Cherokee Life Magazine July/August 2015

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Cherokee Life

WHAT’S INSIDE

July/August 2015 Volume 10, Issue 4

departments

EDITORIAL STAFF DIRECTOR OF MAGAZINES

16 SPICE Best Breakfasts in Cherokee

Mark Wallace Maguire

34 HEALTH Paddleboarding making waves in local lakes

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF MAGAZINES Stacey L. Evans

LAYOUT AND DESIGN

features

Stacey L. Evans, Mark Wallace Maguire

8 FROM HOG SCRAPERS TO VINYL RECORDS The Green Bean Exchange has a plethora of vintage and antique items

CONTRIBUTORS

8

in every issue

24 DOG DAYS Twenty things to keep you entertained during long summer days

FROM THE DIRECTOR

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PHOTOGRAPHY

Shanda Crowe, Sam Bennett, Jennifer Carter HIGHLIGHTS 33 SCENE 34 REFLECTIONS 42

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Carla Barnes, LaTria Garnigan, Jennifer Hafer, Meredith Pruden, Therra C. Gwyn

PHOTOGRAPHER Samantha Shal

PROOFREADER Whitney Betts

ON THE COVER: A bacon and egg biscuit from Texaco at Highway 5 in Woodstock.

Find the story on page 22.

Photo by Samantha Shal

ADVERTISING STAFF ADVERTISING MANAGER Kim Fowler

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Tara Guest

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS Afterglow Spa

38

Northside Hospital - Cherokee

43

AquaGuard Basements

40

Pain Solutions Treatment Centers

11

GRAPHICS COORDINATOR

Bedoe’s Bar & Grille

21

Perimeter North Family Medicine

27

Beth Poirier

Canton Gymnastics Academy

32

Pinnacle Orthopaedics

3

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Jennifer Hall, Carlos Navarrete

Canton Tire and Wheel

14

Plastic Surgery Center of The South

10

Cherokee Charter Academy

31

Reel Seafood

38 37

Dave Gossett

EXECUTIVE

PRODUCTION

Cherokee County Arts Council

6

Cherokee County Farm Bureau

37

Reinhardt University Falany Performing

City of Canton - Farmers Market

39

Repair Barn

21

6

Salon • Spa Venessa

26

Decorating Den

34

Skin Cancer Specialist

15

Dixie Speedway

29

Sosebee Funeral Home

44

Eden’s Keepers

28

Superior Plumbing

36

Lee B. Garrett

14, 39

Superior Plumbing

40

V.P. ADVERTISING

Frosty Frog Creamery & Café

19

Superior Plumbing

41

Wade Stephens

Funk Heritage Center

26

The Science of Beauty

33

Giddeon’s Automotive

36

Three Sisters Gifts & Home Accents

19

Main Street Canton

23

Wellstar

INFORMATION Cherokee Life is published six times a year by the Cherokee Tribune and distributed to more than 20,000 homes and businesses.

To subscribe, email circulation@ cherokeelifemagazine.com or call 770.795.5001 To advertise, contact Kim Fowler at 770.795.3068

Darby Funeral Home

Fowler Electric

Main Street Nail Salon NH Georgia Cancer Specialists NHC Ortho & Sports

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ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Paula Milton, Renee Addison, Becky Opitz, Katy Ruth Camp, Jill Abbott, Ginny Hrushka

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CIRCULATION DIRECTOR

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Willows Gift Shop

30

Winchester Wood Fire Grill

28

PUBLISHER Otis Brumby IIl

GENERAL MANAGER

Please send all editorial correspondence to mmaguire@cherokeelifemagazine.com

6/23/2015 2:48:42 PM

FROM THE DIRECTOR

Truly, the most important meal of the day There it was.

Gorgeous.

Warm.

Alluring and inviting.

It was my 40th birthday breakfast that my wife cooked for the special occasion.

A breakfast fit for a king in his quarters, or a farmer preparing for a day in the fields: Biscuits with sausage and gravy, a couple of fried eggs and cheese grits.

Simply, a picture of beauty.

I ate it slowly, deliberately.

Between bites, I sipped on a cup of coffee and relished the birds singing outside, the hydrangeas blooming and the greening of summer.

I even took a picture with my phone and sent it out to my friends and relatives.

Ah, a breakfast fit for a celebration and bound to memory.

I haven’t enjoyed a breakfast quite up to that par in a couple of years and perhaps that is part of the reason it lingers so strong in my memory. And that is no disrespect to my wife – who is still the Queen of all breakfast food – but a simple fact of life.

Time is usually of the essence and so is health, and with my age and cholesterol not decreasing, I generally dine on yogurt and cereal during the week for breakfast.

On weekends, I am treated to pancakes or biscuits, but nothing quite like that perfect Southern storm I was blessed with after surviving four decades on this orb.

They call breakfast the most important meal of the day.

I think in some ways it is the most memorable, too, or, as many psychologists might say, the most formative.

Oh yes, there are steak dinners, recollections of vacation dining experiences and other culinary-related instances, but it is breakfast that I believe sticks with most of us. I believe part of it is the sensory experience itself.

The smell of bacon, for example, is so unmistakable that retailers have concocted bacon-smelling candles, incense and more through the years.

The sound of bacon and eggs frying is also easy to identify. I would actually rank the sound of bacon frying up with rain as far as sounds one can recognize in a few seconds.

And the food lends itself to the comfort food arena - I won’t digress into pontificating on the world of grits, biscuits, French toast, sausage, donuts, waffles or fresh fruit so I don’t come across as a one of Dante’s gluttonous crew.

The point of a good breakfast is not to simply ‘break the fast’ of not eating from the night before as the history of the word means, but to, instead, take one’s time with it. Avoid the rush. Savor the genesis of a new day with good food and, if you’re a morning person, good conversation as well. (If you’re not a morning person like me, a magazine, birds singing and a pot of coffee will do just fine for company).

Those are the components of a good breakfast.

In this issue, we searched for some of Cobb’s best breakfasts.

We discovered everything from the savory to the sweet, the staples to the superfluous and more.

We hope you enjoy reading this issue and visiting some of our county’s fine eateries.

If you can’t make it in the morning, some of these restaurants serve breakfast throughout the day.

And, second breakfast or, even brinner, is always a winner as well.

Enjoy your breakfasting and your summer.

Best, Mark Wallace Maguire

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Relax...

life is beautiful

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news & noteworthy [news from us]

Cherokee Life’s Maguire wins first place award for column Cherokee Life Director Mark Wallace Maguire won first place in the Society of Professional Journalists’ 65th annual Green Eyeshade Awards for humorous commentary in the magazine category. The Green Eyeshade Awards recognize the best work in journalism in 11 Southeastern states. The award was for his column, “The Apple, The Tree and Letting it Be” which was published in the September/October issue of Cherokee Life magazine.

[for the grill] Summer and early fall are the best times to fire up the grill.

Here are a couple of gadgets to make your job easier: The BBQ Dragon is a fire-starting tool that starts charcoal faster than a chimney without using lighter fluid. It controls the heat of grills and smokers, revives smoldering fires, and heats ceramic cookers to pizza-cooking temps in just minutes. It works by blowing large amounts of low-velocity, cool air at fires, providing them with more oxygen so they burn hotter and faster. It’s cordless, hands-free and portable, so you can use it tailgating, camping or at the beach.

Starts at $59.95 and is available at www.bbqdragon.com.

Remembering

a life well-lived...

complete funeral Service cremation or shippinG prEarranGEd planS

770.479.2193

darbyfuneralhome.com 480 East Main strEEt • Canton, Ga 30114

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Cherokee Arts Center Visit The Cherokee Arts Center Gallery in downtown Canton today. Enjoy viewing works by Georgia artists, and purchase artwork for your home and office.

• Members Art Show and Sale – on display now through mid-August • Artwork of Larry Dodson – in our Gallery in September • Clay Council Ceramic Show – coming in October • Holiday Show and Sale – don’t miss it in November and December

The Cherokee Arts Center offers visual and performing arts classes for all ages.

• Oil and Acrylic Painting • Watercolor Painting • Children’s Art • Photography • Jewelry Making • Stained Glass Art • Drama • Musical Theater

94 North Street | Canton, GA 30114

770-704-6244

Email: info@cherokeearts.org

WWW.CHEROKEEARTS.ORG

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6/20/2015 10:50:02 AM

[for the grill]

Gas grill vs. charcoal grill? Doesn’t matter.

Great grilling has nothing to do with the heat source and everything to do with the grate — where the meat meets the heat and the actual cooking takes place, according to Cartersville-based GrillGrate LLC. The company’s award-winning product, GrillGrate, is interlocking panels that work on any grill to form a new surface.

The three-dimensional design is highly conductive, smooths out hot and cold spots and magnifies and focuses the grill’s heat, converting most of it to infrared heat. The heat is rapidly transferred up the raised rails to cook food fast and evenly. The design also offers protection from flame flare-ups, preventing charring and drying out. This means meats are juicier, more evenly cooked and perfectly seared.

It works on steak, chicken, pork, fish, vegetables ... even pizza.

What’s more, GrillGrates are easily transportable, so you can have better and cleaner surfaces when camping or grilling out in a local park. Prices start at $39.99. Available at www.grillgrate.com

New Location, Accepting New Patients

We are proud to announce that we are expanding to provide services in both the Holly Springs and Woodstock communities. Our family friendly practice is dedicated to providing the highestquality care possible, and offers treatment for sports-related injuries, concussion management and effective, minimally-invasive treatment procedures for all types of musculoskeletal conditions.

Northside/Dawson Imaging

Services Offered: Exit 11 (Sixes Road)

HOLLY SPRINGS WOODSTOCK

NEW 900 Towne Lake Parkway, Suite 320, Woodstock, GA 30189 684 Sixes Road, Suite 130, Holly Springs, GA 30115 (770) 517-6636 • northsidecherokeeortho.com

hn so n

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• Treatment of pediatric, adolescent and adult patients • Prevention, evaluation and treatment of athletic injuries • Diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the upper and lower extremities • Total joint replacements (hip, knee, ankle & shoulder) • Diagnosis, evaluation and management of concussions • Fracture care

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From top: A collection of antique ink wells on display at The Green Bean Exchange in Free Home. Vintage pool balls are among the colorful items for sale.

A vintage watering can and railroad lantern.

A hand painted Mikori tea set made in Japan.

Right page: Kellie Milford, owner of The Green Bean Exchange, shows off some of the items for sale in her shop.

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the bean If you’ve ever traversed Cumming Highway in Free Home, chances are you’ve noticed The Green Bean Exchange. If you’re a lover of

antiques or vintage items, and you haven’t already visited the store, no doubt you’ve made a mental note to stop the next time you’re in the area.

BY JENNIFER HAFER * PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAMANTHA SHAL

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The original Free Home store opened six years ago in its 1,800-square-foot location with nine dealers, most of whom have multiple booths and have been there since the beginning.

The Green Bean now boasts an eclectic group of three antique malls throughout suburban Atlanta.

“Times got tough when the market crashed, so my ex-husband and I opened The Green Bean to sustain us,” owner Kellie Milford said. “We had always gone to auctions and collected antiques, so it just worked out.”

Specializing in a wide spectrum of merchandise, from mid-Century,

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primitives, art deco, traditional, re-purposed, industrial, even vinyl records and vintage clothing, “The Bean,” as it’s known to regulars, has something for everyone.

“I’ve worked in corporate America, and even though as a small business owner it’s all you, and it’s a lot of hard work, you get out of it what you put into it,” Milford said. “No one is getting rich selling antiques, but it’s the best job in the world!”

Milford said she goes out picking two or three times a month at auctions, and yard and estate sales.

Estate sales are her favorite she said, noting they can provide large lots of inventory.

“Six years ago when we opened, basically all the antique stores around had closed, but the TV show ‘American Pickers’ and Pinterest have really helped revive the trade,” she said.

Some of the more interesting items that have come into the store include a Shaker’s Bench and a left-handed hog scraper. For you city folk, a hog scraper is a primitive farm tool used in the butchering of hogs to scrape the hair off a pig’s carcass. More common uses today can be found on Pinterest or eBay, where they have been converted into candlestick holders or other lighting.

Then there was the haunted chair…

“There was this Victorian chair that a customer purchased and returned a week later claiming it was haunted,” Milford said. “She said she communicated with the spirit through a pendulum and that it scared her dog.

She also said it actually moved across the room! I re-tagged it and put it back on the floor, ‘haunted chair; see Kellie for story,’ and it sold a week later!”

A single mom of two, 10-year-old Cleo and 14-year-old Reid, Milford credits loyal customers with the store’s success. A great location and a good variety of merchandise, along with a store soundtrack that includes Billie Holiday, also helps.

“I have customers who have become great friends,” she said. “One of my friends said when I have my reality show, it should be called ‘Junk Store Therapist’ because I have so many people come in and shop who just need a friendly person to lend an ear.”

6/20/2015 10:59:09 AM

Left, vintage mason jars, cameras and an old scale are among the antiques sold at The Green Bean Exchange. Far left, the Free Home store sells a variety of unique items such as this Jack Daniels bar table, vintage watering can and other items for the home.

Want to visit? www.thegreenbeanexchange.com

Free Home

12573 Cumming Highway Canton, GA 30115 770-888-6212 also with locations at:

Alpharetta

230 S. Main Street Alpharetta, GA 30009 678-867-2326

Cumming

438 Canton Road Cumming, GA 30040 678-341-8080 Open daily Cherokee Life July/August 2015

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Catch, Stroke, RETURN! Standup paddle boarding making waves

Just because we’re landlocked four hours and 267 miles from the nearest coastline doesn’t mean we don’t enjoy our fair share of water sports here in Cherokee County. With an abundance of rivers and lakes, we don’t really have to travel very far to enjoy an afternoon on the water. Thanks in large part to our proximity to so many inland bodies of water (and Atlantans’ well-known love for the great outdoors), a new craze is spreading across the city — and it’s the fastest growing sport in the world.

By Meredith Pruden | Photography by Shanda Crowe

RIGHT: Collin Stuart of Kennesaw paddleboards on Lake Acworth.

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Brandon Barlow, co-owner and founder of Acworth Beach Rentals, and Hailie Parshall, both of Kennesaw, sit at the ABR table where lake goers can rent paddle boards and kayaks to use at Lake Acworth.

CANTON TIRE AND WHEEL “Quality Tires and Professional Service...

Today and Down the Road”

Standup paddle boarding

(or SUP as it is affectionately dubbed) has been around in one form or another for thousands of years. But, while it’s difficult to trace the exact origin of SUP, the sport in its modern form has “undeniably Polynesian roots” that can most likely be traced back to the 1940s and the “father of modern SUP” John Pops AhChoy.

Believed to have started as a way for surfers to easily paddle out to distant breaks, SUP quickly became a sport all its own. Today, SUP is popular for both laid back recreation and some seriously competitive racing.

Whether looking for a leisurely afternoon on the water with family, itching to beat your buddies in a head-to• Computerized WheelAlignment • Oil, Lube & Filter head, or even hone your SUP skills to hit the open ocean • Computerized Wheel Balancing • Transmission Service in a future championship competition, Lake Acworth, • Complete Brake Service • Radiator Service Lake Allatoona and the Chattahoochee River provide excellent proving grounds to get your bearings and see if the sport is right for you. And, these days, you don’t Serving Cherokee County Since 1986 have to spend hundreds (and sometimes thousands) on a CUSTOM WHEELS new board because rental companies are popping up on MANY STYLES & BRANDS AVAILABLE the shores of our area waterholes.

One such company is Acworth Beach Rentals on the HWY 20 W - AT 115 RIDGEWOOD ROAD banks of Lake Acworth. Owner Brandon Barlow and (1/2 MILE WEST OF WILLIAMSON BROS. BBQ) his business partner Eric Keener opened last June after MON-FRI 8am - 6pm • SAT. 8am -12pm noticing a conspicuous lack of other rental companies along the shores of the no wake reservoir.

“We were trying to do some kayaking up at the lake, but we drove little sports cars,” Barlow said. “We didn’t have the ability to haul stuff up here, and there was nowhere to rent, so I contacted the park.”

The pair opened for their second season in May, and are looking forward to getting even more people hooked on SUP. “A lot of the locals come down to supRESIDENTIAL • REMODELING • COMMERCIAL port us, and we get people coming back again and again,” Barlow said. “A lot of Licensed & Insured • FREE Estimates customers come try it and then buy their Locally Owned & Operated by own [paddle board]. People don’t have too much trouble getting the hang of it.

Most people are zipping around the lake jfowlerelectric@yahoo.com in no time.”

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6/20/2015 1:13:01 PM

From left, Gabe Downey and Collin Stuart paddleboard on Lake Acworth.

To ensure a great time on the lake, Barlow said he is happy to get in and give pointers to beginners (such as how to balance, where to stand and how to hold the paddle) but that SUP really is so easy almost anyone can do it.

“It’s a good workout but it’s also relaxing because it’s a comfortable, natural position to be in,” Barlow said. “I’ve even had elderly people come out and say it’s relaxing.”

So, what are you waiting for?! Book a sesh (that’s SUP lingo for session) and get on board the fastest growing sport in the world. Just catch, stroke and return!

SUPs up!

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE GETTING

ON BOARD

h The Coast Guard classifies SUP as a vessel like canoes and kayaks, so personal flotation devices (PFD) are required on board. Kids under 13 are required to wear a PFD. h Make your reservations at www.acworthbeachrentals.com.

Summer 2015 hours are Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 8 p.m. Weekday outings can be booked in advance for groups. h Be sure to consult a professional when buying your own SUP. There are many different hull, fin and material types, as well as varying volumes, lengths and widths.

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O T N I E E A BIT

TAK

S ’ E E K O R E H C

T S BEAKFASTS

BRE

Magnolia Thomas

108 Arnold Mill Rd. Woodstock 30188 678-445-5789 www.magnoliathomas.com They call it the “best brunch ever,” and that’s a lot to live up to, but the title is far from unfounded at this Woodstock staple.

For 12 years now, the team at Magnolia Thomas Restaurant have been dishing out heaping helpings of service with a smile, warm and welcoming ambiance and, of course, some very tasty modern Southern cuisine.

Primarily known as a charming local eatery for celebratory dinners and special occasions, Magnolia Thomas throws open its doors each Sunday for an all-you-can-eat buffet style brunch that consistently wows its guests. And, at only $15.99 for adults, including a mimosa if you so choose, it’s not only the “best brunch ever,” it’s also the best value.

Patrons will find everything from assorted pastries and fruit to breakfast staples like scrambled eggs and bacon on the consistently refreshed buffet — and even a variety of lunch favorites like tomato basil soup and pasta salad. Although it’s hard to find fault with anything in the buffet spread or a la carte brunch menu, highlights of the meal are the restaurant’s signature fried chicken, Belgian waffles and chocolate mousse.

The Buttermilk Fried Chicken has been on the menu, and continually refined, since the restaurant’s inception, and it’s easy to see why. Soaked in buttermilk and then kettle-fried, this moist, light boneless chicken is drizzled with a classic beurre blanc and topped with Black-eyed Pea Salsa. It’s easily the best fried chicken in the

BY MEREDITH PRUDEN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAM BENNETT

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Operations Director Kali Smith lifts a toast of a mimosa to brunch.

county and pairs perfectly with the fluffy, golden brown American Waffle — a Magnolia Thomas take on the traditional Belgian Waffle — served à la carte with real maple syrup, confectioners’ sugar, fresh strawberries and a dab of whipped cream. Sure, you could eat them separately, but why would you want to when they’re so delicious together!

The buffet may be all-you-can-eat, but be sure to leave room for dessert to round out your meal with a sweet treat and coffee. The Chocolate Mousse Parfait is a layered mousse with brownie cookie crumble and classic whipped mousse. Sure to bring out the kid in all of us, the secret to this creative take on a timeless dessert is the bittersweet chocolate and fresh mint garnish plucked straight from the restaurant’s garden.

Turns out Magnolia Thomas lives up to its claim (and its hashtag). #BestBrunchEver!

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S

Top, the golden brown waffles have with a tinge of caramelized vanilla and are topped with real maple syrup, confectioners’ sugar, garden ripe strawberries, and a dab of whipped cream. Above, the original signature dish combines a kettlefried boneless chicken breast, stone cheddar grits, organic fried green tomatoes and Blackeyed Pea Salsa, all drizzled with a buttery beurre blanc. Right, layered mousse combines a brownie cookie crumble and classic whipped mousse garnished with chocolate and fresh mint from the garden.

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6/20/2015 11:16:16 AM

Tea Leaves and Thyme

By Meredith Pruden | Photography by Samantha Shal

Clockwise, from top left: A Quiche of the Day features tomatoes, asparagus and swiss cheese. Assorted house-made finger sandwiches are a staple of afternoon tea. Chef Kristin Cronk of Canton creates the daily menu at Tea Leaves and Thyme based on seasonal fruits and vegetables. The granola parfait has fresh berries.

There are few things more quintessentially British than afternoon tea, but at Woodstock’s Tea Leaves

Jordy, and many are Fair Trade and organic.

We selected the Berry Patch Tea of the Day to and Thyme patrons can enjoy this English tradition all day long, including accompany our meal. The divine scent arrives at our table before the charming pink kettle, and one — you guessed it — for breakfast! sip tells us we’ve made the right choice.

Beginning at 10 a.m. Tuesday through Once poured, the kettle rests on a silver Saturday, owner Kim Jordy (the daughter Tea Leaves and Thyme warmer and gently fills the air with the of a British mother and European-trained 8990 S. Main St. aroma of blackberries, blueberries and restaurateur father) and her team, includraspberries. It’s the perfect introduction ing chef Kristin Cronk, serve up several Woodstock 30188 to an all-around delightful experience. variations of the culinary custom so pop770-516-2609 A few minutes later, our Afternoon ular across the pond, as well as a scrumpwww.tealeavesandthyme.com Tea arrives on a traditional tiered tious array of brunch and lunch fare. serving platter stacked high with edible At once quaint and classy, Tea Leaves and Thyme evokes a sense of tranquil calm with its mismatched fine china, flowers, freshly baked scones, an assortment of seasonal fresh fruit and finger sandwiches and intimate dining areas and friendly service in an historic home boasting house-made sweet treats. Alongside the tea set up original stained glass windows. They even provide complimentary chacome samplings of English Sausage Rolls (spicy peaus to add that “ladies who lunch” flair— or you’re welcome to wear sausage in light puff pastry) and daily rotating your own. made-from-scratch quiche.

Start your meal off on the right foot by selecting one of the loose leaf With the exception of the quiche, all of the teas available on the four-page tea menu. Choose from more than 100 delectable cuisine comes in super cute miniavarieties of black, green, white, oolong, rooibos, chai, herbal infusions, flavored and scented blacks and greens and, yes, even decaf. Or choose the ture portions for a light and flavorful breakfast wrapped up in little bundles of British yumminess Tea of the Day for a delightful surprise. All teas are procured from small with a side of Southern charm. It’s aces y’all! importers who have personal relationships with growers, according to

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Tea Leaves and Thyme offers premium loose leaf teas with their starters such as English Sausage Rolls, center, which have spicy sausage wrapped in a light flaky puff pastry served with orange marmalade.

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J. Christopher’s

Above, the Benny is poached eggs and Canadian bacon on a toasted English muffin, smothered in Hollandaise sauce. Far left, the spinach and bacon skillet. Left, a stack of plump blueberry pancakes fortified with crunchy granola make up the Blueberry Crunchcakes.

We’ve always been told that breakfast is the most important meal of the day.

So why not make it the most delicious?

With many locations around the metro area, including East cheese and poached eggs.

Lake, breakfast is the specialty at J. Christopher’s. Owner Tradition is not lost, however, and McCann said the biggest Jeff “Jay” McCann said breakfast is a hot concept right now sellers by far are the bacon and eggs. While he said you can get in the restaurant industry as its biggest growing model. those staples anywhere, McCann adds what pushes J. Christo“Everybody is starting to get into breakfast,” said McCann. pher’s to the top of the list is its use of higher quality ingredi“You have the full service restaurants, which we are, then ents and bigger cuts of meat. fast food.”

If you wake up in the morning with a bit of a sweet tooth, The neighborhood-friendly vibe is felt when walking into a the “Blueberry Crunch Pancakes” might be the choice for you.

J. Christopher’s, and McCann said that coupled with quality Calling them “amazing, wonderful and tasty,” McCann said food and affordable prices are what the crunch of the granola on top of pancakes make the restaurant appealing. offers a bit of differing texture.

J. Christopher’s I would argue that the food alone Not to be left out, the omelette also gets 315 Chambers St. is all one needs to quickly become a some shine in the form of several different repeat customer. J. Christopher’s take varieties. One popular version is the “Billy Woodstock on the traditional brunch staple eggs Goat,” which features spinach, portabel770.592.5900 benedict is decidedly my favorite and la mushrooms, goat cheese and sun-dried www.jchristophers.com McCann agreed. The “Benny” features tomatoes.

There are also several locations in poached eggs and Canadian bacon on During the summer months, the restaurant an English muffin, covered in Hollanoffers seasonal items and McCann said one nearby Cobb County. daise sauce. It comes with a choice of staple is always the “Pot Belly Benny,” pot grits or oven-roasted potatoes. roast on a biscuit with a poached egg and Not one to rest solely on tradition, J. hollandaise sauce. For the health-conscious, Christopher’s offers delicious variations of the eggs benedict there are several staples on the main menu, and McCann said with the “Eggs Christopher” featuring smoked turkey, bacon they are adding gluten-free items as well. and sliced tomato atop an English muffin with hollandaise With much competition in the market, McCann said it is a sauce, and my second favorite the “Huevos Avocado” feavery challenging time, but “it keeps us focused on trying to turing sour cream, avocado, pico de gallo, a mix of melted make our customers happy.”

By LaTria Garnigan + Photography by Shanda Crowe

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Featherstone’s

By Joan Durbin

Featherstone’s Grille at BridgeMill Athletic Club in Canton is a very open, bright and cheerful venue, perfect for a companionable brunch.

Tables are sensibly spaced so no one feels crowded.

Don’t look for a buffet here. Instead, the restaurant has put together a well-thought-out selection of made-to-order brunch dishes that has something for all appetites.

Our table ordered the Three Pigs omelet and a shrimp omelet, something I hadn’t encountered before. Some very addictive and complimentary blueberry scones began our meal.

The shrimp omelet with cheddar jack cheese was delicately seasoned, light and fresh, while the Three Pigs with its bacon, sausage and ham filling was hearty and flavorful.

Accompanying the dishes was a mound of fresh fruit and some of the best breakfast potatoes ever. They were seasoned with spices like garlic and mild chile powder and roasted with bell peppers and onions, and the result was so good I would love to try replicating this at home.

The Three Pigs omelet has bacon, ham and cheddar cheese. It’s served with an assortment of fresh fruit.

The restaurant also dishes up chicken and waffles that is simply excellent. Buttermilk-soaked chicken breasts dredged in a bit of garlic-seasoned flour are fried just to the point of ideal crunchiness, yet the meat remains moist. The Belgian waffles, with a batter mixed with two kinds of flour, were puffy and tender with a slightly crisp exterior.

Drizzle on some maple syrup or sausage gravy and you have a plate of sheer heaven.

Featherstone’s Grille at BridgeMill 1190 Bridge Mill Ave, Canton (770) 345-5500 www.bridgemillathleticclub.com/dining

770-720-1217 9655 Knox Bridge Hwy Canton

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S&J Food Mart

A bacon and egg biscuit from Texaco at Highway 5 in Woodstock. Below, hash browns and grits are just two of the side options.

The cat(head)’s out of the bag!

By Meredith Pruden | Photography by Samantha Shal

Unassuming and unexpected, the S&J Food Mart Texaco Station on the corner of East Cherokee and Highway 5 in Woodstock may seem an odd choice for one of Cherokee’s best breakfasts, but this hidden gem has been wowing those in the know for years with its down-home Southern cooking, large portions and reasonable prices.

Woodstock resident and regular diner Jeff Fell has been eating at this hidden gem three S&J Food Mart times a week since 20 pounds ago, according 6315 Old Hwy. 5 to him. We caught Fell chowing down on Woodstock 30188 some good old fashioned Southern fare in one 770-928-9681 of the diner-style booths amidst the hustle and bustle of a brisk morning counter service where the ever-present line moved politely yet expediently along.

“I guess you’re letting the secret out,” he said with a grin. “It’s a great deal. The food is excellent, and the folks are pretty nice too.”

Adjoining the Texaco station, also owned by Sam and Josie Patel since 2008, the S&J kitchen is helmed by Woodstock resident Renea Edmondson, who has managed food prep since the diner’s inception.

On a slow day, she and her team serve up more than 140 made-fromscratch biscuits (as well as heaping helpings of everything from the beloved breakfast bowls to a.m. basics like bacon and eggs) with a smile.

At S&J, everything is made from scratch daily — and it shows. The most popular items are the biscuits and gravy and breakfast sandwiches, which you can have your way on a biscuit or toast with egg, cheese and a wide range of proteins, including staples like sausage and bacon, as

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well as country ham, steak and pork tenderloin.

We ordered a bacon, egg and cheese biscuit to gnosh at one of the outdoor picnic tables, and weren’t disappointed. The biscuit is what Southerners lovingly refer to as a cathead— huge and buttery with a slightly crispy crust and super fluffy inside — and it’s perhaps the best we’ve had in Cherokee county. The egg is well seasoned, and the bacon is perfectly crisp. The sides, too, are supremely tasty — especially the home fries, which are of the perfectly-seasoned and quintessentially diner-style variety.

Guess we let the cat(head) out of the bag!

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UPCOMING CANTON EVENTS First Friday will be on Saturday, July 4th

A1A (The Official and Original Jimmy Buffett Tribute Show) will take to our stage from 4-7PM

4th of July parade (sponsored by the American Legion) at 7:00PM

Fireworks (presented by Canton Tourism) will be shot from Riverstone Shopping Center at dusk.

The Canton Farmers Market continues each Saturday from 8:00AM – noon July’s Main Street Morning will be hosted by Yawn’s Publishing on July 14th, 8AM This event is a open to the public.

Tomato Sandwich Festival is coming up in July in Cannon Park August First Friday will be on August 7th from 6pm-9pm First Generation will be preforming 70s Motown.

Movies In The Park will be July 18th and August 22nd Show starts at Dusk in Brown Park.

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0 2ways TO BEAT THE

DOG DAYS THIS SUMMER

By Therra C. Gwyn

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Seasonal boredom, anyone? Need to cool down or perk up as summer wanes? Perhaps you want to keep the family occupied and enjoy what’s left of the season now that camp’s over and the beach trip was fun and done.

Check out these activities to

inject a little wow in the bow-wow of summer dog days.

YOLO! SEE POLO!

Perhaps you haven’t seen a polo match all summer. Or maybe ever. Check out and learn about this 2,000-year-old sport. It’s been played in other variations (on bicycles, camels, even elephants), yet the equestrian version found favor with kings and courtiers and remains popular today. Chukkar Farm and Polo Club in Alpharetta is a treat for the senses with 100 acres of pastures, a 26-acre lake and a newly dedicated sculpture garden. Polo matches are held every Sunday at 2 p.m. from May through October, weather permitting. Bring the family (there’s a playground for kids), a blanket and a picnic to enjoy the graceful, gutsy “sport of kings.” $20 per car. Learn more at chukkarfarmpoloclub.com or 770. 664.1533.

MORE FUN THAN MARTA The new Atlanta streetcars aren’t the icons of movement you might see in a San Francisco or New Orleans, but it’s worth the ride and fun for kids who have never been on one. The almost three mile East-West route connects riders via a dozen stops to the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, CNN Center, College Football Hall of Fame, Centennial Park, Oakland Cemetery, the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical site and more. Rides are free this year; no word on whether it will cost next year or not. Runs every 10 to 15 minutes from 6 a.m. until 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday and until 1 a.m. on Friday. Saturday hours are 8:30 a.m. until 1 a.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. through 11 p.m. Rules are simple: Food and alcohol are not allowed. Coffee, water and sodas in closed containers are.

Guide and service dogs are allowed, as are leashed or contained companion dogs. Bikes are allowed in the bottom section and owners must stay with them. http://streetcar.atlantaga.gov/

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The Funk Heritage Center at Reinhardt University has authentic log cabins, a blacksmith shop, syrup mill, grain crib, ’tater house, and threshing floor, as well as a truss bridge and a kingpost bridge.

HISTORY AND MYSTERY The Funk Heritage Center in Waleska is not just another museum.

Wander the Hall of the Ancients and immerse yourself in lifelike dioramas depicting 12,000 years of regional Native American history. The Sellars Gallery of Historic Hand Tools features a remarkable, one-of-akind collection of tools from over 100 crafts displayed in panels telling a story of the craft. The Rogers Native American Art Gallery has an extensive collection of paintings, baskets, sculpture and pottery.

Also view a massive and mysterious petroglyph discovered in the Hickory Log area of Cherokee County.

What does it mean?

The museum is Georgia’s Official Frontier and Southeastern Indian Interpretive Center.

The museum is at 7300 Reinhardt Circle and open every day except Mondays. Tickets run $4 to $6 and active duty military enter free. 770.720.5967.

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The Funk Heritage Center of Reinhardt University

Georgia’s Official Frontier and Southeastern Indian Interpretive Center • Hall of the Ancients and artifacts • Huge collection of historic hand tools • Native American art • Visit historic 1840’s log cabins • A certified National Park Service Trail of Tears Interpretive Site 7300 Reinhardt Circle, Waleska, GA 30183 • 770.720.5970 www.reinhardt.edu/funkheritage Tues. - Fri. 9am-4pm • Sat. 10am-5pm • Sun. 1pm-5pm

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SUMMER SANTA If you’re tired of hot, hot, hot and ready for Ho Ho Ho then Christmas in July at the North Georgia Zoo & Farm in Cleveland is where you want to point your sleigh around mid-month.

Picnic with Santa on Friday evening, July 10. Make presents for the animals and get a head start on winter Christmas shopping for humans, July 10 – 13. 2912 Paradise Valley Rd. Open Friday through Monday, 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. $8 for adults, $6 for kids, parking is free. 706.348.7279.

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BOO WHO YA GONNA CALL? Parenthood not scary enough? Grab the family and take a Canton High Country Haunting History Ghost Tour. Explore an area rich in Native American lore, political intrigue and Civil War history. Visit popular paranormal sites in Cherokee County and even take a look-see at Riverside Cemetery.

Bring a flashlight and a camera. Tours can last up to two hours and are appropriate for all ages able to take a walking tour.

Times vary according to season. Tickets are $10 to $15 per person. Parking is free.

770.651.8901; CantonGhostTour@gmail.com.

Walking tour too tame for you? Maybe you want to hunt ghosts with special specter-finding equipment like an infrared camera and rem pod (an alarm that goes off when a spirit is near). Haunted Cole Manor: Interactive Paranormal Tour in Marietta is where your family can find frights and be ghost busters, special equipment and all. Hunting haunt is 331 Washington Ave., the site of the old Cole Manor (where at least eight people have met an untimely end). $30 per person. It’s conveniently located next to the cemetery.

470.223.COLE.

Photo illustration by Sam Bennett

DON’T USE YOUR INDOOR VOICE If it’s one of those days when nothing will fix the situation except a bounce house, video gaming, pizza and laser tag, then have the kids run pell-mell, post haste, to Nutin’ But Fun at 9533 Main Street in Woodstock. Open at 10 a.m. every day until August 2. Entrance to the arcade is free, prices vary for other activities. Walk-ins are welcome. Go to their website at nutinbutfun.com and grab a 10 percent off coupon.

PERIMETER NORTH FAMILY MEDICINE Offering a full range of adult and pediatric services, our board-certified physicians proudly offer the highest quality care to keep you and your family happy and healthy. We accept most insurance plans and offer same-day appointments and extended hours at many of our locations.

Our services include: • Physical examinations and wellness care for men, women and children • General and chronic care for geriatric patients • Immunizations • Acute illness treatment for colds, fevers, flu and more • Comprehensive women’s health services

Call (770) 395-1130 for an appointment 900 Towne Lake Parkway, Suite 210 Woodstock, GA 30189

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A MILE HIGH VIEW AND A SPLASH When was the last time you visited or climbed Stone Mountain? A $10 parking pass will get you in and you can hike a one-mile trail to the top where you can picnic and see the skyscrapers of the city from downtown to Buckhead. The 3,200acre park and 300-plus acre lake is also the place to “Ride The Ducks.” Go from land to water to land without leaving your seat on the 1940s era Army DUKW vehicle. (It’s one way to cool off this summer.) The boat captains are almost as entertaining as the ride itself. Tickets are $14.

Stonemountainpark.com

TAKE TO THE HILLS Never hiked the Appalachian Trail? No need to take a three month leave and take on all 2,200 miles. Just get yourselves and some good shoes to Dawsonville. The Appalachian Approach Trail is an eight-mile foray starting from Amicalola Falls State Park. It begins the 78-mile Georgia portion of this world-famous hiking trail that ends in Maine.

Springer Mountain is the southern end of the Appalachian Trail and is 8.5 miles north of Amicalola Falls. Lots of good tips and recommended hikes from 1.6 to 10 miles are at appalachiantrail.org. You can also call the park lodge at 706.265.8888.

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SING IN PUBLIC AT THE FOX THEATRE Don’t worry. There will be hundreds of others belting it out too at a sing-along showing of “Frozen” at the Fox Theatre on August 29 at 1 p.m. And you probably already know the words since your kids trill the tunes from the mega-popular film at home. And in the car. And in the supermarket. And during meals. And during bath time. And in their sleep. (But don’t feel bad if you finally tuned it out. There will be lyrics projected on the screen.)

Movie tours are available before screenings and take visitors into the projection booth, screening room, dressing rooms and onto the stage. Tours can be purchased with a movie ticket and are not sold separately.

If you want to warm up to “Frozen” by sampling a sing-along showing then head downtown for “The Sound Of Music” 50th anniversary on August 2 at 1 p.m.

Tickets are $8 to $20 and can be purchased at foxtheatre.org, in person at the Fox box office or at 855. 285.8499. Limited parking for $5 is also available in advance.

IN A GALAXY FAR, FAR AWAY Hard Labor Creek Observatory is located in the middle of Hard Labor Creek State Park in Rutledge and is a valued resource for both professional and amateur astronomers. The public is also welcome to view the universe away from the light pollution of the metro area. Take children to see the moon and look through research telescopes where you can actually glimpse the edge of our visible universe. Open one Saturday per month March through October. Summer open houses are June 27, July 25 and August 22 at 8:30 p.m.

Call 404.413.6033 or 404.413. 6024 or visit www.astro.gsu.edu/HLCO/openhouse.html

DON’T PITCH A TENT Camping can be a lot of hard work.

“Glamping” is popular right now and your family can do it too, without anyone pitching a fit or a tent. Stay in one of 30 yurts available at Fort Yargo, Tugaloo, Cloudland Canyon or other state parks.

These Mongolian dwellings are made of canvas and often have beds and other furniture inside with room for two to six people. Georgia’s yurts have ceiling fans (which means electricity) and large windows. Most have decks and are near bathhouses.

Go to gastateparks.com/yurts and book a cozy stay. Prices are $60 per night and up.

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FARM FUN

>>> Animals, art and agriculture converge at The Art Barn at Morning Glory Farm, 208 Roper Road in Canton. Enjoy farm-totable field trips, social skills groups, family farm time, play dates and specialty workshops. Although walk-ins are welcome, activities and classes fill up fast. Make a reservation. They are not open every day and weather may figure into schedule.

Want to go? Farmer Sue wants to arrange your visit: 678.319.0286.

There’s a wealth of in-depth info at TheArtBarn.com.

Above and below: Scenes from The Art Barn at Morning Glory Farm in Canton.

>>> Have a big time visiting (and feeding) small creatures at Tanglewood Farm: The Town of Miniature Farm Animals. There’s a pioneer village too - complete with bank, saloon and trading post - but the real draw here is the farm’s Class A bloodlines of miniature livestock.

Meet and greet pigs, ducks, dogs, rabbits, ponies, cats and sheep from all over the globe. $10 per person. Open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 10 a.m.

Call 770.667.MINI or see dates of special events at tanglewoodfarmminiatures.com.

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STRAWBERRY STATION

Phil Cochran of Cochran Beef Farm in Ball Ground feeds his cattle and explains the process of raising and selling his livestock to students.

>>>There are Ag-ventures (agricultural adventures) to be had at Cagles Family Farm on Stringer Road in Canton. Come see the cows, some friendly ducks and curious goats while you pick your own produce. Have a family picnic, (watch out for the cat, he steals) go on a hayride or hop on the “Jumpee Pillow.� This is a working farm so dress like a farmer. Bring a hat on sunny days.

Call 770. 345.5591 and learn more at caglesfamilyfarm.com.

Put down those grocery store strawberries and go pick your own, freshly grown in Georgia soil.

Pick through end of August on Saturdays from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. at Strawberry Station, 1300 Old Railroad Rd., Dublin. Picking is free, you pay for the fruit. Two quarts are $4.75, four quarts are $8.75.

Daryl or Edith will also pick for you.

478.290.5627.

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ZOOM ZOOM Everyone feels like a kid at stock car races. Dixie Speedway’s racing program on Saturday nights in Woodstock often add on events like Kid’s Bike Racing (July 11, 18).

The speedway features Winged Outlaw Sprint Cars, which just sounds cool. In August, watch the waterless boat races where racers hook up real boats to their cars and trucks and…well, race. There’s also monster truck shows on occasion. Most events’ tickets cost $13 to $18 for adults and $6 for ages nine to 17. With the exception of some special events, children eight years and younger are admitted free.

150 Dixie Drive. 770.926.5315.

July 11 | Fan Appreciation Night - full race program/kids bike races July 18 | USCS Outlaw Sprint Cars and full race program July 25 | Full Race Program August 1 | Back to School Night - ages 17 and under are free, full race program August 15 | Waterless Boat Racing / full race program

GET TANKED Still have some cash left after that family cruise? Take the kids to TankTown USA in Morganton (between Blue Ridge and Blairsville) and use an actual tank to crush a car while your kids watch. Or you can be the cool parent that hosts an outdoor adventure party for ages seven and older that includes a group ride in a military truck and on top of an operating tank. This is one playground – a heavy equipment playground – that adults and kids can both enjoy. Call 706.633.6072 or pick reservation times from their online menu at tanktownusa.com.

HEAR HISTORY Georgia’s first independence day is recreated on her coast August 8th every year in an all-day event. Hear the Declaration of Independence read just as it was in public in Savannah for the first time in August 1776.

Participate in the debate: become independent or remain loyal to the king? Decisions, decisions. Don’t be late for the musket firings. Wormsloe Historic Site. Some re-enactments repeat during the day. Admission $4.50 to $10.

MOVIES IN BROWN PARK

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Family-friendly films in an outdoor setting. “Home” and “Paddington” are featured in July and August, respectively. When and where: July 18, Aug. 22; at dusk; Brown Park, downtown Canton. The event is free.

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ighlights STARS & STRIKES JULY 4th SPECTACULAR >>Independence Day 5K, parade, festival and fireworks. The Annual Woodstock Freedom Run starts at 7:15 a.m. in Olde Town. Parade rolls at 10 a.m., starting and ending at Woodstock Elementary.

A festival follows in the Park at City Center featuring live music, children’s games, cake walk, juggler and vendors.

Fireworks follow at dusk behind the Target shopping center at Hwy. 92 and I-575. When and where: July 4; all day: Woodstock. Tickets: FREE EVENT More info: woodstockparksandrec.com WOODSTOCK SUMMER CONCERT SERIES >> This is the 18th season for an always well-attended concert series that begins in May and runs through September. Journey tribute band Departure, along with 80s synth-pop band Electric Avenue are scheduled in July and 12-piece party band Rupert’s Orchestra are on the boards for August.

Pets are allowed; alcohol is not. When and where: July 11, Aug. 8; 7:30 p.m.;

A closer look at events happening in Cherokee July and August

The Park at City Center, 103 Arnold Mill Rd., Woodstock Tickets: FREE EVENT More info: 770.924.0406 HOME BY DARK CONCERT SERIES >> Songwriters in the round. Concerts by performing artists who have written songs for some of the biggest names in the business and whose careers have taken them to some of the country’s best known stages. Danny Mitchell, Kim Parent, Jessie Terry, Beth Wood, Tim Buppert and Michael Logan are featured in July and August. When and where: July 3, 4, 31: Aug. 1; doors open 6:30 p.m.; Chukker Farm, Liberty Grove Road, Alpharetta Tickets: $19.07 - $261.59 More Info: homebydark.com SKILLET LICKERS COUNTRY MUSIC DOWN YONDER >> Theatrical musical featuring the famed Skillet Lickers, the first edition of which was formed in Georgia in the 1920s. Ninety years later the force is still strong with the Lickers, as is the music and fiddlin’. When and where: Aug. 3; 7 p.m.; Canton Theatre

Tickets: $15 More Info: 770.704. 0755 or skilletlickers.org FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE! >> Main Street merchants open late one Friday per month and present live music and events in the streets, restaurants and stores. August’s theme is “Summer of Love.” Break out the tie-dye and remember the Woodstock Music Festival on Main Street Woodstock, GA. When and where: Aug. 7; 6 - 9 p.m.; Downtown Woodstock Tickets: FREE EVENT. More Info: 770.924.0406 DRIVEWIRE >> There are many bands that are tribute bands but Drivewire is many tribute bands. Among the supergroups they pay homage to: Queen, AC/DC, Kansas, Loverboy, REO Speedwagon, Rush and…well, you get the picture. Appearing as part of the city of Ball Ground Concert In The Park series. When and where: Aug. 27; 7:30 – midnight; City Park, Ball Ground.

Tickets: FREE EVENT More Info: drivewireband.com

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SCENE

Junior Service League

1 The Junior Service League of Woodstock held its 25th Anniversary Party at Fire Stone Wood Fired Pizza and Grill in June. 1. Shannon Miller of Woodstock is presented the “Member of the Year Award” by president Mandy Moyer of Ball Ground. 2. Nitasha Ginn and Dr. Jennifer Paulo, both of Woodstock.

3. Jennie McCollum and Shannon Miller, both of Woodstock.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENNIFER CARTER

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Junior Service League of Woodstock

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4 4. From left, Kay Durst of Woodstock, Dr. Jennifer Paul of of Woodstock, Mandy Moyer of Ball Ground and Laura Craft of Woodstock. 5. From left, Sarah Quackenbush of Canton, Laura Craft of Woodstock, and current president Mandy Moyer of Ball Ground. 6. Fire Stone’s Kaitlin Reeves of Woodstock and General Manager Zach Gunter of Woodstock. 7. Danielle Dron of Woodstock with Barbara Nye of Woodstock.

SCENE

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Pie and Beer Club

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Woodstock’s Reformation Brewery held a Pie and Beer Club event in early June. The event featured pairing Reformation’s brews with the pies from the Pie Bar. Dozens of residents turned out for the unique culinary experience.

1. Vanessa Berry of Woodstock cuddles Dachshund mix puppy John, who is currently up for adoption at Our Pal’s Place in Marietta.

2. Lexi Kacic of Kennesaw, Catherine Kessler of Woodstock, Jamon Kessler of Woodstock, Whit Yelton of Kennesaw and Devane Yelton of Kennesaw. 3. John Lewis of Woodstock, Autumn Lewis of Atlanta and Nicole Lewis of Woodstock. 4. Katie and Matt Colbourn of Woodstock with their dog Tallulah.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENNIFER CARTER

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Pie and Beer Club

SCENE The Cherokee County Farm Bureau, along with the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce Governmental Affairs Council, will sponsor a

CandidateForum/ Meet and Greet Tuesday, July 28 • 6:30pm

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The forum will be held under the wooden pavilion at Cagle's Family Farm, 362 Stringer Road, Canton. All local, state and national candidates running for office in 2015 and 2016 will be invited to attend and will have two minutes to speak. Current elected officials will be introduced. Questions from the audience will follow. Everyone will have time to meet and greet the candidates and elected officials before and after the forum. Homemade ice cream will be served by Boy Scout Troop #465. Sodas, water and peanuts will be provided by the Farm Bureau. The forum is open to the public. To RSVP to attend please call Cherokee County Farm Bureau at 770-479-1481, ext. 0.

101 Woodland Way, Suite 1B Canton, GA 30114

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9 5. Pie Bar’s Lauren and Cody Bolden of Acworth. 6. Gerald Scott of Roswell holds puppy Paul from Our Pal’s Place in Marietta. 7. Pie Bar’s Key Lime “Mini” Pies. 8. Paula and Spencer Nix of Canton. 9. Jude Downs of Ball Ground, Savannah Waddell of Canton and Brandon Rankin of Roswell.

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First Friday

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Reel Seafood is Open for Lunch!

Monday- Saturday at 11:30 • (Brunch on Sunday) Featuring both lunch and dinner menus • Patio Seating Available

Buy One, Get One Lunch Entree Half Off Monday-Friday, Lunch Only, One per Table

8670 Main Street | Woodstock, GA 30188 770-627-3006 | reel-seafood.com 38

Downtown Canton held one of its First Friday events in early June.

Hundreds of residents attended the event which featured food and music.

1. Pam and Rob Brown of Woodstock.

2. Nunzi Smith of Jasper, Mike Smith of Canton and Yaz Smith of Canton.

3. Randy Saxon and Stefanie Joyner of Canton. 4. Mike O’Neil and Rebekah Drake of Canton.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROB VERDAGUER

Cherokee Life July/August 2015

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First Friday

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8 5. No Sweat Rock n Roll band of Canton. 6. Steve and Debbie Garner of Woodstock. 7. Mike Smith of Canton, Nunzi Smith of Jasper and Yaz Smith of Canton. 8. Tania May of Marietta, Donna Robinson of Canton and Tommy Simons of Canton. 9. Doug Kelley and Kim Stone of Canton.

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6/20/2015 1:15:20 PM

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Shaky Boots Festival

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1 The Shaky Boots Festival at Kennesaw State University featured artists such as Blake Shelton, The Whisky Gentry, Brad Paisley and Sara Evans.

1. DJ Vining of Woodstock sings along to Rodney Atkins. 2.

From left, Jacqueline Tibbs of Woodstock and Lilly Gurley of Atlanta. 3. From left, Justin Branch of Acworth, Nick Wells of Acworth, Nicki Wells of Acworth and Paige Woods of Dallas.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAM BENNETT

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6/20/2015 12:57:10 PM

Cherokee Life July/August 2015

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6/22/2015 1:24:03 PM

reflections

BY CARLA BARNES

In the last second you just might have been witness to a terrible copyediting error in my headline. A search and replace function gone wrong with a word in my headline replaced with a certain swear word. If the word “pluck” is still there you are asking your phone right now what alternate definition for the word is available that doesn’t involve the guest of honor at a fried chicken dinner.

I came across the word pluck the other day in my search for words that embodied the meanings of courage, grit, valor, heroism, stout-heartedness and mettle.

Pluck seemed to jump off the page – described as spirited and determined courage. The word is now officially my anthem as I think on those things that inspired me this past month.

Figuring out how to use the word in a sentence I turned to digitized books on Google. In the Early Letters of Thomas Carlyle (1814-1821) the Scottish philosopher and satirical writer utilizes the word.

“I have no pluck in me for such things at present – yet it must be clampered together in some shape, and shall if I keep wagging.”

Carlyle clearly struggled for pluck as we all do at different times in our life.

With my new favorite word on the brain I went about searching for people who I perceived as having a lot of pluck.

Flipping through the little notebook I carry in my purse I searched for notes I had stowed away for a rainy day column just like this. One such page featured such scrawl that would have made my elementary school penmanship teacher cringe.

“You can’t soar like an eagle and crap like a canary.”

First I just laughed, searching my brain for the context of why I wrote this down. I realized seconds later it was a note written in haste as I sat in traffic one morning listening to NPR. The quote is credited to the late Pro Football Hall of Famer Ed Sabol – a man who definitely had pluck. The founder of NFL Films was a sports entertainment visionary credited with nail-biting, slower than slow-motion replays, blooper reels and putting microphones on players and coaches.

In a newspaper article his son, Steve, said his father was always encouraging his cameramen not to worry about failure or taking risks. Sabol clearly knew failure and risks are essential

to living an extraordinary life.

Kenny Leon knows the extraordinary and is quick to credit his family, particularly his grandmother, Mamie Wilson, for the man he is today and his body of work. The Tony award-winning Broadway and film director was a guest speaker at a recent Kennesaw State University commencement ceremony.

“I am the product of my grandmother’s generational prayers. She made a way out of no way,” he said to the audience.

His grandmother had pluck and because of that she instilled in him everything he needed to navigate this great human comedy that is life.

I believe pluck begets pluck. My father has it, his father had it, and so on. Maybe that is why I found myself buying him a tank top with the Superman emblem across its chest from Walmart one day.

Truth be told I went there to buy one with the words “SUN’S OUT, GUNS OUT” because it made me laugh out loud, but sadly there were none left on the rack. I found myself face to face with choosing between Superman, a Stormtrooper on a float or a psychedelic Albert Einstein. The Superman tank is funny, but also symbolic of how much he means to me and my whole family.

He continuously reminds me these days of the pluck it is going to take to overcome my own personal challenges. I pray that I even have an ounce of the pluck he has and that by some miracle I am able to inspire it in others as we all seek a life full of passion and promise.

Maybe that is why I found myself replaying over and over again Kenny’s speech. His words to the class of 2015 resonated with me as well.

“Life! Experience all you can as deeply as you can.”

Stepping out from behind the lectern he pointed to the random faces in the crowd and began to chant over and over.

“So live. So live. So live. So live. So live.”

It was an unforgettable moment and I suspect was a transformative experience for some - a tall order for a commencement speech. As they processed out here’s hoping they felt a renewed sense of purpose, and a lot of pluck.

Life takes plenty of PLUCK

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6/20/2015 1:18:13 PM

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