Canton Family Life 11-15

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Contents

November 2015

VOLUME 3 | ISSUE 4

[32-34]

32-34 On the Cover:

LGE Community Credit Union

40-45

Light Up the Season Holiday Guide

[40-45]

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Canton Family Life | NOVEMBER 2015

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

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

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

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..................... Canton Minute

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............................ Quotables

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....................... Capitol Ideas

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

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

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

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

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.............. Main Street Canton

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................... Faces of Canton



Publisher’s Perspective

Blessings Always Count

S

ometimes, I have to admit that blessings go unaccounted for in my life and may go unnoticed in the hustle and bustle. Even if for a short time they do, I am usually reminded of how wonderful it is that even the smallest of blessings can be used as a daily reminder to be thankful. It’s about the little things, little things that add up to greater things. Just the other day, I was picking up laundry to do a load of darks; my arms were full, and I was fumbling around trying to keep from dropping socks. Then, there on the floor was the last piece, a burgundy towel, and it was large enough to hold everything together. That may sound like just a coincidence to some, but to me, it was a tiny reminder of how good life really is, one moment at a time. Of course, we each have had great blessings in our life, such as our self, a friend or a relative conquering cancer, injury, a near death event or other malady that was just miraculous. We may, in fact, have a happy home with vibrant children, a good job and a comfortable lifestyle that gives us reason to give thanks. Some of us could be struggling with an array of troublesome things in our or day-to-day lives, in spite of what the world sees as “good enough,” and still recognize that the feeling of the sunshine on our skin, the sound of a guitar, or sharing a laugh with a friend is indeed a gift, and we feel blessed.

EDITORIAL Julie Senger Editor@FamilyLifePublications.com ART Candice Williams Candice@FamilyLifePublications.com Laurie Litke Laurie@FamilyLifePublications.com SALES Janet Ponichtera Janet@FamilyLifePublications.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Christopher Anderson, Jose Baez, Rep. Mandi Ballinger, Kathleen Boehmig, Michael Buckner, Mary Kay Buquoi, Lynnda Campbell, Susan Casella, L. Michael Cox, Jyl Craven, Kristi Estes, Micah Fowler, Paige Gardner, Georgia Farm Bureau, Catherine Groves, Corey Harkins, Patricia Hawley, Lisa-Marie Haygood, Norman Hunt, Cameron Johnson, Michelle Knapp, James E. Leake, Dot Martin, Robbie Matiak, Tim Morris, E. Anthony Musarra, Michael Petrosky, Nick Roper, Suzanne Taylor, Matthew Thomas

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

770-213-7095

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

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There’s really no trick to being thankful beyond the simple acknowledgement of how blessed each and every one of us truly is in our daily lives. By giving thanks, we give back to Him from which our blessings flow. Let us make sure each blessing, however small, counts by being thankful and expressing our gratitude. May God continue to grow in you every day, through blessings in your life and thanksgiving in your heart.

PUBLISHER/PHOTOGRAPHER Jack Tuszynski Jack@FamilyLifePublications.com

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M AG A ZI

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Jack Tuszynski, Publisher

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© 2015 All rights reserved.



Calendar NOVEMBER

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First Friday — This month’s First Friday is actually on the FIRST SATURDAY. This is because Main Street is partnering with the American Legion to host an event that honors Veteran’s Day. This is not a concert series. Instead, we will have a Veteran’s Day parade. We look forward to seeing you there! 10:00 am, Canton Historic Downtown Loop, 151 Elizabeth Street, Canton. 770-704-1548. CantonHDL.com

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Veteran’s Day Ceremony — A celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, willingness to serve, and sacrifice for the common good. Join the City of Woodstock, MGen Warren R Johnson, Marine Corps League Detachment #1311 in Woodstock, the American Legion Post 316 Woodstock, and the Warriors Watch

Riders to celebrate our veterans who have given us our liberty and freedom. Candlelight ceremony begins at 7:00 pm, the Park at City Center, 101 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock. WoodstockGa.gov

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Teachers the Musical! These tales from the teacher’s lounge are for everyone who has ever had the “Monday Morning Blues” and for all teachers desperate to set the world on fire... before their students do it for them! With book/ lyrics by Robin Pullen and music by David Reeb, a retiree wannabe discovers her new teaching partner has only taught cats, and her newest student is Satan’s spawn. This musical comedy is about “tested” teachers who discover what they have might not be what they want! A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Pullen’s former student, Ellie Karlsen, to help offset her uncovered surgery costs. Ellie was born with Neurofibromatosis, a disorder that left her jaw out of alignment.

Canton Theatre. For tickets and information: TeachersTheMusical.com or CantonTheatre.com

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The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley — The beloved children’s book, written by Jeff Brown in 1964, has become a literary and pop cultural phenomenon — delighting readers and travelers all around the world. And now, Timothy Allen McDonald, the writer behind Willy Wonka and James and the Giant Peach, has taken everyone’s favorite two-dimensional hero and given him a new life in The Musical Adventures Of Flat Stanley. Friday at 7:30 pm, Saturday/Sunday at 2:00 pm, City Center Auditorium, 8534 Main Street, Woodstock. 678-494-4251. ElmStreetArts.org

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“The Art of Practice” Presented by Huu Mai, president of the Cobb Music Teachers Association for the Cherokee Music Teachers Association. All CMTA programs are free and open to the public. 10:00 am, Reinhardt University’s Falany PAC. 770720-1701.

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Woodstock Art & Wine Festival — features a fine juried art show, high end crafts, a wine tasting area, live music and entertainment, an interactive kid’s activity area and plenty of great food. The festival showcases more than 70 of the most talented artists in the southeast, representing a variety of media including painting, photography, sculpture, pottery, jewelry and more. 11:00 am-5:00 pm, The Park at City Center, Downtown Woodstock. WhatsUpWoodstock.com

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Green Team Training Workshop Sponsored by UGA Cooperative Extension office of Cherokee County. Join UGA Specialists for the latest information in the Green Team Training Workshop! Topics and speakers for this workshop are: “Turfgrass Weed Identification” — Patrick McCullough, “Pesticides in the


Environment” — Mickey Taylor, “Special Environmental Concerns with Pesticide: Protecting Ground Water” — Mickey Taylor, “Plant Diseases” — Jean Williams Woodward and “Green/Water-Wise Landscaping” — Josh Fuder. Earn four hours of CEU credits in category 24, $45 registration fee. 9:00 am-3:00 pm. 770721-7803. Extension.Uga.edu/Calendar/ Event.cfm?pk_ID=9394

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Brew HaHa — Every 3rd Thursday of the month is Brew HaHa, because humor is good for the soul. It’s a unique comedy, with each event, along with all brewery tours, conducted improv style by iThink Improv Troupe. Comedy is free, but we encourage tips and donation to Elm Street Cultural Arts Village. continued on

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LIBRARY EVENTS

Calendar

SequoyahRegionalLibrary.org BALL GROUND 435 Old Canton Road, Ball Ground, 770-735-2025 HICKORY FLAT 2740 East Cherokee Drive, Canton, 770-345-7565 R.T. JONES 116 Brown Industrial Pkwy., Canton, 770-479-3090

ADULT COLORING GROUP November 4 & 18, 11:00 am-2:00 pm, Ball Ground Adults are invited to stop by the library meeting room during the allotted time to relax and rediscover the joy of coloring. Supplies are provided. BOOK REPAIR November 5, 10:00 am-2:00 pm, Ball Ground Book lovers who want to bring new life to old books or Bibles will receive free estimates on restoration. Jack Kyle, a retired book binder, will be available to explain how he can restore and rebind your cherished items. DIY: BURLAP PUMPKIN November 5, 4:00 pm, Hickory Flat Join us as we walk you through making a burlap pumpkin. We will provide everything needed! Registration is required. TREES ARE TREMENDOUS November 7, 10:00 am, Hickory Flat Learn how to select, plant and care for trees. For more information and to pre-register by November 4, please call 770-721-7803. Presented by the UGA Master Gardener Extension Program. LEGO CLUB November 7, 2:00 pm, Hickory Flat Children can work alone or in teams to make their own special creation, which will be displayed at the library until next month’s meeting. Each month, Lego Club will feature a new theme. All ages are invited; 9 and under must be accompanied by an adult. OPEN CRAFT NIGHT November 9, 6:00-7:30 pm, R.T. Jones Join our monthly social crafting hour! Come and share your projects, tips and ideas, and enjoy the company of other crafters while you work on your craft of choice. Bring whatever project you’re working on, drop in and join the group! Beginners welcome.

Participants must bring their own supplies. This program is intended for ages 14 and up. AUTHOR EVENT: LARRY CAVENDAR November 10, 6:00 pm, Ball Ground Join us as we celebrate the release of A Patchwork Quilt by Ball Ground’s native son, Larry Cavender. He will be sharing excerpts from his first published book and entertaining us with stories of his life and relationships that influenced him….most all of which center around his hometown of Ball Ground. You will be able to purchase a copy that evening. MOBILE CAREER LAB November 11 & 25, 10:00 am-3:00 pm, R.T. Jones The Atlanta Regional Workforce Board’s Mobile Career Lab is coming to your library. Get free assistance with your job search, information about training opportunities and access to computer workstations. Services are available for ages 16 years and older. BOOK CLUB November 16, 11:00 am, Ball Ground Come join the group as they discuss The Girl on the Train, by Paula Hawkins. New members are welcome. CERAMIC DEMONSTRATION: IDEAS FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON November 17, 6:00 pm, Ball Ground Back by popular demand, Helene Maloy, owner of A Piece of Time, will be here to demonstrate ideas for creating ceramic holiday gifts. Optional: Bring $5.00 to paint an ornament to take with you. Registration is required. CHESS & CHAT November 21, 1:00-3:00 pm, R.T. Jones Chess & Chat is our informal chess group that meets once a month at R.T. Jones Library to play. While our Adult Services Desk always has chess sets available to use, we have a nice group of opponents on these special Saturdays. No need to register, just drop by and see who is interested in playing a game.

Brew Tour options between $10-25 and include six, 6oz tastings to enjoy at the Keeping Room. Tours begin at 5:30 pm, Reformation Brewery, 500 Arnold Mill Way, Woodstock. ElmStreetArts.org

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Guys and Dolls — Guys and Dolls, by Frank Loesser, is a musical romantic comedy involving the unlikeliest of Manhattan pairings: a high-rolling gambler and a puritanical missionary, a showgirl dreaming of the straight-and-narrow and a crap game manager who is anything but. Guys and Dolls features some of Loesser’s most memorable tunes, including the hilarious “Adelaide’s Lament,” the romantic “I’ve Never Been in Love Before,” the exuberant “If I Were a Bell” and the classic “Luck be a Lady.” Falany Performing Arts Center, Reinhardt University. 770-720-9167. Reinhardt.edu

DECEMBER

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The Foreigner — Presented by Cherokee Theatre Company. Froggy LeSeuer, a British demolition expert, arrives at a fishing lodge in rural Georgia with his pathologically shy friend, Charlie. Before Froggy departs, leaving Charlie, he tells all assembled that Charlie is from an exotic foreign land and speaks no English. Charlie overhears more than he should, leading to wildly funny encounters, in which things go very much awry. Friday/ Saturday shows at 8:00 pm, Sunday shows at 2:30 pm, Canton Theatre, 171 East Main Street, Canton. 770-591-0282. CherokeeTheatre.org

Scan to submit your upcoming event! For Holiday Happenings, see page 42.

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What is a cataract?

The eye has a lens similar in function to a camera lens, focusing light on the retina, the part of the eye that receives images and transmits them to the brain. This lens is made of proteins, which are aligned in a precise manner, making the lens clear. As we age, the proteins can begin to clump together, making the lens cloudy. When the lens becomes cloudy, that’s a cataract.

whether you have a cataract by performing an eye exam, which includes dilating your eyes to get a good look at the lens. Your vision will be tested to determine if the cataract is affecting it. You may also have glare testing to determine if your vision is decreased in situations such as driving at night.

What causes cataracts? All people develop cataracts if they live long enough, due to natural wear and tear on the proteins making up the lens. There are, however, factors thought to accelerate this process. These include exposure to UV light, smoking and diabetes. To slow the progression of cataracts, you should abstain from smoking, and wear UV blocking sunglasses when outside.

enough to affect your daily activities such as reading, watching television or driving. Cataract surgery is usually very successful, but like all surgeries, it has risks. Your eye doctor will discuss the risks, benefits and alternatives of cataract surgery with you.

What are some of the new technologies available to cataract patients? Some of the most exciting progress in cataract surgery has been the development of advanced technology intraocular lenses, which help patients minimize dependence on glasses. Approximately a third of the population has astigmatism that blurs their vision, requiring glasses for correction. Advanced technology lenses can often correct astigmatism inside the eye, enabling patients to have clear distance vision. Another type of advanced technology lens, called a multifocal lens, can often help cataract patients see more clearly both near and far after surgery. Your eye doctor can discuss if you would be a candidate for these technologies.

CATARACTS By Cameron Johnson, MD

What are the symptoms of cataracts? People with cataracts often note a gradually increasing cloudiness of the vision, as well as poor night vision. Other symptoms include glare when driving at night and halos around lights. Patients may note that colors look faded due to the yellowing of the lens. Sometimes these changes happen so slowly that someone may not realize how much their vision has been affected.

How are cataracts diagnosed? Your eye doctor will be able to diagnose

What is the treatment for cataracts? With early cataracts, vision can often be improved with a new glasses prescription or using increased lighting when reading. As cataracts progress, the only treatment available is surgery to remove the cloudy lens, and replace it with an artificial lens. Cataract surgery is recommended when the cataract has become advanced

Dr. Cameron Johnson is a boardcertified ophthalmologist with Milan Eye Center, located in Canton. 678381-2020. MilanEyeCenter.com

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Business Milan Eye Center Welcomes New Doctor Milan Eye Center welcomes Dr. Cameron Johnson, a board certified

Canton LongHorn Steakhouse® Managing Partner Awarded Duncan Fisher, Managing Partner of the LongHorn Steakhouse in Canton, Ga., has been presented with the company’s top leadership honor, the Best of the West Award. He is one of just four Managing Partners

ophthalmologist specializing in

selected this year from the more than 480 LongHorn Steakhouse

cataract surgery, LASIK and

restaurants nationwide, making this a truly outstanding honor.

corneal transplantation. Dr. Johnson attended medical school

Presented annually, this award recognizes Managing Partners who

at Vanderbilt University, completed

have consistently demonstrated leadership by achieving top financial

his ophthalmology residency at the Vanderbilt Eye Institute and a fellowship in Cornea External Disease and Refractive Surgery at the University of Florida.

results, developing managers and team members and ensuring guests consistently enjoy LongHorn Steakhouse’s delicious food and warm, friendly service. Duncan’s recognition is the result of his focus on the development and growth of his team members. He works closely with his employees to help them further their career with LongHorn. Additionally, he is highly engaged in the Canton community through partnerships with local schools and through fundraising events to help

201 Kimberly Way, Suite 106, Canton 470-326-0320 l MilanEyeCenter.com

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organizations like the Boys & Girls Club, Cherokee County Sports Hall of Fame Committee and Cherokee Grid Iron Club.


Leadership Cherokee Class of 2015 Graduates Leadership Cherokee, a program of the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce, recently graduated its 27th Anniversary Class. With the completion of this year’s class, the Alumni count now totals over 550 graduates.

The Class of 2015 selected two of their peers to receive special annual recognitions. The Cristal Stancil Leadership Award honoree was Greg Erdely, Cherokee Fire & Emergency Services. The Bob Frongillo Magic Spark

Plug Award was presented to Shane West with Cherokee Fire & Emergency Services. Outgoing 2015 Leadership Cherokee Chair, Jeff Mitchell with South State Bank, was recognized by Incoming Chair, Katie Wise of LGE Community Credit Union.

Pictured above: Front Row (l to r): Shane West, Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services; Rachel White, WellStar Health System; Jeremy Smith, City of Holly Springs; Jennifer Simonis, Healing Hands Youth Ranch; Lindsey Roberson, Southeast Restoration Group; John Black, 1 Man Geek, LLC; Tracey Satterfield, Live Clean, Inc.; Jenny Wood-Harris, Goshen Valley Foundation; Abby Roach, Roach, Caudill & Gunn, LLP; Angela Reece, Mauldin Body Shop; Brittany Duncan, City of Woodstock; Kathy Lambert, Chart, Inc.; Ginger Fowler, Georgia Probation Management; Jennifer Davo, Studio 5 Salon; Kendall Jones, MUST Ministries. Back Row (l to r): Bill Sebring, Cherokee County School District; Jeffrey Pourchier, Reinhardt University; Greg Erdely, Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services; Kelly Geiken, Edward Jones; Kim Whatley, Cherokee Recreation & Parks Agency; Scott Rule, Chattahoochee Technical College; Chad Atkinson, Cherokee FOCUS

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Did you know that anyone who has already had chickenpox may get shingles later in life? It is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. Shingles occurs when the virus that causes chickenpox starts up again in your body. After you get better from chickenpox, the virus “sleeps” (or becomes dormant) in your nerve roots. In some people, it

stays dormant forever. In others, the virus “wakes up” when disease, stress or aging weakens the immune system. After the virus becomes active again, it can only cause shingles, not chickenpox. Even though you can’t catch shingles from someone else who has shingles, it is contagious. The fluid from the blisters can spread the chickenpox virus to another person who has not had chickenpox, or who has not gotten the chickenpox vaccine. There is a vaccine that may help prevent shingles or make it less painful if you do get it. The shingles vaccine is knowns Zostavax. One dose is recommended for adults ages 60 and older, whether or not you’ve had shingles before.

By Christopher Anderson, MD

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If you’ve never had chickenpox, you may avoid getting the virus that causes both chickenpox

and later shingles by receiving the varicella vaccine. If you develop shingles, avoid close contact with people until after the rash blisters heal. It’s especially important to avoid contact with people who are at special risk from chickenpox or shingles, such as pregnant women, infants, or anyone who has never had chickenpox, anyone who is currently ill, or anyone with a weak immune system, who is unable to fight infection. There is no cure for shingles, but treatment may help you get well sooner and prevent other problems. See a doctor as soon as you think you may have shingles.

Christopher Anderson is a physician with M.D. Minor Emergency & Family Medicine in Canton. 770-720-7000. MD0911.com


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Canton Minute

What s the Latest? )

By Matthew A. Thomas

U

sually when I’m out and about town, I get asked “Hey Matthew, what’s the latest?” “What’s going on at such-and-such?” “What are we going to have once all of that construction is done?”

I don’t mind the questions. In fact, I enjoy the dialogue and discussions that are derived from these conversations. It helps better understand the concerns and preferences of our community, and helps me realize that people care about the development activity taking place around them. There are, in fact, some exciting developments and projects happening right now. Our growth potential is becoming our growth reality. With growth reality, we enjoy growth effects. These resultant effects should help strengthen our local, communal and regional economic vitality, and provide job opportunities, tax base stability, regional competitiveness and desirability as a place to live and do business. Canton is a happening place. I make this statement often because it’s true. All you have to do is look around town to see the tangible evidence. We have enterprises that’ve been operating here for decades and continue to thrive, businesses are hiring and growing their customer outreach, and job opportunities are growing. We’re proceeding with sound developments, and exploring opportunities that further capitalize on our growth and augment and leverage our existing assets to improve our community.

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Now, back to the initial question: What’s currently going on? Here’s a brief summary: • Northside Hospital-Cherokee Replacement Facility — This will include 105 beds, a Multispecialty Medical Office Building, a Women’s Center, a Cancer Center and 900 parking spaces along State Route 20, near Canton Marketplace. • Piolax Expansion — Piolax Corporation, located in Canton since 1988, recently broke ground for their new plant expansion in the CantonCherokee Business & Industrial Park, an 82,000 sq. ft. extension for further manufacture of plastic and automotive parts. They currently employ 255 people and will add an additional 30 jobs with the new facility. • Retail and Service Sector Growth — As we approach the last quarter of the year, retail and service sector growth is still strong. A new Quick Trip is under construction on Riverstone Parkway, we recently welcomed the opening of Southern Charm and Indigo & Oak to downtown, and LGE Community Credit Union’s new branch at Canton Marketplace is also under construction.

iver Mill LCI Update — This is the R master plan and market analysis for downtown. TSW, an Atlantabased planning and architecture consulting firm, has been selected to facilitate the project. The outcome of this plan will rely heavily on your input. So please be on the lookout for more information about how you can get involved. We recently launched the website for this critical revitalization project. Be sure to visit CantonForward.com.

This is what’s happening around town right now, and it gives rise to optimism for the rest of this year and into the future. We are fortunate to have these projects happening in our city.

Matthew A. Thomas is Economic Development Manager for the City of Canton. 770-704-1516. Matthew.Thomas@Canton-Georgia.com


Captain John New Graduates From FBI National Academy Capt. John New of Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office recently graduated from the FBI National Academy, which is a 10-week-long program in Quantico, Virginia. Capt. New is currently the east side commander of the Uniform Patrol Division and Commander of the SWAT Team.

Community Feature Children’s Park of Georgia Announces Exciting Partnership

There were a total of 223 law enforcement officers from 48 states who graduated in the Academy’s 261st session.

The Children’s Park of Georgia, a project of the Remember Georgia’s Children Foundation intended to honor the lives of all children, is pleased to officially be working with Northside Hospital — Cherokee to locate its amazing grounds near the hospital’s new campus at Canton Marketplace.

Capt. New also participated in the FBI National Academy Muscle Mania Event, a voluntary competition consisting of four different events, which test strength. Capt.New won all four events and was awarded the title for the Light Heavy Division.

This new location plan offers tremendous accessibility and convenience to welcome the park’s anticipated visitors from all over the state. With this central continued on page 16

Congratulations to our October “7 Differences” winner, Debbie Gibbs!

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Community Feature

continued from page 15

location near the new hospital, the Children’s Park of Georgia will be able to reach its full potential and better serve the community, including patients, visitors and hospital employees who will benefit from having the refuge of these healing gardens close by. Engraved stones will border the sidewalks in the park and will feature the names of individual children. You can reserve stones to honor your children and grandchildren at ChildrensParkOfGeorgia.org. Other naming opportunities are also available.

Braille Flag Monument Unveiled at Georgia National Cemetery Members of local Hightower Trail Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and Cherokee Rose Society, Children of the American Revolution (CAR) unveiled the Braille American Flag monument at the Georgia National Cemetery, located in Canton, GA. DAR and CAR members raised funds to donate the Braille Flag. Over 80 veterans from the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, U.S. Submarine Veterans and Georgia Fallen Firefighters Foundation, along with the Lions Club and Rotary Club had members in attendance. The Braille Flag has a dual purpose: to honor the 125th anniversary of the founding of the DAR, and to honor veterans and active service men and women who suffer from ocular trauma and premature blindness. The Blinded Veterans Association reports 132,000+ American veterans have lost their sight in defending our freedoms.

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Square Pegs and Round Holes By Lisa-Marie Haygood

I have been told since childhood that you can’t put square pegs in round holes. However, as parents, we try to do that a lot! At a young age, I had my daughters in tap, ballet and gymnastics, and I was thrilled to have them make a competition cheer squad when they were 6 and 8 years of age. They practiced around 15 hours a week, would cheer Saturday football games and then participate in competitions on Sundays. They won ribbons and trophies, and I thought we were right where we were supposed to be. When the next season came and it was time

to register for cheer, they said they didn’t want to do it. It seemed that all Ashley wanted to do was play with her horses, and Katie always wanted to read; she collected books like other folks collect stamps or coins. The girls went on to try swim team, piano, singing, painting and even baking classes. None of these things ended up being their passion. Imagine my surprise when Ashley said, “Mom, I think I want to play the clarinet in the marching band.” Marching band? I don’t know anything about band! I gave in, and let her follow her heart. I was thrust squarely into the life of a band mom. It turns out that with this unique bunch of kids and parents is where my girls were happiest. It

has been the heart of high school for both of my girls. Katie is now doing color guard and flags, and the friends she has made there are super bright, talented and funny. In spite of all my efforts, they wound up right where they belonged. Sometimes we have to just be quiet, and listen to our kids. When we see them truly connect in a class or environment, there is peace for everyone…much easier than trying to push a square peg in a round hole!

Lisa-Marie Haygood is the President of Georgia PTA. 404-659-0214. LMHaygood@GeorgiaPTA.org

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Community Feature 3 CCSD Seniors Named Semifinalists in the 2016 National Merit Scholarship Program Matthew S. Wang of River Ridge HS, Mackenzie R. Joy of Sequoyah HS and Paula M. Ruiz of Woodstock HS join academically talented high school seniors from across the country in competing for 7,400 scholarships, worth more than $32 million, which will be awarded in the spring. About 1.5 million juniors in more than 22,000 high schools entered the 2016 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2014 PSAT; the nationwide pool of 16,000 semifinalists, representing less than 1 percent of U.S. high school seniors, includes the highest-scoring entrants in each state. For the next step of the competition, semifinalists submit an application, including their academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment, and honors and awards received, as well as an essay, a recommendation from a high school official and evidence they have earned grades that confirm their outstanding PSAT performance.

Charity Roast Raises Over $100k for Boys and Girls Club

Hickory Flat ES PTA: National PTA School of Excellence The National PTA recognized Hickory Flat ES as a 2015-2017 National PTA School of Excellence for its significant progress to welcome and empower families to support student success and school improvements during the course of the 2014-15 school year. The past school year’s accomplishments that led to this recognition included, but are not limited to: launching the school-wide and community-wide #BeKind initiative, achieving 100% PTA membership, establishing a new PTA Welcoming Committee, and hosting community events, including a new Veteran’s Day Appreciation Ceremony and a Back to School Picnic. (Pictured above) From L-R: Susan Moon, Holly Shippy, Ted McRobie, Megan Kremer, Principal Whitney Nolan, Michele O’Brien, Abby Mack and Georgia PTA President Lisa-Marie Haygood display the banner for being selected as a National PTA School of Excellence.

The 12th Annual Charity Roast, presented by the Malon D. Mimms Company, was a smashing success! It was held at the Northside Hospital-Cherokee Conference Center, and thousands of dollars were raised, benefitting this year’s worthy charity, the Malon D. Mimms Boys and Girls Club.

Ceremonies was Jamie Bendall, from the Punchline Comedy Club. Other special guests/roasters included Avery Poe of Avery Poe Physician Recruiting, Dr. Angela Falany of Falany & Hulse Women’s Center, Will Hopkins, Dr. Carl C. Capelouto of Georgia Urology and Mia Jackson, comedian.

The guest of honor/roastee was Billy Hayes, CEO of Northside HospitalCherokee, who was a very good sport and took the ribbing in stride. The Master of

Lively entertainment was provided by Reinhardt College’s men’s acapella group, Men of ‘Hardt. Food and fun was had by all, and all for a great cause!

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One of the fastest growing areas of the American economy is technology. It seems if you don’t upgrade your phone as soon as you’re eligible, you’re classified as having a dinosaur phone. I’ve noticed a similar life span in computers and TV’s, and it seems like after four or five years, it’s cheaper to buy a new one than it is to repair the old one. For this reason, I pose the question to you, when is the last time you upgraded the technology in your home? I don’t mean your TVs, DVD players, computers and game consoles, but turning your house into a “smart house.” A smart home connects all of the devices in your house so that they communicate with each other. The possibilities are seemingly endless. Once wired, several vendors offer a mobile access app, which allows you to control items in your home from any web-enabled smart device. This app has many capabilities; for example, you can

Smart

HOUSES

By Nick Roper

view live camera feeds at your home while you’re away. I recently saw a product that appears to be a doorbell but is actually a motion activated camera, so you can see who shows up at your front door from your phone. The entertainment systems that are available are very exciting. There are systems that allow you to separate your home into many different zones. The

more popular zones in your home are the living room, bedrooms, garage, bathrooms, outdoor areas and basement. You’d have the capability to tune the wall or ceiling speakers in every zone to the same audio source (TV, CD player, iPod, etc.), which means the sound quality in your home would be consistent in every room, or you could listen to or watch something different in each zone. All of this happens through the same interconnected speakers. All of these devices are interconnected inside the walls of your home and terminate to one box in a mechanical closet, so there are no exposed wires. These are just a few examples of a vast number of options Nick Roper is manager of business you have when development for H&H upgrading your Electric and Security home into a smart LLC. 770-735-1136. house. MyAtlantaElectrician.net

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LIFESTYLE Should I go shorter? That’s a daily question many women ask their friends, neighbors, coworkers and especially their hairdresser. But how do you know if wearing a short hairstyle is right for you? If you want to accentuate facial features like your eyes, lips or a graceful, long neck, all while showing off your strong sense of self, then one of these ladies’ short hairstyles might be right for you. Here are a few, easyto-style looks that are sure to flatter anyone.

Ë Pixie Cut

Going Shorter …

Is it Right for Me? By Jyl Craven

Popularized in the 1950s by Audrey Hepburn, this hairstyle is still fashionable today. The pixie cut is a ladies’ short hairstyle that is generally short on the sides and back and worn with a slightly tousled effect on top. Ideal for light to medium texture hair, this look is very easy to style. If your hair is long and you’re considering a pixie, the experience of going shorter can be quite liberating once you lose all that hair. The challenge with this style is that it does require frequent visits to the salon, depending on how fast your hair grows.

was made chic in the 1960s by Vidal Sassoon. A short, bob haircut for women is when the hair falls near the jawline, with a fringe (or “bangs”), and they can vary in length. A bob works best on fine to medium hair texture. This hairstyle is an excellent choice for someone who lives an active lifestyle and prefers a look that’s easy to maintain. However, if this is the coiffure you choose, then pulling your hair back into that posh chignon will be out of the question.

Ë Bob Hairstyle

Ë Short Shag

From classic to curly, or A-line to asymmetrical, the bob hairstyle

The shag is a style that was first made popular in the 1970s by

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Joan Jett and Jane Fonda but is still very in vogue today. A shag haircut is a culmination of evenly distributing layers, from the shortest layers at the top of the head, to the longest lengths at the bottom. This virtually effortless look, often referred to as “bedhead,” works best with thick hair and is easy to style and maintain. On the other hand, if your hair is naturally curly or fine, then a short shag is not a recommended style.

Almost any woman can wear their hair short. It all comes down to face shape and hair texture that ultimately determines the best style for you. So if your hairstyle bores you, and that inner self is saying “go for it!” then take a bold step, and go for one of these ladies’ short hairstyles. Just remember, feeling attractive and good about yourself is the most important reason you should choose any new hairstyle. L

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


The Best Results for

Laser Teeth

Whitening Dr. L. Michael Cox, DMD

Obtaining a great result is important any time you choose to make an investment in a cosmetic dental procedure. This is particularly true when that procedure is laser teeth whitening. After all, the primary goal is to significantly improve the smile you share with the world! Patients who have laser teeth whitening often ask us two questions. First, “Will my teeth ever go back to the color they were before the procedure?” And second, “How can I make sure that my teeth stay as white as possible over time?” The answer to the first question is “No.”

Teeth will never completely revert back to the darker shade they were prior to laser teeth whitening. With that said, most patients will see some darkening over time from the result they obtain in the first 48 hours after the procedure. Here are 4 recommendations for maintaining that beautiful white smile: •

Brush with a whitening toothpaste. While whitening pastes may not remove deep stains, they are generally effective at removing those on the surface of teeth. Also, many have ingredients that help prevent the redepositing of stains after a whitening session. Use whitening trays. The best ones are custom-made from a mold taken at the time of your whitening session. In the months afterward, whitening solution is used in conjunction with the trays. Avoid common teeth-stainers, such as smoking, red wine, coffee and tea. Whitening will not help fill the thousands of tiny pores that exist in

normal teeth, which attract pigments and acids from certain drinks, food and nicotine. Have regular dental check-ups and cleanings. There is no substitute for good preventative dental care.

Laser teeth whitening has great potential and can significantly improve the way a person feels about their appearance. It’s also quite affordable as compared to other cosmetic procedures. However, not everyone is a good candidate for laser teeth whitening, including patients that have large fillings, crowns or other dental work in the front of their mouth. Be sure to discuss all options with your dentist before undergoing laser teeth whitening or any cosmetic procedure.

Dr. Michael Cox is a dentist with BridgeMill Dentistry on Sixes Road. 770-704-1812. BridgeMillDentistry.com

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Reduce Your Risk for

By Susan Casella, R.N.,C.

Breast Cancer Breast cancer is the most common, non-skin cancer in females in the US and the second most common cause of cancer related death in women. One in eight women will develop the disease at some point in her lifetime. Although there are several risk factors you can’t control, such as age, family history and race, there are many steps you can take to reduce your risk. Maintain a Healthy Weight. Being overweight or obese, especially after menopause, has been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. Exercising is one way that can help you maintain a healthy weight, and growing evidence suggests that regular physical activity may keep cancer at bay. For most healthy adults, the Department of Health and Human Services recommends at least 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity weekly, plus strength training at least twice a week. Limit alcohol. Habitual alcohol consumption has long been linked to a greater risk of developing breast cancer, particularly for younger women who have yet to have their first child. Research from Harvard Medical School shows the more alcohol a woman drinks between her first menstrual cycle and her first full-term pregnancy, the higher her risk of developing the disease. If you choose to drink alcohol, limit yourself to no more than one drink a day. Don’t smoke. Developing breast cancer is just one of the many negative health effects of smoking. Accumulating evidence suggests that there is an even higher risk for premenopausal women. If you don’t smoke,

don’t start. If you do smoke, use every resource you can find to help you quit. Secondhand smoke also may pose a threat to non-smokers. Reduce your exposure as much as possible; choose smoke-free restaurants and avoid indoor public places that allow smoking. If you work in a smokefilled work environment, ask your employer permission to increase ventilation where smoking takes place by opening windows or using exhaust fans. Limit the use of hormone therapy. Taking combination hormone therapy for more than three years may increase your risk of developing breast cancer. Women taking hormone therapy for menopausal symptoms should ask their doctor if it’s possible to manage symptoms without the use of hormones. If hormone therapy is necessary, it is recommended to use the lowest dose possible.

Breastfeeding: Among the many benefits that breastfeeding poses for you and your baby, studies show that breastfeeding may reduce your chances of getting breast cancer. The longer you breastfeed, the greater the protective benefits have been shown. Get Screened. Lastly, perhaps the greatest preventative measure you can take against breast cancer is committing yourself to regular mammograms and screenings. If you don’t already, perform monthly breast self-exams. Although breast self-exams should not replace screening mammograms, breast selfexams allow you to become familiar with the normal feel and appearance of your breasts so that you are able to notice changes easier. Beginning at age 40, you should schedule annual mammograms, unless told otherwise by your healthcare provider.

Susan Casella is a registered nurse and the breast health education and support service coordinator at the Northside Hospital Cancer Institute. Northside.com/Breast.

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Quotables The meal is not over when I’m full. The meal is over when I hate myself. Louis C.K. Thanksgiving dinners take eighteen hours to prepare. They are consumed in twelve minutes. Halftimes take twelve minutes. This is not coincidence. Erma Bombeck

Thankfulness is the beginning of gratitude. Gratitude is the completion of thankfulness. Thankfulness may consist merely of words. Gratitude is shown in acts. Henri Frederic Amiel

We make a living by what we do, but we make a life by what we give. Winston Churchill What can you do to promote world peace? Go home and love your family. Mother Teresa What you do speaks so loudly that I cannot hear what you say. Ralph Waldo Emerson I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. Maya Angelou

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Everyone can be great because anyone can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t even have to make your subject and your verb agree to serve … You only need a heart full of grace, a soul generated by love. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard. Winnie the Pooh

How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world. Anne Frank, Diary of a Young Girl Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace and gratitude. Denis Waitley We’re people and we’re different, all of us. And we should be using our differences to bring ourselves closer together. Justin Timberlake You cannot help someone get up a hill without getting closer to the top yourself. General H. Norman Schwarzkopf Granny Sheeran told me when I’m looking for a partner to fall in love with their eyes, because eyes are the only things that don’t age. So if you fall in love with their eyes, you’ll be in love forever. Ed Sheeran



Capitol Ideas

A History of

Giving Thanks By Representative Mandi L. Ballinger

F

all is upon us. That means that pumpkin spice has returned, college football is back and Thanksgiving is around the corner. I know that in my house, Thanksgiving can sometimes get overshadowed with visiting relatives, cooking a turkey and eating too much. However, the roots of our modern day holiday are much simpler. Since the founding of our nation, we have come together to share in various moments of thanksgiving. Whether it was the prosperity of the Pilgrims or Washington’s victory over the British, the tradition of sharing in our bounty was celebrated and remained a fixture throughout our early history and remains so today. Our nation’s founders, including George Washington, John Adams, John Hancock and John Jay, all took special care to ensure that the nation set aside a day to give thanks for all that we enjoyed. The first Thanksgiving was celebrated at the end of the Pilgrims’ first successful harvest. The event was a three day feast, where aside from sharing in their bounty, they also went hunting and competed in games. The Pilgrims shared this time with the Native Americans, who showed them how to tend local crops after a brutal winter. In one of the only two accounts of the event, Edward Winslow described the celebrations like this: Our harvest being gotten in, our Governor sent four men on fowling, that so we might after a special manner, rejoice together, after we had gathered the fruits of our labors… And although it be not always so plentiful, as it was at this time with us, yet by the goodness of God, we are so far from want, that we often wish you partakers of our plenty.

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The tradition of celebrating prosperity at the end of periods of hardship was continued by President George Washington. At the request of Congress, George Washington proclaimed the nation’s first official Thanksgiving on November 26th, 1789. In his proclamation, President Washington poignantly reminded our country to be thankful for its successful struggle for independence and establishment of our new constitution. He urged people to: Unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks for his kind care and protection of the people of this country, previous to their becoming a nation for the signal and manifold mercies, and the favorable interpositions of his providence, which we experienced in the course and conclusion of the late war for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty, which we have since enjoyed for the peaceable and rational manner, in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness and particularly the national one, now lately instituted for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed… As we near the holiday season and prepare for all that comes with it, let us all remember to be thankful for the prosperity we enjoy, the freedoms won on our behalf and to give according to our means.

Mandi Ballinger serves District 23 in the Georgia House of Representatives. 770-479-1011. Mandi.Ballinger@ House.Ga.gov


one of which is equipped for sterile compound preparations.

T

his summer, Jonathan and Pam Marquess acquired PharMoore Pharmacy. PharMoore is the tenth pharmacy in the Marquess Group, all of which are primarily located in the northwest metro Atlanta area. All of their pharmacies have long-standing, historical importance in the communities they serve. Eight of their pharmacies are classic neighborhood pharmacies. The other two have a primary focus on medications for senior living - at home or in a senior residence. Three of their pharmacies have compounding facilities,

What makes this group of family owned, independent pharmacies different is that through this partnership, medications that are different from the daily dose can be provided. PharMoore will now be able to fill your prescription, from the compounded formulations that match your specific need, the individualized, packaged doses for your senior parent, the compounded, specially prepared IV solutions that are needed for at-home care, to the flavored medication for your pet. We also provide the added service of delivering them to your home. While we think of pharmacies for medicine, PharMoore, in partnership

with Woodstock Pharmacy, will provide clinical services such as immunizations, blood pressure screening, medication counseling, and diabetes education and coaching. They’ll continue to offer a selection of items that give seniors independence and self-sufficiency. Given this time of year, they’ll be able to provide comparative information to assist seniors in choosing their Medicare Part D plan. Jonathan and Pam have long seen the growth of personalized service that an independent pharmacy can provide. They’re excited and committed to bring that level of service to neighborhoods in Canton. If you wish to transfer your prescriptions, call the pharmacy and they’ll take care of you.

PharMoore Health Mart Pharmacy • 3422 Sixes Rd #106, Canton • 770-213-3341 • PharMoore.com

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Scoopof BY MICHELLE KNAPP & SUZANNE TAYLOR

Hosting a Stress-Free Thanksgiving Dinner

Hosting Thanksgiving dinner is a time-treasured honor. But pressure to make everything perfect can become a bit overwhelming. We’ve both had the awesome responsibility of hosting this holiday. We try to remind ourselves of the meaning of the holiday and to be thankful, but sometimes that gets lost in setting a beautiful table or making a homemade pie. So with our years of experience, here’s the Scoop on having an enjoyable and fun holiday with your friends and family.

The morning of Thanksgiving, start the day off right! You know that the day is going to consist of feasting and football, so how about starting the day off with a Turkey Trot? There are many local ones OTP, but you can also create your own. Take the stress out of driving to the location, and involve your friends in a walk, run or bike around your neighborhood.

If you are like us and have out-of-town guests coming for the holiday, we have one word for you: delegate. Let each family be in charge of a meal during the days prior, and then a side dish for the big meal.

Cooking the turkey to perfection is the primary responsibility of the host family. But, if this is something that you haven’t mastered, there are several local stores where you can order your turkey.

The Butcher’s Market in Woodstock, the Corner Butcher in Canton or Woody’s Meat & Sausage Company in Alpharetta are great places to trust for your main dish. You will need to place this order in advance, not while you are on the phone with the Butterball hotline in a panic.

Keep breakfast as simple as possible before the kitchen becomes crazy. Grab some fresh scones the day before from Seven Sister’s Scones in Alpharetta or donuts from the Best

Dang Bakery in Woodstock. If you have one of those family members that just can’t sit still, they will probably be happy to be assigned the task of doing a coffee run for everyone. For you healthy ones, hard-boil eggs the night before so you don’t have to deal with cooking in the AM.

If no one is a baker in the family, trust the local experts. The Pie Hole

and Trattoria in Alpharetta and the Pie Bar in Woodstock are all known for their in

Roswell, Alpine

Bakery

delicious, homemade pies. You must order ahead, these can’t just be picked up last minute. By “ahead of time,” we mean at least a few weeks.

Now, if you have hopes of capturing that perfect family photo on this sometimes stressful day, here’s our advice: give it up! Snap a few candids during the day, say a blessing, and root for your team to win!

ONE LAST BIT OF ADVICE: always have an extra jar of gravy in case you run out of homemade and marshmallows for the sweet potatoes, in case they accidentally burn. Not that we’d know anything about that…

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

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Every Day is

Thanksgiving Day By Rev. Norman R. Hunt In 1789, George Washington officially declared that the fourth Thursday of every November would be Thanksgiving Day. But I submit to you that the Bible teaches that every day is Thanksgiving Day. I Thessalonians 5:18 says, “In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” This verse is simple and sweet, but straight to the point — “In everything, give thanks.” Now that is excellent advice. There may not be a greater sin on the face of the earth than the sin of ingratitude. Shakespeare describes ingratitude as “a marble hearted friend.” In other words, he said an ingrate has the heart of solid marble. Shakespeare then went on to say, “I hate ingratitude more in a man than lying, vainness, babbling, drunkenness, or any taint vice whose strong corruption inhibits our frail blood.” Shakespeare again said, “How sharper than a serpent’s tooth it is to have a thankless child.” I thought about that statement the other day as I heard a teenager talk about their “old man” and their “old lady.” I don’t know of anything that stings the heart of a parent more than a child who is ungrateful. The blind poet Milton says this, “He that is ungrateful has no guilt but one. All other crimes may pass for virtue in him.” In other words, Milton is saying that every other fault you may have is a virtue compared to the fault of ingratitude. Matthew Henry, the author who wrote a great, single volume commentary on the Bible, was once accosted by some thieves on a highway and robbed of everything he had. When they left him, he opened up his diary and wrote, “I am so very thankful, first because I have never been robbed before. Second, although they took my money, they did not take my life. Thirdly, even though they took all my money, I left most of it at home. Fourth, it was I who was robbed and not I who robbed.” In all things, give thanks. Don’t wait until Thanksgiving Day to thank Him. Be a grateful person, and thank Him every day!

Rev. Norman R. Hunt is the Pastor of Hopewell Baptist Church. HopewellBaptist.com

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Book Review BY CATHERINE GROVES

Meet Betsy, Tacy, and Tib! Betsy, Tacy and Tib became friends when they were very young. Betsy and Tacy lived across the street from each other, and Tib lived in the chocolate covered house. They had many fun adventures together. If it sounds as if I’m describing children’s books, it’s because I am. Maud Hart Lovelace wrote the first four Betsy-Tacy books for the younger generation. Based on her own life and lives of her family and friends growing up, Maud decided to continue the story of Betsy through high school and beyond. This is a series of books that grows with you. Born in the late 1800’s, Betsy is raised in a home that is clearly not typical for that time period. Betsy’s parents encouraged their daughters to seek further education and dared them to dream. Betsy begins writing as a young child and continues to write throughout high school. Her parents let her travel as a young lady to help her become a better writer, and she continues to write as a married woman. The “Betsy books” (as I call them) are some of the dearest, most heartwarming books of all time. These books are known for their characters. For example, her father was notorious for putting on the coffee pot in times of stress. Betsy’s older sister, Julia, was a beautiful opera singer, and her younger sister, Margaret, was nicknamed “The Persian Princess.” Tacy and Tib remain Betsy’s best friends (as in Maud’s real life) throughout her childhood and after she’s married. Tacy is sweet, loyal and doesn’t care about boys. Tib is tiny, dolllike and extremely practical. Three is never a crowd for this inseparable trio. And then there’s Joe… Betsy meets Joe the summer before her freshman year in high school, and he remains a vital part of this entire series. It matters not your age or gender; these books by Maud Hart Lovelace are timeless. The Betsy-Tacy collection can be found in many major bookstores and on Amazon. There are ten books in the series.

Catherine Groves is an avid reader and collects books, with a library of over 5,000. She is a publisher of two neighborhood magazines and is completing her first book of poetry.

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Safe Sleep There are few things more special than snuggling with your baby. However, when this includes sleeping with your baby, there are many risks involved. Co-sleeping, defined as parent and baby sleeping on the same surface, has more than doubled in the past two decades, with over 40% of parents reporting sleeping with their baby, at least some of the time.

months. The risks are further increased when the parent(s) have used drugs or alcohol, are obese and/or smoke. Because of this, the American Academy of Pediatrics currently recommends room sharing for the first 4 months, where parents place babies in their own, safe place in the parents’ room. It can be near their mother’s bed for ease of nursing, but when finished feeding, mothers should put babies back in their dedicated crib or bassinet.

The dangers of the parent’s bed include strangulation and suffocation. Studies have shown that infants who share the bed with their parents are five times more likely to die from SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) than babies who sleep in their own crib or bassinet. This is particularly true with infants under the age of four

The following are the sleep recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics: • Always place your baby on his back for every sleep time. • Always use a firm sleep surface. Car seats and other sitting devices are not recommended for routine sleep.

for Your Baby By Lynnda Campbell, NP

• • •

Keep soft objects or loose bedding out of the crib. This includes pillows, blankets and bumper pads. Wedges and positioners should not be used. Don’t smoke during pregnancy or after birth. Breastfeeding is recommended. Offer a pacifier at nap time and bedtime. Avoid overheating. A good rule of thumb is that the baby should wear 1 more layer of clothing than what the parent would be comfortable wearing. It’s also important for infants to receive all recommended vaccinations.

These actions can help ensure that your little one sleeps well, but most importantly, sleeps safely. Sweet Dreams!

Lynnda Campbell is a nurse practitioner with DV Pediatrics. 770-704-0057. DVPediatrics.com

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COVER STORY By Kathleen Boehmig Photos courtesy of PhotoJack.net

LGE Credit Union, an ”AJC Top 100 Workplace” that has served the metro Atlanta area since 1951, is opening its ninth, fullservice branch at Canton Marketplace by the end of the year. Originally known as the Lockheed-Georgia Employees Credit Union, LGE provides full-service, federally insured banking to over 100,000 people and businesses throughout Cobb, Cherokee, Fulton and Paulding counties, as well as to over 350 companies in various counties who have partnered with them, so their employees can have accounts at LGE. LGE is led by President and CEO, Chris Leggett, who was included in the Atlanta Business Chronicle’s 2014 list of the “Top 100 Leaders in Finance and Banking” industries and is a member of the ABC’s “Who’s Who In Finance 2010.”

Shelia Garrison Canton branch manager

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Shelia Garrison, the Canton branch manager, is enthusiastic about the new location. “I am very excited about helping bring LGE to Canton,” she says. “This office will be our second ‘concierge’ location.


It’s a paperless, cashless approach to banking. Instead of tellers behind counters, we will have ATM machines throughout the lobby, with staff waiting to greet and assist members.” According to Scott Brooks, LGE’s VP of Marketing and Business Development, “This is a model specific to LGE, and we feel it is the best way to serve our members.” LGE is widely recognized as one of the safest and most soundly managed, federally-insured credit unions in the nation. In addition to its full-service locations, LGE offers nationwide ATM networks, credit union service centers, complimentary online and mobile banking and Memberline, a 24-hour automated phone banking system. Funds are federally insured, to at least $250,000, by the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund (NCUSIF). Membership is easy. Local residents or businesses may open an account online at LGEccu.org or at any branch office, with as little as $5. Consumer advocates love credit unions, which differ from banks in several important ways. “Banks are owned by stockholders; we are owned by our members,” Shelia says. “LGE returns earnings to our members through higher interest on deposits and lower costs on loans.” Other financial services are also offered at substantial savings. Shelia adds, “Unlike banks, we don’t offer periodic ‘specials’ on rates and services; our rates are lower, and our services are more advantageous.” In 2009, LGE made its mark in Cherokee County by opening its Woodstock location. “That branch has grown tremendously in terms

of new members, loan volume and most importantly, involvement in the community,” Shelia says. “Katie Wise, Woodstock Branch Manager, currently serves as Co-chair of Leadership Cherokee and on the Chairman’s Council. Ben Thacker, Financial Service Advisor at the Woodstock branch, is one of Cherokee County’s 2015 “Top Ten” in “Young Professionals to Watch.” LGE, through its own LGE Foundation, provides support to many Cherokee County non-profits. Last year, the LGE Foundation gave over $100,000 to local organizations, such as Next Step Ministries and MUST Ministries. Shelia exemplifies the communityoriented position of LGE. A native of the area, Shelia has an extensive background in banking and community service. She has served on the Board of Directors for the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce, the Cherokee County Chapter of the American Cancer Society and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Cherokee. She has also

served on the Cherokee County Library Board of Trustees and is a graduate of Leadership Cherokee. “In addition to the personal banking products and services that we offer, LGE has expanded to include insurance, investment services and business accounts. Our business lender, Tonya Parker, brings a great deal of commercial experience to LGE, and we are happy to have her as part of our team.” Members have access to their finances via LGE’s online services, including features like online bill pay, mobile banking and Snap Deposit, which allows members to deposit checks from anywhere. LGE offers great values in checking, including their High Rate Checking account, which earns up to 15x what continued on page 34

Artist Renderings, courtesy of Consultants & Builders, Inc.

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While LGE has grown over the

years, we have still maintained

Pictured (l-r): Ashley Rowe Harwell, Hannah Gridley and Victoria Sapp

our mission of being dedicated to our members’ financial well-being

savings account used to establish and providing a smarter way to membership at LGE. Members bank.” — will also find custodial savings accounts, youth savings accounts for newborns to age most banks pay! It requires no minimum 22 that earn 5% on the first $500 balance and offers a higher interest rate. dollars, certificates of deposit, money Also available is Simply Free Checking, market accounts, and LGE Investment which is a more traditional form of and Retirement Services, providing checking, and free Youth Checking, guidance, support and education for which includes a free VISA debit card meeting members’ financial goals. for members age 16-17. In addition, LGE Additionally, LGE offers auto and will soon be adding chip cards, which home loans, home equity and second contain embedded microchips that mortgages, personal lines of credit and provide an extra layer of protection. various types of insurance. LGE members also have specialized “While LGE has grown over the years,” savings and investment accounts Shelia says, “we have still maintained available to them, including the Share our mission of being dedicated to our Savings Account, which is a basic

Shelia Garrison

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members’ financial well-being and providing a smarter way to bank. Whether it’s by offering higher rates on deposits, lower rates on loans, online and mobile banking capabilities, or insurance and investment services, we would be happy to help you with your financial needs at any of our branches, and we look forward to opening our new Canton location.” She adds with a smile, “We want LGE to be Canton’s community credit union.”

2018 Cumming Highway Canton 770-424-0060 LGEccu.org Monday-Friday 9:00 am-5:00 pm Saturday 9:00 am-Noon


#Post

Body

By Drs. Petrosky, Musarra, Harkins & Leake

It has been over a year and I still can’t seem to get my body back the way it looked before my pregnancy. Even with attentive diet and vigorous exercise, it can be challenging to restore your pre-pregnancy figure. Breastfeeding can cause many changes to breasts, including loss of volume or sagging skin. Pregnancy can stretch and pull the muscles of the abdomen and leave behind fat deposits that are resistant to diet and exercise. The combination of pregnancy and breastfeeding often take a physical toll on your body. There is nothing more joyous than motherhood. However, along with it involves a number of sacrifices to ensure we bring our children up in a world of love, happiness and devotion. But the way you look or feel about yourself does not have to be one of those sacrifices. A “mommy makeover” can offer women the opportunity to rejuvenate the appearance of their breasts and abdomen with results that look beautiful and natural. A “mommy makeover” typically consists of the tummy tuck combined with a breast procedure, as these two areas are the most affected by pregnancy and breastfeeding. Breast lifts and breast augmentation are the most common breast procedures. A mommy makeover can be performed all at once. Most plastic surgeons recommend that you wait a minimum of 6 months after childbirth. For mothers who are breastfeeding, it is recommended that you wait 6 months after you are finished nursing before doing breast enhancement surgery. This will allow for all retained fluid to go away and hormone levels to decrease to normal. The growing interest in “mommy makeovers” reflects the increase in pregnancies at later ages and increased multiple births. In a generation of women with a keen interest in nutrition, fitness and a continued desire to retain their youthful figure, these procedures are on the rise. Women seeking postpartum body contouring want to regain a more youthful appearance, while improving all areas of the body affected by the pregnancy, with the least conspicuous scarring, discomfort and recovery time. As with any procedure you are considering, make sure your consultation is with a specialty trained, board certified plastic surgeon.

Drs. Petrosky, Musarra and Leake are board-certified plastic surgeons at Plastic Surgery Center of the South. 770-421-1242. PlasticSurgery CenterOf TheSouth.net

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Preventing Carbon

Monoxide Poisoning By Robbie Matiak

Ahhh, November. The vast majority of us are getting ready to either have our homes filled to bursting during the approaching holiday season, or we are going to be traveling to family both near and far. Is your home ready for the winter heating season? Natural gas furnaces are the choice for most to keep our homes warm and comfortable. While natural gas is an efficient fuel for heating our homes, there are some safety measures that need to be observed. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a gas that can build up to dangerous concentrations indoors if fuel-burning devices are not operating or vented properly. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas, often formed as a byproduct during the process of incomplete combustion of organic substances, including fossil fuels. Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is a risk for everyone; infants, elderly and those with a compromised immune system are at a higher risk. Chronic exposure to relatively low levels of CO may cause persistent headaches, lightheadedness, depression, confusion, memory loss, nausea and vomiting. CO poisoning symptoms are often described as “flu-like.� When the temperature in our homes drops below the programmed thermostat setting, an igniter located in the combustion chamber of the gas furnace lights a burner. The heat created from the burning of the natural gas is forced into the heat exchanger, where the air is heated. The blower motor on the furnace then pushes the heated air through the ductwork and out into the rooms of the house. The combustion gases created during this reaction are vented through a flue in the roof or wall. Carbon monoxide becomes a concern in the home when the heat exchanger is rusted, allowing the combustion gases back into the ductwork or when the flue pipe is rusted, allowing the combustion gases to leak into the living environment.

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

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How can I prevent CO poisoning in my home? Install a battery-operated or battery back-up CO detector in your home, and check or replace the battery when you change the time on your clocks each spring and fall. Have your heating system, water heater and any other gas, oil or coal burning appliances serviced by a qualified HVAC service provider every year; flue exhaust should be checked to confirm it is intact. Make sure your gas appliances are vented properly. If you use a fireplace, have your chimney inspected every year for removal of any blockages or debris. Never patch a vent pipe with tape or something else. If your flue exhaust venting is in need of repair, contact a qualified HVAC service provider to have this completed prior to operation. Never use a gas range or oven for heating; this can cause a build- up of CO inside your home. Never burn charcoal or use a portable gas camp stove indoors.

If the proper measures are taken on a regular basis, your chances of carbon monoxide poisoning can be greatly reduced, and you can ensure your family’s comfort and safety inside your home. Please take time this month to make certain the ones you love most are protected from this silent threat.


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Tasteof

Photo courtesy of GFB & GDA

Ingredients:

Preparation:

4 ears fresh corn 1 cup chopped Vidalia onion 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen lima beans ½ cup each chopped red and orange peppers ¼-½ cup olive oil 1 tablespoon each minced garlic and basil Salt and Pepper to taste

Remove corn from cob and combine with remaining vegetables. Combine oil, garlic, basil and salt and pepper; coat vegetables. Place mixture in a shallow pan, and bake for 20-30 minutes at 400 degrees, stirring occasionally. Makes about 4 cups

Recipes are brought to you by Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) and were developed through a partnership between GFB and the Georgia Department of Agriculture for a segment called “Meals from the Field,” on GFB’s Georgia Farm Monitor TV show. Visit GFB.org/Recipes to view the latest monthly video. GFB is a membership-driven, nonprofit organization dedicated to serving as the voice of Georgia farmers and rural Georgia. For more information about GFB membership or to join, visit GFB.org.

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Holiday Hospitality

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Holiday Happenings

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Holiday Highlights

Holiday Hospitality Cherokee Thanksgiving Canton First United Methodist Church will host Cherokee Thanksgiving, providing and delivering free Thanksgiving dinners with all the trimmings to families in need throughout Cherokee County. Volunteers are needed, and monetary donations are accepted. For meals, call 770-8772601. To volunteer: 770-656-9209, CTVolunteer2015@gmail.com. 930 Lower Scott Mill Road, Canton. CantonFirstUMC.org/give/

House of Hope The Hope for Hungry (aka Blue Bag Program) allows YOU, the people of our community, to give back to others by becoming a Blue Bag Partner of Hope! Here’s how the program works: We will drop your bag off at your house. You will then spend the next 2 months filling the bag with as many items as you can from our “Preferred List.” Finally, set your Blue Bag of Hope outside your home

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on your scheduled pick-up Saturday, and they will come by to pick up your food donations and replace your filled bag with an empty one. 770-313-6287. Wendy@HouseOfHopeFreeHome.com, HouseOfHopeFreeHome.com

Least of These Ministries This ministry is dedicated to meeting the practical needs of individuals with the love of Christ, through assistance with food, clothing and assisting with employment. They strive to assist clients in recognizing the root cause of the situation they find themselves in and to take steps to break the cycle of these issues. Their goal is to work with other community organizations to best meet the needs of their clients. They offer an emergency food pantry, which is for clients who have hit a rough spot and need assistance with food. The primary focus is to help clients who do not receive government assistance, but have hit a

rough spot and cannot make ends meet. Please call for drop off dates and times. 8889 Fincher Road, Waleska. 770-5474045. LeastOfTheseMinistriesGeorgia. com/

MUST Ministries MUST Ministries is collecting food for 1,000 families that the organization expects to serve this year through their annual Thanksgiving Food Box Program. Last year, about 3000 people in 963 families were served through this program. The following items are needed to fill the Thanksgiving boxes: cans of corn, green beans, cranberry sauce and sweet potatoes; boxes of mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, cornbread mix and stuffing; packages of gravy mix; frozen pies and turkeys; and grocery store gift cards. Non-perishable items can be dropped off 8:00 am-3:00 pm, November 9-13 at MUST Ministries, Canton. Frozen turkeys and pies can be dropped off 8:00 am-9:00 am, November


23-25 at MUST Ministries’ Cherokee location. For questions or more information, please contact Ranettia Beasley at 770-5760359.

Papa’s Pantry For Thanksgiving, they customize this special dinner for each partnered client family based on a menu furnished by the client. It’s their goal to ensure that even in tough times, family traditions will continue with gratitude! Throughout the winter months, Papa’s Pantry will also accept new electric space heaters. Both Cherokee County Papa’s Pantry locations accept food donations throughout the year to help families in need: canned meat cereal and cereal bars, peanut butter and jelly, spaghetti sauce, canned fruit, canned pasta and boxed and packaged side items. For Christmas, starting in mid-November, families can be “adopted” through their “Papa Noel” Christmas Wish program. They try to match ages, boys/girls, & interests to better personalize everyone’s experience. Many of their families are headed by single mothers. They ask for Christmas goodies for moms, too! Pajamas, wallets and jewelry are examples of what moms most enjoy. They work closely with each family and get to know them; they believe this lessens the risk of “fraud” or “duplication of efforts” from one charitable organization to another. Donations can be made Tuesday, 4:00-7:00 pm and Friday, 3:00-5:00 pm, 6551 Commerce Parkway, Suite 200, Woodstock.770-591-4730. PapasPantry.org

Timothy’s Cupboard Timothy’s Cupboard desires to minister aid through their food bank. Small grants, cash gifts and food drives from outside the church boundaries have provided support, thus supplementing their ministry and enabling them to further their reach. Drop off food and small household items in the collection barrel inside the church. For donations of cash or larger items, call the food bank or the church office. Food is available to residents of Cherokee County by appointment on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 9:00 am-1:00 pm, Timothy Lutheran Church, 556 Arnold Mill Rd., Woodstock. For assistance or to volunteer, contact Timothy’s Cupboard at 770-591-5515. TimothyLutheran.360unite.com/timothys-cupboard-home

Rooted In Love Rooted in Love is a non-profit in Cherokee County that provides a meal and specific needs to the homeless in Cherokee County on the first Saturday of each month, (November 7th and December 5th are the next 2 dates). They offer the homeless families food, toilet paper, water, clothes and goody bags. The meals usually take place at Changed 2 Ministries, 2484 Marietta Hwy, Canton. RootedInLoveGa.org

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Holiday Happenings November 14 Cherokee Charter Academy Holiday Mart 5th Annual Holiday Mart to support the exceptional student experience and promote local small businesses in our community and beyond. Featuring 80+ unique vendors, Santa’s Workshop (Kid’s Craft Area), live entertainment, photos with Santa, a special visit from Elsa! and food trucks. 9:30 am2:00 pm, 2126 Sixes Road, Canton. HolidayMart2.wix.com/HolidayMart

November 14-16 Annual Holiday Tour of Homes The Junior Service League of Woodstock Holiday Tour of Homes has raised over $350,000 since its inception in 1997, allowing the JSL to invest in the lives of needy citizens of Cherokee County. The tour features exquisite homes in Woodstock and Canton that are professionally decorated for the holidays by local designers. Each home has unique features that make it distinctive. Visitors will be able to get numerous decorating ideas to make their own homes more festive for the holiday season. Each year, we showcase two homes on a candlelight evening tour. For more information/ ticket purchase, visit JSLWoodstock.org

November 14 Jingle Bell $hop A one-stop holiday shopping extravaganza of beautiful and distinctive gifts. 11:00 am-8:00 pm, Northside Hospital-Cherokee Conference Center, Cherokee County Administration Building. 770-3450400. CherokeeChamber.com 42

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November 27

December 3

Love Lights a Tree Annual Christmas tree lighting, sponsored by the American Cancer Society. 5:30 pm, Cannon Park, 130 East Main Street, Downtown Canton. 770704-1500. CherokeeChamber.com

The Polar Express & Santa Visit Bring your blanket, and wear your best pj’s to experience the magic of Van Allsburg’s classic holiday tale, The Polar Express. Join us for crafts, music, refreshments and a visit from Santa. Registration begins on November 19, please call to reserve your spot. All ages are welcome. 6:00-7:45 pm, Rose Creek Public Library, 4476 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock. 770-591-1491. SequoyahRegionalLibrary.org

November 28 Cartoon Christmas Celebration Grinch Maze, Frozen Karaoke, Minion Photo Booth, Rudolph Scavenger Hunt, Ride-A-long Hay Ride with Snoopy as he hunts for the Red Baron, visit with Santa at his home on the road, and storytelling with Mrs. Claus. All activities FREE to the public, everyone invited. 1:006:00 pm, Autumn Hill Nursery, 4256 Earney Road, Woodstock. AutumnHillNursery.com

December 1-17 Santa’s Mailbox Santa’s elves will be delivering his mailbox to Woodstock again this year! Begin the holiday season with a letter to the Jolly ‘Ol Elf and hand deliver it to the North Pole Express mailbox! Santa will send a personalized letter in the mail, just before Christmas! Gazebo- the Park at City Center, 101 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock. WoodstockGa.gov

December 2 Here Comes Santa! Santa and Mrs. Claus will be stopping by, so be sure grab your camera and come visit. We will have crafts, refreshments and entertainment by the Avery Elementary School Choir, directed by David Boggs, at 6:30 pm. And don’t miss the tree lighting! All ages are welcome. 5:30-7:30pm, Hickory Flat Public Library, 2740 East Cherokee Drive, Canton. 770-345-7565. SequoyahRegionalLibrary.org

December 4 Friday Night Live Christmas on Main. The spirit of Christmas can be found in Downtown at Christmas on Main. It’s the perfect chance to Christmas shop and have some fun at the same time. Santa has already RSVP’d to attend! 6:00-9:00 pm, Downtown Woodstock. 770-9240406. DowntownWoodstock.org

December 4 Holly Springs Tree Lighting Bundle up and celebrate the beginning of the Christmas season with the annual tree lighting. Songs of the season will be heard from local talent. Join the City of Holly Springs for light refreshments following the lighting of the tree. For the third year in a row, the city is proud to partner with the Volunteer Aging Council, the Holly Springs Downtown Development Authority and Northside Hospital-Cherokee to present the Tree of Hope. Citizens can make a donation in honor of or in memory of a friend or loved one, and for each donation, an ornament with the name of your honoree will be placed on the tree. Your donation will enable the Volunteer Aging Council to assist seniors in need. We need to receive your donation by Tuesday, December 1, in continued on page 44


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continued from page 42 order to recognize your generosity for the tree lighting. We will, however, accept contributions throughout the holiday season and continue to place the ornaments on the tree until the end of December. Tree lighting is at 6:30 pm, the Historic Train, Holly Springs. Ga-HollySprings.CivicPlus.com

December 4 The Annual March of the Toys for Toys for Tots Parade This event brings in excess of 4,000 people each year to downtown Ball Ground to enjoy the parade, shop and visit with Santa. 6:00 pm, Downtown Gazebo. 770-735-2123. CityOfBallGround.com/events/

December 5 A Christmas Carol The Elm Street Theater will present a free performance of Charles Dickens’ classic Christmas tale. 2:00 pm, Downtown Woodstock. WhatsUpWoodstock.com

December 5 Christmas Jubilee & Parade of Lights Kick off the holiday season with our traditional Christmas Jubilee Parade of Lights. Bring your children after the parade to the Park at City Center to visit Santa with their wish lists. The Mayor and Santa will flip the switch to light the Park and Christmas tree! Winners of best float will be announced. Music provided by Ronnie the DJ, free moonwalk by Colby Chiropractic. 5:30 pm, Movie in the Park starts at 7:30 pm, Downtown Woodstock. WoodstockGa.gov

December 5 Holly Springs Christmas Parade Come line the streets of Holly Springs Parkway to watch the 11th Annual Holly Springs Christmas Parade! After the parade ends at the Historic Train Depot, come inside for a complimentary picture with Santa! Outside the Depot, enjoy carols from elementary school choirs, hot cocoa, treats and crafts! 1:30 pm. Ga-HollySprings.CivicPlus.com

December 5 Reindeer Run 5K & Fun Run The Service League of Cherokee County presents the 13th Annual Run for the Children Reindeer Run 5K and Fun Run. 44

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8:00 am, Etowah River Park, 600 Brown Industrial Parkway, Canton. ServiceLeagueRunForTheChildren@ gmail.com, ServiceLeague.net

December 5 Canton Christmas Parade and Marketplace Music and Marketplace start at 3:00 pm, the parade starts at 6:00 pm. There will be music after the parade. Santa will be in the gazebo in Cannon Park from 3:305:30 pm for pictures, Downtown Canton. 770-704-1500. CherokeeChamber.com

December 5 Crafting a Holiday Wreath Presented by Cherokee Master Gardeners. 10:00 am-Noon, Cherokee Senior Center, 1001 Univeter Road, Canton. CAES.UGA.edu/Extension/ Cherokee/MasterGardeners/

December 6 Santa at Urban Secrets Boutique Photos, cookies and story time. 2:004:00 pm, 6175 Hickory Flat Hwy Ste. 165, Canton.

December 7 Holiday Open House Celebrate the season and enjoy the Festival of Trees during our Holiday Open House. We will have crafts, refreshments, a tree lighting, storytelling and songs performed by the Hasty Elementary Chorus. Welcome the holiday season with library staff and friends. All ages are welcome. 6:00-7:45 pm, R.T. Jones Public Library, 116 Brown Industrial Parkway, Canton. 770-479-3090. SequoyahRegionalLibrary.org

December 7 Santa’s Workshop Free Event! Pictures and Breakfast with Santa, Ms. Claus Kitchen, lots of crafts and games for the kids. 10:00 am-12:00 pm, the House of Hope, 11954 Cumming Hwy., Canton. HouseOfHopeFreeHome.com

Holiday Highlights LaVida Massage Relax and enjoy your holiday season! Get a free, 60 minute Custom Massage or Signature Facial when you purchase $150 in gift cards; or get a free $10 gift certificate with the purchase of a $50 gift card at LaVida Massage of Canton, located at 6175 Hickory Flat Hwy. 770-345-1200. LaVidaMassageCantonGA.com To use this offer, gift cards must be purchased at the Canton location. *Offer expires 12/31/2015

Three Sisters Gifts Three Sisters Gifts in Hickory Flat is your destination for Alex and Ani bangle bracelets! Each bangle is expandable, ensuring the perfect fit for everyone. Choose from initials, birthstones, inspirational emblems and colorful beads. Alex and Ani products are made in America. Gift packaging is always complimentary. Please come by for a special Christmas Open House on Friday, 11/13, 10am-6pm, and Saturday, 11/14, 10am-5pm. 6205 Hickory Flat Hwy, Canton, 30115. 770-345-3090

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Holiday Entertaining Cleaning Service Live Clean

770-345-8035, LiveCleanInc.com

Holiday Lighting

WINNERS

NightVision Outdoor Lighting 404-602-0560, NVLightingGa.com

Holiday Decorating Store Willows Gift Shoppe

770-479-3301, Facebook.com/Willows-Gift-Shoppe-517280958362229/timeline/

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Soon, Hobgood Park will be transformed into a holiday wonderland, during the 4th Annual Holiday Lights of Hope. The Lights of Hope is a large scale, walkthrough event, with more than a million holiday lights. The event includes a mixture of traditional holiday lights and animated displays, including a 30-foot Christmas tree, 17foot tall reindeer and 15-foot tall snowman family. Parents and children alike can get lost in the over 5,000 feet of bright lights, twists and turns in the Christmas maze. In the Santa Village, children of all ages can take their picture with Santa. Get your last minute shopping done with some unique holiday vendors, while enjoying seasonal concessions. The event, located at Hobgood, 6688 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock, will be open nightly, December 10-22, beginning at 6:00 pm. Tickets are $10 for adults, and free for children ages 14 and under. All proceeds from the event benefit Anna Crawford Children’s Center in Woodstock, a non-profit that provides intervention and treatment services to children and families impacted by sexual, physical and emotional abuse. The Anna Crawford Children’s Center assists over 500 families each year. The Center also offers an ever-expanding array of prevention services aimed at the eradication of child abuse. The Center now provides statewide education for those who are responsible for the evaluation and treatment of child abuse investigations. The Center has been in operation since 1990.

For more information about the Holiday Lights of Hope and the Anna Crawford Children’s Center, visit HolidayLightsOfHope.com

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RIVERSTONE CORNER BISTRO is family owned and operated, with a cozy, urban, country-farm chic atmosphere. They specialize in farmto-table steaks & pork, sustainable seafood and farm-to-bar craft cocktails. Established in 2009, they are committed to using fresh, locally farmed ingredients in their delectable, “American cuisine with a twist” food and drink creations whenever possible. One of their many delicious menu items, their fried chicken, won the “Best Fried Chicken” award for Cherokee County 2015! In addition to their cozy interior seating, they also have a festive, ambient patio area, complete with a comfy fire pit table, making it a perfect choice to meet friends and family for drinks and appetizers on a cool, autumn evening. And be sure to stop in on a Friday or Saturday night to enjoy the live music! In addition to being a wonderful place to gather with friends and family to enjoy cocktails and a delicious meal, Riverstone Corner Bistro is very community focused, supporting and giving back to the Canton community whenever they can, in an effort to help out and bring people closer together.

Owners, Shelly, Mike, Michael and John Farrar agree, “We believe when friends get together on a regular basis, to enjoy each other’s company or to help each other out, then families are created. When those families join together, the communities we live in are positively changed forever. We cherish the opportunity to become a part of your family.” For more information about Riverstone Corner Bistro, or to view their menu, visit their website at RiverstoneBistroCantonGa.com, or call 770-7047325. They are located at 135 Reinhardt College Parkway 1, Canton GA 30114.

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later. Pam said, “Out of my devastation of losing my mom, I was inspired to fulfill a dream we’d had of owning our own business. She gave me my passion for fashion, trends and culture differences at an early age, as I was blessed enough to travel the world with her to places like Paris, Italy, Germany, Rome, England and Switzerland. We shopped on a daily basis, because she loved fashion as much as I did. My mom was my heart and soul.”

in the

U

limelight

rban Secrets will be celebrating their 1 year anniversary on November 1st! It’s owned and managed by Pam LoPiccolo and her daughter, Alexis. Pam decided to open Urban Secrets after her mom was diagnosed with cancer in May 2014 and passed away only one month

Urban Secrets likes to try to support local designers. Most of their jewelry lines are made by local business women and stayat-home moms. They offer personalized customer service; in fact, their motto is, “When you shop with us you become family.” They offer sizes Small to 3XL, as they’re big advocates that ALL women are beautiful and unique in their own way. In addition to locally made designs, they offer name brand items and are known for having very competitive prices. The boutique offers complimentary gift wrapping, year-round, on items purchased in their store.

Urban Secrets likes to give back to the community. Pam states that, “We are launching a campaign to stop heroin addictions in Cherokee County. This campaign will have guest speakers to bring awareness to our community.” They also support other charities, such as Grace Community Services, Susan G. Komen, POP Pencils of Promise and Partners in Education. “We are blessed and want to support as many charities as we can,” Pam said. They’ve also donated to local families and individuals in need. Santa is coming to Urban Secrets Boutique on December 6th, from 2:00-4:00 pm! He’ll read a story, and there will be refreshments and free pictures! Their hours are Monday through Friday, 11:00 am-7:00 pm and Saturday, 11:00 am5:00 pm, with extended holiday hours beginning November 1st. 6175 Hickory Flat Hwy. #165, Canton

678-493-5437 UrbanSecretsBoutique.com

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ArtistProfile BY PAIGE GARDNER

Dr. Donald Stafford,

Cherokee Chorale’s Co-Founder & Artistic Director Experts suggest that to figure out the kind of work you should do, remember what brought you joy as a child. Dr. Donald Stafford is a living example of that idea. Don began singing in the choir at church when he was in elementary school, and by 11th grade, he was directing the choir at his church. He earned his Bachelor of Church Music degree from Shorter College in 1971. After five years as Choir Director with the First Baptist Church of Canton, Don returned to school, earning his Doctorate in Chorale Music Education at Florida State University. “I came back to Cherokee County and went to work for the school system,” Don said. “At that time, middle schools and high schools had chorale and other music programs, but there was no formal program for music in the elementary schools.” He went on to establish the elementary school music program in the Cherokee County School System in 1988. In 1987, Genevieve Miller, who had performed with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chorus under the direction of Robert Shaw, had an idea about establishing a community choir. She approached Judye MacMillan, who was the Director of Choral Activities and Chairperson of the Music Department at Reinhardt College. “I was sort of the music supervisor for the county,” Don said. “Judye and I met at the county office to talk about this. You see, it was Gen Miller’s idea, but she quickly brought Judye and me in to do the work!” He conducted the group’s first performance, the Christmas piece from Handel’s Messiah, in 1988.

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“The Chorale is comprised of all kinds of people: lawyers and housewives, teachers, dentists and doctors... It’s a nice cross-section of the community,” Don said. Currently, the group has about 140 members on the roster, but only about 50 people participate in a typical performance. “That’s a good thing, because if everyone showed up, we wouldn’t get them all on stage!” he said. Don believes music is an important part of the human experience. “Sometimes things happen that we can’t easily express, so music allows us a way to do that,” he said. With his long history in the Cherokee County musical community, Don said it is exciting to see former students who have chosen to pursue a career in music. Dr. Martha Shaw, Director of Choirs at Reinhardt University, is a former student, as is Wes Stoner, the Choral Director for Music Education for the State of Georgia. Another former student is in charge of the Music Therapy program at the University of Georgia. “I ran into a student I had in the 1970s. She belongs to a small community church, and she came up to me and said, ‘I am the choir director in that church, and I still do the warm-ups you did with us back when I was in your class,’” Don said. “It makes you very proud,” he said. “You just never know who you’re influencing.”

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By Jose Baez, M.D. How are hand fractures treated? Hand specialists will perform a medical evaluation, and take an X-ray to determine if your hand is fractured. Depending on the type of fracture, the specialist will recommend one of several treatment methods. If the fracture is not displaced, the hand specialist may use a splint or cast. This also protects a fracture that has been set. In some cases, a displaced fracture needs to be set and then held in place with wires or pins, without making an incision (closed reduction and internal fixation). Other fractures may need surgery to set the bone (open reduction). Once the bone fragments are set, they are held together with pins, plates or screws. If the fracture disrupts the joint surface (articular fracture), it usually needs to be set more precisely to restore the joint surface to being as smooth as possible.

What is a fracture? Simply put, a fracture is a broken bone. It may be simple, with bone pieces aligned and stable, or unstable, with the bones shifted or displaced. Some fractures occur in the shaft (main body) of the bone, while others occur along the joint surface. When the bone is fractured into many pieces, this is known as a comminuted fracture. An open, or compound fracture, occurs when a bone fragment breaks through the skin. There is some risk of infection in these cases. Because your hand is made of many bones, hand fractures are common. Common signs of a fracture include: • • • •

Pain Swelling Stiffness Decreased use of your hand

Some fractures result in an obvious deformity, such as a crooked finger, but many do not. Due to the close relationship of bones to ligaments and tendons, your hand may be stiff and weak after the fracture heals. Fractures that involve surface joints can lead to early arthritis in the joint involved.

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If a bone is missing or so severely crushed that it cannot be repaired, it may require a bone graft. This procedure involves taking a bone from another part of the body to provide more stability. Once the fracture has enough stability, motion exercises may be started to try to avoid stiffness. A hand specialist will determine when the fracture is sufficiently stable.

What results can you expect? Perfect alignment of the bone on X-ray is not always necessary. You may develop a bony lump at the fracture site as the bone heals. This is known as a “fracture callus,” which functions as a “spot weld.” This is a normal healing process, and the lump should get smaller over time. Problems with fracture healing include: • • • •

Stiffness Shift in position Infection Slow healing or complete failure to heal

You can lessen the chances of complications by carefully following a hand specialist’s advice during the healing process and before returning to work or sports activities. A hand specialist may recommend a hand therapy program, with splints and exercises to speed and improve the recovery process.

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


What is a

Master Gardener? By Dot Martin

The Master Gardener Extension Volunteer Program is a volunteer training and service program, offered through county offices of the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension. Through this program, individuals are trained and certified in horticulture and related areas by faculty of the University of Georgia. The rewarding part is the volunteer hours that you agree to serve after you complete your initial training. The first year requirement is 50 hours. There are more hours the first year because we want to introduce you to all the projects and get you integrated into the program. After

that, in order to retain your certification, you are required to complete a minimum of 25 hours annually, working on projects of your choice such as: • • • • •

• •

Teach gardening at school gardens across the county Present gardening information at monthly seminars to the public Share your knowledge at farmer’s markets and other events Practice various aspects of horticulture at our beautiful demonstration garden Help grow and harvest vegetables in the community garden for our Feed The Hungry program Write newspaper and magazine articles Educate and share information with the public through the Cooperative Extension office

These are just some of our projects; all fun, all productive, all giving back to our community. Josh Fuder, our County Extension Agent, has a blog that includes a post about becoming a Master Gardener

Clara Mae VanBrink, UGAMGEV, instructing the children in the Youth Garden Program at the YMCA, Canton, Georgia.

Extension Volunteer. Go check it out! The web address for the blog is Blog. Extension.Uga.edu/Cherokee/ If you love gardening, enjoy learning and sharing your knowledge with others and want to give back to your community, APPLY! Applications for the 2016 class are being accepted from now till December 1st, 2015. For more information on the Master Gardener Extension Volunteer program and how to Dot Martin is a UGA apply, please call the Master Gardener Extension office at Extension Volunteer of Cherokee County. 770-721-7803.

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Jalapeño Cheddar Mornay

Jalapeño Cheddar Mornay Preparation:

² ¼ cup butter

Melt your butter in a sauce pot, and stir in flour. Cook lightly for two minutes, stirring the roux frequently.

² ¼ cup flour ² 1 jalapeño (roasted in the oven or charred on the grill) ² 1 cup heavy cream

Take your roasted jalapeño and peel the skin off, then seed and mince. Add the minced jalapeño to your roux.

² 1 cup milk ² 1 cup cheddar ² ½ teaspoon each salt and pepper

² Crimini mushrooms (cleaned and quartered)

Whisk in your milk and cream, and raise the heat to medium high. When the cream starts to simmer, whisk in cheddar, and then stir until melted.

² 2 cups flour, with 1 teaspoon each of salt and pepper mixed in

Add the salt and pepper. Keep warm.

Fried Mushrooms

² 1 cup buttermilk Fried Mushroom Preparation: Toss mushrooms in flour, and then submerge in buttermilk. Remove from buttermilk and coat in flour again. Fry mushrooms in a deep fryer or frying pan until crisp and golden brown.

Cook your steaks to desired temperature. Place on a plate with your favorite side (potatoes are perfect with this). Top with mushrooms and cover with mornay.

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Understanding

Your Insurance By Patricia Hawley

There is a common misconception that having insurance means you are covered for medical expenses. Your policy is a contract with your carrier. In exchange for your coverage, you agree to pay your premium (some of which may be paid by your employer), pay for office visits with a co-pay, and meet your deductible and out-of-pocket co-insurance expenses. Your benefits and financial responsibility are dependent upon the plan you choose. In today’s market, in order to save on premiums, most insured patients choose high deductible plans, higher office visit co-pays and co-insurance, etc. in the hopes that they won’t need a doctor. If you visit a doctor on a routine basis, you may want to choose a plan that has a lower co-pay. Some policies will allow for out-of-network

benefits, at a reduced reimbursement rate, if your provider does not participate with your plan. Some HMO plans will require that your primary care provider serve as a “gatekeeper,” and will require you to obtain referrals in order to visit a specialist. It’s my recommendation that you speak to your carrier, your plan administrator at work and/or a representative from your provider’s office to make sure you understand your plan.

When a claim is processed, benefits are distributed according to your plan. The service rendered will pay at a contracted rate and co-payment, deductible and/or out-of-pocket co-insurance will be applied.

A check will be sent to your provider with an Explanation of Benefits (EOB). The EOB will break down the payment. Since most patients have paid their co-pay at the time of service, you will likely receive a bill for the amount that was applied to your deductible and/or co-insurance. There are some services, mostly preventative, that do not have deductible or co-insurance responsibility, which is dictated by your policy. Your carrier will not pay 100% of any contracted rate until you have met your deductible and out-of-pocket co-insurance. Your deductible and co-insurance renew every calendar year. November and December are a good time of year to schedule Patricia Hawley is the Practice Administrator at procedures if Falany & Hulse Women’s you’ve met your Center, located in out-of-pocket Woodstock. 770-926-9229. FalanyAndHulse.com expenses.

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Crawling: An Essential Childhood Milestone By Kristi Estes

Often times, we as therapists, hear parents rave about their child’s early walking skills. Although it is something to be excited about, one question I always ask is whether this child ever crawled. Yes, walking is a great milestone, but crawling provides such a basis for so many other things in a child’s life. A child should begin crawling around 9-11 months. With everyone so concerned about SIDS, parents often do not give children enough tummy time, which, in turn, does not allow for development of strength on the stomach or in the hands and knees position (a precursor to crawling). Crawling is SO important. The repetitive movement of alternating left and right sides stimulates parts of the brain important for learning, memory, comprehension and attention. Crawling also helps with balance, hand/eye coordination, visual motor development and spatial relations (the child moves in the direction of a desired object and around obstacles) and binocular vision development (looking forward then back at hands). Additionally, crawling helps develop tolerance of different textures on hands, such as grass, carpet and sand. Some studies have correlated children who did not crawl as infants with things such as ADHD, sensory processing disorder, dyslexia and/or poor coordination. It’s recommended to encourage tummy time, and encourage your child to crawl as much as possible. Placing children on their tummies can lead to the natural progression of hands and knees, rocking on hands and knees, moving to kneeling on knees, pulling to stand, standing, then walking. Placing things out of reach of your child so they have to visually regard something, then move towards the object, is one way to encourage this process. Placing a baby over a Boppy pillow or a parent’s leg to help promote pushing through arms is a good starting point when a baby is very young. Not all children who skipped crawling will have learning or sensory issues, but many do. Occupational and physical therapists work with babies in helping them learn to crawl and walk, and also school-age children, if learning or sensory issues emerge.

Kristi Estes, Occupational Therapist. Kristi and Jennifer Puckett are co-owners of In Harmony Pediatric Therapy. 770-345-2804. InHarmonyPediatricTherapy.com

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Speakers Should be Heard,

Not Seen

There are now hundreds of in-wall, surround sound speakers available that are virtually hidden and unnoticeable. Installation, however, can be daunting. We’re here to help! First, you’ll need to “fish” a wire from the amplifier to the desired speaker location. Having a basement, crawlspace or attic can really help; otherwise drywall work may be involved. Using quality, in-wall rated speaker wire, use gravity to your advantage. If in the attic, start by drilling a hole in the top plate of the wall directly over the 2 locations, and let the wire drop down. For basements, you’ll need “glow rods” to push up the wire. Now, cut the hole in your wall using a

By Michael Buckner

sheetrock saw at the amp and speaker locations. Make sure that the location is between studs. A stud-finder tool can help with this. For the speaker hole, trace out the template that it comes with, then cut. Start left to right, then up and down. You should now be looking at the wire that you fished earlier. For the amp location, purchase a “low voltage cut-in box,” trace it out for the opening, then cut. Now pull the speaker wire out, and keep 4-6’ of slack. You can cover this with a “bull-nose wall plate.” Next, take the speakers out of the carton. Notice 4-6 screw heads around the inside lip of the speaker. Hook up the speaker wire, paying close attention to positive and negative. Then, insert

the speaker into the hole you’ve made, and tighten the screws. The “dog ears” on the speaker will force it to grab the wall and should cinch things firmly into place. Install the grill, and using a small foam paint roller, apply a thin coat of paint so that it matches your wall. Lastly, hook up the wire to the amp. Now repeat for all 5 speakers. This may take all weekend, but doing this yourself can save you about $100 per speaker! If it proves to be too difficult, call a professional.

Michael Buckner is owner of Audio Intersection, a provider of audio and video in Georgia. 770-479-1000. AudioIntersection.com

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By Micah Fowler

November Happenings

Wow! October was busy, wasn’t it? November will be a bit more lowkey as we all settle into winter’s hibernation-mode here in Canton. Because it’s so close to the start of the month, let’s review what to expect for November’s First Friday. November’s event will be on the first SATURDAY of the month (November 7th) and will be in collaboration with the American Legion’s Veteran’s Day celebrations. Event hours will be from 11:30 am-2:30 pm. This event is going to be different from our regular First Friday events. For example, there will be no concert. Instead, we invite you and your families out to the historic downtown loop to witness a flag retirement ceremony, listen to two very special speakers and watch the parade. Parade starts at 1:30 pm and will pay tribute to our hero veterans.

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There will be no service or craft vendors that are not directly related to military and veteran’s affairs. Food vendors have been asked to adhere to the Veteran’s Day theme — so keep an eye out for red/white/blue cupcakes and craft beers brewed by American veterans! Farmers Market is now over for 2015, but the Main Street Program is eagerly looking forward to the 2016 season that will start back up again in May. Main Street Morning meeting’s still fall on the second FRIDAY of the month. This month it will be at Technical Resource Solutions (185 West Main Street), at 8:00 am, on November 13th. This networking meeting is free and open to all. There will be an introduction given by the owner of TRS, as well as a short and

informative presentation on the month’s Main Street “happenings,” not to mention an opportunity to network with other individuals in the Canton area. Coffee and pastries are provided to you for free, thanks to Cup Up. For anyone who may not know, outdoor Wi-Fi is accessible in the historic downtown district. We want to thank Audio Intersection of Canton for their help in making this happen. Want to stay connected with Main Street? Please send me an email to subscribe to our newsletter!

Micah Fowler is the Main Street Director, City of Canton, 151 Elizabeth Street, Canton, GA 30114. 770-704-1548. Micah.Fowler@ Canton-Georgia.com


Most adults believe a spoiled child is one who behaves in a way that the adult finds objectionable. But what’s “objectionable?” The answer varies widely among cultures and individuals.

be rewarded. You might especially give in on those instances where your initial position was extreme or unnecessary — something all adults do from time to time, even with other adults.

What’s important to one person can be irrelevant to the next, what’s cute to one can be bothersome to another. In our multicultural society, the key is for you, others in your home and those who care for your child to agree on the basics.

However, if caving becomes a habit, you do no one a favor, least of all your child. The boundaries she needs to feel secure get muddied, and she will spend untold effort to reestablish them — a big waste of resources for her and a big test of your patience.

Once those basics are set, reason and consistency are your best tactics. Giving in from time to time won’t ruin your rules or spoil your child. If something is really important to the little guy, let him win on occasion, except where safety and minimal behavior requirements are concerned. It shows him that his views have merit and teaches him that perseverance on things that really matter to him can By Mary Kay Buquoi, Ed.S.

Will I SPOIL My Child?

Within the limits you set, there is never a need for limits on your love. Care and affection don’t spoil a child. In fact, they provide the best teaching model a child could ask for. You are demonstrating the Mary Kay Buquoi is very behavior you owner of The Goddard want to encourage. School, 140 Foster There is no Road, Woodstock. 770-720-1311. downside to this. GoddardSchools.com

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THE

of Canton Faces FACES By Micah Fowler

What makes Canton great? It’s a question that has the potential for many different answers. But what makes Canton great to me are all the small businesses in the historic downtown. Behind each one is a real person with a real story to tell.

Stouts Growlers, which recently celebrated One of Canton’s newer such “The Snug” is a name that 1 year in downtown Canton, started with an faces, for example, is Stefanie many people in Canton have idea cooked up by four best friends while Jones, owner of Junk Drunk pondered over. Well ponder no sharing a pint at their local watering hole. Jones. Born and raised in more! The owners of The Snug Their love of craft brews and the enjoyment Canton, she began collecting (Damien Mancini, his father that comes from sharing a cold one with those antiques with her father as a Don, his mother Linda and their you love inspired them to bring this passion to young girl. Their time getting good friend and Head Chef, like-minded connoisseurs in the Canton area. “Junk Drunk” on vintage goods Bryan Rose) cleverly named inspired a lifetime passion in their pub after a secluded young Stefanie. After graduating room within traditional pubs from Reinhardt University in Ireland where patrons could and marrying her college sweetheart, Stefanie started pop in for a relaxing — and private — pint. This pub an on-the-road antiques store, before finally finding her was opened to bring good people good food, good perfect location in Canton’s Historic District. To this day, music and good times. It’s a labor of love for the owners Stefanie still hunts for vintage inventory with her dad. of The Snug. Cory Shupert, owner of DK, started working in restaurants when he was just 16 years old. He’s done it all: hosting, bussing, cleaning, cooking, bartending, administrative functions and now…owner. Cory met Zach Kell 13 years ago when Zach came to manage the restaurant where Cory was working. Two years later, Zach left to open DK, Cory followed suit, bartending for a while before being promoted to Assistant Manager at the new Goin’ Coastal restaurant. Zach became Cory’s mentor, and in 2009, he returned to DK as the General Manager. The Kell’s gave Cory the opportunity to become part owner in 2011, and in April of this year, he bought his first home in Canton.

Cory, like all the owners mentioned above, are here because they genuinely love this town and its people. They are the people behind the places that we have come to love, and they aren’t alone. For every person mentioned here, there are at least 5 more that I wish I could tell you about. They are the faces of Canton. 62

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Caring Groups for Cherokee’s Seniors By Tim Morris

Having been the Director of Senior Services in Cherokee County for 3 months, I’m impressed and amazed at the number of individuals and groups who care for our seniors. Though I can’t fit them all in one article, I’d like to start with the Meals on Wheels Volunteers, who give their time every day to deliver meals to seniors who can’t drive. Sharon Smith not only handles the Meals on Wheels program, but she also serves as the Volunteer Coordinator. She truly has a remarkable approach, and her volunteers appreciate her caring attitude each and every day. Meals LIFESTYLE

on Wheels drivers, Alice and Donald, work hard to make sure meals get to other volunteer deliverers, and they deliver to seniors, too. Thanks to all volunteers and staff for such a wonderful program! Volunteer Aging Council for Cherokee County is another group that spends countless hours to raise money for seniors to help purchase simple and large items. There are so many things on our “client needs list;” it’s a never ending job to just keep up with it. VAC is currently working on upcoming fundraising ideas to help raise money to keep these projects going. If you’re looking to make donations, this is an excellent cause. You can just call Cherokee County Senior Services if you need more

information. Speaking of the VAC, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Judy, their project volunteer. I didn’t give her last name for fear of someone trying to pull her away from us! Just look for the lady with the big hat and big smile, with all kinds of building materials that she hauls around to help seniors. She works so hard, she makes us tired! Thanks, Judy, and the VAC board members for all your hard work. There are so many volunteers that I could mention, but space is limited. Don’t worry Garden Club and Nathan Brandon with Body Recall, you’ll be featured in a future article, but I’d like to thank you for all the work you do! L Tim Morris is the Director of Cherokee County Senior Services. 1001 Univeter Road, Canton. 770-479-7438. CherokeeGa.com/Senior-Services

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Afterglow Day Spa 41 Atlanta Hand Specialist 5 Audio Intersection 59 Bistro C 35 BridgeMill Dentistry 57 Budget Blinds 37 The Carpenter’s Shop Christian Preschool 10 Cherokee Angel Adult Day Center 58 Cherokee Chorale 43 Cherokee Historical Society 30 Cherokee Theatre Company 64 Chick-fil-A 37 Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta 39 Sports Medicine Dentistry at Hickory Flat 37 Downtown Kitchen 56 Dr. Fixit, Ph.D. 35 DV Pediatrics 24 Falany and Hulse Women’s Center, P.C. 63 First Baptist Canton 25 First Baptist Church Woodstock 48 The Goddard School 21 Goin’ Coastal 7 Goshen Homes 29 H&H Electric & Security, LLC 19 Holiday Lights of Hope 48 In Harmony Pediatric Therapy 11 Jingle Bell Shop 44 JSL Tour of Homes 49 Jyl Craven Hair Design Inside Back Landscape Matters 30 LaVida Massage 43 LGE Community Credit Union Cover, 32-34 Learning Express Toys of Woodstock 44 Marietta Plastic Surgery 3 Masterpiece Framer 13 MD Minor Emergency 12 Milan Eye Center Inside Front Northside Cherokee Pediatrics 17 Northside Hospital-Cherokee 1 Northside Vascular Surgery 13 Park Pediatric Dentistry of Woodstock 16 Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics 29 and Dentistry at Canton Pharmoore & Woodstock 27 Health Mart Pharmacy Plastic Surgery Center of the South 46 R & D Mechanical Services, Inc. 23 Rejoice Maids 16 Riverstone Corner Bistro 50 Reindeer Run for Children 43 Skin Cancer Specialists, P.C. 31 & Aesthetic Center The Snug Gastro Pub 58 Technical Resource Solutions 61 Three Sisters Gifts 41 Urban Secrets Boutique 51 WellStar Health Systems Back Cover Windsor House Assisted Living 55

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