Cherokee Life March/April 2016 by Otis Brumby III

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Cherokee Life

WHAT’S INSIDE

March/April 2016 Volume 11, Issue 2

EXECUTIVE PUBLISHER Lee B. Garrett

V.P. ADVERTISING Wade Stephens

EDITORIAL STAFF DIRECTOR OF MAGAZINES Mark Wallace Maguire

ASST. DIRECTOR OF MAGAZINES LaTria Garnigan

8 8 FAMILY TRADITION Get to know some of Cherokee’s family-owned businesses 20 HOME AND GARDEN Spring into the season with this section

ON THE COVER: Dr. Kina Mallard, Reinhardt University’s first woman president, and husband Steve Dietz Photograph by Kathryn Ingall

EDITOR

Rebecca Johnston

in every issue

48 48 46 46 40 49 34 3 44 47 6 41 13 22 5 44 15 36 7 47 45 30 25

PHOTOGRAPHER

FROM THE EDITOR

NEWS AND NOTEWORTHY

LAYOUT AND DESIGN

FROM THE DIRECTOR

LaTria Garnigan, Mark Wallace Maguire

HIGHLIGHTS

ADVERTISING STAFF

ADVERTISING MANAGER

SCENE

REFLECTIONS

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS Acworth Arts Festival AquaGuard Basements Bees Knees Canton Tire and Wheel Cherokee County Arts Council Cherokee County Chorale Cherokee County Farm Bureau Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta City of Canton Crooked Creek Furniture & Gifts Darby Funeral Home Decorating Den Dixie Speedway Edens Keepers Elements Salon Fowler Electric Frosty Frog Creamery & Café Georgia Allstars Greenprints Alliance Heritage Fellowship Jake’s Produce The Lindsey Haas Team Main Street Canton

CONTRIBUTORS Ericka Neldner, Nicole Price

Masterscapes 30 NHC Ortho & Sports Medicine 11 NHC Surgical Associates 17 NHC Women’s Specialists 35 Northside Hospital - Cherokee 51 Pacific Dental 45 Pinnacle Orthopaedics 19 Plastic Surgery Center of The South 34 Provino’s 40 Reinhardt University 29 Reinhardt University Falany Performing Arts Center 6 Repair Barn 23 S&J Kitchen 42 Salon • Spa Venessa 49 Sosebee Funeral Home 52 Sundance Pressure & Seal 42 Superior Plumbing 37 Three Sisters Gifts & Home Accents 15 Towne Lake Primary Care 43 WellStar 2 Willows Gift Shoppe 36 Woodstock Group Page 31

Kathryn Ingall, Erin Gray Cantrell

Kim Fowler

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Tara Guest

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Paula Milton, Becky Opitz Katy Ruth Camp, Ginny Hrushka, Tracy Avis, Jill Abbott

GRAPHICS COORDINATOR Beth Poirier

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Jennifer Hall, Carlos Navarrete

PRODUCTION CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Dave Gossett 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 Please send all editorial correspondence to rjohnston@cherokeelifemagazine.com

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FROM THE EDITOR

Easter Chicks and Family Ties Live baby chicks were all the rage for Easter when I was growing up in Canton. So much so, that one year several classes at Canton Elementary were given the fluffy yellow peeps to take home along with their assignments. What parents thought when their youngsters showed up with a baby chicken to feed and house can only be imagined. Fambro’s, a local five and dime store in downtown Canton, usually had them for sale around Easter. My friends and I always loved going in and seeing the little chicks, dreaming of having one for our own. But probably some folks just went out to their hen houses and found a few. Cherokee County was the poultry capital of the world back in those days. Signs on roads leading into the county proclaimed we were the “World’s Largest Broiler Producing County.” Haley Farms was one of the most successful poultry operations in the county. Owned and operated by Fred Haley, who was highly respected as a leader in the community and the state, Haley Farms began with poultry but expanded to include hogs and other commodities. Fred Haley eggs were highly prized and most families wouldn’t eat anything else. I am sure most children in Cherokee were coloring Fred Haley eggs for their Easter baskets back in those days. Fred and his wife Louise had four children: Frank, who later worked for the massive farming operation, and three daughters, Margaret Ann, Carolyn Sue and Mary Lynn. Lovely Southern names.

Eventually, the farm went out of operation and some of the land was sold for development. The three sisters, however, are still right here in Cherokee County where they were born, operating a beloved gift shop in the Hickory Flat community they continue to call home. Three Sisters, located in the shopping center at the corner of Hickory Flat Highway and East Cherokee Drive, is a popular gift and home décor shop started by the trio several years ago. Customers and browsers often find at least one or two of the sisters there to assist in finding perfect gifts for all occasions or special touches for the home. Three Sisters is just one of several family owned businesses we feature this month in Cherokee Life. Tucked in century old buildings in downtowns, or located along the main highways and byways of our county, a plethora of family businesses still welcome the public each day. Many have been around for decades. Those businesses are among the many things that make our community unique and should be treasured. Some might be a little more difficult to reach, but the attention and service, as well as the fun of chatting with long-time owners, makes the shopping so much more rewarding. Spring is the time when Cherokee takes on a special look. Riding through the countryside, where once so many farms dotted the landscape and some still remain, this time of year shows an unfolding of beauty, pale green grass dotted with daffodils, trees budding out and dogwoods blooming. Take time to get out and enjoy. Just as those tiny baby chicks speak of rebirth, spring is the time that resurrects our souls after a long winter, and brings us the promise of Easter. Rebecca Johnston

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news & noteworthy [style]

Scarves tying up design Hand-painted wax batik silk scarves made by a popular Canton artist are selling like hot cakes at Chamberhouse in historic downtown. Well-known local artist Elly Hobgood traveled to Madeline Island, Wisconsin, last summer to learn this centuries old technique. Designs are created using vintage Indonesian copper tjaps (pronounced “chop”) or fabric stamps that are heated in wax for several minutes then applied to silk fabric. The design can then be hand painted. These processes can be repeated to create unlimited designs and colors. Hobgood says that it is impossible to make identical scarves because the process has a life of its own....it is very forgiving but each one is completely unique. Not only are folks around the community wearing them, but there are now classes at the Cherokee Art Center to teach the process. For more about the artist visit www.ellyhobgood. com.

Upcoming Performances at Reinhardt University’s Falany Performing Arts Center The Mystery of Edwin Drood Friday, April 8-Sunday, April 10 The University Jazz Ensemble Tuesday, April 12 at 7:30 p.m. The University Symphonic Winds Thursday, April 14 at 7:30 p.m. The University Concert Choir Sunday, April 17 at 3 p.m. Doktor Kaboom’s LIVE WIRE: The Electricity Tour Saturday, May 14 at 3 & 6 p.m. The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Friday, May 20 at 8 p.m. Box Office- 770-720-9167

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[style]

Madisonn Ave. opens Parents searching for the perfect look for their little girls need not search further – Madisonn Ave. is open in downtown Woodstock. The boutique for girls ages newborn to 14, carries a variety of clothing, accessories and gifts. It is a place where local girls can shop and feel like they have walked into their dream closet filled with fun toys and cute clothes for dressing up or playing in the sandbox. Madisonn Ave. is at 102 Fowler St. in downtown Woodstock. Jodi Tiberio, owner of Brooklynn’s and Branches boutiques, wanted to answer the demand for a children’s store in the area, so she opened Madisonn Ave. in December. A grand opening was held in January. To celebrate Easter, the boutique will host a celebration with a petting zoo March 26 from noon to 4 p.m. For more information, call (770) 575-9481 or visit www.facebook.com/madisonnavekids.

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Whether it’s contributing to the local economy, providing a service or carrying on tradition, family businesses are a vital part of the fabric of any community. In this issue, we profile 5 of Cherokee’s most dynamic family businesses. 8

Above, owner of Key’s Jewelry, Doug Key, helps a customer pick out a birthday present for his wife. Below, original owners Vernie and Ruby Key. Opposite page, Doug and his wife Judy.

Key ’s Jewel r y 230 E. Main St., Canton (770) 479-4834 www.keysjewelry.com

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By Rebecca Johnston Photography by Erin Gray Cantrell

Generational Gems D

oug Key and wife Judy are keeping the family tradition going at a jewelry store in historic downtown Canton. Key’s Jewelry is a third generation, family-owned and operated jewelry store that has been in business since 1951. Key’s was started by Vernie L. and Ruby Key. The jewelry store opened on the third floor of what was known as the Galt building at the corner of Marietta and East Main streets. The business started with one showcase and Vernie Key’s workbench, where he did watch and clock repair, the store’s history reveals. He was able to move into a shop on the ground floor of the Galt building in the mid-1950s. In 1956 a local bank building on Main Street became available and Vernie and Ruby Key bought the building and remodeled it for their jewelry store. They opened in the new location in mid-1957 and the family business has been there since that time. Vernie Key’s grandson, and now owner, Doug Key came into the family business after high school graduation in 1974 and continues to work at the store he now owns. In 1979 Doug’s dad Marion Key purchased the store. Mar-

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ion Key had worked periodically for his father, but had never worked full time. “Overall it was a great pleasure to work with my father and my granddad. I got to know my father a lot better during that time. Both my father and granddad did everything they could to help me be successful,” Doug Key said. Doug Key worked alongside his father until he bought the store in July 1998, at which time his wife Judy joined him in running the store. The couple remodeled the store inside and out after purchasing it. The remodeling job reopened an upstairs balcony, which most residents of Canton today did not even know existed. Doug Key said working alongside his wife is rewarding. “After we got past the learning curve of being together 24/7 it has been a joy and pleasure to have her with me,” he said. The local jewelry store carries Endless and Pandora, two very popular jewelry lines, Doug Key said. “We always carry a good selection of crosses, chains and watches and we have two nice lines of engagement rings and wedding bands,” Doug Key said.

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Mike Morgan holds a chainsaw in front of Morgan’s Ace Hardware in downtown Woodstock. In 1961 two brothers opened a branch of their Canton hardware store in Woodstock on the corner of Main and Church streets. Morgan, one of the brothers’ sons, purchased the business from his father in 1978.

Powered

Morgan’s Hardware store a familiar sight

Morgan’s Hardware had its beginnings on Main Street in Canton in 1939 when brothers Anis and O.E. “Red” Morgan opened their store, known then as Morgan Brothers. For decades it was a fixture on Main Street. In 1961 the brothers opened a branch store in Woodstock on the corner of Main and Church Street (now Towne Lake Parkway) that was operated by O.E. Morgan. In 1972, his son Mike, started working in the store full time and in 1978 they purchased property across the street

and built where the store is now located. “In the early days Morgan Brothers followed the power company as they brought electricity to the rural areas of Cherokee County and installed kitchens, bathrooms, and well pumps that would bring running water and modern conveniences to the country homes,” Mike Morgan said. They also sold top brands of radios, televisions, major appliances, housewares and other general merchandise. Their diversity of products has always made the store vital

By Rebecca Johnston >> Photography by Kathryn Ingall

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to the community. The store has become an icon in the historic downtown Woodstock district. The Canton store later closed. In 1984, the Morgans joined Ace and are now known as Morgan’s Ace Hardware, Mike Morgan said. Ace Hardware is a dealer owned co-op that gives them the buying power of more than 5,000 stores worldwide. “It was great, we had a great working relationship. He gave me the latitude to try things and he was supportive,” Mike Morgan said. “One of the major changes was my decision to go with Ace. He had a lot of questions and was cautious, but he let me make the calls.” Mike Morgan and his dad worked together for a number of years, even after the son purchased the business from his dad, who worked until 1990. Today Morgan’s carries a complete hardware selection as well as many items residents in the area just can’t find anywhere else. Morgan’s also carries a large selection of outdoor power equipment by Stihl, Honda and Toro, along with a fully stocked parts department and a full-service repair shop that services most brands of outdoor power equipment. Morgan’s is known in the Woodstock area as the place to buy Big Green Egg and Weber Grills, Benjamin Moore Paints, Carhartt Clothing, Rocky and Georgia Boots and Yeti Coolers.

Mike Morgan inside Morgan’s Ace Hardware store in downtown Woodstock.

Morgan’s Hardware 109 E. Main St., Woodstock (770) 926-3281

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Call us today for an appointment (770) 517-6636 • northsidecherokeeortho.com March/April 2016 | Cherokee Life

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Left, Edwards Tires owner Mike Edwards.

Family tire store driving business >>By Rebecca Johnston >>Photography by Erin Gray Cantrell

Edwards Tire Sales first opened in downtown Woodstock in 1967 in an old chicken hatchery building. Started by Alton Edwards, who in 1969 moved the local tire business to its present location on South Main Street in Woodstock, the shop is still going strong. As soon as he was old enough, Alton’s son, Mike Edwards, joined the family business and still operates it. “I started working when I was around 13 or 14 in the afternoons and on Saturday,” Mike Edwards said. “It was great working with my dad for all those years. Not

many have that opportunity and if so it doesn’t always work out.” The location near the corner of Highway 92 first included a three-bay garage, but was later expanded to a 10-bay garage. Several employees have joined the original crew. Mike Edwards says there are rewards to having a family business. “Sometimes work and family do not mix, but we were fortunate that ours did. My father has been retired for several years now but still shows up to make sure I made it in,” Mike Edwards said laughingly. The younger Edwards says there are plenty of challenges to a local business, but the rewards add up to far outweigh the bad. “We have to compete with all the major chains now, which was not the case in earlier days,” Mike Edwards said. “But we have a lot of loyal customers, which is the best part of the business now, getting to keep in touch with people you have known for years.” Edwards Tire is now considered a pillar of the community. Customers even drive from other parts of the county to get tires at the local store. Edwards Tire offers name brand tires, wheels and auto repair and brake services for customers. “Our goal is to focus on customer service. It is the founda-

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Edwards Tire employee, Robert McKinney, works on fitting a new tire onto the rim.

tion of our business,â&#x20AC;? he said. Edwards Tire specializes in the sale and installation of passenger car, performance and light truck or SUV tires. Custom wheels are available, as well as complete under-car services, such as oil changes, brakes, shocks, struts, alignment and transmission fluid flush for both foreign and domestic vehicles. The shop is now open Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

Edwards Tire Sales 9575 Main St., Woodstock (770) 926-3173 March/April 2016 | Cherokee Life

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Chamber family members Benson Chambers, left, Sylvia Chambers, Bud Chambers, Carla Chambers Roach and Cleveland Chambers in front of their store in downtown Canton.

Chamberhouse

a legacy in Canton

By Rebecca Johnston >> Photography by Kathryn Ingall Cleveland Chambers has worked at his family business since he was 12 years old. For five generations, the family’s business has been prominent in downtown Canton — first in the plumbing profession, then as owners of Western Auto. In 1974 Bud and Sylvia Chambers, the fourth generation of Canton business owners, opened a Western Auto in the building known as the Old Ford Building. By 1983, the store had evolved into a home furnishings and gift store named Chamberhouse. Since the early 1980s, Chamberhouse has been an icon on East Main Street in the heart of the historic district. “Starting off so young, I didn’t know any different. I would get up on Saturday and come to work with Mama and Daddy. I started at Western Auto, then we moved to where the dance studio is, then

moved where we are now,” Cleveland Chambers reminisced. “On school days I would walk to the store from Canton Elementary.” Offering a wide selection of gifts, home décor and antiques, the family business is in a former livery stable. With their parents retired, siblings Benson Chambers, Carla Chambers Roach and Cleveland Chambers are the owners and operators of Chamberhouse. Most days Cleveland and Carla can be found behind the counter at the store, but during busy times and holidays it is not unusual to find other members, including Cleveland’s wife, Gwen Chambers, and children Maleah, Griff and Coran, or Carla’s husband, Jeff Roach, daughter-in-law Jessica Roach, or daughter Cecile Henley lending a hand. “This is truly a family business in that we call on

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whatever family member is available,” Cleveland Chambers said. Cleveland Chambers worked as an entertainer with The Georgia Company of Six Flags Corporation from the early 1980s to the early ’90s, as well as in television and theater productions performing across the Southeast and other parts of the U.S. and Mexico. His claim to fame is of singing for three U.S. presidents, Ronald Reagan, Jimmy Carter and Gerald Ford. But he would always return home for the holidays, and cherishes all the years he has worked at his family business. “We get along very well, it is something I have always done, the years I did shows and toured and traveled, I still came home to work at Christmas and during the winter,” Cleveland Chambers said. “A lot of people say, ‘I could never work with my brother or sister,’ but we are close in age, and when it is family it is easy to forget any upsets.” Cleveland Chambers said the family always tries to create a warm and welcoming environment for customers. “We are proud to be a part of the Canton community. Many of our customers remember coming to Chamberhouse when they were kids, and now they bring their own children,” he said. “And as Canton continues to grow, we love welcoming new people into our shop and into our town.”

Cleveland Chambers organizes a display table in the store.

Ch amb er h ou se 145 W. Main St., Canton (770) 479-9115

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Mon-Fri 10 to 6 Sat 10 to 5 6205 Hickory Flat Highway Canton, GA 30115

770.345.3090

Complimentary Gift Packaging Monogram on Store Items Gift Certificates

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Above, Three Sisters carries plenty of SEC college football themed gifts. Left, from left, Three Sisters’ owners Mary Wuestefeld, Margaret Misseri and Carolyn Jones.

...a family affair

Three Sisters adds up to success There is no better friend than a sister — and no better business partner. The three Haley sisters, Margaret Misseri, Carolyn Jones and Mary Wuestefeld, were all teaching school when they decided to leave the profession and open a gift shop in 2002. The name of the shop — Three Sisters — came easily. “Although now they don’t as much as when we first opened, people would ask if we really were

sisters. The follow-up would also be ‘I love my sisters, but I could never work with them.’” Misseri said. “We have enjoyed it, though. I love working with my sisters and we get along really well.” Three Sisters is known for its fashion and brand jewelry, gifts, home décor, baby gifts and wonderful garden area with wind chimes and such, Misseri said. “We divide up the responsibilities. And that works really well. We do have different tastes and

By Rebecca Johnston >> Photography by Erin Gray Cantrell

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interests about what we would like to buy,” Misseri said. “We all have complete confidence in each other.” Misseri said the sisters were not at retirement age, but decided it was time to try something else. “We all three loved teaching but we were ready to do something different, so we opened a business. The first day any of us had ever worked retail was the day we opened the store,” she said. “We all left teaching while we still loved it.” The oldest of the three, Misseri said the sisters still love working together, and the dynamics of working with family has worked well. “We have an unwritten agreement that we don’t talk shop outside the store if others are around. But if we are alone, we do talk about it,” she said. “We really are still excited about the business, we try to have a sister here all the time.” Working with family is a key ingredient to the shop’s success. “I would never have gone into this by myself, but when there are three people you can divide the time, the money and the risk. It was not as scary making a complete change in careers,” she said of their decision. The sisters also know the success of the store would not have been possible without their wonderful, loyal customers, she said. After six years in a smaller space in the Publix Shopping Center at the corner of Highway 140 and East Cherokee Drive, Three Sisters moved into a larger spot in the same complex in 2008. “We almost tripled our space in 2008 when we moved down the sidewalk,” she said.

Three Sisters 6205 Hickory Flat Hwy., No. 106, Canton (770) 345-3090

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FROM THE DIRECTOR

Of me, and bikes and Bono I’ve gotten my share of quips about a bicycle accident that occurred in late October. While I wrapped up the last of my physical therapy in late January and, though I still have miles ahead before I sleep, I am on the ascension and feeling very fortunate and blessed. Most of the jokes are about how I’ve become very accident-prone the last five years or so. Unfortunately that is quite true as I’ve suffered more injuries in the last five years than the last 15 before that combined — yes, for those counting at home, I’m around 15 broken bones now. For what it is worth, they are at least wholesome injuries which is a blessing and a curse. Most of them have to do with my sons being involved which might make me look good as a father, though I would rather have the reputation as a fierce fighter and not a clumsy washtub overweight onetime athlete. The other quips I’ve gotten have been about me and Bono and our connections. As my friend Michael said the other day, “What is it with you musicians and your bicycles?” For those of y’all who don’t know, me and Bono have quite a bit in common. Many things. For example, we’ve both been in the Georgia Dome. We’ve both been on a plane. We both also like U2, Guinness, Amnesty International, the Psalms, have spent some time in north Dublin and have sustained bike accidents in the last year or so. Since my bicycle accident, I have spent a lot of time in my head which is never a good place to be when one is thinking over

Calvinism, free will and cosmology. That said – forgive my self-absorption – I concocted a top 10 list of how Bono and I are tied together. 1. Bono had his bicycle accident while wearing a leather jacket — so rock ‘n’ roll. I had my bicycle accident while wearing paint-splattered track pants from Walmart — so redneck and roll. 2. Bono wishes he was an American. I wish I was an Irishman. 3. Bono had long hair and wore leather trousers in the 1990s. I had long hair in the 1990s and think no one should ever wear leather trousers, with the exception, perhaps, of Jim Morrison. 4. Bono recovered from his bike injury in the south of France. I recovered from my bike injury south of the Mason-Dixon Line. 5. People say Bono is too preachy. People tell me I’m not preachy enough and tend to hide behind apologetics and diplomacy. 6. Bono always says U2’s next album will be their best. I still think their best albums were from 1979 to 1983. 7. After his bicycle accident, Bono said he might never be able to play guitar again and that is no loss to Western civilization. After my bicycle accident, I said I will play guitar again, dadgumit, and I think Western civilization was a great class. 8. People hate Bono because he’s rich and does lots of visible charity work. People hate me for lots of reasons but not because I’m rich, though when I do charity work I tend to be a bit of a smart aleck and can rub people the wrong way. 9. Bono is very confident in his faith. I struggle with my faith every minute. 10. Bono joked about his bike accident on “Jimmy Kimmel Live.” I am too tired to stay up that late to watch Jimmy Kimmel and I have run out of jokes. Now, back to listening to the second side of “Songs of Innocence,” which is some of U2’s best work since ’83. Best, Mark Wallace Maguire

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<<< By Erika Neldner Photography by Kathryn Ingall and courtesy of Masterscapes >>>

etting the perfectly manicured lawn and garden for the spring and summer takes more than just a little mowing and edging, and experts say preparation starts as early as January. When it comes to lawns, there are three popular types of grass grown in Georgia: fescue, Bermuda and what landscape architect Jeff Miller calls the “Cadillac of grasses,” Zoysia.

Both Bermuda and Zoysia are warm season grasses, while fescue is a cool season grass, meaning it stays green year-round. Bermuda and Zoysia do not stay green year-round as they go dormant in the cooler seasons. “All of the grasses in our area need to have pre-emergent weed control applied during the fall and winter leading into spring,” said Miller, who owns Woodstock-based Masterscapes Inc. Pre-emergent is a weed control that will kill weeds prior to germination. “It basically sterilizes the weed seed prior to growing,” he said. Chris Williams, of Eden’s Keepers, said he recommends that pre-emergent be done in January or February, however, March is not too late. “You can still put pre-emergent out to keep more weeds from coming, say the first couple of weeks of March,” he said. Four to six weeks after the pre-emergent, you want to administer a post-emergent, which is a regular weed-killer, Williams said. Pre-emergent needs to be done about four weeks before any seeding is done, Miller said. Those with Bermuda grass will want to “scalp” their yard in mid-March to ensure dead leaves are removed to make room for new growth. “Put the lawn mower on the lowest setting,” Williams said. “You want to do everything but cut dirt.” Miller said the warm season grasses, including Bermuda and Zoysia, need to be cut low the first cut of the season, and Williams said he recommends a good, short cut for Zoysia and fescue but not as low as Bermuda. With April comes the time for aeration, which can be done by the do-it-yourselfer or by a professional. “You need some moisture in the ground so you get good results, but if the ground is too hard, your aerator is just going to bounce around,” Williams said. “A core aerator is always better, but any aeration is always good. It will rejuvenate the root system and give it space to grow. You can do that and fertilize at the same time which gives all of it better air, better moisture retention and make all of it pop a little better.” As for seeding, Miller said homeowners have until mid-April to get that taken care of. “Just use the April 15 cut off time for seeding cool season grasses. The germination rate starts to fall off and the grass needs healthy deep roots prior to summer heat and drier times ahead,” Miller said. “Some homeowners choose to do fall seeding. Either is OK.” Much like lawns, flower beds, gardens, trees and shrubs need a little extra TLC to get them ready for the peak season.

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Masterscapes owner Jeff Miller examines the ground for spring planting.

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“Flower beds and gardens need to be tended this time of year,” Miller said. “Add fertilizers and till in old leaves that may have been added to vegetable gardens.” Williams said cultivating is important to allow for root growth and watering. “You want your bulbs to come through the ground really easy,” Williams said. “You want to make sure if you have plastic or heavy mulch you’ve used to protect your plants that you get that out of the way so new growth can come in as easy as possible. In mid- to late April you’ll start fertilizing those beds and preparing for that May flower. Hopefully in the winter they’ve been keeping the weeds out.” Trees and shrubs usually need to be pruned early on in the year – the South’s beloved crepe myrtles are pruned in late January to early February. But, as long as you’re not cutting into larger branches, a little grooming in the early spring should not pose a problem. “Most of them, you want to typically wait until the sap goes down,” Williams said about pruning trees. “Most flowering trees are done in January, first week of February. As long as you’re not cutting into big branches, you can do that

pretty much anytime.” Williams said to be warned that cutting a tree or shrub too deep can send it into shock or even kill it. “You do not want to wait too long and cut the flower buds off for the next season,” Miller added. When it comes to color, ground covering and design, both landscapers agree it’s a personal preference. Both said homeowners typically choose perennial flowers – ones that come back year after year. Annuals, though, add more pops of colors to a yard. “Annual flowers are always the biggest and brightest in the Atlanta/North Georgia area,” Miller said. “They give the biggest splash of color and people love color. I personally believe annuals give better color for a longer period but perennials are very beautiful if carefully selected for particular areas of the garden.” No matter what you choose to brighten up your yard, make sure the flowers, grass, trees and shrubs chosen will work well with your land. Experts say it’s important to know if you need plants that thrive in shade or sun and whether it will be able to weather North Georgia’s sizzling

Lawn Maintenance • Commercial & Residential Lawn Care • Fertilization • Landscaping

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www.edenskeepers.com 22

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summer heat. There is plenty to choose from when it comes to ground covering including multi-colored mulch, pine straw and rocks. Williams said there even is a rubber mulch product, and while it is more expensive up front, it only needs to be repainted every five years. Miller recommends shredded mulch and pine straw in the North Georgia area, adding that mulch typically lasts longer than straw. “Straw and shredded mulches do better on slopes,” he said. “They do not float very much in rains. Do not use nuggets on slopes. They float in heavy rains and will end up at the bottom of the hill.” He warned that rocks, in Georgia’s summer heat, can be detrimental. “The can heat up and damage the plant when summertime gets here,” Miller said. Once grass and plants are installed, it’s time to get a watering schedule in line. Williams said a lawn is like a puppy, if you train it to eat at a certain time every day, it will expect it. Don’t water it daily because it will expect its daily dose in the dead of summer. “The grass will literally be waiting on the water and it will go brown if you don’t water it every day,” he said, adding he recommends 30 to 45 minutes of watering three times a week. “When the water pools, the ground is saturated and you’re done.” Miller said lawns and flower beds should be watered 1 to 1.5 inches per week from either irrigation or rainfall. “Try not to water at night. This promotes disease in the plant,” he said. You also want the plant leaf dry before the hot sun of the day. This is the same for shrubs and tender flowers. Keep soil moist. We want to promote deep root growth. This helps in drought resistance later in the season.”

When it comes to maintaining a nice-looking yard, Williams said it all is in the details, some of which are simple and low or no cost. “I always tell people details, details, details because keeping the edges of your flower beds nice and neat and clean creates a very manicured, pristine look without spending any money,” he said. Anyone can do it themselves but arming yourself with knowledge is key, Miller said. “Don’t bite off more than you can chew,” he said. “There is a lot of information available printed and through the staff at local do-it-yourself stores. Take sections at a time and one project at a time. Add in layers to the garden, and go to local nurseries and talk to the staff. They can help with all types of issues and plant selections.”

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FOR THE NON DO-IT-YOURSELFER

For those who are not interested in maintaining their yards themselves, both Jeff Miller of Masterscapes and Chris Williams of Eden’s Keepers recommend finding someone who has a long-standing business with good references. Education of the landscaper also is important, they said. “Look into their customer base, check references,” said Miller, who has been in business for 23 years. “Are they licensed and insured? Don’t allow uninsured contractors on your property. Don’t just take their word, request proof of insurance. Call their current customers and check their reliability. Don’t create a headache for yourself.” Williams said it’s customary for the season to start off with several hundred landscapers in the area, only to have the mass cut down by more than half mid-season. “There are so many fly-by-night companies. Look for reputable people with good looking trucks and trailers, etc. Don’t be afraid to check references. Ask to look at some of the work they have done,” said Williams, who has been in business for 22 years. Bigger does not always mean better, and Williams said he recommends looking for a landscaper who will take the time to sit and listen to your needs. Prices for landscaping can vary greatly and it all depends on what is on the homeowner’s wish list, both landscapers said. “It ranges based on the size of the property and the amount of work that a homeowner wishes the landscaper to handle,” Miller said. “Our average residential property averages $225 to $275 per month, excluding fertilization and weed control. This is all on a weekly basis for a yearly contract and includes pruning, mowing, edging, weed-eating, trash-removal, blowing and leaf

removal in the winter.” The price quote is usually dictated by what is on the homeowner’s wish list, he said. “A company like mine, we will do as much or as little as you want in order to fit it into your price range. If your average neighborhood lot is one-third of an acre, if it’s a straight mow and blow, that may be as little as $45. You can go from $45-$85 on one lot depending on the amount of detailed work. They have to be very specific in interviewing a landscaper. If you’re wanting more than he’s offering, tell him that so he can price accordingly.” Landscapers can bring different levels of education to the table, including bachelor’s degrees and certificates. Miller holds a degree in landscape architecture from the University of Georgia, and Williams holds a certificate in horticulture from Kennesaw State University. Both agree that it’s imperative that you look beyond just the photos and find out a landscaper’s background. Interview them and ask to see of their work in person. Both Miller and Williams have an array of customers in Cherokee and other areas. Williams handles the work for several homeowners’ associations, the Rock Barn on Marietta Highway and more than 20 locations in the Buckhead area. Millers’ resume also includes several HOA neighborhoods in Cherokee, homes on West Paces Ferry Road and properties as far as Charleston, S.C. Masterscapes can be reached at (678) 445-6865, (404) 3168252 or jeffmiller@masterscapesinc.com. Eden’s Keepers can be reached at (404) 790-6363 or www. edenskeepers.com.

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<<< By Rebecca Johnston Photograhy by Kathryn Ingall >>>

behind the

curtains At home with Reinhardt Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new President Dr. Kina Mallard

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Dr. Kina Mallard,

Reinhardt University President Dr. Kina Mallard with her husband, Steve Dietz in the dining room of their home. Many of the colors and hues throughout the home reflect the university’s colors of blue and gold.

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Reinhardt University’s first woman president, is already at home in her new role and her new space. When Mallard and husband Steve Dietz first stepped onto the campus in Waleska they knew they made the right decision in choosing Reinhardt for the next step in the new college president’s career. A key component for the couple in making a decision on where Mallard would like to accept a position was to find a school were the president and her family could be connected to campus life. The opportunity to live on campus in the president’s home, at the center of everything, made the choice of Reinhardt even easier for Mallard and her husband. “This is a beautiful university in a park. We love to just walk or drive across campus. And we love the convenience to have meals with the students,” Mallard said. “Everything we need is right here. We walk each day, we walk our dogs, and enjoy the opportunity to chat with students and faculty.” Mallard’s husband agrees that being in touch with campus life is key. “There are not many things we miss, the students are often inviting us to music performances and other activities on campus,” Dietz said. “That they want us is great.” Named as president in February 2015, Mallard replaced Dr. Thomas Isherwood, who held the position for 13 years. Mallard most recently spent five years as provost and vice president for academic affairs, then executive vice president and provost at Carson-Newman University in Jefferson City, Tennessee. Isherwood’s parting suggestion was that improvements be made to the president’s home, which graces the crest of a tree-covered hill in the center of campus and greets visitors with a sweeping drive and impressive white col

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umns. The brick home was built in the 1970s and designed from a plan one of the college’s trustees had of his old home place. In 1997, the trustee, Peter Knox Jr. offered an unexpected gift to the college — a new president’s home. The antebellum brick house was dedicated to Hal B. Wansley, a former chairman of the trustees. The recent renovation includes a new roof, heating and air system, refinishing of the floors, replacement of the columns and shutters and interior decorating updates. Martha Hasty, wife of Reinhardt Board of Trustees Chairman Billy Hasty, served as the designer for the project. The interior design update includes modern touches that blend with the traditional furnishings, which were updated to reflect the freshened look of the home. “We did the home in an updated traditional style, it is a very traditional home, and we worked to get it so that it could be enjoyed by the family, since they live there, and also serve as a place where students and faculty and others could come and feel at home,” the designer said. A graduate of Vanderbilt University, most of her background was via her career as a buyer for Saks Fifth Avenue and Bonwitt Teller in New York City, where she worked for 10 years. Following that she was assistant general manager of the Parisian Store at Phipps Plaza in Atlanta, and later for the Saks Fifth Avenue at the mall, where she handled the visual aspect of the stores. Hasty then became more involved in residential design. “The whole house, especially the wallpaper, was dated. We lightened it up and darkened the floors,” Hasty said. “We wanted it to be more inviting.” A custom designed walnut stain was applied to the original white oak floors. The linoleum on the kitchen floor and butler’s pantry was replaced with ceramic tile, she said. Almost all lighting fixtures were replaced, including the chandelier in the dining room, where traditional furniture is featured. The dining chairs were reupholstered in lighter colors. “There are a lot of rooms that flow from one to the other, and we used a linen color with the blue and gold,” the designer said. The original Baker dining table is flanked by shield back Baker chairs with new velvet fabric seat cushions. The room has been wallpapered with a linen colored damask pattern from Theibaut, which highlights the original artwork.

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“The lighting fixtures were replaced with traditional fixtures with a little contemporary twist to update and replace the ‘80s fixtures that were currently in the home,” Hasty said. Soft yellow blues, yellows, and greens were used on the upholstered pieces and accessories throughout the house. “The decorating was meant not to only bring it up to today’s standards, but to make it a comfortable, cozy and inviting home for its new family in residence, the students, faculty, and visitors,” the designer said. Standout features in the living room include an antique mirror that was added above the sofa and features a musical instrument, which Hasty said went with the university’s emphasis on its music program. Other paintings and art came from different areas on the campus or the school’s archives, including a large map hanging above the living room fireplace and several oils scattered about the main rooms. The map over the fireplace in the living room was created by Dr. James Rowland Burgess, who served as president of Reinhardt from 1944 until 1973. During his time as president, and the years after his retirement until his death in 1987, he dedicated himself to beautifying the campus by planting hundreds of trees and shrubs throughout the campus. The map divides the campus in to sections and within each section he marked the trees and shrubs he planted. He modified the map over the years as he added new plants. “I went to the archives to pull things that were historical,” Hasty said. “In the back room, the old annuals are opened to pages and encased in glass and attached to the wall to show a lot of different times during the life of the university.” Paintings used include “Landscape with Lake” by Robert Cranell Minor, (1839-1904). This piece was donated by Rudolph Childre. He also donated the chest in the foyer. Other paintings are “Still Life with Peaches’’ by Carducius P. Ream (1837-1917) donated by Mr. and Mrs. Fred Bentley and Mr. and Mrs. J. Alan Sellars, and “Portrait of a Lady” by John

F .Francis (1808-1886), donated by Fred Bentley. In addition to the interior, Martha Hasty wanted to make sure the outside and entrance were more inviting. “I spent a lot of time with the stone stairs at the front and wanted a more inviting entrance to the house. We added another step, enlarged the columns and added trim to them. We replaced the old shutters with working shutters to make it very inviting. We wanted the house to reflect Dr. Mallard’s open and accessible approach as president,” Hasty said. The front porch columns were enhanced with base caps and column caps, she said. The center island was re-landscaped and a new flagstone pathway was added. The lampposts were updated with round globes and clear lighting, giving a more park-like feel. “I did a lot of research on lighting on campuses and wanted to make it work well at night so you can see it. Lighting is important to the exterior,” she said. “We made the patio more comfortable to make it more enjoyable. We opened up the views — that is part of the wonderful feel of the home. It is such a wonderful, beautiful place.” The kitchen was gutted as well, with new cabinets along with new electrical and plumbing done throughout the house. Hasty worked with Ben Looper of Southeast Restoration on the project. Shaker style custom cabinets and quartz countertops were added to the kitchen. “I think they can now really use it for faculty and students, it is a lot more welcoming and has a lot of purposes,” she said. For Dr. Mallard and her husband, the home now truly reflects their style and allows them to entertain the students and faculty as they like. Mallard’s inauguration is set for April 15 with a week of activities on campus and in the community to celebrate the occasion. As they look to the future, and Mallard’s inauguration, the message is clear, the new president and her husband are at home at Reinhardt University.

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SHOP CHEROKEE

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Sky Living By Erika Neldner Photography by Kathryn Ingrall

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AGRICULTURE EXPO Friday, March 11, 2016 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Sponsored by the Cherokee County Farm Bureau, Cherokee County Extension Office, the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce and the City of Woodstock.

The Agriculture Expo is part of the National and Georgia Agriculture Month. Georgia Farm Bureau & Cherokee County Farm Bureau commodity for the year is cotton. Enjoy visiting over 30 different Agriculture Display Booths and refreshments. This event is free and open to the public. The Expo will be held at River Church, 2335 Sixes Road, Canton, GA 30114. Farmer Sue and TheArtBarn Crew from Morning Glory Farm will be there with several of her furry feathery friends to celebrate Art, Animals, Agriculture and Education. Locally grown foods, plants, animals and hand crafted products. Farmers Markets, 4-H FFAS and Master Gardeners will be on hand.

If you would like to have a booth or find out more about agriculture in Cherokee County please call the Farm Bureau at 770-479-1481 ext. o www.cherokeegaexpo.info

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itting atop the highest point in downtown Woodstock, homeowner Scott Fant

overlooks both the serene and exciting. His condo is one of the few that extends the full width of the gigantic “Building B” of Woodstock Downtown, the mixed-use development that has the city core thriving. Fant purchased his fourth floor condo in 2011 at what he calls a steal, after living for a year-and-a-half on the third floor of the same building. “It was a risk to move in here when I did with the building only one-third full because the owners would eventually be responsible for all the maintenance on the building. If we didn’t get filled up, we were biting off more than we could

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chew,” Fant said. “It was a leap of faith, but I felt like it just seemed headed in the right direction. I didn’t know for sure.” Not long before Fant moved to Woodstock from Marietta, the downtown area was facing a huge setback, with the main developer filing for bankruptcy and the large building of condos headed for foreclosure. But he had a gut feeling on what would come and took that leap of faith. “I loved it so much that I felt it was worth the risk,” Fant said. He purchased his top floor condo and has not looked back. Fant said he feels lucky to be where he is with two painted backdrops – one that overlooks the treetops right at the dome and cross that perches on top of First Baptist Woodstock and the other that peers out over bustling Main Street. His 2,350-square-foot condo features two bedrooms and two-and-half baths and has windows on three sides. His bedroom faces east and he wakes to the sunrise every morning. “I don’t set an alarm clock unless I have to be up really early for something,” he said. “Normally, I’ll leave the blinds open and wake when the sun comes up. The sunrise often is a really fantastic view.” So fantastic that some mornings he grabs the camera to capture the image. He said the sun rises right over the cross atop First Baptist Woodstock twice a year, and he has been lucky to capture those images. One of the other features of the condo in the sky is getting the crisp afternoon sun in his west-facing kitchen, living room and home office area. “I like late afternoon on this side when the sun is about to set,” he said. Fant, who has worked for New York Life for 30 years, said he enjoys being able to have his home as his office as well. Set up near his kitchen, he has all he needs to get the day’s work done. Occasionally, he will have to meet a client outside his home but said he enjoys being able to hold meetings at 8 a.m. and be home by 10 a.m. Along with his home office, Fant decorated the unit himself. The living area features a burnt amber wall and a historic claims map from Deadwood, South Dakota. “It says quartz but the gold that was found in Deadwood was in the quartz. You had to melt it or crush it.

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The TV series called ‘Deadwood’ talks about this and how they found all the gold, quartz,” Fant said. “We just went to Deadwood and Sturgis this summer for the motorcycle rally and my friend was closing his office and was getting rid of this, and I was like ‘I’ve gotta have that.’ I think this is one of three maps like this in the country. If you get a magnifying glass, there are some family names on the map and there are other names like pet names to these spots where they could dig. It’s a really cool piece of history.” He has other conversation pieces including arrows purchased at downtown Woodstock’s Seven Arrows on the west side of Main Street. “A lot of my stuff in here came from Seven Arrows across the street. All these arrows were made by a guy that supplied them to them and he has arrows in the Smithsonian. It’s really high-quality stuff. They were just plain, and I took my leftover paint and put the stripes on them so they would match,” Fant said.

The sunrise from Fant’s view captured coming over First Baptist Woodstock. Right, stained glass is part of the decor of the home.

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One of Fant’s favorite parts of living atop one of Woodstock’s largest buildings is being able to be a part of the thriving downtown while also enjoying the quiet. “I love being able to see what’s going on and being removed from everything at the same time. It’s great to park my car and be home and have the option to see friends and go to dinner and go out and have a beer without having to drive anywhere. It’s fantastic,” he said. “People like me who have been here for over five years have seen patiently everything develop and all these empty spaces fill in. I’m really happy to be here. I feel very fortunate that Woodstock has turned out great.” The building – five levels in the front and six levels in the back – houses several retailers, including boutiques, restaurants, a yoga studio, coffee house and more. Four levels of downtown living spaces are built above. Fant enjoys many of the restaurants and

stores downtown Woodstock has to offer, although he misses having a true sports bar. “I truly miss Right Wing Tavern. That was kind of our normal sports bar kind of place (and) we no longer have a normal sports bar,” he said, adding that those who have come since have brought something to offer the masses, making Woodstock a destination. “Everything is really nice and the energy that we got from one quality business opening to another and another has brought so many people here.” He and his friends frequent Reel Seafood and have made friends with the bartender with whom they sit when they dine in. “Our buddy is Vincent, the bartender over at Reel, so we love going over there sitting at the bar for dinner,” he said. “The food is outstanding at Century House but it’s more of a special occasion place for us. When the roof is open at Pure, that’s great because they have live music on the weekends. The newest edition is Salt Factory and we were just there. It’s a fantastic atmosphere. They’ve done a great job with the Edison lights and stuff in there. It’s really neat.” The shopping is plentiful for purchasing gifts for his children and it even kept one of his recent houseguests busy. He said he enjoys Rak Outfitters and Branches for presents for his son, Harrison, 24, and daughters, Lauren, 26, and Palmer, 19. One of his recent houseguests from Tennessee took full advantage of the shopping while she was in town. “She just wanted to shop for two days in Woodstock. She’d go down and come back an hour later with her arms full of bags, put stuff down and go back out and get more,” Fant said. “Apparently it’s a big hit.” While Fant, who is the vice president of the condo owners’ association, said he does not plan on going anywhere anytime soon, he knows he’ll leave his home in the sky at some point. “I feel really lucky and happy to be here and one day I probably will move but I will really miss it,” he said.

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paddle boarding in

WISCONSIN?

>>Words By Nicole Price >>Photography by Jon Jarosh // Door County Visitor Bureau

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With water lapping at my feet and stretching as far as the eye could see, I dug my toes into the sand and took a moment to just be…far away from my ever-growing to-do list, my terrible alter ego — last name Rage, first name Road — and my sweet husband’s insistence on hanging toilet paper under instead of over (the horror!). The unexpected tranquility of a middle America beachfront — Door County, Wis., to be exact — was exactly what I didn’t know I needed. Agreeing to write a travel feature about this offbeat locale situated along 300 miles of Lake Michigan coastline was a no-brainer. Though metro Atlanta’s proximity to some of the country’s prime travel destinations is unrivaled, I’m always up for something a little different and between adventure rafting, stand-up paddle boarding, zip lining and a few squeaky cheese curds, that’s exactly what I got.

WHAT TO DO What better way to begin my trip than on a high-speed raft (www.doorcountyadventurerafting.com) zipping along Wisconsin’s coastline to the tune of Ozzy Osbourne’s “Crazy Train?” Cruising the shores of Peninsula State Park and weaving through the Strawberry Islands, our knowledgeable guide showed us everything from active lighthouses and the remnants of sunken ships – the irony was not missed – to the striking Eagle Cave, a haunting, millions-of-years old limestone structure that looks like it belongs in a “Game of Thrones” episode (seriously, this place should be on the producers’ list of places to film). With the water as a backdrop, history and wildlife collide to create an enjoyable experience for both nature lovers and city dwellers. The next day, I visited Whitefish Dunes State Park (http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/ name/whitefish/), home to a picturesque beach and Old Baldy, the highest sand dune in Wisconsin at 93 feet above lake level. The park has 14.5 miles of walking trails, self-guided or led by a naturalist detailing the park’s unique flora and fauna. After hiking, I made my way to Door County Adventure Center (www.dcadventurecenter.com) on Rowley’s Bay for more thrills, this time with a lot less between me and the water. As the saying goes, “When in Wisconsin, do as the Wisconsinites do and go stand-up paddle boarding,” or something like that. So after a zip lining warm up, I did just that. I resembled a foal’s first-time vertical aspirations, though not nearly as cute, but once I found balance, it was on. Stand-up paddle boarding is multitasking at its best. You exercise while you explore, then, if you’re like me, convince yourself you deserve dessert for all your hard work.

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Above left, Wild Tomato Wood-fired Pizza. Above center, Scaturo’s famous Door County cherry granola cookies. Above, right, omelet wraps being made at Good Eggs.

WHERE TO EAT I happen to think Olive Garden’s salad and breadsticks are to die for, but there is something to be said for the authenticity, not to mention familiarity, that runneth over at local joints, and Door County is full of them. One morning, I walked a short distance from my beautifully appointed cottage (more on that later) to Good Eggs (www. goodeggsdoorcounty.com), whose simple menu — a mash up of breakfast basics stuffed into a tortilla for a filling “omelet wrap” — makes ordering easy. Repurposed surf boards serve as tables and cement this “breakfast cabana’s” laidback vibe while providing the perfect perch to enjoy the view of Eagle Harbor. It was necessary fuel for the day’s hike to Old Baldy. Later, I downed a couple (okay, four) slices at Wild Tomato Wood-Fired Pizza and Grille (www.wildtomatopizza.com) in Fish Creek for replenishment. I’m pretty humdrum when it comes to pizza; slap a slice of pepperoni on my plate and I’m happy. But oh, how a little aioli, smoked pork or garlic cream cheese can elevate this non-American staple. I ordered a slice of the D-Lux supreme pizza as backup, but also tried The Fun Guy (get it?), topped with five types of sautéed mushrooms, spinach, caramelized onions and the aforementioned garlic cream cheese; the Smoked Pork BBQ, laden with delicious chunks of smoked pork, green peppers, pineapple and cilantro on a barbecue sauce base; and the Donation Creation, which changes monthly but during my visit featured aioli, something I’d never dreamed of drizzling on pizza. My taste buds thanked me for walking on the wild side. My trip down foodie lane wouldn’t have been complete without a little sweet treat or three. Normally, I wouldn’t pair the words good and granola, not even for the sake of alliteration, for which I have an unending (annoying, if you ask my editor) love. But when you add Door County Montmorency cherries in a stroke of genius, as does Scaturo’s Baking Company and Café (www. scaturos.com), you indeed get a cherry granola cookie that is beyond good. I nibbled on these late at night, early in the morning, between meals, on the plane…you get the picture. They would’ve been a great “I brought you something back!” gift for my friends and family if I hadn’t eaten them all.

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WHEN TO GO I think you’ll get the most recreational bang for your buck during the summer when Lake Michigan isn’t frozen, unless you’re into winter sports, which is another story for another day this Georgia girl (probably) won’t be writing. Find out more at www. doorcounty.com.

WHERE TO STAY Door County has a variety of lodging options, from motels and fullservice resorts with waterfront suites to the classic bed and breakfast. I chose historic Eagle Harbor Inn (www. eagleharborinn.com), a collection of cottages with whirlpool suites anchored by a charming bed and breakfast at the property’s center. Operating almost a century, the site has undergone many transformations, resulting in the current cottage/bed and breakfast hybrid that delivers the best of both worlds. The gratifying solitude of my one-bedroom whirlpool suite with kitchen and fireplace was heaven-sent after long days of recreational activity.

Above, the inside of a cottage at the Eagle Harbor Inn. March/April 2016 | Cherokee Life

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ighlights A closer look at events happening in Cherokee during March and April SPRING BOOK SALE>>The Friends of the Library will host its spring book sale March 17 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.; March 18 from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and March 19 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A Friends of the Library preview for members will be held March 17 from 3 to 5:30 p.m. Memberships can be purchased at the door. The sale will be held at the Woodstock Library, 7735 Main St., Woodstock. CHEROKEE CHORALE>>The Cherokee Chorale will present its concert “The Road Not Taken: Songs from America” March 20 at 3 p.m. at Canton First United Methodist Church, 930 Lower Scott Mill Road, Canton. The conductor is Charles Claiborne. Tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for children and can be purchased at Ball Ground Pharmacy, The Cherokee Arts Council, FoxTale Book Shoppe, Jasper Drug and Three Sisters in Hickory

Flat. They also can be purchased at the door 45 minutes before the performance, from any chorale member. More info: 678.439.8625 or www.cherokeechorales.org NEXT TO NORMAL>>The Elm Street Cultural Arts Village will host “Next to Normal: A Feel Everything Musical” March 4 to 6. Next To Normal is an unflinching look at a suburban family struggling with the effects of mental illness. Winner of three 2009 Tony Awards including Best Musical Score, and winner of the 2010 Pulitzer Prize, Next To Normal was also chosen as “one of the year’s 10 best shows” by critics around the country, including The Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, Rolling Stone and The New York Times. Dad’s an architect, Mom rushes to pack lunches and pour cereal, and their daughter and son are bright, wise-cracking teens, making them appear to be a typical American family. And yet their lives

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Do you have an event? Email Rebecca Johnston at rjohnston@cherokeelifemagazine.com. are anything but normal, because the mother has been battling manic depression for 16 years. Next To Normal takes audiences into the minds and hearts of each character, presenting their family’s story with love, sympathy and heart. It is rated PG-13. More info: 678.494.4251 or www.elmstreetarts.org REPERTORY TROUPE >>The Elm Street Cultural Arts Village will present RepTouR — Elm Street’s Touring Repertory Troupe — March 12 and 13 at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $8.50 in advance (plus a $1.50 processing fee) or $12 at the door. RepTouR began in 2007 with the idea of “bringing imagination to life.” The troupe since then has seen more than 40,000 children and performed hundreds of children’s stories. RepTouR will contain Dr. Seuss’ “The Cat in the Hat,” “One Fist, Two Fish” and their own silly version of “Rumpelstiltskin.” The event is family friendly and great for children. ITHINK IMPROV>>April 1 will bring an April Fools celebration to the Elm Street Cultural Arts Village with the iThink Improv Troupe’s wacky and crazy moments. Show starts at 9 p.m. Admission is $5 cash at the door. ELM STREET CULTURAL ARTS VILLAGE>>“Whose Line is it, Woodstock” is back at the Elm Street Cultural Arts Village April 14 to 16. It will make you laugh until

you are blue in the face. Similar to the iconic television show, “Whose Line is it Anyway?” the troupe will take you on a journey through crazy games and improv their way to the end of the show. It is rated PG. More info: 678.494.4251 or www.elmstreetarts.org ANYTHING GOES>>“Anything Goes” will be presented at the Elm Street Cultural Arts Village, 8534 Main St., Woodstock, April 29 to May 15. Shows are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. The show is a three-time Tony Award winner including Best Musical Revival and Choreography. When the S.S. American heads out to sea, etiquette and convention get tossed out the portholes as two unlikely pairs set off on the course to true love…proving that sometimes destiny needs a little help from a crew of singing sailors, an exotic disguise and some good old-fashioned blackmail. Peppering this timeless classic are some of musical theatre’s most memorable standards, including “I Get A Kick Out Of You,” “You’re the Top,” and of course, “Anything Goes.” Tickets are $12 in advance or $15 at the door. More info: www.elmstreetarts.org PUPPY 5K>>Cherokee High School senior Alaina Cantrell is hosting a “Puppy 5K” event to benefit the Cherokee County Humane Society. The run will be March 12 at 8:30 a.m. at Boling Park, 1200 Marietta

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Hwy. in Canton. Runners are encouraged to bring their four-legged friends to the event and goodie bags will be distributed to participants. More info: alainacantrell0@gmail.com SEASON REVEAL PARTY>>Elm Street Cultural Arts Village’s season reveal party will be March 20. Elm Street has spent an immense amount of time crafting the next season. Elm Street is dedicated to engaging the community with relevant art experiences every day. The event will take a look at Elm Street’s history and accomplishments throughout the year and reveal all of the exciting programs for the upcoming 2016-17 season. More info: www.elmstreetarts.org PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE>>Reinhardt University’s Falany Performing Arts Center will host the Percussion Ensemble from the studio of Olivia Kieffer March 29 at 7:30 p.m. The event is free. The students in the ensemble must learn to perform at a professional level and to rely on each other to perform their pieces. The percussion ensemble utilizes all of the percussion equipment available and will amaze the audience with their complex rhythms, stamina and focus.More info: 770.720.9167 or www.reinhardt.edu/fpac BRASS EXTRAVAGANZA>>Reinhardt University’s School of Performing Art’s brass ensembles will perform March 31 at 7:30 p.m. at the Falany Performing Arts Center. The Brass Extravaganza features a night of only brass instruments, with ensembles including brass quintets, trumpet ensembles, low brass ensembles and full brass ensembles. Under the direction of Harry Maddox, the students in these ensembles perfect their ability to collaborate with RESIDENTIAL • REMODELING • COMMERCIAL one another — a skill that is vital in Licensed & Insured • FREE Estimates the arts. These concerts are always energetic and filled with the best Locally Owned & Operated by of brass music. The event is free. More info: 770.720.9167 or jfowlerelectric@yahoo.com www.reinhardt.edu/fpac

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Cherokee Life | March/April 2016

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4 UNITY BREAKFAST. The 18th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Breakfast was held Jan. 16 at The Northside-Cherokee Conference Center. 1. From left, Mistress of Ceremonies Ebony Steele and Cynthia McClure. 2. Cherokee County Schools Deputy Superintendent Brian Hightower, left, Ida Hartwell, County Manager Jerry Cooper and Cherokee County Board of Commissioners Chairman Buzz Ahrens. 3. From left, Donna Ratliff and Brooklin Cox, 13. 4. The Rev. Samuel Langston, left, the Rev. Darine Langston and Sheila Pridgen. // PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATHRYN INGALL //

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UNITY BREAKFAST. The 18th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Breakfast was held Jan. 16 at The Northside-Cherokee Conference Center. 5. From left, Anthony and Maria Baker with their sons Chase, 8, and Cameron, 13. 6. Rosa Ogletree, left, Paul Durham and Georgia Reed-Byrd. 7. Willie Glenn, left, Theron Moore and John Pridgen. 8. James Daniel, left, Brenda Daniel, Dominique Wright and Damari Wright, 6. // PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATHRYN INGALL //

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4 WINTER MEMBER MIXER. The Junior Service League of Woodstock hosted a new member mixer in January. It was held at Marlowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tavern. The mixer allowed women interested in joining to come by and learn about the organization. 1. From left, Amanda Buczek, Allison Riggs and Kim Golden. 2. From left, Stephanie Harris, Brittany Smith, Heather Sparks and Jessica Owens. 3. From left, Sarah Davis, Julee McGehee and Mandy Moyer. 4. From left, Frances Moore and Heather Burt. // PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATHRYN INGALL // March/April 2016 | Cherokee Life

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WINTER MEMBER MIXER. The Junior Service League of Woodstock hosted a new member mixer in January. It was held at Marlow’s Tavern. The mixer allowed women interested in joining to come by and learn about the organization. 5. From left, Bryttany Hyde and Maria Lannom. 6. From left, Maggie Stevenson, Sara Bechely and Alicia Krik. 7. From left, Tyler Verlander and Andrea Spalding. 8. From left, Maggie Hilliard and Lisa Murphy. // PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATHRYN INGALL //

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Cherokee Life | March/April 2016

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MAIN STREET MORNINGS. The Main Street Morning networking meeting in Canton kicked off for the new year with a visit to Canton City Hall. 1. Peter and Susan Volk. 2. From left, Diane Minick and Micki Farley. 3. From left, President of the Main

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reflections

...scouring into By Erika Neldner

Bright colors, beautiful flowers and fresh green lawns. A deep breath of just-warm-enough air to cleanse the body. Springtime brings a time of renewal and rebirth.

I love everything about spring. The flowers bloom, the weather warms up and there are great holidays to celebrate — Easter, spring break and my birthday, of course. Spring also means the time to get the yard looking nice for the next couple of seasons. I love to plant flowers and enjoy their beauty and fragrance. At the first touch of halfway warm air on my skin and a glimpse of a sunshiny day, I’m ready to go to the local nursery and choose flowers to spruce up our yard. The possibilities are endless in my mind — do I want lilies or roses? Do we go for annuals or perennials? What vegetables do I want to plant and enjoy the whole summer long? My husband’s enthusiasm is not as grand as mine. He must not wear the same rose-colored glasses as me. He knows my excitement means trudging through the nursery pulling a flatbed cart with both kids in tow while I point to all the different flowers I want, knowing I can choose just a few. It means pulling weeds and trimming hedges, building flowerbeds and toting heavy bags of potting soil for me — all the while trying to keep two littles ones from getting into trouble. Running a weed eater is not the easiest task while an almost 2-year-old and a 7-year-old are running wild in the backyard. And unfortunately, for him, it usually means completing the glorious vision I have for the yard while I wrangle the kids. The springtime renewal does not stop with the outside

and my hand cannot ever keep up with the list my brain is creating for spring cleaning. Call me odd, but I love cleaning and organizing. It is quite therapeutic. While others may relax with a good book to ease their mind, give me some cleaner, a sponge and a toilet brush, and I am good to go. When I was a child, we always had a spring cleaning day. My mom, sister and I would tackle the inside and my stepdad would do the outside. The list was neverending and back then it was more domestic drudgery than it was enjoyable. We cleaned windows and window screens, baseboards and any cobwebs the winter may have brought. I have not had much luck getting my family into the spirit of spring cleaning but luckily for my husband, his fate is much better when it comes to the indoor chores than the outdoor. I pretty much leave him alone as long as he keeps the little ones occupied and out of my way. That is until he sees that sweet twinkle in my eye beckoning him to come move some furniture and pointing to where I want it as I redecorate for the spring. He also knows it usually means moving a heavy box to the attic or to the back of my car to haul off to Goodwill. I swear his favorite line is “what now honey? I see it in your eyes.” I guess he can read me like a book. As the days get longer and the air warms up, I invite you to embrace the fresh start and renewal that spring brings. Even if you are not as passionate as I am when it comes to newly planted flowers, squeaky clean floors and the smell of a freshly sterilized house, find something to renew this season. In the meantime, you’ll find me with my mops and my brushes scouring the dirt away to make a fresh start. Watch out dust bunnies, here I come! I have my rubber gloves, vacuum and cleaners and I am not afraid to use them.

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