August 2010 TowneLaker by Aroundabout Local Media, Inc.

All New

AUGUST 2010

AroundAbout — TowneLaker

August 2010

Featured Articles 14 Not My Kid

Volume 16, Issue 4

Third part in a series.

20 An Unexpected Path

Meet story-teller, author and photographer Margie Carroll.

How Old is Too Old for the Pediatrician?

Dr. Amy Hardin helps you answer this question.

66 Maria Flores attended the CNN Leadership Experience.

66 CNN Leadership Experience

50 & 51

On the Cover

Etowah Senior Maria Flores shares her summer experience.

68 Scuba Diving Scouts

Dining at its best in Cherokee County

Scouts spend a week exploring underwater in the Florida Keys.

68 Two local Venturing Crews spent a week scuba diving in the Florida Keys.

In Every Issue Around Towne. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Local Clubs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

Birthdays. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 & 18

Community Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

Sen. Chip Rogers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

70 It’s Time to . . . Make a difference in someone’s life

AroundAbout — TowneLaker is printed using soy-based inks and paper stocks that are at least 25% recycled. Our printer also recycles all paper and ink waste.

Our mission, as a Publisher, is to help build stronger communities through the content of our magazines and to help our customers grow their businesses by providing a conduit through which they can gain market recognition. 2

Product Recalls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Community Calendar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Dr. Litrel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Elected Officials. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 Classifieds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90 Real Deals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

School Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Community Coupons. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

Church Listings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 & 78

Advertisers Directory. . . . . . . . . . . . 94 & 95

Contributing Writers Don Akridge............................................... 22 Dr. Randy Beck........................................... 46 Julie Brennan.............................................. 20 Dr. Steven Bowser...................................... 55 Sonia Carruthers......................................... 56 Meaghan Cromer....................................... 48 Brooke Doss............................................... 72 Dr. Osborne D’Souza................................... 46 Jason Fleeman............................................ 67 Maria Flores............................................... 66 Dr. Scott Harden......................................... 40 Dr. Amy Hardin........................................... 58 David Heckelmoser..................................... 49 Shelley Herod............................................. 42 Alan Jordan................................................ 43 Joe Kafati.................................................... 40 AroundAbout — TowneLaker

Kara Kiefer.................................................. 48 Chris Leggett.............................................. 25 Joe Lemmo................................................. 70 Scott Lemmon............................................ 52 Rachael Letourneau.................................... 23 Dr. Mike Litrel............................................. 34 Payam Mahmoodzadeh.............................. 62 Colin Morris............................................... 36 Selvi Palaniappan....................................... 54 Paul Pugliese.............................................. 44 Rev. Bill Ratliff............................................ 80 Sen. Chip Rogers......................................... 24 Dr. Doug Thrasher...................................... 80 Dr. Steven Weiskopf.................................... 37 AUGUST 2010

Community Kara is the Editor of AroundAbout — Townelaker magazine. She lives in Towne Lake with her husband Mike and their two sons Brandon and Garrett. Feel free to send your comments or questions to editor@townelaker.com.

Around Towne The People, The Places and The Pleasures that make Towne Lake by Kara Kiefer Do you remember what the first day of school was like every year? I can’t speak for the male population, but for me it was all about the outfit. Yes, new school supplies were nice, and yes, I was excited about my new Barbie lunch box I wanted so badly. But most of my energies were spent on picking out the perfect attire, even in elementary school. I think the obsession came from the fact that I knew my picture would be taken, a tradition that most families start with Kindergarten and probably earlier. The above picture was my first day of Kindergarten in Madison, WI, circa 1960-something. No doubt, my bangs were freshly cut by my mother the night before. On your child’s first day of this school year, be sure to snap several photos and send them our way to include in our September issue. And if you want to send an old school picture of yourself, go for it! I’ll include it too!

What’s New?

My Corner Office will open a satellite office, My Corner Office Café, at the Cherokee Administration Building, 1130 Bluffs Parkway in Canton. The Café will serve lunch in addition to an assortment of coffee beverages, smoothies, bagels and pastries. For more information, please call (678) 493-5506. Real Street Customs recently opened in the Rope Mill Business Park, 221 Rope Mill Parkway, across the street from Home Depot on Sixes Road. The shop is a custom automotive shop specializing in all forms of automotive and marine modifications from the everyday to classics and exotics. For additional information, please e-mail SeanRSC@comcast.net. Have you seen our Real Deals and Community Clipper sections? Real Deals, located on page 92, references EVERY one of our advertisers, with page numbers, who is offering a deal or discount. The Community Clipper, located on page 93, contains coupon offers from a variety of advertisers. Check out both pages and start saving money today!

What’s Moved?

K-otic Kustoms has moved to the former location of Video Warehouse just south of the corner of Bells Ferry Road and Eagle Drive. For further information, please call (770) 529-7267 or visit www.kotickustoms.com. Dr. Osborne D’Souza recently opened the doors to his new practice, St. Jude’s Internal Medicine, located at 2230 Towne Lake Parkway, Building 800, Suite 120. For more information, please call (678) 324-7406. Dr. D’Souza welcomes all former patients and is accepting new ones. 4

What’s Open?

Dollar Tree recently opened for business in the Streetside at Towne Lake center at Bells Ferry Road and Eagle Drive. For more information, please call (770) 592-8107. J. Christopher’s in downtown Woodstock is now open, and serves breakfast and lunch daily, from 7 a.m. – 2 p.m. J. Christopher’s is located at 315 Chambers Street. For more information, please visit www.jchristophers.com.

What’s Coming?

The former location of Rosie’s Diner, in the Eagle Pointe shopping center on Eagle Drive, soon will have a new tenant, Towne Lake Diner. The restaurant’s owner described the new eatery as “Marietta Diner” style. He hopes to be open within the first two weeks of August.

What’s NOT Closed?

Last month, we reported that Monti’s Food Express would be closing its doors at the end of July. However, we were informed that Monti’s now has new owners and will NOT be closing. Monti’s Food Express is located 2340 Towne Lake Parkway.

What’s Closed?

We are sad to report the closing of two local businesses, Rocky’s Pizza and Hot Dogs, adjacent to WOW Fitness on Eagle Drive and Love Your Clothes drycleaners in the Kroger shopping plaza.

Contest Corner Congratulations to Kimberly Thomas (pictured here with her son Joshua). She was the first to find the hidden picture on page 60 of the July issue. She won a gift certificate to Chick-fil-A. Congratulations to Kim Pillsbury. She was the first to correctly answer the trivia question: “What countryrock group recorded a song in the 1980s called ‘Fireworks’?” The answer is Alabama. Kim also won a gift certificate to Chick-fil-A.

August Trivia question: August begins on the same day of the week as what month in a leap year?

Find the hidden picture:

If you know the answer to the trivia question or find the hidden picture, be the first to call (770) 615-3325 or e-mail editor@townelaker.com. Contest rules: A player is eligible to win once every 12 months.

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AUGUST 2010

AroundAbout — TowneLaker

Community

A Letter to Our Readers Publisher AroundAbout Community Magazines, Inc.

f you’ve lived any amount of time in Cherokee County, you know that nothing gets its residents more fired up than politics. We are very passionate about our beliefs and who we choose to represent us. At AroundAbout — TowneLaker, we’ve also learned that when we are in the middle of a campaign, and we feature a candidate on our cover, we will receive a lot of feedback, both positive and negative.

Owners Karen and Jon Flaig Executive Editor Kara Kiefer

I want to take this opportunity to address questions and comments regarding our covers, advertisements and Voters Guides.

Advertising Director Leslie Proctor

Our covers are paid advertisements, and have been since January 2002. In order to offer our publications free to our readers, we rely 100 percent on advertising dollars. Advertising on the cover is an excellent tool to reach the public, while providing the revenue we need. When we publish paid advertisements from candidates, that doesn’t mean we endorse their campaigns. The candidates are customers, the same as other advertisers in our magazine. We also were asked why certain candidates were not included in our Voters’ Guide. We send an e-mail to each candidate who qualifies for an election, with an invitation to participate in our Voters Guide. The candidates are given a link to an online questionnaire, the deadline, and contact information if there’s a problem with the questionnaire. In order to be fair and unbiased, the deadline for the candidates is a firm one — no exceptions. Candidates who miss the deadline will not appear in the Voters’ Guide. I want to take this opportunity to personally thank each and every one of our readers and advertisers. It’s truly a pleasure to bring you positive, relevant and entertaining content every month! Your continued support is appreciated, and your feedback is always welcomed!

Sales Manager Patty Ponder Regional Sales Manager Marie Gary Digital Marketing Director James Ball Art Director Michelle McCulloch College Intern Amanda Santiago AroundAbout — TowneLaker, a publication of AroundAbout Community Magazines, Inc., is a monthly community magazine. The magazine’s goal is to build a sense of community and pride in the Towne Lake area by providing its residents with positive stories and timely information. It is distributed free to approximately 13,000 homes by mail to all Towne Lakers. An additional 3,500 are placed in racks around the community. AroundAbout — TowneLaker welcomes your comments, stories, and advertisements. The deadline is the 10th of the previous month. Subscriptions are available for $24 per year. Send check or money order to the address below.

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Volume 16, Issue 4 AUGUST 2010

AUGUST 2010

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Community

Local News Volunteers Needed for Seniors The Woodstock Nursing and Rehabilitation Center is looking for volunteers to work with seniors. The available hours are anytime, Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and one hour monthly at 7:30 p.m. on alternating Thursday evenings. For more information, please call June at (770) 926-0016.

Miss Cherokee Rose Contestants Shine at Miss Georgia Miss Cherokee Rose Michaela Lackey (left) and Miss Cherokee Rose Outstanding Teen Brooke Doss (right) recently competed in the Miss Georgia Pageant. Michaela finished as fourth runner up and was named Miss Congeniality. She is a dance major at the University of North Carolina. Brooke was named in the top 15 and is a regular contributor to AroundAbout — TowneLaker.

Volunteers Honored Next Step Ministries recently held a volunteer appreciation dinner to honor the volunteers who help provide services for special needs clients in the Saturday Respite Program and the Therapeutic Day Care Program. Volunteers have donated more than 500 hours this past year! For information on volunteer opportunities, please call Lori Baker at (770) 592-1227 or visit www.nextstepministries.net.

Publix Manager Receives Multiple Kudos Walt Leonard (right), the former store manager of the Rose Creek Publix, recently received well-deserved recognition. The Food Marketing Institute (FMI) announced nine finalists in the 11th annual Store Manager Awards, Leonard being one of the chosen. “This important award recognizes those truly outstanding leaders who train and mentor their associates, are actively involved in their communities and are connected to their customers,” said Leslie G. Sarasin, FMI president and chief executive officer. The finalists were selected based on their ability to develop programs that created positive growth and customer satisfaction in their stores during the past 12 to 18 months. Leonard also received the George W. Jenkins award, the most prestigious award store managers can receive. The award is given to those who exemplify proven merchandising ability, leadership and teambuilding skills, training and promotion of others, participation in continuous improvement and community involvement. Leonard has been with Publix since 1979 and currently manages a store in Smyrna. Congratulations!

Gas South Customers Can Save at Stone Mountain As the official natural gas provider to Stone Mountain, Gas South is offering its customers discounts at Stone Mountain Park. Customers can receive a $3 discount on adult and child Adventure Pass tickets as well as register to win a family getaway that includes a one-night stay at Stone Mountain Evergreen Marriott Resort and four Adventure passes. For more information, please visit www.gas-south.com/offers.

TLAC Receives Coveted Grant

Left to right: Erin Rose, Katherine Baker, Alex DaPonte, Sarah Hilburn, Kathy Ledesma, Stephanie Mautz and Courey Frush.

The Towne Lake Arts Center (TLAC) is one of 75 not-for-profits to receive a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. The grant will be used to host the Big Read in Cherokee County in 2011. The Big Read gives communities the opportunity to come together to read, discuss, and celebrate one of 31 selections from U.S. and world literature. The selected organizations will receive Big Read grants ranging from $2,500 to $20,000 to promote and carry out community-based reading programs featuring activities such as read-a-thons, book discussions, continued on page 10

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AUGUST 2010

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Community

Local News continued from page 8

lectures, movie screenings, and performing arts events. Participating communities also receive high-quality, free-ofcharge educational materials to supplement each title, including reader’s, teacher’s and audio guides. For more information about The Big Read, please visit www.neabigread.org.

Workin’ Fire Pizza Blazing in Contest Kendra Chapman (right), a volunteer firefighter with Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services, is one of three finalists in the Papa John’s Specialty Pizza Contest. Chapman learned about the contest on Facebook and later entered her creation called “The Workin’ Fire” pizza which contains Parmesan/Romano Cheese, Jalapeno Peppers, Pepperoni and Spicy Italian Sausage. Food Network star Ted Allen and Rich Eisen of the NFL Network participated in the ultimate taste test helping narrowing down a field of more than 12,000 entries to just three lucky finalists. Kendra’s pizza was one of three pizzas that received the highest marks based on appearance, aroma, taste and overall appeal. The three pizzas will be featured on the Papa John’s menu August 2 – 29 and their creators will each receive a $1,000 marketing budget to help promote their pizza. The highest-selling pizza will be declared the winner – and its creator will receive a “slice” of the sales (up to $10,000), free Papa John’s pizza for life, and the opportunity to appear in a “Papa’s In The House” TV commercial.

Homecoming Dress Consignment Sale As anyone who has ever purchased a dress for Homecoming, they are not cheap, and usually, they are only worn once. The Etowah High School cheerleaders have come up with a unique solution — a “Vintage” Homecoming Dress and Accessories Consignment Sale on August 21 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. The sale also is a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. The dresses will be priced at $25, $50, $75 and $100, cash only. For more information, email Colleen Crumpton at colleen@ myrosemarybeach.com.

Golf Tourney Supports Local Charities Fore the Children, an annual golf tournament, recently was played with more than 200 golfers. The tournament was created to benefit the Malon D. Mimms Boys & Girls Club and the YMCA in Cherokee County. Children need programs that teach and instill values,” said Jim Haslam of HMS Golf, one of the host sponsors. “The Boys & Girls Club and the YMCA are two premier organizations that serve and truly care about our children in this county.” KIA Motors was the generous title sponsor with BridgeMill Athletic Club, HMS Golf, Northside Hospital-Cherokee, Cherokee Tribune, Secure America LLC and many more giving their support to this worthy cause.

Front row (left to right): Trace Mitchell, Allen Stewart, Devin Marshall, Rachel Sisson, Arlenys Alonso, Angelo Alonso, Brooklyn Johnson, Jacob Godsey, Valerie Mangiante, Jared Jeffers and Attraidy Wilson. Back row: William Lampley, Tony Harrison, Percy Vaughn, Ashley Lord, Jim Haslam, John Hicks, Kristina Pruss and Doug Foley,

CASA for Children Elects New Board Members CASA for Children, Inc., Cherokee County’s affiliate program of the nation’s leading authority on child advocacy, proudly announces the election of five new members to its Board of Directors for terms beginning July 1, 2010. Newly appointed members include Lori Davis, Kara Kiefer, Jonathon Kesler, Shalamar Parham and Lori Trull. “The expansion of our Board of Directors ensures the agency will continue to benefit from a diversity of experience and skill sets. We elected these candidates because of their proven leadership skills, broad experience, and their reputation for integrity within the community,” stated Executive Director, Deidre Hollands. “By engaging new leaders, we can design and support high quality advocacy that creates positive changes for continued on page 30

Banking, only better! 10

LGE

770-424-0060



www.LGEccu.org

Community Credit Union

AroundAbout — TowneLaker

AUGUST 2010

AroundAbout — TowneLaker

Community

Towne Lake Business Association

Member Spotlight: Fusion Architectural Interior Design Fusion A.I. Design is a small family owned business based in Towne Lake. Fusion is a professional architectural interior design firm, founded in 2003 by Alice Limer, a licensed interior designer with many years of experience designing and managing large commercial, hospitality and high-end residential projects. In 2007, David David and Alice Limer Limer, a LEED AP and registered architect with more than 11 years of experience joined the firm to provide clients the enhanced value of a fullservice design approach. “We are very passionate about what we do and provide our clients with the personal attention to detail they deserve. Our specialty is hospitality design (new build and renovations) however our experience and passion covers a broader spectrum of projects, including medical offices, senior living facilities, industrial, retail and high-end residential design,” stated Alice. She noted that the team’s professional integrity and dedicated service fosters long term client relationships. “We believe our clients entrust us with an opportunity to partner with them and we take this seriously. Through this partnership, we engage in the process of interpreting their program and spatial needs, vision, budget and schedule to create an experience that is functional, long lasting and aesthetically unique.” David and Alice have lived in the Towne Lake area since 2001 and have two young daughters, Sarah, 10, and Emma, 5. The Limers are actively involved in local and international mission work through Hillside United Methodist Church. They are passionate about their local community and very excited to support local business and community development. They joined TLBA in January after attending several months last year and recognizing the opportunity to network with other local business entities and learn from common experiences.

On Thursday, September 16, the Towne Lake Business Association (TLBA) will host our 10th Annual TLBA Golf Tournament with a 11:30 a.m. shotgun start at the Towne Lake Hills Golf Club. Proceeds will benefit our annual TLBA Entrepreneurial Scholarships, whereby two $1,000 scholarships will be awarded, one each to a graduating college or technical school-bound senior at Etowah and Woodstock High Schools. We need your help! If you would like to help us with the Entrepreneurial Scholarship program, please contact us today. You can go to www.tlba.org and sign up as a player, sponsor, contributor or volunteer today. To play, you don’t have to be a pro as this tournament is for experienced golfers and hackers alike. Our scramble format allows everyone to enjoy the event. For further details, please take a look at our ad on the inside front cover. The topic of our July Lunch ‘N’ Learn Workshop was Capitalizing on Your Experience and Overcome Objections. We want to thank Rick Wemmers of Wemmers Consulting Group, Inc. for leading this workshop. Please take a look at our upcoming events.

Lunch ‘N’ Learn Workshop Tuesday, August 17, 12:30 — 2 p.m. Motivating Your Team to High Productivity, presented by Bernadette Boas, Master Business Coach, Consultant and Motivational Speaker. Bernadette will discuss proven and effective ways to motivate your team. All Workshops are held at Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills. Please RSVP to all events at (770) 615-3350.

Annual TLBA Golf Tournament Thursday, September 16 — 11:30 a.m. Shotgun Start at the Towne Lake Hills Golf Club. Please see our ad on the inside front cover for details. As always, we thank you for supporting our community and our local businesses, and thus “Keeping Towne Lake Dollars in Cherokee.”

Visit us at www.tlba.org. 12

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AUGUST 2010

AroundAbout — TowneLaker

Feature

Not My Kid!

y making yourself aware of the influences in your life (good and bad), and how they affect you, you will be better prepared to stand up to the pressures that can change who you are and who you become in life. In this installment of our series, Not My Kid, we will continue to shed light on the false impression that many teens and others have concerning the use of prescription drugs. There clearly is a false assumption among many that prescription drugs are a safer high because they were prescribed by a physician. Prescriptions, and their dosages are prescribed carefully, based upon a patient’s symptoms (and severity thereof), height, weight, etc. When dealing with prescription drugs, one size does not fit all and can be fatal if taken by anyone other than the patient for whom it was prescribed. Let’s begin by looking at some important facts about today’s most commonly abused prescription drugs, which break down into three categories: Opioids/Painkillers, Depressants and Stimulants.

The most recent statistics in Georgia (July 2009) show prescription drugs are the contributing factor in almost 85 percent of all drug related deaths in Georgia. In 2008, there were 638 drug overdose deaths in Georgia. Of those 638 deaths, 543 involved prescription drugs or a combination of prescription and illicit drugs. — Center for Disease Control So how are teens getting these dangerous drugs? As mentioned in our June installment, it begins at home, in your medicine cabinets, or in homes of friends, neighbors or relatives. Also, suppliers/dealers easily obtain drugs by forging prescriptions or doctor shopping, known as “pharming” or “smurfing”, when several individuals visit several different

Opioids/Painkillers: Vicodin, Oxycontin, Hydrocodon, Percocet, Darvon, Demerol — Drugs in this class are the ones most often abused. Opioids, also called analgesics, are prescribed by a doctor to ease the symptoms of moderate to severe pain. Opioids are favored by drug abusers because they have the ability to create a sense of euphoria. They can be abused to the point that the abuser will have terrible withdrawal problems when they try to stop using them. Some of the physical effects of using Opioids include restlessness, dizziness, confusion, loss of appetite, lethargy and addiction.

Depressants: Xanax, Nembutal, Valium, Ambien — Depressants relax the muscles and affect the central nervous system. These drugs lower inhibitions and cause euphoric feelings due to stimulation of the pleasure centers of the brain. Most depressants are classified as barbiturates or benzodiazepines. Depressants are used to treat symptoms of anxiety and many sleep disorders. Some of the physical effects of their use include slurred speech, loss of coordination, respiratory depression, difficulty concentrating, dilated pupils, confusion and addiction.

Stimulants: Dexedrine, Ritalin, Adderrall — Stimulants are used to treat certain conditions, such as narcolepsy, obesity, asthma and brain dysfunction in children (ADD/ADHD). They will increase the heart rate and blood pressure; increasing physical activity and alertness. They are very dangerous when abused, as they can result in seizures or heart failure. Physical effects from use of stimulants include rapid heartbeat, decreased appetite, blurred vision, nervousness, dilated pupils, sleeplessness and agitation. 14

Teen Terms: doctors to obtain prescriptions for the same medications and then have the prescriptions filled at different pharmacies. This allows the dealer to obtain more of the prescribed substance than any one physician or pharmacist would allow. To address this situation, PDMPs (Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs) have been successfully implemented in many states. These

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Pharming: Harvesting drugs from a medicine cabinet, with the intent to take them to get high. Pharming Party or Skittles: Teens get together and combine all the pills that they have harvested from medicine cabinets, mix them up, and each teen then takes a handful from the bag and takes several, not knowing what they are taking.

Trail Mix: The mixture of drugs at a pharming party.

AUGUST 2010

programs are designed to provide physicians and pharmacists with a database which cross-checks “There clearly is a false prescriptions, allowing them to identify individuals assumption among many who potentially may be doctor shopping or pharmacy that prescription drugs are a shopping. These databases raise a red flag and alert physicians and pharmacists to any unusually high safer high because they were prescription activity, per type of drug sold and/or per prescribed by a physician. “ buyer and buyer’s region. As of July 2009, 40 states had laws providing for a PDMP. Thirty-three states have PDMPs in place and six more have legislation Next month, we will feature enacted, but are not yet operational. Georgia is one of the only southeastern underage drinking. states that does NOT use this monitoring system, allowing Georgians, as well as addicts and dealers from surrounding states, to inconspicuously pill-shop in our We’d love to hear from you: state. Georgia’s lack of drug monitoring causes a spill-over problem for these Aanotmykid@ gmail.com for other states. Consequently, Georgia has been coined “The Pill Hub of the South.” suggestions, concerns or questions.

LEGALLY Speaking “There are a LOT of young kids running around with a very poor understanding of how seriously drug offenses are treated by the police, prosecutors, and judges, and, after getting caught, they are very surprised to learn the truth,” stated attorney Jess Bowers of Bowers and Roch, LLP. “Your choices today will impact you for the rest of your life. Children are treated as an adult when they reach the age of 17. A 17 year-old’s arrest goes on his/her permanent adult record. These arrests appear on a criminal history check, so even if he/she beats the charge, police officers who stop them in the future will know that they have been previously arrested on drug charges and they will, therefore, more closely scrutinize them. Arrests also can appear on employment background checks, even if the charges were dismissed,” said Bowers. A drug conviction will jeopardize scholarships (including athletic) and HOPE monies. Police do NOT issue warnings for drug offenses. Zero tolerance really means zero tolerance. Georgia law designates five categories (or schedules) of illicit drugs, and possession of these drugs without a prescription is illegal, unless the drug has been approved for over-the-counter sales. Illegal possession of these drugs typically results in a felony violation of the Controlled Substances Act. In addition, there are other dangerous drugs that are controlled, but it is a lesser, misdemeanor charge, to possess them without a prescription. The five schedules range from the most dangerous drugs, with little to no medical use (Schedule I), to less dangerous drugs

with accepted medical use among the public (Schedule V). Depending on the particular circumstances of a possession case, offenses can result in a broad range of potential criminal and administrative consequences, including probation, prison, property forfeiture and participation in a court-ordered drug treatment program. Possession of Schedule I and II drugs = 2-15 years prison for a first offense; 5-30 years prison for a second offense. Possession of Schedule III, IV, or V: 1-5 years in prison for a first offense; 2-10 years prison for a second offense. It’s important to note that the law forbids not only the sale of a drug, but also the distribution of a drug. If students share prescribed medicine with friends, the law considers them a distributor of an illegal substance, regardless of whether or not they received money for the drug. Additionally, Georgia code 16.5.1(c) indicates that in the event a death occurs as a result of a felony (i.e. felony includes selling and/or sharing and/or distributing and/or offering illegal drugs, including offering legal prescription drugs to other than prescribed), irrespective of malice, it is considered murder and the sentence is life or death.

Thanks to attorneys T. Jess Bowers and Don Roch, of Bowers and Roch LLP, for their insight, expertise and contributions. Bowers is a former Assistant District Attorney in the Cherokee County District Attorney’s Office. Don Roch is a former Public Defender in Fulton County. Together, they have been involved in hundreds of drug cases, both as prosecutors, public defenders and defense attorneys.

AUGUST 2010

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Community

Happy Birthday! Wedding, Birthday and Anniversary Announcements are Free! E-mail to: editor@townelaker.com. • Deadline is August 10

Lindsay Cecile Bresnan

Brooke Marie Bresnan

Caleb Ludlam

Kailey Grace Ludlam

Cole Ellis

Age 5 on June 13 Son of Casey & Josh Ludlam Brother of Kailey

Age 7 on June 1 Daughter of Casey & Josh Ludlam Sister of Caleb

Age 8 on September 2 Son of Leianna & Tony Ellis Sister of Angelei Gabriel

Amie O’Brien

Blake Capers

Bryan McCulloch

Age 9 on August 28 Daughter of Donna & Bill O’Brien

Age 4 on August 18 We love you so much!! Mom, Dad and Big Brother Mason

Age 17 on August 4 Son of Michelle & Jim McCulloch Brother of Chris

Age 4 on June 20 Age 2 on July 11 Daughter of Daughter of Christina & Michael Bresnan Christina & Michael Bresnan Sister of Brooke Marie Sister of Lindsay

Gareth Samuel Kincannon Age 5 on August 5 Son of Tammy & Kevin Kincannon

Julie Brennan Celebrating on August 10

Parker

David Battista

Isabelle Lee (left)

Haylie Franz

Age 3 on July 27 Son of Kristine & Steven Brother of Cooper

Age 33 on August 24

Kate Battista

Age 3 on August 15 and

Age 5 on August 25 We are crazy about YOU! Xoxox, Laura and Benji

Age 5 on August 18 Love, Grandma & Grandpa Franz

Age 1 on July 31 Children of DD & Brad Lee

Alexander Lee

continued on page 18 16

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AUGUST 2010

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Community

Hailey Schultz Age 8 on July 26 Daughter of Laurie & Pete Schultz Sister of Haiden & Harper

Madeline Dodd Age 7 on July 18 Daughter of Michelle & Steven Dodd Sister of Steven II and Madison

Sarah Elizabeth Douglass

Walker Arrington

Austin Arrington

Age 9 on August 26 Daughter of Rebecca & Dax Douglass Sister of Zoe

Age 16 on July 14 We love you, Mom and Chuck

Age 21 on August 8 We love you, Mom and Chuck

Stork Watch

Stella Cristina Bustelo Salazar Born on May 31, 2010 7 lbs. 12 oz., 20 in. Daughter of Dr. Maria C. Salazar & Dr. Wilmer A. Bustelo Sister of Ryan and Mia We love you very much!

Gabrielle Leigh Parham Born on May 4, 2010 7 lbs., 5 oz., 18 in.

Harper Lee Schultz Born on June 15 9 lbs., 6 oz, 19.9 in. Daughter of Laurie & Pete Schultz Sister of Hailey & Haiden

Daughter of Sara & Joshua Parham Granddaughter of Kim & Mike Laney

Cody Blair Smith Born on April 23, 2010 8 lbs., 11 oz., 20 ¾ in. Proud Parents: Dawn & Brad Smith Big Brothers: Sean and Zack

Estelle “Elle” Lillian Skates Born on June 22, 2010 6 lbs., 7 oz., 19 ½ in. Daughter of Eric & Laura Skates Sister of Mauldin

Happy Anniversary! Phyllis & Joe Alaimo Will be celebrating 50 years of Marriage on August 27 Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad

Dawn & Brad Smith married 11 years on June 26

Love, Kim, Kenny and Mark

Wes Rowell Nick and Jessica Pinkerton Celebrated 3 years of marriage on July 3

Son of Betty Rowell and

Laurie Capshaw

Announce their Engagement

AroundAbout — TowneLaker

AUGUST 2010

AroundAbout — TowneLaker

Feature

An Unexpected Path by Julie Brennan A self-described hermit, Margie Carroll is a talented, remarkable and whimsical artist with a flair for beauty and stillness that jumps out of the pictures in her books. A retired schoolteacher and technology/media specialist with the Cherokee County School System, Carroll chose photography as her way of dealing with the extra time she found herself having after knee replacement surgery. Carroll also is a breast cancer survivor.

Carroll explained. “The nest was located in a small preserve and was accessible by walking a sandy trail and a boardwalk over the edge of the marsh. By accessible, I mean I could at least see it with my binoculars. I had visited the nest for weeks where two conspicuous eggs taunted me, almost mocking my impatience.”

“Margie Carroll is a gifted storyteller. She can hold an entire class spellbound. Now, she is combining her wonderful stories with her incredible wildlife photographs. I can’t wait to share her books with my grandchildren!” said Margaret Misseri, a retired schoolteacher and co-owner of Three Sisters Gifts in Hickory Flat. Listening to Carroll share her life experiences, adventures and stories about those she has met over the years is fun. Like being Neil Patrick Harris’ (below) teacher during his time as the character Doogie Howser, M.D. The television comedy-drama starred Harris as a 16-year old doctor who also faces the problems of being a normal teenager. The series aired from September 1989 to March 1993. According to Harris, “Ms. Carroll is the best teacher I’ve ever had.” The two still chat regularly. Photography became Carroll’s hobby, yet her talent and gift for observation and patience led to what is now a series of children’s books that showcase her photography. The first book is Salvador the Sandhill Crane. “Salvador hatched early one spring day. His birthplace? A slightly elevated nest surrounded by a shallow marsh located on the west coast of Florida near the town of Englewood,”

For the next seven days, Carroll photographed the chick and his family. “The first three days they were a considerable distance from me. My largest lens, a 500mm, with an extender, was necessary to get any detailed images. But on the fourth day, the parents ventured closer to the dock and sandy path where I had staked out a claim. I never approached them. I only clicked away accumulating many hundreds of images. And smiled. What a privilege it was to be in the presence of magnificent cranes,” added Carroll. Several years passed since Carroll took those photos. “I revisited these images and the children’s book, A Busy Week for Salvador the Sandhill Crane emerged,” she explained. The book is told through the chick’s point of view using the photos she took. “Hopefully the innocence and beauty of nature will inspire a greater appreciation of American’s wildlife heritage,” Carroll concluded. A 35-year resident of Cherokee County, with 22 years of experience in the teaching arena, Carroll has demonstrated that patience pays off, perseverance can make a difference in one’s live and that nature is one of the greatest gifts we can all enjoy.

AroundAbout — TowneLaker

AUGUST 2010

AroundAbout — TowneLaker

Community

Why People Want Independent Financial Advisors A new perception has taken hold: “independent” is better. by Don Akridge, MBA, CPA, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ U.S. Marine Corps Veteran – Emory University Alumnus

Investment Adviser.

Times have changed – and so have financial advisors. Today, people don’t want financial advice from a salesman. Instead, they want a relationship with a financial professional who is candid, trustworthy and thoroughly educated, who provides personalized financial consulting for each client. That search often leads them to a fee-based or feeonly financial advisor or a Registered

A pleasant alternative to Wall Street, a paradigm shift is happening, and the traditional brokerage houses are lagging. While old-school “stock brokers” have gone the way of the wooly mammoth, you still have a sales-first mentality in place at big banks and Wall Street brokerages. If you’re employed by one of them, the mantra is simple: make a sale, earn a commission. As they try to serve their clients, these “wirehouse” brokers regularly contend with sales quotas and the inherent potential for conflicts of interest. It wears on them: a 2010 survey revealed that only 15 percent were “very satisfied” at their firms, and another 20 percent wanted to leave within two years.1 Given the tarnished reputations of so many giant banks and brokerages, it isn’t surprising that consumers are turning elsewhere for financial advice. Here are three popular destinations. A fee-based financial advisor has structured his or her practice to promote earning income from fees instead of commissions. The emphasis is on advice. An independent, fee-based financial advisor also has freedom — freedom to choose the most appropriate products and services for your risk tolerance and investment goals. (More about that in a moment.) Fee-only financial advisors earn no commissions at all. They derive 100 percent of their income from client fees — annual management fees or hourly or per-project consulting fees. With this compensation arrangement, you know that a fee-only advisor is available to help you address myriad issues in your financial life, not simply those that could lead to a commission. A Registered Investment Adviser (RIA) usually works to manage the assets of high net worth investors. An RIA receives management fees and does not receive commissions. The continued on page 96 22

AroundAbout — TowneLaker

AUGUST 2010

Avoiding Identity Theft by Rachael Letourneau Because I work in the financial industry, I am exposed to all kinds of identity theft, almost on a daily basis. According to the Federal Trade Commission, identity theft is one of the most rapidly increasing crimes in America. As many as nine million Americans have their identity stolen each year, and among those, many have had their identity stolen more than once. The repercussions can range from psychological to financial, and it seems as though identity thieves are rarely, if ever, caught. They are often ghosts, disappearing as soon as they realize that their victim is on to them, and they quickly move on to the next, unsuspecting consumer. Despite advertisements that you may hear on the radio and see on television, and despite government efforts to help thwart identity thieves, there is no service out there that can guarantee you 100 percent protection against identity theft. There is really only one person who can take all the necessary precautions against identity theft, and it’s YOU. Here are a few examples of recent identity theft schemes out there. I hope you can spot these scams a mile away and protect yourself from these criminals. 1. You get an e-mail from your uncle’s attorney in Nigeria informing you that your uncle has recently passed away and you are the sole heir to a massive fortune held in a Nigerian bank. Guess what? You don’t have an uncle in Nigeria, so there is no need to send his “attorney” your personal information or any money to pay the “taxes” on his estate. Just click delete. 2. You get an e-mail from the International Lottery administrator stating that you have recently won the International Lottery, all they need is your personal information (and money for administrative fees). Hmm. You don’t remember entering an international lottery. That’s because you didn’t. Just click delete. 3. You get an e-mail from your bank stating that your accounts have been blocked and all of your money has been frozen. They ask you to click a link and “verify your information.” I have news for you: your bank already has all of your information. Never trust any e-mail or links claiming to be from your bank. First delete the e-mail, then sign in to your bank’s website to see if there is in fact a problem (there probably isn’t). 4. Last but not least, most identity thieves are not high-tech international criminals. The truth is, most of them are either dumpster divers who get lucky or people that you thought were trustworthy who came into your home for one reason or another. Even within your own home (and trash can), keep your continued on page 96 AUGUST 2010

AroundAbout — TowneLaker

Community by State Senator Chip Rogers

Our Constitutional Roots Unlike any document before it, spare the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution shocked the world in 1787. For never before had a government been created where the people were master and the government servant. The U.S. Constitution changed the nature of man’s relation to man through government. The purpose of this contract was specifically to secure the individual rights given to man by his creator. Understanding this principle is perhaps the most important fact when realizing the genius of our founders. The United States, 13 colonies, created a federal government for the purpose of securing rights that pre-existed the government they were creating. Chief among these rights to be secured are the right to life, liberty, property and the pursuit of happiness. You may sometimes hear politicians suggest the Constitution created, or granted, rights. This simply is not correct. The Constitution protected the inalienable rights man enjoyed before its existence.

make no law...” The Second Amendment goes even further using the term, “shall not be infringed.” Time and again the founding fathers confined and limited the authority of a national government, recognizing the antagonistic relationship between government and liberty. Fast forward 234 years, and elected officials have made a mockery of the Constitution that serves as the foundation of our republic. Imagine the look on James Madison’s face if he knew the federal American government of 2010 would create a 1,990 page health care law forcing U.S. citizens to purchase a product under the threat of an Internal Revenue Service.

“The first ten amendments speak volumes as to the view its authors had toward granting a federal government power over the people and the states.”

A failure to understand this relationship today is why we are where we are as a nation. A government big enough to grant rights is big enough to take them away, which is exactly what they are doing. It also is why adherence to the Constitution is of paramount importance. The first ten amendments speak volumes as to the view its authors had toward granting a federal government power over the people and the states. No less than 21 times in the first ten Constitutional Amendments you will find the restrictive words, “No,” “Nor,” “Shall Not” or “Prohibited.” For example, the First Amendment specifies “Congress shall

business?”

What would be the reaction of Thomas Jefferson upon learning the 21st century U.S. Justice Department would sue the sovereign state of Arizona? How angry might we expect John Adams to be after realizing an American President had nominated a person to the U.S. Supreme Court openly hostile to both the Second Amendment and our men and women in uniform? What would Ben Franklin think of a cap and trade tax to put American business “out of

Finally, George Washington would cringe at the suggestion of another failed legalization program for 20 million illegal aliens. It is safe to say that America is at a crossroads. We are either going to pursue the failed philosophy of European government dependency or we are going to return to the roots of our founding. The decision is ours, and the question can be answered in November at the ballot box. Chip Rogers is the State Senator for District 21. You can call him at (404) 463-1378 or fax him at (404) 657-9887. You also can e-mail Chip at Chip@SenatorChipRogers.com. Chip also serves on the AroundAbout — Townelaker Community Board.

For a complete listing of our Elected Officials, please see page 86. 24

AroundAbout — TowneLaker

AUGUST 2010

Understanding and Improving Your Credit Score by Chris Leggett Your credit score is a very important aspect of your overall financial health. It can be used by a number of sources such as lenders, insurers, employers, utilities and landlords to determine what services you qualify for and how much those services will cost. A credit score is a number based on information in your credit file. It is used to determine the likelihood of timely payment of debt or services and your ability to manage financial obligations or credit. A credit score can range from 380-830 (the higher the better) and is usually calculated using five different factors: payment history, capacity, length of credit, accumulation of debt in the last 12 — 18 months and credit mix. There are a number of different actions that can negatively affect your credit score. Some of the most common include missing payments (regardless of the amount, it will take 24 months to restore credit with one late payment); credit cards at their maximum capacity;

“There are ways to improve your credit score, and doing so will open many doors for future credit availability, access to more services and lower borrowing cost. ” simultaneously closing all credit cards out (this lowers available capacity); having more revolving loans (credit cards) in relation to installment loans (auto or mortgage); and opening up numerous loans in a short period of time. There are ways to improve your credit score, and doing so will open many doors for future credit availability, access to more services and lower borrowing cost. The most common ways to improve your credit score include pay down credit card balances; do not close credit cards at the same time; make payments on time; slow down the opening of new accounts and move revolving debt into installment debt. Chris Leggett is CEO/president of LGE Community Credit Union, a federally insured banking alternative offering checking and savings accounts, certificates, money market accounts, IRA’s, credit cards, loans, and mortgages, with better rates and lower fees than you will typically find in a bank. If you have questions about your credit score, or are looking to apply for a loan in the near future, contact an LGE loan representative at 770-424-0060 or visit www.LGEccu.org. AUGUST 2010

AroundAbout — TowneLaker

Community

Recent Consumer Product Recalls AroundAbout — TowneLaker wants to help keep you and your family safe. The following items have been recalled by their manufacturers in cooperation with the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC).

Scope® Original Mint Mouthwash. The Procter & Gamble Co. of Cincinnati, Ohio, is voluntarily recalling approximately 35,000 bottles of Scope® Original Mint Mouthwash, 1 Liter Size. The mouthwash contains ethyl alcohol and certain bottles have malfunctioning child-resistant caps and lack the statement, “This package for households without young children,” as required by the Poison Prevention Packaging Act. Ethyl alcohol is toxic and can cause serious injury or death if ingested by children. Youth Tiara. Wilton Industries, Inc. of Woodridge, IL, is voluntarily recalling approximately 7,300 children’s tiaras. The tiara contains high levels of lead. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects. Baby Walkers. Suntech Enterprises, Inc. of Commerce, CA, is voluntarily recalling approximately 8,400 Baby Walkers. The recalled walkers can fit through a standard doorway and fail to have sufficient stair-fall protection to prevent falls down stairs. Babies using these walkers can be seriously injured or killed if they fall down stairs.

Entertainment Centers. American Signature, Inc. of Columbus, Ohio, is voluntarily recalling approximately 24,000 Entertainment Centers. The recalled entertainment centers’ shelves can detach and fall onto consumers when the entertainment centers are moved. Children’s Belts. Target Corp. of Minneapolis, MN is voluntarily recalling approximately 105,150 boys’ and girls’ belts. The belt buckles contain excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.

Infant Carriers. Regal Lager, Inc. of Kennesaw, GA is voluntarily recalling approximately 2,700 in the United States (and 400 in Canada) CYBEX 2.GO Infant Carriers. A shoulder strap slider buckle can break, posing a fall hazard to babies.

Plant-Shaped Candles. Crate and Barrel, a division of Euromarket Designs, Inc. of Northbrook, IL is voluntarily recalling approximately 5,490 succulent plant-shaped decorative candles in a pot (approximately 5,400 in the U.S., 90 in Canada).

The wax in this candle melts quickly inside and overflows outside the pot and can ignite, posing a serious burn and fire hazard to consumers.

Bead Toy. Rhino Toys, Inc. of Santa Cruz, CA is voluntarily recalling approximately 5,500 Beado handheld bead play toys. The toys’ plastic wires can detach from the hubs due to insufficient adhesive, allowing the beads to slide off. The loose beads pose a choking hazard to young children. Front Load Washers. GE Appliances & Lighting, of Louisville, KY is voluntarily recalling approximately 181,000 GE Front-Load Washing Machines. A wire can break in the machine and make contact with a metal part on the washtub while the machine is operating, posing fire and shock hazards to consumers. Youth Beds. Bayside Furnishings (a division of Whalen), of San Diego, CA is voluntarily recalling approximately 2,000 “Pirates of the Caribbean” Twin trundle beds. The headboard has a storage bin that poses an entrapment hazard to young children. Drinking Glasses. McDonald’s Corp., Oakbrook, IL is voluntarily recalling approximately 12 million “Shrek Forever After 3D” collectable drinking glasses. The designs on the glasses contain cadmium. Long term exposure to cadmium can cause adverse health effects.

Federal Mattress. IKEA Home Furnishings, of Conshohocken, PA is voluntarily recalling approximately 1,900 IKEA Sultan Heidal spring mattresses. The mattresses fail to meet the federal mandatory open flame standard for mattresses, posing a fire hazard to consumers.

Dishwashers. Maytag Corp. of Newton, Iowa or Maytag Corp. of Benton Harbor, MI is voluntarily recalling approximately 1.7 million dishwashers. An electrical failure in the dishwasher’s heating element can pose a serious fire hazard.

For more information on these and many other warnings issued by the Consumer Products Safety Commission, visit www.cpsc.gov or call 1-800-638-2772. 26

AroundAbout — TowneLaker

AUGUST 2010

AroundAbout — TowneLaker

Community

Senior Happenings Loving Hands Give to Seniors Bobbi Simonds and Becky Isaacs of “Loving Hands” regularly donate homemade gifts to seniors who participate in programs at Senior Services. Each holiday, the ladies prepare a gift bag for 200 seniors. Recently, Loving Hands donated the third batch of beautiful hand beaded jewelry (earrings, necklaces, bracelets) to be sold at a nominal price to seniors at the Senior Center. All proceeds will go to the Meals On Wheel Program.

William G. Long Senior Center 223 Arnold Mill Road (next to the fire station) (678) 445-6518 Hours: 9 a.m. — 3 p.m., Monday — Friday

August Activities for Seniors Bunko Date: Time:

Friday, August 6 12 noon

Movie and Ice Cream Date: Monday, August 16 Time: 2 p.m. Showing: Down With Love

Left to right: Bobbi Simonds, Nathan Brandon and Becky Isaacs.

See Page 79 for a special offer only for Seniors!

Birthday Lunch and Trip Lotto Date: Wednesday, August 18 Time: 12 noon Cost: $5, all you can eat

It’s Summer Photo Contest Time! When you go on a vacation this summer, take AroundAbout — TowneLaker with you. Submit a photo of yourself holding the magazine. Two contest winners will be determined by the contestant who travelled the farthest in the U.S. and in the world.

Email to editor@townelaker.com. Mail in or drop off at 1025 Rose Creek Drive Suite 340, Woodstock, GA 30189 Please identify where you are, city, state or country and people in photo from left to right. Deadline is August 10. 28

Third Annual Mayor’s Cup Pool Tournament Dates: First Round Friday, August 13 Final Round Friday, August 20 Time: 8 a.m.

Garden Club Date: Friday, August 20 Time: 1:30 p.m. Weekly Lunch with Dody Dates: Wednesdays August 4, 11, 18 and 25 Time: 12 noon Cost: $5, see menu on bulletin board

Fifth Annual Mah Jongg Green Dragon Tournament Set for August 18 The Green Dragon Tournament will be held on Wednesday August 18 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Woodstock Community Center, 108 Arnold Mill Road, Building C. The Tournament will follow National Mah Jongg Rules. The entry fee will be $20 per person and will cover 12 games (3 rounds of 4) as well as lunch, dessert and beverages. There will be prizes awarded for first, second and third place and door prizes. Seating is limited.

AroundAbout — TowneLaker

AUGUST 2010

AroundAbout — TowneLaker

Community continued from page 10

Left to right: Kara Kiefer, Lori Trull, Shalamar Parham and Jon Kesler. Not pictured: Lori Davis.

children who have been victims of abuse or neglect.â&#x20AC;? Lori Davis is the Vice President of Crescent Bank and Trust. Lori also is a member of the Service League of Cherokee County and the Cherokee Chamber of Commerce, and is a graduate of Leadership Cherokee. Previous experience with non-profit work include North Cherokee Optimist Club and North Cherokee Helping Hands. Kara Kiefer is the Executive Editor of Around About Community Magazines. She brings to the Board her expertise and experience of nine years in the publishing industry in Cherokee County. Kara is a member of the Cherokee Chamber of Commerce and also supports the nonprofit work of Give a Kid a Chance. Jonathan Kesler is the President of The Kesler Law Firm. Jon has practiced law in Juvenile Court of for more than 10 years and is a member of the Blue Ridge Bar Association and the Cherokee County Indigent Defense Committee. He also is involved with the efforts of the Cherokee County United Way as an Advisory Board Member. Shalamar Parham is President of Parham Law Firm. Shalamar brings a wealth of previous nonprofit experience to the Board as a Domestic Violence Attorney and Guardian ad Litem with Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation and the Cobb Justice Foundation. Lori Trull is the Chief Director of Operations for Georgia Probation Management. She brings expertise in business administration and community partnerships to the Board. Lori is a member of the American Probation/Parole Association and is a graduate of Leadership Cherokee. She currently supports the nonprofit work of Drug Free Cherokee as a committee member. To contact CASA for Children, email deidre@casacherokee.org, call (770) 345-3274 or visit www.casacherokee.org. For more information about CASA in Georgia, visit www.gacasa.org or call (404) 874-2888. 30

AroundAbout â&#x20AC;&#x201D; TowneLaker

AUGUST 2010

AroundAbout — TowneLaker

Community

Community Calendar: August August 5

Dairy Queen® Miracle Treat Day Location: All participating Dairy Queen® restaurants Information: For every Blizzard® sold on this day, $1 will be donated to the Children’s Miracle Network, a non-profit organization dedicated to saving and improving the lives of children by raising funds for children’s hospitals. Visit MiracleTreatDay.com or DairyQueen. com.

August 6

Friday Night Live — Summer of Love Time: 5 – 9 p.m. Location: Downtown Woodstock Information: Break out the tie-dyes and head bands for a little early autumn fun as the history of the 1969 Woodstock Music Festival is celebrated!

August 6 – 7

Garage Sale

Time: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Location: St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, 490 Arnold Mill Road Information: All proceeds to benefit the St. Vincent de Paul Society food pantry and financial assistance programs.

August 7

Red Cross Blood Drive Time: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. Location: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 1208 Rose Creek Drive Information: Call (770) 924-7286.

August 10

Junior Service League New Member Meeting Time: 7 p.m. Location: Arbors Clubhouse, 1100 Arborhill Drive Information: Informational meeting for anyone interested in joining the Junior Service League of Woodstock. Call

(770) 592-3535 or email Barbara Nye barbara@barbaraknyelaw.com.

August 21

Tots to Tween Consignment Sale Time: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Location: Sandy Plains Baptist Church, 2825 Sandy Plains Road, Marietta Information: Sponsored by Northwest Atlanta Moms of Multiples. Call Megan at (678) 453-6993, email sale@ nowamom.org or visit www.NOWaMOM. org.

August 26 – 28

Due West Children’s/Teen Consignment Sale Times: Thursday 9:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Friday 9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m. – noon Location: Due West United Methodist Church, 3956 Due West Road, Marietta Information: Call (678) 318-1908 or email treasurechest.duewest@yahoo. com.

August 27 - 28

Born Again Blessings Children’s Consignment Sale Times: Friday 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. – noon Location: Cobb County Civic Center, 548 Marietta Parkway, Marietta Information: www.bornagainblessings. com.

August 28

Volunteer Aging Council Gala Auction Time: 6:30 p.m. Location: Northside Hospital — Cherokee Conference Center, 1130 Bluffs Parkway, Canton Information: This year’s theme is Tropical Nights Luau. Tickets are $50. All proceeds will assist Cherokee County Senior Services. Call (678) 269-6677 or visit www.VAC-cherokeega.org for tickets

Banking, only better! 32

LGE

or further information.

Papa’s Pantry Master’s Training Programs August 10-12 and 24-26

Employment Strategies for a Changing Marketplace

Times: August 10 –12, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.; August 24-26, 6 – 9 p.m. Location: 6551 Commerce Parkway, Suite 200 Information: Training that will challenge and change the way you approach all aspects of looking for a job! Learn the truth about online job submissions. Learn how employers think. Sharpen interviewing skills, write a resume, and so much more! Unlimited coaching and continuing education after the core classes until you land that job! Call (770) 591-4730 or visit www.papaspantry.org.

August 20, 21 & 27

Coupons — The easiest money you will ever save! Time: 10 a.m. – noon Location: 6551 Commerce Parkway, Suite 200 Information: $10 donation and 5 grocery items requested. Financial assistance is available.

Send Us Your Community Calendar Events editor@townelaker.com Deadline is August 10. 770-424-0060



www.LGEccu.org

Community Credit Union

AroundAbout — TowneLaker

AUGUST 2010

AroundAbout — TowneLaker

Lifestyle by Mike Litrel, M.D.

Surviving a Family Tradition As a child, my wife Ann spent many summer days with her sisters rambling through Midwest farm country, picking blackberries for their traditional family fruit cobbler. The recipe had been handed down through five generations from Great Great Grandmother Cordelia Hudson.

Last week, Joseph found blackberry bushes growing wild a couple miles from our house. Ann announced that blackberry picking would be a great family activity. Funny – a two-mile walk in the hot sun to pick blackberries off sticker bushes did not sound like a fun family activity to me.

Two decades later, when Ann and I moved to Cherokee County, Ann resolved to resurrect the family tradition. She located a large blackberry patch next to the woods behind our neighbor David’s house. Every week in midsummer, she would disappear for a couple of hours, reappearing at home with a fresh bucket of blackberries. A couple hours later — voila! Grandma Cordelia’s homemade blackberry cobbler.

I tried to make Ann understand a critical distinction: I am not a berry picker – I am berry eater.

Ann did all the work; the boys and I did most of the eating. It was a great summer tradition. But a few years ago, our neighbor David had the blackberry bushes cut down. They blocked the view from his patio, he said, and he wanted a better vista. Ann related the tragedy that evening: “David tried to tell me those weren’t blackberries. He said, ‘Those are just ol’ sticker bushes.’” Ann rolled her eyes in mild disgust. Frankly, I was surprised. I had no idea those ugly bushes in David’s yard grew blackberries. Against my will I found myself in agreement with David – those bushes really were an eyesore. But the look on Ann’s face told me to keep my mouth shut.

Ann responded that it had been years since we had blackberry cobbler and that a change from the blueberry might be fun. No, I explained, the blueberries she picked right in my front yard by herself were now my favorite. Furthermore, I expressed my concern that since I had never picked cobbler berries before, this was breaking our own longstanding summer tradition…and one should not be rash when it comes to breaking tradition.

Ann and Mike Litrel and their sons, Tyler and Joseph.

“Yes, dear,” I nodded, “that David sure is an inconsiderate ignoramus!” Fearful I was hearing the swan song of an enjoyable family tradition, I chimed in with a helpful suggestion. It seemed to me the plump blackberries at Publix were even better candidates than the ones Ann had been bringing home. I offered that a cobbler made with those berries might taste even better than the wild ones. Ann did not warm to my proposal. Picking the berries was part of the “whole experience,” she informed me curtly. But Grandma Cordelia’s cobbler, I learned, is a versatile dish. Apparently any fruit will do. Persevering, Ann purchased blueberry bushes to plant in our front yard. A year later the first harvest was ready. Voila! Grandma’s fresh cobbler — with blueberries! And just like before, Ann did all the work, and the boys and I did most of the eating.

Ann was not buying it. So I got off the couch and roused the boys. It was a pretty long walk under the hot sun to the blackberry patch, and between the boys complaining and Ann telling me what great quality family time we were having, I was feeling pretty miserable. I felt my anger overflowing toward my good friend and neighbor David: Why oh why did you cut down those beautiful blackberry bushes in your backyard, you inconsiderate ignoramus?

But when we arrived at the sunny meadow, dotted with flitting birds and butterflies, we found many bushes, and indeed they were covered with blackberries. It was tricky reaching over the thorny branches to get the juiciest ones. I was glad Ann had made me wear long pants. The boys and I got into a healthy male competition about who could pick the most. And we laughed with male satisfaction to hear the other fellow yelp when a sticker found its way to vulnerable skin. In retrospect, it really was a good family time. And Ann was right – that evening the blackberry * For a copy of Ann’s fruit cobbler topped with a scoop of cobbler recipe log on to vanilla ice cream was the best www.townelaker.com and dessert I ever had. click on the “Recipe Forum” It seems that Grandma Cordelia’s recipe neglects to mention the most important ingredients – effort and love. For all we do in life, when we put these into the mix, it makes everything better. Dr. Mike Litrel practices with his fellow OB/GYNs at Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists in Canton and Woodstock. Dr. Litrel lives in Woodstock with his wife Ann and their two sons, Tyler and Joseph. E-mail Dr. Litrel at www.cherokeewomenshealth.com

AroundAbout — TowneLaker

AUGUST 2010

Everyday Angels The focus of Everyday Angels since its inception has been to provide short-term assistance to our neighbors who find themselves in a time of need, and inspiring our readers to make a difference by helping. Who knew eight years ago that shortterm assistance could so easily become long-term, and hardship would become the norm? While difficulties paying utility bills and buying groceries used to be primary concerns, more and more people are facing more serious losses of jobs and homes. We are thankful to be in a position to continue to help people; it saddens us that we can’t help everyone. Everyday Angels would like to thank our generous readers for their continued donations and notes of encouragement during tough times. It is difficult to think outside of ourselves when there is so much uncertainty surrounding us. We sincerely THANK YOU for your compassion, especially today!

“Everyday Angels would like to thank our generous readers for their continued donations and notes of encouragement during tough times.”

In July, we received a call from a caring person, concerned for her neighbor, who had recently separated from her husband who was abusing her physically. Shortly after their separation, she learned that she is pregnant. She also has an elementary age child. Her imminent concern is her ability to pay her monthly bills. As you can imagine, she is overwhelmed physically, emotionally and financially. While we cannot change her circumstances, Everyday Angels will help pay some of her August expenses. Hopefully this will encourage her, and allow her time to catch her breath. We pray that she will have peace, and strength for her children during this confusing and insecure time. As many of us have learned, it is during the most challenging and difficult times that our inner strength and character is tested. May God’s love live through us as we encourage and support this sweet mom and her children. Everyday Angels is a nonprofit organization that provides short-term funding (currently up to a maximum of $425 per month) to those in need in our community. If you would like to offer assistance, please send your donations or gift cards to Everyday Angels, 1025 Rose Creek Drive, Suite 340, Woodstock, GA 30189. No amount is too small. To contact us, please call (770) 615-3349 or email AAeverydayangels@gmail.com. AUGUST 2010

AroundAbout — TowneLaker

Lifestyle

Moms and Kids Back to School

Connect with friends and keep up to date on what’s happening right here in Towne Lake!

3 ways to get connected Visit our new and improved website

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by Colin Morris I have a love-hate relationship with back-toschool. During June and July, I soak up all the time I can with my children. We stay up later than normal and do not set any alarms for the morning. We go to the pool and go Colin Morris with her children (left to to the dollar movies on a right) Patrick, Micaela and Gabriel. Tuesday and spend lots of time at the lake. By the time August rolls around, I have mixed feelings about sending my children back to school. Here are some things I have learned about my children, myself and back-to-school. First, I have learned that no matter how excited and positive the children are, they can’t escape the fact that starting a new school year is highly stressful. Emotions are very close to the surface. Honestly, I am extra stirred up also. I want them to like their teachers, have friends in their classes, enjoy school and have a cool lunch box. All that swirling emotion can come crashing down, if we are not careful. As a family, we try to be as calm and as nice to each other as we can. Just remembering that all of our stress meters are running higher than normal helps me take a deep breath and try to stay calm for their sake. I have also learned that every child in my family views school differently. Do you ever wonder how the DNA of two people can combine in such wildly different ways? My husband and I have three children, all with unique temperaments. We can usually point out which traits they get from whom, as in, “Don’t look at me, she gets that from you!” As the first day of school approaches, some of my children can hardly wait, and others are dreading it. I cannot compare them or use a cookie cutter solution for all three children. One may need a pep talk, while another may need me to not say anything and just listen. I have to be flexible and know my children. Last, and on a practical note, I stockpile extra school supplies. Three children plus multiple school supply lists equal BIG MONEY. I have found that it helps to buy things when they are on sale throughout the year and stash them away. Then when everyone needs 12 pencils and two boxes of crayons and glue and all that, I can pull out my stash. We still have to go to the store, but at least I have a head start. So, at the end of August, when all the extra scissors and markers go on clearance, buy two or three and put them in a storage tub for next year. Back-to-school time can be full of eager anticipation. It can also be frustrating, scary and stressful – for you and your children. Take some time to reassure that you love them!

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AUGUST 2010

Feet Hurt More in Autumn by Dr. Steven Weiskopf Autumn is a painful time of year for many people. As they transition from open-toed sandals to closed-in boots and shoes, more women and men seek relief for painful bunions.

redness and numbness.

Some of my bunion patients arrive in agony. They describe a constant, throbbing pain, even when they take off their shoes. Bunion symptoms can also include a burning sensation,

To put it simply, a bunion is a bump on the side of the big toe. The visible bump reflects bone changes in the front part of the foot. The big toe leans toward the second toe, rather than pointing straight ahead. This shifts the bones out of alignment – producing the bunion’s bump. Bunions tend to be a progressive disorder. Symptoms usually appear at later stages, although some people never have pain. For many patients, simple “For many patients, changes like wearing shoes simple changes like with wider toe boxes can wearing shoes with significantly reduce bunion pain. Custom shoe inserts, wider toe boxes can gel or foam-filled padding significantly reduce and anti-inflammatory bunion pain.” medications may also provide pain relief. Applying an ice pack several times a day can be helpful in reducing inflammation. Standing for long periods of time should be modified if possible. Women should give their feet a break from the daily wearing of high heels, which aggravate bunion pain by holding the foot at an angle and pushing it forward. Although wearing shoes that crowd the toes will not cause bunions, it sometimes makes the deformity worse. Bunions are most often caused by an inherited faulty mechanical structure of the foot. Typically, if your parent(s) had bunions, you will too. While the change in fall footwear brings more bunion patients into my office, many of them inquire about surgery. They may have considered surgery earlier in the year, and are now closer to meeting their annual deductible. But, surgery should always be a last resort after conservative treatment has failed to relieve the pain. Many patients find significant relief from self-help measures and never need surgery. But, when these treatments have been exhausted, and the pain of a bunion is constant and interferes continued on page 88 AUGUST 2010

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Lifestyle

AroundAbout — TowneLaker

AUGUST 2010

AroundAbout — TowneLaker

Lifestyle

Ouch, My Little Piggies!

Dental Article for Children

by Joseph Kafati, DPT

by Dr. Scott R. Harden

Functioning as shock absorbers, our feet cushion up to one million pounds of pressure during a single hour of strenuous exercise. With more than 26 bones, 33 joints and five ligaments, it is not hard to see why our feet are highly susceptible to injury. Some of the most common disorders of the foot are discussed below. Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of foot pain. It results from irritation of a thick band of tissue, called the plantar fascia, which runs across the bottom of your foot — connecting your heel bone to your toes. People with plantar fasciitis experience pain across the bottom of the foot usually centered in the “arch.” Metatarsalgia is a condition used to describe a painful foot condition in the area just before the toes, or the ball-of-the-foot. It is called metatarsalgia because the bones in this region of the foot are named the metatarsals. With prolonged athletic and running activities, an increased stress load is placed on this region and the soft tissue surrounding the metatarsal bones become swollen and irritated. Inflammation of the peroneal tendons is also common. The two peroneal tendons in the foot run side-by-side behind the outer anklebone. One tendon attaches to the outer part of the mid-foot, while the other tendon runs under the foot and attaches near the inside of the arch. The main function of the peroneal tendons is to stabilize the foot and ankle and protect them from sprains, but these injuries most commonly occur in individuals who participate in sports that involve repetitive ankle motion. In addition, people with higher arches are at risk for developing peroneal tendon injuries. Turf toe is a sprain at the base of the great toe. It occurs when the big toe bends beyond its normal range of motion. This causes a tear in the ligaments that support the joint complex. Pain with turf toe is experienced during walking and running activities. Tarsal tunnel syndrome occurs when the main nerve that goes to the foot is compressed by bone or tissue. Symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome are typically felt on the inside of the foot region and include burning and tingling. It is comparable to carpal tunnel syndrome in the wrist. Quality shoes specific for foot type, proper biomechanics and physical therapy are often main ways to treat the symptoms of foot pain. Proper stretching of the lower extremity can aid in prevention and alleviate the discomfort felt due to the above disorders. Along with RICE (rest, ice, compression and elevation), here are five easy exercises to stretch the structures of the foot: Joe Kafati opened Rebound Physical Therapy in 2006. He graduated from the University of St. Augustine in 2001 with a Doctorate Degree in Physical Therapy and also has earned his MTC (Manual Therapy Certification). He can be reached at (678) 445-9799. 40

I am so glad you are reading this article about dental care for kids. It’s written for children, and I’ll let you in on a secret. You’re very lucky because a trip to the dental office is really great fun! There are video games, massage chairs, big pictures taken of your teeth so you can understand what the dentist is talking about, and there are even cartoons on the TV in the room where they clean your teeth. Of course, the real reasons you go to the dentist are to have your teeth cleaned by a dental hygienist and to have them checked by a dentist for cavities and other concerns. Years ago, dental offices smelled funny and were very boring, but now dental offices are awesome, so remember how lucky you are. A dental cleaning involves polishing your teeth to remove plaque off all sides of your teeth. “Plaque” is a white film that covers your teeth and eats holes in your teeth, which are known as “cavities” or “decay.” Think of plaque like little ants (called “bacteria”) that get on your teeth and work hard to eat “Years ago, dental your tooth. The cavities can offices smelled funny form on the top of your teeth where you chew your food and were very boring, or in between your teeth, but now dental and they usually make your offices are awesome, teeth turn brown or black in so remember how color. The “dental hygienist” lucky you are.” is like a nurse and uses a professional toothbrush to polish your teeth so all the plaque is removed and your teeth look whiter and you have a nicer smile. The dentist can take pictures of your teeth with a camera and he or she can also take “x-rays” of your teeth, which are a special kind picture that show whether plaque have made holes in between your teeth. The area between your teeth is hard to reach with a toothbrush, and this is why cavities often form in between your teeth. Brushing your teeth with a toothbrush and a small amount of toothpaste gets most of the surfaces of your teeth clean. To get your teeth fully clean, you must use “floss”, a string that goes in between your teeth to remove the plaque and stop cavities from forming in between your teeth. The dental hygienist will help you learn how to properly use floss every day to fully clean your teeth. Plaque (the little ants) covers your teeth more when you drink soda, eat a lot of chips, and especially when you do not clean your teeth well with a toothbrush and floss. Remember, dirty

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continued on page 88 AUGUST 2010

AUGUST 2010

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Lifestyle

Dorm Sweet Dorm by Shelley Herod If you are a college student, your dorm is your home away from home for two-thirds of the year. Not only is it a place for you to study, but a personal space to escape from the outside stress. Therefore, dorm décor is essential for college-bound students. Dorm room decorating can be fun as well as challenging for many reasons. Not only are you working with a confined area, but most schools have many regulations that must be followed. It also can be complicated in determining the multifunctional nature of the room. Since dorm rooms are used for multiple purposes, most students prefer to use a brighter color scheme than they normally would at home. Brighter colors are more stimulating for late night studying. Therefore, bedding is the key element in determining the color palette of the room. Before you purchase your bedding, make sure to confirm the size of the bed. Many dorm rooms require twin extra-long bedding, which means a standard twin set is not big enough. The bed is not only used for sleeping, but additional seating, helped by “Dorm room adding coordinating pillows decorating can to the back against the wall. be fun as well as Make sure to decide on your challenging for many color scheme and carry it reasons.” throughout to make a statement. If possible, coordinate your theme with your roommate. Your bedding should reflect your individuality but also be versatile enough to serve many purposes. Since the room may be cramped, it is important to use every inch wisely. Most dorms have minimal storage, so it is left up to the student be creative with the space. Beneath the bed is the most obvious place for additional storage. If the school does not permit you to loft your bed, use risers to lift the bed, which allows more storage space for extra clothing, luggage, books, etc. Plastic crates also are an alternative. They typically are available in a variety of colors to coordinate with most bedding and can be used in the closet for extra shelving, beside the desk to hold books or under the bed for storage. Closet organizers also are helpful for holding shoes, accessories and makeup. Check with your room mate ahead of time to make sure you do not duplicate larger items such as televisions, refrigerator, etc that will take up extra space. Many dorms have concrete block walls. Reusable plastic hooks are helpful to not only display items on the wall but useful to hang a bathrobe, bath towels and a jacket. Shower caddies are a must for dorm-style bathrooms. They will hold all of your toiletries and make it simpler to transport items to the community bathroom each morning. continued on page 88 42

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AUGUST 2010

Rule 51 by Alan Jordan The most popular scripted series on television is NCIS starring Mark Harmon. Harmon portrays Jethro Gibbs, a grizzled veteran criminal investigator who always solves the crime and catches the bad guy. The keys to his success are the 50 rules he lives by, which over the course of the last seven seasons he has tried to impart on his fellow investigators. In the recent season finale, titled “Rule 51,”Agent Gibbs added a new rule to the list: “sometimes you’re wrong.” We could all learn a lot from Agent Gibbs, even judges. When I first heard about Cherokee County starting a DUI Court, I was not a big fan. Why spend all the money and time on so few people, when all they need to do is either stop drinking or go to jail? Seems simple and much less expensive. There are generally two types of judges in the world. There are the “let’s join hands and sing Kumbaya and solve the world’s problems” kind of judge, and the “may the Lord have mercy on your soul” kind of judge. I took great pride in considering myself a member of the second group. And yet, the “lock them all up” approach wasn’t reducing the number of DUI cases; it just increased the number of people in jail. These are people in jail who all of us, as taxpayers, have to pay to feed and house. Nationally, DUI offenders have a 24 percent recidivist rate. In jurisdictions with DUI Court programs, the recidivist rate is nine percent. In Cherokee County, participants in the DUI Court program have a three percent recidivist rate. This is an unbelievable reduction in repeat offenders. A judge’s job is to solve problems for people, problems that, for whatever reason, they can’t solve for themselves. And when a judge sentences someone in a criminal case, his/her primary goal is to see to it that the crime is not committed again. Sometimes jail works, but not all the time, and particularly not all the time where substance abuse is involved. So, much like Jethro Gibbs, I’ve had rules that I live by and follow as a judge, and they have worked well for me and made me a good judge. But none of us is too old to learn something new, and sometimes even though we think we’ve got it all figured out, we’re wrong. As hard as it is for me, a judge, to admit, I was wrong. DUI Court is a great idea that works well for the people involved and for Cherokee County. I hope everyone will continue to support this worthwhile program. Remember, Rule 51 may be the most important rule of all. Alan Jordan is the Cherokee County State Court Judge. Judge Jordan has served in this capacity since 2000. AUGUST 2010

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Lifestyle

ExtEnsion solutions for HomEs and GardEns

by Paul J. Pugliese County Extension offices frequently get calls from homeowners that are frustrated by limitations to gardening such as not having a big enough back yard, not enough sunlight or restrictive covenants with their home owners associations. If you fall into one of these categories, then you might be very pleased to know that there is a growing interest toward the creation of more community gardens in Cherokee County. There are currently two active community gardens in Canton and Woodstock that are mostly maxed out as far as space and popular demand. Both cities are in the process of seeking out more land and exploring the possibility of expanding these community garden opportunities to the public. Coming this fall, a third community garden will be opening at the Cherokee County Senior Center on 1001 Univeter Road, Canton. This new community garden should be ready to open and begin leasing plots in time for fall vegetable planting. The Garden Club Council of Cherokee County is currently in the process of building these gardens under the guidance of Cherokee County Senior Services. So, if you missed out on planting a garden this spring, then why not make up for lost time and start one this fall? Many people are surprised to learn that fall is a great time to start a vegetable garden. Many cool-season vegetables such as beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, collards, kale, lettuce, mustard, onions, radish, spinach and turnips should ideally be planted in August or September in this part of Georgia. Most of these leafy vegetables and root crops will

be ready to harvest in late fall or early winter! Fall is also an excellent time to begin amending your soil with compost and/or planting a winter cover crop to prepare your garden for a successful spring garden planting. When amending your garden soil, remember all you need is 3 — 4 inches of compost spread out evenly over the area to be planted and then uniformly till it into the existing soil at least 8 — 10 inches deep. This should be done once a year, ideally in the fall. And remember, there can be “too much of a good thing” when it comes to amending your soil; so be sure to do a soil test every couple years to make sure your pH and soil nutrients are on target. For those who are interested in leasing a garden plot or currently have an active garden plot, know that your best source of information about what to plant, when to plant and how to plant is your local Cherokee County Cooperative Extension office. Our office has several resources that many new gardeners may not be familiar with. First, our office has many free publications about gardening available in print as well as online at www.ugaextension.com/cherokee. Also, we have a help desk staffed with trained and certified Georgia Master Gardener volunteers that can assist you with any questions you might have about gardening over the phone. Simply call (770) 479-0418 with your gardening questions or submit a question online from our website. Lastly, our office also provides several diagnostic services such as soil testing and troubleshooting insect, disease and weed problems. Plant and soil samples can be brought to our office in Canton Monday through Friday. Please call our office about proper sampling procedures and to schedule a drop off time. For information about the NEW Cherokee County Senior Center garden, call (770) 345-2675. For information about the Canton community garden, call (770) 720-1048. For information on the Woodstock community garden, call (770) 517-6788.

Paul Pugliese is the Agriculture & Natural Resources Extension Agent for Cherokee County Cooperative Extension, a partnership of The University of Georgia, The U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Cherokee County. (770) 479-0418. For more information and free publications, visit our local website at www.ugaextension.com/cherokee.

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AUGUST 2010

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Lifestyle

Abdominal Obesity Can Lead to Diabetes

Scooting Dogs Don’t Always Mean Worms!

by Dr. Osborne D’Souza

by Dr. Randy Beck “Hey doc, is your finger sore from drainin’ all those anal thingamajigs?”

We are genetically inclined to have an expanding waistline. Central or abdominal obesity, also known as visceral adiposity, and midline obesity - the “paunch” which in the past was an indication of prosperity now indicates poor health and a host of impending problems. Abdominal Obesity Can Be Dangerous A waist circumference of 40 inches in men and over 35 inches in women with a body mass index (BMI) of less than 25 is defined as abdominal obesity. People who are apple-shaped tend to store fat around the abdomen. This can lead to several conditions including insulin resistance, hypertension, cholesterol abnormalities and an increased risk of clotting. This leads to increased incidences of cardiovascular disease, difficulties with ovulation, hormonal cancers such as breast cancer and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. This cluster of metabolic risk factors in a single individual is called metabolic syndrome. Insulin resistance This occurs when the cells in the body do not respond to the action of insulin circulating in the blood, or the response is diminished. Higher levels of insulin are required for the same action. The pancreas, at some point, can no longer produce large amounts of insulin to maintain blood glucose levels and diabetes sets in. Insulin resistance precedes the development of type II diabetes mellitus, which is the diabetes that develops later in life. WHO Standards for Metabolic Syndrome The World Health Organization (WHO) has set criteria for the metabolic syndrome: High insulin levels, an elevated fasting blood glucose or an elevated post-meal glucose along with at least two of these – either abdominal obesity (defined by a waist-hip ratio of greater than 0.9, a BMI of at least 30kg/m2) or a waist measurement more than 37 inches, and a cholesterol showing a triglyceride level of at least 150mg/dl or an HDL lower then 35mg/dl, and blood pressure of 140/90 or above. Prevention Overall weight reduction will decrease abdominal fat considerably. Dr. Osborne D’Souza is Board Certified in Internal Medicine. He can be reached at (678) 324-7406. 46

Very funny. That might be the most common joke we hear as veterinarians. I decided this month to enlighten all of you about the root of this joke. Those of you with scooting dogs know exactly what I am talking about. Anal sacs (also known as anal glands) are two glands that are located just inside the anal area of a dog or cat. They sit in the 4:00 and 8:00 position in most pets, and can range in size from a garden pea to a grape. The anal glands are filled with a very odiferous (a/k/a stinky) fluid. We really do not know why they have these glands. Some possibilities include providing a marking scent for feces, lubrication for the feces and even self defense much like a skunk releasing fluid when scared. The action of a bowel movement moving through the rectum typically puts pressure on the anal sacs, causing them to drain. Sometimes the material in them will get very thick and will clog the duct that drains the sac. This can cause irritation and pain. Dogs will typically start to scoot to try to put pressure on the glands and help drain them. Cats and dogs will also lick at the area to try to help with the pressure. In extreme cases, the anal gland can fill, become infected and then rupture causing an anal gland abscess. This is a very painful condition requiring veterinary attention. The ruptured anal gland usually is cleaned and flushed with an antibiotic ointment, and then antibiotics and pain medication are typically dispensed. The anal sacs can be emptied or “expressed” externally or internally. The internal method is by far superior in completely draining the sacs. Some dogs go all of their lives never needing the glands expressed while some are in every 2-3 weeks for this procedure. Sometimes feeding a higher fiber diet or even adding fiber such as canned pumpkin to the food can help to make a bulkier stool, thus helping drain the sacs. In extreme cases, the anal glands can be surgically removed; however there is an increased risk of having some fecal incontinence when this is done. Other conditions can cause scooting. Intestinal parasites such as worms can cause itching, however this is not as common as many people think. If your pet is scooting or licking at the rear end, then please take your pet to your veterinarian. And do your vet a favor… lay off the sore finger joke. Dr. Randy Beck is the owner of South Cherokee Veterinary Hospital located at 513 Sharp Street in Woodstock.

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AUGUST 2010

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Lifestyle

Unwelcome Visitor by Kara Kiefer I don’t like bugs. Being the mother of two boys, I have tolerated the natural male interest in all things creepy, crawly and weird. But there is one thing I will never tolerate — roaches. Is there anything more vile? Not to me. I have a bug service but because I live near woods, sightings of these disgusting creatures do happen, and unfortunately, they happen in my house. I’ve had them come out of a clean dishwasher, a cabinet and behind the kitchen faucet. My first reaction is to squeal and then demand whichever boy or man is in hearing range to come and take care of it. One evening, I was all alone. All the men were gone for the evening. It was just me, or so I thought. I was preparing the coffee pot for the morning when there it was, all three inches of it, little creepy antennas searching for crumbs. I grabbed a plastic cup from under the sink and as it scurried behind the cutting boards, I quickly put the cup over it. But what now? How was I going to get him from the cup to the outside or better yet, the toilet? I knew I had to put something underneath the cup but didn’t want to use one of my cutting boards or any of the dishes in the sink because I would then have to throw it away. I stood there for what seems like 15 minutes, thinking of a plan to eradicate this vile invader. The other thing I was thinking about was how to do this without opening the cup at all and possibly letting the nasty thing out or worse, touching me! Underneath the cup was some clear plastic wrap from a loaf of bread. I wrapped this plastic as tightly as I could around the cup with one hand — the other hand held firmly to the cup so as not to create an escape hatch. Once I had the cup sealed, I very slowly picked it up and checked that my catch was there, ready to meet its maker. It was not. When I went to bed that night, I locked my bedroom door, just to be on the safe side. A week later, basically the same scenario and there he was, again. This time, I did scream, and my husband came to the rescue as I ran from the kitchen, revolted. The three-inch monster indeed met his maker that night, and I slept in peace. Kara Kiefer is the Editor of AroundAbout — TowneLaker. She lives in Towne Lake with her husband Mike and sons Brandon and Garrett. 48

Are You Ready for Your Next Extreme Weekend? by Dr. Meaghan Cromer All too often on Monday mornings throughout the summer, I am faced with an interesting challenge. Limping into the office, is a patient from another “extreme weekend.” Boating, tubing, golfing, hiking, swimming.... whatever your weekend may hold, there may be a painful a Monday in store for you. Sometimes these thrills are not without consequences that can include sprained ankles to sore backs and bruised bodies. With all the activities that summer holds for us, how can we prepare ourselves to handle the adventures ahead without falling apart? A little preparation, caution, and follow-up may be just what it takes to keep you healthy and on track for your next extreme weekend. To begin, take into consideration the environment where you will be spending your day. In my unprepared haste to get on the beach, I forgot about the sometimes slippery rocks that line the path to our “Try to take all aspects destination. It wasn’t until I of your adventure into was going down fast on my careful consideration tailbone that I wondered if before heading out my flip flops were the best and you may avoid a choice. What will your surroundings hold in store potential downfall like as a potential injury for mine... Ouch!” you? Try to take all aspects of your adventure into careful consideration before heading out and you may avoid a potential downfall like mine... Ouch! Of course, the weather can largely affect your plans as well. Wind and rain can pose danger for your water sports and intense heat can lead to dehydration. Last week, I lost count of all the bumps, bruises and swellings from boats out in too rough conditions, muscle cramps from not drinking enough water while out in the afternoon sun, and sore joints from beach volleyball games. Oh well, I guess that is all in a day’s work for me, but for you, a little prevention can go a long way to keeping you healthy, injury-free and ready for your next adventure. Use caution if you are doing something that you may not do frequently. Stretching can help you warm up before your sport or activity, but it is often not enough if your muscles are not

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continued on page 96 AUGUST 2010

Chianti by David Heckelmoser, CSW Chianti is a red Italian wine produced in Tuscany. The history of Chianti dates back to before the 15th century. Chianti was often associated with a bottle enclosed in a straw basket, called a fiasco (flask). Today, most Chianti is bottled in a traditionally-shaped wine bottle. For a wine to be labeled as Chianti, it must contain at least 80 percent of a grape variety known as Sangiovese. Sangiovese grapes sometimes are referred to as Chianti grapes. Sangiovese is an Italian red grape variety whose name is derived from Latin “sanguis jovis,” meaning the blood of Jove. These wines typically taste like black cherries or plums, mulberry fruit with vanilla oak, and spice. Sangiovese wine is produced in many styles, including sparkling, to a dessert wine called Vin Santo. The wine also can be classified in two ways: as basic level Chianti, called Chianti Classico, and as Reserva. Chianti Classico must have a minimum alcohol content of 12 percent and must be aged for a minimum of 7 months in oak, while a Reserva must be aged at least 35 months in oak and 1 year in a bottle. The Reserva version of the wine tends to be more complex and fuller bodied. Chianti Classico tends to be medium bodied, with firm tannins and medium to high acidity. You may find a black rooster (gallo nero) label that appears on the neck of many Chianti Classico wines. This symbol is part of a foundation that is aimed at promoting the wines of the region, improving quality and preventing wine fraud. Other well known Sangiovese-based Tuscan wines are Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. You might want to try one of these if you find that you like the Sangiovese grape. You may also hear of “Super Tuscans.” These are Sangiovese-based wines blended with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and/or Syrah. The acidity of these wines makes them very flexible with food pairings, particularly with Italian food that features red sauces, as well as with beef, lamb and wild game. The herbs that best play off of these grapes are basil, thyme and sage. A few Chiantis for you to try are: Castello di Querceto, Classico, Da Vinci Chianti Classico, Nipozzano Riserva Chinati Rufina, Ruffino Riserva Ducale Chianti Classico Riserva, and Querceto 2001 Chianti Classico Riserva. David Heckelmoser is a professional member of the Society of Wine Educators, Certified Specialist of Wine CSW, Atlanta Chapter Sommelier Les Marmition. AUGUST 2010

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Feature

Bogey’s — Your Neighborhood Bar and Grill

hile it hasn’t been on the air for many years, many still fondly remember the show Cheers. Even though the show focused around a neighborhood bar, it was the relationships that had developed within this bar that endeared it to fans for many years. If you were like many, you wished you had a place to go in your neighborhood “where everyone knows your name.” Look no farther than 1085 Buckhead Crossing — Bogey’s Neighborhood Grill is Towne Lake’s Cheers! Bogey’s has been a Towne Lake and Woodstock tradition for 11 years, and as many things tend to do, they’ve only gotten better over time. Under the hands-on ownership of Butch Smith, Doug Foley and Vince Lyons and management of Robert Shelnutt, Bogey’s truly fits the bill as a neighborhood tavern — safe and comfortable for families, amazing food and all around good times.

Hungry?

If your answer is a resounding “Yes!” Bogey’s has plenty of options to satisfy whatever it is you are craving. “Fifty percent of all our sales is food,” noted Butch. That’s a high percentage for any bar or tavern so they must be doing something right! “You can eat as light or indulgent as you want,” said Robert. He wasn’t kidding. Of course, there are the menu items you would expect in any self-respecting bar: wings, hamburgers, nachos, fried pickles and lots of yummy munchies. But, if you’re not there for “bar food,” you can choose from seven types of salads, flatbread pizzas, eight entrees and 21 different sandwiches! Children have their own menu but anything off the menu can be sized down to a child’s portion — your wish is their command! Bogey’s prides itself on providing quality and consistent food. “We definitely feel we have the best wings in ‘towne,’” said Butch. He pointed out that head chef, Daniel Price, has been at the kitchen’s helm for 9 years, and a majority of the kitchen staff has been there 8 or more years. Our readers agree with Butch in that Bogey’s is the best. Every year since 2000, Bogeys has won the category “Best Sports Bar” in our annual Readers’ Choice poll.

Hang Out?

Yes, Bogey’s a great place to bring the entire family for a bite. But, if you just want to hang out, with or without the kids, Bogey’s is the place! “ We have a lot of regular customers, and we do know them by name,” noted Doug. “We get a lot of families who come in and the kids play video games while Mom and Dad enjoy a drink at the bar,” remarked Butch. Parents can relax knowing their children are enjoying themselves in a game room that is safe with no outside doors and a staff that is taking care of their food and beverage needs. “We absolutely engage our customers,” said 50

A loyal staff, family friendly atmosphere and a large patio area make Bogey’s stand out from the rest.

Butch. “When they are here, we take care of them like we would our own family members. We socialize outside of Bogey’s and enjoy the camaraderie.” Because there is such a low staff turnover rate, they really get to know the customers. And speaking of the staff, like a lot of restaurants, it consists of several local teenagers, many of whom were patrons as young children with their parents. “To know parents feel comfortable allowing their teenage sons and daughters to work here says ‘safe, neighborhood bar’ more than anything else,” said Butch. Bogey’s is a great destination to watch any sport with its 52 televisions stationed throughout the restaurant. But Bogey’s really is THE place to watch your favorite college football team. “We all have a lot of fun with our customers and their passion for their favorite teams. We have customers who will decorate our bar, our patio and parts of our dining room with their favorite team’s paraphernalia; it’s all good football rivalry fun,” said Butch. Sports watching aside, Bogey’s offers Texas Hold ‘Em on Wednesday nights, Trivia on Tuesday and Thursday nights and live bands on Friday nights starting at 9 p.m.

Customer Appreciation!

As a way to say, “Thank You” to all its loyal customers, Bogey’s hosts Customer Appreciation Days. And lucky us, the next one AroundAbout — TowneLaker

will be held August 7! The event will begin at 12 noon with live bands starting at 2 p.m. Additionally, there will be outdoor tent dining with generous food and drink specials, and for the kids inflatables, rock climbing walls and dunk tanks. After 9 p.m., the music will move inside. Customer Appreciation Days are just one of the ways Bogey’s gives back to the community. “We sponsor several sports teams as well as donate to a myriad of causes for our local schools,” noted Butch. Each year, Bogey’s holds a golf tournament with proceeds going toward Camp Twin Lakes, a network of camps in Georgia providing programs for children with serious illnesses, disabilities and other challenges. And new this year, Bogey’s will be the host location for Charity Ride for the Kids, an event to raise funds for the Shop with a Cop program through the Woodstock Police Department. The event will be held September 18, and all bikes are welcome. More information on this event can be obtained by emailing shopwithacop@ woodstockga.gov. Just like Norm and Cliff on Cheers, Bogey’s is best place to meet with your friends, have some food and fun and feel comfortable bringing the whole family. Come on in- they’ll be expecting you! AUGUST 2010

AUGUST 2010

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Lifestyle

Bird Feeding: The Easy-to-Enjoy, Inexpensive Hobby by Scott Lemmon

“The average backyard may be visited regularly by 15 to 20 different bird species. However, a bird-friendly yard can attract up to 60 or more species.”

uring these turbulent economic times, more Americans are looking for easy, inexpensive hobbies they can enjoy while traveling less. For some people, the answer is no farther than their own backyard. According to a Department of Interior’s National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation, more than 41 million Americans are backyard birders, making it the second most popular hobby next to gardening. Getting started is easy, and backyard bird feeding is a great hobby the entire family can enjoy. You can make a game out of identifying different bird species.

The average backyard may be visited regularly by 15 to 20 different bird species. However, a bird-friendly yard can attract up to 60 or more species. Providing an easy-to-find source of food not only gives birds nourishment, but it also gives them more time to find mates, build nests, raise their young and perform other duties that are key to their survival. Becoming a bird feeding enthusiast does not have to be an expensive endeavor. A family activity could be to make a bird feeder from items around the home. Take several pine cones from the yard, coat them with peanut butter, and then sprinkle on raisins or unsalted peanuts. When comparing bird feeding to other varieties of family entertainment, bird feeding is a greener choice that delivers more hours of entertainment. For one evening of entertainment, a family of four (two kids and two adults) can spend approximately $55 for a movie with popcorn and soft drinks or a few games of bowling with a pizza and soft drinks. With the purchase of a bird feeder, a tree hook to hang the feeder and a bag of bird seed, that same dollar amount can bring several weeks of entertainment to any family’s backyard. Bird feeding is more than a hobby: it’s a way to connect with nature, preserve green spaces and help wildlife. Birds are essential to a healthy ecosystem, and birds’ population growth and decline, and migration patterns are key indicators of nature’s balance. Scott Lemmon can be reached at (770) 928-3014 or e-mail him at wbuwoodstock@comcast.net.

AroundAbout — TowneLaker

AUGUST 2010

AroundAbout — TowneLaker

Lifestyle

Determining Your Risk for Hereditary Cancer by Selvi Palaniappan, M.S., Much can be learned from creating a family tree, especially if you include your family’s health history. If there is a strong history of cancer, genetic testing can help reduce your risk for developing the disease and increase your chances of survival. What is Hereditary Cancer? Only five to ten percent of cancers are inherited. Hereditary cancer is caused when a flawed (or non-working) gene is passed down from a parent. Genetically influenced cancers include breast, ovarian and colorectal cancer. Genetic testing can determine if you carry one of the cancercausing genes. If one is identified, there is a 50 percent chance that your siblings and children will inherit that gene. Are You at Risk? About seven percent of all breast and ten percent of all ovarian cancers are inherited. You should consider genetic testing if you: Had breast cancer before age 45 or ovarian cancer at any age. Have a male relative with breast cancer. l Have a blood relative with either the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene. l Have two or more blood relatives (either parent’s side) who had breast cancer before age 50 or ovarian cancer at any age. l Have a family history of early onset colorectal or endometrial cancer. l Are of Ashkenazi or Eastern European Jewish descent. l l

Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colorectal Cancer (HNPCC), the most common form of hereditary colon cancer, is responsible for between three and five percent of all colorectal cancers. It also increases your risk of developing other cancers such as endometrial, ovarian and gastric. Consider genetic testing if you: Have a personal or family history of colorectal or endometrial cancer diagnosed before the age of 50. l Have a personal or family history of multiple HNPCC-related cancers (in the same person). l Have two first-degree relatives (parents, siblings or children) who were diagnosed with colorectal or endometrial cancer at any age. l Have had more than five to ten polyps removed. l

If you are at risk, the information resulting from genetic testing can help you and your physician better formulate a plan to detect your cancer early… or prevent it entirely. To watch videos and learn more about this and other healthcare topics you care about, visit www.northside.com/healthcast. Selvi Palaniappan, M.S. is a board certified genetic counselor, coordinator, Northside Hospital Hereditary Cancer Program. 54

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AUGUST 2010

Simple Eye Screenings Are Important by Dr. Steven Bowser An undetected vision problem can have a profound impact on a child’s performance in school. Detecting such problems can be difficult. If a child passes an eye screening or doesn’t complain about his or her vision, that doesn’t mean the child’s eyes are fine. A child may not complain about his or her vision. A young person’s perception of normal is that which is normal for them. It often isn’t until a problem is corrected that someone realizes a problem existed. I am reminded of a doctor who observed a subtle eye misalignment while examining a patient in her 50s. The doctor asked, “Do you see double?” The patient replied, “Of course. I always have. I have two eyes. Doesn’t everyone?” Simple eye screenings are important. However, a comprehensive exam can detect subtle but significant problems that could be corrected. One common problem is amblyopia, which is sometimes called “lazy eye.” This occurs when the eyes do not see equally well. One eye ends up doing all the work, and the weaker eye does not develop good vision. The key to correcting or preventing amblyopia is early detection and intervention. The American Optometric Association recommends that every child receive a complete eye examination at the age of six months, then again at three to five years of age and every year thereafter. This schedule helps parents and eye doctors ensure that a good foundation is being built for a lifetime of good vision. As children grow and advance from one grade to the next, it is important to have annual eye examinations. Their bodies are growing, so their eyes and the demands on their eyes are changing. A fourth grader needs to be able to read and write smaller print than a first grader. Advanced reading materials require one’s eyes to focus for longer periods of time. The pace of classroom presentations quickens, and the eyes need to adjust more quickly from the desktop paper to the SMART Board screen. Eye function needs to continue to keep pace with these increased demands. A child who never needed glasses before may develop a need for them at any age. Likewise, it is not unusual for young people to develop a need for their first eyeglasses as high school and college students, as the study demands increase. Every parent’s goal is to preparing their child for success in school. Back-to-school sales are reminders that it is that time of year. Along with new shoes, a fresh haircut and sharpened pencils, parents can equip their children by scheduling an eye exam. Dr. Steven Bowser is an optometrist at Towne Lake Eye Associates. He can be reached at (770) 926-2858 or www.townelakeeye.com.

AUGUST 2010

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Schools & Sports by Sonia Carruthers

Focus on the Beauty of the Rocks This summer, I was grateful to enjoy a weeklong vacation. What exciting thing did I do? I stayed home. Yes, I just stayed home from work and got caught up on much-needed projects around the house. For the first time in what seemed like years, I actually spent a lot of time in my yard. I planted flowers and plants, added a little plug-in water element, hung up a few wind chimes, and installed a few well-placed lounging chairs; with this, I created my own little backyard sanctuary. Now that I am back at work, there isn’t as much time to enjoy it, but I know that it will be there when I come home and need a little serenity. While I was digging in the yard and playing in the dirt, I came across a few rocks. Well, it was actually more than a few rocks; I seem to live in the land of rocks. Every time I found what seemed to be the perfect place for a rose bush or gardenia – Bam! My shovel would inevitably hit something hard. This went on for hours and then for days until I had amassed rocks and more rocks of all different shapes, sizes and colors.

thirty youth from Canton First United Methodist Church, Liberty Hill UMC and Ball Ground UMC came together for four days of hard work to provide assistance to eleven residents in the north and south parts of the county. The teenagers, along with the additional adult volunteers, built a wheelchair ramp, replaced siding on houses, painted the outside of houses, did intensive yard work in the very hot sun and removed and replaced the entire roof of one home. These young people got to know each other through their service to someone with a need. They also got to know themselves a little better. My daughter is very proud of the fact that she can now measure boards, cut them with a power saw and hang siding on a house. She and the others worked hard and had very little rest. They were put into environments they were not used to. They saw different community needs and individual needs that they had never seen before. They got to know people and families who lived differently from their own. They also saw the similarities between themselves and those in need. And at the end of each day, the teenagers all spent the night at Canton First Methodist Church, ate together, shared stories about the events of their day, and had the experience of showering in a disaster relief unit.

Now, a lot of people I know do not like rocks “These experiences in their yard. They consider them nuisances This experience helped to make these teenagers that are only there to make their lives harder. stronger individuals. It firmed up their faith in enable our youth to Without rocks, their yard would be smoother, others and themselves. It provided them with grow in a way that and their yard work would be an easier and a a sturdy foundation for a future that includes will help them become much more enjoyable experience. This may community service. These experiences enable “strong as a rock.” be a fact, but I believe that rocks are beautiful, our youth to grow in a way that will help them and I am honestly fascinated by each one. become “strong as a rock.” How long has the rock been around? Am I the first person to have picked up this rock and So we can look at rock in one of two ways. tossed it in the air, or had someone else done so years before I We can either see them as a stumbling block on our path, or we stumbled upon it? What had that person thought when he or she can see them as a firm foundation on which to stand. There are picked it up? many other youth groups, churches, civic clubs and individuals in our community who are working to remove the stumbling Rocks are sometimes used to symbolize the hardness of a blocks of others and show them how they can turn the situation situation or the toughness of a person. We have all heard that around to start building their own firm foundation for the future. something or someone is “hard as a rock.” Rocks also are used to represent what might be a challenging time in a person’s life One recipient of the work provided by the youth said, through when they find themselves “caught between a rock and a hard tearful eyes, “I just didn’t know that people would help others place.” These metaphorical rocks can develop into a need for like this anymore.” Well, as I always say, this is Cherokee help. People in need are a part of our existence, but so are the County, and we do help each other. opportunities for us to serve. We may not always understand why there is need, but without the need, we would not have the As for my rocks, well, they are all now nicely placed among the chance to experience a type of compassion that allows to grow flowers in my new rock garden. They are just as beautiful as the as human beings. blooms, and I know that this is at least one of my gardens that won’t die off anytime soon. While I was planting my garden and facing my rocks, my daughter was working with a group of very special teenagers Sonia Carruthers is the Executive Director of Cherokee FOCUS. who collaborated together to take on many larger rocks in our You can e-mail her at cherokeefocus@alltel.net or visit www.cherokeefocus.org. community and to provide service to others. One hundred and 56

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AUGUST 2010

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Feature by Dr. Amy Hardin

How Old is Too Old for the Pediatrician? Here at Northside Pediatrics, we often get asked that question. Our answer is 22 years old! In today’s busy society, many parents are choosing to go the local minute clinic or do the giant free group sports physicals at school. These are not the best choices for your child, and there are many reasons why. The teenage years, as many of us know (and you with young children will see), are very wonderful, horrible, confusing, exciting, and packed full of distractions. Children these days are exposed to many great things and many not-so-great things. Check-ups are more than just listening to the heart and checking a blood pressure! A pediatrician is a trained adolescent specialist who can help guide your teen through these turbulent but wonderful years.

United States. Some of it is due to waning immunity, and other cases are unfortunately due to people who are not vaccinating their children. This new vaccine will protect your teen against this horrible disease (aka “The hundred day cough” in China) and protect any infants who may have contact with a person with whopping cough. Pediatricians also have the HPV vaccine (which helps prevent cervical cancer and genital warts), the meningitis vaccine that all state colleges in Georgia and many around the country require for entry, and the Hepatitis A vaccine that is often required for school entry and which is important for our globetrotting youth! We are also linked to GRITS, which is the Georgia registry for vaccines, so if they are anywhere in college here in Georgia, their vaccine records can be easily accessed.

A pediatrician is also a part of the village it takes to raise our teens. We are often called on to be the go-between between parents and the increasingly independent adolescents. We discuss family relationships, choices of friends An adolescent check up includes a lot of areas: and school performance. We counsel teens in how they deal with stress, moods and sexuality “ . . . teens need and First, we take a thorough history to make sure issues, and check for issues like depression and deserve the extra there are no risk factors for sudden death or suicide risk, which we occasionally see. We inheritable diseases. We check blood pressure, also want to make sure our patients are making time to make sure all height and weight, and the teen’s body mass the right choices and, if not, we help them is well.” index to see if they are too big or too little so do things such as stop drinking or smoking, we can counsel appropriately. Their spine is do well in school and drive safely. Our long checked for scoliosis, which 20 percent of girls relationships with many of our teens help us to can have in their teen years. We also check for sexual maturity be the bridge for them from adolescence to adulthood, a role we — are they developing too fast or not quickly enough, or is are honored to have, and one that we take very seriously. everything progressing normally? Urban teen legends are full of crazy stories that they tell each other as far as what is “normal” So, there is a LOT that is done during a teen’s check-up. We and what is not. Teens need to hear that everything is okay with block extra time in our schedules at Northside Pediatrics because their bodies and, if not, we can address both obesity and eating we know our teens need and deserve the extra time to make disorders, which we unfortunately see sometimes. We also are sure all is well. A line-up of 100 athletes certainly has not got good at counseling for healthy lifestyles, exercise and eating the time to do all of this; neither is a visit to your local drug habits. store with someone who doesn’t know your teen or your family. Check with your pediatrician to make sure that he or she is We also screen for many of the diseases that can start in checking on all these items with your adolescent, and find out adolescence. Blood checks are done yearly on menstruating what is the oldest age they see their children. females to make sure they are not anemic, and boys are also screened for anemia several times during adolescence. Any At 22, we’ll congratulate our patients on being “grown up,” teens with a family history of high cholesterol, or teens that are thank them for allowing us to be part of their lives, and wish obese, should have a lipid screen, both to help with discussing them well on future endeavors. One of the best things we get to healthy lifestyle choices and potential needs for medications. see is when they bringing back new “grandchildren” of the group We also have the availability to screen for STDs (sexually once they get married and have kids of their own! We consider transmitted diseases) and diabetes, as well as TB (tuberculosis). this high praise from our former patients! Make sure your teenager gets the check up he or she needs and deserves, with a Vaccines are an important part of well childcare, even for doctor with the best knowledge, up-to-date information, vaccines teens. These are not addressed with a school “sports physical” and resources to share with your children and you. or a drug store clinic “physical.” Did you know that children over the age of 11 should now have a new tetanus vaccine that Dr. Amy Hardin is a pediatrician at Northside Pediatrics in Towne Lake contains the pertusis germ as well? Over the last five years, (www.northsidepediatrics.com). She also enjoys being the mother, referee and chauffeur of two teenage daughters. there has been an explosion of whooping cough (pertusis) in the 58

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AUGUST 2010

AroundAbout — TowneLaker

Schools & Sports

Etowah Grad Makes the Grade

Share your Special Memories of your Grandparents

Caitlin Richards, a 2009 Etowah High School graduate, recently was named to the College of Arts and Science’s Dean’s list for fall and spring semester at Vanderbilt University. In order to be named to the list, a student must achieve a grade point average of 3.50 or higher. Caitlin is the daughter of Virginia and Kevin Richards.

People to People Selects Chapman Student Victoria Heck, a rising sixth grader at Chapman Intermediate School, spent part of her summer attending a People to People World Leadership Forum in Washington D.C. Victoria, along with fellow delegates from around the world, participated in various hands-on activities, listened to professional speakers, attended workshops and visited many significant places in D.C. Victoria is the daughter of Cristi and Doug Heck.

Football Season Kicks-Off!

Etowah Eagles

Woodstock Wolverines

Friday, August 20 Pre-season game at home, 7 p.m. vs. Creekview Friday, August 27 at home vs. Berkmar, 7 p.m.

Friday, August 27 at North Forsyth, 7 p.m. Friday, September 3 at home vs. Harrison, 7 p.m.

The month of September honors all grandparents with Grandparent’s Day, which falls on September 12. We know there are a lot of wonderful grandparents out there, some who live close, some who live far away and some who are no longer with us. Readers, we are looking to showcase your grandparents in a special section in our September issue. Send us a picture of your grandparents, preferably with you in it, and a few sentences recalling one of your favorite memories of your grandparent, and we’ll publish it! Please send your photo and memory to editor@ townelaker.com or mail it to AroundAbout —TowneLaker, 1025 Rose Creek Drive, Ste 340, Woodstock, GA 30189. Please include a self addressed stamped envelope for photo return. Deadline is August 10.

Good Luck!

Banking, only better! 60

LGE

770-424-0060



www.LGEccu.org

Community Credit Union

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AUGUST 2010

AroundAbout — TowneLaker

Schools & Sports

Free Lacrosse Clinics and Registration The Cherokee Youth Lacrosse Association will be holding free clinics as well as registration for the fall season. The dates will be August 7, 14 and 21, rain or shine, at the JJ Biello Riverside Athletic Complex, 347 Arnold Mills Road. The clinics will be from 11 a.m. –1 p.m. All levels of boys and girls are welcome; sticks will be provided. For more information, visit www. cherokeelacrosse.com or email cherokee-lax@bellsouth.net.

Hobgood to Offer Tennis Lessons Starting in September, Hobgood Park will be offering tennis lessons for adults and juniors of all ages and abilities. The lessons will be taught by TenniZ Trendz, Inc. The new program will include Tennis Boot Camp (similar to Cardio Tennis), adult and junior drop-in drills, QuickStart lessons for children, beginner ladies lessons and mother’s day out. Stringing services also will be available. As an introduction, group lessons will be offered for free the week of August 23-27. On August 28, there will be a tennis block party from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. There will be free drop-in drills for adults and children, food and drink provided. For additional information or to sign up for the free group lessons, please email TenniZTrendZ@gmail.com.

Send Us Your Back to School Photos!

When you bring your kids to the school bus on August 2, we know you will have your camera, so please remember to share your first day memories with AroundAbout — TowneLaker. Email to editor@townelaker.com. Mail in or drop off at 1025 Rose Creek Drive Suite 340, Woodstock, GA 30189 Please identify people in photo from left to right. Deadline is August 10.

When Should My Kids Start to Exercise? by Payam Mahmoodzadeh All children can benefit from regular exercise no matter their age. Children who are active will have stronger muscles and bones and a leaner body, will be less likely to become overweight, will have a decreased risk of developing type II diabetes, and will have more confidence and a better outlook on life. Besides enjoying the health benefits of regular exercise, kids who are physically fit sleep better and are better able to handle physical and emotional challenges — from running to catch a bus to studying for a test, etc. There are three elements to fitness: endurance, strength and flexibility. Endurance is developed when kids regularly engage in aerobic activity. When done regularly and for continuous periods of time, aerobic activity strengthens the heart and improves the body’s ability to deliver oxygen to all its cells. Next is muscular strength. All kids benefit from weightlifting, but it should be done under the supervision of an experienced adult or professional trainer. This will build up their strength, no matter what sport they want to play, and will build their confidence to play the sport at a competitive level with other kids their age. Most kids need a formal and consistent weight-training program to be strong. Strengthening the muscles takes time no matter what your age, but with consistent workouts, your child could be at the top of his or her class and will be exuding confidence. Stretching exercises help improve flexibility, allowing muscles and joints to bend and move easily through their full range of motion. Kids look for opportunities every day to stretch when they try to get a toy just out of reach, practice a split or do a cartwheel. The percentage of overweight and obese kids and teens has more than doubled over the past 20 years. Although many different factors contribute to this, children are becoming more sedentary. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, the average child is watching approximately four hours of television a day, and the average kid spends 5.5 hours on all screen media combined (TV, videos and DVDs, computer time outside of schoolwork, and video games). This is causing a surge of child obesity in our country, and obese kids have a greater chance of becoming obese adults. It is the parent’s responsibility to help balance the child’s daily routine with daily exercise regimen to prevent this from happening. The Surgeon General recommends that all children 2 years and older should get at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous continued on page 88

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AUGUST 2010

AroundAbout — TowneLaker

Schools & Sports

Hobgood Heat Makes Winning an Annual Tradition

Hobgood Thunder Battles in Tournament

The 11 year-old Hobgood Heat All-Star team recently won the Dizzy Dean District 3 Championship. This was the second straight year the team claimed top team. Congratulations!

After finding themselves down one game in the first round of the double elimination tournament, the 6U Hobgood Thunder battled their way back to earn runner-up in the 6U Dizzy Dean State B Tournament. Congratulations!

Front row (left to right): Jarod Omeara, Garrett Jeffries, Tony Wineman, Stephen Cason and Caleb Hill. Middle row: Matt Replogle, Bryson Beard, Brock Thompson, Chip Vollenweider and Logan Cox. Back row: Coaches Marc Replogle, William Vollenweider, Karl Cason and Tom Hill.

Front row (left to right): Jesse McDonald, Nicholas Hansen, AJ Vaccaro, Gabriel Wuerth, Braden Bane and Brett Farmer. Second row: Dawson Heck, Jason Keefe, Jordon Fricks, Wyatt Strahl, Matt Dupuis and Toby Thompson. Back row: Coaches TJ Wuerth, Steven Fricks, Randy Fricks and Tim Farmer.

World of Gymnastics Boasts Five National Titles The “Magnificent Seven” from World of Gymnastics recently led Team Georgia to a National Title at the AAU National meet at the Disney ESPN Wide World of Sports in Orlando, Florida.

(9.15), and Rachel Azman obtained a “Triple Crown” with gold medals on Floor Exercise (9.7), Balance Beam (9.75) and the coveted All Around Championship (37.425)!

Three girls from World captured national titles in their respective age groups, with a total of five gold medals for World of Gymnastics. Summer Johnson won Floor Exercise (9.75), Megan Endozo won Vault

There were several other medals acquired by the “World Girls.” Jenny Ladd earned Silver on vault, Bronze on the balance beam and All Around; Madison Brandt won the Silver medal on Floor Exercise; Micayla Keene secured the Bronze medal for Bars and Floor exercise after being taped up for a foot injury in warm-ups. Taylor Ryals earned her personal best on Floor Exercise and a fourth place finish on Balance Beam. The team has been nicknamed the “Mag Seven” by coaches Stacy VanDusen and Laura Mikszan. “They emulate the camaraderie and teamwork of the 1996 Gold Medalists. They cheered each other on with encouragement, and it showed in their performances,” Mikszan said. “The girls have been through a lot and have worked extremely hard to achieve their goals. It was an amazing experience for the athletes, coaches and parents,” added VanDusen.

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AUGUST 2010

AroundAbout — TowneLaker

Feature

CNN Unplugged: A Leadership Experience by Maria Flores

ot many students can say they spent a whole week this summer at Georgia Tech learning from some of the most influential CNN executives about what it takes to make it to the top. Not many can say they received valuable life advice from CNN anchors such as Carl Azuz, Don Lemon, Susan Hendricks, Richelle Carey and Errol Barnett. Not many students can say they had dinner and sat at the same table as the president of CNN Jim Walton, but I can because I did. This summer, along with 99 other Georgia students I had the privilege to attend Leadership Unplugged: A CNN Experience hosted by 21st Century Leaders, a nonprofit organization developed to inspire the world’s future leaders to start making an impact today. More than 10,000 students have gone through the program since 1991. The week-long camps are hosted on the campuses of Emory University, Berry College, Georgia Tech and Georgia Southern, where students get a taste of what the college life will be like. The 21st Century Leaders staff and the CNN board continue to show enthusiasm for the program, in its fifth year, and its future. Arriving at the camp, I had high expectations for the week. I knew I wanted to absorb as much knowledge as I could and run with it, but never did I imagine the program would go above and beyond my expectations to inspire me in ways I had never thought would happen. The first day at camp, I was able to settle in to my apartment-style dorm, meet my roommates and join the entire camp in unique icebreaker activities. The following days consisted of a packed schedule of workshops covering different CNN platforms, marketing and audiences, College 101 with GA Tech students, ethics and diversity. My favorite was the ethics workshop, where the group was given a scenario and we had to decide if it was ethical to air the story. I was able to put myself in the shoes of a CNN employee and place myself in the role they play everyday to air the news we see. The ultimate purpose of these workshops was to prepare us for our final challenge. Within smaller groups of five to six students, we had to brainstorm a story within one of the five categories assigned: economy, environment, internal affairs, external affairs or homeland security. We had to pitch the idea to a panel of CNN executives at the end of the week. Throughout the week, we worked together, bouncing ideas off one another to bring together a story that we all felt passionate about. While presenting to the judges brought out fear and anxiety, finalizing the presentation was a reward in itself. Students learned how to work together, how to work under pressure, and how to step out of comfort zones. Some of us learned how to lead by following and letting others step up in leadership. Leadership Unplugged: A CNN Experience has changed the lives of many students including myself. It has allowed all of us to meet some of the brightest kids in Georgia, and make friendships that may last a lifetime. 21st Century Leaders provides opportunities that cannot be found in any other leadership program. 21st Century Leaders has transformed me into a true leader. If you’re interested in pursuing this opportunity, visit www.21stcenturyleaders.org.

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AUGUST 2010

Cheers! by Jason Fleeman Recently, I was at a local United States Tennis Association (USTA) sanctioned junior tournament and noticed some matches where parents were “cheering” for their child. With several years as a USTA volunteer under my belt, my first instinct was to tell them that they could not cheer. After watching (and listening) for a few minutes, I was fairly impressed. Both sets of parents were making comments such as “Nice point,” “Great game” and “Good shot.” It almost seemed that the parents were complimenting each other on the children’s sportsmanship. I began to really feel proud to be coaching a sport with such positive influence on children. But then, another parent from an adjacent court yelled out, “You are not allowed to cheer!” I have heard it many times before; why can you cheer in baseball, football and basketball, but not in tennis? After this recent situation, I decided to do some research. There is a tennis rulebook called “Friend At Court” published by the USTA. The USTA annually adds and edits rules in order to keep players, coaches, parents and officials up-to-date regarding the rules of tennis. After looking in the glossary for “Cheering,” guess what? No reference on cheering! There are several references on “Cheating” and “Coaching,” but none on “Cheering.” I think that is where tennis players and spectators misinterpret whether or not cheering is allowed. When “cheering” is not permitted, most of the time, is when a parent or coach is actually “coaching” and therefore “cheating.” Statements that are not allowed are those such as “Way to move your feet,” “The score is wrong,” “That ball was in (or out)” and even “Way to hustle” is considered “coaching.” In many cases, if you cannot make a comment that is interpreted as positive toward all players, it is best to say nothing at all. That can be hard when spectators are as competitive (and sometimes more so) than the players. I recently watched the high school state championship between Blessed Trinity Catholic High School and the Westminster School. The match came down to the number one doubles and in the third set. Westminster had come back from a five-to-one deficit to five-to-four. The Blessed Trinity team looked deflated. Blessed Trinity, at deuce, hit a deep ball that clearly landed inside the line. A Westminster parent called the ball out from outside the fence, and the Westminster doubles team tried securing the call and hit the ball out. An on-court official overruled the call and Blessed Trinity won the point. Blessed Trinity, one point later, won the state championship. A spectator’s interference cost Westminster the match. I felt bad for the Westminster players, but this rare situation cost them the championship. continued on page 88 AUGUST 2010

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Feature

Scuba Diving Scouts This summer, two Venturing Crews (a division of the Boy Scouts of America) spent a week scuba diving in the Florida Keys. Twenty-seven members from Crew 625 and Crew 994 spent a year planning the trip. The scouts, ages 14-20, planed meals, arranged for camping and reserved the weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dives. During the week, the scouts participated in 10 dives and explored shipwrecks, coral reefs and sea life.

AroundAbout â&#x20AC;&#x201D; TowneLaker

AUGUST 2010

AroundAbout — TowneLaker

Feature

You Can Make a Difference by Joe Lemmo I am writing this article to you while sitting in a Starbucks in Erie, Pennsylvania. My summer travels are quickly coming to an end. I soon will be leaving to head back to the wonderful town of Woodstock, Georgia! I know Woodstock brings me true joy when I cannot wait to get back after being gone for too long. As I mentioned in last month’s article, I am creating a memory book for my old hockey coach, and am taking advantage of my summer travels to meet up with old hockey teammates to help me with the process. I have had the opportunity to visit with four former teammates in person, and spoke to a couple over the phone.

I have collected most of what I need to put this book together. I have old hockey pictures, original articles, current family pictures and letters from the players. Probably the greatest “things” I have collected, though, are new memories and new stories. We even came up with the idea of how to present this book to our coach. We are going to personally invite him to our alumni hockey game next year, sometime in January or February. This will be a great opportunity for all of us not only to present him with the book, but also to come together. I cannot think of anything I have looked forward to more than

During each visit with my buddies, we laughed constantly as we reminisced about old times. It was so refreshing to me! This book has, without a doubt, turned into more work than I had originally anticipated, but has also reaped more benefits than could have ever been imagined. In a world that is inundated with technology in the forms of texting, email, Facebook, etc., it was awesome to actually speak face-to-face with my old friends! Through conversations and stories, my buddies expressed gratitude and excitement about this book. I guess they are seeing it like I’m seeing it. It is pretty awesome when you become a part of something that is good and joyful. It is awesome when you become a part of something that helps you realize you really can make a difference. It is that realization that motivates me even now about the upcoming 2010-2011 school year. I hope to share these experiences, as well as the passion behind them, with my future students.

Joe and Blaise Steadman look through old photos.

completing this book and giving it to my old hockey coach. I hope you have enjoyed following along with me on this little journey that happens to have a big purpose. More importantly, I hope in some way I have inspired you to look for your own little journey to take. No journey is too big or too small. And the best part about the journey is all the people you meet and inspire along the way. Yes, you can make a difference! Be sure to read next month’s issue to see how my students plan on making a difference during this school year. Joe Lemmo is a 7th grade Language Arts teacher at E.T. Booth Middle School. Former teammates Joe Lemmo and Jay Schlow reconnecting.

AroundAbout — TowneLaker

AUGUST 2010

AroundAbout — TowneLaker

Schools & Sports

Water Conservation Ideas by Brooke Doss Ninety seven percent of the earthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s water is in its oceans, and 20 percent is trapped in glaciers and icecaps. This means that approximately one percent is available for human consumption. This limited supply of water goes toward satisfying the ever-increasing needs of residential, agricultural, manufacturing and recreational industries. Large quantities of water are used to generate power and to cool equipment. Water is used for irrigation and for many industrial processes and commercial uses. Our nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s underground and surface waters are vitally important to our everyday life. Total public water usage in the United States has tripled since 1950, while the population has only doubled; only about ten percent of wastewater is disposed of properly. These statistics illustrate just how essential it is that we increase our efforts to preserve and conserve water. Water conservation results in diverting less water from our ecosystems, which creates a healthier environment. Water conservation also decreases the amount of used water, both treated and polluted, that is released back into our environment. It reduces the energy required to process and deliver water, which helps in reducing pollution and in conserving fuel resources, and minimizes the effects of water shortages, helping to build a better defense against future drought years. By limiting our daily use of water, we also reduce our monthly water and sewer bills. Conserving water in the home can be easy and can cost very little, but the impact it can make is significant.

Easy ways to conserve water: Turn the water off while brushing your teeth and shaving. While waiting for hot water, catch the cool, clean water in a bucket or a watering can to water plants and save up to 50 gallons a week per person. Only run the dishwasher and clothes washer when they are fully loaded. Defrost frozen food in the refrigerator or in the microwave instead of running water over it. Repair dripping faucets and leaky toilets. Toilet tanks are easy to fix and can save you more than 600 gallons a month. Scrape food scraps off dishes into the garbage can instead of rinsing them down the drain and using the disposal. Better yet, start a compost bin. Water your lawn only when needed early in the morning continued on page 88 72

AroundAbout â&#x20AC;&#x201D; TowneLaker

AUGUST 2010

by Amanda Santiago

All Clear to Nationals The U.S. Lacrosse Women’s Division National Tournament – an event strictly for the best of the best. This past May, Amelia (Mia) Wiggins, 17 and a rising senior at Etowah High School (EHS), was selected by her coach, Guill Strougo, to try out for the Georgia National Lacrosse Team. Mia was selected to be a part of the team, further proving the enormous amount of talent this athlete possesses. Mia traveled to Baltimore, Maryland to compete and represent not only her community, but also the entire state of Georgia. Mia has been playing lacrosse since her sophomore year. Her cousins Marissa and Susannah Hardy, both previous All-American lacrosse players, along with friends who played for the school team, are who inspired Mia to pick up the sport. Mia sees her cousins as her sources of inspiration because they motivate her to be the absolute best player she can be. Andrew King, who plays on the boys’ lacrosse team at EHS, serves as an additional source of inspiration for Mia. Andrew helps Mia in all aspects of lacrosse, ranging from tips about shooting to playing in the game. “Before almost every game I ask him for advice because he knows so much, and without his help I really don’t think I would be where I am today,” Mia said. Mia also gives her two coaches credit for transforming her into the player she is. Coach Strougo aided in building Mia’s positive attitude by ensuring that she never gives up, no matter what the score is–the game must be played one hundred percent for the entire time. Alyson Whitley, another coach of Mia’s, made it be known to Mia that lacrosse is a team sport; you are not just playing for yourself and every position on the field is valuable to know. Mia plays midfield, a physically demanding position that involves constantly covering the field for the entire duration of the game. Midfielders must be able to both know and play solid offense and defense. It is key for a midfielder to be able to switch from offense to defense quickly, and vice versa. When on offense, a midfielder must play attack, seeking to score a goal. And when on defense, midfielders try to prevent a goal. Being selected out of several girls to represent Georgia gave Mia additional drive while in Maryland. “It is a great feeling to know I got picked out of so many girls to represent my state. It just gave me that much more of a push to play my hardest because I didn’t want to make my state look bad. It also gave me more AUGUST 2010

self-confidence in how I play, because not everyone gets that opportunity, and I felt very blessed,” Mia said. Although playing with the best can be intimidating, Mia looked at it as a valuable learning experience. Lindsay Martin and Faith Harmeyer coached the team, and the tournament consisted of 55 teams in six different brackets. Nationals consisted of competing with a group of girls that had never played together before all playing against teams from around the country. While at Nationals, Mia roomed with three other girls from Georgia, which gave them a chance to get to know each other better. It also gave the girls extra time to form a quick bond that they could carry with them onto the field. The experience was one-of-a-kind. Mia said, “After playing with a very talented group of girls and watching some amazing teams, I learned more techniques and new ways to play lacrosse that I should incorporate into the way I play.” Mia (left) has participated in various sports her entire life. Whether it was dancing with the Elite Company or cheering as captain on the varsity squad for the football team, Mia excelled at every sport she put her determination into. Soccer, which she played from the age of six until fourteen, is what helped Mia to learn lacrosse quickly, due to the similarities between the sports. Although lacrosse is a demanding sport both physically and time-wise, Mia manages to balance out her busy schedule that includes school, sports, friends and family. It is no secret that being chosen to play at Nationals was a huge opportunity with undeniable competition. However, the competitive and fast-natured pace of the game is exactly what Mia loves about the sport. When asked why she believes she was chosen to try out for Nationals, Mia feels it is because she has a big interest in pursuing the sport in college. To that, Nationals definitely was the correct showcase in order for colleges to take notice, and since Nationals several colleges have contacted Mia. Although she does not have a specific college that her heart is set on, she has been taking a look at colleges somewhat close to home, in Georgia, Tennessee and North Carolina. It will be exciting to see what unfolds for this promising athlete during this upcoming year. Amanda Santiago is a journalism major at University of Georgia and an intern at AroundAbout —TowneLaker.

AroundAbout — TowneLaker

Schools & Sports

School Information Public Schools Bascomb Elementary School 1335 Wyngate Parkway Woodstock, GA 30189 (770) 592-1091 Principal: Ruth Flowers www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/bascomb-es Carmel Elementary School 2275 Bascomb-Carmel Road Woodstock, GA 30189 (770) 926-1237 Principal: Keith Bryant www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/carmel-es Chapman Intermediate School 6500 Putnam Ford Road Woodstock, GA 30189 (770) 926-6424 Principal: Dr. Pam Colvin www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/chapman-es E. T. Booth Middle School 6550 Putnam Ford Road Woodstock, GA 30189 (770) 926-5707 Principal: Dawn Weinbaum www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/etbooth-ms Etowah High School 6565 Putnam Ford Road Woodstock, GA 30189, (770) 926-4411 Principal: Keith Ball www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/etowah-hs Kleven Boston Elementary School 105 Othello Drive Woodstock, GA 30189 (770) 924-6260 Principal: Les Conley www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/boston-es Polaris Evening School 2010 Towne Lake Hills South Drive Woodstock, GA. 30189, (770) 926-1662 Administrator: Bob Hahn www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/polaris Woodstock High School 2010 Towne Lake Hills South Drive Woodstock, GA 30189, (770) 592-3500 Principal: William Sebring www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/ woodstock-hs

Woodstock Middle School 2000 Towne Lake Hills South Drive Woodstock, GA 30189, (770) 592-3516 Principal: Mark Smith www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/woodstock-ms

Private Schools American Heritage Academy 2126 Sixes Road Canton, GA 30114 (770) 926-7779, www.ahacademy.com Principals: Maryann Radnovich (PreK & K) Sharon Day (1 — 12 grade) PTO President: Fran Chandler Cherokee Christian Academy and Cherokee Christian High School 3075 Trickum Road Woodstock, GA 30188 (678) 494-5464, www.cherokeechristian.org Principal: Hal Scripka

Lyndon Academy 9914 Highway 92 Woodstock, GA 30188 (770) 926-0166 www.lyndonacademy.org Headmaster: Linda Murdock New Life Christian Academy 154 Lakeside Drive, Canton, GA 30115 (770) 345-3010 Principal: Katherine Knoke North Cobb Christian School 4500 Lakeview Drive Kennesaw, GA 30144 (770) 975-0252 www.ncchristian.org Headmaster: Todd Clingman Omega Learning Center 5330 Brookstone Drive, NW, Suite 320 Acworth, GA (770) 792-7431

Furtah Preparatory School 5496 Highway 92 Acworth, GA 30102 (678) 574-6488, www.furtahprep.org Headmaster: Fred Furtah

Shiloh Hills Christian School 260 Hawkins Store Road Kennesaw, GA 30144, (770) 926-7729 www.shilohhills.com Administrator: John D. Ward

Harvest Baptist School 3460 Kellogg Creek Road Acworth, GA 30102 (770) 974-9091, www.harvestbaptist.org Principal: David Goings

St. Joseph Catholic School 81 Lacy Street, Marietta, GA 30060 (770) 428-3328 www.stjosephschool.org Principal: Pat Allen

Cherokee County School District 2010 – 2011 Calendar at a Glance

August 2 First Day of 2010-2011 School Year September 6 No School, Labor Day September 20 – 24 Fall Break November 2 No School, Teacher Work Day November 22 – 26 Thanksgiving Break December 20 — January 4 Christmas Break January 17 No School, MLK Day February 21 – 25 Winter Break March 18 No School, Teacher Work Day April 4 – 8 Spring Break May 27 Last Day of School Cafeteria account information: www.mealpayplus.com Parent Connect: https://pcxp.cherokee.k12.ga.us School District Website: www.cherokee.k12.ga.us

AroundAbout — TowneLaker

AUGUST 2010

AroundAbout — TowneLaker

Faith

Towne Lake Area Religious Services Baptist

Jewish

Crossroads Community Church 2317 Bascomb-Carmel Road, (770) 592-7007 Sunday Services: 11 a.m. & 6 p.m. Sunday Morning Bible Study: 9:30 a.m. Pastor: Bob Goodner

Chabad Jewish Center 1635 Old Hwy 41 NW, Suite 112-265, Kennesaw (770) 771-9952, info@JewishwestCobb.com Introductory Service: 1st Shabbat of each month at 11 a.m. Traditional Service: 3rd Shabbat of each month at 10:30 a.m. Rabbi: Zalman Charytan www.JewishWestCobb.com

First Baptist Church of Woodstock 11905 Highway 92, (770) 926-4428 Sunday Services: 8, 9:30 & 11 a.m. & 6 p.m. Pastor: Dr. Johnny M. Hunt www.fbcw.org Hillcrest Baptist Church 6069 Woodstock Road, Acworth, (770) 917-9100 Sunday Services: 9 & 11 a.m. Sunday School: 10 a.m. Wednesday Services: Youth 6:30 p.m., Adults 7 p.m. Pastor: Paul Vance New Victoria Baptist Church 6659 Bells Ferry Road, (770) 926-8448 Sunday Services: 8:30 & 10:50 a.m Sunday Bible Study: 9:45 a.m. Wednesday Awana: 6:30 p.m. Pastor: Monty Guice www.newvictoriabaptistchurch.org South Cherokee Baptist Church 7504 Highway 92, (770) 926-0422 Sunday Services: 10:30 a.m. & 6 p.m. Sunday School: 9:30 a.m. Wednesday Service: 7 p.m. Pastor: Steven Lambert

Episcopal Christ Episcopal Church 1210 Wooten Lake Road, Kennesaw, (770) 422-9114 Sunday Services: 8 & 10:30 a.m. Sunday School: 9:15 a.m. Wednesday: 6:30 p.m. praise music, 7 p.m. Eucharist Rector: Doris Graf Smith Christ the Redeemer Charismatic Episcopal Church 411 Scott Mill Road, Canton, (770) 479-1778 Sunday Service: 10 a.m. Morning Prayer: Sunday at 8:30 a.m. Rector: Kurt Wheeler Christ the Redeemer Charismatic Episcopal Church 6488 Hickory Flat Highway, Canton, (404) 395-5003 Saturday Service: 5:30 p.m. Priest: Stephen Hunter Episcopal Church of the Annunciation 1673 Jamerson Road, Marietta, (770) 928-7916 Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m. Sunday School: 9:30 a.m. Rector: Rev. Paul McCabe www.annunciationepiscopal.org Saint Clement’s Episcopal Church 2795 Ridge Road, Canton, (770) 345-6722 Sunday Eucharist Services: 8, 9 & 11 a.m. Christian Education: 10 a.m. Wednesday Eucharist Service: 6:30 p.m. Rector: James B. Stutler

Tikvah l’ Chaim “Hope for Life” Messianic Jewish Fellowship 132 North Medical Parkway, Woodstock (678) 936-4125 or (678) 445-8766 Shabbat Services — Saturday’s 10 a.m. Rabbi Gary Maxted www.tlchaim.com (partnering with TLC Church, Woodstock, GA)

Lutheran Celebration of Grace Lutheran Church 2260 Holly Springs Pkwy, Suite # 120, Canton (770) 503-5050 Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m. Nursery available Sunday School: 9 a.m., Faith Formation: 9 a.m. Pastor: Virginia Krekling www.CelebrationofGrace.org Good Shepherd Lutheran Church 1208 Rose Creek Drive (770) 924-7286, sheeptalk-gslc@comcast.net Sunday Services: 8, 9:30 & 11 a.m. Sunday School: 9:30 & 11 a.m. Thursday Youth Activities: 6:30 p.m. Pastors: Paul Baumgartner & Justin Ask www.goodshepherdwoodstock.org Timothy Lutheran Church (LC-MS) 556 Arnold Mill Road, (770) 928-2812 Sunday Services: 8:30 & 11 a.m. Sunday School: 9:45 a.m. Pastor: Stephen Constien

Orthodox St. Elizabeth Orthodox Church Service at the Woodstock Funeral Home Chapel, 8855 Main Street, Woodstock (770) 485-0504 Sunday Divine Liturgy: 10 a.m. Priest Frederick Watson www.stelizabethga.org

Presbyterian Cherokee Presbyterian Church, PCA 1160 Butterworth Road, Canton, (770) 704-9594 Sunday Services: 9 a.m. & 6:30 p.m. Sunday School: 11 a.m. Pastor: Alan Lutz www.cherokee-pca.org Heritage Presbyterian Church 5323 Bells Ferry Road, (770) 926-3558 Sunday Services: 9 & 11:10 a.m. Sunday School: 10 a.m. AroundAbout — TowneLaker

Pastor: Dr. Sid Gunter www.heritagepres.com Sixes Presbyterian Church Meeting at our Fellowship Hall at 2335 Sixes Road, Canton, (770) 485-1975 Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m. Pastor: Dr. Lucas Pina www.sixeschurch.org Woodstock Presbyterian Church 345 Arnold Mill Road, (770) 926-0074 Adult Sunday School: 10 a.m. Traditional Worship Service: 11 a.m. Pastor: Rev. Dr. Jake Marshall

Roman Catholic St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church 490 Arnold Mill Road, (770) 516-0009 Saturday Vigil Mass: 5:30 p.m. Sunday Masses: 7:30, 9 & 11 a.m. & 12:45 & 5:30 p.m. Sunday Spanish Mass: 2:30 p.m. Pastor: Larry Niese www.stmichaelthearchangelwoodstock.catholicweb.com Transfiguration Catholic Church 1815 Blackwell Rd. NE., Marietta, (770) 977-1442 Saturday Vigil Mass: 5 p.m. Sunday Masses: 8 & 10 a.m. & 12 noon Sunday Spanish Mass: 2 p.m. Pastor: Monsignor Patrick Bishop www.transfiguration.com

United Methodist Bascomb United Methodist Church 2295 Bascomb-Carmel Road, (770) 926-9755 Contemporary Service: 9 a.m. Traditional Service: 11 a.m. Sunday School: 10 a.m. Pastor: Rev. Millie Kim www.bascombumc.org CITY ON A HILL United Methodist Church Worship Experiences at Johnston Elementary School 2031 East Cherokee Drive, (404) 862-7850 Sunday Service: 9 & 10:45 a.m. Nursery available at both times Pastor: Chris Bryant www.COAHUMC.org First United Methodist Church of Woodstock 109 Towne Lake Parkway, (770) 926-6440 Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Worship: 11 a.m. Over 50s meet 1st Saturday each month at 11:30 a.m. Pastor: Rev. Claude Herbert Hillside United Methodist Church 4474 Towne Lake Parkway, (770) 924-4777 Traditional Services: 8:30 & 11 a.m. Contemporary Services: 9:30 & 11 a.m. Sunday School: 9:30 & 11 a.m Pastor: Dr. Doug Thrasher www.hillsideumc.org

continued on page 78 AUGUST 2010

AUGUST 2010

AroundAbout — TowneLaker

Faith

Towne Lake Area Religious Services Liberty Hill Church Worship at 930 Marietta Highway (Cherokee High School), (678) 493-8920 Sunday Service: 10:45 a.m. Nursery available Sunday School: All ages, 9:30 a.m. Pastor: Jamey Prickett www.libertyhillumc.org Sixes United Methodist Church 8385 Bells Ferry Road, Canton, (770) 345-7644 Sunday Services: 9 and 11 a.m. Sunday School: 10 a.m. Pastor: Jim Buckman www.sixesumc.org

Other Churches Allen Temple, AME Church 232 N. Arnold Mill Road, (770) 926-6348 Prayer Time: Friday, 7:14 — 8:14 p.m. Sunday Services: 8 & 11 a.m. Sunday Church School: 9:45 a.m. Pastor: Carl A. Moore, Sr. www.allentempleame.org Axios Church 155 Rickman Industrial Drive, Holly Springs (678) 493-5969 Sunday Service: 10:15 a.m. Pastor: Ray Brim www.axioschurch.org Bells Ferry Church of God 6718 Bells Ferry Road, (770) 592-2956 Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Service: 11 a.m. Wednesday Service: 7 p.m. Pastor: Ted Wooldridge www.bellsferry.com Branches of Christ 2355 Highway 92, Acworth, (770) 917-9040 Sunday Service: 10 a.m. Wednesday Service: 7 p.m. Pastor: Steve Pettit www.branchesofchrist.com BridgePointe Church Meeting at Woodstock Middle/High School (770) 517-2977 Sunday Services: 9 & 11 a.m. Pastor: Chuck Angel www.bridgepointechurch.org Celebration Church 340 Towne Lake Parkway (678) 461-9626 Sunday Service: 9:30 a.m. Cherokee Seventh Day Adventist 101 Rope Mill Road, (770) 591-7304 Saturday Worship: 11 a.m. Sabbath School: 9:30 a.m. Wednesday Service: 7:30 p.m. Pastor: Jonathan Williamson Christ the King Church of Greater Atlanta 6464 Highway 92, (770) 924-9161 Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m. Pastor: Larry Tomczak www.ctkatlanta.com

Christian Praise Center 1358 Sixes Road, (770) 924-7532 www.christianpraisecenter.com Church at North Gate 9876 Main Street, Suite 250 (behind NAPA) (678) 494-2193 Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday Program: 7:30 p.m. Pastor: Marc Lawson www.ngca.org Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Allatoona Ward, 2205 Bascomb Carmel Road Sunday School & Auxiliary Meetings: 12:30 p.m. Sacrament Meeting: 2:15 p.m. Bishop Phil Karski Canton Ward, 3459 E. Cherokee Drive, Canton Sunday School & Auxiliary Meetings: 10:20 a.m. Sacrament Meeting: 9 a.m. Bishop Scott Harman Church of the Messiah (Non-denominational) 415 Charles Cox Drive, Canton, (770) 479-5280 Sunday Service: 10 a.m. Pastor: Fred L. Goodwin Covenant Christian Center 330 Adam Jenkins Memorial Blvd, Canton (770) 345-0307 Sunday Service: 10 a.m. Wednesday Service: 7 p.m. Pastor: Apostle Kito J. Johnson www.CityOfCovenant.org Dayspring Church 6835 Victory Drive, Woodstock, (770) 516-5733 Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m. Pastor: Tony Crawford www.dayspring-online.com Faith Family Church 5744 Bells Ferry Road, Acworth, (770) 926-4560 Sunday Service: 10 a.m. Wednesday Service: 7 p.m. Pastor: Tommy White Freedom Church Meeting at North Cobb High School 3400 Old Highway 41 NW, Kennesaw, (770) 529-6006 Sunday Services: 9:30 & 11 a.m. www.freedomchurch.tv Pastor: J.R. Lee Jubilee Church (Newfrontiers) Meets at Kell High School 4770 Lee Waters Road, Marietta (678) 471-1930 Sunday Service: 10 a.m. www.jubileechurch.us Love Community Church 5598 Bells Ferry Rd., Acworth (Cherokee Corners) (404) 663-1828 Sunday School: 9 a.m. Sunday Service: 10 a.m. Pastor: Rev. Donna T. Lucas Momentum Church 110 Londonderry Court Suite 130, Woodstock, on Hwy 92 — ½ mile east of Hwy 5, (678) 384-4919 Sunday Service Times: 9:30 & 11:15 a.m. Pastor: Ross Wiseman AroundAbout — TowneLaker

cont’d

www.MomentumChurch.tv Northern Hills Church of Christ 4563 Hickory Flat Highway, Canton, (404) 579-0885 Sunday Service: 10 a.m. Pastor: Ronny West www.northernhillsfamily.org The Pointe Church Hasty Elementary, 205 Brown Industrial Parkway, Canton, (404) 557-9640 Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m. Pastor: Brian Jones www.myfriendschurch.com Prayer & Praise Christian Fellowship Church 6409 Bells Ferry Road, (770) 928-2795 Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m. Christian Living Class: 9:30 a.m. Wednesday Youth Meeting: 6:30 p.m. Pastor: Larry H. Baker Resurrection Anglican Church 231 Arnold Mill Road, (770) 591-0040 Holy Communion: Sunday 10:30 a.m. Christian Education (all ages): Sunday 9:30 a.m. Pastor: Rev. Greg Goebel www.resurrectionwoodstock.org Towne Lake Community Church 132 N. Medical Pkwy. (behind Wellstar), (678) 445-8766 Contemporary Family Service: 10:30 a.m. Sunday Senior Service at Savannah Grand: 11 a.m. Wednesday Bible Study: 7 p.m. Sr. Pastor: William Ratliff www.tlcchurch.com Unity Christ Church 2871 Cherokee St., Kennesaw, (770) 422-9552 Sunday Service: 11 a.m. Pastor: Rev. Terrence Padgett www.unitycc.com Woodstock Christian Church 7700 Highway 92, (770) 926-8238 Sunday School: 9 a.m. Sunday Worship Service: 10:30 a.m. Sunday Small Groups: 6 p.m. Wednesday Meal: 6 p.m.; Worship: 6:40 p.m.; Program: 7 p.m. Pastor: Lynn Eynon www.woodstockchristian.org Woodstock Church of Christ 219 Rope Mill Road, (770) 926-8838 Sunday Services: 10:30 a.m. & 6 p.m. Servico En Espanol Domingo: 10:30 a.m. Aprenda Ingles Gratis (Free ESL): Lunes 7 — 9 p.m. Ministro: Rafael Uzcategui, (770) 926-8271 Pastor: Bryan Collins www.woodstockchurchofchrist.org Woodstock Church of the Nazarene 874 Arnold Mill Road, (770) 924-4499 Sunday Services: 10:45 a.m. & 6 p.m. Sunday School: 9:30 a.m. Wednesday Program: 7 p.m. Pastor: Greg Brown www.wcnga.com Woodstock Community Church 8534 Main Street, (770) 926-8990 Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m. Pastor: Greg Michael AUGUST 2010

AUGUST 2010

AroundAbout — TowneLaker

Faith

Marriage Moments

A New Season

by Rev. Bill Ratliff

by Dr. Doug Thrasher

Sometimes a married person is tempted to wish his/her life away. I read about a married student at a university who made this observation: “I couldn’t wait to get out of high school so I could go to work. Then I felt if I didn’t get married I would just die. Then I couldn’t be happy until we had a baby right away. After three babies in five years, I could hardly wait until they all got in school so I could get back into the adult world of work. Then I grew impatient; I wanted them to get through school so I could quit work. Looking back now, I realize I spent some of the best years of my life wishing my life away. “

School’s starting, and that means football isn’t far behind. I’m a big football fan, especially college football. I love watching the games and cheering on my favorite team, the Georgia Bulldogs. Every season is approached with hope that this year will be an incredible year, perhaps even a championship! I do realize that a good number of you reading this have other teams that you pull for. Whatever your team, I’m sure you feel the same way at the beginning of the season. “Maybe this year,” you say. And then the season begins, and there is the joy of victory and the agony of defeat.

My mother has told me about life with my dad when I was too young to remember it. During the first two years of my life, my dad worked late every day and never came home for dinner. He believed he was earning opportunities for the future of our family. He believed his hard work would pay off down the line with some future promotion that would enable our family to live better. He didn’t realize that my mom was feeling terribly lonely and that his sons were terribly neglected. His wishful intentions for the future of our family were admirable along with his work ethic, but he left us all with loneliness and a void of his presence in our lives. My mom looked back at those years as the darkest in her and my dad’s marriage. It was all because my dad was living for the future and neglecting the present needs of his family. Somehow my dad got the message from my mom. When I was in second grade, he made a change in his career to start his own business. After that, he was at home for dinner most nights of the week The Bible says in Ecclesiastes 3:1, “To everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under heaven.” Are you wishing your life away or are you living in the present?

Date Your Mate:

Do something different! Take your spouse to your neighborhood pool. Hand in hand, jump in the pool together during the adult swim. Laugh, play and enjoy one another so much that the children who are watching poolside are impressed. Bill Ratliff is the Senior Pastor at Towne Lake Community Church. He is also a member of the Around About — TowneLaker’s Community Board. He can be reached at (678) 445-8766.

Send Us Your Church News and Events editor@townelaker.com Deadline is August 10. 80

A few years ago, Coach Mark Richt quoted something that has stuck with me. He said the definition of insanity was to keep doing the same thing and expect to get a different result. That was said before UGA beat Florida for the first time in a while. Remember the celebration penalty? What Coach Richt said makes a lot of sense and applies to many things other than football. “I have found that there are

some constants that have Take, for instance, your sustained me through the work. If things are not going well in whatever many seasons of my life.” field you are in, are you doing the same things you have always done and expecting different results or are you trying new things? Or, if you are in a struggling relationship, have you taken note of the things you have tried in order to resolve your issues and brainstormed about other possible solutions, or are you continuing to relate to one another in the same broken ways? I tend to think of life in seasons rather than years. My wife Debbie and I have had a number of seasons. Some of those have been noted in our lives by the seven churches we have served. Other seasons can be identified as the season of babies, the season of school, the season of high school and all its activities, the season of college years for our children and the new season of empty nesters for us (really good season). And now, we are in the season of our lives when we are enjoying grandbabies while at the same time having to care for aging parents. There are always new seasons arriving in life. And we have to adapt and do things in new ways and learn new things over and over again. What about you? I have found that there are some constants that have sustained me through the many seasons of my life. They include the love of God, the grace of Jesus Christ and the truth of the Bible. These constants give me a solid place from which to face all the continued on page 96

AroundAbout — TowneLaker

AUGUST 2010

AroundAbout — TowneLaker

Reference

Towne Lake Area Clubs and Organizations Business Organizations

sells used household items to raise money for CCHS.

American Business Women’s Association, Cherokee Eagles Charter Chapter Meeting: Third Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. Contact: Jacqueline Miller Van Hook, (678) 493-3618

Cherokee County Special Olympics Meeting: First Monday at 7 p.m. Location: CrossRoads Middle/High School Contact: Colleen Konwick, (770) 517-7101

Cherokee Area Business Connection Meeting: Every Wednesday at 7:15 a.m. Contact: Marci Zied, (770) 345-8687

Cherokee Child Advocacy Council, Inc. Anna Crawford Children’s Center and Parents HELP Contact: Amy Economopolous (770) 592-9779 www.cherokeechildadvocates.org

Cherokee Financial Women International Contact: Mitzi Saxon, (770) 479-3400 Cherokee Toastmasters Meeting: Every Wednesday from 12 noon Location: Keller Williams Realty, 220 Heritage Pkwy Contact: Steve Monahan, (770) 712-4077 Website: www.CherokeeToastmasters.com No Fee Referral Network Woodstock Meeting: Every Thursday morning at 7:30am Location: Corner Bistro off Towne Lake Pkwy Contact: Stephanie Natarus, (770) 928-2700 stephanie@livinginsured.com Website: http://www.meetup.com/No-Fee Referral-Network-Woodstock/ North Georgia Referral Network Meeting: Every Tuesday morning at 7:30 a.m. Location: Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills Contact: Steve Green, (770) 427-2799 Together We Rise Meeting: Second & Fourth Tuesdays at 11:30 a.m. Location: Featherstone’s at Towne Lake Hills Contact: Pat Snipes, (404) 569-5280 Towne Lake Business Association Meeting: August 17 at 12:30 p.m. Location: Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills Contact: (770) 615-3350 Website: www.tlba.org Towne Lake PowerCore Team Meeting: Every Friday at 7:15 — 8:45 a.m. Location: Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills Contact: Marc Replogle, (770) 952-5000, X20 Website: www.powercore.net Woodstock Community Business Association Meeting: Second Monday at 12 noon Location: Latimer Hall Contact: info@woodstockcba.com Women of Woodstock Meeting: First & third Wednesday. Location: Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills Contact: Stephanie Natarus, (770) 928-2700 stephanie@livinginsured.com Website: www.womenofwoodstock.com

Charitable Organizations Ahimsa House help for victims of domestic violence who need help getting their pets to safety. Contact: 24-hour hotline, (404) 452-6248. Other inquiries,(404) 496-4038. Website: www.ahimsahouse.org Cherokee County Animal Shelter Auxiliary Contact: (770) 704-PAWS or ccasa4paws@ yahoo.com Website: www.ccasauxiliary.org Cherokee County Humane Society (CCHS) Contact: (770) 928-5115, admin@cchumanesociety.org Website: www.cchumanesociety.org CCHS Thrift Store located at 5900 Bells Ferry Road, Acworth, (770) 592-8072, accepts donations and

Companion Animal Connection Contact: (678) 493-9847 Website: www.cacadopt.petfinder.com Feed My Lambs, Inc. Contact: Candice Knight, (770) 795-9349 Website: www.feedmylambs.net Genesis Adoptions Contact: Lindsay Kirk, (770) 517-0043, lkirk@genesis-adoptions.org Website: www.genesis-adoptions.org Habitat for Humanity North Central Georgia. Contact: (770) 345-1879 Website: www.habitatncg.org Hope Center offers support for unplanned pregnancy. Contact: (770) 924-0864, info@TheHopeCtr.com Website: www.hopectr.com Hospice Advantage needs volunteers. Contact: Shari Koch, (770) 218-1997 Website: www.hospiceadvantage.com iCOR helping orphans, seeks volunteers. Meeting: First Monday at 12 noon Location: Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills Contact: Lily Colgate, (404) 992-8155 Website: www.iCORorphans.com Meals “Fur” Pets has pet food collection bin at AroundAbout — TowneLaker offices. Contact: Steve Monahan, (770) 712-4077 Website: www.mealsfurpets.com MUST Ministries Contact: Kim Loesing, (770) 479-5397

Junior Service League of Woodstock 24 hour information line: (770) 592-3535 Kiwanis Club of Woodstock Meeting: Every Thursday at 6:30 p.m. Location: Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills Contact: (678) 494-4841 Website: www.kiwanisofwoodstock.org Rotary Club of Woodstock Meeting: Every Tuesday at 7:30 a.m. Location: IHOP on Highway 92 Contact: Gary Floyd, (404) 506-6878, glfloyd@ southernco.com Sewrifics of Cherokee Meeting: Third Tuesday at 7 p.m. Location: Sixes United Methodist Church, Canton Contact: Sheri Torch, (770) 591-8335 Sons of the American Legion Meeting: Third Thursday at 6:30 p.m. Location: Woodstock Community Church Contact: Charles Tucker, (678) 643-0794 South Cherokee Optimist Club Meeting: Every Friday at 7:30 a.m. Location: Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills Contact: (770) 926-3522 Towne Lake Optimist Club Meeting: Every Wednesday at 7:30 a.m. Location: Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills Contact: Terry Morrison, (770) 715-3375 Woodstock Jaycees Meeting: First Tuesday & third Thursday at 7 p.m. Location: 216 Rope Mill Road Contact: (770) 926-8336 Woodstock Lions Club Meeting: Second & fourth Tuesdays at 7 p.m. Location: New Victoria Baptist Church Contact: (770) 906-2958 Woodstock Masons Lodge #246 F. & A.M., Inc. Meeting: Second & fourth Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. Location: Corner of Air Acres Way & Arnold Mill Rd. Contact: (770) 993-3145 or (770) 926-0627

Papa’s Pantry is a year-round local food ministry. Contact: Lynne Saunders, (770) 591-4730 Website: www.papaspantry.org

Woodstock Midday Optimist Club Meeting: Every Wednesday at 12 noon Location: Folks Contact: Johnny Young, (770) 345-6158

Safe Kids Cherokee County — Call for an appointment for free child safety seat inspections. Contact: Chad Arp, (678) 493-4343 Website: www.cherokeesafekids.org

Woodstock VFW Post 10683 Meeting: Second Tuesday at 7 p.m. Location: Woodstock Senior Center Contact: Andrew Yrabedra, (404) 663-4663

Civic Organizations AARP Woodstock Chapter is for anyone 50 and older. Meeting: Second Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. Location: Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills Contact: Rich, (770) 926-1944 American Legion & Auxiliary Meeting: Third Thursday at 7:30 p.m. Location: Woodstock Community Church Contact: Charles Tucker, (678) 643-0794 Beta Sigma, Kappa Chi Chapter Meeting: Third Thursday at 7 p.m. Contact: Maria Kuhn, vccibaker@aol.com or April Bolle, (678) 327-7233 Hickory Flat Optimist Club Meeting: First & third Tuesdays 12 noon Location: Family Tradition, Highway 140 Contact: Alan Flint, (770) 720- 9056 AroundAbout — TowneLaker

Political Organizations Cherokee County Democrat Party Meeting: Third Monday at 7 p.m. Location: The Holly Springs Train Depot Contact: Judy Hamilton, (770) 380-7071, jkmailbox@yahoo.com Website: www.cherokeedems.com Cherokee County Republican Party Meeting: Fourth Monday at 7 p.m.; Breakfast at Right Wing Tavern first Saturday at 8 a.m. Location: Justice Center in Canton Contact: Conrad Quagliaroli, (770) 592-6545 Cherokee County Republican Women Meeting: Third Wednesday, Dinner at 6 p.m., Speaker at 7 p.m. Location: Featherstone’s at BridgeMill Contact: (678) 520-2236 for reservations Website: www.ccrwcga.com AUGUST 2010

Recreation & Hobbies

Support Organizations

Airstream Caravan Club Website: http://home.windstream.net/topofga/ Contact: Rob Kelly, (770) 516-7044

Adoption/Infertility Support Group Meeting: First Wednesday at 7 p.m. Location: First Baptist Church of Woodstock Contact: Cindy Braddock, (678) 445-3131

Allatoona Gold Panners Location: Creeks around Lake Allatoona Contact: Rob Kelly, (770) 516-7044 rrkelly@bellsouth.net Arts Alliance of Georgia, Inc. Meeting: Second Saturday at 9:30 a.m. Location: Woodstock Art Center, 205 Arnold Mill Rd. Contacts: Madeline Hall, (678) 754-8482 woodstockartcenter@comcast.net Blue Skies Laughter Club Meeting: Every Wednesday 7 — 8 p.m. Location: Northside-Cherokee Medical Offices 100 Stoneforest Dr., 1st floor conf. room Contact: Craig Whitley (404) 520-0221 Website: www.addlaughter.com Cherokee Amateur Radio Society Meeting First Saturday at 10 a.m. Location: BridgeMill Community Center Contact: Jim Millsap, PIO, (770) 928-8590 Website: www.cherokee-ares.org/ccars

Alzheimer/Dementia Support Group Meeting: First Thursday at 7 p.m. Location: Atria, 1000 Professional Way Contact: Atria Woodstock, (770) 926-0119 Autism Parent Support Group Meeting: Second Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. Location: Cherokee County Community Service Center, BridgeMill Fire Station, Canton Contact: Sharon Jones, (770) 345-6551 Breast Cancer Support Group Meeting: First Thursday of each month Time: 10 a.m. — 12 noon Location: Northside Hospital — Cherokee, Diabetes Classroom, Educational Center Contact: (404) 843-1880 Canadian Women’s Club Contact: Lesley Frappier, cwcatlanta@yahoo.com

Cherokee County Arts Center Meeting Fourth Friday at 10 a.m. Location: 94 North Street, Canton Contact: (770) 704-6244 Website: www.CherokeeArts.org

CASA for Children Inc. provides child advocacy to abused and neglected children through trained community volunteers. Contact: Deidre Hollands, (770) 345-3274 Website: www.casaforchildren.org

Cherokee County Saddle Club Meeting Third Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. Location: Family Tradition, Hickory Flat Contact: Tamma Trump, (770) 655-0819 Website: www.cherokeesaddleclub.com

Cherokee Autism Spectrum Support Group A support group for families with children on the autism spectrum. Contact: Heidi at hcf67@comcast.net or Renee at mrjperrelli@yahoo.com

Cherokee Fencing Club Meeting: Beginners, Wednesdays at 5 p.m.; Club, Wednesdays at 6 p.m. Location: Recreation Center, Main Street Contact: Andy McCann, (678) 494-9750 Website: www.cherokeefencingclub.com

Cherokee County Family Child Care Association Contact: Brenda Bowen, (770) 926-8055

Cherokee Youth Lacrosse Association Contact: Dan Baldwin, 770-846-4843 Website: www.cherokeelacrosse.com Cherokee Music Teachers Association Contact: Melanie Williams, (770) 345-2983 Website: www.cherokeemta.org Crossfit WOD Club Meeting: Daily for the “Work Out of the Day” Contact: www.crossfitgarage.com Girls Night Out is for single or divorced women. Meeting: Monthly dinner, time & date TBA Location: Different restaurants around Atlanta Contact: roxann.arce@comcast.net Les Marmitons is for men interested in culinary arts. Meeting: Third Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. Location: Chattahoochee Tech Contact: Larry Lodisio, (770) 516-5197 Neighbors & Newcomers of Towne Lake Meeting: Third Tuesday Contact: Carolyn White, (770) 926-6756

Cherokee County Foster & Adoptive Parents Assoc. Contact: Marie Blackwell, (770) 378-0759, mblackwell@fosteroradopt.org Website: www.fosteroradopt.org C.H.O.O.S.E. of Woodstock Meeting: First Monday at 7 p.m. 24-hour information line: (770) 517-3043 Depression and Bipolar Support Group Meeting: Second Tuesday at 7 p.m. Location: 8534 Main Street, Woodstock Contact: (770) 560-7112, healthymoods@aol.com Website: www.Myspace.Com/healthymoods Emotions Anonymous Meeting: Tuesdays at 7 p.m. Location: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Contacts: Cindy, (770) 928-6554; Sherry, (770) 926-1889 Fellowship of Companies for Christ International Meeting: Second & fourth Thursdays at 7 a.m. Location: Woodstock Family Restaurant Contact: Randall Hill, (770) 516-5887

Hearing Loss Resource Group Contacts: Cathy, (678) 483-9135 WoodstockSHHH-info@phydeaux.org JDRF Cherokee Pickens Family Support Group for families of children with Juvenile (type 1) diabetes. Meeting: Second Saturday Location: River Green Subdivision Facilities Contact: Tom, (770) 345-4864, Tom@brushwithart.com Jewish Havurah Contact: Marcia, (770) 345-8687 La Leche League of South Cherokee Meeting: First Tuesday at 10 a.m. Location: Bascomb United Methodist Church Contacts: Marguerite, (770) 926-2791 Megan, (770) 517-0191 Miracle Mothers is for women trying to conceive or adopt. Contact: Melissa, (770) 516-1078 Website: www.miraclemothers.org MOMS Club Towne Lake — 30189 Contacts: Cherie Young, cbyoung00@hotmail.com Kelley Williams, kelleyw9292@gmail.com MOMS Club Woodstock — 30188 Contacts: www.geocities.com/woodstock momsclub2000/index.html. MOPS — Mothers of Preschoolers (birth — K) Meeting: Second & Fourth Tues. a.m. or Wed. p.m. Location: First Baptist Church of Woodstock Contact: (770) 926-4428, www.fbcw.org Mothers & More Meeting: First & third Tuesdays at 7 p.m. Location: Kroger at Towne Lake Contact: Michelle Wise, (770) 720-8834 Website: www.woodstockmm.com National Alliance for Mental Illness Family Support Group Meeting: Second & fourth Tuesdays, 7 — 8:30 p.m. Location: Hillside United Methodist Church Contact: Jill, (404) 394-1229 or Patrick, (678) 654-2091 Website: www.nami.org National Psoriasis Foundation Support Group Meeting: First Tuesday at 7 p.m. (call for directions) Contact: Scott Bell, (404) 218-6626 Website: http://support.psoriasis.org/woodstock Overeaters Anonymous Meeting: Every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. Location: H.O.W. Place, behind fire station on Bells Ferry Road at Old Bascomb Court Contact: Lois, (770) 592-6421 Spirit of Success Career Clothing Connection Provides professional business attire at no cost. Contact: (770) 956-0711.

Singles of Towne Lake 35+ holds monthly mixers. Contacts: Lisa, (770) 597-3430 LisaR789@bellsouth.net

Georgia Canines for Independence Meeting: First Monday at 6:30 p.m. Location: 6683 Bells Ferry Road, Suite H Contact: Ramona Nichols, (404) 735-3647

S.N.A.P. offers resources for children with special needs. Meeting: Second Monday from 10 — 11:30 a.m. Location: 100 Hickory Circle, Holly Springs Contact: (770) 720-4068

Wildlife Action, Inc. is a conservation organization. Meeting: Third Sunday at 1 p.m. Location: Wildlife Action, 2075 Kellogg Creek Contact: WLA Office, (800) 753-2264

Grandparents Raising GRANDchildren Meeting: 2nd & 4th Tuesday at 7 p.m. (nursery available) Location: Transfiguration Catholic Church, Marietta Contact: Jeannie, (770) 919-9275

Tender Hearts Caregivers Support Group Meeting: Second & fourth Wednesday at 10 a.m. Location: Hillside United Methodist Church Contact: Robin Galloway, (770) 517-5899

AUGUST 2010

AroundAbout — TowneLaker

Reference

Community Information Numbers & Websites Emergency — 911 • AroundAbout — TowneLaker • (770) 516-7105 Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce

(770) 345-0400

Non-Emergency 911 Parks and Recreation:

(770) 345-7270 (770) 721-7810 (770) 517-7650 (678) 493-6000 (770) 479-1953 (678) 493-6077 (770) 479-0418 (770) 479-9011 (770) 479-1953 (678) 493-6101 (770) 345-5312 (678) 493-6120

BridgeMill Athletic Club (770) 345-5500 Cherokee County Outdoor YMCA (770) 591-5820 Cherokee Recreation and Parks Agency (770) 924-7768 www.crpa.net Cherokee Soccer Association (770) 704-0187 www.cherokeesoccer.com Eagle Watch Golf Club (770) 591-1000 Hobgood Park (770) 924-7865 North Atlanta Soccer Assoc. www.nasa-ga.org (770) 926-4175 SCRA Park (770) 926-5672 Towne Lake Hills Golf Club (770) 592-9969 Wildlife Action, Inc. (800) 753-2264

Cherokee County Government:

Animal Shelter Business Licenses Clean & Beautiful Commission Commissioners Courthouse Engineering Office (Traffic Signals) Extension Office Jury Phone Justice Center (Courts, Judges, etc.) Planning & Zoning Senior Services Tax Assessors/Evaluation

Taxes: License Plates/Tags, Property Tax Woodstock Office Voter Registration

(678) 493-6400 (770) 924-4099 (770) 479-0407

Children/Family:

(770) 479-3117

Pets: Animal Control (678) 493-6200 CatSnip (low cost spay & neuter) www.atlantaanimalalliance.com Cherokee County Animal Shelter — Adoptions (770) 345-7270 Cherokee County Humane Society (770) 928-5115 www.cchumanesociety.org Emergency Veterinary Clinic (770) 924-3720 Lost Pet Hotline (770) 615-3333 Meals “Fur” Pets www.mealsfurpets.com (770) 762-4077 SPARE (Sterilizing Pets And Reducing Euthanasia) (770) 928-5120 Second Chance Dog Rescue www.secondchancedogs.org

Anna Crawford Children’s Center Cherokee County Boys & Girls Club Cherokee Family Violence Center Cherokee Focus Child Support Enforcement Department of Family & Children Services The Hope Center MUST Cherokee Ministries Papa’s Pantry

(770) 592-9779 (770) 720-7712 (770) 479-1804 (770) 345-5483 (770) 720-3581 (770) 720-3610 (770) 924-0864 (770) 479-5397 (770) 591-4730

Driver’s Licenses (Tues — Sat)

(678) 413-8400

Fire Department (District 1, Station 20)

(770) 926-7155

Schools: see www.townelaker.com for complete listing Board of Education www.cherokee.k12.ga.us (770) 479-1871

Georgia State Patrol

(770) 205-5400

Sheriff’s Department www.cherokeega-sheriff.org (678) 493-4200

Health Department

(770) 345-7371

Georgia Sex Offender Registry www.cherokeega-sheriff.org/offender/offender.htm

Hospitals: Kennestone Hospital North Fulton Hospital Northside Hospital — Cherokee

(770) 793-5000 (770) 751-2500 (770) 720-5100

Hotlines — 24 Hour Help Lines:

Battered Women Hotline Drug Tip Line (Cherokee Co. Sheriff) Poison Control Center — Atlanta Outside Metro Atlanta Probate Court Information Line Rite-Call (Child Medical Problems) Sexual Assault & Family Violence Center

(770) 479-1703 (770) 345-7920 (404) 616-9000 (800) 222-1222 (770) 704-2610 (404) 250-KIDS (770) 428-2666

Libraries: www.sequoyahregionallibrary.org Rose Creek (770) 591-1491 R.T. Jones (770) 479-3090 Woodstock (770) 926-5859

Banking, only better! 84

Post Office (Woodstock) www.usps.com

(800) 275-8777

Recycling Center

(770) 516-4195

Utilities:

Atlanta Gas Light Co. www.aglc.com AT&T www.bellsouth.com Cherokee Water & Sewerage Authority Comcast Cobb EMC www.cobbemc.com Georgia Power

(770) 907-4231 (404) 780-2355 (770) 479-1813 (770) 926-0334 (770) 429-2100 (888) 660-5890

Urgent Care Facility Wellstar Urgent Care

Woodstock, City of:

(678) 494-2500

(in Towne Lake, only applies to Avonlea, Deer Run,

ParkView, Paces and certain annexed commercial parcels) www.ci.woodstock.ga.us City Hall (770) 926-8852 Fire Department (770) 926-2302 Police Information (770) 592-6025

LGE

770-424-0060



www.LGEccu.org

Community Credit Union

AroundAbout — TowneLaker

AUGUST 2010

AroundAbout — TowneLaker

Reference

Elected & Appointed Officials United States Government:

President Barack Obama (D)

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue Washington, D.C. 20500 Website: www.whitehouse.gov e-mail: president@whitehouse.gov

Senator Saxby Chambliss (R)

Senate Russell Courtyard-2 Washington, D.C. 20510 Website: http://chambliss.senate.gov e-mail: use contact form on website

Senator Johnny Isakson (R)

1 Overton Park, Suite 970 3625 Cumberland Blvd, Atlanta, GA 30339 Website: http://isakson.senate.gov

Rep. Tom Price (R), District 6

P.O. Box 425 Roswell, GA 30077 Website: http://tom.house.gov e-mail: use contact form on website

Rep. John Linder (R), District 7

90 North St., Suite 360 Canton, GA 30114 Website: www.linder.house.gov

(202) 456-1414 fax: (202) 456-2461

Commissioners: Buzz Ahrens (R), Chairperson Harry Johnston (R), Post 1 e-mail: hjohnston@cherokeega.com

(202) 224-3521 fax: (202) 224-0103

Jim Hubbard (R), Post 2 e-mail: jhubbard@cherokeega.com

Karen Bosch (R), Post 3 (202) 224-3643 GA: (770) 661-0999 fax: (770) 661-0768 (202) 225-4501 GA: (770) 565-4990 fax: (770) 565-7570 (202) 225-4272 GA: (770) 479-1888 fax: (770) 479-2999

e-mail: kbosch@cherokeega.com

Derek Good (R), Post 4

Cherokee County School System

Superintendent, Dr. Frank Petruzielo P.O. Box 769, 110 Academy St., Canton, GA 30114 Website: www.cherokee.k12.ga.us e-mail: drp@cherokee.k12.ga.us

Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Sheriff Roger Garrison (R)

Governor Sonny Perdue (R)

(404) 656-1776 fax: (404) 657-7332

Senator Chip Rogers (R), District 21

(404) 463-1378 fax: (404) 657-9887

Cherokee County Tax Commissioner David Fields

(770) 887-1960 fax: (770) 205-0602

State Capitol, Room 111 Atlanta, GA 30334 e-mail: chip@SenatorChipRogers.com

Senator Jack Murphy (R), District 27

e-mail: jack.murphy@senate.ga.gov

Rep. Charlice Byrd (R), District 20

e-mail: charlice.byrd@house.ga.gov

Rep. Sean Jerguson (R), District 22

e-mail: sean.jerguson@house.ga.gov

(404) 656-0126 fax: (404) 463-2793 (404) 656-0287

Cherokee County Courts:

(678) 493-6000

e-mail: dvgood@cherokeega.com

498 Chattin Drive Canton, GA 30115 Website: www.cherokeega-sheriff.org e-mail: rdgarrison@cherokeega.com

State Government:

(678) 493-6001

e-mail: lbahrens@cherokeega.com

100 North St., Canton, GA 30114 e-mail: dfields@cherokeega.com Woodstock Annex 8681 Highway 92, Woodstock, GA 30189

Board of Education: Stephen Bentley (R), Post 1

(770) 479-1871 fax: (770) 479-1236

(678) 493-4200 fax: (678) 493-4228

(678) 493-6400 fax: (678) 493-6420 (770) 924-4099 fax: (770) 924-9567

(770) 704-4398, x4374

e-mail: me@stephenbentley.com

Mike Chapman (R), Post 2

Superior Court: Chief Judge Frank C. Mills, III Judge Jackson Harris Judge Ellen McElyea

(678) 493-6270 (678) 493-6260 (678) 493-6240

State Court: Chief Judge Clyde J. Gober, Jr. Judge W. Alan Jordan

(678) 493-6480 (678) 493-6490

e-mail: janet.read@cherokee.k12.ga.us

Magistrate Court: Judge James E. Drane III (R)

(678) 493-6431

e-mail: rick.steiner@cherokee.k12.ga.us

Probate Court: Judge Keith Wood (R)

(678) 493-6160

e-mail: Radfam5@bellsouth.net

Juvenile Court: Judge John B. Sumner

(678) 493-6250

Clerk of Courts: Patty Baker

(678) 493-6511

(770) 704-4398, x4372

e-mail: mike.chapman@cherokee.k12.ga.us

Gary Puckett (R), Post 3

(770) 928-3315

e-mail: puckett@bellsouth.net

Janet Read (R), Post 4 (Chair) Rick Steiner (R), Post 5

(770) 516-1444

(770) 704-4398, x4370

Cherokee County Coroner Earl W. Darby

90 North Street, Suite 310Canton, GA 30114

Cherokee County Board of Commissioners 90 North Street, Suite 310 Canton, GA 30114 Website: www.cherokeega.com

Debi Radcliff (R), Post 6 (Vice Chair)

(770) 592-7864

Kim Cochran (R), Post 7 e-mail: kimgcochran@gmail.com

City of Woodstock Mayor Donnie Henriques

(770) 592-6017

e-mail: dhenriques@progressiveaudiology.com (404) 362-1600

Towne Lake Residential and Commercial Owners’ Association (Covenant enforcement issues — all Towne Lake common areas) (678) 493-6000 fax: (678) 493-6013

Douglas Properties

(770) 926-3086

117 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock, GA 30188

AroundAbout — TowneLaker

AUGUST 2010

AroundAbout — TowneLaker

Feet Hurt More in Autumn

Water Conservation Ideas

continued from page 37

continued from page 72

with daily activities, it is time to discuss surgical options. A variety of surgical procedures are available to remove the bump of bone, correct the changes in the bony structure of the foot and correct soft tissue changes that may also have occurred. The goal of surgery is the reduction of pain. The length of recovery depends on the procedure used. Too many people needlessly suffer from bunion and general foot pain. Persistent pain in any part of the body always signals that it is time to see your doctor. Dr. Steven Weiskopf is a board certified podiatrist with Village Podiatry specializing in treatment and surgery of the foot, ankle and lower leg. His office is located in Woodstock in the Towne Lake community. He can be reached at (770) 928-9263.

Cheers! continued from page 67

The thing for spectators and supporters to consider when “cheering” is that if any comments are interpreted as “coaching,” suspension points will be assessed. Granted this only happens in state league tournaments and other sanctioned/officiated events, but this hurts the player more than the spectator. Most grievances submitted with USTA Georgia in 2009 and 2010 have been directed at parents and guess who suffers? The children! With 30.1 million people playing tennis in 2009, there are going to be a few who do not understand all the rules of play. I personally encourage anyone who loves tennis to watch and support the local high school and college tennis teams where cheering is encouraged, making the experience a lot of fun. Just keep in mind that even during tournaments, all players should feel they are competing in a positive environment. Please remember that tennis is the “sport of a lifetime” and should be enjoyed by players and spectators alike. Jason is a USPTR professional, a USTA Georgia Tennis Professional of the Year and director of junior tennis programs at a local club. Jason can be reached at jasonfleeman@gmail.com.

or after the sun sets, generally once every three days in the summer, and adjust the watering schedule for each season. Use a broom to clear off pavement. Use a pool cover to cut down evaporation and keep your pool cleaner while reducing the need to add chemicals. Reduce the amount of time you spend showering. Every two minutes you can save while showering can conserve more than ten gallons of water. If your shower can fill a onegallon bucket in less than 20 seconds, replace it with a waterefficient showerhead. Brooke Doss, 16, is the reigning Miss Cherokee Rose Outstanding Teen. Her platform is ‘Teens Live Green! — Reducing Our Carbon Footprint.’ She is passionate about living green and educating others on the importance of this issue and what they can do to help save our environment.

Dentistry Article for Children continued from page 40

teeth cause cavities or holes in your teeth. If your tooth gets a cavity, then the dentist will need to clean out the cavities with a special tool called a “handpiece” and fill the hole with a special material called a “filling.” This makes your tooth healthy again and makes the cavity or hole go away. Make sure you brush and floss your teeth at least two times every day — in the morning after breakfast and at night before you go to bed. During the summer, brush and floss your teeth after you eat lunch to keep your teeth extra clean. Dr. Scott Harden is a dentist at Fountain View Family Dentistry and has served the Towne Lake area for more than 21 years. He is a Dental Advisor for two nationally renowned dental research companies. You can reach him at (770) 926-0000 or visit FountainViewSmiles.com.

Dorm Sweet Dorm continued from page 42

When Should My Kid Start to Exercise? continued from page 62

exercise on preferably all days of the week. So how do you get kids motivated to be active, especially those who aren’t natural athletes? Kids can be fit even if they’re not winning sports trophies. The key is finding activities they enjoy. The options are many — from bike riding to tennis and even lifting weights. When kids find an activity that’s fun, they’ll do it a lot, get better at it, feel accomplished, build up their confidence and want to do it even more. Payam Mahmoodzadeh is a dietician, professional trainer and bodybuilder. 88

Sleeping, studying and socializing are key zones to keep in mind when decorating your room. Area rugs help determine the different zones in a limited space. They also warm up the cool tile floors. Hanging mirrors or mirror tiles are useful not just used for grooming, but they also make the space appear larger. Make sure that any furniture you add to the room is multi-use. Having a well organized and functional dorm room will make the grade for a place to chill with friends, study for tests, and relax. Dorm living is an amazing experience. A student’s dorm room is a place where important lessons are learned, memories are made, and lifelong friendships are formed. Use a little creativity, style and comfort to create your new space. Now, if chemistry were that easy!

AroundAbout — TowneLaker

AUGUST 2010

AroundAbout — TowneLaker

Classifieds BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

Home Services

Free to Good Home

Would You or Someone You Know like to make your community a better place to live? Well now you can! Around Town Community Magazines, Inc. is offering franchise opportunities! For more information, please call (770) 615-3276, visit www.aroundaboutmagazines.com or email don@ aroundtowncm.com.

FREE TO GOOD HOME Three Beautiful Cats that I must give free to a good home. They are indoor cats and have been well cared for. Please call Karen. (404) 431-6900.

Childcare

Atlanta Grout and Tile Care. Cleaning and sealing showers, floors, caulking, grouting, shower pans, marble, stone, slate, exterior tile and stone. Free estimates. (770) 917-9200. Penny Clean "One Woman Show." Residential, commercial, moving and deep cleans. Reasonable rates, 25 years experience. Licensed, bonded and insured. Free estimates. (678) 494-3602. E.P. Pressure Wash. Reasonable rates, free estimates, insured. (770) 380-2325.

Childcare in Rose Creek. 20 years experience. Full, part-time and hourly available. Janine, (770) 517-9604.

Todd's Tree Service. Trimming and removal. Dependable, insured, great clean up. (770) 592-4288.

For Rent

help wanted

Basement Apartment. Private, utilities included. 10 minute walk to lake. Available October. $475. (770) 516-6633.

Hair Quarters Salon is seeking licensed booth renters. Call Ayesha, (404) 579-5823.

Looking For A Loving Home For Your Pet? You can place your 'Free To Good Home' ad in the classifieds for FREE!

Tutors Needed (2010-11 School Year). All Subjects. 2-10 Hours a week. $18-$20 per hour. Go to www.clubztutoring.com or send resume to kmaher@clubztutoring.com.

Frameless Shower Enclosures. Update your bathroom now with glass benches, mirrors and frameless enclosures. By D'Sapone, (770) 9242871. Free estimates. Visit our website, www. dsapone.com. Fix It Fast! Home repair & "honey do's", plus kitchen/baths, carpentry/trim, weatherproofing, tile/stone, drywall. Call Dean (678) 661-1878.

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SERVICES Home Decor Custom Sewing Needs. Pillows, drapes, bedding, etc. Talk to you soon, Caron, (404) 372-1706. www.caroncreates.com. Affordable DJ. All occasions. My music or yours. $75/hr. 2 hr. minimum. $50 additional hours. Special wedding prices. (770) 485-0441. Re-Upholstery Classes. Beginning August 31st through November 18th. Day and evening offered. Certified instructors. 18 years experience. (770) 516-2562.

Vacation Rental Panama City Beach Panama City Beach Gulf Highlands Beach Resort. Gated community, 3 BR, 2Â˝ BA, sunroom, full kitchen, W/D, very nice view, swimming pools, large pool at beach house, tennis courts, putt putt golf. Call for daily rates and specials. (770) 592-1070, (770) 356-1059.

AUGUST 2010

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Reference

Animal Atlanta......................................................................... 53 Azure Salon & Spa.................................................................... 23

Maid in America....................................................................... 63

Bar-B-Cutie............................................................................... 13

My Mechanic Joe...................................................................... 63

Big Apple Nail & Spa................................................................. 54

No. Georgia Retaining Walls, Landscape & Concrete..................... 33

Calvary Landscaping & Irrigation............................................... 25

PlaynTrade............................................................................... 85

Carpet Dry Tech........................................................................ 87

Precision Painting & Remodeling................................................ 7

Cherokee Animal Shelter.....................................................77, 79

Reliable Heating & Air.............................................................. 31

Christian Brothers Automotive................................................. 35

Rudi Jewelry............................................................................. 63

C&T Auto Service...................................................................... 37

Sturges Heating & Air Conditioning........................................... 59

Dorton Co................................................................................. 39

The Lawn Squad....................................................................... 71

Dr. Jerry Smith Orthodontics..................................................... 55

The Plumbing Doctor................................................................ 37

Green Heating & Air................................................................. 69

The Sundance Center................................................................ 47

JD’s Bar-B-Que.......................................................................... 72

The Wild Orchid Salon.............................................................. 69

Kani House............................................................................... 31

Towne Lake’s Car Wash & Detail............................................... 25

Landscape Matters................................................................... 47

Val’s Happy Shack..................................................................... 19

Mad Hatter Services Company.................................................. 13

WOW Cafe & Wingery................................................................ 1

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AUGUST 2010

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Advertisers Directory Support the Advertisers that Support Your Community! Attorneys/Legal Services Merino & Jarvis, LLC............................................... 22 (770) 874-4600

Automotive Christian Brothers Automotive............................... 35 (770) 926-4500 CnT Auto Service.................................................... 37 (770) 926-4276 My Mechanic Joe.................................................... 63 (770) 591-6640 Towne Lake’s Car Wash & Detail............................. 25 (770) 592-8102

Cherokee Oral Surgery............................................ 91 (770) 345-8118 www.cherokeeoralsurgery.com Dr. Jerry Smith, Orthodontist.................................. 55 (678) 905-0300

Reiki....................................................................... 53 Salon & Spa Venessa............................................... 43 (770) 591-2079 Sundance Massage Center, The............................... 47 (678) 591-5066

Fountain View Dentistry......................................... 41 (770) 926-0000 www.fountainviewsmiles.com 1816 Eagle Drive, Woodstock

Wild Orchid Salon, The........................................... 69 (770) 924-4010

Park Pediatric Dentistry of Woodstock, LLC............. 67 (770) 926-9260

Britton Electrical Services....................................... 13 (678) 410-2771

S. Bruce O’Neal, DDS.............................................. 59 (770) 924-8848

Banking/Financial Services

Home Improvement/Repair & Service

Bryan Plumbing Services........................................ 59 (770) 826-5277 Dr. Fixit, Ph.D.......................................................... 89

Citadel Professional Services,LLC............................ 57 (770) 952-6707 225 Town Park Drive, Kennesaw

Thad Baird & Tyler Baird, DMD............................... 87 (770) 517-0444 4595 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock

First Cherokee State Bank....................................... 17 www.2gochecking.com

Williams Orthodontics............................................ 19 (770) 592-5554 www.drwilliamsorthodontics.com

In Towne Restorations, LLC..................................... 23 (770) 387-0989

Education/Instruction/Counseling

Mad Hatter Service Co, The.................................... 13 (770) 740-8133 www.madhatterservices.com

LGE Credit Union................................... 10, 32, 60, 84 (770) 424-0060 www.LGEccu.org

Access Education Towne Lake Driving School............ 9 (678) 494-2200

Carpet & Upholstery Cleaners Carpet Dry-Tech ..................................................... 87 (678) 368-5991

American Heritage Academy.................................. 57 (770) 926-7779 www.ahacademy.com

Chiropractors Discover Chiropractic & Rehabilitation.................... 69 (770) 516-9900 www.discoverrehab.com

Chattahoochee Technical College............................ 33 (678) 454-1800 www.chattahoocheetech.edu

Cleaning Services

Goddard School, The.............................................. 89 (770) 516-0880 www.goddardschool.com

Maid in America..................................................... 63 (770) 445-5493

Computer/Business Services Georgia Business Group.......................................... 43 (770) 615-3305

Kennesaw State University, Cont. Ed....................... 65 (770) 423-6765 www.kennesawedu/coned.com

Nerd in a Flash.......................................................... 5 1-888-637-3462

Music Together................................................... 87 (404) 209-9953

Towne Lake Commercial Owners Association.......... 21

Park View Montessori School................................. 49 (770) 926-0044

Churches Bridgepointe Church............................................... 81 www.bridgepointechurch.org Hillside UMC........................................................... 81 (770) 924-4777 The Blessing Line.................................................... 81 (770) 591-2509

Waldron Dentistry.................................................. 61 (678) 907-7907 www.dentalstaffschool.com

Health & Beauty A New Creation Salon............................................. 85 (770) 928-3554

Dentists/Orthodontists

Azure Salon & Spa.................................................. 23 (770) 345-8280

Byrd Dental Group.................................................. 30 (770) 926-8200 2035 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock

Big Apple Nail & Spa............................................... 54 (770) 516-0006

AroundAbout — TowneLaker

Green Heating & Cooling, Inc.................................. 69 (770) 479-2844

Nelson Painting & Home Improvement................... 75 (678) 283-8171 www.nelson-painting.com North Georgia Retaining Walls, Landscaping & Concrete.33 (678) 402-5072 www.northgaretainingwalls.com Peach State Handyman........................................... 72 (770) 505-6531 Pike’s Professional Painting...................................... 9 Plumbing Doctor, The............................................. 37 (770) 516-9000 Power Clean........................................................... 19 Precision Painting..................................................... 7 (678) 234-9668 Radco Electric......................................................... 42 (678) 895-2775 Reliable Heating & Air............................................ 31 (770) 594-9969 www.reliableair.com Roswell Woodstock Plumbing................................... 5 (770) 663-0600 Sturges Heating & Air............................................. 59 (706) 692-0898, (678) 300-4257 Towne Lake Air Conditioning & Heating, Inc............ 71 (678) 285-2700 www.townelakehvac.com

AUGUST 2010

Lawn Maintenance/Landscaping Bunting Landscape Construction, Inc...................... 67 (770) 346-9426 Calvary Landscaping............................................... 25 (770) 720-1727 ILW Outdoor Concepts Inc...................................... 55 (770) 380-6635 Landscape Matters................................................. 47 (770) 403-5813 Lawn Squad, The.................................................... 71 (770) 591-4745 Pike Nursery......................................................38, 89 (770) 926-3252 www.pikenursery.com

Optometrist/Eyewear Towne Lake Eye Associates....................................... 1 (770) 926-2858

Northside Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine.......... 22 (770) 928-0016 Pinnacle................................................................. 45 (770) 926-9112 www.pinnacle-ortho.com Plastic Surgery Center of the South........................... 5 (770) 421-1242 www.plasticsurgerycenterofthesouth.net Progressive Audiology Center Inc............................ 30 (770) 592-4744, (706) 253-7244 Rebound Physical Therapy.................................. 27 (678) 445-9799 St. Jude’s Internal Medicine, LLC............................. 19 (678) 324-7406 2230 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock Wellstar.................................................................... 3 www.wellstar.org/heart

Photographer Kim Bates Photography............................................ 7 (770) 617.7595 www.kimbatesphotoart.com

Woodstock Physical Therapy.................................. 79 (770) 516-9191

Laura Taylor Photography....................................... 47 (770) 235-4687

Lake Nantahala................................Inside Back Cover (828) 321-3101 www.visitlakesend.com

Sandy’s Photography.............................................. 36 (678) 445-2011

Pet/Veterinarian Services & Supplies Animal Atlanta....................................................... 53 Animal Hospital at Towne Lake............................... 75 (770) 591-9500 Cat Clinic of Woodstock.......................................... 75 (770) 780-2800 Cherokee County Animal Shelter.......................77, 79 (770) 345-7270 www.petfinder.com/shelters/GA460.html 1015 Univeter Road, Canton South Cherokee Veterinary Hospital....................... 71 (770) 924-6746

Physicians and Medical Services Dr. Judith Rausch.................................................... 42 Foot & Ankle Clinic................................................. 53 (770) 926-6686 Georgia Pain Management..................................... 29 (770) 544-1000 120 Stone Bridge Parkway, Woodstock John Lutz, PhD.......................................................... 9 Northside Family Practice....................................... 75 (770) 517-2145 www.northsidefamilypractice.com Northside Hospital................................................. 11 (770) 720-5100 201 Hospital Road, Canton www.northside.com

AUGUST 2010

Real estate & related services

Reflection - Lake Nantahala.............Inside Back Cover www.reflectionlakenantahala.com

Recreation and Fitness

Kani House............................................................. 31 (770) 592-5264 www.kanihouse.com WOW Cafe & Wingery.............................................. 1 (770) 926-9225

Services/Retailers Miscellaneous Dorton Co. Jewelers............................................... 39 (770) 426-0090 www.dortonco.com 425 Barrett Parkway, Kennesaw Funky Paintbrush, The............................................ 27 (770) 591-2707 Habitat for Humanity No. Central Georgia.............. 49 (770) 345-1024 Play n Trade............................................................ 85 (770) 924-9300 Rudi Fine Jewelry................................................... 63 (678) 445-2626 6790 Highway 92, Acworth Towne Lake Arts Center............................................ 9 (678) 494-4251 www.tlaclive.org Val’s Happy Shack................................................... 19 Your Turn Kid’s Resale & Boutique............................ 1 (770) 517-5605 Woodstock Furniture Outlet................................... 89

Cherokee Soccer Association.................................. 85 (770) 704-0187 www.csaimpact.com Dancentre South.................................................... 27 (770) 516-7229 Etowah Eagles Football........................................... 53 www.etowaheaglesfootball.com

Business A Little Slow?

Steps Dance Center................................................ 54 (770) 516-1363 TLBA Golf Tournament............................. Inside Front (770) 592-5000 x20, (770) 615-3305

Restaurants/Food Services Bar-B-Cutie............................................................. 13 (770) 924-9491 Bogey’s Bar & Grille................................ Cover, 50, 51 (770) 926-7755 1085 Buckhead Crossing, Woodstock Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce............... 29 (770) 345-0400 www.cherokeechamber.com Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills................ 35 (770) 926-6097 J.D.’s BBQ............................................................... 72 (678) 445-7730

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Independent Financial Advisors

Avoiding Identity Theft

continued from page 22

continued from page 23

management fees usually represent a percentage of the assets a client has invested. RIAs have to register with the Securities and Exchange Commission and any states in which they operate.2 Individuals, couples, families and institutions with sizable wealth management concerns often turn toward RIAs. Even as the market has struggled since the end of 2007, independent Registered Investment Advisers have gained a greater share of assets under management in the U.S.3

information protected! Shred any mail or paper that has ANY personal information (even name and address). Don’t leave your social security cards, passports or checks laying out for anyone to see. Keep these stored (preferably locked) away, where it would be difficult for anyone who didn’t know exactly where they are to find.

People need unbiased advice. That’s probably the number one reason why people seek an independent financial advisor. They know that the advice they receive is not influenced by sales incentives or directives. There often is a candor to the discussion that may not always be present at a bank or a brokerage. People want more investment choices. An independent financial advisor is free to offer investments from dozens, maybe hundreds of companies, rather than investments of a single company. In addition, that independent advisor can unhesitatingly tell you if an investment is or isn’t appropriate for your financial situation. This is the age of independence. When it comes to the financial future, no one wants to be “sold” – just advised. That’s why we’ve seen the rise of a new kind of financial advisor who puts the client relationship first. Don Akridge is President of Citadel CPA, Financial Planning & Investment Services founded in 1994 and conveniently located off Chastain Road between I-575 & I-75 in Kennesaw. Phone 770-952-6707. Securities offered through 1st Global Capital Corp. Member FINRA, SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through 1st Global Advisors, Inc. This material was prepared by Peter Montoya Inc., and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting Representative or the Representative’s Broker/Dealer. This information should not be construed as investment advice. Neither the named Representative nor Broker/Dealer gives tax or legal advice. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, we make no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. The publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional services. If other expert assistance is needed, the reader is advised to engage the services of a competent professional. Please consult your Financial Advisor for further information.. www.petermontoya.com, www.montoyaregistry.com, www.marketinglibrary.net Citations 1 – bankinvestmentconsultant.com/news/pirker-aite-wirehouseadvisors-2667209-1.html [6/1/10] 2 – investopedia.com/articles/financialcareers/06/whatisaRIA.asp [6/11/10] 3 – fa-mag.com/fa-news/5548-independents-make-headway-despite-downturn. html [5/10/10]

Send Us Your Back to School Photos! Email editor@townelaker.com Deadline is August 10 96

If you do become a victim of identity theft, the Federal Trade Commission, the National Association of Consumer Advocates (NACA) and your various financial institutions can assist you with picking up the pieces and ensuring it doesn’t happen again. Rachael Letourneau is a banking center manager for Bank of America. You may contact her at Rachael.letourneau@yahoo.com.

A New Season continued from page 80

changes that new seasons of life bring. I would be remiss if I didn’t also include as constants the love that Debbie and I share as well as the love of parents and friends. There will be other new seasons to face. But I will face them with hope because I know I won’t face them alone. May God grant you peace as you face your seasons of life. Dr. Doug Thrasher is the Senior Pastor at Hillside United Methodist Church. He is also a member of the AroundAbout — TowneLaker’s Community Board. You may contact him at dthrasher@hillsideumc.org.

Extreme Weekend continued from page 48

accustomed to what you will be doing with them. (Yet another reason to make regular exercise part of our daily routines!) A proper warm-up should raise your body temperature by one or two degrees Celsius (1.8 to 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) and is divided into three phases: 1. General warm-up, 2. Stretching, 3. Sport-specific activity An improper warm-up, or none at all, can greatly increase your risk of injury, whereas a sufficient one will do a whole lot more than just loosen up your stiffness. It has been shown that a proper warm-up can actually improve your athletic performance overall. If you are at all like me, you’ll be warming up too! Se sure to keep your first aid kit handy for access to bandages, and cold compresses in case of a mishap. Of course, stay well hydrated, fuel your body with nutritious foods and follow your exercise with plenty of rest. Dr. Meaghan Cromer can be reached at Discover Chiropractic & Rehabilitation of Towne Lake at (770) 516-9900.

AroundAbout — TowneLaker

AUGUST 2010