs by Corbett Jackson:
“It takes the heart of a champion The soul of a saint The strength of a warrior To take on the pain When all your blue skies Turn grey and run You’ve gotta rely On the heart of a champion.” The perfectly concise words were on the medallion on Collins’ casket, words that intimately speak to what Collins meant to the hearts of those who will forever miss Collins, but who will be changed by his life. The continued miracles will look like this: people will be stronger in their faith, their faith may have been restored, or some may have found a new faith because wanting the same faith Collins had. We should all be so blessed to have those nine words said about our life: May the work I have done speak for me.
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MY SECOND MORTGAGE Is My First Problem
by Archie Speights Not too long ago banks doled out home loans like beer nuts to consumers. As home values continued to climb, everyone seemed to have equity to borrow against. Finishing basements, re-doing the kitchen, and paying off credit Archie Speights is a partner at Burns cards were just a few of the & Speights, P.C. Attorneys at Law. He can be reached at (770) 956-1400. reasons homeowners sought second mortgages or Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOC). Times have obviously changed. As property values continue to steadily decline, home equity has for many all but disappeared. According to several sources, around 40% of homes with a second mortgage are underwater, meaning the home value is below what is owed on the property. Forty percent is a staggering number. These additional mortgages, combined with lower home values, loss of income, an increase in credit card payments or other negative changes to the household budget, have left many seeking alternatives such as short sales of home modifications. Often times the results just are not what they expect. This is certainly a common theme many of my clients face prior to filing bankruptcy. Most large banks just aren’t willing to work with homeowners in that regard. It appears they would rather allow the home to be foreclosed upon and write off the debt completely, thus allowing them to collect the guaranteed portion of the loan insurance. These issues solidify the decision a number of homeowners across the country have made over the past few years. Just walk away. Faced with the prospect of paying overpriced mortgages for the next 15-30 years, while the value of their homes continue to slide, many say enough is enough. Both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 Bankruptcy offer options most homeowners with second mortgages should consider when either walking away, facing foreclosure, or trying to modify their current mortgage payment. Strategically walking away from your home provides immediate financial flexibility to a budget, but most assuredly will provide a financial headache at some point if the home had more than one mortgage. The lender that held the second mortgage or line of credit will almost certainly file a lawsuit continued on page 63 30 My East Canton | february 2012
A VIEW from the Hill
This year your General Assembly is facing many issues Please let me know your thoughts that might change the direction at calvin.hill@house.ga.gov or (404) 656-0129. Thank you again for of Georgia forever. As usual, the honor of serving you in the Georgia the choices are not easy and the General Assembly. answers are often loaded with details that could alter the impact of the results. Let’s look at one of these important issues.
JOBS Most of us agree that real job creation resides in the private sector. Adding a government job of any sort is really just adding another expense to add to your tax bill. Do you really want to pay for another government job? Small business is where experts of all parties know that the future job expansion resides. What needs to happen to make this area take off? Governments — federal, state, even local — have all tried various combinations of subsidies, enterprise zones, loan guarantees and tax incentives with limited success. We all know how easily billions of dollars can be wasted on projects like the solar panel loan guarantees our federal government gave with little oversight or investigation. Here in Georgia we are not only looking at how some of these ideas might work, we are also approaching the practical side of reducing government, allowing private small business to operate and grow with as few silly and ponderous state regulations as soon as possible. This is where we really need your help and input. Together, let’s try to prove President Reagan wrong when he said, “No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size.” Are you aware of any state rules, regulations or laws that should be done away with or modified in order to streamline operating a business here in Georgia? There has never been a better time to do away with them than right now! The Speaker has even made this the core mission of one of our Committees. We will be combing through the laws, but realize that there are many regulations you may encounter that we will never find in law books. If you are aware of any state laws or regulations that get in the way, increase costs or are just unfair, let us know as soon as possible. Please call my office at (404) 656-0129 or e-mail me at Calvin. hill@ house.ga.gov with your ideas. Don’t worry about having all the details; just let us know your concerns. continued on page 63
Welcome to the “2012 My Community Favorites� contest! So far, your response has been awesome! So keep the ballots coming and support the local businesses by voting for them as your favorite. We want you to enjoy this contest so please vote for your community’s favorite restaurants, service type businesses, small business retail shops, recreation services and residential places. Remember, the voting will close February 29, 2012 at 5 p.m. You will find our voting ballot on the next few pages as well as important rules of the contest and policies to follow. You may also vote online by visiting www.myeastcantonmonthly.com. Thank you for your participation and please let the businesses know you voted for them! Please like us on Facebook and tell all your friends to vote!
www.footprintspublishing.com 31
EAST CANTON OFFICIAL BALLOT
*Please read Contest Rules on page 34 before beginning the voting process.
RESTAURANTS
Carpet/Upholstery Cleaner _____________________________________
All Around ___________________________
Caterer ______________________________
Asian _______________________________
Chiropractor _________________________
Bakery ______________________________ Barbecue ____________________________
Cleaning Service/Maid ________________ CPA/Bookkeeping/Tax Service _____________________________________
Breakfast ____________________________
Day Care/Preschool __________________
Coffee _______________________________
Day Spa/Massage ____________________
Dessert _____________________________
Dentist ______________________________
Fast Food ____________________________ Fine Dining __________________________
Pediatric Dentist _____________________ Electrician ___________________________ Eye Doctor ___________________________
Italian/Pizzeria _______________________
Financial Institution/Bank/Credit Union
Kid-friendly ___________________________
_____________________________________
Mexican _____________________________
Hair Salon ___________________________
Seafood _____________________________ Sports Bar ___________________________
Handyman/Repair/Remodel _____________________________________ Heating and Air _______________________ Insurance Agent (Agent Name)
SERVICES
_____________________________________ Landscape Design/Installation
Attorney _____________________________
_____________________________________
Auto Repair __________________________
Lawn Care/Maintenance
Car Wash ____________________________
_____________________________________
32 My East Canton | february 2012
Medical Family Practice/ Internal Medicine _____________________ Nail Salon ___________________________ OB/GYN _____________________________ Orthodontist _________________________ Painter/Painting Service
Veterinarian __________________________
_____________________________________
SMALL BUSINESS RETAILERS
Pediatrician __________________________
Boutique ____________________________
Pest Control _________________________
Children’s Clothing ____________________
Pet Care/Boarding ___________________
Cigar Store __________________________
Pet Groomer _________________________
Drug Store/Pharmacy _________________
Pet Trainer ___________________________
Audio/Home Theatre __________________
Photographer ________________________
Florist _______________________________
Physical Therapy _____________________
Frame Shop __________________________
Plastic Surgeon ______________________
Furniture/Home DĂŠcor
Plumber _____________________________
_____________________________________
Pool/Spa Sales/Service
Garden Center/Nursery
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
Private School _______________________
Gift Shop ____________________________
Realtor ______________________________
Grocery Store ________________________
Roofer _______________________________
Hardware/Home Improvement
Travel Agent _________________________
_____________________________________
Tutoring _____________________________
Jeweler ______________________________ Ballot continued on next page
VOTE for your favorites!
www.footprintspublishing.com 33
SMALL BUSINESS RETAILERS cont’d Liquor Store __________________________ Music Store __________________________ Pet Supply Store _____________________ Specialty Foods ______________________ Tire Shop ____________________________
RECREATION & ENTERTAINMENT Dance Studio ________________________ Fitness/Health Club _____________________________________
CONTEST RULES Only one ballot per person please.
A minimum of 20 selections must be completed in order for ballot to count.
NO PHOTOCOPIES of this form may be used. The selections must be made by the person completing this form. Selections must be located in Cherokee County. Only ballots with name, phone number and signature will be accepted. Please fill out the box at the end of the ballot.
Golf Course __________________________ Gymnastics Center
Return ballot by
_____________________________________
Wednesday, February 29
Martial Arts __________________________
at 5 p.m.
Birthday Party Venue _____________________________________
Mail or drop off:
REsidential Development
My East Canton Monthly 113 Mountain Brook Drive Suite 204 Canton, GA 30115
Apartment Community _____________________________________ Subdivision __________________________
Or submit your votes online: www.myeastcantonmonthly.com
Only Signed Ballots Will Be Counted Name (required):___________________________________ Address: _________________________________________ City:__________________State:______Zip:_____________ Phone (required):___________________________________ Signature (required):________________________________
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34 My East Canton | february 2012
www.footprintspublishing.com 35
“A german requiem” by johannes brahms Spring Concert
Presented by the Cherokee Chorale The Cherokee Chorale will present its Spring Concert on Sunday, March 18, at 3 p.m., at the Canton First United Methodist Church, 930 Lower Scott Mill Road. The Chorale, conducted by Dr. Donald Stafford, will sing “A German Requiem” by Johannes Brahms, a work for chorus, two soloists and orchestra, and will be accompanied by members of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Although it was written in German, the Chorale will sing the English version. Special guest performers for this concert will be the Sequoyah Singers from Sequoyah High School, directed by Josh Markham. The term “requiem” usually means a funeral Mass for the dead, offering prayers for the soul of the departed, but Brahms’ “Requiem” is directed more to those dealing with grief and sorrow and doubt. From the opening words found in the Beatitudes, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted,” through the rest of the text from the Old and New Testament and from the Apocrypha, Brahms focuses on comfort for the bereaved and on faith in the Resurrection. This Requiem was probably written in memory of Brahms’ mother, who died in 1865, the year before the score was finished. The formal structure of the work is a seven movement arch with the music of the highest comfort at its center. The first movement is echoed in the last, conveying blessings first upon the mourner and then upon the dead. The second and sixth movements are the darkest and the longest. The third and fifth movements feature soloists in meditation, seeking hope and finally finding it. Nestled in the middle is the beautiful and serene chorus, “How Lovely Is Thy Dwelling Place.” Dr. Donald Stafford has been associated with the musical life of Cherokee County for more than three decades. He 36 My East Canton | february 2012
completed a Bachelor of Church Music degree at Shorter University and a Masters in Music from the University of Michigan, double majoring in music history and choral conducting. He later completed a Doctoral Degree in Choral Music Education at Florida State University. Before retiring, Dr. Stafford was Director of Choral Activities in the Cherokee County and Hall County school systems. He sang under the baton of Robert Shaw with the Atlanta Symphony Chorus and Chamber Choir for a number of years, performing in Carnegie Hall, Avery Fisher Hall, and numerous halls throughout Europe. He is currently the Director of Music for the Canton First United Methodist Church and is an adjunct Professor of Music at Reinhardt University. Dr. Stafford directed the first performance of the Cherokee Chorale in December of 1988. He also directed the Chorale’s debut performances at Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina, and Bruton Parish Church in Williamsburg, Virginia. The Cherokee Chorale is an auditioned choral group of 70 — 80 voices, encompassing a variety of ages, professions and occupations, including a significant number of music professionals. The Chorale was founded in 1988 and has steadily advanced in technical skill and choral artistry, performing increasingly challenging literature and establishing a reputation for excellence and popularity. Tickets for the concert are available at the door before the concert. They may be purchased in advance from any Chorale member, the Arts Center and Chamberhouse in Canton, Three Sisters Gifts in Hickory Flat, Jasper Drug in Jasper, and FoxTale Book Shoppe in Woodstock. For information, please call (678) 439-8625 or visit the website at www.cherokeechorale.org.
Celebrate the New Year — celebrate your Health & Wellness. Let 2012 be your year to take care of you…inside and out! Our community is rich with incredible expertise in a variety of areas to meet your health and wellness needs. Don’t let this year pass you by; you and your loved ones are worth it!
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Health and Wellness
WellStar Cardiovascular Medicine
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t’s important to take a proactive interest in your heart health as prevention, early detection and education are the primary steps to a healthy heart. That is why WellStar Cardiovascular Medicine (CVM), offers Know Your Heart, a complimentary program to Heart Screening — that provides a comprehensive analysis of your overall cardiovascular health. A Heart Screening, also known as a CT Cardiac Calcium Score, is a fast and non-invasive CT Scan used to determine the risk of coronary artery disease. Using a multi-slice scan, the heart screening can help cardiologists determine the participant’s level of risk for heart disease or future cardiac issues. The screening is recommended for those who have diabetes, family history of heart disease, history of smoking or tobacco use, high blood pressure or high cholesterol. Although heart disease is sometimes thought of as a “man’s disease,” around the same number of women and men die each year of heart disease in the United States. Even if you have no symptoms, you may still be at risk for heart disease. Know Your Heart is a preventive program designed to determine your risk of heart disease, stroke, carotid artery disease, peripheral arterial disease and other serious conditions. All testing is performed by registered technologists, with test interpretation by board-certified WellStar physicians. Each participant receives a personalized report with test results, risk factor education and diet, weight and exercise recommendations. CVM provides comprehensive cardiac service offerings, proven expertise in preventative care, cutting-edge treatment of acute and chronic cardiac conditions and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for its patients. The WellStar Cardiac Network provides comprehensive cardiac service offerings, proven expertise in preventative care, cutting-edge treatment of acute and chronic cardiac conditions and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for its patients. Interventional cardiac procedures are offered at WellStar Cobb, Douglas and Kennestone hospitals and WellStar Kennestone offers an adult cardiac surgery program. Additionally, WellStar Cobb, Douglas and Kennestone’s Emergency Departments are all accredited Chest Pain Centers. These hospitals can quickly treat or transfer patients for the interventions they need. At WellStar, the circle of care does not stop at intervention and treatment. Our cardiac program revolves around a continuum of
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care belief that includes treatment of the “whole person” in addition to advanced clinical treatment. We offer a multi-phase rehabilitation program, with doctors and rehab professionals working together to create a rehab plan especially for each cardiac patient. Support groups are available to make sure that our patients are taken care of emotionally and mentally, not just physically. For more information or a physician referral, call (770) 956-STAR or visit www.wellstar.org.
Know Your Heart is offered at the WellStar Cardiovascular Medicine office in East Cobb, Marietta and Towne Lake. Please call (770) 321-3490 to schedule your personalized preventive screening.
Basic Risk Assessment • $75 Cardiac-related lab work and non-invasive screening tests including lipid profile, glucose blood test, C-Reactive protein and EKG.
Risk Assessment including Non-Invasive Screening Tests • $199 Cardiac-related lab work and non-invasive screening tests including lipid profile, glucose blood test, C-Reactive protein, ABI, carotid ultrasound, screening Echo and EKG.
Wellstar Cardiovascular Medicine 120 Stonebridge Parkway, Suite 260, Woodstock (770) 592-4744 210 Oakside Lane, Suite C, Canton (770) 704-1955
Healthy Hearing is Key to Better Quality of Life
Progressive Audiology Center, Inc.
earing is an important factor in overall health and wellness, affecting so much more than a person’s ability to communicate. Left untreated, a hearing impairment has the potential to affect a person physically and emotionally, studies show hearing loss has a significant impact on a person’s ability to
maintain relationships and perform a job, and there is even a link between hearing loss and dementia. According to a study by researchers at Johns Hopkins and the National Institute on Aging, adults with hearing loss are significantly more likely than adults with normal hearing to develop dementia. The study, cited in a report in AARP Magazine, concluded that individuals with severe hearing loss were five times more likely to develop dementia than those with normal hearing, but even mild hearing loss doubled the risk. (AARP Magazine, February 2011)
Progressive Audiology Center was established in 1998 and has offices in Woodstock and Jasper. They are proud members of the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce and the Towne Lake Optimist Club, and participate in supporting numerous community events and organizations. Dr. Jan Henriques, Au.D., Doctor of Audiology, has been practicing Audiology for over 26 years. She received her BA in Speech Pathology and Audiology from the University of Southwestern Louisiana, her Masters Degree from the Louisiana State University Medical Center in New Orleans, and her Doctorate from The University of Florida. She is a member of the Academy of Dispensing Audiologists and the Georgia Academy of Audiology, and a Fellow of the American Academy of Audiology. Dr. Lawrence E. Bridge, Au.D., joined Progressive Audiology Center in May 2009. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from East Carolina University and his Doctorate Degree from Louisiana Tech University. Dr. Christa Nelms, Au.D., joined Progressive Audiology in August 2010. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of North Carolina — Greensboro, her Masters Degree from the University of Virginia, and her Doctorate Degree from The University of Florida.
Progressive Audiology Center, Inc. 2230 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock (770) 592-4744 540 North Main Street, Jasper (706) 253-7245
www.progressiveaudiology.com “Like” Us on Facebook
Health and Wellness
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Contrary to popular belief, hearing loss does not just affect senior adults. Statistics indicate that more than 10 million older Americans have agerelated hearing loss, but it is also one of the most prevalent birth defects, affecting nearly 1.2 million children under the age of 18. And hearing loss from noise exposure — including cell phones, lawn equipment and personal music devices — affects the quality of life for more than 250 million people around the world. In fact, untreated hearing loss has been linked to income level as well. According to research compiled by the Better Hearing Institute, individuals with untreated hearing loss earn an average of $26,000 per year less than people with adequate hearing or who have sought treatment for their hearing problems. While hearing loss is not reversible, a professional audiologist can assess the extent of damage and often provide treatment options that can improve hearing, balance and other problems that result from a hearing deficiency. At Progressive Audiology Center, our doctors and support staff help people with conditions including: •
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Hearing Loss — characterized by: the inability to hear certain “soft” sounds — such as the letters “s” and “p,” misunderstood or misheard words, difficulty hearing or carrying on a conversation when there is background noise, feelings of isolation during group conversations or meetings, increased television or radio volume that is considered excessive by others, or frequently asking others to repeat themselves Tinnitus — a ringing, buzzing or “whooshing” sound in the ears Vertigo — dizziness or difficulty maintaining balance
Audiologists are the most qualified professionals to perform hearing tests, refer patients for hearing-related medical treatment, and provide hearing rehabilitation services. They diagnose hearing problems and balance issues and are able to offer solutions to many of those problems, creating the opportunity for patients to significantly improve their quality of life. The doctors at Progressive Audiology Center look forward to answering your questions, evaluating your hearing, and helping you enjoy life through better hearing health. www.footprintspublishing.com 39
DV Pediatrics Health and Wellness
“Where Kids Count!”
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imes change at DV Pediatrics, but one thing remains constant…after 10 years pediatric care remains their primary focus. Conveniently located at 2920 Marietta Highway in South Canton (near the Dairy Queen), DV Pediatrics is proud to be celebrating their 10th year anniversary serving Canton and the surrounding communities. They say thank you to all of their patients and families who have trusted them for every one of those years and continue to do so. Dr. Vicki is a graduate of the Medical College of Georgia and completed her internship and residency in Pediatrics at University of Kentucky; she is Board Certified by the American Board of Pediatrics and has practiced in the pediatric field for more than seventeen years. Dr. Vicki is a doctor who believes that a child’s health is influenced by the family, social environment, diet, exercise and family medical history. This is supported by DV Pediatrics which offers a medical home for children. The medical home as defined by the American Academy of Pediatrics is a planned, coordinated and family centered source of care that avoids fragmentation of care. This improves outcomes in both acute and chronic medical problems. According to Dr. Vicki, it’s not about how big the office is nor how modern the equipment. It’s about the kids. “Kids can’t always tell you what’s wrong, so I try a different type of approach,” Dr. Vicki said. “I treat each patient as my own, which puts them at ease. Interacting with them on their level helps me get their cooperation and makes their visit much easier and less stressful for all concerned. We appeal to those who want a small, personal practice and that’s what we intend on preserving.” Dr. Vicki’s love for pediatrics is second only to her love for family. “I am blessed to have two fabulous children, one of whom was adopted as an infant,” Dr. Vicki said. She enjoys being active in her children’s activities. She is a long term supporter of the Boy Scouts of America, local school and recreational programs, and numerous charitable organizations.
In 2011, Dr. Vicki participated in a very special event called the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure®. She successfully walked 60 miles over the course of three days with thousands of other women and men. She raised $3,500. Net proceeds from the 3-Day for the Cure are invested in community-based breast health programs and breast cancer research.
Be on the lookout for information on their 10-year anniversary celebration soon. They look forward to seeing you there. Remember, DV Pediatrics believes in pediatric excellence in a child friendly environment.
• Specializing in care for children birth to 21 years • Preventative, acute and chronic illnesses care • Well child care • Adolescent gynecology • Immunizations • Sports physicals • Asthma care and more
“Hands down the VERY best! My children have been clients of this practice since their opening. I have always been treated very well. The staff is very caring and go that extra mile. I would highly recommend Dr. Vicki Knight-Mathis’ office!”
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DV Pediatrics Vicki Knight-Mathis, MD 2920 Marietta Highway, Suite 142, Canton (770) 704-0057 www.dvpediatrics.com
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My mom (who knew the plan) asked if I wanted to go to Joe’s Crab Shack. I was apprehensive since I don’t care for Joe’s, but we went anyway. That whole day was strange: I contemplated wearing a ring, Zack told me not to; my niece asked, “When are you getting married?” At Joe’s, Zack told me to show him the bathroom to get me up. Before I knew what was happening he was on one knee. I turned red, cried, nearly fainted before I squeaked out a “Yes!” We were the main event at the Crab Shack that night!
Bobbie Cof
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Engaged A ugu st 13, 2 011
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Our Recipe for a Happy Marriage Ingredients: Faith. Love. Respect.
Pish-posh. All you need is a lousy proposal. It’s food poisoning on an airplane on the way to propose. It’s Fed-Ex losing the ring. It’s dinner at Village Inn, the only restaurant nearby that serves chicken noodle soup. It’s a botched sleight of hand as you switch a ring from the bubble gum machine in the grocery store with the real ring. It’s a proposal at a grocery store.
den
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Combine all ingredients. Add a hefty dose of laughter. Shake well. Bake in a warm oven for at least fifteen years.
Proposals from the My East Canton Monthly team . . . We had been dating for two months. I was returning from a Girls Weekend trip and stopped at Brian’s apartment on my way home. He was in the midst of folding laundry so I sat down on the end of his bed. Acting very nervous, Brian said that he wanted to talk to me about something. I immediately went into panic mode…we had only been together a short time — I could only imagine what he wanted to tell me. He got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. Wow, definitely not what I expected but almost 19 years later we both know it was meant to be!
n Meek ia r B & e l l e Mich 19, 1993 ne Married Ju
My boyfriend of four years asked me to go on vacation with him and his family to Gatlinburg, Tennessee for Labor Day weekend. One night as I was getting ready to go to Dixie Stampede; my boyfriend came into the bathroom, got down on one knee and proposed. Little did I know, he was actually planning to propose at Dixie Stampede, but I’m so glad he decided to do it before. I don’t know if I could have handled all the Candice attention on me!
& Austin W
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illiams
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One day Stephen asked, “If I bought an engagement ring, do you know someone who would wear it?” I said, “Yes, if it was ‘paid in full.’” On October 16, our one year anniversary, Stephen and I were working on his Accounting homework in his bedroom at his mother’s house when he suddenly asked “Will you marry me?” As I was about to answer, his mother walked right in and spoiled the moment. I said “Yes!” while crying.
onichtera P n e h p te S Janet & 9, 1985 Married m
arch
I knew that my boyfriend was being deployed to Iraq in the next few weeks; I never expected him to propose. I returned home from my grandparents Christmas gathering. I didn’t think my boyfriend was home. I went into the bedroom to find sparkling candles and Kevin dressed in his Marines Dress Blues. He didn’t hesitate. Kevin got on one knee, opened the ring box and asked if I would marry him. “Are you serious?!” Yes, was clearly my answer, but Kevin still likes to poke fun at my initial reaction.
George in v e K & y Ashle 5, 2009 ly 2 Married Ju
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A LOVE MESSAGE From Beyond
by Dr. Mike Litrel, MD
“Salt and pepper” is the best way to describe my parent’s lifelong best friends, Gene and Sandy DellaRocca. Everyone loved Gene – always cheerful, always smiling, he was an agreeable addition to every occasion and the embodiment of the expression “salt of the earth.” Sandy was the spice – uninhibited with a quick tongue, she’d liven the moment with a story, a joke, a sharp observation. Sometimes Sandy was too spicy. Once after a memorable evening involving wine and a hot tub, she shocked my mother’s brother – whom she had only just met – by dropping her bikini bottom and mooning him.
Five years ago Sandy was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer, and after a brief fight she died, suddenly gone from our lives. Since that time we haven’t seen as much of Gene; a light has dimmed in our family. Thirty years ago, only snow on the ground could keep my father and Gene from their Friday golf outings with their buddies. Most of the twenty or thirty guys from Long Island were New York firemen or cops, some Gene’s former football teammates. This was a gathering of men with strong opinions and mediocre golf swings, drawn together by a love of the game. They also loved gambling and drinking and arguing. When I reached my teen years, I was invited to play once in a while during my summers off school. It was fun to be included in this group of rowdy, self-assured New York men – and the invitations increased when somebody noticed I was old enough to serve as designated driver. I recall that the arguments started well before the first tee box. Invariably, it was about which foursome would hit first. The strongest and most irrational line of reasoning usually won the day. The fighting continued with only occasional interruptions to the end of the round, when I would drink cokes at the bar while my dad and the rest moved to the final stage of the argument: settling up their bets. After the money had exchanged hands, it was traditional that the winners paid for the beers. Based on the bartender’s labors, I always thought that the losers on the course must have left with more money in their pockets than the winners. I moved to Georgia after graduation, ending those Fridays with Gene and my dad. Fortunately, Gene and Sandy remained an integral part of our lives. The DellaRoccas came to our wedding (a blanket Sandy made for us lies folded on a bedroom chair twenty years later), and even to my graduation from medical school. As a young married couple without children, Ann and I vacationed with my parents and the DellaRoccas on numerous occasions. 44 My East Canton | february 2012
Gene came to visit my folks this past Christmas. I was delighted to see him, catch up and reminisce. But with Sandy’s absence there was an undeniable sense of someone missing at the dinner table. We didn’t talk about Sandy outright, but there was an echo of sadness in the laughter shared between old friends.
Dr. Litrel practices with his fellow OB/ GYNs at Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists. Dr. Litrel lives in Woodstock with his wife Ann and their two sons, Tyler and Joseph. E-mail Dr. Litrel at www.cherokeewomenshealth.com.
Over dinner Gene mentioned in passing some Japanese swords he had inherited from his father. Years ago he had them displayed prominently in his home, but as his children reached elementary school age, he became fearful of their being tempted to duel one another in an unsupervised moment. So Gene hid the swords out of sight. Decades later, his children now grown, Gene ruefully admitted he couldn’t remember the hiding place, and his searches had been unsuccessful. In the course of our lives, we lose much of what is most valuable to us. Possessions and money are the least of our worries. It’s our loved ones – their voices, their laughter – that inhabit our loneliest memories as we grow older. I received an e-mail from Gene the same night he returned to New York. Upon arriving home, he said, he had touched the wooden box on his bedroom dresser that contains Sandy’s ashes. He accidentally knocked her rosary beads off the box. The dresser was solid oak, and he could barely get it away from the wall – just enough to squeeze his hand in to reach Sandy’s rosary. The rosary was resting on top of the Japanese swords. “I could hear Sandy practically saying to me,” Gene wrote, “ ‘Hey Booby! I’ve been trying to tell you, they were here all along!” His unspoken words, the feelings of joy and hope born again, telegraphed loud and clear across the miles. Gene’s email was the perfect Christmas gift. What we need under the tree are not presents, no matter how materially extravagant – but rather, Presence. We lose what is most precious to us, our loved ones. Sometimes life becomes so unbearable we are afraid and sad. Our pain and fear make us forget. But when the veil of this material world that camouflages the spiritual reality is pierced, we remember in an instant the miracle of eternal life. Love is hidden in strange places. Faith is the certainty that one day we will find it again.
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HEART Disease
by Dr. Monika Yadav
Now that the holiday season is behind us — it is time to get our behinds moving towards shedding those extra pounds and changing our mindsets for future holidays. For example, this month of love and passion — instead of gifting chocolates Dr. Monika S. Yadav is a Boardand flowers that wilt away, Certified Internist who works in a let’s buy our loved ones new private practice located at 684 Sixes sneakers or memberships to Road, Holly Springs, GA, 30115 the gym. Sounds outrageous? (678) 494-6996 Well, I think that’s what it’s going to take to get the community going in a healthy direction. Heart disease, the “silent killer,” is the leading cause of death in America. High blood pressure and high cholesterol are the main components that cause plaques which clog arteries; this can lead to heart attacks and strokes. The challenge is that you usually do not feel this until damage may already be done. This is why it is extremely important to have your blood pressure and cholesterol regularly checked and to inquire about your family history. Genetics can also play a huge role in your current health. Even if you maintain an ideal body weight and exercise regularly, you may be susceptible to certain hereditary diseases that run in the family such as Diabetes, Hypertension and Hypercholesterolemia. Signs of heart disease can be subtle… but here are some to watch out for: • Chest pain or discomfort — like a squeezing pressure you cannot pinpoint • Shortness of breath — during vigorous activity not proportionate to the exercise • Fast heartbeat • Dizziness/weakness, feeling sick to your stomach, nausea • Increased sweating, clammy Sometimes, unfortunately, a heart attack is the first symptom of heart disease for many people. So with a New Year, let’s have a New Plan to attack the heart with health instead! Let’s begin to limit portion size of all foods — good and bad. Add omega-3 fatty acids and whole grains to your daily regimen. Use nuts and plain yogurt for snacking. Forgo the butter and white potatoes for olive oil and beans instead. Get a move on! Exercise and an active lifestyle outlives a sedentary one any day. And then take a chill-pill…. Relax…. Breathe… and, occasionally, go see your doctor for a check-up! 46 My East Canton | february 2012
Won’t You Bee Mine?
by Dr. Kellie Baxter February comes complete with Valentines, yummy chocolates, Kellie Baxter B.S., D.C. specializes red roses, and the wicked winter in chiropractic, sports injuries and nutrition. For more information, please cold season. Hopefully your call the office at (770) 345-1111 or February will be full of hugs visit www.BaxterChiro.com. and kisses, but in the off chance you also find yourself forced to pencil-in an unscheduled cold, I have a sweet tip for you. The sweetest way to combat winter coughs and colds is to use honey! While most people know that mixing honey with hot tea or warm water can soothe a sore throat, you may not know that honey is also an effective cough suppressant. Studies show that children with upper respiratory infections who were given two teaspoons of buckwheat honey at bedtime had a reduced incidence of night time coughing and more restful sleep. One study went on to show that honey was every bit as effective as the cough suppressant dextromethorphan. Since honey costs less, has no side effects, and is natural it is definitely worth trying. Honey also seems to be the wise choice with the recent Advisory Committee to the Food and Drug Administration recommending that drug manufacturers stop marketing cough and cold drugs —like dextromethorphan — for use in children younger than six. These recommendations came after a group of pediatricians reviewed six clinical trials of over-the-counter cold medicines and found the drugs were no more effective than placebo (sugar pills) at relieving symptoms. Keep in mind that children 12-months-old or under should never be fed honey since it can cause a rare but serious form of food poisoning called infant botulism. For the rest of us honey is a great alternative. Other reasons to love honey — antioxidants and antibacterial power. It has been shown to disinfect burns, cuts, scrapes and speed up healing. This is because honey is full of vitamins and minerals like magnesium, potassium, calcium, sulphur, iron, phosphate, B1, B2, C, B6, B5, B3 and even trace elements like copper, iodine, and zinc. Plus it’s packed with amino acids. Honey has antifungal properties, too. Dark honeys like buckwheat honey tend to be the richest in antioxidants. The nutritional properties, color and flavor of honey are determined by the region and kinds of flowers that the bees choose to pollinate. This is one reason local honey has been found to be good for seasonal allergies, too. Hope this information was helpful. I am always available for your nutritional counseling needs. As always, stay well adjusted.
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FIRE Safety by Charles R. Cooley, M.D.
American homes suffer an unwanted fire every 10 seconds, and every 60 seconds they suffer a fire serious enough to call the fire department. Home fires are the single most common disaster across the nation. Most importantly, every three hours someone is killed in a home fire — that’s more than 2,600 people in 2006 alone. Another 13,000 people are injured in home fires in a typical year. Protecting your family from fire requires advance planning for what to do if fire strikes. This includes the use of protective devices, usually smoke alarms, to provide early warning of fire, especially at night when people are most vulnerable. However, depending on the size and layout of your home and the characteristics of your family, you may need to do more to assure their safety. You need to decide what you must do to protect your family from fire. Having working smoke alarms reduces the chance of dying in a fire by nearly half. A carbon monoxide detector can also be useful due to the fact that each year, over 200 people die from carbon monoxide produced by fuel burning appliances in the home including furnaces, ranges, water heaters and room heaters.
You can protect your family from fire by following these helpful tips: • Respect fire and teach your children to respect it, too. • Install smoke alarms, either self-contained or as part of a system, outside bedrooms and on EVERY LEVEL OF THE HOME. • Test and maintain your alarms as if your life depends on it. IT DOES! • Make sure everyone can clearly hear the sound of your smoke alarms from their bedrooms. • Make an escape plan with two ways out of every room and practice it with your family. • Especially when there are family members who cannot escape unassisted, consider a residential sprinkler system. Information obtained from www.usfa.fema.gov and www.redcross.org.
Heating fires are the second leading cause of home fires. Fixed and portable space heaters, including wood stoves, are involved in 74 percent of fire-related deaths. Nearly half of American families use alternative heating sources such as space heaters, fireplaces, or wood-coal stoves to stay warm. Burning candles in the home is also a huge fire danger. Between 2000 — 2004, an estimated 20,900 home fires were caused by candles, claiming 200 lives, injuring 1,790 people, and resulting in $459 million in property damages. More than half of the candle home fires start because the candle was too close to a combustible material. Never leave a candle burning unsupervised.
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This information provided Charles Cooley, M.D. of M. D. Minor Emergency & Family Medicine, located in the Riverstone Medical Complex next to Cracker Barrel. For more information about SAD, please call (770) 720-7000 or visit their office at 720 Transit Avenue in Canton.
CROSSFIT Canton
by Matthew Pierce
To our Canton neighbors, As the owner of CrossFit Canton, I have had the pleasure of owning a business that has served and positively impacted many people in the city of Canton. Over the past two years we have serviced many in www.crossfitcanton.com this community and positively impacted the fitness and lifestyles of many through our method of fitness. I’m proud to continue to serve the Canton community and expand upon our service by contributing to this publication and its readers. It is my hope that I will be able to offer fitness advice to all of those in Canton, not only the members we serve. So for the next 12 months, and hopefully longer, I intend to contribute articles that will educate, motivate and inspire the people of Canton to work toward a healthier lifestyle. A little about myself and our greater purpose for CrossFit Canton and the city of Canton — Small town life has been at the core of my life since childhood. I grew up in Iowa in a modest college town but spent much of my summers
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and holidays with my grandparents in Guttenberg, Iowa. Guttenberg is a small but very scenic town nestled in the Mississippi River valley in northern Iowa. The time spent with my grandparents helped create some of my greatest childhood memories and my grandfather was a strong influence on my life. My grandfather became a General Practitioner following serving in WWII. He came to live in Guttenberg, Iowa and served the community in and around the area until he retired. He was a selfless and giving man that would take care of anyone who needed help regardless of whether they could afford it. He worked tirelessly to help others and as a result had a very positive impact on his community. Watching my grandfather as a child influenced me profoundly and undoubtedly brought me to this profession to serve others in the way he did. The past two years has allowed us to grow and help many in Canton but now we wish to extend our appreciation to this community for our success by reaching out to everyone in ways that can profoundly and positively impact the city of Canton. We hope to do this in a couple of ways. 1. Over this year I intend to educate, motivate and inspire readers though this column. I will touch upon subjects such as exercise, nutrition, lifestyle, motivation and other continued on page 63
Dental Insurance Plans Accepted!
schedule your family’s appointments today!
WE ARE NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS!
nick johnson, DMD
w w w. c h e ro k e e f a m i l y d e n t a l . c o m Conveniently located near Dairy Queen at 2920 Marietta Highway Suite 146 in Canton
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Faith is spelled D-I-A-N-E
by Lowell Lawson
My favorite definition of faith Lowell Lawson is a faithful contributor is by Patrick Overton: “When to My East Canton Monthly. Lowell you have come to the edge of can be contacted at LowellLawson@ all light that you know and windstream.net. are about to drop off into the darkness of the unknown, Faith is knowing one of two things will happen: There will be something solid to stand on or you will be taught to fly.” Meet Diane Oberkrom. She came to the edge of light just one day short of her twenty-fifth wedding anniversary when her husband, Phil, died suddenly of a heart attack. Then two things happened. She found something solid to stand on and she soared on wings of faith. A journey of faith is never easy. For Diane it was more difficult than for many. Now a widow and a single mother of an eight year old son, Augie, she was trying to sail on a tumultuous sea. Slowly the winds calmed and the waves became quiet. And then the dreams began. In the depths of the nights she heard a voice say, “You should bake muffins.” Even now she cannot tell if it was God or Phil. She only knew that a pathway had been charted for her. Four months later she began an online business selling pastry gift boxes. While all of this was taking place, she continued her full-time position at a local bank. A month later she left her job in the bank and concentrated on her online business. When you live by faith, there is always a struggle to understand if you are following God’s will or if you are running ahead of Him or lagging behind. Diane wavered as most of us do. Finally, she decided to return to the bank for eighteen months, continuing her online business. This period allowed her to finally recognize where her faith journey needed to go. In June 2011 she took another huge step of faith. She expanded her home-based business, opening The Soul Food Market. You will find it tucked in a corner between the book shelves of Yawn’s Books and More in downtown Canton. Yes, you can find muffins and cupcakes and whatever pastry you want. You can enjoy a home-cooked breakfast and an array of noontime lunches and afternoon meals. Diane Oberkrom is one very special lady. Why not drop in to The Soul Food Market at 210 East Main Street in Canton or online at TheSoulFoodMarket.com. Tell her “Lowell sent me” and she has a gift for you from me. Enjoy! 52 My East Canton | february 2012
messy Grace
by Pastor Jamey Prickett
Someone has said it was Jesus’ table manners that got him killed. Jesus was an embarrassment to the Pharisees and the scribes, the religious proper folk. They didn’t like it that he accepted dinner invitations with tax collectors. Jamey Prickett is the Senior Pastor of They were disturbed that Liberty Hill Church. To contact Pastor he allowed prostitutes to sit Jamey, please call (678) 493-8920 or at his tables. It made them email Jamey@libertyhillumc.org. http://wrestledwithangels.wordpress. uncomfortable that he didn’t always wash his hands. It made com/ them angry that he ate with sinners. Table etiquette doesn’t make much sense in our fast food ear but in Jesus’ day what you ate and who you ate it with was very important. For the Jews, eating together was a religious experience. To eat together was to celebrate their faith and their faith had rules for table manners. A Jewish meal was a worship service. It was about cleanliness: clean hands and clean people. Jesus ate with filthy people and the ones who declared themselves clean didn’t like it. They grumbled, “This man says he speaks for God, and yet he eats with sinners — I don’t think so!” Earlier Jesus told the self-proclaimed righteous that he came to call the sinners and not the righteous. He came to seek out the lost. But just in case they didn’t hear him, he tells a story. The story of the prodigal son is a story about the extravagance of God’s grace. While working at Sears during my college days, a mother came up to me and told me that she had lost her daughter. She had looked all over the store and her daughter was lost. The mother was in panic mode. I called security and the search began. The mother gave me a picture of her daughter and I headed down the mall on a hunt to reclaim the little girl. With picture in hand, I would look at every brown haired, four-year old I passed. Finally, at the other end of the mall, I saw a security guard walking toward me holding a little girl that matched the one in my picture. I took her in my arms and with every step closer to her mom my heart overflowed with joy. Finally, the moment arrived when daughter was reunited with mom and the whole store celebrated in the happy reunion. When the lost son returns home the father calls for the fatted calf to be killed. You don’t kill a fatted calf for just three of four family members; you kill the fatted calf if you planned on having a party and inviting the whole community. It isn’t just his table manners that are messy; God’s grace is messy. God’s grace is messy because God is dealing with messy people who have a tendency to get ourselves lost. Amazing grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me! I once was lost but now am found — Was blind, but now I see. Thank God for messy grace.
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THE FAMILY TOUCH GAMBLING WITH Marriage: A Happiness Factor? Heartworm Disease by Dr. James E. Kilgore February is the month for Dr. James Kilgore is President of the lovers. Each of us wants to International Family Foundation, Inc, be loved, but that has many Suite 220, 1558 Marietta Hwy, Canton, meanings. Infatuation, GA 30114. He and Mrs. Kilgore are active community volunteers. emotional attachment, or exhilarating feelings can be described as love. But the most satisfying love experience comes through lasting relationships. That’s why friends are so important to us. That explains marriage. Pew Research report suggests that married people are happier than single people. About 43 percent of married men and women described themselves as “very happy” while only 24 percent of unmarried men and women did. Those without children were just as likely to be happy as parents are. Researchers say marriage itself boosts both partners’ feelings of well-being. “Married people are less depressed or lonely than single counterparts,” says sociologist Linda Waite. It’s harder to be lonely when you have someone to come home to every night. Waite says men benefit more than women from having a life-long companion. Women tend to talk to everybody while men rely on wives as their main confidant. Another happiness factor, women, usually the social planners, help men stay connected to their family and friends. Married women encourage husbands to drink less, smoke less, eat better, get more sleep and engage in less risky behavior than unmarried peers. Since health is linked to happiness — they are happier too. One caution — marriage alone will not make one happy, but a good marriage will certainly help. 1. Good marriages are honest. The “golden commandment” is not “thou shalt not have secrets!” Happy partners want to share important things with each other. In courtship you talk for hours about “nothing.” Communication shares what’s in your heart and mind. A good marriage requires a good talker and a good listener — each knowing how to change places frequently! 2. Good marriages share the important stuff. Your mate doesn’t have to know everything you think, but what’s most important to you. Happy mates share their dreams, hopes, faith and fears. We don’t solve each other’s problems, but being there makes it easier for each of us to tackle tough issues. When we need it, there’s help in carrying the burden. Our joys are enlarged because we share them. We divide the burden and double the laughter! continued on page 63 54 My East Canton | february 2012
by Dawn Mason, D.V.M. It was an unusually warm day in late December and Cassie was tossing a ball to her dog in the backyard. “Ouch!” she exclaimed as she swatted a mosquito on her arm. “Mosquitoes in December?” she thought to herself. She looked over at her dog, now Dawn Mason D.V.M. is a 1999 lying in the grass chewing on a graduate of Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine and practices bone. “Oh no,” she thought. at BridgeMill Animal Hospital. “I haven’t been giving my (770) 479-2200 heartworm preventative.” This is a typical scenario of pet owners. Whether it is to save money or just a reason to have one less thing to remember, pet owners usually slack on heartworm preventative in the winter. The common thought is mosquitoes aren’t alive at this time of year. However, much to our dismay, Georgia is filled with crazy weather. It may be snowing one day and beach weather the next. The warming trends during winter months allow mosquito larva to hatch into adults. Heartworm prevention is a medication used to prevent pets from developing heartworm disease, an illness that allows worms to grow in the heart causing damage and possibly death. Did you know that it also contains an anti-parasitic that acts as a monthly de-worming against intestinal parasites like hookworms, roundworms and whipworms? These intestinal parasites are very resistant to extreme heat and cold temperatures and are contractible by humans. This alone would make me want to use year-a-round preventative to ensure my children’s safety. Georgia is one of the leading states for the most dogs testing positive for heartworms. If a dog is not on a preventative and is bitten by a mosquito carrying the infected larva, the dog will come down with heartworm disease. It takes six months for the initial larva to develop into the adult worm which lodges itself in the lung and heart tissue. The dog may develop clinical signs of exercise intolerance, coughing and difficulty breathing. Pets can pass out, collapse and even die. Merial, a leading veterinary pharmaceutical company, has a treatment for those dogs that test positive. The treatment is costly and does come with risks. Today, the active ingredient to treat heartworm disease is in limited quantity and pets are getting placed on a waiting list for treatment. There is no guarantee that an owner can even get treatment for a positive pet due to continued on page 63
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FANDROID
by Jeremy McGouirk
There was a time when smartphones were only for the business man or a rich person or those smart enough to afford and understand the data rates. Then the iPhone came out and changed the landscape forever. Now everything is Jeremy McGouirk is the Digital Lifestyle tailored to a mass market of Specialist of Audio Intersection located people with smart devices. at 631 E. Main Street, Canton. Android began with Google’s For more information, for questions or to set up an appointment, call G1 (my first smartphone). It (770) 770-479-1000. took the iPhone’s concept of apps to a more open source approach. What this means is that instead of going through a checks and balances committee on whether an app gets approved on the App Store, the Android market is literally filled with homebrew apps that the amateur developer has concocted. (By the way, they actually teach a class at Kennesaw State on how to develop for Android!) So for the nerds out there (we are many) the Android platform serves as the epitome of user choice. Don’t like that big clock on your HTC Android? Replace it. Don’t like how your app drawer scrolls? Download another one. No one Android phone will look the same. This level of openness is not without its downfall. Apps can crash, more often than not. The quality of many apps is not what I would consider 5-star. Lastly, the phone market is literally flooded with Android phones because it costs nothing from a licensing standpoint. It has painted a fairly poor image of Android to the iPhone purists, as one amazing Android phone is usually lost among the countless awful ones, but we’ve seen some big jumps in the platform and seriously awesome tablets being released. 2011 was the year we saw Android devices turn into remote controls. Android is garnering the attention of a lot of big companies who are developing products and apps for it. Through the use of widgets (little windows that sit on your home screen that allow easy access to apps). I have an app that sits on my screen that tells me what music I’m playing through the speakers in our office and skip the track if I want to. I’ve seen the Android platform go from simple media tasks to a full-fledged, handheld home controller. At work for instance, I can queue up some music on Rhapsody or Internet radio, turn the lights on full blast or change the volume of the music from the rocker on the side. It’s cool stuff. When I first started this was a technology only supported by the iDevices, but it’s recently reached a much wider audience, in cost and continued on page 63 56 My East Canton | february 2012
don’t forget The Ducts by Dan Jape One of the most important aspects of your home’s heating and cooling system is the duct work. Proper duct work can make a huge difference in the comfort and efficiency of your home. I see a number of customers who simply are talked into replacing the Dan Jape is the owner of Reliable Heating and Air. You may contact him equipment in their homes at (770) 594-9096 or visit him online without analyzing the at www.reliableair.com. distribution system and they end up with the same poor comfort level they had before they purchased a new system. One of the most frequent problems we find is lack of the proper amount of return or intake duct work. A proper operating system has to have the correct amount of return ducts to match the output of the system. Without the correct amount of intakes, many problems will arise such as lack of cooling capacity, overheating furnace heat exchangers, freezing cooling coils and reduced life of the entire system. Many homes have duct work built out of fiberglass or duct board. This type of duct work is very porous and rough inside, collecting dirt and debris; after a few years of service it is always filthy dirty. Mold grows on the inside of this material and it is very hard to keep the corners and seams sealed up to keep air from leaking out in attics or basements. Metal ducts and plenums need to be installed to replace this inferior product when a new system is installed in your home to assure you of proper airflow, comfort, and efficiency. In some extreme cases and because of trying to save money on new home construction, I find actual splitter boxes or Y-shaped ducts made of this duct board. You can find these by looking for boxes made into triangle shapes with many ducts attached to them. These impede airflow, overwork the furnace blower, and provide inferior comfort to the entire home. They have to be replaced to make sure you are getting the full comfort and efficiency a new HVAC system can provide you. The last and one of the most important aspects of your ducts is making sure they are sized properly to deliver the correct amount of airflow to each room in your home. Almost every homeowner I visit complains about the comfort in their bonus room or the room over their garage in a two story home. This discomfort is caused by lack of airflow. To make this room comfortable, additional air flow is needed to overcome the heat loss or heat gain.
ROMANTIC STYLES For Valentine’s Day
by Jyl Craven
For centuries February has been Jyl Craven of Jyl Craven Hair Design a month focused on lovers and loved ones, and Valentine’s Day of Canton. For information you may contact the salon at (770) 345-9411 continues to bring to mind or visit www.jylcraven.com. hearts and flowers, romance and love. This year, get in the spirit with romantic hairstyles and accessories. Here are some ways to create a different look or add something new to your hair style to bring love your way. For long hair, try a sexy, messy chignon (bun) which is easy, versatile, and works on all hair types, although it does best on hair that hasn’t been washed for 24 hours. You can also choose to wear this bun high on your head or low on the back of your neck. To get this style, follow these steps: • Brush your hair and pull it backward, gathering it into a loose ponytail. To create a lower messy chignon, start the ponytail at the nape of your neck; for a higher bun, make a high ponytail. • Tie your ponytail with an elastic band, smooth out the bumps with a paddlebrush and pull up the ponytail to create fullness on the top of your head.
• Split your ponytail in half then make a single loose tie. Take the two loose ends and tuck into the chignon. Followed with bobby pins that match hair color and place them accordingly inside the chignon. Add dangling earrings to this up-do for an even more dazzling effect! For a more relaxed look, leave your hair down and go over your hair with a flat iron for shiny locks. Then wrap the ends around a curling iron for a polished yet relaxed look the men will go wild for. Pull one or both sides up with a rhinestone pin or pretty brooch for added allure. For medium length, layered hair, use a vent brush for extra volume, switching to a round brush to flip out the ends. Rub in a small amount of pomade for a textured look and you’re ready for a night out. Use a flower to sweep up one side for a bohemian look. For short hair, get a pixie cut with bangs that show off your eyes. Use a lightweight smoothing styler and blow dry hair forward with a natural bristle brush. Spread a wax-based pomade from roots to end and tuck the extra-long pieces of hair behind your ear with a bobby pin. Wear sparkly earrings to showcase this look. Make your own magic this February with the confidence that comes from knowing you look fantastic!
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COMMUNITY INFORMATION
Emergency — 911
My East Canton Monthly — (770) 720-7497
Cherokee County Government:
www.cherokeega.com Business Licenses (678) 493-6200 Commissioners (678) 493-6000 Clerk of Courts (678) 493-6511 Economic Development (770) 345-0600 Engineering Office (Traffic Signals) (678) 493-6077 Environmental Health (770) 479-0444 Extension Office (770) 479-0418 Jury Phone (770) 479-9011 Justice Center (Courts, Judges, etc.) (770) 479-1953 Planning & Zoning (678) 493-6101 Senior Services (770) 345-2675 Tax Assessors/Evaluation (678) 493-6120 Taxes: License Plates/Tags, Property Tax (678) 493-6400 Woodstock Office (770) 924-4099 Renewals Online https://mvd.dor.ga.gov/tags/ Voter Registration (770) 479-0407
Children and Family: Anna Crawford Children’s Center (770) 592-9779 Cherokee County Boys & Girls Club (770) 720-7712 Cherokee Family Violence Center (770) 479-1804 Cherokee Focus (770) 345-5483 Child Support Enforcement (770) 720-3581 Department of Family & Children Services (770) 720-3610 Hope Center (770) 924-0864 MUST Cherokee Ministries (770) 479-5397 Papa’s Pantry (770) 591-4730
City of Canton:
City Hall Fire Department Police Information
(770) 704-1500 (770) 479-7287 (770) 720-4883
www.dds.ga.gov
(404) 657-9300
(770) 720-6607
(770) 345-7371
Kennestone Hospital Northside Hospital — Cherokee
(770) 793-5000 (770) 720-5100
Driver’s Licenses Georgia State Patrol Health Department Hospitals:
Hotlines — 24 Hour Help lines:
Battered Women Hotline Drug Tip Line (Cherokee Co. Sheriff) Poison Control Center Poison Control Center (outside metro Atlanta) Probate Court Information Line Rite-Call (Child Medical Problems) Sexual Assault & Family Violence Center
Non-Emergency 911
(770) 479-1703 (770) 345-7920 (404) 616-9000 (800) (770) (404) (770)
222-1222 704-2610 250-KIDS 428-2666
(770) 479-3117
Parks and Recreation: Barnett Park (770) 924-7768 Boling Park (770) 720-7578 BridgeMill Athletic Club (770) 345-5500 Callahan Golf Links (770) 720-1900 Cherokee County Outdoor YMCA (770) 591-5820 Cherokee County Soccer Association (770) 704-0187 www.csaimpact.com Cherokee Recreation and Parks Authority (770) 924-7768 www.crpa.net Cherokee Youth Lacrosse Assoc.: (770) 846-4843 www.cherokeelacrosse.com
58 My East Canton | february 2012
Cherokee Outdoor Family YMCA & G. Cecil Pruett Community Center Family YMCA pcy.ymcaatlanta.org, (770) 345-9622 North Atlanta Soccer Association: (770) 926-4175 michele.fox@nasa-ga.org SCRA Park (770) 926-5672 www.scrabaseball.com Wildlife Action, Inc. (800) 753-2264
Pets:
Animal Control (678) 493-6200 Animal Shelter & Pet Adoptions (770) 345-7270 www.petfinder.com/shelters/GA460.html Cherokee County Humane Society (770) 928-5115 www.cchumanesociety.org Emergency Veterinary Clinic (770) 924-3720 Lost Pet Hotline (770) 615-3333 People4Pets (770) 516-7885 www.people4pets.com Second Chance Rescue www.secondchancedogs.org
Post Office (Canton) Recycling Center Sheriff’s Office
www.usps.com
www.cherokeega-sheriff.org
(800) 275-8777 (770) 516-4195 (678) 493-4100
Utilities: Amicalola EMC (706) 253-5200 www.amicalolaemc.com AT&T (888) 757-6500 www.att.com Ball Ground Water (770) 735-2123 www.cityofballground.com BellSouth (404) 780-2355 www.bellsouth.com Canton Water (770) 704-1500 www.canton-georgia.com Charter Communications (888) 438-2427 www.charter.com Cherokee Water & Sewerage Authority (770) 479-1813 www.ccwsa.com Cobb EMC (770) 429-2100 www.cobbemc.com Comcast (404) 266-2278 www.comcast.com DirecTV (877) 516-6276 www.directv.com Dish Network (888) 825-2557 www.dishnetwork.com ETC Communications (706) 253-2271 www.northganow.com Gas South (866) 762-6427 www.gas-south.com Georgia Natural Gas (888) 442-7489 www.georgianaturalgas.com Georgia Power (888) 660-5890 www.southernco.com/gapower Scana Energy (877) 467-2262 www.scana.com Waleska Water (770) 479-2912 Windstream (866) 971-WIND www.windstream.com
Urgent Care Facilities: M.D. Minor Emergency & Family Medicine Northside Cherokee Urgent Care Wellstar Urgent Care
(770) 720-7000 (678) 426-5450 (678) 494-2500
President Barack Obama (D) (202) 456-1414 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue fax: (202) 456-2461 Washington, D.C. 20500 Website: www.whitehouse.gov
Senator Saxby Chambliss (R) (202) 224-3521 Senate Russell Courtyard-2 GA: (770) 763-9090 Washington, D.C. 20510 Website: http://chambliss.senate.gov
Senator Johnny Isakson (R) (202) 224-3643 1 Overton Park, Suite 970 GA: (770) 661-0999 3625 Cumberland Blvd., Atlanta, GA 30339 fax: (770) 661-0768 Website: http://isakson.senate.gov
Rep. Tom Price (R), District 6 P.O. Box 425, Roswell, GA 30077 Website: http://tom.house.gov
(202) 225-4501 GA: (770) 565-4990 fax: (770) 565-7570
Rep. John Linder (R), District 7 (202) 225-4272 90 North Street, Suite 360 GA: (770) 232-3005 Canton, GA 30114-2724 fax: (770) 232-2909 Website: www.linder.house.gov
State Government: Governor Nathan Deal (R) 203 State Capitol Atlanta, GA 30334 www.gov.ga.gov.com
(404) 656-1776 fax: (404) 657-7332
State Senator Jack Murphy (R) (D-27) (770) 887-1960 304-B Coverdell Legislative Bldg. fax: (770) 205-0602 Atlanta, GA 30334 e-mail: jack.murphy@senate.ga.gov
State Rep. Calvin Hill (R) (D-21) local: (678) 493-7257 511 Coverdell Legislative Bldg. business: (404) 656-0129 Atlanta, GA 30334 fax: (770) 345-2394 e-mail: chill@legis.state.ga.us
State Rep. Sean Jerguson (R) (D-22) 607 Coverdell Legislative Bldg. Atlanta, GA 30334 e-mail: sean.jerguson@house.ga.gov
(404) 656-0287
Harry Johnston (R), Post 1 e-mail: hjohnston@cherokeega.com
Jim Hubbard (R), Post 2 e-mail: jhubbard@cherokeega.com
Karen Bosch (R), Post 3 e-mail: kbosch@cherokeega.com
Jason A. Nelms (R), Post 4 e-mail: jnelms@cherokeega.com
Cherokee County Board of Education:
Mike Chapman (R), Post 2 (Chair) e-mail: mike.chapman@cherokee.k12.ga.us
(678) 493-6270 (678) 493-6260 (678) 493-6240
State Court: Chief Judge Clyde J. Gober, Jr. Judge W. Alan Jordan Judge A. Dee Morris
(678) 493-6480 (678) 493-6490 (678) 493-6480
(678) 493-6250 (678) 493-6280
(678) 493-6431
(678) 493-6160
Magistrate Court: Chief Judge James Drane III
Clerk of the Court: Patty Baker
(770) 345-6256
(770) 704-4398, x4372
Michael Geist, Post 3 e-mail: michael.geist@cherokee.k12.ga.us
(404) 462-4950
Janet Read (R), Post 4 e-mail: janet.read@cherokee.k12.ga.us
(770) 516-1444
Rick Steiner (R), Post 5 e-mail: rick.steiner@cherokee.k12.ga.us
(770) 704-4398, x4370
Rob Usher, Post 6 e-mail: rob.usher@cherokee.k12.ga.us
(770) 928-0341
Kim Cochran (R), Post 7 e-mail: kimcochran@gmail.com
(678) 983-9644
Cherokee County Coroner Earl W. Darby 90 North Street, Suite 310 Canton, GA 30114
(404) 362-1600
Superintendent, Dr. Frank Petruzielo (770) 479-1871 P.O. Box 769 fax: (770) 479-1236 110 Academy St. Canton, GA 30114 Website: www.cherokee.k12.ga.us
Superior Court: Chief Judge Frank C. Mills, III Judge N. Jackson Harris Judge Ellen McElyea
Juvenile/Family Court: Judge John B. Sumner Judge Tony Baker
www.cherokee.k12.ga.us
Robert Wofford, Post 1 e-mail: robert.wofford@cherokee.k12.ga.us
Cherokee County School System
Cherokee County Courts:
Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office
Sheriff Roger Garrison (R) (678) 493-4100 498 Chattin Drive fax: (678) 493-4228 Canton, GA 30115 Website: www.cherokeega-sheriff.org
Cherokee County Tax Commissioner
David Fields (R) (678) 493-6400 2780 Marietta Highway fax: (678) 493-6420 Canton, GA 30114 e-mail: dfields@cherokeega.com
City of Canton
www.canton-georgia.com
(770) 704-1500
Mayor Gene Hobgood
City of Ball Ground
www.cityofballground.com
(770) 735-2123
Mayor A. R. (Rick) Roberts III
(678) 493-6511
Cherokee County Board of Commissioners www.cherokeega.com 1130 Bluffs Parkway (678) 493-6000 Canton, GA 30114 fax: (678) 493-6001
State Rep. Mark Hamilton (R) (D-23) Email: mark.hamilton@house.ga.gov
Probate Court: Judge Keith Wood
Commissioners: Buzz Ahrens (R), Chairperson e-mail: lbahrens@cherokeega.com
ELECTED & APPOINTED OFFICIALS
United States Government:
City of Holly Springs
www.hollyspringsga.net Mayor Tim Downing
(770) 345-5536
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RELIGIOUS SERVICES
Baptist
Ball Ground First Baptist
Church of God Free Home Community Church
445 Old Canton Road, (770) 735- 3374 Sunday Services: 11 a.m. & 7p.m. www.ballgroundfbc.org
152 Crystal Springs Lane, (770) 479-1537 Sunday Services: 11 a.m. & 6 p.m.
Calvary Baptist
947 Bailey Road, Woodstock, (770) 475-4321 Sunday Service: 10:50 a.m.
137 Hightower Road, (770) 887-6982 Sunday Service: 11 a.m. www.calvarybaptistweb.org
Cherokee Baptist 7770 Hickory Flat Highway, (770) 720-3399 Sunday Services: 11 a.m. & 6 p.m. www.CherokeeBaptistChurch.org
Community Baptist Church 115 W. Wes Walker Memorial Dr., Ball Ground Currently meeting at Canton Community Church Sunday Service: 1:30 p.m. www.community-baptist-church.com
Crossroads of Life Baptist 2861 Ball Ground Hwy, (770) 479- 7638 Sunday Services: 11 a.m. & 6 p.m. www.crossroadsoflifebaptist.org
First Baptist Canton Mission Point Campus: 1 Mission Point Sunday Services: 8:15, 9:30 & 11 a.m. Visit the website or call for details: (770) 479-5538, www.fbccanton.org
First Baptist Holly Springs 2632 Holly Springs Pkwy, (770) 345-5349 Sunday Service: 10:45 a.m. www.fbchollysprings.com
First Baptist Church of Woodstock 11905 Hwy 92, Woodstock, (770) 926-4428 Sunday Services: 9:30 a.m. & 6 p.m. www.fbcw.org
Hickory Road Baptist Church 2146 Hickory Road, (770) 345-2296 Sunday Services: 11 a.m. & 6 p.m. www.hickoryroad.org
Mount Zion Baptist Church 4096 East Cherokee Drive, (770) 479-3324 Sunday Services: 8:30 & 11 a.m., 6:30 p.m. www.mtzb.org
Mountain View Baptist Church 8991 East Cherokee Drive (Kid Connection) Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m. (678) 880-0871, www.mv-baptist.com Pastor: Dr. Joe Brothers
Shoal Creek Baptist 4967 Fincher Road, (770) 720-0195 Sunday Services: 11 a.m. & 6 p.m.
Hickory Flat Church of God
Hillside Community Church of God
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Timothy Lutheran Church (LC-MS) 556 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock Sunday Services: 8:30 & 11 a.m. (770) 928-2812 Tlcwoodstock.ctsmemberconnect.net
Methodist Ball Ground United Methodist Church
12487 Fincher Road, (678) 880-1901 Sunday Services: 11 a.m. & 6 p.m.
3045 Ball Ground Highway, (770) 735-6247 Sunday Service: 11 a.m. www.ballgroundchurch.org
New Life Church
Big Springs United Methodist
154 Lakeside Drive, (770) 345-2660 Sunday Services: 9:30 & 11:15 a.m. www.newlifecanton.com
Sunnyside Church of God 2510 East Cherokee Drive, (770) 639-1018 Sunday Service: 11 a.m. www.sunnysidecog.org
Toonigh Church of God 4776 Old Highway 5, (770) 926-3096 Sunday Services: 11 a.m. & 6 p.m.
Episcopal Christ the Redeemer Episcopal Church 6488 Hickory Flat Hwy., (404) 395-5003 Meeting at All Points Community Church Saturday Service: 5:30 p.m. www.ctrcec.com
Saint Clement’s Episcopal Church 2795 Ridge Road, (770) 345-6722 Sunday Eucharist Services: 8, 9 & 11 a.m. www.stclementscanton.org
Jewish Chabad Jewish Center 1635 Old Hwy 41 NW, Suites 112-265, Kennesaw (678) 460-7702, www.Jewishwestcobb.com Introductory Service: 1st Shabbat of each month at 11 a.m. Traditional Service: 3rd Shabbat of each month at 10:30 a.m.
2066 Sugar Pike Road, (770) 475-1796 Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m.
Birmingham United Methodist Church 15770 Birmingham Rd., (678) 942-1600 Sunday Services: 9:30 & 11 a.m. www.birminghamumc.org
Canton First United Methodist Church 930 Lower Scott Mill Road, (770) 479-2502 Sunday Services: 8:30, 9:30, & 11 a.m. www.cantonfirstumc.org
City On A Hill: A United Methodist Church 7745 Main Street, Woodstock, (678) 445-3480 Sunday Services: 9:35 & 11:15 a.m. www.coahumc.org
Hickory Flat United Methodist Church 4056 East Cherokee Drive, (770) 345-5969 Sunday School: 9:20 a.m. Sunday Services: 9:20 & 11 a.m. www.hickoryflat.org
Holly Springs United Methodist Church 2464 Holly Springs Parkway, (770) 345-2883 Sunday Service: 11 a.m. www.hollyspringsumc.com
Liberty Hill Church 141 Railroad Street, (678) 493-8920 Sunday Services: 9:30 & 11 a.m. www.libertyhillumc.org
Orange United Methodist Church 220 Orange Church Circle, (770) 886-9662 Sunday Services: 8:45 & 11 a.m. www.orangeumc.org
Congregation Ner Tamid
Sixes United Methodist Church
Reform Jewish Congregation Contact us for High Holiday Service times & dates (678) 264-8575, www.mynertamid.org
8385 Bells Ferry Road, (770) 345-7644 Sunday Services: 9 & 11 a.m. www.sixesumc.org
Tikvah I’ Chaim “Hope for Life” Messianic Jewish Fellowship
Union Hill United Methodist Church
4206 N. Arnold Mill Rd., (678) 936-4125 Saturday Shabbat Service: 10 a.m. www.tlchaim.com
Lutheran
Shoal Creek Primitive Baptist 174 Fields Mcghee Drive, (770) 630-7150 Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m. Pastor: Elder Randall Cagle
(770) 503-5050, www.celebrationofgrace.org
2000 A.J. Land Road, (678) 297-0550 Sunday Service: 11 a.m. www.unionhillumc.org
Orthodox St. Elizabeth Orthodox Church
Celebration of Grace Lutheran Church Scott Mill Chapel, 411 Scott Mill Road Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m.
2263 E. Cherokee Drive, (770) 485-0504 Sunday Divine Liturgy: 10 a.m. www.stelizabethga.org
Presbyterian Cherokee Presbyterian Church, PCA 1498 Johnson Brady Road, (770) 704-9594 Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m. & 6 p.m. www.cherokee-pca.org
Bethel Tabernacle 13417 Fincher Road (Hwy. 108), (770) 479-4540 Sunday Service: 12 noon
C3 Church 94 North Street, Cherokee Arts Center Sunday Service: 10 a.m. (404) 317-0345, www.c3church.tv
Faith Presbyterian Church USA
Canton Community
3655 Reinhardt College Parkway Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m. (770) 479-6193, www.faithpc.us
260 Rolling Hills Avenue, (770) 479-3792 Sunday Service: 10:45 a.m. www.cantoncommunityministries.org
Grace Church, PCA
Canton Hispanic SDA
1160 Butterworth Road, (770) 265-5811 Sunday Services: 11 a.m. www.gracecanton.org
Heritage Presbyterian Church
462 Scott Road, (678) 493-2727 Sabbath School: 9:15 a.m. Worship Service: 11:15 a.m. http://cantonhispanic22.adventistchurchconnect.org
5323 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock Sunday School: 9:45 a.m. Sunday Services: 8:45 & 11:10 a.m. (770) 926-3558, www.heritagepres.com
Canton Adventist Church
Sixes Presbyterian Church
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
2335 Sixes Road, (770) 485-1975 Sunday School: 9:30 a.m. Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m. www.sixeschurch.org
3459 East Cherokee Drive, (770) 720-9574 Sunday Services: 1 p.m.
Trinity Presbyterian Church USA 1136 Trinity Church Road, (678) 493- 6955 Sunday Service: 11 a.m. www.trinity-presbyterian-church.org
Woodstock Presbyterian Church 345 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock, (770) 926-0074 Traditional Worship Service: 11 a.m.
Roman Catholic Our Lady of LaSalette Catholic Church 2941 Sam Nelson Road, (770) 479-8923 Saturday Vigil Mass: 5:30 p.m. Sunday Masses: 8 & 10:30 a.m. Sunday Spanish Mass: 5:30 p.m. www.lasalettecanton.com
St. Michael the Archangel 490 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock, (770) 516-0009 Saturday Vigil Mass: 5:30 p.m. Sunday Masses: 7:30, 9 & 11 a.m., 12:45 & 5:30 p.m. Sunday Spanish Mass: 2:30 p.m. www.stmichaelthearchangelwoodstock. catholicweb.com
Other Churches AllPoints Community Church 6488 Hickory Flat Highway, (678) 493-3430 Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m. www.allpointschurch.org
Antioch Christian 3595 Sugar Pike Road, (770) 475-9628 Sunday Services: 8:15 & 10:30 a.m. & 6:30 p.m. www.antiochcanton.org
411 Scott Mill Road, (678) 880-0106 Saturday Worship: 10 a.m. www.cantonfamiles.org
Church of the Messiah 415 Charles Cox Drive, (770) 479-5280 Sunday Service: 10 a.m. www.churchofthemessiah.net
Dayspring Church 6835 Victory Drive, Acworth (770) 516-5733 Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m. www.dayspring-online.com
Emmanuel Community Church 2135 East Cherokee Drive, (404) 668-2653 Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m. www.ecchurchsite.org
Grace Bible Church Meets at Cherokee Christian School Sunday Service: 11 a.m. (770) 355-8724, www.gracebc.info
Greater Bethel Community Church 211 Arnold Mill Road, (770) 592-9900 Sunday Service: 11 a.m.
Hickory Flat Fellowship 5301 Hickory Flat Highway, (770) 704-5050 Sunday Service: 11 a.m.
Inner Quest Unlimited (a metaphysical Christian Church) 12830 New Providence Road, Alpharetta Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m. (770) 521-2875, www.InnerQuestChurch.org
Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m. www.lakearrowheadchapel.org
Life Bible Church 124 P. Rickman Industrial Drive, (770) 217-7494 Sunday Services: 10 a.m. www.lifebiblechurch.com
Morning Star Church 1006 Owens Store Road, (678) 794-7486 Sunday Service: 11 a.m. www.morningstarcanton.com
New Covenant Bible 1095 Scott Road, (770) 479-6412 Sunday Service: 11 a.m. www.newcovenantcanton.org
Oak Leaf Church Canton 151 E.Marietta Street, (678) 653-4652 Sunday Services: 9:30 & 11 a.m. www.oakleafcanton.com
The Pointe 300 Adam Jenkins Memorial Pkwy., Suite 112 Sunday Services: 9 & 11 a.m. www.myfriendschurch.com
Quaker — Canton Friends Worship Group 360 East Marietta Street, (770) 720-4669 Sunday Service: 2nd & 4th Sunday 10 a.m. wrldpeas@mindspring.com, http://cantonfriend.org
The Quest Church 411 Scott Mill Road, Canton, (678) 687-8670 Sunday Service: 11 a.m. www.thequestcanton.com
Resurrection Anglican Church 231 Arnold Mill Road, (770) 591-0040 Sunday Service: 8:30 & 10:45 a.m www.resurrectionwoodstock.org
Revolution Church 1130 Bluffs Parkway, (770) 345-2737 Sunday Services: 8:15, 9:45, 11:15 a.m. & 12:45 p.m. www.therevolution.tv
The River 3440 Sixes Road, Canton (next to Taco Bell) Sunday Service: 10 a.m. www.riveratlanta.org
Soul’s Harbor Word of Faith Church 110 Evergreen Road, (770) 345-2715 Sunday Services: 10:30 a.m. & 6:30 p.m. www.soulsharborchurch.com
St. Paul AME 390 Crisler Street, (770) 479-9691 Sunday Service: 11 a.m. www.stpaulame-canton.org
Watermarke Church
Jehovah’s Witnesses
Meeting at Cherokee Charter Academy 2126 Sixes Road, Canton (678) 880-9092 Sunday Services: 9 & 11 a.m. www.watermarkechurch.com
667 Scott Road, (770) 479-7028 Call for local meeting times.
Word of Life Family
Lake Arrowhead Chapel 1218 Lake Arrowhead Drive, (770) 479-3886
207 Marvin Land Lane, (770) 479-7693 Sunday Service: 9 a.m. www.wolfc.net
www.footprintspublishing.com 61
CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS
Grace to the Nations: (404) 819-5520 www.gracetothenations.com
Business Organizations
Habitat for Humanity North Central GA:
American Business Women’s Association: (678) 493-3618, www.abwa.org Canton Cherokee Business and Professional Women’s Club: (770) 345-1750 Cherokee Area Business Connection: (770) 345-8687 Cherokee Business & Professional Women: (770) 345-1751 Cherokee Toastmasters: (770) 712-4077 www.CherokeeToastmasters.com NEW Network of Entrepreneurial Women: (678) 595-0344 PowerCore: (404) 572-1278 Woodmont Business Club: www.woodmontbusinessclub.com
(770) 345-1879, www.habitatncg.org Haiti Cheri Harvest Life Ministries:
Hope Center (hope for unplanned pregnancies):
62 My East Canton | february 2012
(770) 924-0864, www.hopectr.com
Hope Center — Baby & More Thrift Store:
www.babyandmorethriftstore.com
Hospice Advantage:
(770) 218-1997
www.hospiceadvantage.com
iCOR (helping orphans):
(404) 992-8155
www.iCORorphans.com
Legacy Ministries International: (770) 924-0826 Meals-on-Wheels: Miracle Mothers:
Charitable & Support Organizations
AA Meetings: Antioch Christian: (770) 475-9628 AARP Organization: Canton Chapter: (770) 479-5460 Adopting Families Group: (770) 516-1340 Alzheimer/Dementia Support Group: (770) 926-0119 American Heart Assoc. — Cherokee Division: (678) 385-2013 Arts Alliance of Georgia: (678) 754-8482 Bethany Place: (770) 479-9462 www.bethanyplacehome.org Breast Cancer Support Group, Drop-In: (404) 843-1880 Canton Al-Anon: (770) 516-3502 CASA for Children, Inc.: Deidre Hollands, (770) 345-3274 www.casacherokee.org Cherokee Autism Support Group: Heidi — HCF67@comcast.net or Renee — MRJPERRELLI@yahoo.com Cherokee Child Advocacy Council: (770) 592-9779 www.cherokeechildadvocates.org Cherokee Co. Aspergers Syndrome Support Group: www.CCAspies.org Cherokee Co. Family Child Care Assoc.: Brenda Bowen, (770) 926-8055 Cherokee Co. Foster & Adoptive Parent Association of GA: (770) 378-0759 www.fosteroradopt.org Cherokee Co. Habitat for Humanity: (770) 345-1879 Cherokee Co. Senior Services: (770) 345-5312 Cherokee Co. Service League: (770) 704-5991 Cherokee Co. Special Olympics: (770) 517-7101 Cherokee County Family Violence Center: (770) 479-1804 Battered Women Hotline: (770) 479-1703 In Spanish, (770) 720-7050 Cherokee Fellowship of Christian Athletes: Bill Queen (404) 441-3508, www.cherokeefca.org Cherokee FOCUS: (770) 345-5483 www.cherokeefocus.org Drug Free Cherokee: Stacy Bailey, (770) 345-5483 www.drugfreecherokee.org Emotions Anonymous: Tonya M., (678) 648-9953
(800) 989-4248, dan@haiticheri.org
(770) 345-7440 www.miraclemothers.org
MOMS Club of Canton (serving Canton, Ball Ground, Waleska and Holly Springs): West: http://momsclubofcantonwest.webs.com MOPS — Mothers of Preschoolers: (770) 479-4140 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/waleskamops MUST Ministries:
(770) 479-5397
www.mustministries.org
Narcotics Anonymous:
(770) 720-4032
National Alliance for Mental Illness Family Support Group:
(404) 394-1229, www.nami.org
North Georgia Angel House, Inc.:
www.angelhousega.com
Northside Hospital Cherokee Auxiliary: (770) 720-9559 Northwest Atlanta Moms of Multiples:
(678) 404-0034, www.NOWAMOM.org
Papa’s Pantry:
(770) 591-4730
www.papaspantry.org
Safe Kids of Georgia in Cherokee County: (678) 493-4343, www.cherokeesafekids.org Salvation Army: 121 Waleska St. (770) 720-4316 Volunteer Aging Council:
(770) 345-7515
Young Peoples AA Meeting:
(770) 479-2502
Civic Organizations
Canton Lions Club:
(678) 224-7878 www.lionsofcanton.org
Canton Noon Day Optimists:
(678) 454-2370
Canton Optimist Club:
www.cantonoptimist.com
Canton Rotary Club:
(770) 479-2101
Cherokee County Historical Society:
(770) 345-3288, www.rockbarn.org
Hickory Flat Optimist Club:
Alan Flint (770) 720-9056
Holly Springs Business & Professional Assoc.: (678) 467-9269
Pilot Club of Cherokee County:
Lynda Goodwin at (770) 393-1766
Lynda@edgoodwinassociates.com
Rotary Club of Cherokee County: (678) 297-0154, glopos@bellsouth.net
Sons of the American Revolution:
Cherokee Chapter, (770) 410-0015 btemple1@bellsouth.net
The Trail of Tears Association:
(770) 704-6338
www.nationaltota.org
United Daughters of the Confederacy, The Helen Plane Chapter 711: helenplane711@gmail.com
Political Organizations Cherokee Co. Board of Elections & Registrations: (770) 479-0407 Cherokee County Democratic Party: (770) 345-3489, www.CherokeeDems.com Cherokee Co. Municipal Planning Commission: (678) 493-6101 Cherokee County Republican Party: (678) 809-1411, www.cherokeecountygop.com Cherokee County Repulican Women’s Club: (678) 520-2236, www.CCRWCGA.com Cherokee County School Board: (770) 479-1871 Cherokee County Teen Republicans: (678) 232-7488, www.cherokeecountytrs.webs.com Cherokee County Young Republicans: (770) 926-9317, deanc@mindspring.com Cherokee/Pickens Libertarian Party: (770) 345-4678, www.lpgeorgia.com/cherokee
Recreation & Hobbies Canton Moose Family Center (Bingo): (770) 479-8300 Christian Authors Guild: www.christianauthorsguild.org Cherokee Amateur Radio Society: (770) 928-8590, www.cherokee-ares.org/ccars Cherokee Amateur Radio Emergency Services (SKYWARN Storm Spotters): (770) 928-8590 www.cherokee-ares.org Cherokee Community Chorale: (678) 439-8625 www.cherokeecommunitychorale.org Cherokee County Master Gardeners: (770) 479-0418 Cherokee County Saddle Club: (770) 757-2282 www.cherokeesaddleclub.com Cherokee County Social Adventures Group: www.TCCSAG.org Cherokee Fencing Club: Andy McCann, (678) 494-9750 www.cherokeefencingclub.com Cherokee Hiking Club: (770) 235-3655 hiking_fred@hotmail.com Cherokee MOTS (Mom’s of Tots): (770) 272-5388 www.meetup.com/cherokee-mots Cherokee Music Teachers Association: (770) 720-3987, www.cherokeemta.org Cherokee New Horizons Band (CNHB): (770) 479-4917, cnhbcontact@yahoo.com Cherokee Photography Club: www.cherokeepc.org Cherokee Running Club: (770) 928-4239 (770) 926-8513 Cherokee Senior Softball Association: www.cssasoftball.com Crossfit Workout of the Day Club: www.crossfitgarage.com Falany Performing Arts Center @ Reinhardt University: (770) 720-5558, www.reinhardt.edu/fpac The Funk Heritage Center Book Club: (770) 720-5969 North Cobb Bass Club: (770) 820-3945 www.northcobbbass.com Sewrifics, American Sewing Guild: (678) 493-3976 Southern O Scalers: Dan Mason, (770) 337-5139
My Second Mortgage . . .
continued from page 30
against the homeowner seeking to recoup the balance of the loan thru the court. Chapter 7 Bankruptcy provides individuals protection against collection efforts by the lender, allowing the homeowner to be free and clear of any deficiency on the loan balance. If a homeowner plans on keeping their home, even if foreclosure is eminent, Chapter 13 can possibly provide assistance in eliminating or reducing the cost of the second mortgage. Certainly the home value and income play an important role in calculating if these results are possible, but Chapter 13 Bankruptcy does provide the potential for success.
. . . Heartworm Disease
continued from page 54
the limited supply. Yearly prevention would ensure the safety of your pet. Gambling with heartworm prevention is just as risky as playing craps in Las Vegas. It has random selection and may end up taking your pet’s life. Prevention is relatively inexpensive when calculated monthly and also protects the family from unwanted diseases. Don’t gamble with your family’s and pet’s lives, and give your heartworm prevention today.
A View from the Hill
continued from page 30
Getting government out of the way is one of the fastest, least expensive and most sustainable ways to increasing small business growth and therefore adding more real jobs for Georgians. It is time that we clear the way for this to happen. This process is already long overdue!
The Family Touch
continued from page 54
3. Good marriages are partnerships. Successful corporations merge their assets, but successful marriages pool their potential. A happily married man is more than he was when he was single because he has the confidence and support of his wife. A woman who is cherished in marriage is fulfilled in a way singleness can’t touch. Together they are more than the sum of their parts.
But the partnership is always improved when they have a connection to the ultimate Source of life. God dreamed marriage before we did, and He can direct us to our highest satisfaction if we allow it. He’s the ultimate Partner we need and the one to Whom both of us can surrender. I don’t ask for agreement — just thoughtful consideration. If you disagree, tell each other why; that way it will do the most good! Have a Happy Valentine’s Day!
Fandroid
continued from page 56
availability. Now that Android is finally being realized as a contender, we get to share some of the innovation and ease of use through total home control. Android is no longer “like the iPhone,” it’s actually being praised on its own merits. Probably the one frightening thing is that there is no going back to a standard flip phone. Unless of course that flip phone turns into a jet.
A True Love Story
continued from page 19
in Love” written by Lerner and Loewe — who also wrote “My Fair Lady.” The cast is fabulous and absolutely determined to do justice to the production in honor of Jean Miller. And yes, we have hired an actual bagpiper. When I showed Jim the poster for the show, done by Rob Smith, this expression of love came over his face and he said, “It’s beautiful,” and again we both cried. For the woman depicted in the artwork had red hair - just like his Jean - and Rob had no idea as he had never met her. So bring someone you love to this precious show and hold their hand extra tight as you enjoy it. And think of Jean and Jim.
Crossfit Canton
continued from page 50
common questions related to a fit lifestyle. 2. Currently, every Saturday at 8:30 a.m. we offer our Free Community Outreach class. This class is structured to be scaled for any ability level and to work on the basics of functional movements. This class’ primary purpose is to provide a program for anyone that needs a place to workout, learn, find motivation and support regardless of their financial situation. There will be no sales pitch and this is not meant as a means of marketing only as a way of helping others. We’d love to see everyone there! 3. We have scheduled multiple events throughout the year that are fitness based and some that are meant to bring people together. We encourage and welcome everyone to our events. Some may have a small fee but we will have plenty for no cost as well. To stay abreast of all of our events, look for us in this publication, check out our website, “like” our Facebook page or contact us and we’ll put you on our email list. If you have any questions about our column, general fitness questions, or about any of our upcoming events, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Thank you for the privilege of serving this community and I look forward to the opportunity to serve your fitness needs. www.footprintspublishing.com 63
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