Canton Family Life 3-15 by Family Life Magazines

Contents

March 2015

Volume 2 | Issue 8

[28-29]

28-29 On the Cover:

Hollingsworth & Company Real Estate

32-33 Farm Raised A Sharecropper's Roots

36-46 Special Feature:

Home & Garden

[36-46]

[32-33] 2

Canton Family Life | MARCH 2015

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

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

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

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

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

............. Community Partners

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

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

............................. Chamber

Publisher’sPerspective

PUBLISHER/PHOTOGRAPHER Jack Tuszynski Jack@FamilyLifePublications.com EDITORIAL Cherryl Greenman Editor@FamilyLifePublications.com ART Candice Williams Candice@FamilyLifePublications.com Laurie Litke Laurie@FamilyLifePublications.com SALES Janet Ponichtera Janet@FamilyLifePublications.com George Colmant George@FamilyLifePublications.com

pring is right around the corner and many of us are starting to wonder how to spend our warm and sunny days. Of course, just because of the change of season; that doesn’t mean we will have more actual “time” to enjoy the company of friends and loved ones. We will simply make it happen because it is what we do in better weather, longer days and more sunshine. The option of “having time” to reallocate to spend as we choose is becoming fleeting both in our society and culture and through the course of nature. When we spend our time making money, we often don’t make the time to enjoy it. When and if we get older and have less work, many may no longer have the resources or the health to enjoy that extra time. It’s more important that our “living” takes control our lives instead of our jobs. Have you considered discovering ways to live a little at the office? A good brisk walk, a few minutes in a sunny place nearby (we actually ask everyone take ten “sunny minutes” at our office each day) can be refreshing. Or maybe read a chapter or two from a good book or magazine, even a simple phone call to the kids or spouse to let them know you’re thinking of them and will see them soon — are some of the little ways we can make big differences in our personal happiness and in turn, those whose lives we touch.

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 the written permission from the Publisher. Subscriptions are available for $25 per year. Please contact us for payment options. Ple

Jack Tuszynski, publisher

e r ec y c le

Personally the idea of “spare time” is ridiculous. Time, unlike money, cannot be saved for a rainy day or hidden away like a tire in our trunk to be used in an emergency. However if we don’t use it wisely and think about who and what exactly are we using it for…it too can lose value and become flat before you know it. We should start asking ourselves more about the quality of our lives as we never know the quantity of our days.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jose Baez, Rachel Buckley, Mary Kay Buquoi, Nathan Brandon, Crystal Bryant, Bridget Calkins, Michelle Clardy, Charles Cooley, Michael Cox, Jyl Craven, Chris Croft, Laura Green, Lori Griffin, Meghan Griffin, Catherine Groves, Corey Harkins, Heike Hellmann-Brown, Norman Hunt, Michelle Knapp, Vicki Knight-Mathis, James E. Leake, Jason Liford, Robbie Matiak, Miles Mazzawi, Ted Miller, E. Anthony Musarra, Tommy Nobis III, Nicki Overstreet, Vishal Patel, Michael Petrosky, Juan Reyes, Gail Roos, Nick Roper, Meghan Smith, Suzanne Taylor, Matthew Thomas, Renea Winchester

Canton Family Life | MARCH 2015

m ag a zi

Calendar march

Open House — Cherokee Christian School will host an Open House. Light refreshments will be served and children are welcome to attend. 7:00 p.m., Cherokee Christian School, 3075 Trickum Road, Woodstock. Kim Howell 678-4945464, Kim.Howell@CherokeeChristian.org

St. Patty’s Fest — Celebrate St. Patty’s in downtown Woodstock as the fest kicks off the 2015 Friday Night Live series. Downtown merchants will stay open late and will offer special activities related to the theme of the month. Friday Night Live also features great music as bands play throughout Downtown Woodstock in front of the stores. 6:009:00 p.m., Downtown Woodstock. WhatsUpWoodstock.com

“If I Were Mayor, I Would . . .” Sixth graders across Georgia are invited to become city leaders in the Georgia Municipal Association’s (GMA) “If I Were Mayor, I Would . . .” essay contest. The deadline for entries is Friday, March 6. The contest is open to all 6th graders, including home schooled students and private school students. View contest rules and prizes at Gmanet.com/TrainingEvents/Essay-Contest.aspx#sthash. KGYNehwG.dpuf

River Run For a Reason — Little River Elementary PTA will be hosting a 5K and Fun Run at the school with proceeds benefitting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. 8:00 a.m., Little River Elementary School, 3170 Trickum Road, Woodstock. Active.com

7 & 21

Cherokee County Master Gardener Seminars — The Master Gardeners will host 3 seminars in March. March 7: Home Grown Fruit and Veggies, Buckeye Creek Farm, 2115 Jep Wheeler Road,

Canton Family Life | MARCH 2015

Woodstock, pre-register by March 4. March 21: Beginning Vegetable Gardening, 10:00 a.m. and Organic Gardening, 12:00 p.m. Pre-register for both seminars by March 18. Cherokee County Senior Services Center, 1001 Univeter Road, Canton. 770-721-7803, UGE1057@UGA.Edu

Free Skin Cancer Screening Did you know that skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer? According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), more than 2,000 cases of melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer, will be diagnosed in Georgia this year. The Northside Hospital Cancer Institute would like to help you get ready for the sun with a free skin cancer screening. Medical professionals will provide skin assessments in a private setting; it is recommended that screening participants wear shorts and t-shirts. Qualified Spanish interpreters available free of charge, by request. The screening is free, however appointments are required. 6:00-8:00 p.m., Medical Associates of North Georgia, 320 Hospital Road, Canton. 404-531-4444. Northside. com

“Celebration of Education” Gala — The Cherokee County Educational Foundation will expand its efforts to raise awareness and funds for the Cherokee County School District with the presentation of its inaugural “Celebration of Education” Gala. The black-tie optional event will include a cocktail hour and silent auction, dinner, awards and entertainment. The entertainment will be “CCSD’s Got Talent,” a competition student talent show, featuring the best acts from the School District’s six high schools. The winner in the competition will be awarded a $1,000 grand prize and $500 runnerup prize. Tickets are $75 per person and $600 per table of 8. The event’s presenting sponsor is Northside HospitalCherokee. 6:30 p.m., Northside HospitalCherokee Conference Center, Canton.

CCEducationalFoundation@gmail.com or call (770) 704-4228; or Amanda Arnold at Amanda.Arnold@CUofGa.org.

Free Prostate Cancer Screening It’s estimated that more than 6,700 men in Georgia will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year, according to the National Cancer Institute. It remains the most frequently diagnosed cancer in men, aside from skin cancer. To help raise awareness of the disease, Northside Hospital’s Cancer Institute is offering a free prostate cancer screening to the community. Qualified Spanish interpreters will be available on-site. Screening is free, however appointments are required. 6:008:00 p.m., Medical Associates of North Georgia, 320 Hospital Road, Canton. 404531-4444, Northside.com

AG Expo — Come celebrate the importance of agriculture, horticulture, and related businesses in the county. This event is free and open to the public. Featuring locally grown foods, plants, animals and hand crafted products. Farmers markets, 4H and FFA Master Gardeners will be on hand offering informative and fun displays, petting zoo, and refreshments. Sponsored by Cherokee Co Farm Bureau, Cherokee County Extension Office, Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce, and the City of Woodstock. 4:00-7:00 p.m., City Center (Elm Street), 8534 Main Street, 770-479-1481 ext. 0, Woodstock. CherokeeAgExpo.info

Preschool Registration for 2015-2016 — Bascomb United Methodist Church will be offering preschool registration. 9:00 a.m., Bascomb UMC, 2295 Bascomb Carmel Road, Woodstock. 770-9260397 or Kathi@BascombPreschool.com. BascombPreschool.com

Second Annual Run, Walk or Roll: Take the Next Step 5K — Next Step Ministries, Inc. and Gold’s Gym of Woodstock proudly present the second

Library Events SequoyahRegionalLibrary.org

annual 5K in support of Next Step’s Programs for people with special needs. The $25 entry fee includes race t-shirt and goodie bag. 7:00 a.m., registration, 8:00 a.m. race time. First Baptist Church of Woodstock, 11905 Hwy 92, Woodstock. Next Step 770-592-1227 or NSM@ NextStepMinistries.net

26-29

Book Sale — The Friends of Cherokee County Public Libraries will be holding a book sale at Woodstock Public Library. Preview Sale: Tuesday, March 24, 3:006:00 p.m. for Friends Members only. Nonmembers may join at the door. Public Sale: Tuesday, March 24, 6:00-7:30 p.m. March 25-27, 10:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Saturday closed. Sunday, March 29, 12:00 p.m.5:30 p.m. Woodstock Public Library, 7735 Main St.

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

STORY TIMES FAMILY STORY TIMES March 3, 10, 17, 24, 10:30 a.m. & 3:30 p.m., R.T. Jones March 5, 12, 19, 26 10:30 a.m., Ball Ground, Hickory Flat Family story times are designed for families with children of all ages. Children must be accompanied by a participating adult. These programs often feature stories, music, rhymes and a free craft activity. LAPSIT STORY TIMES March 4, 11, 18, 25 10:30 a.m. & 11:30 a.m., R.T. Jones Lapsit story times will be limited to the first 15 children

(plus their caregiver) to arrive and the doors to the program will be closed when the program begins. SUPER SATURDAY STORY TIMES March 7, 14, 21, 28, 10:30 a.m., R.T. Jones Super Saturday story times are family story times designed with the working parent and/or school-aged child in mind and are offered at RT Jones Library in Canton. Children must be accompanied by a participating adult. These programs are a repeat performance of that week’s story times but may not include a craft activity.

continued on

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Library Continued . . .

Calendar

SPECIAL PROGRAMS GUESS HOW MANY BOOKS All month during March, R.T. Jones Can you guess how many books are in the RT Jones Library Youth Department? During the month of March come by the Youth Department at RT Jones Library and make your best guess for the number of books in the department as of March 1. Receive a free food coupon for guessing. The person who comes closest without going over wins a free book.

ONGOING PROGRAMS INCOME TAX PREPARATION ASSISTANCE March 7, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Hickory Flat March 21, 9:00 a.m.-5 p.m., R.T. Jones George Russell, formerly with the Internal Revenue Service, will offer income tax return preparation assistance. AARP — INCOME TAX PREPARATION ASSISTANCE March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 10:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Hickory Flat AARP-sponsored tax-preparation volunteers will be at the library to assist in tax return preparation for those who need it. READING DOGS March 2, 4:30-5:30 p.m., Ball Ground March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, 4:30-5:30 p.m., Hickory Flat March 2, 16, 4:30-5:30 p.m., R.T. Jones Kids and dogs go together like books and reading. Letting a child read to a dog builds confidence by providing a friendly, furry and non-judgmental listener. Sessions for 10-15 minutes for ages 6 and up are available, but space is limited. Register by calling the appropriate branch up to two weeks before the scheduled event. R.T. JONES BOOK CLUB March 15, 3:00 p.m., R.T. Jones The R. T. Jones Book Club will be meeting to discuss their current book. For more information please contact RTJBookClub@gmail.com or call the RT Jones Adult Services Department at 770-479-3090.

Mark Nizer — Performs a 3-D show at Reinhardt University’s Falany Performing Arts Center. Nizer is one of the greatest entertainment comedians and jugglers performing today. Adults $15, Seniors (55+) $12.50, Children (12 & younger) $7.50. 3:00 p.m., Falany Performing Arts Center, 7300 Reinhardt Circle, Waleska. 770-720-9167 Reinhardt.Edu/fpac.

Free Concert at Falany Performing Arts Center Reinhardt University’s School of Performing Arts will present their spring Brass Extravaganza, bringing you music from the early 1600s to the 21st century. This concert is free and open to the public. No tickets are required. 7:30 p.m., Falany Performing Arts Center, 7300 Reinhardt Circle, Waleska. 770-720-9167 Reinhardt.Edu/fpac

APRIL

1st Annual Woodstock Fashion Show — Main Street Woodstock is pleased to announce that the month of April will be focused on fashion and fundraising in downtown Woodstock. This month will consist of great sales and specials at clothing boutiques and a “Wear Woodstock” stamp card contest, followed by the main event: the 1st Annual Woodstock Fashion Show. Proceeds from the event will be donated to the Anna Crawford Children’s Center. Tickets are $10 and are available at the Woodstock Visitors Center. 770-924-0406 DowntownWoodstock.org/Fashion

18-19

39th Annual Big Shanty Festival — Downtown Kennesaw will be transformed into a giant family-friendly festival with more than 250 booths featuring a vast array of one-of-a-kind and homemade crafts. The Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History sit at the center of the festival. Bring the kids to the free Robinson’s Racing Pigs and Paddling Porkers Show. Entertainment will include residents performing, local dance and demonstration teams, school chorus groups, members of Great Gig Dance Studio and many more community groups. To kick off the festivities a parade will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday starting at Adams Park and continuing down Main Street. Admission is free. 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Saturday, April 18 and noon-5:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 19. 770-423-1330.

MAY

Johnston ES Jungle 5K and 1 Mile Prowl — Join Johnston ES for its 1st Annual Johnston Jaguar Jungle Run 5K and 1 Mile Prowl. Dress up as your favorite jungle animal, all proceeds go towards building a track for the students, staff and community in an effort to promote healthier life styles here in Woodstock. 8:20 a.m. River Ridge HS and Mill Creek MS, 400 Arnold Mill Rd. JES5KRace@gmail.com

Canton Family Life | MARCH 2015

Easter Events City of Holly Springs 14th Annual Community Easter Egg Hunt on March 28 — Over 12,000 eggs will be hidden for children ages infant to 12 years old. Arrive early to have your picture taken with the Easter Bunny! Each family receives one complimentary picture. Every child will leave with a basket full of eggs and one prize egg! Thank you to our presenting sponsor, Northside Hospital-Cherokee. In case of inclement weather, the Egg Hunt will be rescheduled for Saturday, April 4. 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 28, Barrett Park, 120 Park Lane, Holly Springs. 770-345-5536, HollySpringsGa.us/ EasterEggHunt Northside Hospital-Cherokee Hosts 29th Annual Easter Eggstravaganza on March 28 — Here comes Peter Cottontail… hoppin’ down to Northside Hospital-Cherokee for the 29th Annual Easter Eggstravaganza. This year’s event will include fun for all ages, such as a petting zoo, moon walks, carnival games, face painters, arts and crafts, food, music and much more. Bring your Easter basket to participate in one of four Easter egg hunts: 1:30 p.m. (age 0 to 3 years old, and for those who have special needs and require assistance); 1:45 p.m. (ages 4 to 6); 2:00 p.m. (ages 7 to 9) 2:15 p.m. (ages 10 years and up). Admission to the Easter Eggstravaganza, food and activities are free. Photos with the Easter Bunny are $5 for two photos and souvenir T-shirts are $10 each. All proceeds will benefit the Special Care Nursery at Northside Hospital-Cherokee. Guests also are encouraged to bring donations of diapers, wipes and baby food for MUST Ministries in Cherokee. Collection bins will be available at the event. In case of inclement weather the event will be rescheduled to Sunday, March 29 (in case of inclement weather on March 29, the event will be canceled). 1:00-3:00 p.m., Saturday, March 28, Northside Hospital-Cherokee, 201 Hospital Road, Canton. 770-720-5132.

First Baptist Church Canton 1 Mission Point, Canton 770-479-5538, FBCCanton.org Sunday, April 5 • 7:00 a.m. — Sunrise Service (back/lower parking lot, bring your own chair) • 8:15 a.m. — Traditional Worship in the main Worship Center • 9:30 a.m. — Contemporary band-led Worship Service in the main Worship Center, Sunday School (Bible study for all ages) • 11:00 a.m. — Blended Worship Service in main Worship Center, Sunday School (Bible Study for all ages)

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Business High Paying Jobs Earmarked For Cherokee County

Concept rendering of new MSK Covertech-Group plant to be located in Cherokee 75 Corporate Park

New U-Haul Center Opens in Canton The new U-Haul Moving & Storage of Downtown Canton opened in early

MSK Covertech Inc. is expected to

January. Donna and JL Hightower can

break ground on its new North American

help you with all your moving needs. The

Headquarters in just a few months, which

facility is open Monday-Thursday and

will be located in Cherokee 75 Corporate

Saturday at 7:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m., Friday

Park, an industrial center located in the

at 7:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m., and Sunday

southwest corner of the county. MSK is one

at 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. 2127 Marietta

of the leading international manufacturers

Hwy, Canton, GA 30114. 770-704-9028,

of packaging and logistics systems for pallet load units and large containers. The

U-Haul Co of Atlanta North, Donna_

corporation is based in Kleve, on the Lower Rhine in Germany. However, many of its

Hightower@UHaul.com

North American customers are companies headquartered in Georgia, such as Coca-Cola, Shaw, Quikrete and Georgia Pacific. “MSK was unique, because the corporation had several specialized needs,” said Marshall Day, Chairman of the Cherokee Office of Economic Development (COED). “For example, the facility had to have 30-foot ceilings in order for the automated machinery to operate. This site works perfectly for that and gives them the opportunity to double in size.” Braden Camp, Vice President of MSK said, “As an international company, we knew we wanted to be along the I-75 corridor. Cherokee had a site we could move quickly on as well as a highly educated workforce.”

Canton Family Life | MARCH 2015

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B a n

is that it will lead to orthodontic problems down the road. Here are a couple of approaches you can try at home:

the

Binky!

By Miles Mazzawi, D.M.D.

Many parents are thankful for the invention of pacifiers that can help calm and soothe fussy babies. The sucking reflex is completely normal and many children will stop sucking on thumbs, pacifiers or other objects on their own. Unfortunately some children will hold on to these habits past an appropriate age. Frequent pacifier use over a longer period of time can negatively affect a child’s bite and the growth of the jaw. The earlier a child can stop a sucking habit, the less chance there

Canton Family Life | MARCH 2015

Cold turkey — Some creative ideas

include putting the pacifiers into a stuffed animal or replacing the pacifier with another object such as a doll or toy. Patients of our practice can bring their pacifier stash into the office to donate them to the Pacifier Fairy! And, there is always the option to keep it simple, and just take it away! Be sure to collect all pacifiers around the house – the last thing you need is your little one finding a pacifier the week after she gave it up and going back to square one!

your baby gradually gets used to the loss of suction until they no longer require it to sooth him/her.

Mavala Stop — Painting a polish

containing a very bitter taste derived from a natural source, has proven effective for some patients. The pacifier should not be used beyond 2 years old. When it is time for your child to stop, select a method, and stick to it! But no matter which route you take, remember that as the experts in little teeth, pediatric dentists will be an invaluable resource for guidance and recommendations on the best approach to quit the pacifier.

Cutting a hole in the tip — Start by

cutting a simple slit in the end of the pacifier. Every two weeks, cut a little more off the tip, until eventually there ends up being a large hole in the pacifier and your baby is only sucking air. With this method,

Dr. Miles Mazzawi is a pediatric dentist with Cherokee Children’s Dentistry in Canton. 770-479-1717, CherokeeChildrensDentistry.com

Canton Minute

Enjoy Canton’s

Quality of Life By Matthew A. Thomas

015 begins with a few significant changes and unknowns. The Painted Pig closed its doors in January (but their management team is still going strong serving up great food at The Study). The Jones Building has yet to see a buyer, and our Main Street Director, Meghan Griffin, who has done an outstanding job leading the program since 2013, is leaving. However, changes are breeding grounds for new opportunities. As I reflect on some of the most recent changes to our economy and the forwardthinking opportunities the City of Canton and local businesses realized in 2014, I am reminded of: Commercial Growth: We saw a number of new restaurants and retailers open their doors in Canton. Establishments such as Chipotle Mexican Grill, Uncle Maddio’s Pizza Joint, Great Clips, Mattress Firm, and Five Below added to the existing shopping and dining mix at Canton Marketplace. ALDI and Dunkin’ Donuts opened on Riverstone Parkway and Marietta Highway, respectively. Stout’s Growlers, Noni’s Attic, Rosie Posie, and The Study opened in downtown Canton augmenting the growing number of businesses in our Central

Business District. It is interesting to note that the new businesses downtown are also locally owned and operated. Additionally, R&M Hoagie celebrated 42 years in Downtown Canton. That is a testament to just how sustainable and supportive of businesses downtown can be. Healthcare Growth: Northside Hospital-Cherokee’s site work is already underway. Their brand new replacement hospital comes in at $250 million in expected investment. Features include women and children’s services, emergency and diagnostic services, a Cancer Center, and Medical Office Buildings. Northside Hospital-Cherokee’s commitment to our community, not only means accessibility to great health services, but quality jobs, salaries, and wages right here in Canton. The health and economic impact will be remarkable. Tourism and Quality of Life: Our Main Street Program did a phenomenal job of bringing people downtown for First Fridays and other year-round festivities. As a result, downtown businesses received increased sales and marketing, quality of life in Canton improved, and even more publicity is generated for downtown. The Canton Theatre brought a number of live

performances and classic movies to town. And, the Etowah River Park, consisting of 81-acres, is now available to the public. This will be a great sports, tourism and quality of life amenity to be enjoyed in our community. Plus, it opens an access point to our beloved Etowah River. This year we are focusing on expanding and recruiting high quality economic development projects such as those previously mentioned, projects that generate capital investment, create jobs, and augment the quality of life in Canton. Through the many changes and unknowns, 2015 looks to be an equally if not more exciting year to live, work, invest, and enjoy Canton as our community and economy grow. If you see Meghan out and about in the community, please be sure to thank her for everything she has done to improve our City. Our community is better because of her service.

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

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Dupuytren’s Disease By Jose Baez, M.D.

Dupuytren’s disease, also called Viking’s disease, is an abnormal thickening of the fascia (the tissue just beneath the skin of the palm). It often starts with firm lumps in the palm, with some patients developing firm cords beneath the skin that stretch from the palm into the fingers. Gradually, these cords may cause the fingers to bend into the palm. Although skin may become involved in the process, deeper structures such as the tendons are not. Occasionally, the disease will cause thickening on top of the finger knuckles (knuckle pads), or nodules or cords within the soles of the feet (plantar fibromatosis).

What Causes Dupuytren’s Disease? The cause is unknown but may be associated with certain biochemical factors within the involved fascia. Dupuytren’s disease is more common in men over age 40 and in people of northern European descent. There is also no evidence that hand injuries or specific occupational exposures lead to a higher

Canton Family Life | MARCH 2015

risk of developing Dupuytren’s disease.

Signs and Symptoms Symptoms usually include a small lump or series of lumps and pits within the palm. The lumps are generally firm and adherent to the skin. A cord may develop gradually, which will extend from the palm into one or more fingers (the ring and little fingers are most commonly affected). Although the cords may be mistaken for tendons, they actually lie between the skin and tendons. In many cases, both hands are affected, although the degree of involvement may vary. While the initial nodules may produce discomfort, Dupuytren’s disease is not typically painful. You may first notice it when you have difficulty placing your hand flat on an even surface. As your fingers are drawn into the palm, you may notice increasing difficulty with activities such as washing, wearing gloves, shaking hands, and putting hands into pockets.

The progression of the disease is unpredictable. Some individuals will have only small lumps or cords while others will develop severely bent fingers. More severe cases often occurs with an earlier age of onset.

Treatment for Dupuytren’s Disease If you have more advanced contractures, you may require surgery to improve function. There are various surgical techniques that can correct finger position. A hand specialist will discuss which method is most appropriate for you based on the stage of the disease and joints involved. Surgery should help improve finger position, and thereby hand function. Even after surgery, the disease may reoccur, and the fingers may begin to bend into the palm once again.

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

Community Feature Macedonia ES Recognized by Anna Crawford Children’s Center Macedonia Elementary School recently was recognized by the Anna Crawford Children’s Center as the winner of its competition for the school with the highest percentage of attendance at its Holiday Lights of Hope. The Center presented the school with a donation of $1,494.16 in appreciation for its support; a total of $3,789.80 was donated to Cherokee County School District Macedonia Elementary School staff celebrates their school’s success in supporting the schools through the attendance Anna Crawford Children’s Center and Holiday Lights of Hope. contest. Cherokee High School welding students contribute their talents to create displays for the event, and entertainment was provided by choral groups from schools including: Avery ES, Ball Ground ES STEM Academy, Clark Creek ES STEM Academy, Free Home ES, Macedonia ES, Oak Grove ES Fine Arts Academy and Woodstock HS. Many students serve as volunteer workers at the event, as did CCSD employees – 25 staff members from Creekland Middle School volunteered their time to run the display one night. The Center is a non-profit, community-based organization dedicated to preventing child abuse and neglect; and protecting and serving children and families. “Without our community’s support, we couldn’t provide the needed help to children impacted by abuse in Cherokee County,” said Tabatha Martin, Resource Development Director for the Anna Crawford Children’s Center. “Thank you for allowing us to partner with Cherokee County School District. We look forward to working with all of you in the future.”

Congratulations to our February “7 Differences” winner, Tosha Lemke!

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Community Feature Georgia Power Presents Check to Reinhardt

Left to right: Dr. J. Thomas Isherwood, Reinhardt president, Rod Drake, Georgia Power area manager, and Dale Scarlett Morrissey, Director of Fund Raising Campaigns and Church Relations.

Rod Drake, area manager for Georgia Power, recently presented a $3,000 check to Dr. J. Thomas Isherwood, Reinhardt president, and Dale Scarlett Morrissey, director of fund raising campaigns and church relations. The goal for this year’s A DAY campaign is $100,000, and currently $61,315 has been raised toward the goal. “Reinhardt appreciates the support from businesses like Georgia Power,” said Morrissey. “This allows students to benefit with scholarships from the monies raised. Without these types of donations and support it would not be possible for many of our students to continue their educational endeavors. The satisfaction is realizing that you have helped a student with their educational goal.”

CRPA Volunteer of the Year Anne Davis has been recognized as the Cherokee Recreation & Parks Agency’s 2014 Volunteer of the Year. She was honored in recognition of the countless hours given to CSSA (Cherokee Summer Swim Association) and dedication in providing countless opportunities for the citizens of Cherokee County. Anne has been team coordinator and served in numerous other volunteer roles for many years for the Bradshaw Farm Barracudas summer swim team. She also serves as co-president of the Boosters Club for the Sequoyah High School Swim Team.

Canton Family Life | MARCH 2015

Left to right: Kim Whatley, Aquatics Manager, Cherokee County Aquatic Center and Anne Davis, CRPA 2014 Volunteer of the Year

Free Your

Horse’s Qi By Meghan M. Smith, D.V.M.

According to Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM), living beings are a map of energy conduits, called meridians or channels. These carry life-giving energy to and from every body system. Any interruption in energy flow can disrupt normal function. Acupuncture is one of the therapies offered in TCVM and is defined as the stimulation of a specific point on the body (acupuncture point) to cause a therapeutic effect. This treatment modality has been used to treat horses in China for over 3,000 years. Today, acupuncture is used by itself, or in conjunction with Western medicine, to treat many different problems, especially pain or organ system dysfunction.

According to ancient Chinese medical philosophy, disease is a result of an imbalance of energy, or Qi (“chee”). Qi is the horse’s vital energy and the health of the body depends on the state of Qi. The goal of TCVM is to restore the free flow of Qi, thus restoring balance and function to the horse’s body systems. Once the body is “balanced” it is more resistant to disease, fatigue and stress induced damage. Acupuncture is primarily used in horses to control pain and restore function. In Eastern terms, pain results from the blockage of Qi. Where there is Qi blockage, there is pain. Acupuncture stimulation resolves this blockage, opens the meridian channels allowing the free flow of Qi and the healing process begins. Acupuncture has also been used for thousands of years in animals with reproductive disorders since free-flowing Qi is required to allow conception, maintain pregnancy, and have an uneventful birthing, all while passing on precious genetic information.

Acupuncture is often used “when all else fails” or owners are frustrated that their horses are not at peak performance. When looking for an equine acupuncturist, your equine veterinarian will often be helpful in finding a local acupuncturist. You will also know that your beloved steed is in good hands because in the United States, only licensed veterinarians are admitted into acupuncture schools. An especially effective acupuncturist will balance Eastern and Western medicine in order to keep your horse balanced and feeling his best.

Dr. Meghan Smith is a veterinarian with Union Hill Animal Hospital. 770- 664-8380, UnionHillVet.com

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Community Feature

CCSD Recognizes Athletic Scholarship Signees

Creekland Hosts Regional PAGE Academic Bowl Six CCSD Middle Schools recently competed at the Regional PAGE Academic Bowl for Middle Grades hosted by Creekland MS. While all the CCSD teams Left to right: Woodstock MS team Laney Broussard, Hannah Menard, Ms. Charmaine did very well in Spink (coach), Tess Cope, Abi Halls, Greg Carroll, the competition, Michael Brown. (Not pictured, Camillo Rincon) which included public and private schools from four counties, Woodstock MS posted the best record and made it to the final “crossover” round to determine which of the four top teams would be eligible for the State competition. WMS lost in a tough round to Piney Grove MS and finished as a runner-up in the tournament.

Signees recognized from Cherokee HS, Creekview HS and Sequoyah HS.

Eighty-six Cherokee County School District student-athletes were recently recognized in a ceremony at the Northside Hospital-Cherokee Conference Center in Canton for signing scholarship commitment letters to compete at the college level. It was the largest group of scholarship signees recognized in one event, in the six years the School District has organized the event. Sponsored by Credit Union of Georgia and coordinated by the School District’s Office of School Operations, the students, along with their parents, coaches, athletic directors and principals, were honored at a brunch for making their college choices for a variety of sports on National Signing Day.

R.M. Moore ES Wins Grant

Left to right: Third-place winner Sam Rowe from Freedom MS; first-place winner Sathvika Narasimhan from Mill Creek MS; and second-place winner Julia Barfield from Macedonia ES.

R.M. Moore Elementary School has won a Fuel Up to Play 60 grant for $3,783. The funds will be used to purchase recess equipment and incentives for students. The Fuel Up to Play program promotes healthy eating and active play for students. The grant application was submitted by the school’s cafeteria staff.

Cherokee County Spelling Bee Champ Mill Creek Middle School’s Sathvika Narasimhan correctly spelled “lethargy” to capture the Cherokee County Spelling Bee title for the third consecutive year. Sathvika, who is in seventh grade, won the county contest last year as a sixth-grader at Mill Creek, and previously as fifth-grader representing Little River Elementary. In 2014, Sathvika was runner-up at the State Spelling Bee. Thirtyone Cherokee County students put their spelling skills to the test in the Cherokee County Association of Educators’ annual competition. Macedonia ES fifth-grader Julia Barfield won second place, and Freedom MS eighth-grader Sam Rowe came in third.

Canton Family Life | MARCH 2015

Left to right: Rashida Shoemaker of Fuel Up to Play, R.M. Moore ES Assistant Cafeteria Manager Trish McClellan, Student Ambassador Kinsley Robeson, Principal Jan Adamson, P.E. teacher Amberly Brown and Student Ambassador Gavin McClellan.

Choosing a Summer Program By Mary Kay Buquoi. Ed.S.

According to research, summer learning loss accounts for about two-thirds of the difference in the likelihood of a student pursuing a college preparatory path in high school. As these findings indicate, keeping children’s brains challenged throughout the summer is crucial, since the lack of learning that occurs during these months has both shortterm and long-term consequences. Keeping a child’s day consistent throughout the summer months keeps the brain focused and helps prevent learning losses during the summer time. In addition, this can potentially ease the anxiety that often accompanies transitioning into a new classroom or school come fall time frame. Research has shown that programs that have specific learning goals, use learning and developmental standards and are age-appropriate are ideal in preventing summer learning losses. Here are some tips for choosing a summer program for the 2015 summer time: 1. Choose a program that is based on each child’s interests and natural curiosity — this allows children the opportunity to direct their own learning and ultimately allows for the children to be more actively engaged. 2. Ask for credentials, experience and training of the teachers/counselors. Understand the programs ratios and find out how many camp counselors will be present during the day. 3. Check the health and safety practices of the program. Make sure you are comfortable that the program will be able to handle your child’s unique needs. Make sure the program is practicing safe summer practices such as not spending too much time outside or following the rules related to heat exposure for outside. 4. Inquire about the daily schedule of the program. Does the program combine songs, stories, exploration, art, physical activities and learning adventures in a safe, nurturing environment? Ask how much freedom a child has to choose activities and whether there is an academic component to the program. 5. Most importantly, ask for references.

Mary Kay Buquoi is owner of The Goddard School, 140 Foster Road, Woodstock. 770-720-1311, GoddardSchools.com

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Scoopof by Michelle Knapp & suzanne taylor

Getting

Organized in 2015

Some people love to be organized. They have label makers and when they say the flashlight is in that top drawer, it’s really there. I don’t fall into that category. I have a general idea where things are and I usually am close. I have piles and stacks. So for me, there is never a good time for spring-cleaning or getting organized.

Another area that is overwhelming is paper-files! Even if you have a shredder for recent bills, what do you do with all those old files sitting in your basement or attic? Everyone is so scared nowadays about identity breach. The best thing to do is pay attention to the free document shredding and electronic recycling days that your city offers. Canton had one last May and Woodstock had Greenstock day in April, so hopefully they will repeat those great events You may not think of organizing your digital footprint, but with pictures nowadays piling up on our computer and our phones, this is something to consider. Plus, there are still those of us that have

again for this year’s springcleaning.

printed photos in shoe-boxes. If you aren’t the scrapbooking kind, you may want to get them organized for a future graduation or wedding slide show. Canton resident Jaime Vescey has a photo organizing

You can actually earn some money from the clothes you

business called Make It A Photo Finish that can help you start or

don’t like anymore or that don’t fit you. Yes, we love for you

finish your photo project. 678-230-7795, MakeItAPhotoFinish.com,

to donate your clothes to local nonprofits like Cherokee

Jamie@MakeItAPhotoFinish.com

Family Violence Center (CFVC.org) or Roswell’s The Drake House (TheDrakeHouse.org) but you can also bring them to Revive in Woodstock (ReviveConsignment.com) or The

Finally, sometimes you just need professional help. Did you know there is a website called FindMyOrganizer.com and you just list your city and see who fits your style and needs.

Twisted Thread (TheTwistedThread.com) in Milton for higher priced items and earn some cash. Revive also takes some furniture and accessories too. It takes a little patience to organize them properly and make sure they are cleaned, but the reward can be a new outfit in its place.

Good luck getting organized and spring-cleaning.

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

Canton Family Life | MARCH 2015

Differences Between Children’s Occupational and Physical Therapy By Bridget Calkins, DPT, PT, MOT, OTR/L When I meet new people and they ask what I do for work, I proudly answer, “I’m a physical and occupational therapist.” Our society typically understands physical therapy with our focus on health and medical breakthroughs in the media. More often I get asked, “What is Occupational Therapy? Do you help people get back to work?” If your child or family member’s physician has referred them to occupational and/or physical therapy you may be wondering . . . what exactly is the difference between the two? As defined by the AOTA (American Occupational Therapy Association), Occupational Therapists (masters degree) and Occupational Therapy Assistants (associates degree) help people of all ages participate in the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of everyday activities (occupations). Unlike other professions, occupational therapy helps people function in all of their environments (e.g., home, work, school, community) and addresses the physical, psychological, and cognitive aspects of their well-being through engagement in occupation. In OT school we liked to say, “Anything that occupies someone’s time,” can be occupational therapy, including hobbies, play, interests, work, daily living skills, etc. In the pediatric setting, an occupational therapist typically specializes in sensory integration and neurodevelopmental treatment. We focus on children with special needs, whether it’s developmental delays, learning disabilities, fine motor skills, behavioral intervention, low vision, feeding, aquatic therapy needs, or just helping in an area where a child may be struggling in school. In contrast, according to the APTA (American Physical Therapy Association), “Physical Therapists are highly educated (typically now a clinical doctorate), licensed health care professionals who help patients improve or restore mobility.” Pediatric Physical Therapists look at developmental gross motor milestones needed for play and locomotion including rolling, crawling, walking, and steps. We address children’s needs for positioning, mobility, and preventing deformities, recommending orthotics, braces, and wheelchairs. The exact difference depends on what the overall needs and goals of each client are. Whether occupational or physical therapy is recommended, the therapist works closely with the parents, other therapists, and physicians in a collaborative effort to help the child.

Bridget Calkins, DPT, MOT is with In Harmony Pediatric Therapy. Kristi Estes and Jennifer Puckett are co-owners of In Harmony Pediatric Therapy. 770-345-2804, InHarmonyPediatricTherapy.com

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The Most Generous Cut: The Do’s and Don’ts of Donating Hair By Jyl Craven LIFESTYLE Many adults — even women — lose their hair, and we can all recognize that as a fact of nature. But it’s heart-wrenching to see a child who has lost his or her hair. We know this isn’t the cycle that nature intended, and hair loss is often just a visible trait signifying a battle with cancer or another disease that no child should ever have to worry about.

Hair loss in a child — even when it’s due to a non-life-threatening condition — is scary for parents and traumatic for children. Fortunately, plenty of nonprofit groups have sprung up through the years to create wigs for children who have lost their hair. I’m often asked how to donate hair, so I thought I would put together these hair-donation guidelines for those generous donors.

What You Need to Know about Donating Hair

There are a number of nonprofit organizations that help create wigs and hairpieces for children suffering hair loss, and each has its own specific guidelines. If you are thinking of donating your or your child’s hair, here are a few rules of thumb: • • • • • •

Hair should be at least 8 inches long. Most organizations prefer virgin hair. Some organizations will accept colored hair as long as it is in good condition and isn’t overly bleached. Hair should be clean, dry and secured in a ponytail. An elastic band should be placed at each end of the hair to keep the hair all pointing in one direction. Layered hair can be used as long as the shortest layer is at least 8 inches long. Most organizations will accept gray hair, but always check with the specific organization.

Even if your hair doesn’t currently fit these criteria, you may be able to help in other ways or prepare your hair for donation in the future. Your stylist will often have good advice on hair donation.

How to Help

The following are a few of the better-known organizations that provide hairpieces for children suffering from cancer and other conditions that cause hair loss: •

Locks of Love (LocksOfLove.org)

•

Children with Hair Loss (ChildrenWithHairLoss.us)

•

Wigs for Kids (WigsForKids.org)

Each organization has a “donate” page specifying its own donation guidelines and specific needs. Even if you are unable to donate your hair at this time, these great causes also accept monetary donations. We would like to thank all of the generous people in our local area who have asked us how to donate their hair. We’ll leave you with the words of inspirational author Steve Maraboli: “A kind gesture can reach a wound that only compassion can heal.” L

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

Canton Family Life | MARCH 2015

When to Seek Medical Attention for a

Mouth Injury By L. Michael Cox, D.M.D.

With warmer weather on the horizon and sports back in full swing we are approaching the time of year when we see an increase in the number of fitness-related accidents. Mouth injuries can be some of the scariest injuries that you see because the mouth has so many blood vessels and such delicate tissues that even a small injury can look like a scene from a horror movie. The soft tissues of the lips, gums and tongue are very easily damaged or cut and can initially swell and bleed a great deal. However, these tissues generally stop bleeding quickly and, though swelling can remain for a few days, heal quickly as well. Most injuries that we see are relatively

minor and require little to no treatment for a full recovery. Some injuries, however, may need professional attention to aid the healing process. It’s generally recommended to see a professional health care provider for a mouth injury when: • Bleeding continues after about 10 minutes of direct, applied pressure • The cut is longer than a half inch or it is deep into the tissue • The injury is embedded with dirt or debris or looks severe enough that it could leave a scar (these typically involve the lip and skin around the mouth)

• The person is experiencing severe pain or has trouble breathing or swallowing • The injury has occurred somewhere difficult to see, like the back of the throat • A fever develops within 1-2 days of the incident • The teeth are chipped, broken or out of place • The cause is an animal bite, bee sting, rusty metal, etc. The vast majority of mouth injuries are minor and need no professional treatment. However, if there is a question or if signs of an infection arise it is always better to be safe and have a professional examine the wound for possible problems.

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

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Community Partners by Lori griffin, director of communications

Imagine a place where you can find baby clothes and equipment, fashions for the entire family, and furniture for any room in your home – all at bargain prices. It’s not your imagination, it’s the new Seeds Thrift Store located at 295 Molly Lane in Woodstock. The store, which has operated since late 2006 as Baby & More Thrift Store, has been renovated and rebranded to reflect a greatly enhanced inventory and product selection. Items are donated by the public with proceeds from store sales going to support The HOPE Center, a local non-profit pregnancy resource center providing hope and resources for women in the community with unplanned pregnancies. “People are very surprised when they visit our store,” said Monti Price manager of Seeds since late 2007. “Originally, we specialized in baby clothes and supplies; but the generosity of our community has increased donations to a wider variety of items and made the store a place where everyone can shop and find bargains.” The store specializes in quality, gently-used merchandise. A recent visit to Seeds found customers buying name brand women’s apparel, baby bedding, and office furniture. “Our goal is to provide quality merchandise to everyone, and feed back into a

“Love both shopping and donating here! It’s just better knowing you’re helping a great place! Absolutely LOVE this place! All their baby clothes are in great shape. They also have great deals on maternity clothing as well as baby gear and furniture!” — Recent customer

“Always something NEW!”

ministry that helps the community in so many ways. We love when shoppers become donors, and donors become shoppers. Everyone wins.” Price says. Price and her staff are excited about the new name for the business. “The name Seeds reflects growth . . . growth in what we offer to the public, and what we’re able to give back to The HOPE Center.” Volunteers are the heartbeat of Seeds Thrift Store. Price says over 20 regular volunteers support her staff every single week, with nearly 100 coming in over the course of a year for special projects. “We can’t do what we do without them. They are crucial to this ministry.” Seeds Thrift Store is open Monday through Friday 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., and Saturdays 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. They accept tax-deductible donations every day. For more information call 770-517-4450 or follow them on Facebook. For volunteer opportunities call 770-924-0864.

“Great selection of gently-used clothing!” 24

Canton Family Life | MARCH 2015

“Always a SALE!”

295 Molly Lane, Suite 120 Woodstock, GA 30189

770-924-7990 404-245-9901 HopeCtr.com

Keeping Self

Under Control By Norman R. Hunt The greatest single factor for becoming a success in life is self-discipline and self-control. The moment we become self-controlled we can become victorious over other things in life. A good example of self-control is football coach Vince Lombardi. He will always be remembered as one of the greatest men in the game of football. He played football at Fordham University and then coached in high school and college. But the thing he is most remembered for is his career as the head coach of the Green Bay Packers. He went to that position in 1959. While there, they won five National Championships. There are a number of things that contributed to his success. He was a tremendous motivator. He knew how to get the best from his team. He had a gift for spotting talent in assistant coaches who helped him develop a winning team. He was innovative and creative. But the thing that probably had more to do with his success as a coach was attention to the basics. He was a firm believer in self-control and discipline.

“The moment we become self-controlled we can become victorious over other things in life.”

There are some basics about life that we must learn. The most basic thing we can learn is self-control. Proverbs 25 states, “A man without self-control is as defenseless as a city, with broken down walls.” At the time this was written, the main mode of defense for a city was its walls. And the writer of Proverbs says that the moment we lose self-control and self-discipline, we are like a city without any kind of protection!

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

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Book Review by catherine groves

A sequel to “In the Garden with Billy” Billy Albertson has lived locally pretty much his entire life and knows the area and its history, perhaps more than anyone around. He is 82 years old, yet he still works a garden large enough to feed himself and then plenty left over to sell to the community. Many, many goats living in Milton came from Billy’s! He still chops and sells his own wood and heats his own house with a wood burning stove. It is around the stove that many love to “pull up a chair and sit a spell”. Billy never fails to give what each visitor desires, a good story. One day, Renea Winchester and her daughter were driving by Billy’s house after a tough day. Upon seeing the sign with “Goats for sale,” Renea’s daughter asked if they could stop. This proved to change her life, and Billy’s, in a way that, at the time, neither of them could fathom. In 2010, Renea published “In the Garden with Billy, Life, Love, and Tomatoes”. This year, Renea, along with Mercer University Press, released “Farming, Friends, and Fried Bologna Sandwiches”, a sequel (yet a stand-alone book) to “In the Garden with Billy”. Janis Owens, author of “American Ghost: A Novel and the Cracker Kitchen” says it best: “In the winning voice of a friendly farm neighbor, Renea Winchester shares her down-home wisdom on all aspects of the Southern garden and table, from seeds to fried bologna. Her tips are as warm and practical as Georgia sunshine, her applications to life, friendship, and love, universal. A great gift book for a budding gardener, newlywed cook, or to read on the porch with a glass of sweet tea.” Renea Winchester is the award-winning author whose work has appeared in A Cup of Comfort for families touched by Alzheimer’s, Appalachian Heritage, Georgia Backroads, Blue Ridge Country, and Longleaf Style. ReneaWinchester.com.

Catherine Groves is an avid reader and book collector (owning more than 5,000 books). She also is publisher of two neighborhood magazines and is writing her first novel.

Canton Family Life | MARCH 2015

I want to be perky again… Breast Lift here I come! By Drs. Musarra, Leake, Petrosky & Harkins As a woman, do you look in the mirror at your breast and wonder what it would be like to have perky breasts again? It can happen; all of a sudden your breasts are sagging. The breast is made out of an outer skin envelope and inner stuffing of breast tissue and fat. When the breast sags, it’s usually because the envelope is too big for the stuffing. Sagging, called ptosis, includes breast that are flattened with an elongated shape and a nipple/ areola complex that is pointed downward.

A breast lift, also known as a mastopexy, raises the breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue to reshape and support the new breast contour. New statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons show breast lifts have grown 70% since 2000, outpacing breast implants. A breast lift can rejuvenate your figure with a breast profile that is more youthful and uplifted. Sometimes the areola becomes enlarged over time, and a breast lift will reduce this as well. A woman’s breasts often change over time, losing their youthful shape and firmness. These changes and loss of skin elasticity can result from: • Pregnancy • Breastfeeding • Weight fluctuations • Aging • Gravity • Heredity Your breast lift procedure can be achieved through a variety of incision patterns and techniques. The appropriate technique for you will be based on your breast size and

shape, the size and position of your areolas, the degree of breast sagging, and skin quality and elasticity as well as the amount of extra skin. The new shape and position of your breasts will be visible immediately after surgery; however the new look will settle a bit over the following weeks. Breast lift surgery is the only permanent way to restore a youthful body contour to the breasts. No amount of exercise or breast firming cream has ever been proven to produce measurable visible results. As with any procedure you are considering, make sure your consultation is with a specialty trained board certified plastic surgeon. Drs. Musarra, Leake and Petrosky are board-certified plastic surgeons at Plastic Surgery Center of the South. 770-421-1242, PlasticSurgery CenterOf TheSouth.net

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COVER STORY

he owners of Hughley, Hollingsworth Real Estate LLC, Shellie Hollingsworth and Lisa Hughley have combined forces to give Cherokee County a reliable, knowledgeable real estate powerhouse team. As a team armed with over forty years of experience, Shellie and Lisa have utilized their complimentary personalities to build a real estate team of five experienced individuals, ready and willing to give their clients the absolute best possible service and real estate resources. Based in Cherokee County, this power duo offers a wide range of services to a diverse group of clients. From first time homebuyers, to retirees ready to downsize, Shellie and Lisa have the combined expertise to make any client’s dream a reality.

By Rachel Buckley l Photos courtesy of PhotoJack.net

Canton Family Life | MARCH 2015

Surprisingly, these two ladies weren’t always working on the same team. In fact, they’ve spent most of their relationship as competitors. “We would meet in driveways at listing appointments,” Lisa laughs, “and we would wish each other good luck.” Fortunately, Lisa’s growing client base and career ambitions brought the two together. Lisa explains, “I expanded my business to the Destin 30A, Panama City Beach region, and also have a huge business here and wanted to continue the same level of service that I had been giving. I could not think of a better business partner to give that service than Shellie.”

Having spent decades building separate, successful careers, Lisa and Shellie decided they could serve their clients much more effectively as a team rather than as competitors. The ladies came to the conclusion that with Lisa’s savvy business sense combined with Shellie’s effortless ability to connect with clients, the two complimented one another beautifully. Shellie is a dedicated leader in the industry, focused on relationships and results. Lisa is a focused business person driven to succeed with a tireless work ethic. Both have been award-winning realtors year after year. Shellie continues, “We are a diverse team, and the combination of our strengths only makes us stronger, which benefits our clients.”

“It’s all about the service you provide and the relationships you build. This is what makes us a successful team.” After all, the client is and always will be the main focus of Lisa and Shellie’s story. “We know that buying a home is a process, not an event,” says Shellie, “so its fulfilling to know we’re helping people through what might be a challenging time and work to make it a smooth process.” Lisa adds, “It’s about placing our clients first. We are excited for everyone to know we have joined forces and that means top notch service.” Because of Lisa and Shellie’s ‘client centric’ business model, they’ve developed trustworthy, long lasting relationships with their clients. Lisa mentions, “It’s all about the service you provide and the relationships you build. This is what makes us a successful team.” It is this attitude, which has enabled Shellie and Lisa to create an exceptional reputation within the continuously growing community that is Cherokee County. As Cherokee expands and develops, Lisa and Shellie’s client base grows more and more diverse. Shellie explains, “Statistics validate East Cherokee is a booming area. The opportunities here are phenomenal. The area really is in growth mode.” While business development is booming in East Cherokee County, the community’s natural charm prevails. “The scenery is very relaxing,” continues Lisa, “once you get past the traffic and congestion of Atlanta, it’s a peaceful setting and clients love being able to come home here after a long day at work.” Although the duo’s primary market has been Cherokee County, they also service North Fulton, Forsyth and Cobb counties. At the end of the day, finding their client’s home is the primary focus of this dynamic duo, and they wouldn’t have it any other

way. “It’s different every day. No matter how long you’ve been in the business, you learn something new every day,” explains Lisa, “I absolutely love what I do. I wouldn’t do anything else.” While Lisa and Shellie benefit from differing personalities, the same passion for real estate finds itself in both. Lisa explains, “We’ve negotiated against each other for many years, and now we’re two strong negotiators who want what’s best for our clients.” Shellie concludes, “You cannot go wrong because you’ve got the best of both worlds. You’ve got two top producers who have been in the business, know the area and focus on their clients first.” We intend to grow our business exponentially. We are excited about the future and all it will bring.” If you or someone you know needs to sell or purchase a property, please do not hesitate to call. Shellie Hollingsworth and Lisa Hughley can be reached by phone at 678-923-5152 or 404-242-5541 or via email at shellie@hughleyhollingsworth. com and lisa@hughleyhollingsworth.com

www.HughleyHollingsworth.com

Hughley, Hollingsworth Real Estate is proud to be associated with Keller Williams Realty Partners, and KW-Luxury International.

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Why Am I

So Tired?

that you can’t perform normal daily tasks. It’s a severe, debilitating tiredness that isn’t improved by bed rest and may be worsened by physical or mental activity. The main symptom of CFS is chronic fatigue that lasts more than six months. It is often associated with the following symptoms: •

Difficulties with memory and

•

Problems sleeping

•

By Charles Cooley, M.D. Spring is coming; you can feel it in the air. This warmer season brings about spring cleaning, yard work and the opportunity to participate in more outdoor exercise. You’ve always looked forward to these activities, but not this year. Something has changed. You don’t have the energy that you once had and you’re too tired to do anything. You may be suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease that causes you to become so fatigued (tired)

Canton Family Life | MARCH 2015

• • • •

concentration

Persistent muscle pain/joint pain

and complete a thorough evaluation to determine if you are truly suffering from chronic fatigue. Although chronic fatigue syndrome can be challenging to diagnose and manage, there are treatment options that can improve symptoms. Chronic fatigue syndrome is best treated with a combination of coping strategies, symptomatic treatments and activity management. However, researchers have found the following risk factors to be true:

Headaches

•

CFS affects women at four times the

Increased fatigue and sickness

•

It occurs in people in their 40s and 50s.

Tender lymph nodes following exertion Sore throat

Diagnosing chronic fatigue syndrome can be quite complicated for a number of reasons. There is no specific lab test, blood test, or scan to diagnose CFS. It is an invisible illness where many people don’t even look sick. Also, symptoms vary from person to person, with no two CFS patients the same. Your doctor will talk with you about your specific symptoms

•

rate of men.

Children can develop the illness, particularly in their teen years.

If you are concerned that you may be suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome, talk with your doctor immediately. Charles Cooley is a physician with M.D. Minor Emergency & Family Medicine in Canton. 770-720-7000, MD0911.com

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By Renea Winchester

Photo courtesy of PhotoJack.net

A Sharecropper’s Roots Billy Albertson promised himself that if he ever saved enough money to buy a place of his own he would put down permanent roots. Being a sharecropper’s son meant living in someone else’s house, using someone else’s tools and tending the soil someone else owned. Sharecroppers and their children owned the clothes on their backs and a few meager possessions. The lucky ones had a cow, a mule and a gaggle of chickens. The work was hard and “a gamble,” as Billy is

1931 Billy Albertson was born 32

wont to say. Families depended on soil integrity and Mother Nature who is known for her fickle disposition. Working hard never bothered Billy, but moving bothered him a sight. Billy Albertson was born 3-31-1931 at the Bill Etris Farm in Roswell, Georgia. “None of us kids were born in the same town. We moved twelve times before Poppa had a place of his own.” Billy remembers.

In 1936, Billy’s Poppa, Egbert Albertson, moved the family to the Will Chatham farm near Providence Road on Birmingham Highway in Alpharetta. Even though Billy was only four-yearsold, he wanted to help his mother. Unfortunately, he got too close to the milk cow, who kicked him resulting in a bone infection. Doctor’s visits were not an option. Billy’s mother dressed the wound and warned Billy to be careful.

Two years later, the family moved to the Phillips farm in Alpharetta where his younger brother, Bobby, was born.

During the fall of 1938, Poppa Albertson moved his family to Hall County. Word had reached the Albertson’s

1932 Moved to Phillips Farm in Alpharetta

Canton Family Life | MARCH 2015

1938 Moved to Hall County

1947 Purchased a Ford

that there was a small farm with an apple and peach orchard. This was a welcome change from cotton. The Albertson’s unloaded their sparse possessions at the Lee Pitchford farm and got to work only to move the following year to a dairy farm. By now, many of Billy’s older siblings had settled in White or Hall County. Billy, age seven, remained with his folks. Sharecroppers moved every two years, sometimes yearly if the growing season wasn’t productive. They typically moved after the crops were harvested. Folk settled their accounts at the hardware store and then split any profit with the landowner. Billy’s Poppa tucked away as much money as he could, hoping to buy his own place. Billy remembers, “Those old farmhouses weren’t tight. I could look through the floorboards and see the chickens roosting under the house.” In addition to housing, sharecroppers received a personal garden spot. These vegetables weren’t split with the landowner, but preserved to feed the family through the winter. Spring began at a new farm, with new debt. Sharecroppers visited the supply store and added the necessary supplies and fertilizer to their tab. Many farmers did not use chemical fertilizer because of the expense. “The first thing Momma always done when we planted our garden was clean out the chicken house. Cotton takes a lot of nutrients from the soil and many farms were worn out.” Billy also recalls his family leaving the Claude Westbrook farm because it was “too rocky to grow anything.” In 1941, Billy’s older brothers: Judge,

1955 Married Marjorie Cornelison

JT, and Claude enlisted in the military leaving Billy to help his folks tend the farm with the remaining siblings. “During the war and the Depression we probably had more than most. City folk didn’t have nothing. They were really hurting, but life didn’t much change for us poor folk. At least we could feed ourselves.” While cows provided milk, chickens provided eggs which were sold. “Momma’s egg money was all the cash money we had. We never ate eggs. We might eat one of the old roosters, but eggs were valuable.” The Albertson family continued to move from farm-to-farm using their mule-drawn wagon, even in the late 30s. It wasn’t until 1947, when Poppa Albertson purchased a Ford, that the family moved their belongings using an automobile. That year, the family moved from Hall County to Fulton County. The men wrangled the family cow, her calf, and a small horse into a pickup belonging to Mr. Harmon, a family friend, and headed to Alpharetta, settling in an area near the Liberty Baptist Church at the Cherokee/Fulton County line. “It took Poppa thirty years to save three thousand dollars. He bought twenty-five acres. The farm was wore out, and we couldn’t grow much, but we tried.”

three room green house that still stands on Birmingham Highway. The couple saved enough money to buy a little strip of land on Hardscrabble Road. Here Billy and Marjorie built a modest home. Neighbors told Billy he should plant a magnolia as a symbol of perseverance. He placed the small tree at the corner of his home. Billy worked for Crabapple Sausage Company and later at the A&P grocery store. He and Marjorie had two daughters who grew up with chickens, and goats, which Billy still raises today. True to his sharecropping heritage, Billy tended a large garden that produced a bounty so plentiful he began selling produce to friends and neighbors. Today, Farmer Billy still sells produce from his roadside stand located on Hardscrabble Road. A fifty-year-old Magnolia tree stands as a symbol of Billy’s promise to himself that his roots are planted deep in the Georgia Clay. Renea Winchester is the award-winning author of Farming, Friends, and Fried Bologna Sandwiches ReneaWinchester.com, Appalachian Heritage Award winner 2011 SIBA nominee 2011 Georgia Author of the Year nominee

Photo courtesy of PhotoJack.net

In 1949, Egbert sold the failed farm and invested in three acres on Birmingham Highway. Billy helped build two chicken houses and the Albertson men set about raising three thousand chickens. “By then the boll weevil had destroyed all the cotton.” Billy was the only child living at home. In December of 1955, Billy Albertson married Marjorie Cornelison and they started tending house in a

Today Sells produce on Hardscrabble Road WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

Changing to ‘Ones and Things’ One Day at a Time By Crystal Bryant March is the time when we begin to see new life, new beginnings. It is beautiful and inspiring, giving us new energy and motivation. But where do we get that motivation in our spiritual lives? How do we break out of the “winter season” of our souls, and make an impact in the world? Even if we are motivated to make a difference in the world, do we even know how? Where do we start? Do we have the tools we need? What tools DO we need? As we look around at all the hurt and pain, need and loss in the world, we can easily become overwhelmed. We feel like we are a single drop of water on an erupting volcano, having no impact at all. I had the great fortune of meeting

Canton Family Life | MARCH 2015

author and speaker Shane Claiborne recently. If the name is new to you, please take the time to look him up. He is a revolutionary in the spiritual world, taking serious the coined phrase, “What would Jesus do?” and living it every single day. He has made a huge impact in his town in Pennsylvania, helping to transform a sick and dying town into a thriving, beautiful community. But he did it one step at a time, one life at a time. He said someone once said to him, “It’s hard to believe in a beautiful God when everything around you is ugly,” and it prompted him to begin turning abandoned lots into gardens, renovating empty houses, cleaning up and beautifying his surroundings. And his neighbors noticed, and joined in.

As homicide is a prevalent problem in his community, a ministry began not only to try to get guns off the streets, but to transform those guns into tools, such as shovels, rakes and hammers. It is a powerful reminder that with enough force (in this case welders), or support, a thing known for great devastation and pain, can be turned into a thing of beauty and great usefulness. And so it is with us. We are both the tool, and the resulting transformation. But it all starts with one moment, one act of kindness, one loving gesture. We change the world by changing the ones and the things around us..... one day at a time.

Crystal Bryant is the wife of Pastor Chris Bryant at City On A Hill United Methodist Church in Woodstock. She is involved in women’s, prayer and children’s ministries. 678-445-3480, COAHUMC.org

How Does Your Garden Space Help You

Better Your Life? By Tommy Nobis III, manager

his was a question I was asked not too long ago by a fellow gardener. It took me a minute but then my thoughts went rushing onto a sheet of paper. I wrote things like a place to reconnect, to breathe, to feel healthy, to be inspired, to fail and try again, etc…. These are some of the examples of how my garden space helps me better my life. For you there may be a completely different set of adjectives describing how your garden space helps better your life. There really is no wrong or right answer to the question because today your garden space is evolving into an extension of you and your family. It’s no longer just about how beautiful it may look but more about how our garden space functions to help better our lives.

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Here are 5 ways our garden space can help better our lives in 2015: • Growing vegetables and fruits organically in our garden space to ensure what we are eating is healthy. • Let your kids get involved in gardening through growing what they eat and experience nature through butterfly or hummingbird gardens. • Locate the quietest space in your garden and combine plants, water, and stone to create that quick Zen getaway. • Reconnect with family and friends in your garden space by incorporating an outdoor kitchen, a fire pit, or maybe an outdoor movie space. • Don’t let a small space deter you from connecting with a garden space. Incorporate container and vertical gardens into the small space. More plants are being bred specifically for container gardening. This spring ask yourself this question. How is your garden space going to better you and your family in 2015? “Make your garden space a reflection of what you love.”

Buck Jones Nursery 7470 Hickory Flat Highway Woodstock, GA 770-345-5506

hen you think of the term “digital home health care,” what is the first thing that comes to mind? Measuring heart rate or blood pressure with a monitor? Maybe it’s having a fitness bracelet that lets you monitor how many steps are taken in any given day? While both are innovative ideas that have gained popularity over the past several years, these are not the primary focus areas for the new age of digital home health care. This is especially true when it comes to the elderly, who need a much more comprehensive solution. According to a 2014 survey released by Genworth Financial, the national median monthly rate for a one bedroom assisted living unit is $3,500. Let that sink in for a minute. That averages out to be $42,000 over an entire year. For those with aging parents or grandparents: Wouldn’t it be nice to have the option of a less expensive solution, while allowing them to remain at home and age independently? That’s precisely the focus area of digital home health care. No one ever wants to feel like they’re becoming a burden as they get older, and advancements in home automation are allowing people to age more gracefully. We now have a platform that allows notifications to be sent at one’s own choosing. This includes instances such as when a loved one returns or leaves, opens a cabinet or refrigerator, gets out of bed, or even moves around the house normally. There is also a “contact me” button that can be pressed and will send a notification in case of emergency.

Digital Home Health Care By Chris Croft

With these kinds of progressions, it’s no longer a necessity to assume that those you care about most would need to move into an assisted living facility once they reach a certain stage of life. Rather, it is now something your family can discuss, and options are offered that weren’t so readily available several years ago. Options that are not only beneficial in terms of cost, but options that can improve quality of life in a way everyone is comfortable with.

Audio Intersection 770-479-1000 AudioIntersection.com

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Comfort in Connection

Wi-Fi, Smart Phones, and Social Media By Robbie Matiak, project coordinator

hese words are becoming more and more common in today’s society. We have come to rely on technology to remain connected; we consistently search out and discover new ways to connect our lives with others and our homes. Many of us have an “app” on our Smart Devices when it comes to managing our budgets, our grocery lists, our satellite or cable TV service and our home security system settings. What if you had an “app” to help you manage your home energy bills? Or have your HVAC system notify you that you have no heating or cooling in your home? Honeywell’s Total Connect Comfort Services, supported by their exclusive RedLINK™ Wireless Technology — and their full-suite of wireless-enabled comfort systems — allows you as a homeowner to connect to your home anytime you are away through your PC, smart phone or tablet. Both the Honeywell TrueEASE™ Fan-Powered Humidifier and the Honeywell VisionPro 8000®, we’ve introduced previously, are RedLINK™ Wireless Technology compatible devices. Once you have registered through the Honeywell RedLINK™ Internet Gateway you have the ability to customize your system and alert settings as well as download the mobile apps. Depending upon the combination of products installed from the RedLINK™ suite, homeowners are able to program schedules, view and change your HVAC system settings (heat, cool, fan, humidification, etc.), view and set the temperature in the house, receive temperature and humidity alerts via the web, access over 90 system alerts via the web and get automatic upgrades as new features are made available. Returning home from a trip later than expected? With the Total Connect Comfort Service you have the ability to access your home thermostat and make adjustments to your programmed setting in order to save on energy bills by not heating or cooling an empty home. The Total Connect Comfort Service also has the capability to store data logs of your system’s operation, not only

alerting you while you may be away that you have no heating or cooling, but allowing for system analysis enabling you to make a call for service or replacement prior to a complete loss of heating or cooling. You can count on Total Connect’s system performance alerts for peace of mind and a level of awareness that is unmatched. You will be able to remain connected to your home whether you are at a neighbor’s house, a soccer game or half way around the world. Via the web portal or the mobile app, you are able to establish and adjust alerts to monitor the comfort of your home based on the needs of your family. Because you are receiving alerts instantly when there is a problem or deviation from your programmed setting, you can make a decision immediately and take action if necessary, potentially avoiding costly damages in your home. As we continue to lead fuller and more enriched lives, sacrificing your family’s comfort doesn’t have to be an option. Honeywell’s Total Connect Comfort Services, allows you to remain connected and manage your home comfort while leading an active life.

R & D Mechanical Services, Inc. 770-917-1795, RandDMechanical.net

Canton Family Life | MARCH 2015

ome of you may be familiar with the Blue Collar comedian Jeff Foxworthy. In one of his performances I recall him talking about the lack of safety around his house. He mentioned the new television stacked on top of the old television, playing with lawn darts, and getting a wood burning kit as a gift. He also tells a story in which his father encouraged him to go ahead and stick the penny he was holding into an outlet to find out what would happen. While he made this situation funny, it is a dangerous situation that occurs far too often and can result in serious injury or death. Many retail stores sell plastic inserts that you can plug into outlets that are intended to prevent kids from inadvertently inserting small metal objects into outlets. These things are a relatively inexpensive way to help with the safety of your kids but recent studies have shown they can become a choking hazard which defeats their purpose of increased safety in your home. However, there is a much safer alternative. In 2010, the National Electric Code in 33 states had adopted a state-wide level of requiring tamper-resistant outlets, this included Georgia, and in 5 other states at the local jurisdiction. Tamper resistant outlets are definitely the safest product on the market to protect kids from electrical dangers. These outlets have a built in shutter system that prevents objects from entering the outlets unless both sides of the outlet are pressed. Unlike the plastic inserts which can be unplugged or forgotten, these outlets offer automatic, continuous, and permanent protection against electrical shocks or burns. These outlets are also a selling point to potential buyers with children if you decide to sell your home.

Are Your

Outlets Safe? By Nick Roper, business development manager If your home was built before the code change was enforced by inspectors, an update is very simple because the wiring in your home should be capable of supporting the new outlets. This update should be completed by a licensed electrician but can be completed in a few hours (depending on the size of your home) and at a fairly inexpensive cost with no sheet rock damage or repainting of walls necessary. Outlets can be purchased in a variety of colors including white, light almond, brown, black, and ivory. There are also new products that have USB ports built into the tamper resistant outlet to support charging of mobile devices if needed. The last thought I will leave you with is that while these outlets look the same as your current outlets this is not a cosmetic upgrade. This is a safety upgrade which is highly recommended by electricians and will also bring your house up to the current National Electric Code requirements.

H&H Electric and Security LLC 770-735-1136, MyAtlantaElectrician.net

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Steps for a

Healthy Green Lawn By Nicki Overstreet

ake your lawn green for spring! In the South, this is the ideal time for lawn installation. Spring offers the best conditions for superb growth and rooting. With the exception of fescue, all Southern grasses will thrive during this time of year and continue even into the summer. Whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking to install a new lawn or spruce up an existing lawn, springtime weather offers the best chances of success. After you decide which route to take on gaining a greener/ healthier lawn, the next step is basic maintenance. Maintenance would include watering, fertilizing, aerating and mowing. Each of these aspects of lawn care work together to provide the proper nutrients and conditions for the best lawn possible. In most cases involving a lackluster lawn, you can usually point to a deficiency in one of these areas. Proper watering begins on day one of any lawn installation. There are varying opinions on proper watering techniques but your lawn care professional will be able to suggest a routine that will best suit your lawn. An irrigation system is suggested for the best results. If you are a do-it-yourselfer when it comes to fertilizing, be aware of what youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re applying at all times during the year. The best suggestion for most lawns is to have a treatment company apply the proper amounts of fertilizer through the course of the year. A total of 7 to 9 applications should be applied per year depending on your plan. You should have the lawn aerated at least once annually. When it comes to mowing, you should cut off only 1/3 of the grass height during each cut. During hot periods of the year you should leave the grass a bit higher to avoid damage. It also helps to alternate mowing patterns through the year.

Overstreet Lawn Care, LLC Fully Insured 770-861-7272 OverstreetLawncare.com

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ome designs, like spring fashions, experience trends in materials and color.

Planning for improvements to your home may have you scratching your head about what the latest options are for siding and color choices. While traditional materials such as wood and vinyl will continue their current downward trend as siding options, three siding choices will see greater popularity, taking nearly half the siding market for 2015 will be brick, tile or fiber cement. All three reflect the desire for permanence and stability that Georgia homeowners are seeking. Replacing your home’s existing wood, metal, or vinyl siding with brick veneer makes a strong, earth-centered statement, with a color palette centered on warm tones. To combine durability with flexibility of colors and styles, opt for fiber cement siding, strongly upward-trending, and the perfect combination of materials. Fiber cement combines wood pulp, fly ash, water, and Portland cement to make a strong, moldable material. It is available in many styles and colors, and can have the appearance of shakes, clapboards, and other traditional looks, but without the high maintenance of wood or warping issues of vinyl. Fashion colors for 2015 are tranquil tints of blues and warm reds; home colors linger on neutrals and earth tones. Some factors affecting your choice of exterior color are your homes

Exterior

Siding Options 2015’s Hottest Trends By Juan Reyes, owner surroundings, the prominent features of your home and your personal style. In a subtle way, your house can indicate the types of things you love. For 2015, a confident, dark blue – variously called Greek Blue or Classic Blue – is the deep end of the color pool, ideal for accent and trim. A great color choice for fiber cement siding on your home may be Toasted Almond, a warm, inviting neutral color that suggests the sun’s brightness. It harmonizes beautifully with Georgia’s longleaf pines and dogwood trees. If darker colors are more appealing, deep greens and warm browns are still popular. These earth tones, Treetop green, Woodbine green, or Sandstone will set you solidly in 2015’s hottest trending colors for fiber cement siding.

ProRoofing — Painting, Gutters & Siding 2558 Canton Road, Marietta 770-777-1733, MyProRoofing.com

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Invest in

Your Landscape By Ted Miller, owner

andscaping is an investment on your property; it will add value between 100 to 200% of the cost which can be recovered at sale. Following these tips will make the experience of beautifying your property enjoyable and successful. First make sure the salesperson is professional and educated in his profession...ask questions. Communicate your needs, visions and goals. Get a contract with proof of insurance, business license, payment terms, etc. Make sure your contractor calls 811 to have your utilities marked. Whether you are planning a retaining wall, stone work, pavers, sod, irrigation, plants, outdoor lighting, water features, etc., make sure the material is chosen, the process of installation is clear, and the colors are correct. See if your landscaper is willing to meet you at a nursery or stone yard to pick out materials.

Canton Family Life | MARCH 2015

Follow these tips and you will find the right landscaper for your front or back yard renovation. Tips for you as a homeowner, now that you have the landscaping installed, maintain it. Projects look great when they are complete but now you must maintain it to keep it looking that way. If its hardscapes a once a year pressure washing or spring cleaning is due. If you have an irrigation system make sure you turn off the main in the fall and run through all zones in the spring to be sure of leaks and coverage. If you have an outdoor lighting system check your transformer to make sure the time is correct and lights are functioning properly. For your drainage systems clean out your French drain boxes and check for clogs. Also make sure to feed your plants with osmocote. Our mission is to design and build beautiful, functional landscapes that meet our client’s needs and exceed their expectations as we turn their dreams into reality. To further this mission, we strive to provide creative solutions, quality service, and to deliver to each and every customer 100% of what we promised. Serve our customers with honesty, integrity, and reliable service. We view our client’s projects as an investment in our future, earned by our customer’s satisfaction.

Landscape Matters 770-403-5813, LandscapeMattersInc.com

s manufacturing technology advances and installation gets simpler and simpler, the popularity and versatility of luxury vinyl tile only rises! Over the years, the quality of vinyl floors has sky-rocketed. Vinyl used to appear in only a few different styles and those styles were really not that appealing. Luxury vinyl now comes in many ceramic, slate and hardwood styles. Improved printing technology has made it so that the vinyl version of a wood or stone floor is often all but indistinguishable from the real thing. They feel nice and cushy underfoot plus they’re affordable and easy to clean. It’s no wonder they’ve grown so popular. The wide variety of vinyl lets builders and remodelers pick whatever stylish design they desire and use it as part of their decor. Best of all, they allow you to get any kind of design at a very affordable price. Vinyl hardwood designs are an especially coveted option. As you probably already know, real wood floors can be quite expensive and tend to require a lot of maintenance. They scuff, they stain and in time they can even warp and rot. The same goes for real stone tiles which can crack and leaves dirt-collecting grout exposed in your floor. This is why people, especially people with pets and young children, are looking for alternatives that can retain the beauty of wood and tile but are easy to maintain as well. We can expertly install all sorts of LVTs and traditional vinyl flooring. These floors are totally scratch-proof, mostly water-proof and stain-resistant. With vinyl, you can effortlessly still maintain the shine and beauty of your flooring, year after year.

LVT Flooring

Fastest Growing Floor Trend By Laura Green, GCP, CRPM, UDCP owner and licensed contractor

Because genuine hardwoods can rot if exposed to moisture, contractors often avoid using them in bathrooms and kitchens. Because moisture does not affect vinyl wood floor tile that way, they can be installed in any part of your home. If you’ve always wanted hardwoods for your kitchen, consider getting them (and keeping them looking great!) by opting for vinyl. Vinyl flooring is an excellent choice for people who are worried about high remodeling charges or don’t want to worry about floor maintenance costs. Plus, LVT is quite easy to install — the process only takes a few hours. Therefore, your home is not disrupted. When you opt for vinyl, cleaning the floor is easy and finding exactly the floor you want for a price that you like is easier than you think!

Green Basements & Remodeling Green Granite & Remodeling 13987 Hwy. 92, Woodstock, GA 30188 678-445-5533, GreenRemodeling.com

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Roses:

Winter Planting Bare Root Roses By Gail Roos

inter is a good time to purchase and plant bare root rose bushes. Always buy from someone you trust — a local reputable nursery, a rose grower, or a well-known mail order source. And always ask if the rose will do well here in our zone 7. What might be a show-stopper in the Midwest might not do well here. “Bare root” is an accurate description; don’t panic if your new plants look like dead sticks. They are not dead, only dormant, and roses are resilient! If you don’t plant them right away, don’t let the roots dry out. Soak them in a bucket of water to replace moisture lost during transportation and storage. Now, pick a site. Roses require a daily minimum of six hours of sunlight. Morning sun is good; it will help dry dew from the foliage and reduce leaf diseases. Next dig the hole and prepare the soil. Our red clay must be amended! Roses require a well-drained, moderately fertile soil

Canton Family Life | MARCH 2015

with a neutral pH between 5.5 and 6.5. Dig a hole 12 to 18 inches deep and 24 inches wide (large enough to accommodate the root system without crowding), then mix in 3 inches of organic matter such as composted pine bark or aged manure. Trim away any dead and diseased roots from your plant. Make a cone-like mound of soil in the center of the hole and place the rose bush on top of the mound, making sure the bud union (where the root stock is grafted to the upper portion of the rose) is at or above ground level. Spread the roots down into the hole. Add soil and shake it down a bit to settle it, and then add water. Repeat, alternating soil mixture and water until the hole is filled, but don’t pack the soil. Prune to 3 to 5 canes and cut each cane back to about 4 to 6 inches, back to an outward facing bud. Last, mulch around your new plant. With a good quality plant and proper planting, your rose bushes will reward you with their beauty.

Gail Roos is a certified Master Gardener Extension Volunteer with Cherokee County Master Gardeners, part of the UGA Cooperative Extension. Contact the Cherokee County UGA Extension office for gardening assistance. 770-721-7803, CAES. UGA.edu/ Extension/Cherokee

Home & Garden Categories Electrician

Landscaping Design/Installation

H&H Electric & Security LLC

Landscape Matters

770-735-1136, HHElectrician.com

770-403-5813, LandscapeMattersInc.com

Handyman

Lawn Care/Maintenance

Dr. Fixit, Ph.D.

Overstreet Lawncare

Nursery

Remodeling/Painting

Buck Jones Nursery

Green Basements & Remodeling

Heating and Air

Roofer

R & D Mechanical Services Inc.

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770-974-2390, DrFixitPhD.com

BuckJonesWoodstock.com

770-917-1795, RAndDMechanical.net

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770-861-7272, OverstreetLawncare.com

678-445-5533, GreenBasements.com

770-777-1733, MyProRoofing.com

Floaters

The Eye’s Biggest Nuisance By Vishal Patel, O.D.

Are you experiencing floaters in your vision? You know, the kind of floaters that can easily be mistaken for annoying gnats flying around us. Don’t worry, you are not alone. Millions of patient’s worldwide visit their eye care physicians complaining of new floaters in their vision. So what are these floaters and where do they come from? Do they represent a threat to your vision? Most of the eye’s hollow interior is filled with a gel-like substance called the vitreous. The vitreous makes up about 80% of the eye’s total volume and consists mostly of water. The purpose of this gelatinous structure is to help the eye maintain a round shape. There are millions of fine fibers intertwined within the vitreous that are attached to the surface of the retina, the eye’s inner lightsensitive layer. As we age, the vitreous slowly shrinks, and these fine fibers pull away from the retinal layer. Usually the fibers break, allowing the vitreous to separate and shrink from the retina. This is known as a Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD) and in most cases is not sight-threatening and requires no treatment. The condition is common for older adults and over 75% of those over the age of 50 develop it. A slightly higher incidence is reported among patients with myopia or nearsightedness. One unique symptom of a PVD is a small

Millions of patient’s worldwide visit their eye care physicians complaining of new floaters in their vision.

but sudden increase in the number of new floaters. As the vitreous shrinks, it becomes somewhat stringy, and the strands cast tiny shadows on the retina. These shadows are the cause of the floaters, which may appear as little “cobwebs” or specks. They can be a nuisance to some patients while for others they can easily be blinked away. Sometimes the increase in floaters may be accompanied by flashes of light in your peripheral, or side, vision. The flashes are

an indication that the vitreous is pulling or tugging on the retina. The flashes often disappear completely, while floaters tend to linger. In some cases, the traction of the vitreous on the retina occurs near a blood vessel; this can result in sheering of the blood vessels and bleeding into the vitreous cavity. In rare situations, these symptoms can also be associated with retinal tears and/or detachments that can be sight-threatening. Vitreous traction on the retina can result in tearing of the retinal tissue. The retina is essentially a thin sheet of light-sensitive nerve tissue that lines the back wall of the eye, much like wallpaper covering inside a room. If the retina tears, fluid can seep behind the retina through the opening caused by the tear. The steady accumulation of fluid results in further separation of the retina from the eye wall, much like the wallpaper peeling away from inside the room. This is known as a retinal detachment and represents a real threat to your vision. This is why it’s very crucial that all patients experiencing new onset of floaters, with or without flashes of light, consult an eye care professional immediately.

Dr. Vishal Patel is a board-certified optometrist with Milan Eye Center, located in Canton. 678-381-2020, MilanEyeCenter.com

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ArtistProfile by Heike Hellmann-Brown

Kristina Laurendi Havens Unique Portraits and Figure Drawings

Texas. During that time she began teaching, curating shows with the Kimbel Art Museum, and exhibiting her work. Another move took Havens to Newport News, Virginia. Working with the Peninsula Fine Arts Center, Kristina taught art classes to all ages, including portrait painting and figure drawing, which she considers the most challenging subjects in art. She continued to develop her own work, entered local and national juried exhibitions and began to earn awards and accolades. With her move to Woodstock, Havens had the opportunity to share gallery/studio space with fellow artist Ann Litrel in a historic building on Woodstock’s Main Street. Here Havens, a busy mom of two, creates new pieces, instructs and hosts workshops by world-renowned portrait artists such as Kerry Dunn, Casey Baugh, and Jeffrey Hein.

Studio81.biz

In support of the community that so enthusiastically embraced her, Kristina Laurendi Havens created The Woodstock Vignettes. 36 paintings that depict the vibrant life in downtown Woodstock were auctioned off to benefit the Elm Street Cultural Arts Village. Soon the series will be available as reproductions. Havens, who paints in bold oil and pastel colors, or draws in charcoal, uses either photographs or live models for reference. In her portrait work she prefers a non-traditional look. “When prospective clients tell me that they like my style, send me a photograph and challenge me to show them what I can do with it — those are the most fun and gratifying projects.”

hile she also creates landscapes, florals and still-lifes, Kristina Laurendi Havens’ predominant subject matters are portraits and figurative paintings. “I have always been fascinated by the human body and what it is capable of doing,” explains Havens, who cites art and dance as the two biggest loves in her life. Her

In 2013 Kristina Laurendi Havens was invited by the DaVinci Wine Company to spend a week in Tuscany/Italy to learn about the people and places behind the wine and share her experience through her work. Just recently her piece “Cessation of the Mind” was acquired by the LaGrange Art Museum. background in ballet, point, and lyrical, as a student as well as an instructor, is visibly influencing Havens’ artistic compositions. “Having been a dancer for over 20 years I am able to empathize with my models and to actually ‘feel’ the poses.” Havens grew up in Western New York in a large multi-generation family. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts with honors from Buffalo State College and was awarded a full scholarship to pursue her Masters of Fine Arts at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth,

Canton Family Life | MARCH 2015

Havens goal for the next years is to continue learning from the best, to refine her style and ultimately to teach workshops abroad. “I realize how special it is to be able to do something I love. Whatever I do, teach or paint, I hope that my enthusiasm for art and beauty will always shine through.” Heike Hellmann-Brown is a published writer in the United States and Europe. She has translated and edited several New York Times bestsellers and has taught both English and her native German as a foreign language in a career that has spanned more than 20 years.

Contraception By Michelle Clardy, P.A. Are you using the best contraception method for you? Many women are still using oral contraceptives, Depo-Provera injections, or condoms because they are unaware of several longacting reversible contraception options that have a much lower failure rate. In the past these options were more expensive and therefore cost prohibitive, but with insurance changes under the Affordable Care Act they are usually free to insured women. Nexplanon™ is one of the newer options available. It is a single-rod progestin implant that prevents pregnancy for 3 years. The matchstick sized flexible rod is inserted by a health care provider into the upper arm. It releases small amounts of a progestin hormone over 3 years. It is later removed when its effectiveness

has expired or when a pregnancy is desired. There is a rapid return to fertility and it has the lowest failure rate of any contraception. Its major drawback is irregular bleeding. There are now two Intrauterine devices that release a small amount of a progestin hormone that are safe even for women who haven’t had children. Mirena™ is designed to prevent pregnancy for 5 years. Sklya™, a slightly smaller IUD, is effective for 3 years. Both devices prevent pregnancy by inhibiting sperm from reaching the ova. In addition to pregnancy prevention both devices also have the additional benefit of decreasing the menstrual flow and cramping experienced with menses.

is an option for women who prefer not to use any hormone, or who desire contraception for a longer period of time. It is effective for at least 10 years. Since it does not contain any hormone it will not decrease menstrual flow, but it is a good option for women with normal cycles who desire a highly effective contraception for a longer period of time. There are many factors to consider when choosing a contraceptive method. Effectiveness, convenience, and return to fertility are usually high on the priority list. Since these long-acting, reversible options are now also very affordable many women are choosing these more effective and convenient options over pills or condoms, or injections.

Michelle Clardy, PA-C is with Falany & Hulse Women’s Center, located in Woodstock. 770-926-9229, FalanyAndHulse.com

The copper containing IUD, Paragard™,

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Ribbon Cuttings

Cherokee Recreation & Parks Agency — Rec Center 7545 Main Street, Bldg 200 Woodstock 770-924-7768 Government – County

Falany & Hulse Women’s Center, P.C. 900 Towne Lake Parkway, Suite 404 Woodstock 770-720-8551 Physicians

Brookdale Canton 125 Riverstone Terrace Canton 770-720-9669 Assisted Living Facilities

Chamber Events

2015 Series Presented by: AT&T

Tuesday, March 24, 2015 4:30-6:00 p.m. Sponsored by:

Thomas Eye Group Located at:

Thursday, April 2, 2015 7:00 a.m. Northside Hospital-Cherokee Conference Center Cherokee County Administration Building, 1130 Bluffs Parkway, Canton

2015 Series Presented by: AT&T

Tuesday, April 14, 2015 4:30-6:00 p.m. Sponsored by:

Delphi Global Technology Located at:

149 Towne Lake Parkway, Suite 102 Woodstock, GA 30188

Advanced Registration: $15 On-Site Registration: $20 Future Members: $25

107 Weatherstone Dr., Ste. 540 Woodstock, GA 30188

RSVP by 5:00 p.m. on March 20. There is no charge to attend.

RSVP by 3:00 p.m. on March 31.

RSVP by 5:00 p.m. on April 10. There is no charge to attend.

Canton Family Life | MARCH 2015

Information is

Power By Nathan Brandon

LIFESTYLE One of the most important components in making good decisions is accurate information. In the area of senior care, there are many questions and unfamiliar resources. Cherokee County has a valuable resource that has provided information and support for over 4 decades. Cherokee County Senior Services agency exists to serve the families of Cherokee County in meeting the needs of our living longer population. Many benefits and resources are available that people may not know exist. Questions about Social Security, Elder Law, affordable housing and many other areas can be addressed. Let me list some of the programs available: Information and Assistance: Our trained and experienced specialists

speakers are included. Call 770-345-6730

answer questions and connect seniors and their families with a network of services and programs. Call 770-345-5320 or 770345-5312

Homemaker Services: Skilled Homemaker Aides provide in-home assistance to older adults who need help with light housekeeping tasks, grocery shopping or light meal preparation. They also offer Alzheimer and Respite services. Call 770-345-3297

Case Management: Case Managers complete an initial assessment and arrange for needed services provided by Cherokee Senior Services and other agencies in the community. Case Managers work with each client and their family members on an on-going basis to ensure that services are being provided and the needs of the seniors are being met. Call 770-345-5320

It would be impossible to cover in one article, all the questions involved in the care and oversight of our seniors in Cherokee County. Please give us a call and let us connect you with resources that will support you as you enter this exciting time of life. General information: 770-345-2675 L

Congregate Program: Senior Services provides daily activities and a nutritious meal to seniors who come to the Center. Crafts, games, shopping and field trips, exercise and guest

Nathan Brandon is director of Cherokee County Senior Services. 770-479-7438, CherokeeGa.com/ Senior-Services

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

Parting Sweet Sorrow is Such

By Meghan Griffin

Many of you may have heard that I will be leaving the Main Street Program. In fact, by the time you are reading this column, I will have flown the coop. I have very much enjoyed my time as the Main Street Director and will especially miss working with my Board members. They are my people and I am blessed to have learned with them, worked with them, laughed with them and occasionally cried with them. This has been the toughest, most demanding job, but also the most rewarding. It is a distinct honor to serve Downtown Canton and one I will carry with me for the rest of my career. The nice thing about what I’m doing next is that I’ll still be doing it downtown. I would hate to leave the City that has accepted me as one of its own, even though I’m a transplant.

Canton Family Life | MARCH 2015

I know that the Board will continue on doing wonderful things, like First Fridays and Main Street Mornings and I will still be around if they need a helping hand. Most of all, I want to thank YOU for making these two years a very special time. Thanks for coming to one of our events, thank you for emailing me, thanks for your calls. Even thank you for sending me criticism, when we can do better. All of what you did made the Main Street Program better and we are sincerely grateful. Don’t forget to come to the first ‘First Friday’ in March! Rock and Roar Into Spring is a time not to be missed! Lots of great music, food and shopping for everyone and it’s free! Friday, March 6 from 6:00-9:00 p.m. We will see you ‘down on Main Street!’

Vitamin D — The Sunshine Vitamin Vitamin D deficiency is the second most common nutritional problem in the United States secondary only to obesity. Vitamin D deficiency occurs in approximately 10 – 50% of adults. So why in a country where food is in excess does this nutritional deficiency exist? Why is it important to get enough vitamin D? And if we don’t get enough from sunshine how do we get it? Naturally vitamin D occurs in few foods primarily oily fish like salmon and tuna. In the United States milk is vitamin D fortified. Yogurts and cheeses are not fortified unless specifically labeled “vitamin D fortified.” Cereals and orange juice may also be fortified with vitamin D. There are multiple factors that contribute to the rate of vitamin D deficiency:

1) The latitude in which you live. People living in the northern United States will get less sun exposure than those living in the southern United States because days are shorter and temperatures are cooler. 2) People living in areas with a lot of pollution will get less sunlight and make less vitamin D. 3) Given equal sun exposure, warm skin will make more vitamin D than cool skin. 4) Dark skinned people do not make as much vitamin D as light skinned individuals. 5) Older people make less vitamin D than younger people with the same amount of sun exposure. 6) Overweight people tend to have lower levels of vitamin D than normal weight individuals. 7) Sunscreen is great for preventing premature aging of the skin and sunburns that may increase the risk of skin cancer. However, increase

By Vicki Knight-Mathis, M.D.

sunscreen utilization could possibly reduce formation of vitamin D. Don’t stop using sunscreen! 8) People with chronic diseases of the intestine, kidney and liver may not absorb or make as much active vitamin D as healthy people. So how much vitamin D does a healthy person need? That is a good question and is debatable. For all breast fed infants and children up to age 1, they should receive 400 IU daily. Formulas are vitamin D fortified so no supplement is necessary. Children age 2 and adults should have 600 – 800 IU daily. Join us next month as I write about calcium supplementation and some of the medical reasons vitamin D is so important.

Dr. Vicki Knight-Mathis is a pediatric physician at DV Pediatrics. 770-704-0057, DVPediatrics.com

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

Ingredients Your choice of strip steak

Half cup heavy cream

Fresh ground black pepper

Olive oil and butter

2 oz. cognac

(enough to sautĂŠ the steak in)

Quarter cup beef stock

Preparation Completely coat steak in ground pepper. Heat your oil and butter in a pan. Add steak to the pan, cooking on medium high for about two minutes on each side or until a nice crust forms. Remove steak from pan, if necessary cook to preference the rest of the way in the oven. Remove some of the oil from the pan and add your cognac (be careful if using an open flame remember to turn the heat off unless you want the cognac to ignite). Reduce cognac slightly, add beef stock and reduce by half, and add your cream and do the same.

Plate your steak and top with sauce and enjoy with a strong cabernet and your favorite sides.

Jason Liford, Executive Chef 54

Canton Family Life | MARCH 2015

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

Acworth Art Fest 3 Atlanta Hand Specialist 5 Audio Intersection 42 Bailey’s Bowtique 31 BridgeMill Dentistry 34 Camp Juliette Low 19 The Carpenter’s Shop Christian Preschool 7 Chattahoochee Technical College 23 Cherokee Angel Senior Care 11 Cherokee Children’s Dentistry 53 Cherokee Chorale 25 Downtown Kitchen 54 Dr. Fixit, Ph.D. 40 DV Pediatrics 44 Elm Street Cultural Arts Village 9 Falany and Hulse Women’s Center, P.C. 55 Fieldstone Farm 21 The Goddard School 17 Goin’ Coastal 12 The Great Frame Up 43 H&H Electric & Security, LLC 39 Hickory Flat Dance Academy, Inc. 19 Hollingsworth & Co Real Estate Cover, 28 & 29 In Harmony Pediatric Therapy 51 Jeffrey L. Jackson, CPA LLC 56 Jyl Craven Hair Design Inside Back Kaye Runs for Peyton 11 Landscape Matters 37 LaVida Massage 26 Living Science Home Studies, Inc. 21 MD Minor Emergency 30 Medical Associates of North Georgia 10 Milan Eye Center Inside Front Northside Hospital-Cherokee 1 Northside Medical Specialists 25 Northside Vascular Surgery 49 Park Pediatric Dentistry of Woodstock 56 Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics 31 and Dentistry at Canton PhotoJack.net 11 Plastic Surgery Center of the South 16 Pro Roofing and Siding 36 R & D Mechanical Services, Inc. 45 Rejoice Maids 40 Revolution Church 35 Skin Cancer Specialists, P.C. 31 & Aesthetic Center Technical Resource Solutions 41 TrailFest 55 Union Hill Animal Hospital 27 Union Hill Grill 26 WellStar Health Systems Back Cover

Canton Family Life | MARCH 2015

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