Woodstock Family Life 3-15 by Family Life Magazines

Contents

March 2015

Volume 2 | Issue 8

28-29 On the Cover:

[28-29]

Huntington Learning Center

34-35 Farm Raised A Sharecropperâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Roots

36-46 Special Feature:

Home & Garden

[36-46]

[34-35] 2

Woodstock Family Life | MARCH 2015

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

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

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

................... Senator Speaks

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

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

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

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

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

......... Main Street Woodstock

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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.

150 North Street, Suite A Canton, GA 30114

770-213-7095

FamilyLifePublications.com FamilyLifePublications Woodstock 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. Woodstock 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.

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.

Family Life Publishing Group Inc.

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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jose Baez, State Senator Brandon Beach, Kyle Bennett, Nathan Brandon, Chris Bryant, Crystal Bryant, Mary Kay Buquoi, Michelle Clardy, Michael Consoli, Jyl Craven, Laura Green, Lori Griffin, Catherine Groves, Corey Harkins, Heike Hellmann-Brown, Michelle Knapp, Lorre LaMarca, James E. Leake, Jason Liford, Julie Lippitt, Michelle Martin, Robbie Matiak, Ted Miller, E. Anthony Musarra, Vishant Nath, Jeff Nevison, Tommy Nobis III, Nicki Overstreet, Vishal Patel, Michael Petrosky, Gail Roos, Nick Roper, Juan Reyes, David Soumas, Suzanne Taylor, Renea Winchester

Woodstock 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,

Woodstock 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 Hickory Flat 2740 East Cherokee Drive, Canton, 770-345-7565 Rose Creek 4476 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock, 770-591-1491 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.

Woodstock 7735 Main St., Woodstock, 770-926-5859

STORY TIMES FAMILY STORY TIMES March 3, 10, 17, 24, 10:30 a.m., Rose Creek March 5, 12, 19, 26 10:30 a.m., Hickory Flat, Woodstock March 5, 12, 19, 26 3:30 p.m., Woodstock 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 10:15 a.m., Woodstock March 4, 11, 18, 25, 10:30 a.m., Rose Creek

March 4, 11, 18, 25, 11:00 and 11:45 a.m., Woodstock 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.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS Bookmark Book Club March 10, 4:00 p.m., Woodstock Join us for a fun discussion about this month’s selection, ‘Mr. Poppers Penguins,’ by Richard Atwater. Make a craft, play a game and enjoy light refreshments. Registration required. 770-479-3090 ext. 233. continued on

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Library Continued . . .

Drop-In Crafter March 31, 2:00-4:00 p.m., Rose Creek School’s out so bust the boredom as we craft the afternoon away! All materials will be provided. For all ages who enjoy crafting with paper, glue, and crayons. This drop-in program requires a participating adult.

ONGOING PROGRAMS INCOME TAX PREPARATION ASSISTANCE March 1, 8, 22, 29, 2:00-6:00 p.m., Woodstock (call 404-509-2856 for appointment) March 7, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Hickory Flat March 28, 9:00 a.m.-5 p.m., Rose Creek 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 March 5, 12, 12:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m., Woodstock AARP-sponsored tax-preparation volunteers will be at the libraries listed above at the given times and dates to assist in tax return preparation for those who need it. READING DOGS March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, 4:30-5:30 p.m., Hickory Flat March 4, 11, 25, 28, 4:30-5:30 p.m., Rose Creek March 11, 18, 25, 4:00-5:00 p.m., Woodstock 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 call the appropriate branch up to two weeks before the scheduled event. KNITTING INSTRUCTION March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, 1:00-2:00 p.m., Rose Creek Interested in learning how to knit? A retired teacher will share her knitting skills with others. Bring your yarn, knitting needles, and be prepared to have fun! Free. This group meets every Tuesday at 1:00 p.m. Call to register: 770-591-1491. ROSE CREEK BOOK CLUB March 4, 11:00 a.m., Rose Creek The Rose Creek Book Club will be meeting to discuss their current book. For more information please send an email to RoseCreekBookClub@gmail.com or call the Rose Creek Adult Services Department at 770-591-1491. WOODSTOCK LEGO CLUB March 15, 3:00 p.m., Woodstock The Lego Club has a different theme each month. Children can work alone or in teams to make their special creation, which will be displayed in the library until next month’s meeting. All ages, children under 9 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.

Woodstock Family Life | MARCH 2015

Calendar 28

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

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 Woodstock 11905 Hwy 92, Woodstock Saturday, April 4, 3:00 p.m. — The Worship Center Saturday, April 4, 5:00 p.m. — The Chapel Sunday, April 5, 9:00 a.m. — The Worship Center Sunday, April 5, 11:00 a.m. — The Chapel There is no better time of year to invite others to church than Easter weekend. This year we are excited to announce that Newsong will be our special guest during each Easter At Woodstock service.

City On A Hill 7745 Main Street, Woodstock WoodstockEaster.com Friday, April 3, 7:00 p.m. — Good Friday Saturday, April 4, 5:14 p.m. — Worship Sunday, April 5, 7:00 a.m. — Sonrise Sunday, April 5, 9:35 & 11:15 a.m. — Worship

Carmel Baptist Church 2001 Bascomb Carmel Road, Woodstock Sunday, April 5, 11:00 a.m.

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Business

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

High Paying Jobs Earmarked For Cherokee County

CSB Now Headquartered at Copper Coin

MSK Covertech Inc. is expected to

Main Street Woodstock held a ribbon

break ground on its new North American

cutting in January to officially celebrate

Headquarters in just a few months, which

the grand opening of the Community &

will be located in Cherokee 75 Corporate

Southern Bank location at Copper Coin

Park, an industrial center located in the

Coffee in downtown Woodstock.

southwest corner of the county. MSK is one of the leading international

manufacturers of packaging and logistics systems for pallet load units and large containers. The corporation is based in Kleve, on the Lower Rhine in Germany. However, many of its 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.”

Woodstock Family Life | MARCH 2015

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Senator Speaks

Stepping Stones to A

Beautiful Georgia By Senator Brandon Beach

he 2015 Legislative Session began on January 12, 2015 and marked the beginning of the first term of the 153rd Legislative Session. Legislators have completed 11 out of 40 days in which we must discuss, vet, and pass legislation to be considered by Governor Deal for 2015. Since gathering with my colleagues in the Senate and the House of Representatives, we have been discussing and debating important legislative issues facing our state. I am looking forward to working with my colleagues to pass legislation that continues to improve Georgia and make it a great place to live, work and play. On the first day of the legislative session, all 56 Georgia Senators were sworn in by State Supreme Court Justice Hugh Thompson to mark the beginning of the 2015 Legislative Session. Judge Thompson presented the Oath of Office and offered remarks about personal fulfillment and joy in servitude to the senators and their families. Sen. Shafer’s re-election as President Pro Tempore was unanimously approved by the Senate, and David Cook was sworn in as Secretary of the Senate. Also on the first day of session, Governor Nathan Deal took his second Oath of Office from his son, Jason, who is a Superior Court Judge in Hall County. The inaugural ceremony was scheduled to be held at 9:00 a.m. outside the Capitol Building at the newly constructed Liberty Plaza, but due to inclement weather, the

Woodstock Family Life | MARCH 2015

ceremony was moved into the House Chamber. Constitutional officers were also sworn in, including Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle. Gov. Deal delivered his annual State of the State Address on Wednesday, January 14, providing an overview of Georgia’s successes and upcoming legislative challenges. It is always fascinating to hear the governor’s plans for betterment of our state, and I am honored to be one of the many stepping stones that provide a path to a beautiful future in Georgia. Committees have been in full swing as well. Each session day, Lt. Governor Cagle assigns bills to their respective committees to be discussed and vetted by the members. If the bill passes the committee, it must then go to the Rules Committee, where if voted out, will then head to the Senate for a full-body vote. As a member of the Higher Education, Regulated Industries and Utilities, Science and Technology and Transportation Committees, I will continue to track important legislation that could affect not only Georgia, but District 21. As we move forward, I will continue to keep all of you updated on the Senate’s progress, after all my constituents are always my highest priority.

Brandon Beach is a State Senator, District 21, who represents a portion of Cherokee County in the Georgia General Assembly.

Woodstock Minute

Woodstock Fire Department

Receives Class 1 ISO Rating By Fire Chief David Soumas

n early 2015, Woodstock Fire Department was notified that it had received a rating of Class 1 from the Insurance Services Offices (ISO), giving it the highest possible score a fire department can achieve. The new ISO rating will take effect April 1, 2015. The new rating should help citizens and businesses receive a reduction in their insurance premiums.

criteria that are reviewed as part of the process to help rate the department.

“I am extremely proud of our team. I think this speaks volumes about the level of commitment our department has to the citizens and businesses in Woodstock,” said Fire Chief Dave Soumas. Mayor Donnie Henriques added, “Public Safety is the primary mission of local government and we are extremely pleased that the hard work of the men and women of the Woodstock Fire Department have been recognized with this rating.”

Only 100 other agencies nationwide have received an ISO rating of Class 1, out of approximately 50,000 who have been evaluated by ISO. Additionally, Woodstock Fire Department joins with only 6 other agencies in the State of Georgia to receive a rating of Class 1. Woodstock Fire Department jumped from its previous rating of Class 3 due to newly established programs such as community outreach/fire prevention and arson investigation.

ISO grades fire departments nationwide in three major areas – 911 communications, area water supply and the fire department itself. Number of personnel, equipment, training, fire safety education and location of fire stations are among the fire specific

To help establish appropriate fire insurance premiums for residential and commercial properties, insurance companies need reliable, up-to-date information about a community’s fire-protection services. ISO provides that information through the Public

Woodstock Family Life | MARCH 2015

Each of the three categories is then broken down and points are awarded in each area to produce a rating. The ratings range from 1-10, with a Class 10 being a non-existent department to a Class 1 which represents superior fire departments.

Protection Classification (PPC™) program which establishes the ratings for departments. The program provides an objective nationwide standard, which helps fire departments in planning and budgeting for facilities, equipment and training. By securing lower fire insurance premiums for communities with better public protection, the PPC program provides incentives and rewards for departments that choose to improve their firefighting services. Chief Soumas said the new rating took a collaborative effort from Public Works Department, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), as well as the support and guidance from the City Manager, Mayor and Council. For more information on ISO ratings, visit ISOMitigation.com. For more information on Woodstock’s ISO rating, please call 770-592-6000 ext. 1840.

David Soumas is the Fire Chief for the Woodstock Fire Department, 225 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock (770) 926-2302 DSoumas@ WoodstockGa.gov

Community Feature Local Salon Contributes to Water Project Venèssa Lanier, owner of Salon and Spa Venèssa in Woodstock presented a $1,000 check to Jim Mroczko, President of SERV International on behalf of “The Well” project. This check completes the fundraising campaign for construction to begin on a well in the remote village of Nabuskaal, Kenya. SERV Intl. raised $30,000 for the project in two short months which will benefit a village of 200 Venèssa Lanier, owner of Salon and Spa Venèssa in Woodstock presented a people in the Kenyan desert. Venèssa $1,000 check to Jim Mroczko, President of SERV International Lanier said, “As an Aveda Lifestyle salon and spa we have been involved in fundraising efforts for water during Earth Month. For our annual holiday fundraiser we seek to offer support in our community. When we learned about this project we wanted to support this local nonprofit that has done so much work in Africa and other places. We set our goal for $1,000 and thought it would be just a drop in the bucket towards the project. We were delighted to learn that this contribution was the last $1,000 needed to meet the goal and 100% of this money will go for the Nabuskaal Well Project” Ms. Lanier is hoping to will travel with SERV to Kenya later this year and meet the people of the village and see for herself how the Gift of Water changes lives! SalonVenessa.com

Congratulations to our February “7 Differences” winner, Cindy Acosta!

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Teeth Grinding in Children By Vishant Nath D.M.D. Parents normally do not expect to hear odd noises coming from a child’s bedroom at night. If you hear a gnashing or grinding sound from your child while they sleep, it’s usually nothing to be too concerned about. There are several causes of teeth grinding and there are options for treating the most severe cases. The scientific term for teeth grinding is bruxism. Bruxism is quite common in children. Its cause can be dependent on the age group of your child. Children younger than 7-8 years still have many of their primary teeth. Primary teeth shift and change quite a bit. During this phase of change, a child may experience an abnormal bite that might feel odd to them. This can lead to teeth grinding at night. Most children who experience teeth grinding at a young age will outgrow it once the 6-year molars come in. Once a more permanent bite pattern is established, the teeth grinding tends to go away. In older children and teenagers, teeth grinding can be caused by stress. If you notice teeth grinding in older children you can try talking with them to see if they are especially worried about anything in particular. In all cases of teeth grinding, it’s best to speak to your child’s dentist to ensure that the grinding is not damaging the teeth. A parent may not even realize that teeth grinding is occurring, but the dentist can tell by looking for wear patterns on the surfaces of the teeth. Teeth grinding can become severe in some cases. If steps are not taken to protect the surfaces of the teeth, the grinding can lead to the wearing down of the enamel, tooth chipping, and increased temperature sensitivity of the teeth. Extreme cases can even lead to facial or jaw discomfort and temporomandibular joint disease, more commonly known as TMJ. For the most part in primary teeth, the dentist will simply wait for the child to outgrow the grinding as the permanent teeth come in. In cases of grinding in permanent teeth however, the dentist may recommend that the child wear a mouth guard at night to protect the teeth from the grinding. These are similar to the mouth guards worn in sporting events. They can be molded to specifically fit the individual’s mouth to best protect the teeth.

Community Feature 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 Left to right: Kim Whatley, in providing countless Aquatics Manager, Cherokee opportunities for the citizens County Aquatic Center and of Cherokee County. Anne Anne Davis, CRPA 2014 has been team coordinator Volunteer of the Year and served in numerous other volunteer roles for many years for the Bradshaw Farm Barracudas summer swim team. She also serves as copresident of the Boosters Club for the Sequoyah High School Swim Team.

Georgia Power Presents Check to Reinhardt 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.”

Visiting your pediatric dentist every six months is a great opportunity to keep up with any changes you may notice with your child’s teeth or mouth. Staying on top of these changes can help to ensure that your child’s oral health remains at its best!

Dr. Vishant Nath is the owner of Canton/Alpharetta/Roswell Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics. 678-352-1090, KidsHappyTeeth.com

Woodstock Family Life | MARCH 2015

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.

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

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Community Feature CCSD Students Selected for 2015 Student Advisory Council

Elizabeth Hughes of E.T. Booth MS

Two Cherokee County School District students have been selected for the State Superintendent of Schools’ 2015 Student Advisory Council. Temi Adekunie of River Ridge High School and Elizabeth Hughes of E.T. Booth Middle School are among the 64 students selected from across Georgia by State School Superintendent Richard Woods. The Council will meet three times this winter and spring to talk about the impact of State policies in the classroom. Superintendent Woods said. “These students feel the impact of our decisions every day and, if we’re going to improve their educational experience, we have to bring them to the table.”

Temi Adekunie of River Ridge HS

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, Left to right: Third-place winner Sam Rowe and previously from Freedom MS; first-place winner Sathvika as fifth-grader Narasimhan from Mill Creek MS; and secondrepresenting place winner Julia Barfield from Macedonia ES. Little River Elementary. In 2014, Sathvika was runner-up at the State Spelling Bee. Thirty-one 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.

Woodstock Family Life | MARCH 2015

Left to right: Woodstock MS team Laney Broussard, Hannah Menard, Ms. Charmaine Spink (coach), Tess Cope, Abi Halls, Greg Carroll, Michael Brown. (Not pictured, Camillo Rincon)

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 did very well in the competition, 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.

Elementary and High School Students Collaborate on Design Project Clark Creek Elementary School STEM Academy students recently collaborated with Etowah High School Architecture & Engineering Design students on a design project. The Clark Creek Elementary School STEM elementary Academy students Paige Rice and Eva school students Cunningham show off their creations. designed a 3-D toy to test calculating the area, perimeter and liquid volume of irregular shapes, as well as to test partitioning a shape into equal parts and expressing those parts as fractions. The high school students assisted with project design and construction. The elementary students also were responsible for creating names, packaging, instructions and commercials; then presenting the projects to the Etowah High School students’ “Shark Tank” for investment consideration.

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 short-term 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 ageappropriate 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.

Woodstock Family Life | MARCH 2015

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 eye’s 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 light-sensitive tissue. As we age, the vitreous slowly shrinks, and these fine fibers pull on the retinal surface. Usually the fibers break, allowing the vitreous to separate and shrink from the retina. This is knows as a Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD) and in most cases is not sight-threatening and requires no treatment. One unique symptom of a PVD is a small 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 of light are an indication that the vitreous is pulling or tugging on the retina. In rare situations, these symptoms can also be associated with retinal tears and/or detachments that can be sight-threatening. 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.

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

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It May Be Cold Here,

But It’s Warm Someplace! By Michael Consoli

Our weather has been unpredictable this year. It seems like it went from summer to winter in a matter of days. While we are freezing here in Georgia, it’s definitely warm in South America this time of year. This is a great time of year to enjoy a South American cruise! LIFESTYLE

Yes, you can cruise to South America. November through March is the most popular time to cruise to this area of the world. Many cruise lines offer cruises from 3 to 36 nights, starting in the United States and ending in South America, or starting and ending in South America. Here are just some of the options offered this year and next year as well:

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL View from Corcovado Mountain, of Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon

Woodstock Family Life | MARCH 2015

• 3- and 4-night round-trip cruise to Rio de Janeiro, with visits to Buzios, IIhabela, and San Paulo, Brazil; • 7-night round-trip Rio de Janeiro, with visits to Salvador, Maceio, and llheus, Brazil; • 20-night Amazon River cruise from Fort Lauderdale, Fla. • 16-night Buenos Aires to Santiago, Argentina, with port stops in Mentevido, Punta Del Este, Puerto Madryn, Stanley, Punta Areanas, Laguna San Rafael, Puerto Chacabuco, and Puerto Montt, Chile. Many of the lines also offer cruises in combination with three- and four-day land tours that will take you deeper inland to such places

as Iguazu Falls, Argentina. Some of the itineraries will take you around Cape Horn or even allow you to overnight in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, for Carnival. For travelers in search of rugged natural beauty, breathtaking mountain peaks, fjords that stretch nearly forever, cosmopolitan cities, indigenous historic peoples and cultures, and vast tropical rainforests, South America is the perfect cruise destination! L

Michael Consoli is a professional travel and cruise specialist and owner of Cruise Planners. 770-650-7667, PlanMyCruise.com

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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.

Woodstock Family Life | MARCH 2015

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

Drinking, Texting and Driving Don’t Count on Being Lucky It’s March already! March is the month many associate with St. Patrick’s Day and all things Irish, including luck. Dictionary. com defines luck as: “… operating by chance to bring good or ill to a person.” Luck doesn’t seem to have any middle ground; it’s either Good or Bad. In many cases, luck gets the credit or blame for our good or bad decisions. Bad luck usually turns out to be a decision made by someone without considering the consequences. Unfortunately, bad decisions can have lasting, unintended consequences. Have you ever heard the saying, “If they didn’t have bad luck they wouldn’t have any luck at all?” The reality is that

By Jeff Nevison

consistent bad decisions lead to a series of continuing bad results too easily blamed on bad luck. Luck seems to take the rap for a lack of personal responsibility. Poor Luck! Just not lucky I guess. So what’s the correlation between luck and drinking or texting while driving? Simple! If you have been guilty of drinking or texting while driving and have not yet had a life altering event such as an accident, serious injury to yourself or others (death), license suspension, jail, significant fines, etc. You’ve been LUCKY! You’ve experienced ‘Good Luck’ but ‘Bad Luck’ is closing in. Maybe the next time or the time after that, but Bad Luck is waiting to ruin your life and maybe the life of someone else. Why write about drinking and texting while driving together? First, they’re

both against the law! Second, they’re both major causes of injury, death, and life ruining events. Texting and driving is equivalent to driving the length of a football field at 55 mph. . . WHILE BLINDFOLDED. Texting while driving maybe worse than drinking and driving. Sadly, teen drivers and young adults are the most affected. Set family texting rules and ask your phone service provider about Safe Texting apps. Also, check out IIHS. org and search ‘Distracted Driving’ for more information. Distracted driving, including texting and driving are considered major violations by many insurance companies. With that, you can expect policy cancellations and much higher rates, all because you could not W82TXT.

Jeff Nevison is the co-owner/ managing agent of Mountain Lakes Insurance. 770-926-9444, MountainLakesInsurance.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!” 26

Woodstock Family Life | MARCH 2015

“Always a SALE!”

295 Molly Lane, Suite 120 Woodstock, GA 30189

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

Anticipating the

Risk of Easter By Chris Bryant

Christians are only a few weeks away from celebrating the single most important claim of our faith, the one upon which all other Christian claims are built. There is an inseparability between Jesusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; mission and his meaningful death, but his death only takes on lasting significance in light of his resurrection. That said, do you have your doubts about it? There are different points in which I have doubts. Mostly, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s when I experience people who claim they have Christ and then act and speak so unlike him. Even in my own life, my disappointment in myself at times with how faithless I can be, can lead to my own set of doubts. Faith is a risk. Anyone that says otherwise is either not being honest with you or probably not being honest with themselves. Faith is a risk that we might be wrong about anything we believe actually. But here is the thing, life is full of risks of various kinds, some irrational, some frivolous, some seemingly silly or foolish. The question is for us, is believing in the resurrection of Christ one of those kind of risks? Or is it of another sort? Is it a risk worth taking? For me, the story of Jesus, his life, his ministry, what he said and did, how he died and yes his purported resurrection is worth believing in. It is worth the risk of my, maybe being wrong. I follow Jesus at the risk of being wrong about him because I am compelled by his life-actions and his teaching, his witness regarding the nature and character of God and our human condition. I am compelled by how the idea of salvation in him has a both life-now and life-then, after death, quality. For me, taking Jesus seriously does nothing less than turn the world as we know it otherwise on its end and in such a powerfully hope-filled way! And that is a risk not only worth taking but celebrating this Easter.

Chris Bryant is lead pastor at City On A Hill United Methodist Church. 678-445-3480, COAHUMC.org

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COVER STORY

By Michelle Martin

Every child can learn; the key to academic success is in understanding that each child learns differently. At Huntington Learning Center in Woodstock, the team of professional tutors is experienced in helping students achieve academic success at any level. New owners Ramana Panchumarthy and his wife, Vasudha Edara, executive director, along with partners Shreyas and Jignasa Desai, marketing and community relations, are excited to continue Huntington Learning Center’s 12-year history serving Woodstock and surrounding communities. As local business owners for the past 10 years and with two sons in middle school, Ramana and Vasudha are grateful for the opportunity to serve the Woodstock community in a new way. “We recognize the important role that Huntington Learning Center plays in helping students learn outside of the classroom so that they can be more successful in school,” Ramana says. Jignasa, whose husband, Shreyas, has a master’s degree in mathematics and teaches at Atlanta Metropolitan State College, says he sees firsthand how a lack of fundamentals affects students. “So many students are failing because they lack a basic understanding of fundamentals in mathematics. That deficiency will follow them later in life and in business,” she says. “But with the proper foundation in fundamentals, students can continue to learn and be more successful.” Huntington Learning Center, established in 1977, provides professional academic tutoring and learning resources based on curriculum that is aligned with current national educational standards. Programs include academic skills (reading, writing, math, phonics, spelling, vocabulary, study skills, and critical thinking); subject tutoring (algebra, pre-algebra, geometry, trigonometry, pre-calculus, calculus, earth science, biology, chemistry, and physics); and exam prep (ACT, SAT, PSAT, AP, and other entrance exams). Huntington Learning Center customizes learning programs to students’ individual needs based on standardized test results. “Traditional tutoring is like a band-aid to help students improve in their current areas of study. Many times, students rely on memorization rather than mastery of skills,” says Diane Alred, director of the Woodstock Huntington Learning Center for five years. “The Huntington Learning Center approach is more like surgery, designed to build the basic fundamentals necessary for long-term academic success.” Based on students’ individual academic assessment, Huntington Learning Center tutors will meet with parents to discuss areas of strengths and weaknesses, and customize a program to help fill in specific learning gaps. All instruction is done at Huntington Learning Center by certified, experienced instructors. Students are tested at different phases in the program to gauge their academic progress; adjustments can be made at any time if students are learning faster than expected or if they require additional focus in a specific study area. As Diane 28

Woodstock Family Life | MARCH 2015

explains, learning programs begin at students’ individual comfort levels and progress in difficulty so that they can see their own success firsthand. “Students want to learn. As they become more successful and more confident, they are more motivated to study and work hard to achieve their academic goals.”

Photos

The instructors at Huntington Learning Center work closely with teachers to monitor students’ progress at the center and in the classroom. In addition, instructors meet with parents every few weeks to keep them updated as well. “Huntington instructors, students, parents, school teachers — we all are partners working together to help students succeed academically,” says Jignasa. “It is especially important for parents to understand that good grades in school do not necessarily reflect skills.”

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Huntington Learning Center’s subject tutoring also involves helping students develop better organizational skills and homework habits. “In many cases, it’s just a matter of focus. And for some students, that might mean seeking the help from someone other than their parents and teachers,” Ramana says. Once students develop good organizational skills, study skills and homework habits, they are better prepared to tackle studying on their own. In addition to individual subject tutoring and a focus on fundamentals, Huntington Learning Center also offers an exam prep program for standardized tests, entrance exams, and the PSAT, SAT, and ACT. Huntington instructors can help students determine which test is best suited to their strengths and offer tips to maximize their scoring potential. Then, based on the results of practice tests, instructors work with students to improve in specific test areas. The exam prep program is also beneficial to students hoping to earn a certain score required for certain scholarships and more selective schools. As Ramana explains, “On average, students who go through Huntington’s ACT prep program score three to six points higher than they would without any specialized exam prep. The difference between a 20 and a 24, for example, could be significant for students hoping to get into a specific school or applying for scholarships.” This is also a critical time for students as they approach the end of the current school year. Diane encourages parents to address their children’s learning gaps as soon as possible. “Unfortunately, by the time students come to Huntington Learning Center for help, they have been struggling for three to four years,” she says. “But, it’s never too late to learn.” Adds Ramana, “At Huntington Learning Center, we believe confidence builds success in students. We are proud to be a part of a program that helps students achieve academic success so that they can be more successful not only in school but also in life.”

6244 Old Hwy. 5, Woodstock 678-445-1515 Woodstock.HuntingtonHelps.com

Academic Skills Exam Prep Subject Tutoring

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Community Feature

Cherokee a Prosperous Future The shift was so subtle, only those working to create it would have noticed. But in 2015, Cherokee County can no longer be considered a bedroom community of Atlanta, in which residents live but must travel elsewhere to work. “We’re barely into the second month of the year and we’re already talking with nine corporate prospects showing a great deal of interest to either locate or expand in our community,” Marshall Day, Chairman of the Cherokee Office of Economic Development (COED), said. Statistics alone indicate Cherokee’s stronghold. From 2010 to 2014, there’s been an 84 percent increase in the number of business prospects interested in locating or expanding in the county. In fact, each year, there’s been an increase. Each year, brought more prospects than the last. In 2014 alone, things started to bubble then quickly turned into a full, fever pitch. COED successfully persuaded 19 corporations to either locate or expand their regional and North American headquarters here last year, several of which are based in one of Cherokee’s corporate parks. Perhaps the county’s newest corporate development, Cherokee 75 Corporate Park, is drawing the lion’s share of attention. It’s located in the county’s southwest corner, which is the only area in Cherokee that has direct access to Interstate 75 and Georgia State Route 92.

Woodstock Family Life | MARCH 2015

“Many people don’t realize you can get to Woodstock from that area, but that’s about to change,” said Misti Martin, COED President. The Georgia Department of Transportation will soon update every sign along Interstate 75 to include the city of Woodstock on signs that currently only references Acworth. Inalfa Roof Systems, a global manufacturer of high-end vehicle sun roofs and roofing systems, was the first to move in to Cherokee 75 Corporate. Less than a month after Inalfa opened its 165,000 square foot new facility, the company announced plans to expand another 45,000 square feet. Last month, we learned Inalfa plans to expand again. This time, it’s investing approximately $8 million to construct a second building on the Canton campus, which is expected to generate 50 new jobs in 2016, with the possibility creating more than 100 more new jobs within three years. Next up is MSK Covertech-Group. MSK has recently broken ground on its new North American headquarters, which will be located in the Cherokee 75 Corporate Park. MSK is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of packaging and logistics systems for pallet load units and large

containers. It’s expected to generate at least 30 high-paying new jobs in Cherokee in its first year of business. A study commissioned by COED notes that by 2020, 40 percent of the county’s workforce will be made up of Millennials; who are young adults born between 1980 and 1999. In addition, 35 percent of Millennials are expected to open their own business. A driving force for this age group is the desire to have an urban lifestyle, which allows for a balance between home and work. “Woodstock was recently named one of Georgia’s best cities to call home. That’s more than just simple recognition,” said Martin. “It’s a sign we’re moving in the right direction to position Cherokee for a prosperous future.”

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

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

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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.

Woodstock Family Life | MARCH 2015

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.

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

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 34

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

Woodstock 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

Exterior

Siding Options 2015’s Hottest Trends By Juan Reyes, owner

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

Woodstock Family Life | MARCH 2015

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 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

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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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

Woodstock Family Life | MARCH 2015

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 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,

Roses:

Winter Planting Bare Root Roses

By Gail Roos

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

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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.

Woodstock Family Life | MARCH 2015

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

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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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.

Woodstock 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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Eco-Friendly

Plumbing Industry By Julie Lippitt, owner

Defining Green Plumbing Like so many other industries, the plumbing trade is beginning to recognize the importance and value of providing services that help homeowners and businesses become more eco-friendly in their use of natural resources as a way to both help the planet and save money. By doing so, the plumbing industry is helping to educate people as well as offer new plumbing solutions to maximize water and lower energy consumption. Until technology advances, the good news is that the current water saving products on the market today do not cost any more than traditional plumbing fixtures but they do offer a high return on investment.

All about Water Conservation Essentially, green plumbing focuses on water conservation, it has been estimated that an average individual daily consumption of water through showers, laundry, lawn care, and dishwashing in the

Woodstock Family Life | MARCH 2015

U.S. is 159 gallons. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that just one leaky faucet wastes more than 3,100 gallons per year. Now, multiple these figures by the millions of people living in the U.S. and it is easy to see just how much water is being used. However, adding eco-friendly water devices can reduce water consumption up to 20%-30% per product that is added to the home. Then, multiply that by the same number of millions and the results of just some small plumbing changes can make a real difference. Here are some great ideas that are easy to incorporate into your lifestyle: •

• • • • •

Take showers instead of baths. A typical ten minute bath requires 30-70 gallons of water versus 25 gallons with a 2.5 gallons per minute showerhead. Shorten your shower time. Water your lawns in the morning and early evening hours. Plant water-wise plants and think about installing an irrigation or rainwater collection system. Turn off the tap while brushing teeth and soaping hands. Use a broom instead of a hose to sweep the driveway, patios, and walkways.

Hopefully, more people who make these types of changes will lead to more fresh water availability.

Pete’s Plumbing Inc. 770-442-3934, PetesPlumbingInc.com

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.

Pro Roofing and Siding

770-974-2390, DrFixitPhD.com

BuckJonesWoodstock.com

770-917-1795, RAndDMechanical.net

Woodstock Family Life | MARCH 2015

770-861-7272, OverstreetLawncare.com

678-445-5533, GreenBasements.com

770-777-1733, MyProRoofing.com

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Kristina Laurendi Havens

ArtistProfile by Heike Hellmann-Brown

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,

Woodstock 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.

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 answer questions and connect seniors and their families with a network of services and programs. Call 770-345-5320 or 770-345-5312 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 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 speakers are included. Call 770-345-6730 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 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

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

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2015 Friday Night Live Series By Kyle Bennett

2015

is sure to be a fun and exciting year in Downtown Woodstock thanks to the Friday Night Live series. Friday Night Live has proved to be a wildly popular event as each year the crowds grow larger and larger. Spend the first Friday of every month, March through December, in Downtown Woodstock and enjoy the many restaurants and stores that the area has to offer as the Downtown Merchants stay open late, 6-9 p.m. For each Friday Night Live, participating Downtown Merchants will have activities going on at their stores and throughout the Downtown area 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, which adds to the street festival feel of the event. The 2015 Friday Night Live Series is presented by Regions Bank. Friday Night Live events start at 6 p.m. Enjoy live music, fantastic food and festive activities. Forget the malls. Save the gas and money as you shop for great shopping deals in Downtown Woodstock! Come and enjoy your community!

Kyle Bennett is director of tourism and operations for the Woodstock Visitors Center. 770-924-0406, KBennett@WoodstockGa.gov

Woodstock Family Life | MARCH 2015

March 6 St. Patty’s Fest

August 7 Summer of Love

Celebrate St Patty’s in Downtown Woodstock as we kick off the 2015 Friday Night Live series

No pond bathing here, but we can promise a summer-lovin’ time. Break out the tie-dyes and head bands for a little early autumn fun as the history of the 1969 Woodstock Music Festival is celebrated! Peace, Love, and Rock & Roll.

April 3 Roaring 20’s Night Travel back in time to the 1920s as the spirit of the Roaring 20’s is celebrated in Downtown Woodstock

May 1 Super Hero Night Time to celebrate all things ‘Super Hero related’ in Downtown Woodstock. Be it Superman, Batman, or the Avengers. This night is guaranteed to be Super Fun!

June 5 Dog Days of Summer Find relief from the Dog Days of Summer in Downtown Woodstock. Be sure to bring your dog, there will be several dogrelated contests. Downtown is truly going ‘to the dogs’ on this night!

July 3 Downtown Block Party Join us for a Downtown Block Party to kick off the 4th of July weekend.

September 4 The Great Downtown Tailgate No need for double-takes, that’s the grill you smell. Put on your team colors and strike up the band for a little early autumn fun!

October 2 Hollywood Night Celebrate all things Hollywood in Downtown Woodstock at this Friday Night Live.

November 6 Downtown Art Walk Downtown Woodstock will have a artistic flare this night.

December 4 Christmas in Downtown The spirit of Christmas can be found in Downtown Woodstock at ‘Christmas on Main’. Perfect chance to Christmas shop and have some fun at the same time. Santa has already RSVP’d to attend Christmas on Main.

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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

Woodstock 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

Green Tripe for Dogs...What is it? By Lorre LaMarca Dog food has come such a long way in the past decade. Pets are living longer, healthier lives due to people educating themselves on what they are truly feeding their pet. Which brings me to introduce an old dog food delicacy gaining much attention by dog food health fanatics including myself? Green Tripe! So what is Green Tripe? Tripe is one of the four stomachs of a grazing farm animal. Their unique stomachs have four chambers which systematically break down grasses with a slew of digestive enzymes, vitamins, gastric juices and amino acids. You may have seen tripe on the grocery store shelves for humans in a white and bleached form. This is not what you want to feed your dog as bleaching it takes away the core benefits that make green tripe so nutritious for dogs! Green tripe is the stuff that comes right out of the animal in its pure form, dripping nutritious juices and all! Dogs are atomically built for digesting the green form of tripe. Its limited ingredients are excellent for narrowing down what exactly is in the food. So how can something so disgusting in its pure form, be so good? These same gastric juices and enzymes that aid the farm animal in digestion also aid the dog in digesting and efficiently utilizing its food. Green tripe is loaded with vitamins, amino and fatty acids. The amino acids are necessary for muscular development and the other gastric juices are an incredible cleaner for canine teeth! The vitamins and amino acids are what give your dog its natural energy. All dogs need omega 3’s and omega 6’s in their diet especially for a shiny healthy coat. Another great benefit its natural source of probiotics aka “helpful bacteria”. This helpful bacterium will aid your dog with many digestion issues. The only complaint I have is it’s stinky smell. But my dogs go crazy when I open the can to mix some with their kibble. Always remember to consult your vet before making a drastic diet change especially in older dogs or dogs with sensitivities.

Lorre LaMarca is owner of Bark Station in Woodstock. 770-517-9907, Bark-Station.com

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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

Woodstock Family Life | MARCH 2015

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 long-acting 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. The copper containing IUD, Paragard™, 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

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Advertiser Index Acworth Art Fest 13 Atlanta Hand Specialist 5 Bark Station 3 C&T Auto Service 11 Camp Juliette Low 23 Chattahoochee Technical College 19 Cherokee Angel Senior Care 9 Cherokee Chorale 21 City On A Hill 7 Cruise Planners 11, 47 Dawn Sams, Realtor 55 Downtown Kitchen 25, 54 Dr. Fixit Ph.D. 37 Edible Arrangements 11 Elm Street Cultural Arts Village 56 Falany and Hulse Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Center, P.C. 24 Fire Stone Wood Fired Pizza & Grill 49 GA All-Stars Gymnastics 23 Georgia Antiques & Treasures 27 The Great Frame Up 42 H&H Electric & Security, LLC 41 Hill & Hill Financial LLC 49 Huntington Learning Center Cover, 28 & 29 Jeffrey L. Jackson, CPA, LLC 27 Jyl Craven Hair Design Inside Back Landscape Matters 39 Living Science Home Studies, Inc 21 Milan Eye Center 3 Mountain Lakes Insurance 44 Northside Hospital Cherokee 1 Northside Hospital Sleep Disorders Center Inside Front Overstreet Lawncare 37 Park Pediatric Dentistry of Woodstock 53 Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics 23 Peteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Plumbing 36 PhotoJack.net 52 Plastic Surgery Center of the South Inside Front Pro Roofing and Siding 40 R & D Mechanical Services, Inc. 45 Rejoice Maids 53 Revved Up Kids 9 Skin Cancer Specialists, P.C. 47 & Aesthetic Center Summit Financial Solutions 10 Technical Resource Solutions 43 TrailFest 51 WellStar Health System Back Cover Woodstock Physical Therapy 55

Woodstock Family Life | MARCH 2015

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