Woodstock Family Life 10-14 by Family Life Magazines

Contents

October 2014

Volume 2 | Issue 3

[24-26]

24-26 On the Cover:

Woodstock Pediatric Medicine

36-38

Fun for Fall

[36-38] 2

Woodstock Family Life | OCTOBER 2014

............................. Publisher

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

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

................ Woodstock Minute

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Publisher’sPerspective PUBLISHER/PHOTOGRAPHER Jack Tuszynski Jack@FamilyLifePublications.com EDITORIAL Michelle Martin Michelle@FamilyLifePublications.com ART Tiffany Corn Tiffany@FamilyLifePublications.com Candice Williams Candice@FamilyLifePublications.com SALES Janet Ponichtera Janet@FamilyLifePublications.com George Colmant George@FamilyLifePublications.com

he blanket of leaves that covers the ground during fall is a preface to cozy and comfortable days that will soon be upon us. Similar in the way I could never honestly pick one piece of music as my favorite, I’ve never been able to decide which of the seasons is dearest to me. During this time of year, as the light of day shortens and the light grows warmer — reflected from the hues of golden yellow, bright reds and rustic browns that clothe the trees, the hilltops and valleys — we find ourselves gathering not only leaves but also each other. Whether it’s tailgating at football games, visiting festivals, camping with our friends, grouping up around a bonfire at dusk in a field, or simply hanging out in the cul-desac with our neighbors, we find that fall is a time to relax and wind down after a busy summer. The days grow shorter, and we seem to slow down and settle into a smoother pace. Like the leaves in the breeze, we tend to find just the right place to settle down. We spent the spring and summer hustling and bustling about, planting the seeds of new friendships and relationships along the way. Now it’s time to gather up, to share our adventures and remember not only our most recent stories but also to share great times, continuing to simply enjoy being amongst those we hold most dear to us. So, reach into your past and get in touch with that person (or persons) you’ve been thinking of recently. It’s never the wrong season to harvest the comfort of true friends.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Dr. Jose Baez, Dr. John Barker, State Senator Brandon Beach, Kyle Bennett, Crystal Bryant, Arlene Dickerson, Lisa Ethridge, Catherine Groves, Dr. Donna C. Haley, Dr. Corey Harkins, Heike Hellmann-Brown, Johnny Hunt, Michelle Knapp, Lorre LaMarca, Dr. James E. Leake, Niki Lemeshka, Dr. E. Anthony Musarra, Dr. Vishant Nath, Dr. Michael Petrosky, Preston Pooser, Janet Read, Nick Roper, Laura Stanley, Suzanne Taylor

Family Life Publishing Group Inc. 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.

Woodstock Family Life | OCTOBER 2014

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Jack Tuszynski, publisher

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Subscriptions are available for $25 per year. Please contact us for payment options.

Calendar OCTOBER Through Civil War Exhibit December Cherokee County History Museum hosts “Cherokee Voices from the Civil War,” a temporary exhibit focusing on life at home, on the battleground, and from the African-American perspective. The story of Cherokee County during the Civil War is told using quotes and firsthand accounts gleaned from original letters, court documents and publications, including a series of original letters sent from Pvt. John T. Beavers of the McAfee and Donaldson Guards to his family back in Macedonia. Other items on display will be a collection of military artifacts, some of which were found near Pickett’s Mill and Allatoona Pass, and the original speech from 1861 as presented to the Cherokee Brown Riflemen from the Ladies of Canton as they marched off to war. 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Wednesdays through Fridays; 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m., Saturdays, Cherokee County History Museum, Historic Marble Courthouse, 100 North St., Suite 140, Canton. 770-345-3288, RockBarn.org

Through Woodstock October Farmers Market In addition to fresh, local produce, baked goods and other items, the market will include educational demonstrations by Cherokee County Farm Bureau on the first Saturday and first Tuesday of the month, and cooking demonstrations by local chefs on the third Saturday of the month. 8:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m., Market Street, Downtown Woodstock. 770-9240406, MainStreetWoodstock.org/ Programs/FarmersMarket.aspx

Woodstock Family Life | OCTOBER 2014

Through Weekday Woodstock October Farmers Market Come out every Tuesday through October 28 for a special weekday Woodstock Farmers Market. In addition to fresh, local produce, baked goods and other items, the market will include educational demonstrations by Cherokee County Farm Bureau on the first Tuesday of the month. 4:30-8:00 p.m., The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta, Ridgewalk Parkway, Woodstock. 770-924-0406, MainStreetWoodstock.org/Programs/ FarmersMarket.aspx

Friday Night Live Grab a brew with your crew and have a blast, too, at “Oktoberfest” Friday Night Live. Enjoy live music, contests, games and fun. Plus, downtown merchants will stay open late and will offer special activities related to the theme of the month. Also, every $10 purchase made at a downtown business during Friday Night Live automatically will register you into a drawing for a $100 Downtown Dollars Gift Certificate. Just bring your receipt for any purchase made at a Downtown business during the event to the Woodstock Visitors Center to enter the contest. 6:00-9:00 p.m., Downtown Woodstock. WhatsUpWoodstock.com

Document Shred Day Summit Financial Solutions will offer free document shredding to the public. A professional shredding company will be on site to shred personal and confidential documents. There is no need to remove staples, paper clips, folders or notebooks. All documents are shredded on site and the process may be watched on a video display monitor to ensure security. 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., 1816 Eagle Drive, Suite 100-A, Woodstock.

CASA Superhero Run Dress up as your favorite superhero and walk, run or fly in CASA Cherokee’s third annual Superhero Run 1K, 5K and 10K. Every child needs a hero, but abused children need superheroes! After the races, there will be costume and superpower contests, as well as a “Justice is Served” ice cream party. Race course will begin and end at Heritage Park. 8:00 a.m., Heritage Park, Canton. 770-3453274, CASACherokee.org

Fields of Faith The fifth annual Fields of Faith event, sponsored by Swords & Phelps Dentistry, will feature guest speakers Tony Nolan, Joshua Pitner and Coach Terry Luck, and music by Oak Leaf Church Worship Band. This is not a Cherokee County School event. 7:00 p.m., Tommy Baker Field, Cherokee High School, 930 Marietta Hwy., Canton. continued on

Library Events SequoyahRegionalLibrary.com Hickory Flat 2740 East Cherokee Drive, Canton, 770-345-7565

Rose Creek 4476 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock, 770-591-1491

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

Story Times Family Story Times October 2, 23 & 30 10:30 a.m., Hickory Flat 10:30 a.m. & 3:30 p.m., Woodstock October 21 & 28 3:00 p.m., Rose Creek Lapsit Story Times October 22 & 29 10:30 a.m., Rose Creek 10:30 a.m. & 11:30 p.m., Woodstock

Ongoing Programs Reading Dogs October 7, 14 & 21, 4:30-5:30 p.m., Hickory Flat October 8, 15, 22 & 29, 4:30 5:30 p.m., Rose Creek October 8, 15, 22 & 29, 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 of 10-15 minutes for ages 6 and up are available, but space is limited. Register by calling the appropriate branch up to two weeks before the scheduled event. Knit-a-Long October 9 & 23, 4:00-5:30 p.m., Hickory Flat Cindy Williams will lead this monthly knitting group. For information, call: 770-345-7565. continued on

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Library Continued . . .

Woodstock LEGO Club October 19, 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.

Special Programs Slithering Snakes October 14, 4:00 p.m., Woodstock Reinhardt University Biology Professor Zach Felix will bring non-venomous snakes to the library and teach children of all ages about these fascinating reptiles! Children 9 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Book Sale October 15-18, Rose Creek October 15, 3:00-5:30 p.m. — Friends of the Library members’ preview October 16, 12:00-7:30 p.m. — General Public October 17, 10:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. — General Public October 18, 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. — General Public This is your chance to stock up on titles by your favorite authors and on your favorite subjects! All proceeds will help fund book and material purchases for the Cherokee branches of the Sequoyah Regional Library. Bookmark Book Club for Kids October 21, 4:00 p.m., Woodstock Do you love reading and talking about books? Join the book club for a fun discussion about this month’s book selection, “The One and Only Ivan,” by Katherine Applegate. Light refreshments will be served. Ages 9-12. Registration is required: 770-479-3090, ext. 4.

Woodstock Family Life | OCTOBER 2014

Fall Fair Good Shepherd Lutheran Church’s ninth annual fall fair will include a rock climbing wall, inflatables, face painting, a bake sale, silent auction, and music by GSLC. Don’t miss the used DVDs and books for sale! Hot dogs and chili will be available for purchase. This event is free and open to the public. Proceeds will benefit Cherokee County Family Violence Center and Give a Kid a Chance. 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., Good Shepherd Lutheran Church lower parking lot, 1208 Rose Creek Drive, Woodstock. 770-924-7286, GSLutheran.org

Pitcher Plant Container Gardening Seminar UGA Master Gardener Extension Volunteers of Cherokee County will host a free hands-on demonstration, “How to make a Pitcher Plant Container.” 10:00 a.m., Cherokee County Senior Services Center, 1001 Univeter Road, Canton. 770-721-7803, Facebook.com/ CherokeeMasterGardeners.com

Respite Day Next Step Ministries will sponsor a free Respite Day for young adults and children (ages 5 and up) with special needs, featuring music, crafts, Happy Tails therapy pets, pizza, ice cream, and more. This program is part of FBCW’s LoveLoud day of service. Free to the

first 35 participants to register. Call Next Step Ministries at 770-592-1227 for more information. 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m., First Baptist Church of Woodstock, 11905 Hwy. 92, Woodstock.

‘Everyday Life: Demonstrations of 19th Century Tools and Skills for Everyday Living’ The Cherokee County Historical Society will host a living history day, “Everyday Life: Demonstrations of 19th Century Tools and Skills for Everyday Living,” in partnership with the Appalachian Heritage Guild. The skills required to produce food, clothing and tools during the Civil War will be demonstrated and children of all ages will be able to make butter, shell corn, sample hardtack, wash clothes on washboard, make cornhusk dolls, play ring toss and more! 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., Cherokee County History Museum in the Historic Marble Courthouse, Suite 140, 100 North St., Canton. 770-345-3288, RockBarn.org

‘Fire & Ice’ Fall Ball Members of The Cherokee County Arts Center and the public are invited to the art center’s annual fall ball, “Fire & Ice,” featuring an evening of hors d’oeuvres, dancing and a silent auction. Tickets are available through the arts center. The event serves as the premier fundraiser for the Cherokee County Arts Center, a 503(C) nonprofit organization. All proceeds will

Calendar support programs and services of the arts center, and all donations are tax-deductible. 7:00-11:00 p.m., The Rock Barn, 658 Marietta Hwy., Canton. 770-704-6244, CherokeeArts.org

The Civil War in Cherokee County Reinhardt University Professor Kenneth Wheeler will describe the Civil War experience in Cherokee County using the perspectives of people from children to Governor Joseph E. Brown. The program is free and open to the public. 7:00 p.m., The Rock Barn, 658 Marietta Hwy., Canton.

Comedian James Gregory “The Funniest Man in America” will bring his comedy to Canton for a one-night-only performance. Tickets are available at FunniestMan.com. 7:30 p.m.,

Canton Theatre, 171 E. Main St., Canton. 770-704-0755, CantonTheatre.com

Trunk or Treat Bascomb United Methodist Church’s annual Trunk or Treat celebration will feature family-friendly activities. The event is free and open to the public. 4:007:00 p.m., Bascomb UMC, 2295 Bascomb Carmel Road, Woodstock. 770-926-9755, BascombChurch.org

Financial Planning Seminar Ben Matson, an investor coach with McBryar Advisory Services, will host a free “Money Demons” financial planning seminar. RSVP by October 24 to Ben@ McBryar.net. 6:30 p.m., Comfort Inn & Suites, 340 Parkway 575, Woodstock. 678-343-8691, McBryar.com

Downtown Buzz Main Street Woodstock Inc. will host its monthly networking event featuring a light breakfast, networking, speed introductions, and a presentation on a topic of interest. Local businesses and the public are welcome to attend. 8:00 a.m., The Chamber at City Center, 8534 Main St., Woodstock. 770-5926056, MainStreetWoodstock.org

Scan to submit your upcoming event!

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Business Main Street Woodstock hosted special ribbon cutting ceremonies to celebrate two recent additions to Downtown Woodstock. Spirited women’s boutique opened recently at 8670 Main St. (678-214-5304, SpiritedWoodstock.com). The store specializes in “boho chic” clothing, jewelry and accessories. In addition, the new stage at the Event Green (111 Elm St.) was officially dedicated as Resurgens Orthopaedics Community Stage. The stage is used for a variety of outdoor community concerts, performances and other events.

Dance & Music Academy of Woodstock Spirited

brought home several awards from the recent Kids Artistic Revue competition. Performers at Dance & Music Academy of Woodstock won the highest award in every category entered, as well as the Judges’ Choice Award and invitations to “The New York City Dance Experience.” Dance & Music Academy of Woodstock

Resurgens Orthopaedics Community Stage

offers ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, acrobatics and contemporary dance instruction for children, beginning at age 2, through adult, as well as guitar, piano, violin, drums and voice music lessons. 6238 Old Hwy. 5, Woodstock. 770-924-1661, WoodstockDance.com

Woodstock Family Life | OCTOBER 2014

Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce “Going Green” committee challenged cities in Cherokee County to encourage residents to recycle as part of the third annual “Mayor’s Recycling Challenge.” For the third consecutive year, the City of Waleska collected the most recycling per capita, with 138.4 pounds per resident, as determined based on 2013 U.S. Census population estimates. Additional per capita totals included City of Ball Ground, 73.5 pounds/resident; City of Woodstock, 13.9 pounds/resident; City of Nelson, 8.2 pounds/resident; City of Canton, 6.6 pounds/resident; and City of Holly Springs, 6.3 pounds/resident. The City of Woodstock collected the most recycling, totaling 374,322 pounds; City of Canton, 158,622 pounds; Ball Ground, 109,000 pounds; Waleska, 96,760 pounds; Holly Springs, 61,660 pounds; and Nelson, 10,820 pounds. The combined total collected by all the cities was 811,184 pounds — a 3-percent increase over last year. The winners were announced during the Cherokee Chamber of Commerce’s “Good Morning Cherokee” breakfast meeting in September. North Metro Waste and Waste Management partnered with the Chamber on this event.

City of Waleska Mayor Doris Jones (center, top photo) and City of Woodstock Mayor Donnie Henriques (center, bottom photo) accept their Mayor’s Challenge awards from Chamber Chairman Lewis Cline, Bank of North Georgia (left), and Going Green Chairman Vic Knight, Waste Management.

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Woodstock Minute

New Volunteer Program PROMOTES

Trail Safety

Trail Safety Tips: •

Make sure a responsible person knows your plans, where you will be and when you expect to return. Carry identification that includes your name, phone number, pertinent medical information, and emergency contact with you.

•

Take a cell phone and make sure you can quickly make a call in case of an emergency.

•

Don’t walk or ride alone whenever possible.

•

Wear bright colors so you can be seen. Don’t use the trails after dark.

•

Make sure that the music from your iPod or other listening device isn’t so loud that you can’t hear people passing or approaching.

•

Do not leave valuables or items visible in your vehicle.

•

Know your location at all times. Choose or plan your routes for paths most frequently used by walkers, joggers and bikers.

•

If an incident occurs, do not risk your safety to protect things that can be replaced. If you see something, call 911.

By Preston Pooser

he City of Woodstock is spearheading a new trail-safety initiative on its Greenprints Trail System, which has nearly 20 miles currently and is projected to have more than 60 miles in and around Woodstock and adjacent areas of Cherokee County. The new Trail Watch Volunteer Program enlists the help of local residents and trail users to help patrol its trails in an effort to make sure that our trail users have a safe and enjoyable experience. Woodstock Trail Watch volunteers promote safety and appropriate trail use by providing information and assistance to all trail users. They observe and document trail-safety issues requiring attention, serve as a positive presence on Woodstock trails, and assist the Woodstock Parks and Recreation and Woodstock Police departments to keep Woodstock’s trails safe and well maintained. Working independently, Trail Watch volunteers act as the “eyes and ears” for park staff and are a valuable information source for park visitors. Trail Watch volunteers may be called upon to act as a vital link in the EMS (Emergency Medical Services) chain.

Woodstock Family Life | OCTOBER 2014

The program is basically a “Neighborhood Watch” on our trails. The Trail Watch Program enlists the help of current trail hikers, cyclists, skaters and walkers to assist the City in monitoring Woodstock’s trails and parks. Volunteers, who are identified by a brightly colored vest or T-shirt and a City-issued ID card, serve as a “force multiplier” for our public-safety efforts — helping bridge a vital link between local trail users and public-safety personnel. Trail Watch volunteers report safety hazards, suspicious activity and assist trail users. Trail Watch volunteers must be 18 years of age, have a successful background check and attend a mandatory twohour training class. For individuals who don’t currently have first aid and CPR certifications, a full eight-hour course that includes first aid and CPR is offered. To apply to the Trail Watch Academy, visit WoodstockParksAndRec.com or call the Woodstock Parks and Recreation Dept. at 770-517-6788.

Preston Pooser is director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Woodstock. 770-517-6788

Scoopof by Michelle Knapp & suzanne taylor

Fall into October with these fun ideas for decorating and entertaining! It’s almost not fair that October brings with it shorter days. There is so much to do and are so many fun ways to celebrate fall, we are happy there are a full 31 days. From apples to pumpkins, hayrides to bonfires, Oktoberfest to Halloween, there is something to be said about the activities that only October holds! So, here is the Scoop on where to get some local fall décor, how to decorate with it, and some yummy locally made food for your October gatherings.

For local Oktoberfest-style food, check out the pierogies (potato-filled dumplings) from the Best Dang Bakery (9539 Georgia Hwy. 92, Suite 180, Woodstock). Also, Frankfurt Döner and Meats (250 Gilmer Ferry Road, Ball Ground) is famous for its brats, sausages and German-style potato salad. Of course, no Oktoberfest meal is complete without beer, which luckily is locally brewed at Woodstock’s

Reformation Brewery (500 Arnold Mill Way, Suite A, Woodstock). Enjoy the brewery’s seasonal flavors, such

Frankfurt Döner and Meats

as Autumn Plenty, served in the Keeping

Decorating your mantle or front door is fun this time of year, as you can gather acorns, leaves and

This creative Pumpkins,

Room. Also, Hop Alley Brew Pub (25 S.

Apples, & Hayrides sign

Main St., Alpharetta) has a pumpkin beer on

made by Cindy at MeuCow

pine cones to fill in with the pumpkins, burlap,

Creations is the perfect

and scented candles. Pick one statement piece

unique décor for your

and fill in around it. We have used an initialized pumpkin and a football-themed pumpkin to set the

home. It is available in many styles at Facebook.

tone of our mantle or front door entrance. We love

com/MeuCowCreations.

these locally made Halloween wreaths by Sassy

Email Cindy at MeuCow@

Sisters at Woodstock Market. Email Kerri at

Windstream.net.

KSacklyn@yahoo.com for more information.

It is easy to go from harvest to Halloween by adding in a few cobwebs and darker colors that instantly change the look and mood of your décor. Take time to write a “spell” on your chalkboard, such as “Eye of Newt and Toe of Frog” for dinner. You can keep it simple with a homemade scarecrow and a pumpkin from the local farm, or go all out with purple lights and cackling witch laughter. Have some friends over for a pumpkin-carving contest to show off your décor. We know this month is a busy one and hope you have a howl of a good time! Visit ScoopOTP.com for the latest Scoop around town.

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 | OCTOBER 2014

tap ready for you to enjoy.

Community Feature WHS Senior Selected Student Advisor to School Board The Cherokee County School Board has included a student advisor position since 1999, as well as a student delegate from each high school in the last five years. The student delegates serve for one year, contributing valuable feedback to the school board. The advisor role is rotated among the county’s high schools. The 2014-15 student delegates to the Cherokee County School Board took office at the board’s first meeting of the new school year. Parth Patel, a senior at Woodstock High School, was selected student advisor. The student delegates are: Richard “Alex” Fulbright, ACE Academy; Kathryn Huller, Cherokee High School; Calli Ruschmeyer, Creekview High School; Rushay Amarath-Madav, Etowah High School; Molly Herring, River Ridge High School; and Isabelle Riddle, Sequoyah High School. “These are among our school district’s most impressive students, and we appreciate their willingness to serve in order to provide a student’s perspective to the school board,” said Superintendent of Schools Frank R. Petruzielo. “The students selected Parth Patel for these positions already are outstanding student leaders, and through this new role they will gain greater experience and insight that will serve them well as they pursue higher education, careers and, we hope, important leadership roles in their communities and our nation.”

Congratulations to our September “7 Differences” winner, Dave Lofstrom!

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Community Feature Students Get Personal Lesson on Diabetes The parents of a kindergarten student at Mountain Road Elementary School visited the school recently to educate students about diabetes. Chris and Kerry Kiser’s son, Canon, has juvenile diabetes and uses an insulin pump while at school. A first-grader at the school with Type 1 diabetes attended the program. “Lenny The Lion” shared with the students what a person with Type 1 diabetes does to take care of himself/herself, and how friends can help — including knowing the signs for high and low blood sugar. Canon’s father works for Medtronics, which designs technology relative to Type 1 diabetes and other diseases. “Their goal is to educate all who are involved in Canon’s life and the lives of others with Type 1 diabetes,” said Principal Jennifer Landry. “The presentation was light-hearted, and the kids had fun and learned something, too!”

Parents Chris and Kerry Kiser, along with Lenny the Lion, talk to students about Type 1 diabetes.

Woodstock Family Life | OCTOBER 2014

Compliments are Free, but Measure Big Most of us can relate to having a bad experience at some point with either customer service or in the quality of a particular product or service we purchased. Most of us have even called, emailed or shared via social networking to complain about a bad experience. But, ask yourself this: When was the last time you called to compliment a company or employee about excellent customer service or your satisfaction with the product you purchased? While we’re usually quick to complain, we aren’t always quick to compliment. But, we should be. Imagine how happy your own boss or employer would be to receive a call from a satisfied customer, complimenting you on a job well done.

By Nick Roper

Compliments help build self-confidence, making us better employees and more aware of just how valuable good customer service is. Our peers may take notice, too, and improve their own level of service. I would like to leave you with one last thought: Compliments are free. It takes only a few minutes to compliment someone on a good job, but it could have a long-lasting impact on that person. Recently, while at a restaurant in Canton, a complete stranger came up to me and asked if I wrote a column for this magazine. He said that he enjoyed reading my articles, even though he has no ties to electrical work. His compliment meant a lot to me. I’m sure we all would appreciate a compliment like that from time to time!

The next time you experience good customer service from a helpful and friendly associate, or are especially pleased with a product or service you purchased, take time to compliment the employee or company.

Nick Roper is manager of business development for H&H Electric and Security LLC. 770-735-1136, MyAtlantaElectrician.net

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Community Feature

Fire Prevention Week Reminds Families to Play it Safe Does your family have a fire safety plan? October 5-11 is Fire Prevention Week, and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA.org) offers a variety of resources to educate you about safety precautions for prevention or in the case of fire. One simple step to help keep your home and family safe is to install a smoke alarm in every room. Test each smoke alarm once a month to ensure it is working properly. A working smoke alarm could be your family’s only warning signal of smoke or fire. NFPA also advises families to practice exit drills during the day and night. Designate a central place outside where your family will meet. Take a tour of every room in your home and determine if each one is fire-safe. Check the condition of electrical and extension cords, for flammable items near heat sources, and where candles are being used. Also, unplug electronic devices not in use. Look for anything that could be a source of fire ignition. Sparky.org includes a fire-safety checklist for the home, as well as games and activities to help educate kids about fire safety. In addition, keep an ABC-rated fire extinguisher handy in the kitchen and garage. Remember “PASS” — pull, aim, squeeze and sweep — to help you use the extinguisher safely and effectively. Store all flammable liquids, chemicals, and cleaners outside of the home as an extra precaution against fire. Taking time to provide your family with extra measures necessary to remain fire-safe is a smart investment. For additional information on fire-safety education, contact Woodstock Fire Dept. at (770) 926-2302. In a fire emergency, call 911. — Carolyn Ann Larkin, Cherokee County’s First Lady Firefighter

Local Student Places Third in International Art Contest

Send Us Your

Community News Please submit your entries to michelle@familylifepublications.com to be feature in an upcoming issue!

Woodstock Family Life | OCTOBER 2014

Ryan Swiger, a student at Woodstock High School, placed third in the 2014 International Kepler Art of Discovery Contest for student graphic artists. Contestants submitted their artwork based on designing and creating graphic images that display future planets that have not been discovered. The annual international competition began in 2009 and receives thousands of entries from around the world. Winners are selected by a distinguished panel of judges, and the award is considered a great accomplishment for a student nonprofessional graphic artist.

At Hill & Hill Financial, LLC, we view helping our clients protect their assets as more than a responsibility; we view it as a mission. Therefore, we strive to provide quality service that may surpass what is offered at most financial institutions. Morgan D. Hill, President and Owner of Hill & Hill Financial, LLC, has been a resident of Woodstock for more than 20 years and has served clients for more than 14 years. What distinguishes Hill & Hill Financial, LLC from other similar firms is the way we care about our clients and our disciplined approach to planning. This approach allows us to adapt to each clientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unique circumstances and goals. We help our clients achieve their financial objectives by developing a comprehensive, personalized plan and by working closely with them to

monitor that plan over time. At Hill & Hill, our staff is local, accessible, and committed to being there through every step of the process and beyond! Morgan provides a one-hour thorough consultation to those seeking advice. The consultation includes an investment review, longterm care strategic needs assessment, social security benefits review, and a comprehensive discussion of all the aspects of retirement planning that affect income and stability in the years it is most needed. Morgan is an Investment Advisor Representative, a Licensed Insurance Agent, a Certified Estate and Trust Specialist, and a Certified Tax Specialist.

in the

limelight

To learn more, give us a call or join us on Wednesday, November 5th or Thursday, November 6th at 6:30 pm at The Hilton Garden Inn at 895 Cobb Place Blvd., Kennesaw, GA 30144 for our informative workshop: Smarter Social Security and Retirement Income Planning. Dinner will be served after the event at 7:30 pm. Call 800-887-9647 to make your reservation no later than Monday, November 3rd.

Hill & Hill Financial, LLC is located at 406 Creekstone Ridge, Woodstock. 770-672-0402, hillandhillfinancial.com Investment advisory services offered through Brookstone Capital Management LLC (BCM), a registered investment advisor. Hill & Hill and BCM are independent of each other.

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Hand Fractures By Jose Baez, M.D.

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

Pain; Swelling; Stiffness; Decreased use of the hand.

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

How are hand fractures treated? A hand specialist will perform a medical evaluation and take an X-ray to determine if your hand is fractured. Depending on the type of fracture, he will recommend one of several treatment methods. If the fracture is not displaced, the hand specialist may use a splint or cast. This also protects a fracture that has been set.

In some cases, a displaced fracture needs to be set and then held in place with wires or pins without making an incision (closed reduction and internal fixation). Other fractures may need surgery to set the bone (open reduction). Once the bone fragments are set, they are held together with pins, plates, or screws. If the fracture disrupts the joint surface (articular fracture), it usually needs to be set more precisely to restore the joint surface as smooth as possible. If a bone is missing or so severely crushed that it cannot be repaired, it may require a bone graft. This procedure involves taking bone from another part of the body to provide more stability. Once the fracture has enough stability, motion exercises may be started to try to avoid stiffness. The hand specialist will determine when the fracture is sufficiently stable.

What results can you expect? Perfect alignment of the bone on X-ray is not always necessary. You may develop a

bony lump at the fracture site as the bone heals. This is known as a “fracture callus,” which functions as a “spot weld.” This is a normal healing process, and the lump should get smaller over time. Problems with fracture healing include: • • • •

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

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

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

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Senator Speaks

Education in Cherokee:

Where We Stand By Senator Brandon Beach

n recent years, the Cherokee County School District (CCSD) has sustained a quality of education that is to be envied by the rest of the state. By offering a wide variety of education paths combined with hard-working, passionate teachers, Cherokee County is excelling in providing students with the necessary resources for success. As our state faces education funding challenges, CCSD provides an environment for students worry-free of cost. CCSD has the second-lowest administrative cost per student in metro Atlanta and 65 percent of the operating budget goes directly into the classroom. Thirty-two percent of CCSD students live in or near poverty levels that qualify them for free or reduced-price lunch; that’s nearly one in three! Despite economic challenges, CCSD students still outperform state and national averages on all standardized tests.

Woodstock Family Life | OCTOBER 2014

CCSD is one of only three school systems in Georgia to earn a spot on the 2014 Fourth Annual Advanced Placement (AP) District Honor Roll, a national list of 477 school systems that have maintained or improved the rate of students passing the exams while also increasing student participation. In addition, 76 percent of CCSD students who took an AP exam in 2013 scored a 3, 4 or 5, compared to the national average of 57 percent and state average of 54 percent. The Class of 2013 scored an average SAT score of 1567 — the highest average in metro Atlanta and second-highest in the state. Cherokee students scored 69 points higher than the nation’s average and 115 points higher than our state average. Lastly, all CCSD high schools are ranked in the top 8 percent of statewide scores among 450 high schools. CCSD students attending college are prepared;

the latest state data shows that, of the students who graduated between 20072012 and went on to attend a state college or university (slightly more than 6,200 students), 88 percent did not need a single remedial class. I am so thankful to represent such a great district with great students, teachers and parents that continue to strive for the best every day. Please feel free to contact me at Brandon.Beach@Senate.Ga.gov or 404-463-1378.

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

Should Christians Celebrate

Halloween? October is an interesting month for me. Having grown up on a farm, I remember October as a time of harvest. It was a time of hard work, but also reaping the fruits of our hard work from the summer. And, of course, as a child, Halloween brought with it a time to dress up and get candy. But, many Christians struggle with the idea of celebrating Halloween. It does, after all, have its origins in paganism, right? I have struggled with this myself, as I feel it is by far the “darkest” holiday of the year. However, if we are honest, we can see that nearly every holiday we celebrate has its origins in a pagan celebration. Even Christmas once was a winter solstice holiday that Christians claimed for celebrating the birthday of Jesus.

By Crystal Bryant

So, if we participate in a pagan holiday, especially one as dark as Halloween, are we compromising our faith? Is it all just harmless fun for our kids? Or are we willingly participating in some dark, evil tradition that is really weakening our faith? I have friends who hold each perspective. I certainly don’t have all the answers when it comes to questions like this. All I can tell you is that as a Christian, mother and farmer, I have participated in Halloween in several ways. We take our children, usually dressed as their favorite superheroes, to knock on strangers’ door to beg for candy. We put up scarecrows and other harvest decorations, pumpkins and the occasional ghost. We enjoy the artistry

of God in the seasonal changes, and are thankful for the bountiful blessings we have. We look for God in everything and strive to include God in all of our activities, celebrations, and even the mundane. So, while I cannot answer the question, “Should Christians celebrate Halloween?” I believe that if we are seeking God in everything, then that is one thing we are doing right.

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

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COVER STORY

By Michelle Martin | Photos courtesy PhotoJack.net

As fall ushers in the

“The American Academy of Pediatrics

also to their parents and older siblings.

start of another flu

recommends the flu vaccine for most

As with any illness, the best line of

children beginning at 6 months of

defense against the flu is taking the

season, the doctors at

age,” says Dr. Jordana Heaven, one of

proper steps to prevention before it

the physicians for Woodstock Pediatric

becomes an epidemic.”

Woodstock Pediatric

Medicine. “To help prevent younger

Medicine urge parents

infants from being exposed to the flu,

Woodstock Pediatric Medicine has

it’s important for parents and older

provided comprehensive pediatric care

to vaccinate their

siblings to get the annual flu vaccine

to infants, children and adolescents in

as well. Our first approach to pediatric

Woodstock and surrounding Cherokee

children in an effort to

care at Woodstock Pediatric Medicine

County communities for more than 15

keep their family healthy.

is prevention, so we offer the flu vaccine

years. The entire medical team — Drs.

not only to our pediatric patients but

Maren Bear, Jordana Heaven, Adriana

Woodstock Family Life | OCTOBER 2014

Rzeznik and Frini Shah, along with Shannon Dobson, nurse practitioner — is boardcertified and members of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). In addition to flu vaccines, Woodstock Pediatric Medicine’s services include prenatal consultation; newborn care; annual well exams; sports physicals; treatment of acute illnesses, injuries, ADHD and behavioral issues; nutritional counseling; and immunizations recommended by the AAP. In most instances, same-day appointments are available. “We want to be accessible to

health, we take every opportunity to

our patients and their parents on a daily

educate parents on the proven safety of

basis, whatever their medical needs,”

immunizations and the critical role they

says Dr. Shah, noting that parents also

play in preventing illnesses that could

can call the 24/7 nurse hotline for after-

result in serious long-term issues — even

hours issues and emergencies.

death — for their children.”

Dr. Heaven describes Woodstock

Having served the Woodstock and

Pediatric Medicine as providing

Cherokee communities in the same

“patient-centered” care based on

location for more than 15 years,

current AAP guidelines. “We strive

Woodstock Pediatric Medicine offers a

to be a partner to our patients and

continuity of care that is vital to patients’

their parents. We like to think of

long-term overall wellness. “We believe a

ourselves as ‘tour guides,’ pointing

personal relationship with our patients,

out recommended care options that

built over time as their primary physician,

help parents make the best decision

gives us a better understanding of

for their children’s immediate medical

their complete medical history for a

needs and overall wellness.” Woodstock

more accurate diagnosis,” says Dr. Bear.

Pediatric Medicine also emphasizes the

“Seeing our patients year after year for

importance of immunizations in keeping

their annual well exam makes it easier

children healthy. “Many parents think

for us to notice those subtle differences

immunizations are no longer necessary

when they’re not feeling well. Plus,

because the diseases covered by

patients feel comfortable coming to us

certain immunizations are no longer at

and their parents can rest assured that

epidemic levels like they once were,”

their children will always receive the

says Dr. Rzeznik. “The reality is that there

same standard of quality, personal care

is no longer an epidemic due to the

from our doctors, nurses, assistants and

widespread practice of immunization

administrative staff.”

over the past 40 years. But, as more parents have moved away in recent

Dr. Rzeznik notes that the level of

years from immunizing their children

specialty care by the experienced

according to AAP recommendations,

pediatric physicians at Woodstock

we have personally seen an increase

Pediatric Medicine can’t be matched at

in whooping cough, measles and other

“minute clinics” or emergency medical

illnesses. As partners in their children’s

centers. “We are experts in pediatric

Woodstock Pediatric Medicine 2000 Professional Way, Woodstock

770-517-0250

WoodstockPeds.com 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday (Closed 12:00-1:00 p.m. for lunch)

Jordana Heaven, M.D. Special Interests: Adolescent Medicine, Diabetes, Thyroid, Growth Issues

Adriana Rzeznik, M.D. Special Interests: Nutrition, Healthy Eating

Frini Shah, M.D. Special Interests: Childhood Obesity

Maren Bear, M.D. Special Interests: Newborn Care, Breastfeeding, Asthma

Shannon Dobson, CPNP Special Interests: Newborn Care, Childhood Obesity WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

care. We have access to our patients’

Dobson runs in Children’s Healthcare

“It is a neat experience to relate on

entire medical history. We know which

of Atlanta’s annual 5K race. Kelly

a different level,” says Dr. Heaven. “For

medications work for them and which

Marulanda, office manager, and Dr.

many children, Camp Kudzu is their first

ones don’t,” she says. “We take same-

Rzeznik traveled to Peru recently as part

overnight experience away from home.

day appointments, including Saturdays,

of a children’s missions project with a

It’s rewarding for me to play a part in

and are on call for after-hours

local church. “It was such a rewarding

helping them become more independent

emergencies. Woodstock Pediatric

and humbling experience,” Marulanda

and build valuable life skills that they

Medicine is the complete, around-the-

says. “The children we ministered to there

can’t learn in the medical office, and

clock pediatric care provider.”

had never seen a physician or even

then build on that new relationship

a photograph of themselves. After our

throughout their pediatric care.”

Parents have trusted Woodstock

experience with the Peru mission, we

Pediatric Medicine for their children’s

want to expand our involvement into

Relationships are at the heart of the

healthcare for generations. Many

other areas in the future.”

personal care provided by everyone at

former patients are now parents

Woodstock Pediatric Medicine. “We are

themselves and, as Dobson explains,

Dr. Heaven has volunteered with Camp

a tight-knit group, like family — this is our

chose Woodstock Pediatric Medicine

Kudzu, a sleep-away camp for children

home away from home,” explains Dr.

for their own children’s pediatric care

with Type 1 diabetes, in Cleveland,

Bear. “We enjoy what we do, and that

based on the trust and relationship

Ga., for the past 15 years. Some camp

reflects in the type

they experienced firsthand when

participants are also patients of

of care that we offer

they were children. “We also have

Woodstock Pediatric Medicine.

to our patients.”

several sibling groups who bring all of their children here. Those extended relationships give us a more complete picture of their family medical history, which allows us to care for them on a different level,” she says. To give back to the community for its support over the years, the medical team and administrative staff at Woodstock Pediatric Medicine participate in a variety of outreach efforts. They try to support patients’ causes as much as possible, especially programs that help raise funds for medical research; collect school supplies for Children’s Restoration

• • • • • • • • • • • •

Network’s annual back-to-school backpack giveaway for children in need; and work with local schools and organizations to “adopt” families

•

at Christmas. In addition, Dr. Shah participates in a three-day walk for

•

Board-Certified Pediatricians Members of the American Academy of Pediatrics Newborns–Age 21 Annual Well Exams Sports Physicals Immunizations Flu Vaccines ADHD Care Online Parent Resources Saturday Sick Appointments 24/7 Nurse Helpline Affiliated with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Northside Hospital Most Insurances Accepted & Filed Flexible Payment Options

breast cancer each October, and

to be a partner to our patients and their parents. We like to think of ourselves “Weasstrive ‘tour guides,’ pointing out recommended care options that help parents make the best decision for their children’s immediate medical needs and overall wellness.” — Dr. Heaven 26

Woodstock Family Life | OCTOBER 2014

violence, educate stakeholders, and hold batterers accountable so that victims and our community are safe. CFVC also offers regional transportation assistance for clients, parenting support through the Positive Parenting Program, and direct legal assistance to victims who need help with civil legal issues. Support groups, individual advocacy and counseling for survivors are also offered.

Community Partners by niki lemeshka, legal advocate

or nearly 30 years, Cherokee Family Violence Center (CFVC) has provided safety, support and shelter for victims of domestic violence and their children. Now a top-notch agency that receives national and state accolades, CFVC started after a committee of Canton First United Methodist Church identified a need for victim services within our growing community. CFVC has been taking crisis calls since 1987, when its first 24-hour hotline became operational and the agency first offered shelter services for families. Now, CFVC staff and volunteers helm not only around-the-clock local Spanish and English crisis hotlines but also Georgia’s Spanish Language Domestic Violence Hotline, which launched in July. Last year, CFVC received 1,310 local hotline calls and provided shelter for 87 victims and their children.

Corp. to build a $6.8 million, 72unit Transitional Housing apartment complex. Families began moving into the development, Hearthstone Landing, in January 2005. Previously winning the Magnolia Award for Special Achievement in Affordable Housing, the income-based apartment complex is home to 70 women and 125 children. It is the only project of its type in Georgia and one of the largest in the United States. CFVC in 2011 became the only domestic violence program in Georgia to receive accreditation by the U.S. Board of Immigration and Appeals to directly assist immigrant victims of domestic violence with immigration appeals and protections. This accompanied a comprehensive array of services in line with CFVC’s goals to meet the needs of victims of domestic

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and a great opportunity for you to get involved with CFVC. There are many volunteer opportunities for individuals and groups, and you can also invite a speaker from CFVC to share the agency’s mission and message at your club, organization or church meeting. CFVC will host its inaugural “Galloping Against Violence” fundraiser October 5 at the Polo Fields of Chukkar Farms in Alpharetta. Attendees will not only be supporting a worthy cause but also enjoy wonderful food and libations, watch an afternoon of polo in their Sunday best, and join in on the traditional “stomping of the divots!” Tickets are available at EventBrite.com. The community is also invited to participate in CFVC’s annual Candlelight Vigil, 7:00 p.m., October 28, at The Park at City Center in Woodstock.

In 1994, advocates began offering assistance in filing emergency Temporary Protective Orders (TPO) out of the agency’s outreach office. CFVC’s team of specially trained Legal Advocates continues to offer this vital service, filing 78 percent of the TPOs issued in Cherokee County last year alone. In 2003, CFVC grew by leaps and bounds — introducing a Multicultural Program designed to meet the needs of Cherokee’s growing Latino community and partnering with NuRock Development

Woodstock Family Life | OCTOBER 2014

Cherokee Family Violence Center

770-479-1804 ~ CFVC.org 24-Hour Statewide Hotline: 800-33-HAVEN

in the

limelight

Mountain Lakes Insurance The Benefits of an Independent Insurance Agency Mountain Lakes Insurance is an Independent Insurance Agency located in Downtown Woodstock, operated by experienced agency owners Jeff Nevison, Erv Dykstra and licensed staff members Reid Miegel and Mallory McLane. Mountain Lakes Insurance represents many different companies and provides products and services for most personal, business, life and health insurance needs. The owners and staff of Mountain Lakes Insurance are active in the community and their churches, and are members of Independent Insurance Agents of Georgia, Trusted Choice, and other industry and business associations.

Jeff and Erv opened Mountain Lakes Insurance in 2009 with a mission to operate an insurance agency built on Christian principals and the ability to provide choices to customers. After spending many years as “captive” insurance agents limited to representing only one company, they made the decision to exercise their independence and open Mountain Lakes Insurance as an Independent Insurance Agency. The benefits of being an independent insurance agency can be summed up in one word: CHOICES. The agents at Mountain Lakes Insurance have the ability to listen to their customers, consider what best meets their customers’ needs, shop multiple companies and then offer choices for customers to consider. Being independent allows them to focus most on what customers need, without restriction or obligation to just one company. No one company is right for everyone, which is why they believe that choices matter.

Mountain Lakes Insurance represents companies that have some of the best ratings and reputations in the industry, including Travelers, Hartford, Progressive, Auto-Owners, ASI, Encompass, Grange, Hagerty, Safeco and others. All of their companies have “A” or better financial ratings and all maintain high service ratings, especially for claims. By representing a variety of highly rated companies, Mountain Lakes Insurance can offer choices regardless of customers’ personal, business, life or health insurance needs. Jeff and Erv believe that customers benefit from choices, that offering choices makes them better agents and choices make Mountain Lakes Insurance the right choice for customers. Mountain Lakes Insurance, 8744 Main St., Suite 301, Woodstock. 770-926-9444, MountainLakesInsurance.com

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Book Review by catherine groves

‘The Best of Me’ A story of the power of a first love In Nicholas Sparks’ 2011 novel, “The Best of Me,” we meet Amanda Collier and Dawson Cole, and are carried along their emotional journey as they spend 25 years apart. As teens, they fell in love, thus exposing the complexities of two classes of people trying to hold on to young, desperate love. Amanda’s convictions held strong, willing to turn her back on college, her parents, and anyone or anything that stood in her way of being with Dawson. Dawson’s love ran perhaps even deeper; he wouldn’t let her choose him. Twenty-five years later, Amanda and Dawson return home to North Carolina after being summoned by the deathbed wish of their mutual friend and mentor. Both Dawson and Amanda are faced with the realization that the love they had all of those years ago remains as strong as it was in the beginning. Amanda must confront the realities of her tumultuous present-day world: an alcoholic husband, raging grief after the death of her child, and her mother, whose approval she still seeks. And, upon seeing Amanda again, Dawson confirms the truth he has known all of these years…his love for her hasn’t faded over time. Neither Dawson nor Amanda has lived the kind of life they had imagined they would; instead, they have spent the past 25 years apart, filled with regret for how things ended between them so long ago. In true Sparks fashion, Dawson and Amanda must face their fears, meet the past head on, and make challenging choices of the heart. “The Best of Me” demands an entry way for emotions and leaves readers with a thought-provoking ending. “The Best of Me” can be purchased at most major bookstores and in e-Reader versions for Kindle and Nook. It has been adapted into a motion picture, coming to theatres nationwide this fall.

Catherine Groves has lived in Georgia for 15 years and has lived in the South for considerably longer. An avid book collector (owning more than 5,000 books) and just as avid of a reader, she (as her children have said) “lives and breathes her books.” Catherine studied psychology, is working on an English degree, and is writing her first novel.

Woodstock Family Life | OCTOBER 2014

Dental Neglect in Children By Vishant Nath, D.M.D. Finding out that your child needs dental treatment is not the best news that you could receive. The steps that you take after getting the news are very important and could impact your child’s overall health. It is the parents’ or guardians’ responsibility to act upon their child’s diagnosis for dental treatment. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry defines dental neglect as “the willful failure of parent or guardian to seek and follow through with treatment necessary to ensure a level of oral health essential for adequate function and freedom from pain and infection.” Delaying dental treatment could make things much worse — leading to pain,

discomfort, and sometimes more extensive treatment. Dental infections could even affect eating, speaking and resting. As a parent, it is your responsibility to act upon such a diagnosis. If you are not convinced that your child needs the prescribed treatment, be sure to meet with the dentist and ask lots of questions so that you can be familiarized with what needs to be done. If you are still unsure, act quickly to get a second opinion. Do what is necessary to become comfortable and accepting of the course of action. Remember that time is of the essence. If you wait too long to get the second opinion, your child’s tooth condition may worsen, which could alter the treatment that is needed. Once you have decided on a course of action, schedule the work to be done in a timely manner. Be sure to speak to the

dentist after the procedure so that you are made aware of any specific hygiene instructions that might be needed to ensure the integrity of the dental treatment. The bottom line is that as a parent, it is beneficial to your child that you follow up quickly when the need for dental treatment arises. That is the best way to minimize pain and discomfort and to get your child looking and feeling his/her best again!

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

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Tasteof by Laura Stanley

1 pound lean ground beef

1 cup chicken broth

1 cup onions, chopped

2 cups Mozzarella cheese, shredded

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

1 teaspoon pepper Pinch of salt 32-ounce can of meatless sauce 16-ounce package ziti pasta, cooked and drained

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large skillet, heat oil and cook onions for 8 minutes. Add beef and cook until no longer pink (drain excess fat). Stir in sauce, chicken broth, pepper and salt. Stir 1 cup of sauce into the cooked ziti pasta. Place half of the ziti into a 13x9-inch baking dish. Place half cup of Mozzarella cheese and half cup of Parmesan cheese. Top with the rest of the sauce. Top with the rest of the pasta. Cover and bake for 20 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Cook until golden brown.

Recipe is from the “Gatherings & Traditions Cookbook,” produced by the Service League of Cherokee County. The Service League of Cherokee County has been working to meet the needs of the children of Cherokee County since 1935. In addition to the cookbook, the organization’s fundraising efforts include the annual Riverfest Arts and Crafts Festival; “Run for the Children” 5K Walk/1-mile Fun Run; and Annual Ball, featuring the “Dancing for the Children” competition.” ServiceLeague.net

Woodstock Family Life | OCTOBER 2014

Dryness can be influenced by contact lens wear, autoimmune conditions, medications, computer use, and changes in our bodies that occur with age. Depending on the severity of symptoms, treatment may be difficult for some patients.

Dry Eye Syndrome By John Barker, O.D.

Have you ever experienced blurred vision or tearing of your eyes after reading or working? Do your eyes feel scratchy or gritty off and on throughout the day? Are your eyes often red? Do you ever feel like you just want to close your eyes even though you are well rested? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may have Dry Eye Syndrome.

The treatment of Dry Eye Syndrome can be difficult because our tear film is actually a complex mixture of water, oil, and mucous that not only lubricates the front of the eye but also provides a smooth surface so light can be focused clearly on the retina. The tear film also has components that help prevent eye infections. Whenever any component of the tear film is out of balance, it affects our eye health. As the surface of the cornea becomes dryer, the skin cells on the surface die and the surface becomes rough. These skin cells, which are called the corneal epithelium, are the outer protective layer of the cornea. Any insult to the corneal epithelium can cause a foreign body sensation and can provide an opportunity for an eye infection. Involuntary tearing may occur at this point

because our body thinks we have something in our eyes and is trying to flush it out. Also, because the surface is rough, the light coming through the cornea becomes out of focus. For mild cases of dryness that are infrequent, over-the-counter artificial tears or lubricating drops may help relieve the symptoms. If the symptoms become more constant and chronic, a visit to your eye care professional is needed to find the cause of the dryness and the best treatment for the type of dryness a person is experiencing. Treatments may include oral supplements, medicated eye drops and mechanical means to preserve tear film volume.

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

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Mammograms:

The Key to Treating Breast Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in women in the United States. It is also the most successfully treated when found early. One of the most effective ways to find breast cancer before it has a chance to spread is with an annual mammogram. The American Cancer Society recommends this for women starting at 40 years of age. Some patients in their 40s feel they can safely wait another 10 years to start the annual screening. But, I urge them to start now. Although the average age of breast cancer patients is 60, one in six breast cancers occur in women in their 40s. Another startling figure is what would happen if a woman skipped her annual mammogram. Skipping a mammogram every other year would miss up to 30 percent of cancers. At that point, you’re no longer catching the cancer as early as you could have with the annual screening. In 1990, at the age of 50, my mother had her first mammogram. I’m grateful Mom didn’t wait longer, as the mammogram found stage 0 carcinoma insitu. The

Cancer Early

atypical cells hadn’t yet spread into the surrounding breast tissue. Her cancer was detected early, and that’s significant. She has been cancer-free for 24 years after removal and radiation therapy. I share this story with my patients in hopes they recognize the importance of early detection. Catching breast cancer early can mean life or death. For my family, it meant life. I have the privilege of enjoying both mundane moments and milestones with my mother, a breast cancer survivor. Mammograms aren’t the only option for helping discover breast cancer. Women in their 20s and 30s should have a clinical breast exam by a health professional every three years and can practice breast self-exams regularly. The goal is for women to know themselves and recognize and communicate changes with their physicians. Women in their 40s should also see a physician for a clinical breast exam, but on an annual basis. As women age and their breasts become less dense, their risk factors for breast cancer increase and mammograms help identify what may not be noticeable otherwise.

By Donna C. Haley, M.D.

Also, women who are considered high risk for breast cancer may need to discuss an annual MRI in addition to a mammogram. Risk factors can include a genetic disposition or a family history where a mother, sister or daughter has had breast cancer. While genetic predisposition can’t be helped, women can decrease lifestylerelated breast cancer risk factors by limiting alcohol to a drink a day, exercising and staying within a healthy weight. No matter what a woman’s risk level, anyone can get breast cancer. It’s important to note 85 percent of women who get breast cancer do not have a family member with the disease. Since we can’t know with certainty who will get breast cancer, it’s best to for women 40 and over to get annual mammograms with the goal of catching cancer early, when it’s most treatable.

*Note: The facts and figures for this article were provided by the American Cancer Society.

Woodstock Family Life | OCTOBER 2014

Dr. Donna C. Haley attends to patients at WellStar Family Medicine at Edgewater Hall in Canton. She earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia and medical degree from Emory University.

How to Use Slides

in Your Training Presentation By Arlene Dickerson Most people think that when they are putting together a training presentation they must put every word they plan to say on a slide. While this might make it easier for a trainer to remember a script, it is counterintuitive to giving a good presentation. Why? As soon as a slide goes up, people are more inclined to focus on the slide than the speaker.

Here are some tips to help you create slides that will get you more engagement, rather than less. 1. Only hit the highlights. Use your slides to sum up your points. Only show them once youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve made the point, not before. This lets students know what the most important elements of the training session are. 2. Use images. Images are a great way to both illustrate your point and give you a memory jog as to what you will discuss next. Screen shots are great images to include when you can. Just make sure the screen shot you use is focused on the area you are talking about and can be seen clearly from the back of the room. 3. Include references. If you plan to hand out your slides, include sources and references that students can use as a guide as needed.

4. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t use animations. There was a time when people thought putting animations in their presentations would make them more entertaining. In reality, they are more distracting. If you have a short video that further demonstrates what you are teaching, that is great. But a car zooming across the page or a character popping up in a random place takes attention away from the material you are teaching. One other point to consider as you create your slides: What if your presentation space has some kind of technical issue? Creating slides that supplement your presentation, rather than serve as the entire presentation, ensures that you have a useful training session even without the slides.

Arlene Dickerson is the co-owner/ director of Technical Resource Solutions. 678-928-9491, TechnicalRS.com

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By Michelle Martin

The crisp chill in the air, rich aroma of fresh-baked apple pie, and flurry of festivals and other activities remind us that fall is here. We’ve compiled a “ghostly guide” of farm attractions, haunted trails, pumpkin carvings, and local festivals to help your family have a “frightfully fun” time together this fall!

Oktoberfest at Tanglewood Farm October 1-31 Wednesday-Friday: 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Saturday-Sunday: 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Tanglewood Farm gets into the Halloween spirit by offering “night-mare“ pony rides, pickings from its pumpkin patch and miniature scares in its not-so-scary haunted barn throughout October. Visitors can pet and feed more than 100 miniature animals on the farm. Reservations are preferred for groups of 20 or more. 171 Tanglewood Drive, Canton. 770-667-MINI, TanglewoodFarmMiniatures.com

Big Springs Farms Weekends-October 26 Friday-Sunday: 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.

Big

Springs Farms

There’s plenty of fall fun at the farm, from wagon hayrides to animal adventures, inflatables and face painting, and a new corn maze! Admission and parking are free, but there is a charge for certain activities. Come out and meet Willie, the pet pig; donkeys Molly and Bubba; and chickens and goats. Choose from hundreds of pumpkins of all sizes — from “Wee Be Little,” around 1 pound, to “Big Max,” at 50-60 pounds! Prices vary by size. 2100 Sugar Pike Road, Woodstock. 678-899-3900, BigSpringsFarms.com

Zombie Fest

Oktoberfest First Friday October 3 Kick off the fall season at Canton’s First Friday. The “Oktoberfest” theme will feature beer, brats and Southern rock ’n’ roll! Cannon Park, Downtown Canton. 770-704-1500, Canton-Georgia.com

Zombie Fest October 3-4 Zombie Fest, presented by Cherokee FOCUS, returns this year with a new Fun Run & 5K race (6:00 p.m. registration, October 3, at Hobgood Park in Woodstock) and a new motorcycle ride (3:30 p.m. registration, October 4, from Kotic Kustoms in Woodstock). The Zombie Fest main event will begin

Woodstock Family Life | OCTOBER 2014

at 5:00 p.m., October 4, at Cannon Park in Canton and will feature Chandler Riggs from “The Walking Dead” as special guest host; a “Little Zombies” inflatable zone; zombie transformation stations; a “Left 4 Dead 2” tournament, zombie costume contest and “brain-eating” contest; food trucks, tents and other vendors; ghost tours in Canton’s old cemetery; and “Scooby Doo on Zombie Island” and “Night of the Living Dead” movies at the historic Canton Theatre. Admission is a $5 donation to benefit Cherokee FOCUS, Cherokee Youth Council, and the DrugFree Cherokee Initiative. Cannon Park, Downtown Canton. CherokeeZombieFest.com

City of Holly Springs’ Autumn Fest October 4, 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. There is something for everyone at the City of Holly Springs’ 11th annual Autumn Fest. Come out and enjoy shopping from local arts and crafts vendors; live music from Aspen Countryman and the Alligator Hat Band; kids’ inflatables and pumpkin painting; a pumpkin seed-spitting contest; and lots of yummy festival food! A free shuttle will run from Barrett Memorial Park to Holly Springs Elementary School. Barrett Memorial Park, 120 Park Lane, Holly Springs. 770-345-5536, HollySpringsGA.us/AutumnFest

Ghost Tales & Trails October 23-25, 6:30 p.m. Laugh and enjoy a creepy good time featuring stagings of Edgar Allen Poe’s spooky writings along the path at the Elm Street Event continued on page 38

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Green and outdoor stage. Written by Park Cofield and Jason Jenkins, and directed by Harmony Reid, “The Poe Project” is recommended for ages 8 and up. Tours leave every 20 minutes. Tickets are available in advance and at the door. Event Green at Elm Street Cultural Arts Village, 111 Elm St., Woodstock. 678-494-4251, ElmStreetArts.org

Canton Fall Festival October 25, 10:00 a.m.

KidsFest Autumn Fest

Bring the kids to Cannon Park for trick-or-treating with local merchants, a kids’ costume contest, games and activities, and the last Canton Farmers Market of the season. The Fall Festival also will feature the Main Street Inferno Chili Cook-Off, beginning at 12:00 p.m. Cannon Park, Downtown Canton. 770-704-1500, Canton-Georgia.com

KidsFest October 31, 3:00-7:00 p.m. Young ghouls and goblins will enjoy trick-or-treating and other family-friendly fall activities, including Tim the Magician; Adam the Juggler; DJ Ronnie; stringed apple and pumpkin bowling games; moonwalks; bobbing for apples; face painting; candy giveaways; food vendors; and much more! Trophies and prizes will be given for the scariest, funniest, cutest and best costumes. A movie in the park will start at 7:00 p.m. The Park at City Center, 101 Arnold Mill Road, Downtown Woodstock. 770-517-6788, WhatsUpWoodstock.com

Woodstock Family Life | OCTOBER 2014

Right Now, Right Place,

Right Tree By Lisa Ethridge, Master Gardener

An ancient Chinese proverb says, “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The next best time is now.” Lucky for us, October is the right time to plant a tree in the South. Planting now gives a tree the best chance to survive Georgia’s hot, dry summer during its first year of growth. Choosing the right place to plant is critical. Trees come in all sizes, but even the smaller trees take a good amount of space and should not be too close to the house or hang over the neighbor’s yard. Builders plant semi-mature trees to make a house attractive to potential buyers. They give little thought to rooflines, sidewalks, decks, fence lines or porches. In fact, they seem to specialize in planting trees under power lines, which guarantees that in less than a decade the poor trees will receive very bad haircuts courtesy of the power company. Planting trees under a power line is definitely wrong. When selecting a site, it’s important to think about viewing your tree. I have a huge, fully developed oak in my small front yard. Looking out my front window, I see a giant, brown tree trunk and the pine straw beneath — not much of a vista. The right way to decide on the site for a tree is to pinpoint the place in the yard where you can view the tree and enjoy the shape, blossoms, leaves, and bark all year. Envision it with under planting, birdfeeders, a bird bath, and some lawn furniture. Once you’ve selected the spot for a tree in your landscaping, it’s time to select a specimen — the tree you want to have as a focal point in your yard. These days it’s easier, thanks to Google Images. Type in “specimen trees” and study their sizes and shapes. When the field is narrowed, do some research on characteristics. Be sure the species is right for your area and the conditions in your yard. Call the extension office and ask a Master Gardener any questions about selecting the right tree.

Contact the Cherokee County UGA Extension office for gardening assistance. 770-721-7803, CAES.UGA.edu/Extension/Cherokee

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given Friday night are not all necessarily parents of football players, cheerleaders or band members. They include alumni, parents of former high school students, teachers, community members and parents of younger children.

CCSD Athletics Although I have lived in the South for the last 28 years, I was born and raised in the Midwest. I grew up being a fan of Big Ten sports, especially the University of Illinois football and basketball. I spent many happy times watching the Fighting Illini compete at Memorial Stadium or in Assembly Hall.

High school football games have become the gathering place for all the communities within Cherokee County. This is especially true with crosscounty rival games, such as SequoyahCherokee and Etowah-Woodstock. These teams are comprised of students who played Little League and recreational sports together, attend the same church and may live fairly close to one another. They may have even attended the same elementary school until a change in boundaries resulted in them lining up against each other on the gridiron.

One thing I very quickly learned after moving here is the passion for football at the high school level.The fans who fill our six high school stadiums on any

I am thrilled that the taxpayers of this county realize not only the importance of strong academics but also the importance of outstanding athletic

Win Big By Janet Read

Woodstock Family Life | OCTOBER 2014

facilities. Numerous students in this county receive college scholarships based on academic and athletic success. The Cherokee County School District prides itself on offering a well-rounded 21st Century education for every student in our district. Over the past several years, our Ed-SPLOST funds have helped to update our older facilities in order to be equitable throughout our county. This fall, our oldest high school facility, Cherokee HS, received updates to its field house, football stadium and softball field. If you are looking for something fun to do on Friday night, check out a high school football game.You might be surprised to see many of your neighbors there, too!

Janet Read is chair of the CCSD board. 770-516-1444, Janet.Read@Cherokee.K12.Ga.us

David McKean ArtistProfile

Turning Over a New Leaf By Heike Hellmann-Brown

Where does one discipline end and another begin? Is a drawing just the marking of lines and areas onto a surface, or can it cross the boundary and be considered a painting? For artist David McKean, a pencil used to be a tool of his trade. Born in France and raised in Texas, McKean studied architecture, but later switched to landscape design. “Since childhood I enjoyed the outdoors,” he says. “It just never occurred to me that I could use my drawing ability to produce a piece of art — much less one that reflects my love for nature.” McKean’s life changed dramatically when he found himself at one of the lowest points in his life. “A friend challenged me

to reproduce a painting we saw in an Art of the West magazine. The result amazed me. I never knew I possessed this artistic ability, and wondered why God sent me on this journey at a time when I expected it the least.”

inspires others, and in turn is inspired by them. “People begin to take note of what I do and start recognizing my style. In a world of oils, acrylics, and watercolors, I want to take colored pencil art to a place it has never been before!”

This blessing prompted McKean to hone his skills and use his talent to honor Christ. Inspired by the simple things in life, his favorite subjects are landscapes, wildlife and Western topics. In 2010, McKean had the opportunity to show his work to Larry Dyke, a fellow Texan and one of the nation’s greatest painters. “Larry Dyke looked at my pencil drawing for a long time. Then, he turned around and said, ‘I am asked to look at a lot of art, David, and yours is really good.’”

When he is not at his drawing board, McKean heads up the men’s ministry at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Hickory Flat, teaches Sunday School and Bible Study, and even cooks at fellowship events.

With this reassurance, McKean relocated to Ball Ground, determined to pursue an artistic career. In only a few years his talent has taken him far. Currently, McKean’s drawings are on display in the Georgia State Capitol, as well as in the Booth Western Art Museum. “I am honored to see my creations along with the works of renowned Western artists, such as Alfredo Rodriguez, Tim Cox, and Martin Grelle,” McKean says. “Admiring the work of other artists spurs me on. I am still a learner, constantly trying to improve.”

“My pursuit of art has been a God-given course for which I am very grateful and from which I have received many blessings,” he says. “I have come to know many wonderful people and have had many unexpected opportunities open up for me. In a way, my talent symbolizes forgiveness and shows that we don’t have to be held back by past decisions and setbacks.”

McKean cherishes how his art touches and

NewLeafInspirations.com 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.

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Harvest the

‘Field of Souls’ By Johnny M. Hunt

We are now well into the autumn season. What images come to your mind when you think of this season? Perhaps harvest time…delicious pumpkin and apple recipe combinations. Maybe you think of the transition from warmth to a vibrant, crisp chill in the air and the changing colors of the leaves. I tend to think of fun activities and events like festivals, hayrides, corn mazes, and dinners with family and friends. While it’s easy for many of us to get lost in the pleasance of this season of change, for some people autumn doesn’t naturally evoke such positive feelings. Fall is also the introduction to winter, and for some that same crisp chill in the air can elicit more melancholy than vibrancy. Many poets associate fall with grayer skies, a representation of the soul turning inward. The “happy days” of summer have faded, and for some people that means retreating into themselves. Keep those people in mind as we continue in this lovely season. As you take your children to the pumpkin patch or plan which yummy dish you’ll bring to a celebration, don’t forget to reach out to others. Don’t hesitate to call a lonely neighbor, lift up a friend going through a difficult time, or be a servant to someone who might not ask for favors outright. “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve…” (Mark 10:45). If you’re looking for an opportunity to help but don’t know where to start, First Baptist Woodstock participates in an event called LoveLoud every October. LoveLoud is a three-day mission trip (October 16-18) to our community. We anticipate that more than 3,000 people will serve in more than 100 different projects specifically developed to serve our community. We desire to serve the single mom, the widow, the orphan, and the impoverished. Our website has more information if you are interested in volunteering. The chorus of the great worship song “Field of Souls” comes to mind: “We work the field of souls, together you and I.” Let the Lord remind us of that in this time of harvest!

Johnny Hunt is senior pastor of First Baptist Church Woodstock. 770-926-4428, FBCW.org

Woodstock Family Life | OCTOBER 2014

Ribbon Cuttings

Thrive Chapel 400 Arnold Mill Road (River Ridge High School) Woodstock 770-652-0880 Churches

ERA Sunrise Realty 157 Reinhardt College Parkway, Suite 100 Canton 770-720-1515 Real Estate Agents & Brokers

BHI Outlet Inc. 6468 Highway 92, Suite 260 Acworth 678-402-5861 Retail Outlet Store

Cagle’s Family Farm – The Corn Maze 355 Stringer Road Canton 770-345-5591 Tourism

Thursday, November 6, 2014 7:00 a.m. Northside Hospital-Cherokee Conference Center Cherokee County Administration Building, 1130 Bluffs Parkway, Canton

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

Caring Senior Service of Atlanta Northwest 6341 Highway 92, Suite 202 Acworth 770-884-8200 In-Home Care Services, Senior Care

RSVP by 3:00 p.m. on November 4. Sponsored by: WellStar

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5 scallops ½ cup olive oil 2 teaspoons salt 2 teaspoons pepper 1 tablespoon raw chopped bacon 4 cups Swiss chard (cleaned and chopped)

Remove pan from heat and add 1 tablespoon butter. Cover pan and allow scallops to finish cooking off of the stove.

2 tablespoons butter 1 tablespoon chopped shallots 1 cup apple cider

Heat sauté pan on high heat with olive oil. Lightly season scallops on one side with salt and pepper. Carefully add scallops to the pan, seasoned side face-down. Stir scallops lightly to prevent sticking to the pan. Scallops should sear in about one minute; flip them over gently with tongs and cook for one minute.

In another sauté pan, turn the heat on medium and add 1 tablespoon of raw chopped bacon. Cook until bacon lightly browns, then add chopped Swiss chard. Cook down until greens are soft, then place on middle of plate.

Take remaining liquid in pan and add shallots, and sauté until onions are translucent. Deglaze pan with apple cider and cook down until liquid is reduced by half. Remove from heat and add 1 tablespoon butter. Stir until incorporated. Place scallops in a circle on Swiss chard and pour pan sauce around scallops.

Woodstock Family Life | OCTOBER 2014

Halloween Safety Tips

for Pets By Lorre LaMarca Halloween is a fun and festive time for the whole family! But, sometimes Halloween can turn into a nightmare for our pets. Here are some tips on how to keep your pet safe while still enjoying the festivities: 1. Keep your pet away from the front door. Anyone approaching

the front door can make your pet anxious and territorial, but the site of kids in costume can be especially upsetting. Find a room in the home where your pet can retreat during the big event. Give your pet plenty of exercise earlier in the day so it can rest through the festivities. Add a long-lasting chew treat and some music to help keep it occupied and relaxed during the festivities.

2. Secure leash, ID tags and

reflective collar. If you take

your pet Trick or Treating, use a leash device that is secure and has an adjustable tightening collar. A reflective or LED collar will offer additional safety in the dark. Also, make sure to attach an ID tag with your phone number to the collar.

3. Keep candles out of reach.

Keep your pet clear of any live candles in pumpkins and other decorative items. 4. Secure electrical cords. Pups will try to chew on any hanging electrical wires. Make sure all wires are out of reach from your pet, its water bowl or areas where water is likely to spill. 5. No treats for dogs. Keep Halloween candy out of reach from your pet. Chocolate is toxic and even lethal for some pets. Also, many candies contain Xylitol, an artificial sweetener that can be poisonous once it gets into your petâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bloodstream.

pet in a costume.

Make sure your pet is mentally and physically comfortable wearing a costume. Also, allow for proper breathing and open potty areas in the fabric. 7. Be prepared for an emergency.

Keep emergency numbers on hand. During and after the festivities, watch your pet for vomiting, diarrhea, excess water intake and other abnormal behavior. Many veterinary clinics see more emergency situations around Halloween than any other holiday.

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

6. Take care when outfitting your

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Upcoming Events Downtown Buzz October 31, 8:00 a.m. The Chambers at City Center 8534 Main St., Woodstock

Connect to Downtown Woodstock

re you digitally connected to Downtown Woodstock? If you have not made the connection yet, then you have no idea what you are missing. Do you spend a good bit of time on Facebook each day? If you are like most people, the answer is more than you would like to admit. But, many people are unaware that they can stay up to date with the latest news from Downtown Woodstock through Facebook. The official Facebook page for Downtown Woodstock can be found at Facebook.com/ MainStreetWoodstock. Currently, more than 10,000 people follow this page. Why is this page so popular? The answer is simple: It is a great source of information for what is happening in Downtown Woodstock. Through Main Street Woodstock’s Facebook page you can find the latest information on upcoming events in Downtown Woodstock, new stores or restaurants in the area, and current specials offered by the restaurants and stores in Downtown Woodstock. If you find yourself watching videos on YouTube for entertainment, then you need to make your way to YouTube.com/DowntownWoodstock. Yes, Downtown Woodstock has its very own YouTube channel! You can watch videos highlighting businesses in Downtown Woodstock, downtown 46

Woodstock Family Life | OCTOBER 2014

By Kyle Bennett events, and also special interest videos, such as Woodstock history. Pinterest is one of the fastest-growing social media outlets. If you’re a fan of Pinterest yourself, then you need to follow Downtown Woodstock at Pinterest.com/MSWoodstock. Check out our Pinterest boards on a variety of topics, including great food from Downtown Woodstock restaurants, wonderful fashion from downtown boutiques, Downtown Woodstock date night ideas, and wedding ideas in Downtown Woodstock. Smartphones are great for taking and uploading photos to Instagram, and Downtown Woodstock is a beautiful

area for local photography. Visit our Instagram page at Instagram.com/ DowntownWoodstock to see some of the photos that capture Downtown Woodstock’s natural beauty. It is hard to express how awesome Downtown Woodstock is in 140 characters or less, but we try to at Twitter.com/DTWoodstock. Our Twitter page is a great way to receive live updates about events in Downtown Woodstock. You can also stay connected to Downtown Woodstock via the Visit Woodstock app. This free app, available for Apple and Android devices, includes the wide variety of attractions, shopping, dining and recreational options in Downtown Woodstock, along with a calendar of events and map of each location. The app also includes special offers at downtown stores and restaurants that are available exclusively to individuals who download the app. To find the app, just search “Visit Woodstock” at the Apple or Google Play stores. Connect to Downtown Woodstock digitally today to be sure that you stay up to date with everything Downtown Woodstock has to offer!

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

in too many procedures. Treatment should be strategic and performed in moderation. A good facelift doesn’t change the face, but enhances it by correcting signs of aging.

Don’t Be Afraid to

Look in the Mirror By Drs. Musarra, Leake, Petrosky & Harkins Some celebrities give plastic surgery a bad reputation, especially when it comes to facelifts. People see “overdone” celebrities and assume that all facelift procedures create a drastic “wind-blown” look. But, this doesn’t have to be the case. Most people don’t notice well-done plastic surgery, because it’s subtle. Drastic changes look unnatural, as we’ve all seen

You are more likely to get naturallooking results if several factors are considered, including how your face has aged; identifying areas that are drooping; and determining where corrections can be made to restore a firm and realistic-looking appearance. In some instances, smaller corrections to specific areas may be recommended over broad improvements. It is also important to evaluate muscle laxity and how facial fat contributes to an aged look. Thorough analysis and skillful implementation should allow you to look like a younger version of yourself. If you’re hoping to refresh your face with a new look and get rid of wrinkles and sagging skin, there are a wide range of treatment options. The “liquid facelift,” which uses Botox and injectable facial

fillers, is a good alternative if you don’t want to undergo surgery and are looking for a non-invasive treatment. The “liquid facelift” is becoming more popular as more patients learn about it. Aging skin can be unattractive. Resurfacing procedures with lasers, chemical peels, and dermabrasion can take years off your appearance. Lighter treatments can polish the skin to a healthy glow. Whether you are considering a full or mini facelift, an eye lift or brow lift, it is important to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon who will listen carefully to your areas of concern. Facial plastic surgery can do more than just make you look younger and more vibrant — it can change how you feel about yourself, too!

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

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Advertiser Index Atlanta Hand Specialist

Bark Station

Big Springs Farms

CASA SuperHero Run

Dawn Sams, Realtor

Dive Georgia, LLC

Dr. Fixit Ph.D.

Drainage First

Elm Street Cultural Arts Village

Envision Medical Spa Fire Stone Wood Fired Pizza & Grill Goin’ Coastal

H&H Electric & Security, LLC

Hill & Hill Financial LLC

Jingle Bell Shop

JSL Tour of Homes

20 Inside Back

Kincaid Orthodontics

Landscape Matters

LGE Community Credit Union

Milan Eye Center

Mountain Lakes Insurance

Northside Cherokee Pediatrics

Northside Hospital Cherokee

Northside Hospital Sleep Disorders Center

Park Pediatric Dentistry of Woodstock

Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics

Plastic Surgery Center of the South

R & D Mechanical Services, Inc.

Rejoice Maids

Skin Cancer Specialists, P.C. & Aesthetic Center

Summit Financial Solutions

Technical Resource Solutions

WellStar Health Systems

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