November 2011
Volume 17, Issue 7
68
62 Featured Articles Holiday Helping Hands
Local charities need your help.
26
Run for Erin
36
50 & 51 On the Cover Are You Ready for the Holidays? Local business owners have ways to help.
Around Towne. . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
12
In Every Issue
Annual event to raise money for MPS.
Community News. . . . . . . . . .10 Birthdays. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Event Calendar. . . . . . . . . . . . 24 TLBA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Everyday Angels. . . . . . . . . . . 36
Sidney Stewart
You Can Make A Difference. . 74
An update on a brave young lady’s four-year battle.
School Information . . . . . . . . 75
62
Girls on the Run
Happy and healthy for a lifetime.
Clubs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
68 Homecoming
Local students enjoy annual tradition.
Church Listings. . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Community Numbers . . . . . . 88 Elected Officials. . . . . . . . . . . 89 Classifieds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91 Real Deals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92 Advertisers Directory. . . . . . . 94
Contributing Writers
Patty Ponder is the Market Director for AroundAbout — TowneLaker. She can be reached at (770) 615-3322 or patty@townelaker.com. 2
AroundAbout — TowneLaker | November 2011
Don Akridge..............................................16 Dr. Randy Beck..........................................56 Susan Cannizarro......................................28 Jason Fleeman..........................................76 Julie Hannigan.................................... 50-53 Dr. Scott R. Harden...................................54 Dr. Amy Hardin.........................................60 Kristina Havens.........................................66 David Hecklemoser...................................42 Mayor Donnie Henriques.........................18 Dr. Jan Henriques......................................58 Shelley Herod...........................................40 Robyn Hohensee......................................45
Sheila & Kurt Johnson...............................19 Kara Kiefer................................................44 Scott Lemmon..........................................49 Dr. Mike Litrel...........................................32 Dee Locklin...............................................64 Marietta Plastic Surgery...........................59 Breiann Metoxen......................................62 Nicole Mott...............................................64 Bill Ratliff..................................................78 State Sen. Chip Rogers..............................20 Lynne Saunders........................................22 Dr. Doug Thrasher.....................................79 Laura Wischner.........................................46
Connect with friends and keep up to date on what’s happening right here in Towne Lake!
w w w.town elaker.com Join the TowneLaker fan page www.facebook.com/ aroundabouttownelaker
Follow us on www.twitter.com/townelaker
AroundAbout — TowneLaker | November 2011
3
Community
AROUND TOWNE
People Places and Pleasures that make Towne Lake
The , The The
by Kara Kiefer
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.
Have you met Bob? If not, this is the perfect month for me to introduce you to him! He’s a handsome fellow- long legs, perfectly groomed feathers and a bright red waddle. Bob is a wild turkey who lives in the vicinity of the Serenade subdivision off Main Street. He is frequently spotted hanging out near the road, usually right at or near the stop light at the entrance of Serenade. Bob is so popular, he has his own facebook page (search “Bob the Turkey-Serenade Mascot). Bob is not a fan of our popular Thanksgiving tradition, and in fact, has requested everyone to eat salmon on Thanksgiving Day. Nice try Bob!
What’s New? The Bridal Exchange Boutique recently opened in downtown Woodstock, 370 Chambers Street. The shop is a consignment boutique that sells new and nearly new wedding (sizes 0-30), mother of the bride and groom gowns and formal gowns. The hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday, Sunday and evenings by appointment. Call (770) 675-7354 or visit www. thebridalexchangeboutique.com or become a fan at www. www. facebook.com/TheBridalExchangeBoutique. Tuscany Italian Restaurant recently made a few changes, including welcoming new Chef Pino Sciacchitana, a former Executive Chef with Macaroni Grill. Newly added menu items include $7 lunch selections and new wine and martini menus. Tuscany is located at 250 Cinema Way. For more information, call (678) 453-0888 or visit www. www.mytuscanygrill.com. Become a fan at www.facebook.com/TuscanyItalianRestaurant. See its ad on page 13. Two new dining establishments recently opened in downtown Woodstock, Freight Kitchen and Tap and Wink Woodstock. Freight Kitchen and Tap is located at 251 East Main Street and 4
AroundAbout — TowneLaker | November 2011
describes its food as being “an American blend of reinterpreted pub classics, small plates and featured entrees. The restaurant also will feature an assortment of craft beers and artisan whiskies. Wink Woodstock serves gourmet tapas and desserts as well as offering an extensive martini menu. Wink is located at 380 Chambers Street. For more information on Freight, please call (770) 601-6858 or visit www.freightkitchen.com. For more information on Wink, please visit www.winkwoodstock.com. You can become fans of both on facebook. TrustWorkz® recently launched to assist small businesses with their online presence, including website and social networking. Web Operatives (WebOp) will manage an entire business’s web presence with packages starting at $395 per month. For more information, please call (770) 615-3275, email info@trustworkz.com or visit www. trustworkz.com. See its ad on page 57. Hair 718 recently opened at 6199 Highway 92, Suite 184, in the Kroger shopping center. The salon is a full-service salon. For more information, please call (678) 905-4081. See its ad on page 47. Shine Salon recently opened in the Salon Suites, 1105 Parkside Lane, Suite 1000 (behind Starbucks). The salon is owned by Vanessa Rosas and offers cuts, color, waxing, hair treatments and more. For more information, please call (678) 231-0462. See its ad on page 42.
What’s Coming? Have you been curious about the land clearing occurring on Eagle Drive, near Rose Creek Drive? So have we, and now we have an answer. ALDI, a discount grocery store chain, will be establishing a Woodstock location in Towne Lake. With construction yet to begin, a scheduled completion date has yet to be released, but we will be following the progress closely. For more information on ALDI, please visit www.aldi.us.
Happy Thanksgiving!
• Plumbing Repairs • Remodeling • Water Heaters • Garbage Disposals • Gas & Water Lines • Ice Makers • Polybutelene Water Line Replacements
24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE We Charge By the Job, Not By the Hour
Family Owned & Operated Licensed • Bonded • Insured Readers’ Choice Winners: 2008, 2009 & 2010
$20
off
plumbing services Not to be combined with any other offer.
AroundAbout — TowneLaker | November 2011 WDL12N5
Community
Community Board The AroundAbout-TowneLaker Community Board consists of well-respected community leaders, from different walks of life. Our Board assists us in many ways including contributing to our magazine, judging our annual Trailblazer award and providing valuable feedback. Our Board consists of five members: Dr. Doug Thrasher, Debi Radcliff, Colin Morris, Bill Ratliff and State Senator Chip Rogers.
Dr. Doug Thrasher — Doug is the Senior Pastor at Hillside United Methodist Church. He has lived in the Towne Lake area and served at Hillside for five years. He and his wife, Debbie, live in Eagle Watch, and they have two married children and four precious grandchildren. Doug can be reached at dthrasher@ hillsideumc.org.
Debi Radcliff — Debi and her family have lived in Towne Lake since 1996. Debi served as a member of the Cherokee County Board of Education, Post 6. Debi was a full-time stay at home mom for 26 years and was an active parent volunteer, and she also has a background in office administration. Debi can be reached at radfam5@bellsouth.net.
Colin Morris — Colin is a freelance writer and stay-athome mom to three children whom she describes as “two ninja sons and one dog-loving daughter.” She and her husband have lived in Woodstock for the past 12 years, and she grew up in Marietta.
Bill Ratliff — Bill currently serves as the lead Pastor for Towne Lake Community Church. He has a Masters of Divinity degree and has served in Kentucky, Florida, Maryland and Georgia over the past 25 years. Bill and his wife Donna have two children, Christine and Scott and three grandchildren.
Publisher AroundAbout Local Media, Inc. Market Director Patty Ponder patty@townelaker.com, (770) 615-3322 Executive Editor Kara Kiefer editor@townelaker.com, (770) 615-3309 Art Director Michelle McCulloch art@townelaker.com, (770) 615-3307 Digital Marketing Director James Ball james@aroundaboutmagazines.com, (770) 615-3310 AroundAbout — TowneLaker, a publication of AroundAbout Local Media, 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 14,300 homes by mail to all Towne Lakers. An additional 1,300+ 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. The viewpoints of the advertisers, columnists and submissions are not necessarily those of the Editor/Publisher and the Publisher makes no claims as to the validity of any charitable organizations mentioned. AroundAbout — TowneLaker is not responsible for errors or omissions. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the Publisher. All rights reserved. © Copyright 2011. AroundAbout — TowneLaker 2449 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock, GA 30189
Chip Rogers — Chip presently serves as our Senate Majority Leader. He has lived in metro Atlanta for 40 years, Cherokee County for 10 years, with his wife and four children. His mother, father and brother also live in Cherokee County.
Website: www.townelaker.com Powered by Trustworkz Inc. Franchise Opportunities Available: www.AroundAboutLocalMedia.com Volume 17, Issue 7
6
AroundAbout — TowneLaker | November 2011
AroundAbout — TowneLaker | November 2011
7
Our purpose: At AroundAbout Local Media, we believe the world functions at the community level: diverse groups of people living in close proximity; sharing commonality of culture, values and local pride; developing safety nets for those in need; and helping each other to live richer lives. It is our heartfelt desire to contribute to the fabric that helps make a community happen. Through our magazines, we aim to provide everyone in the communities we serve with uplifting, interesting information about the community they are proud to call home. We encourage you to send us your photos, ideas, stories or anything else you think the community would like to know about. It’s your community. It’s your magazine.
Sincerely, Your Friends at AroundAbout — TowneLaker
The Community of
AROUNDABOUT — TOWNELAKER
8
AroundAbout — TowneLaker | November 2011
AroundAbout — TowneLaker | November 2011
9
Community
YOUR LOCAL NEWS Horse Talk Seeking Volunteers Horse Talk in Woodstock is seeking both adults and teens (14 and up) as volunteers to lead its therapeutic horses or side walk alongside ther special needs children and adults in hippotherapy and therapeutic riding. Horse experience preferred, but the organization will train you. School approved community service hours available. This is a very rewarding and fun experience! There are flexible weekday shifts, 12 months per year, covered arena and AC/heated lounge. For more information, email greenacresonline@bellsouth.net or call (770) 517-5154.
Local Author Publishes Book Towne Lake resident Melissa Mintz recently published a new book, It’s Just MY Nonsense. Melissa describes her book as “a unique and contemporary comedy that is sure to take the reader on a fun-filled journey from beginning to end.” The book is available on Amazon and barnesandnoble.com or for Kindle/Nook. Melissa is a Towne Lake resident and has two children, Morgan and Brandon, who attend Etowah High School.
MUST Ministries Chosen for National Distinction
donors, increases funder confidence and affirms MUST’s role as a community leader. The award also recognizes established best practices, promoting a proactive and sustainable model of service.
Bascomb Church Accepting Craft Fair Applications Bascomb United Methodist Church is currently accepting vendor applications for its annual craft fair. The fair will be held at 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. on November 12. The day will include breakfast, lunch and a bake sale. An auction of a decorated Christmas tree as well as a silent auction also will be part of the event. For more information, please contact Diane Williams at (770) 9170119, email her at williams466581@bellsouth.net or visit www. bascombumc.org
Ribley Chiropractic Partnering with Camp H.A.I.T.I. As part of its ongoing “Hello Neighbor” community building program, Ribley Family Chiropractic recently forged a partnership with David Youssi and Camp H.A.I.T.I. (Haitian Agricultural Irrigation Technology Initiative). The office will make a cash donation to the Camp for every new patient it receives through the end of the year. The office also will sponsor campfire events on November 18 and December 16. The campfire is an open invitation to the Towne Lake community to enjoy s’mores and hot chocolate, find out more information about the initiative and make a donation, if desired.
After a rigorous 18-month application process, MUST Ministries has been awarded Certification by the Standards of Excellence Institute. Only one other Georgia charity has achieved this level, and only 230 organizations in America have met these stringent standards.
The goal of David and Camp H.A.I.T.I is to procure enough funds to support at least one proposed village irrigation project. For more information on the project, please visit www. irrigationwithoutborders.org.
The national initiative promotes the highest standards of ethics and accountability in nonprofit governance, management and operations. The accreditation process reviews the organization’s ability to demonstrate adherence to eight guiding principles measured against 55 performance standards.
Send Us Your Community News Stories and Photos!
“We are honored to receive such a rarely awarded certification,” said Andrew Riddle, Chairman of the Board. “The selection encourages us to continue self-improvement and assessment to maintain such a select standard.” The recognition increases credibility among public and private
Email to editor@townelaker.com. Mail in or drop off at 2449 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock, GA 30189
Deadline is November 5
Keep up-to-date with our community! Join the TowneLaker fan page at www.facebook.com/aroundabouttownelaker. 10
AroundAbout — TowneLaker | November 2011
AroundAbout — TowneLaker | November 2011
11
Community
helpinghands As we take the time to plan and prepare for the holidays, remember those who are struggling, and if you are able, lend a hand. You can make a difference! For many charitable organizations in and around our community, the holiday season is the busiest time of year. Listed below are several organizations to which you could volunteer time, effort or funds to assist with the bustle of the season. We hope this list is helpful as you consider your participation in giving during the holidays. If your charitable organization needs help and you would like to be listed in our December issue, please email editor@townelaker.com Cherokee Gift Connection The Cherokee Gift Connection is an online means of donating to a Cherokee County boy or girl between the ages of 16 and 21. Gift options include: GED testing fees, SAT and ACT testing fees, college application fees, transportation and emergency housing. You can also make donations for gas cards, job interview clothing, work uniform costs and child care costs. You can also give the gift of your talents. You can go to the Gift Connection and volunteer your services with car repair, tutoring, haircuts and styling, music lessons, art classes, cooking classes or job shadowing opportunities. The donations are tax deductible, and you will be issued a receipt. All gifts and donations will be matched with one of the youth in the Cherokee Youth Works program. These teenagers have already undergone an interview and qualify as low-income or at-risk. Money is never given to the youth through this initiative, but is given directly to school, store, or organization that is providing services. Youth who receive the benefits of the Gift Connection are also required to provide proof that they have used the gift as it was intended. Visit the Cherokee Gift Connection at www.cherokeefocus.org. Secret Santa – Cherokee County Department of Family and Children Services You can help make a special difference to a foster child in Cherokee County at Christmas and throughout the entire year. Due to decreases in state and county funding, Cherokee County DFCS (Department of Family and Children Services) is in need of cash donations to the Year-Round Secret Santa Fund. Our Secret Santa Year-Round Fund helps sponsor the extra needs of foster children at Christmas, and most importantly, throughout the year. If you would like to make a cash donation, please make your check out to Cherokee County DFCS and write Secret Santa in the FOR line. Mail your check to Cherokee County Dept. of Family and Children Svcs., P. O. Box 826, Canton, GA 30169. For more information about the Secret Santa program for foster children, call (678) 427-9393 or visit www.cherokeesanta.org. Foster Care Support Foundation, Inc. Foster Care Support Foundation (FCSF) is in need of toys during this holiday season to bring smiles to children that come into 12
AroundAbout — TowneLaker | November 2011
foster care now and ongoing after the holidays have passed. The organization has started distributing clothing and toys for cold weather. The toy shelves seem well stocked now, but they always empty out in November, because FCSF serves hundreds of children each month. It is in need of quality toys, both social and educational, for all ages, but especially for ages 6 and up. Also, boys’ dress and casual pants and jeans, all sizes, boys’ shoes, sized infant 4 through mens’, always are needed. Operating funds and sponsors to maintain the program that helps thousands of foster children each year also are needed. Foster Care Support Foundation serves children in all counties of Georgia, including private agency placements. Volunteers are needed to sustain the program Tuesdays through Saturdays. For more information, email Rachel@fostercares.org or call (770) 641-9591. Papa’s Pantry Papa’s Pantry has several opportunities to help during the holidays. In November, Papa’s Pantry will provide Thanksgiving meal items to families in the community who are in need. Special holiday items are requested: stuffing, white potatoes, sweet potatoes, apples, cream of mushroom soup, jarred or canned gravy, chicken stock, fried onion crispies, cooking oil, coffee, beverages, and tin foil. All Thanksgiving donations must be received by Saturday, November 19. Financial contributions are also needed (and can be made online) to help purchase perishables, such as turkeys, milk, eggs, butter, frozen pies, spices, and various fresh veggies. For Christmas giving, you may adopt a family. Families will be matched beginning in November through mid-December. Gifts, Christmas trees, lights and ornaments are some of the holiday needs. Special holiday food needs match the Thanksgiving program’s requested items. Throughout the winter months, Papa’s Pantry also accepts new electric space heaters for its clients. Overall, food drives throughout the season are needed to feed families out of both Papa’s Cherokee locations: canned meat, cereal, cereal bars, peanut butter, jelly, spaghetti sauce, canned fruit, canned pasta, and boxed and packaged side items. For more information, call Papa’s Pantry, at 770-591-4730 or visit www.papaspantry.org.
AroundAbout — TowneLaker | November 2011
13
Community
Happy Birthday!
Mckenna Guinn
Emma Carmichael
Age 10 on November 14 Proud parents, Amanda and Kelly Happy Birthday, Rudy! We love you! Mom, Dad, Pretty and Charlie
Age 9 on September 24 We love you! Mom, Dad and Nana
Carol Ann Sanders
Cole Mason Blackman
5 years old We love you! Mommy and Daddy
Age 2 on November 3 We love you so much baby! Love, Daddy, Mommy, Eily, Pfifer, & Ramsey
Sami Sepe
Age 14 on November 14 Daughter of Kimberly and John Sepe
Lola Robertson
Age 10 on November 15 Daughter of Becky and Charles Robertson Sister of Chad, Ryan and Emily
Gabriel Hartsaw
Age 5 on October 31 Happy Birthday Gabe! We love you! Son of Heather Hartsaw Love Heather, Pop Pop and Grandma.
Madison Dodd
Age 6 on November 21 Daughter of Steven & Michelle Dodd and Sister of Steven II & Madeline.
Births
Tabitha Grace Graves Born on July 2, 2011 8 lbs, 6 oz., 19½ inches Proud parents: Amanda & Mike Graves
14
AroundAbout — TowneLaker | November 2011
Easton Andrew Huhl Born on September 28, 2011 9 lbs 2 oz., 20 ½ inches long Proud parents Amanda and Jason Big sister Emma Nelson
Anniversaries Carolyn and Steven Shillcutt, Married 15 years on October 19
Wedding Bride: Hillary Davis Parents: Vicki & Rick Davis Groom: Scott Massey Parents: Lisa Grainger & Steve Massey and Married September 10, 2011 at Towne Lake Hills Golf Club
Stacy and Charlie Childers Celebrating 10 years on November 18
Contest Corner Kris and Paul Johnsons Celebrated 25 years in September
Congratulations to Lauren Meder (Top right) for being the first to find our hidden picture on page 80 of the October issue. Lauren won a gift certificate to Menchies Frozen Yogurt. Congratulations also to Linda Noles (Bottom right) for being the first to spot the phrase “Naturally More Beautiful You” on page 23. Linda won a gift certificate to Chili’s.
Wedding, Birthday and Anniversary Announcements are Free! E-mail to: editor@townelaker.com. December deadline is November 5.
November’s Finds: Be the first to find the Ad phrase: “Web Operative”
Find the hidden picture:
If you know the answer to the contest question or find the hidden picture, be the first to call (770) 615-3325 or e-mail editor@townelaker.com. Please provide your name, contact phone number or email address.
Contest rules: A player is eligible to win once every 12 months. AroundAbout — TowneLaker | November 2011
15
Community
Is It Time For Life Insurance? Important life events may call for it
by Don Akridge, MBA, CPA, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ U.S. Marine Corps Veteran – Emory University Alumnus Just as many people between the ages of 30 and 50 lack a will, many also lack life insurance. A March 2011 survey from Genworth Financial and the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business found that almost 70 percent of single parents and 45 percent of married parents were living without any coverage. 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.
16
Why don’t more young adults buy life insurance? Shopping for life insurance may seem confusing, boring or unnecessary. Yet, when you have kids, get married, buy a house or live a lifestyle funded by significant salaries, the need arises. Finding the right policy may be simpler than you think. There are two basic
AroundAbout — TowneLaker | November 2011
types of life insurance: term and cash value. Cash value (or “permanent”) life insurance policies offer death benefits and some of the characteristics of an investment – a percentage of the money you spend to fund the policy goes into a savings program. Cash value policies have correspondingly higher premiums than term policies, which give you death benefits only and have terms of 10 years or longer. Term is a great choice for many young adults because it is relatively inexpensive. There is an economic downside to term life coverage: if you outlive the term of the policy and you and/ or your loved ones get nothing back. Term life policies can be renewed (though many are not) and some can be converted to permanent coverage. The key question is: how long do you plan to keep the policy? If you don’t want to pay premiums on an insurance policy for more than 10 years, then term life stands out as the most attractive option. If you are just looking for a short-term hedge against calamity, that’s the whole reason behind term life insurance. If you’re getting into estate planning, then
“
The key question is: how long do you plan to keep the policy? permanent life insurance may prove a better choice. It may be cheaper than you think. Premiums on 10-year level guaranteed term policies are startlingly affordable. Just to give you a ballpark example, a 40-year-old woman could potentially line up $250,000 in coverage through one major insurer for a premium of $16 a month as of July 2011. Confer, compare and contrast. Talk with a financial or insurance professional you trust before plunking down money for a policy. That professional can perform a term-versus-permanent analysis for you and help you weigh per-policy variables. Securities offered through 1st Global Capital Corp. Member FINRA, SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through 1st Global Advisors, Inc. Created by 1st Global or Peter Montoya, Inc. for use by our financial advisors. AroundAbout — TowneLaker | November 2011
17
Community
I Love The Smell Of Cinnamon In The Morning by Mayor Donnie Henriques That favorite time of the “kid year” is just around the corner. I can tell because the retailers have had their Christmas decorations up since Labor Day! But in reality, November kicks off everybody’s favorite time.
Donnie Henriques is the mayor of Woodstock. You may contact him by calling (770) 592-6001 or e-mail dhenriques@ woodstockga.gov.
Football games are getting more important. Basketball is starting up (except the NBA, which I haven’t watched a game since Michael Jordan retired). Recipes are being tested to make sure when crunch time comes, the proof is in the pudding. Literally.
But, even more importantly, those decorations in the retailers shops take on new meaning. We really are getting closer to “The Day (Christmas).” Yes, we know that the schools are preparing to take those dreaded mid-year accomplishment tests, but I can guarantee the kids are focusing on the days after the tests are over.
Moms and dads are planning trips to the different malls, both near and far. Maybe they plan on splitting the duties. Who knows? But, I’m here to give them some hints on how to save a lot of time and money: shop Woodstock! I can promise you that with all of the new stores that have opened in the past year, you don’t need to travel outside of our city limits to find what’s on your list. We have three major shopping destinations in Woodstock, including downtown Woodstock, the Highway 92 corridor and Towne Lake. In two more years, a fourth will be added, with the Premium Outlet Shoppes of Atlanta, located at the new interchange at I-575 and Ridgewalk Parkway. Highway 92 allows you to travel the road, stopping at big box stores like Target, Kohl’s and Walmart, as well as several small shops. It’s all there for the choosing. Do you really want to go to a big mall and fight the traffic? Towne Lake has several unique stores that are great for bargains, as well as that last minute gift you need to give to the host of the party you’re going to that night. Bullock’s Wine continued on page 82
18
AroundAbout — TowneLaker | November 2011
Calling All Investors! by Sheila & Kurt Johnson The “gold rush” frenzy for investment properties is still ahead of us, but, in our opinion, the deals are as good now as they will ever be. The market for higher priced homes ($125K+) are still correcting to the new “de-leveraged economy,” but we have seen homes in areas valued under $125,000 Kurt and Sheila Johnson find their (price) bottom and stay basically have bought and constant (plus or minus five percent) for renovated over 130 properties for their own the last two and half years. The reason investment. Call (404) for the stabilization below this price 644-5877 for more bracket can be attributed to the appetite information on how to of investors buying the fixer-uppers at the get these types of deals. very low end and first time home buyers buying the inventory of homes that are in good enough condition to pass an FHA inspection. Most first time home buyers tend to have entry level incomes in the $25,000 per year range, and the payment on homes under $125,000 suits them perfectly. Homes under $125,000 would seem to be the best category in which to invest now. This should reduce the risk of downward price pressure (depending on the area) and allow you to offer the property at a rental amount that the majority of renters can afford. Consider the home we bought in August in Douglasville/Chapel Hill. Property details: Built in 2000, vinyl exterior, fenced yard, two car garage, three bed, two bath, needed $1500 interior paint, good schools and area. Purchase price: $52,000 Rent: $995 monthly or $11,940 annually Insurance (tenant policy): -$335/year Property tax: -$1353/year Repair cost adjustment (variable based on tenant retention): -$1,000 Vacancy adjustment (variable based on tenant retention): -$995/year Annual return on investment: 15.85 percent, plus or minus Even at a sales price of $75,000, this property will yield a return of 11 percent, plus or minus. The biggest obstacle to transacting more of these deals is the availability of funds. Lenders are scared of investment properties, and they typically require a 20 percent down payment and will only lend to borrowers with two plus years’ landlord experience and exceptional credit. We are working with more IRA funded investors, investment clubs, and Limited Liability Partnerships than years past. If you wait to seize these opportunities when you hear about the economic recovery in the news, you will have missed the bottom of the market.
AroundAbout — TowneLaker | November 2011
19
Community
Can a Movie Give us Answers to America’s Core Problems? by State Senator Chip Rogers
Chip Rogers is the State Senator for our district. 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.
Politicians often speak in terms of what they will do to solve problems. Whether it’s the economy, education, traffic, the temperature of the earth, obesity, healthcare, or just about any imagined challenge, a politician somewhere will offer a suggested cure, usually involving government action. History, however, proves that actions by governments rarely provide the intended cures and often exacerbate the original dilemmas. As taxpayers, we are shocked by the resources used for social support programs: “free” healthcare; food stamps; and the world’s highest incarceration rate. As citizens, we are alarmed at the human cost of crime, the lost productivity of high school dropouts, and the wasted lives caused by drug abuse.
Why can’t we fix these problems? Because we are treating results long after the problems were created. The troubles of society can be traced directly to the home. A simple fact that has stood the test of human history: kids with a mom and a dad have a much better chance in life. Growing up without a dad is particularly tough. And while the child is most directly impacted, society in general pays a high cost for missing fathers. A groundbreaking 2008 study by researchers at Georgia State University, Morehouse College, the Brookings Institute, Mercer University, the Urban Institute, and the University of Virginia determined the actual dollar costs – directly to taxpayers - of single parent childbearing. The research concluded that direct government expenditures total $112 billion annually. It is important to note that this study does not include the economic impact of lost productivity, crime, drug use, high school dropouts, and etc; it merely calculates direct taxpayer costs. It is safe to assume real economic costs are measured well in excess of $1 trillion annually. The above are direct financial costs. What about the impact on lives that occurs when a father is not in the home? According to the United States Census Bureau, one of every three children lives in a home without their biological father. But what does this mean in the lives of the children left behind? After reading these facts, I hope you agree that fatherless 20
AroundAbout — TowneLaker | November 2011
homes may be the single most devastating factor in 21st century American life. Consider these facts: According to the U.S. Census Bureau, children living in a fatherless home are five times more likely to live in poverty. • According to the Center for Research on Child Well-Being, 43 percent of single mothers receive welfare and food stamps. • According to the Social Service Review, a child raised in a fatherless home is 54 percent more likely to be poorer than his or her father. • According to the National Center for Health Statistics, the infant mortality rate is 1.8 times higher for children of single mothers. • According to the Journal of American Academic Child Adolescent Psychiatry, a study of 3,400 middle-schoolers indicated that not living with both biological parents quadruples the risk of having an affective disorder. • According to a U.S. Department of Justice study of 13,986 women in prison, more than half grew up without their father. Forty two percent grew up in a single-mother household, and sixteen percent lived with neither parent. • According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect, children in single parent homes had: a 77 percent greater risk of being physically abused; an 87 percent •
greater risk of being harmed by physical neglect; a 165 percent greater risk of experiencing notable physical neglect; a 74 percent greater risk of suffering from emotional neglect; an 80 percent greater risk of suffering serious injury as a result of abuse overall; and a 120 percent greater risk of being endangered by some type of child abuse compared to their peers living with both parents. So there we have it – an identified problem larger than any other. How do we solve it? The answer lies in fully engaged fathers who value the future of their children more than their own. Now back to the original question. Can a movie truly change America in a positive way? I am not sure, but if one can – it is Courageous. The recently released movie tackles this issue of fatherhood like no movie I have ever seen. I am convinced that if every American male watched this film, we would have a different nation in just five years. The film challenges fathers in a way that cannot be ignored. Perhaps I am dreaming big, but a rebirth of fatherhood in America will do far more good than any government program. Relying on government is an easy, yet unsuccessful, answer to our societal challenges. Instead, we need fathers who live up to the God-given responsibility of raising children, and we can literally change our world.
AroundAbout — TowneLaker | November 2011
21
Community
November Job Seeking Tips By Lynne Saunders Thanksgiving and Christmas are upon us! Is anyone hiring at this time of year? The answer is, “Yes.” Don’t stop sending out resumes now. Many people become discouraged and give up until January. Think how much less your competition may be right now as others become complacent. Lynne is the founder and executive director of Papa’s Pantry and The MastersTrainingCenter. com in the Towne Lake area. For more information, you can contact her at lynneatthepantry@ yahoo.com. Employment Strategies Core Concepts classes and Advanced Coaching sessions are offered bi-weekly. Call (770) 591-4730 for the schedule and more information. Papaspantry.org.
becomes energized.
The hiring process continues 12 months out of the year in most companies. Job vacancies cost companies in lost production and many times in revenue. Employers always need qualified and talented employees — they need you! A favorite career website is Indeed. com. This is a web-crawler which crawls out to other sites, bringing open job positions posted on other career sites such as Monster.com or CareerBuilder. com, to your computer screen. On the home page, simply type the job title in which you are interested into the “What” field and your zip code in the “Where.” In most cases, there are many, many opportunities listed and your job search
Use each job posting as a guide to find keywords to include on each individual resume. Make note of each exact-matched qualification you have that fits the specified needs of the
22
AroundAbout — TowneLaker | November 2011
company. This will improve your chances of getting noticed by hiring managers. Retail and customer service positions are plentiful in anticipation of what will hopefully be a strong spending season. Many of these jobs are advertised as temporary, but do a good job and you may be asked to stay on. Also beneficial, you may be able to get a letter of recommendation from management which will offer insight of your work ethic for the next potential employer. Most of all, stay positive! Embrace an attitude of “the glass is half full” rather than “half empty.” This will help you face the holidays and manage through an already stressful time. Family, friends and health are irreplaceable. Employers look for candidates with a happy and optimistic demeanor. Don’t focus on what has been lost or is missing. Jobs and careers change; money comes and goes. This Thanksgiving, count your blessings, then get back out there and keep your job search active. We still live in the land of opportunity. For more information, you can contact Lynne Saunders at lynneatthepantry@yahoo. com.
Liquor 1.75L Jack Daniels.....................35.99 Gentleman Jack...............46.99 Crown Royal...................43.99 Makers Mark...................39.99 Seagrams 7.......................17.99 Seagrams VO...................19.99 Canadian Mist.................14.99 Evan Williams..................17.99 WL Weller.......................19.99 Old Forester...................23.99 Jim Beam..........................22.99 Malibu...............................17.99 Bacardi..............................18.99 Cruzan..............................16.99 Capt. Morgan...................21.99 Jose Cuervo.....................28.99 Camarena.........................29.99 Sauza.................................23.99 Absolut.............................29.99 Tito’s.................................25.99 Pinnacle............................16.99 Svedka...............................16.99 UV......................................13.99 Olifant...............................15.99 Ruskova............................14.99 Sobieski............................14.99 Seagram’s Gin..................18.99 Bombay Sapphire............34.99 Ivannabitch.......................17.99 John Barr Red Label.......19.99 Buchanans........................69.99 Glenlivet...........................59.99 Jameson............................34.99 Ballantines........................17.99
Wine 1.5L Yellow Tail........................... 9.99 Cavit.................................... 9.99 Woodbridge...................... 9.99 Fetzer.................................. 9.99 Glen Ellen........................... 5.99 Redwood Creek............... 7.99 Barefoot............................. 8.99 Rex Goliath....................... 9.99
Gallo.................................... 6.99 Stimpson...........................10.99 Lindemans.......................... 8.99 Alice White........................ 8.99 Columbia Crest Two V.....11.99 Foxhorn.............................. 5.99 CK Mondovi...................... 8.99 Stone Cellars..................... 8.99
Wine 750ml Clos du Bois Chard.....................7.99 Kendall Jackson Chard..............10.99 Fat Bastard.....................................8.99 Ecco Domanti...............................7.99 Cupcake..........................................6.99 Oberon Cab & Merlot..............19.99 Mark West......................................8.99 Bogel...............................................9.99 7 Deadly Zins..............................12.99
Kim Crawford Sav. Blanc..........12.99 14 Hands......................................10.99 Robert Mondavi Priv. Sel.............7.99 Menage a Trois..............................8.99 Beviamo Moscato.......................14.99 Risata Moscato...........................14.99 Emeri Moscato............................12.99 Duplin Wines.................................6.99 Rex Goliath...................................4.99
Franzia 5 Liter Box Chard, Cab, Zin, Merlot, Burg, Chablis, W. Gren..............................13.99 All others.................................................................................................11.99 Beer Corona 12 pk..................11.99 Bud, Miller, Coors 30 pk cans........................18.99 24 pk bottles...................16.99
Large Selection of Craft Beers in Stock
We reserve the right to limit quantities and correct pricing errors. AroundAbout — TowneLaker | November 2011
23
Community
EVENT CALENDAR:
November November 6 Holiday Gift Vendor Fair
November 4 Jingle Bell Shop Time: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Location: Northside Hospital- Cherokee Conference Center at the Cherokee County Administration Building, 1130 Bluffs Parkway, Canton Information: One-stop shopping extravaganza! Free admission. This event is in partnership with Cherokee County and O’Brien Productions.
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. Location: Temple Kol Emeth, 1415 Old Canton Road, Marietta Information: An excellent opportunity to buy unusual gifts from name brand vendors for all your family and friends. For more information or for last minute booth rental, please contact Michelle Dobo at vendorfair@kolemeth.net.
November 8 and 10
November 4, 5, 11, 12 Free Home Buyer and Seller Workshop Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Location: 220 Heritage Walk, Suite 101 Information: Short Sale information. Learn about market trends, effective buying and selling practices, how to avoid foreclosure, and how to save yourself money. Call (678) 569-4023.
The Miracle Worker Days/Times: Fridays and Saturdays 7 p.m. Saturdays 2 p.m. Location: City Center, 8534 Main Street Information: Annie Sullivan, who unlocks blind and deaf Helen Keller’s mind and heart, presented by the Elm Street Players. Adults $11, seniors $10, students $9. Call (678) 494-4251 or visit www.elmstreetarts.org.
November 11 - 12
House and Garden Boutique Open House Time: 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Location: 103 Bowles Drive Information: The event will offer a lot of
seasonal specials, as well as giveaways and refreshments. Call (678) 494-5800 or email info@houseandgardenboutique. com.
November 14 Quit Smoking through Hypnosis Time: 7 – 9 p.m. Location: Georgia Hypnotherapy Associates, LLC at The ExecuCourt, 6478 Putnam Ford Drive Information: Discover the easiest and most effective way to quit smoking without chemicals, cravings, irritability, or weight gain and experience hypnosis to benefit the american cancer society. The cost will be $20, which will be donated to the American Cancer Society.
November 19 An Evening of Disney Magic Benefit Concert Time: 7:30 p.m. Location: City Center, 8534 Main Street Information: A benefit choral concert. Enjoy the wonderful music of Disney presented by Together in Harmony with special guest soloists Belle and Cinderella! A portion of the proceeds will go to the MPS II Foundation. Advance ticket prices: adults $11, children 12 and under $6. All tickets will be $12 the day of the performance. Call (678) 494-4251 or visit www. elmstreetarts.org.
Send Us Your Community Calendar Events to editor@townelaker.com. December deadline is November 5. 24
AroundAbout — TowneLaker | November 2011
AroundAbout — TowneLaker | November 2011
25
Feature
Run For One of the fall traditions many Towne Lake residents look forward to is the annual Run For Erin in honor of Towne Lake resident, Erin Peters. Erin is afflicted with MPS III (San Filippo Syndrome). In its 12th year, the Run raises money for research, and this year’s race netted $16,426. To date, $237,000 has been raised by this event. More than 200 people participated in the
Run, and the Overall winner was Chuck Jones of Acworth. Other winners included Overall Female, Lorena Jaime of Canton; Masters Male, Kevin Matthews of Woodstock; and Masters Female, Lauren Melehan of Canton. A special thanks to the corporate sponsors: Williams Orthodontics, Sweet Tomatoes, Optimum Health, Stevie B’s and Starbucks.
(Above) Sponsor, Chik-Fil-A
(Below) Sponsor, Optimum Health
(Right) Overall winner, Chuck Jones
(Above) Erin and Tom Peters 26
AroundAbout — TowneLaker | November 2011
AroundAbout — TowneLaker | November 2011
27
Community
Charlie’s II: Keeping it in the Family You may not think about it when you enter a business, but every one and its owner has a story. Some owners have entrepreneurial spirits and desires to own their own businesses. For others, they are motivated to take a departure from Front row (left to right): Michael and corporate America to Windee Colbert. Back row: Steve and follow a passion. And Hunter Colbert, employee Jim Ramsey for others, like Charlie’s and Joe Colbert. II, they have family businesses to be passed on to the next generation.
In 2002, Steve and Windee purchased Joe’s Bottle Shop from Joe and renamed the store Charlie’s II. In 2005, Steve and Windee decided to sell both stores, but in September of this year, a business decision resulted in the two once again becoming owners/operators of Charlie’s II. And just like their dad did when he was in his teens, Michael and Hunter both work at the store. “The Couple,” as they are affectionately known by their loyal customers, renovated and expanded Charlie’s II to include an entire wine room. You have to see it to appreciate it!
In the late 70s, Joe Colbert opened a liquor store — Joe’s Bottle Shop on Bells Ferry Road. Joe’s two sons, Steve and Joey, started working with Joe when they were in their late teens, a tradition that would be repeated.
Both boys have moved out on their own, and while the hours can be long, they both said they enjoy working with their family. Michael hopes to own his own store one day, and by working with his dad, he said he’s gained a new perspective about what his dad did for a living.
Steve shared his father’s passion and dream to own his own store, and eventually he would — Charlie’s on Canton Road. Charlie’s made Steve’s business dream come true, as well as his family dream- it’s where he met his wife, Windee. Steve and Windee have three boys, Michael (21), Hunter (19) and Walker (11).
The store is open six days a week, and both Windee and Steve are there open to close. “We get a lot of, ‘I don’t know how you do it,’ when people learn Steve and I are together 24/7,” said Windee. “It’s just how it’s always been so we don’t even think about it.”
Charlie’s II is a great example of a family owned and run business. If you know of another business with a great “behind the scenes” story, email editor@townelaker.com.
Junior Service League of Woodstock’s Annual Holiday Home Tour by Susan Cannizzaro A fantastic holiday tradition is less than two weeks away! The Junior Service League (JSL) of Woodstock is gearing up for the 15th Annual Holiday Tour of Homes. It is an excellent way to view several beautiful homes in the community and the funds raised benefit many Cherokee County charities. “We are very excited for this year’s Holiday Home Tour as we have eight very unique and beautiful homes on the Tour this year. We also will introduce a commemorative Junior Service League Christmas Ornament that will be for sale at the homes as well as some retail locations for $5. We also have some special surprises planned throughout the Tour, including a blind auction, raffle and carolers at the Candle Light Tour,” said JSL President Kay Durst. The Holiday Home Tour of Homes will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday November 12 with a Candle Light Tour in two downtown Woodstock homes from 6-8 p.m. that evening. The 28
AroundAbout — TowneLaker | November 2011
hours on Sunday November 13 will be 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at wwwjslwoodstock.org, Christine’s Creations or the BP station in Towne Lake or at any of the homes on the days of the Tour. Presale tickets through Thursday November 10 are $17; after this date they will be $20. “The Holiday Tour of Homes first began in 1997. Since its inception, with the support of local businesses and individuals, the Tour has raised nearly $315,000, which has been donated to local organizations making a positive and lasting impact on needy Cherokee Country families’ futures,” added Kay. The Holiday Tour of Homes features exquisite homes in the area that are professionally decorated for the holidays by local designers. The homes have unique features that make them distinctive. Visitors will be able to get numerous holiday decorating ideas to make their own homes more enjoyable during the holiday season. The Charitable donations committee is still in the process of deciding which organizations will benefit from the Home Tour this year. Past benefactors have included Papa’s Pantry, MUST continued on page 83
AroundAbout — TowneLaker | November 2011
29
Community
Lunch ‘N’ Learn Workshop The topic of our October Lunch ‘N’ Learn Workshop was “Promoting Your Business Through Your Community.” We want to thank our speaker, Don Kyle of Small Bizz MBA for leading the workshop. Please join us at our next Lunch ‘N’ Workshop.
Join us on December 13, and help ring in the holidays as the Towne Lake Business Association (TLBA) hosts its annual Holiday Gala at Featherstone’s at Towne Lake Hills from 6:30 — 9 p.m. All members, their guests and anyone wishing to meet and network with others within the Towne Lake area business community are welcome. A sampling of hot and cold hors d’oeuvres, entree items and soft drinks will be provided by the TLBA, free of charge.
Tuesday, November 15, 12:30 — 2 p.m. Tax Planning for Your Business, presented by John Drawdy of Drawdy CPA Services, LLC. All Workshops are held at Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills. Please RSVP to all events at (770) 615-3350. We welcome our newest members: Alliance Group of GA, LLC and Woodstock Hippie Shop. Thank you for supporting our community by “Keeping Towne Lake Dollars in Cherokee.”
Visit us at tlba.org.
TLBA Spotlight Medical Refund Service, Inc. Cindy J. Holtzman Cindy Holtzman has been a successful health insurance agent for more than 20 years, a medical bill advocate for 13 years, and is a resident of Woodstock. She specializes in critical illness insurance, as well as health insurance, for individuals and small businesses, representing several major insurance companies.
• •
You may ask, ”What is a critical illness policy?” For as low as $20 a month, you can receive a lump sum payment of cash to help you through a covered critical illness. Unlike life insurance, which will pay when you die, critical illness insurance pays you to survive!
Critical illness insurance is protection so you can concentrate on getting well, have peace of mind, and reduce your financial stress. It is the most affordable value for your family!
You could become seriously ill at any time! You don’t have to lose your home because you got sick. The money is yours, free and clear, to use any way you wish. Here are a few ways this type of policy could benefit you, whether you have insurance or not: 30
AroundAbout — TowneLaker | November 2011
• • •
Replace your income when you are out of work Use the money for your mortgage, car or credit card payments Hire help Pay for experimental treatment not covered by insurance Go on a family vacation
Cindy Holtzman has been a media resource for CNN, WSBTV, FOX5 Atlanta, Bankrate.com, WSJ, FOX and many other media outlets. Her stories are full of tips for consumers on how to save money on their medical bills, negotiate them, and fight insurance claim denials. Contact Cindy at (770) 517-2356 or by email at mdrefund@bellsouth.net.
AroundAbout — TowneLaker | November 2011
31
Lifestyle
Call of Duty by Mike Litrel, M.D. My 14 year-old son Joseph is a living room Rambo. On Saturdays, he reports to his video game X-Box right after breakfast, and by afternoon he has taken down hundreds – perhaps thousands of virtual online enemies. Dr. Mike Litrel practices with his fellow OB/GYN’s 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. mikelitrelmd.com
This past Saturday, I went downstairs after lunch and there was Joseph, enthroned in his accustomed spot in front of the TV screen. I fought the impulse to grab his video game addicted butt from the chair and throw him out the window. Even though I could have used the exercise.
In a carefully neutral tone of voice, I inquired how much longer he planned to play. A worried expression clouded his face. Then he remembered the family X-box rules and knew he was safe: Finish your homework. Keep your grades high. Practice your instrument – Then play X-box if you must. His looked back at the video screen and shrugged, as if to say, Father, why do you trouble me with such irrelevance? I had no one to blame but myself. No one argues for the benefits of violent video games. The
32
AroundAbout — TowneLaker | November 2011
debate is more about the extent of damage. My wife Ann sides with the Academy of Pediatrics and remains vehemently opposed. I’ve learned from long experience that Annie is always right about these things. And yet… I remember vividly the difficulty of being an adolescent boy: getting on the bus early mornings while it was still dark; fighting my way through crowded hallways of grumpy kids; being trapped in a classroom with a teacher who droned on and on before the bell rang; thrusting us back into the hallways and into yet another class. During those tough years, my first stop upon returning home — after the refrigerator — was my Atari game console. My friends and I would huddle around the television set like a campfire, each with a plastic joystick in our hands, fighting out the frustrations of the day by endeavoring to outmaneuver the other guy and shoot down his digital blue biplane or blow up his red tank. Those were the happy moments of unhappy early teenage years. Video graphics have changed quite a bit in 30 years. But the satisfaction of blowing up the other guy hasn’t changed a bit. Six years ago when my oldest son Tyler hit junior high school, the conversation shifted seemingly overnight from benign Pokemon cards to Call of Duty — the best-selling video game that arms you and a team of your friends with digital assault weapons for exciting combat missions against other teams similarly armed.
Tyler pleaded for an X-box. All of a sudden our own parental “call of duty” was thrown into question. Do we forbid the game as Ann advised, and deal with adolescent resentment? Or do we make our son happy by allowing violent games into our home and forever stunt his development? As usual, I found myself arguing for the middle road, making a case to Ann that our firstborn son playing Call of Duty alone in the basement wasn’t quite as psychotic as it might appear to the casual observer. For one thing, he and his friends were actually playing online together — strategizing, celebrating their victories, bemoaning their losses, and building friendships the clumsy way boys do. For another, at least he was venting his adolescent hormones safely at home, instead of out in the world where there was a lot more trouble. So like many parents, we made a devil’s bargain: we linked Tyler’s video time directly to his grades, homework, and chores: prove yourself responsible, and then you can play. As a senior, Tyler hardly plays X-box anymore, and there are promising signs that he is developing into a nice young man. But watching my second son now glued to the video screen is like a returning nightmare. As I stand fighting off the urge to slap him silly, Ann sees me biting my lip and staring at the back of Joseph’s head. She asks what’s wrong.
Quicker than thought, Joseph leaps up to wrap his mother in a gentle bear hug — then casually repositions himself back in front of the TV. The unexpected affection brings a big smile to Ann’s face. She pats Joseph on the shoulder and asks him if he’s having a fun day. Joseph smiles broadly, actually makes eye contact and assures his mother he is enjoying himself immensely. It’s all very polite and appropriate. But despite myself I suspect Joseph is smirking inside. I obeyed all the rules, Dad — so you have to leave me alone. As our kids near adulthood and we strive to offer a balance of responsibilities and freedoms, we have ample room to worry. We really and truly don’t know how our kids will “turn out.” The best we can do is guide them toward reasonable choices, love them as best we can – and pray.
AroundAbout — TowneLaker | November 2011
33
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).
Resistance Cords
Target Corporation, of Minneapolis, MN is voluntarily recalling approximately 447,000 Embark resistance cords and cord kits. A black plastic ball attached to the resistance cord’s door anchor can unexpectedly release and strike the user, posing an injury hazard to consumers.
fit around a child’s head and neck, and the headband on the Audrey doll, if loosened, can form a loop that fits around a child’s head and neck. These loops can pose a strangulation hazard.
Music Table
Battat Inc., of Plattsburgh, NY is voluntarily recalling approximately 14,000 musical wooden table toys. Small pegs on the xylophone toy can loosen and detach, posing a choking hazard to young children.
Dehumidifier
LG Electronics Tianjin Appliance Co. is urging consumers to check if they have recalled Goldstar or Comfort-Aire dehumidifiers. The firm is re-announcing the recall of approximately 98,000 of the dangerous dehumidifiers that pose a serious fire and burn hazard, and are believed to be responsible for more than one million dollars in property damage.
Blender
Target Corporation, of Minneapolis, MN is voluntarily recalling approximately 304,000 Chefmate® 6-Speed blenders. While in operation, the plastic pitcher can separate from the blade assembly, leaving the blade assembly in the base and exposing the rotating blades. This poses a laceration hazard to consumers.
Toy Workshop
Little Tikes, of Hudson, Ohio is voluntarily recalling more than 1.7 million additional Little Tikes® workshop and tool sets (approximately 1.6 million toy workshop sets and trucks with the same toy nails were recalled in August 2009). The recalled workshop and tool sets have oversized, plastic toy nails that can pose a choking hazard to young children.
Pottery Barn Dolls
Pottery Barn Kids, a division of WilliamsSonoma Inc., of San Francisco, CA is voluntarily recalling approximately 81,000 (in the United States) and 1,300 (in Canada) Chloe, Sophie and Audrey soft dolls. The hair on the Chloe and Sophie dolls may contain loops that are large enough to
Lawn Tractor
Deere & Company of Moline, IL is voluntarily recalling approximately 15,500 lawn tractors. Hardware used to hold the mower blade brake assemblies on the mower decks can break. This can cause the mower blades to spin longer than normal after the operator turns off the power, posing a laceration hazard. Also, about 5,200 D100 lawn tractors. Hardware used to hold the brake assembly to the transmission housing can break. This can cause the brakes to fail, posing an injury hazard due to loss of control.
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. 34
AroundAbout — TowneLaker | November 2011
AroundAbout — TowneLaker | November 2011
35
Angels Feature
Everyday
Sydney Stewart
Four long years have now passed since the long walk down the back corridor of the emergency room after doctors announced that Sidney Stewart (then 11 years old- today 15) had a large tumor on her brain - Medulloblastoma Cancer. Life for the straight-A student, aspiring athlete, dancer (having performed in Atlanta Ballet’s Nutcracker) and competition cheerleader, and the lives of her family, would never be the same again. After Sidney’s first 10-hour surgery to remove the tumor, she remained in ICU for six weeks. After eight grueling months of emergency surgeries, close calls and chaplain visits, Sidney was finally able to return home while she continued her treatments. Today, due to the aggressive chemo treatments and radiation, Sidney is in remission, and her family is relieved and thankful. However, the affects of her chemo have left Sidney with other issues and complications to overcome.
While Sidney is, miraculously, considered cancer free, she continues her daily battle with the long-term effects of her grueling and aggressive cancer treatments. Although her last chemo infusion was in February of 2009, Sidney has developed osteoporosis, which has caused two broken legs and months of casting and downtime. She also now has severe hearing loss in both ears and wears hearing aids. Until last November, she was considered legally blind, but now is able to wear glasses; however, her vision changes monthly. She is unable to move her eyes left to right, up or down, and does not currently have peripheral vision. Her left arm and leg are significantly weaker than the right, and the left side of her face is paralyzed. Posterior Foss Syndrome and radiation have caused her to suffer from bulging discs in her neck and lower back. The changes in her ability to learn and process are significant, and she experiences short- term memory loss. Sidney is unable to walk unattended, dress, bathe or go to the bathroom unassisted.
ago. We have rallied and supported Sidney in her fight and assisted their family – the way our caring community does so well. Presently, Sidney’s mom has new health issues herself, and her father recently lost his job. Keeping their home (which was modified to accommodate Sidney’s condition), paying for gas to and from rehab and buying groceries have been challenging. When asked about their family’s new “interruptions,” Kim replied, “We conquered cancer and the consequences of the poisons pumped into our young daughter’s body. After that, this should be easy!”
The presence and hope of God lives through each of us. Let’s help make this “easy!” Please send in gas or grocery cards, or donate to this strong family online at our website or by sending in your donation. As always, 100 percent of the donations will go to the Stewart family. In-home assistance with Sidney Sidney has been enduring all day rehabilitation sessions, five days a week, also is needed, which would allow Kim to step away at Shepherd Center Pathways in Decatur, and will continue to require rehab for years to come. When she is able, she will continue her education online. to tend to household needs. If you would like to volunteer in this capacity, please send us an email, Despite her daily setbacks, Sidney has adjusted well and works very hard and we will put you in touch with Kim. Continue to at rehab. Her mom Kim stated, “Although she has many challenges and is learning to adjust to her life after cancer, she is beautiful, both inside and out, pray for Sidney and her family as they continue to has the sweetest personality and is always the comedian!” The fact that their conquer daily challenges! daughter is still here is a gift! They feel blessed beyond belief for her second Please visit www.townelaker.com/everydayangels to donate via Paypal chance. Their daily round trips from Acworth to Decatur, in heavy Atlanta or send your donations to: Everyday Angels, 2449 Towne Lake Parkway, traffic, are “gifts.” They thank God for them every single day! Woodstock GA, 30189. One hundred percent of your funds will go Everyday Angels was recently contacted by a dear friend of Sidney’s family. Our community has followed Sidney’s journey since it began four years 36
AroundAbout — TowneLaker | November 2011
to the family you specify. Also, if you know of a special need within your community that you would like to share, please send an e-mail to aaeverydayangels@gmail.com for consideration and qualification.
(Right) A snowy day on the same stretch of road in Canton in 1961.
Cherokee County and World War II October 19- January 1 100 North Street, Suite 140 Canton, GA 30114 Please visit us at the Cherokee County History Museum and Visitors Center for our new temporary exhibition on Cherokee and World War II. This exciting exhibit will show our county’s and citizen’s role in the war. It will feature uniforms from each branch of service and other rarely seen objects, photographs, documents. In addition there will be new videos featuring oral histories from men and women who lived, worked, and served during that time.
The museum hours are Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.and Saturday from 10 a.m.- 3p.m. It is located on the first floor of the historic courthouse at 100 North Street in downtown Canton. For more information, please call (770) 345.3288 or visit www.rockbarn.org.
Historical Society
(Left) A snowy day in Canton in the early 20th century. The view is of East Main Street looking towards the former R.T. Jones Library, which was originally a family home. The building was later torn down and replaced with what is now the Voter Administration Building.
AroundAbout — TowneLaker | November 2011
37
38
AroundAbout — TowneLaker | November 2011
AroundAbout — TowneLaker | November 2011
39
Lifestyle
Transform this Season by Shelley Herod
Shelley lives in Towne Lake and owns her own interior design company. She can be reached at (770) 2355640.
Where did the summer go? It seems just like yesterday the buds were blossoming and flowers were springing from the earth. We welcome the chilly crispness in the air as the leaves transform their colors preparing for autumn’s seasonal performance. The pallet deepens outside, so we enrich our homes with deep earthy fall tones inside.
Summer shades are stored away for the season, and the days become shorter which alters the lighting inside and out. Adjusting the lighting can be as simple as using a higher watt bulb in our current lighting or adding additional lighting fixtures to brighten the space. For a more grand impact, consider adding recessed lighting to your home. The most minor adjustments in lighting can make the biggest impact during the cooler months. The flowers turn from shades of pinks and blues to yellow and oranges and sometimes even deeper shades of golds and maroons. Let nature be your guide when accessorizing your home for fall. Obviously, not all colors complement everyone’s decorating schemes, but you can mix and match swatches as you shop the stores for new autumn accessories. Decorating for the new season does not have to be difficult. Add a simple potted fall flower
40
AroundAbout — TowneLaker | November 2011
or arrangement to replace the spring model. This not only will add a hint of décor depicting the cooler season but is warm and appealing as well. Change out the pots of summer flowers to more earth tones will create a dramatic contrast against the foliage color. The simplest change can affect anyone’s mood. Candles become more prevalent in the autumn. Using multiple heights of candles displayed on a platter will fill any space with a soft, warm light and create a cozy environment when entertaining your friends and family. The warmth of the candles and the fall scents will speak to anyone’s senses. Change your photo frames to more natural finishes to coordinate with the fall additions. Furthermore, swap out your beach and summer photos with fall activity pictures such as pumpkin carving and leaf motifs. Theses simple changes will modify the entire mood of the room. Throw pillows, cuddly blankets, and area rugs will make a dramatic impact to any living space and make the space appear inviting and cozy. Don’t forget the dining room table — the light linens and summer centerpiece need to hibernate for a few months. Replace the linens with a warmer hue and use nature in your centerpiece. A simple bowl of acorns, nuts, layers of Indian corn, and fall leaves can be the perfect fall touch. Small changes can make a big impact when warming up your home. Bring the fall indoors and enjoy the season before the snow begins to blow.
AroundAbout — TowneLaker | November 2011
41
Lifestyle
Rhône Wine Region by David Heckelmoser The Rhône wine region is located in southern France, and stretches 125 miles between Vienne in the north to Avignon in the south. The Rhône is divided into Northern and Southern sub-regions. The Northern Rhône produces red wines from the Syrah grape which is often blended with the white grape Viognier. The 100 percent Viognier wines produced in David Heckelmoser is the Northern Rhône will have intense a Towne Lake resident aromas of honey, apricots and peaches. and professional member of the Society Syrah is the only grape that can be used of Wine Educators, to produce the red wines from the Certified Specialist of Northern region, though blending of Wine CSW, Atlanta Marsanne and Roussanne white grapes Chapter Sommelier Les are also permitted. Marsanne produces Marmition. wines that are rich and nutty with hints of spice and pear, and Rousanne wines are characterized by their intense aromatics of herbal tea.
Pape (shah-too-NUHF due Pahp), which is noted for its papal history. In 1308, Pope Clement V located the papacy in the city of Avignon, and the popes resided there instead of Rome. The wines of the area came to be known as “Vin du Pape,” and this term later became known as Chateauneuf-du-Pape. This wine can be produced with a blend of up to 13 varieties of grapes — eight red and five whites. The finest reds from Chateauneufdu-Pape are made mostly from Grenache. You might also find wines made with Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre labeled as GSM, which are the indicators of the above grapes outside of France. The mistral, a powerful wind that is prevalent in the southern part of the valley, can blow hard enough to strip the vines of their leaves and fruit. Most of the best vineyard sites plant cypress to provide a windbreak.
The Southern Rhône produces reds, whites, and rose wines. The Southern Rhône’s most famous red is Chateauneuf-du-
Until next time, cheers!
42
AroundAbout — TowneLaker | November 2011
Now let’s get the fun part drinking wines from this region. The reds wines from both Northern and Southern Rhône are medium- to full-bodied. These reds will pair well with lamb, duck, beef stews, steaks and roasted meats. The whites of Viognier, Marsanne and Rousane will pair well with roasted chicken, cream sauce, pork, scallops, cheese, veal, and lobster.
AroundAbout — TowneLaker | November 2011
43
Lifestyle
Department of Driver Services by Kara Kiefer The one thing my son wanted more than anything was his driver’s license. As soon as he got his permit, all he wanted to do was practice. No situation intimidated him. He wanted to drive at night, in the rain, in downtown Atlanta you name it, he wanted to drive in it. As the time got closer for his road test, I called the Department of Driver Services (DDS) to make an appointment. Kara Kiefer is the Editor He wanted me to check him out of of AroundAbout — school to take the test, to which I said, TowneLaker. She lives “No.” I told him he could miss football in Towne Lake with her practice to take the test, to which he husband Mike and sons said, “No.” So that left Saturday as the Brandon and Garrett. only day of the week to schedule his test, and because of this, the first open time on a Saturday was 40 days after he was eligible. He was disappointed, but he waited patiently. Finally, September 24 arrived. We were in the first group of the day, and after we turned in our paperwork, we drove the car behind the DDS and waited in line.
44
AroundAbout — TowneLaker | November 2011
We were the last car in line, which turned out to be a blessing, as the story will show. While we waited, we turned the car off and listened to the radio. As we moved up in line, we turned the car on and off probably three or four times. It was finally our turn, and my son pulled the car into the waiting area and turned it off while waiting for the test administrator to come out. Once we saw the administrator, I got out of the car and my son went to start the car — only it didn’t start. The car has a keyless ignition, so he took the key fob and placed it in the key hole and tried again — barely a crank. He looked at me in a panic. How can this seriously be happening right now? I asked myself. Meanwhile, the administrator is watching this situation unfurl with an expressionless face. I asked him if someone could help me. He didn’t continued on page 82
Musings from Towne: Goodwill Helps A Hoarder by Robyn Hohensee
Robyn Hohensee has resided in Towne Lake with her husband Todd for 17 years. She is currently working on a children’s book and an adult fiction novel. Aside from writing, Robyn enjoys knitting, listening to music, watching movies and observing life in the Towne Lake community. Feel free to contact her at Robyn561@yahoo. com.
One day, I walked into my closet and knew it was time to clean it out. It had gotten to be almost obscene with all of the bags, shoes and clothes I had packed in there. Looking at it all, I wondered if I was one of those hoarders that I saw on that TV show. Shuddering at the thought of being buried alive under all of this materialistic waste, I decided that I must clean out this mess and donate what I did not need to the Woodstock Goodwill. I also vowed to stop shopping so much. My husband would be happy to know that. I filled up 15 bags of stuff. It took me 45 minutes to put it in my minivan. I cursed and muttered aloud as I trudged bags up and down the stairs. I will stop shopping. I will never have this much stuff again. This is beyond asinine. My two cats stood at the bottom of the stairs watching me in either amusement or fear. I couldn’t tell which.
I pulled into the Hobgood Park donation drop off parking lot and smiled at the three male workers who swarmed my van to assist me. Hi boys. Hope you’re in the mood for some heavy lifting this morning, I wryly thought to myself. All three workers were more than happy to haul all of those bags into the huge donation truck. It all went smoothly until the bottom of one bag busted and all 20 pairs of shoes tumbled onto the ground, along with a pink bra. Oh dear. This is a bit embarrassing. I quickly picked up the bra and put in another bag. “Oops. I don’t know where that came from,” I mumbled to the workers. Unfazed or speechless, I couldn’t tell which, they just kept on working. I got my receipt and high tailed it out of there fast. I will not shop so much ever again repeated itself in my mind as I drove home. A few weeks later, I was driving on Highway 92 and saw the Goodwill sign. Curious, I decided to stop in and see what they sold. I grabbed a cart and quickly filled it up with designer tops and skirts and a few pairs of designer shoes. I never knew Goodwill sold designer stuff, I thought as I filled even more stuff in my cart. Making my way to the book section, I piled books in my cart, including Confessions of a Shopoholic by Sophie Kinsella. Excited, I made my way to the check out line. So much for never shopping again, I thought. AroundAbout — TowneLaker | November 2011
45
Lifestyle
Cure for the Grownup “Gimmies” by Lauri Wischner At least once a week, either my husband or I catch the disease known as the “grownup gimmies.” That’s where we think we need the latest “this” or the greatest “that.” For us, the cure has been unconventional and simple. We go hiking. When we load up our car early on a brisk November Saturday morning and head to the mountains, we instantly feel Lauri Wischner is a the worries of the world melting off our Towne Lake resident shoulders and sliding onto the roadway who left her sales behind us. Some of our favorite trails career behind to be a are the Aska Wilderness Trails near stay-at-home wife and Blue Ridge, GA. The rhythmic sound of mother. Contact her at laurihiking@yahoo.com. crunching leaves as we walk reminds us what a divine and calming force the forest possesses. After an hour of hiking, I’m barely talking, not because of the strenuous activity, but because of the Zen-like state I’m in amongst the trees. It’s the most tranquil place I know. It’s pretty hard to think of a new skirt or flat-screen TV when you feel like that. Hiking also makes us thankful. Every so often on the trail, we run
46
AroundAbout — TowneLaker | November 2011
across scattered remnants of an old homestead in the middle of nowhere. We talk about those early pioneers and how they and their families must have lived. In some ways, it was a simpler time void of modern distractions. But we also reflect on how harsh and unforgiving living conditions were. Children regularly died of diseases easily suppressed by simple vaccinations today. There were cold, merciless winters. A bad growing season could mean a severe winter food shortage and hungry little ones. When the hiking day is over, we meander back to the suburbs. It is raining now. We put our daughter to bed because she’s blissfully bushed from running up and down the trail all day with her dog. Later, we wander into her room to watch her sleep, the rain still pinging on the rooftop. Our daughter is warm. She is dry. She has had her fill to eat. She lives in the greatest country in the world, and by the mere fact that she’s warm, dry and fed, she lives better than most children in the world. We marvel at how lucky we are. After a day like that, all the superficial things my husband and I think we “need” are rendered unimportant. We feel appreciative for what we have and realize we don’t need more stuff. We have food, clothing, shelter, family and faith. Maybe, just for this week, those sentiments will help both of us keep the grownup gimmies at bay.
AroundAbout — TowneLaker | November 2011
47
Lifestyle
48
AroundAbout — TowneLaker | November 2011
The Harry Connick, Jr. of Sparrows by Scott Lemmon Many people tend to overlook members of the sparrow family as being common or drab. But a closer look at the Song Sparrow shows just how interesting these birds really are. Song Sparrows are found in every state of the union and Canadian province, and are found here in north Georgia year-round. There are 31 recognized subspecies of the Song Sparrow, more than any other bird species found in North America. The Song Sparrow in different parts of the country can look amazingly different. Some are lightly marked and pale while others are dark and heavily streaked. The oldest known banded Song Sparrow to be recaptured in the wild was over 11 years old. Adult male Song Sparrows perform about six to twenty different melodies; each one is a slight variation on the basic Song Sparrow song. Some songs may be very short, consisting of only four notes and lasting less than two seconds, while others may consist of 20 or more notes, lasting over five seconds. Studies have shown that female Song Sparrows are attracted to males that learn and sing a larger repertoire of songs. These males are much more successful in holding their territories and reproducing. During the dawn twilight on a spring morning, male Song Sparrows will sing a song every eight seconds and may average more than 2,300 songs during an entire day! Think
Harry Connick, Jr. can compete with that? Song Sparrows sing throughout the year.
those without access to feeders.
The nest of the Song Sparrow is usually found under grassy tufts on the ground or low in a bush or shrubbery. A pair will live and nest in 1.5 acres or fewer and may raise up to four broods a year. A research study showed that Song Sparrows with access to millet feeders started nesting and produced eggs up to 14 days earlier than
Their natural diet consists of weed and grass seeds, a few berries, and insects. Song Sparrows prefer to forage on the ground and readily visit backyard feeders where seeds, especially millet, are offered. They forage for food on the ground by using a double-scratch technique of kicking away debris by hopping forward while sweeping both feet quickly back along the ground. This “Song Sparrow Samba” is typically performed in, or near, dense undergrowth. So not only is the Song Sparrow an expert singer, they’re pretty talented dancers too! Common? Drab? Not when you take a closer look. Scott Lemmon can be reached at (770) 928-3014 or e-mail him at wbuwoodstock@comcast.net.
AroundAbout — TowneLaker | November 2011
49
Aspen Falls Auto Spa
The Gifted Ferret
Feature
50
connoisseur! Check out the home décor, original fine artwork and Forever Candles which will all brighten up your home and be great gift options for loved ones. The Card Gallery holds stylish, premium handmade cards from various famous artists, as well as gift bags, boxes, and wrapping materials to spice up your gift-giving experience. The Gifted Ferret got its name from a holiday shopping trip last December. While visiting a pet store, owner Kevin Kino and operating partner Kay Woody became fascinated with The Gifted Ferret is a brand-new gift shop which opened its doors in October. It was born of a partnership of two friends, one who loves wine watching the ferrets play in their cages. They and home décor and the other who loves horses. They took their vision decided the curious animals would make cute of opening a store in Towne Lake that offers distinctive gifts, fine wines, logos for their small retail store, which they hope will represent the fun-loving namesakes’ equestrian artwork, and other unique items and turned it into reality. spirits. Visit The Gifted Ferret this holiday Everyone at The Gifted Ferret is excited about being open just in time season and see for yourself! for the holiday season, about meeting new friends and customers and about becoming involved in the community. For the holidays, they offer seasonal candles, baskets, ornaments, and many other gifts. The wine cellar will be filled with hard-to-find and exciting wines from Argentina, The Gifted Ferret South Africa, Italy, France, and other countries, and the store will hold 1910 Eagle Dr. Suite #400 festive wine tastings throughout the season. They will also hold regular(770) 693-5889 season weekly wine tastings and offer a social wine club membership www.thegiftedferret.com package, which include exclusive, private wine tastings and shopping events — a membership is a perfect gift idea for your favorite wine
Your car is an investment that needs to be protected and treated with care, and Aspen Falls Auto Spa is your go-to carwash for this holiday season and beyond. Conveniently located on Bells Ferry Road one block south of Walmart, Aspen Falls is a full-service and self-service carwash. Unlike other self-service carwashes in the area, Aspen Falls provides free vacuums, towels to wipe down exterior and interior surfaces and window cleaners. Aspen Falls has a variety of carwash packages from which to choose. There are many detail packages which are available through the detail department, which has 60 years combined experience. Aspen Falls can provide express detailing, full detailing and paint reconditioning as well. Because the body of your car needs regular protection from harsh weather, such as frost, snow, rain, wind and sun, waxing is an excellent choice for keeping your car winter-ready. Leather seat and full interior cleaning and conditioning is another service offered; this will prevent drying, fading, and cracking of your car’s interior. Aspen Falls staff uses top-of-the-line products in its tunnel so your car receives the best quality wash possible. Every product Aspen Falls uses is biodegradable and safe for the environment, and used water is recycled through a filter system, making Aspen Falls the most green-friendly and efficient carwash. Ask the Aspen Falls staff about Spa Savers, which
AroundAbout — TowneLaker | November 2011
make great gifts and stocking stuffers for friends, family and other car lovers in your life. Choose from the “Good,” “Better,” and “Best” full service packages. While you’re waiting for your car to be washed, or detailed, you can relax in the cozy lobby, watch television or use the Spa’s free computers in front of a warm fireplace and enjoy free coffee and espresso. Aspen Falls believes in offering you a relaxing environment while your car is being cleaned. This holiday season, give yourself and your loved ones the gift of a clean and cared-for car! Call today.
Aspen Falls Auto Spa 6390 Bells Ferry Road (770) 591-3630 www.aspenfallsautospa.com
Cherokee Computer Guys 2360 Towne Lake Parkway www.ccrguys.com (678) 749-7200
Noble Services, Inc. (770) 363-0303 www.nobleservicesga.com
For the holiday season, the Cherokee Computer Guys is offering a special sale on refurbished desktop computers; the great prices will ensure these computers are perfect holiday gifts for your kids or family members. Children who accompany their parents to either of the shops will be given holiday treats. At both Cherokee Computer Guys locations, a “Kid’s Corner” with books and toys is available to entertain children while their parents are visiting for their computer needs. Because the owners are parents and grandparents themselves, they understand the need to make an otherwise boring environment family- and kid-friendly. It’s this commitment to community and quality of experience that makes the Cherokee Computer Guys your go-to business for your computer repairs.
all cleaning. With more than 17 years of experience serving the Atlanta area, Rod is a respected member of the community: many may recognize him from First Baptist Woodstock, where he serves youth in the Middle School Ministry and the Disaster Relief Ministry. Rod ministers to people locally and abroad, to those affected by Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and to Georgians whose homes were damaged in the 2009 floods, as well as to the citizens of Haiti and other countries. His passion for service is displayed in his business. Rod is certified through the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), and Noble Services is a certified firm. Because carpet and upholstery manufacturing continually changes, Noble Services undergoes continuing education to remain at the top of its field; the company uses state-of-the-art equipment and the latest technology to provide you with the best possible cleaning. Noble Services employs truck-mounted steam cleaning equipment, the method preferred by fiber and carpet manufacturers. Noble Services is dedicated to offering its customers top-quality and honest service. The company treats customers as friends, and refuses to employ unfair bait-and-switch tactics that other companies use. It realizes that serious damage can occur to your investments if they’re not properly cleaned and cared for. Noble Services will care for your property like its own. Schedule your holiday cleanings early.
Noble Services, Inc.
If you plan on entertaining family and friends this holiday season, or if you enjoy relaxing indoors on cold days either on a cozy couch or on the floor in front of the fireplace, you understand that a welcoming, comfortable home includes clean carpet and upholstery! Noble Services is a local business that offers environmentally-friendly powered cleaning for your carpets, rugs, and upholstered furniture and fabrics. Noble also provides peace of mind during the holidays both before and after your guests arrive. Removing odors and stains from carpets and fabrics will impress your visiting in-laws and party guests, and after visitors leave, you’ll have Noble Services to remove stains from party spills. Owner and operator Rod Noble performs
call to guarantee satisfaction. The Guys are available to all customers by phone from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week so that emergencies can be handled after the shops’ business hours.
Cherokee Computer Guys
The Cherokee Computer Guys is a neighborhood business with a shop in BridgeMill for two years and one in Towne Lake for seven months. Because the owners lived in the area for many years, and because their children and grandchildren work and go to school in the communities they serve, the Guys truly care about Cherokee County and its residents. The Cherokee Computer Guys use its “neighborhood approach” to offer its communities the friendliest and most valuable computer repairs possible. The store’s goal for every repair brought to them is a 24-hour turnaround (unless a part needs to be ordered). Each repair is done in-house, which is not the case with some corporate-type computer repair services, and each customer receives a follow-up
AroundAbout — TowneLaker | November 2011
51
Rejoice Maids Service
Woodstock Medical Weight Loss
Feature
52
Losing weight can be a tough proposition, especially at holiday time. This is why a majority of people make it a New Year’s resolution. However, what if you could get a jump-start on that resolution now and look amazing for the holidays? At Woodstock Medical Weight Loss, it’s not just a dream but a proven reality. The clinic’s weight lose program is designed to take weight off quickly, with the average being 21 pounds in 30 days. Woodstock Medical Weight Loss has assembled a team of doctors and physician assistants who have a combined experience of more than 30 years in the specialty of weight loss. Obesity is a medical condition, and it’s treated as such. Medical doctors will perform a thorough evaluation, blood panel and EKG to be sure that the program is safe and effective for you! The team will offer several options for your personalized weight loss plan with a combination of FDA approved appetite suppressants, natural HCG hormone therapy, fat burning B-12 injections, nutritional and fitness guidance, weekly weight-loss monitoring, supplements, meal replacements and other services. Weight loss has been linked to the
Got Dirt? If you feel overwhelmed with the constant demands of housecleaning and want a professional and dependable cleaning service to assist you in keeping your home clean, look no further than Rejoice Maids! Formally NARRA Maids, Rejoice Maids is locally owned and operated by Gemma and George Beylouny. Rejoice Maids is a residential and commercial cleaning service located in Woodstock at the corner of Main Street and Highway 92. They have been perfecting their cleaning system for more than 15 years to provide the best cleaning experience possible. Rejoice Maids cleaning technicians work in teams of two cleaners to make sure your home is cleaned thoroughly and in a timely manner. They provide the cleaning tools and earth-friendly supplies so you don’t have to. Rejoice Maids provides free in-home estimates to customize the cleaning to fit your needs as well as your budget. The company provide weekly, biweekly, and monthly services, and are also open to one time cleanings, move in or move-out cleanings, or special event cleanings. In addition, they are licensed, insured and bonded for client’s security and protection. They also carry workman’s compensation insurance on all employees. With the holidays around the corner, Rejoice Maids will make your home sparkle before your guests arrive. Gift certificates are available, which are a great present for that special someone in your life.
AroundAbout — TowneLaker | November 2011
reduction or elimination of several ailments including back and knee pain, high blood pressure and diabetes. With the end of the year approaching, most health savings accounts are eligible for payment of these programs. Take advantage of the savings benefits and look better, feel better and be healthier for the upcoming holidays as well as for the rest of your life. Visit the website to see testimonials from satisfied patients, including a few you may know!
Woodstock Medical Weight Loss 4595 Towne Lake Pkwy, Bldg 300, Suite 150 (678) 501-5007 www.weightlosswoodstock.net
Giving back to the community is also an important part of what Rejoice Maids Service enjoys doing. They are proud members of the Cleaning for a Reason Foundation, a foundation that provides free cleanings to women battling cancer. They also are members of the Towne Lake Rotary Club and are members of the Mainstreet Woodstock organization chartered to improve our downtown community. Homes and offices should be healthy, clean environments designated for relaxing and for work. Don’t stress about the dust and dirt any longer; leave the cleaning to Rejoice Maids Service.
Rejoice Maids Service 678-905-3476 www.rejoicemaids.com info@rejoicemaids.com
Jerseys Sports Bar & Grille 6426 Bells Ferry Road (770) 790-5740 www.jerseysgrille.com
The Wild Orchid Salon 2340 Towne Lake Parkway, Suite 100 (770) 924-4010 www.thewildorchidsalon.com
Special weeknight dining specials are ongoing throughout both the holiday and regular seasons, with weekly entertainment that includes Team Trivia on Thursdays and poker games on Monday and Wednesdays, and much more! Jerseys ordinarily offers an excellent breakfast service during the late winter through summer, though they suspend this in autumn in order to accommodate football fans. Bar guests also are well taken-care of, with a full-service bar separate from the main dining room, so that adult guests can enjoy their beverages in an adult atmosphere. Jerseys is a proud sponsor of local school and recreational teams and offers a lively take-out business for both small orders and large parties and sporting events. Jerseys offers gift certificates, and will happily accommodate holiday parties of up to 100 people. Call early for reservations!
of Intercoiffure Salons, each hairdresser at the Wild Orchid is trained to adhere to the highest standards in the industry. The salon itself is a designer boutique designed to make you feel comfortable and inspired. The stylists are passionate about creating beautiful hairstyles and about giving you upscale service; besides listening to your aesthetic desires and practical hair-care needs, they’ll treat you as treasured guests with beverages, paraffin wax treatments, scalp massages and makeup applications, all to ensure you have the salon experience you deserve with the beautiful cut, color and style results you crave. If you’re looking for a spa treatment, the Wild Orchid provides facials and skin therapies as well. The salon offers holiday hair specials, with hair and full makeup applications for $95, perfect for whatever big event or get-together you need to prepare for! The Wild Orchid stocks its very own custom products under its own name, as well as the top-shelf REF and Sojourn, recently launched by Sassoon, lines. You’ll love the welcoming atmosphere of the salon, and you’ll leave knowing that you received the highest quality care from the experienced, friendly stylists. Call or visit online to book your appointment today!
The Wild Orchid
If you feel frantic from the harried pace of holiday shopping, traveling and general rushing-around and need an excuse to pamper yourself, or if you feel you need a style change to spice up your look, the Wild Orchid Salon has just what you need! With 25 years in the salon industry and with one year in Towne Lake, the Wild Orchid is a full-service salon offering cutting, texturing and styling, coloring, Keratin treatments, waxing services and more. As associates
the patio. Jerseys is an excellent place to catch the games during football season; it features 12 satellites that feed into its 47 High-Def TVs and a large projection screen, as well as a special Sound Dog speaker system, with one-of-a-kind table-top speakers for each customers’ table so they can listen to their game of choice, free of charge!
Jerseys Sports Bar & Grille
Sue Whiteside, manager and co-owner with her husband Jay of Jerseys Sports Bar & Grille, is a long-time and enthusiastic member of the Towne Lake community. Since she and her husband purchased the family-friendly restaurant and bar in 2010, they’ve worked hard to make Jerseys the go-to hangout and eatery in Woodstock! Sue and her friendly staff pride themselves on their quality food. The restaurant serves more than the typical bar fare, with an extensive menu of pasta dishes, burgers, wings, steaks and specialty entrées prepared predominately from scratch. Families with children can take advantage of the game room, and pets are welcome on
AroundAbout — TowneLaker | November 2011
53
Health & Wellness
Ten Commandments of Dental Insurance by Dr. Scott R. Harden 1. Thou shall not expect dental insurance to compare with medical insurance. Dental insurance is different from other insurance. Insurance in general was designed to help people cover catastrophic problems that would be financially devastating. Dental care is seldom a catastrophic problem because it can typically be resolved by more Dr. Scott Harden is a basic care, and dental care can typically dentist at Fountain View Family Dentistry be broken down into stages, essentially and has served the creating a payment plan. This is not the Towne Lake area case with a major medical procedure for more than 21 that needs to be done all at once and years. He is a Dental can range from $50,000 to more than Advisor for two a million dollars. Dental insurance was nationally renowned dental research therefore designed uniquely with low companies. You can deductibles, little or no co-payments reach him at (770) for cleanings/basic care, and high 926-0000 or visit co-payments for more expensive FountainViewSmiles. procedures, such as dentures or crowns. com. This is exactly opposite to all other insurance that has a high deductible (affordable by the patient) and covers catastrophic care at a high percentage (not affordable by patient). 2. Thou hath been provided dental insurance - now use it! Many people do not use their dental insurance. This makes the dental insurance companies happy. Paying for dental insurance (a realized cost in your salary) and then not using it is foolish. Bottom line: if you have insurance, take advantage of it and get two cleanings and two dental exams a year and correct dental problems. 3. Thou shall not try to make logical conclusions about dental insurance. Insurance coverage can vary tremendously from one company to another and can even vary within the same insurance company, including procedures, overall cost, percent coverage, limitations, etc. Dental insurance has many pitfalls that are frustrating, so it is important that your dental office has an attentive person to optimize your insurance coverage for you and your family. This can help avoid false expectations relating to treatment and allow intelligent decisions to be made by the dental office and patient. Patients will remain the least frustrated with dental insurance if they take it for what it is - a benefit to help you defray some of your dental care costs. 4. Thou shall have dental insurance limits. 54
AroundAbout — TowneLaker | November 2011
Dental insurance coverage and limits have not substantially changed for more than 50 years since it was implemented in the 1960s. Insurance companies provide maximum dental benefits between $1,000 and $1,500, which is, astonishingly, the same since the 1960s. Premiums for dental insurance over these past 50 plus years have skyrocketed, leaving a huge gap between the amount we pay for dental insurance and the amount of dental services covered. In fact, if dental benefits were to have kept up with inflation as people’s premiums have, dental insurance companies would pay out more than $10,000 per calendar year in benefits. Appropriate insurance coverage for the year 2011 would sensibly cover more of today’s expensive white filling materials, technical diagnostic equipment, implants, and better quality procedures that were not present in the 1960s when silver fillings were the major dental treatment performed. 5. Thou shall have dental insurance limitations. Dental insurance has numerous limitations that typically include cosmetic dental care (i.e. veneers, whitening), routine treatment on front teeth of any nature, white fillings on back teeth (the highest majority in today’s dental care), implants, and certain aspects of restorative care. 6. Thou should make health care decisions based upon need, not insurance. Many patients enter the office expecting dental insurance to be the magic answer to paying all their dental needs. This is no different than expecting your auto insurance to pay for your gas, continued on page 83
AroundAbout — TowneLaker | November 2011
55
Health & Wellness
Does My Dog Have Cataracts? by Dr. Randy Beck A cataract is cloudiness of the lens of eye. This is a very common problem in dogs and sometimes requires surgery to remove the lens. Recognizing the difference between a cataract and other causes of a cloudy lens is important in determining the best course of action to prevent blindness. The lens of the eye is about the size of an M&M, and its function is to focus by Dr. Randy Beck is changing its shape to help make an image the owner of South on the retina or the back the eye. The Cherokee Veterinary lens is typically clear so that light may Hospital located at pass through; however it is made up of 513 Sharp Street in hundreds of tissue fibers. A capsule covers Woodstock. all of these fibers to help protect them and help keep the lens in its proper shape. If the capsule becomes damaged, proteins from the fibers are introduced into the fluid of the eye. This can cause an inflammatory response, thus producing the cataracts and inflammation of the fluid in the eye called anterior uveitis. As the lens of the eye grows, it continues to make new fibers but it never sheds off any of the old ones, so the lens will get more compact and look a little cloudy. This is known as nuclear sclerosis. All
56
AroundAbout — TowneLaker | November 2011
dogs go through this as they get older, just like people do. The difference between age related nuclear sclerosis and a true cataract is that the lens remains clear and vision remains. A cataract becomes opaque so that light cannot pass through it. It can occur very quickly or can slowly develop over time. The most common cause of cataracts is genetics. More than 100 breeds are known to have these, so it is very prevalent. Other causes include diabetes, trauma or certain toxins. Almost all dogs that have diabetes will get cataracts. Most diabetic cats will not get cataracts. Unfortunately there are no effective medical treatments for this condition. Surgery is the only known way to cure this; however, all cataracts do to not need to be removed. Some cataracts only cause a slight decrease in vision and are perfectly fine to leave, but others can actually move from their normal position and block fluid from leaving the eye. This is known as glaucoma and can be very painful if left untreated. Cataract surgery is very successful and is typically done by a veterinary ophthalmologist. Many other conditions can cause a cloudy eye, and all of them can cause a large amount of pain and potentially blindness. If you see any changes in your dog’s eye, then please go see your veterinarian to find out the cause and to see if there is anything that should be done to treat it.
AroundAbout — TowneLaker | November 2011
57
Health & Wellness
Tinnitus – Can Somebody Please Turn Off That Noise! by Dr. Jan Henriques I am often asked the question how to correctly pronounce “tinnitus.” There are two pronunciations for tinnitus: Tin’ i tus or Ti nahy ‘tis. I usually say pot a’ to, po tah’ to; either is correct! What does tinnitus actually mean? Tinnitus is the hallucination of a sound or a phantom sound. It takes on numerous forms such as ringing, hissing, buzzing, music, “crickets,” Dr. Henriques is a Board “tree frogs,” a “tea kettle whistling” Certified Audiologist etc. and can be perceived in one ear, and leads a team both ears or somewhere in the head. of Professionals at Others can actually hear some forms. Progressive Audiology Tinnitus is much more common Center, Inc. She can be reached at (770) 592than people realize. It has been said 4744. to occur in 10 to 17 percent of the American population. That can mean that anywhere from 30-50 million people in the U.S. alone have some form of tinnitus. Even more astonishing is that one out of every 100 adults report tinnitus that is debilitating. That is upwards of 2.6 million Americans! What should you do if you are experiencing tinnitus? Tinnitus is not a disease but a symptom of many possible conditions — some serious and others quite benign. Most commonly, it is a sign of some degree of hearing loss. Some of the medical conditions that can cause tinnitus includes Menieres disease, hypertension, diabetes, TMJ, vascular, drug induced, middle ear disease, tumors, cardiovascular disease and tumors. Some of the non-medical underlying conditions reported are noise induced, head trauma, barotraumas, stress induced, whiplash and substance induced such as alcohol, nicotine or food.
58
AroundAbout — TowneLaker | November 2011
Whatever the underlying cause, it should be investigated and evaluated first with a thorough hearing test by an audiologist. Then, you can be properly directed to possible interventions or medical follow up with your physician or other medical provider. Current hearing aid devices are often very good at tinnitus suppression. It doesn’t work for everyone, but when it does, it can feel miraculous! I cannot tell you how rewarding it is to put hearing aids on someone, who is obviously feeling stressed by their tinnitus, and only to have it disappear! It’s not always that easy. And for those who are feeling debilitated by their tinnitus, and no underlying medical condition is found, then there are other ways of approaching treatment. Some of those can include Tinnitus Retraining Therapy, Sound Generators and combination devices that incorporate hearing aids and sound generators. Very exciting new technology and new methods of approaching tinnitus relief are available today. I have someone very close to me that suffers from tinnitus, and I have referred him to the experts without any success. His tinnitus occurred when on a hunting trip; his friend’s gun backfired next to his ear. This resulted in a constant ringing that fluctuates in volume but never goes away. This clinician is making it her mission this year to become more adept at tinnitus management. Since treatment and technology have changed so much the last few years, I want to improve my skill in treating patients that come to me for help by becoming more of an expert in this area. Over the course of the next several months, I am attending conferences including a certification class for Tinnitus Practitioner. Stay tuned! You can also Like Us on Facebook to stay informed.
Effortless Ways to Look your Best This Holiday It’s the most wonderful time of the year…. and the busiest. And with all the holiday parties, it’s natural to want to put our best “face” forward! Some solutions have longer lead times—a face lift will make you look years younger, but Drs. Thaddeus Fabian*, Keith Hanna*, requires some upfront Keith West*, John Symbas and Michael planning. However, McNeel* are plastic surgeons with there are other skin Marietta Plastic Surgery, with offices rejuvenation remedies in Woodstock and Marietta. Trained that produce amazing at top teaching institutions, they are results just in time for skilled in the latest techniques and the holidays. procedures in the field of plastic surgery. Injectables are a For a private consultation, contact www. mariettaplasticsurgery.com. popular choice for men and women and *Members of the American Board of Plastic Surgery and The American Society of Plastic Surgeons. are great at softening lines and wrinkles. These include BOTOX® Cosmetic for simple forehead lines and dermal fillers for deeper lines around the mouth. BOTOX® temporarily weakens
facial muscles that control forehead wrinkles, softening or eliminating their appearance. Results last for months or even longer. Dermal fillers, such as Juvéderm® or Restylane®, fill in the deeper “parenthesis” lines surrounding the mouth. Dermal fillers usually last around six months, or much longer, and the results are almost immediate.
“
And with all the holiday parties, it's natural to want put our best 'face' forward! Laser skin resurfacing softens fine lines and improves skin texture and tone. The process removes the top layers of skin to stimulate the dermis, or deep layer of skin, to produce more collagen, which improves the skin’s structure and elasticity. Laser procedures can help reverse the effects of sun damage, wrinkles, age spots and acne scars. A newer laser treatment, continued on page 90
AroundAbout — TowneLaker | November 2011
59
Health & Wellness
Concerns About Concussions by Dr. Amy Hardin
Amy Hardin is a pediatrician in Towne Lake at Northside Pediatrics. Her youngest daughter plays lacrosse and will have IMPACT testing before the season starts. Check out Northside Pediatrics’ new website at www. northsidepediatrics. com and follow them on Facebook at Northside Pediatrics!
You’ve finally been put in the game! Fourth down, and three yards to go, and the ball is given to you! You make the first down, but a hard hit knocks you down, and your head hits the turf. After you get up, you’re a little foggy, have a horrible headache and think you might throw up. Coach pulls you out, and the trainers do a quick evaluation . . . back to the bench you go. You’ve got a concussion.
Back in the old days, after a “ring of the bell,” kids were almost immediately put back in if they could walk back on the field. Today’s studies have shown this is not a good thing and has probably led to a lot of later brain problems, including poor learning and early Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Even children who didn’t play a lot or were ever severely injured were found upon an autopsy to have traumatic brain changes according to a recent Frontline episode on PBS called “Football High.” Just what is a concussion, and what should we do if our kids have one?
60
AroundAbout — TowneLaker | November 2011
A concussion is an injury to the brain that disrupts normal brain function on either a temporary or permanent basis. The brain isn’t a hard object. It’s a firm gelatinous object (imagine a combination of a Nerf ball made with the kid’s toy “slime”) which elongates, stretches and deforms, so when a hard impact hits the head, there is lots of jostling and moving and these cells and nerves get sheared. Young athletes are more susceptible to the effects of a concussion because their brains are still developing versus older athletes. Concussions can happen in both organized sports or with something as simple as a bike accident when your child isn’t wearing a helmet. Football has the highest incidence of concussions, but girls actually have a higher concussion rate than boys in similar sports. Symptoms of concussions include headache, nausea or vomiting, dizziness and balance problems, visual changes, sensitivity to light, feeling “foggy” and having troubles concentrating/ remembering, confusion, change in personality (grumpy, weepy, more irritable) and changes in sleep patterns. If you suspect continued on page 84
AroundAbout — TowneLaker | November 2011
61
Health & Wellness
Happy and Healthy for a Lifetime Are you looking for a program that will nurture your daughter’s physical, emotional and spiritual health? How about a program that inspires girls to be joyful, healthy, and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum, which creatively integrates running? Then Girls on the Run may be the answer.
(Left) Girls receive links for all the laps they run. Left to right, Kelsey and Jada Nesnick, Amanda Shoup, Zoe Linak, Grace Yuschak (Below) Left Amanda Shoup, Right Zoe Linak
celebration. Coaches need not be accomplished athletes. They just need to have a desire to help young women develop into confident, healthy individuals. Coaches will be completely trained by the GOTR organization.
Lynn Bruffy, Coach at Woodmont Country Club, started coaching for GOTR this past August. Ms. Bruffy What is Girls on the Run? decided to volunteer because Girls on the Run (GOTR) is running has been a big part of a life-changing, experiential her life for a long time and she learning program for girls wanted to share her passion aged 8 to 13 years old. The with young girls, as well as program combines training help girls to establish a good for a 3.1 mile running event self-image. When asked why with self-esteem enhancing she would tell other women and uplifting workouts. The to volunteer to be a coach, goals of the program are to Lynn stated, “It’s so much fun encourage positive emotional, working with girls, particularly social, mental, spiritual and at this age. The curriculum is physical development. The so good – I’m sure my selfvision of the program is to (Above) Left to right, Jada Nesnick, image will improve as well. I create a world where every Mrs. Nesnick, Kelsey Nesnick can remember being their girl knows and activates her age and feeling unsure about limitless potential and is free myself and things in general. to boldly pursue her dreams. Most of us go through this phase while growing up and it’s good to be reminded once in a while, even as an adult, that we Current participants of the program and their parents share are unlike anyone else and that is what makes us special!” their thoughts. “I like GOTR because I like to run and have fun at the same time.” Come Run with us! – Zoe Linak, BridgeMill participant Girls on the Run 5K Date: November 12 “I joined GOTR because it’s a good time to have fun with friends Time: 10 a.m. Location: Lambert High School, 805 Nichols and run better.” – Amanda Shoup, BridgeMill participant Drive, Suwanee “I felt it was important for my daughter, Grace, to join the program to learn about a healthy lifestyle at this age. I also feel it means more to my daughter when the information comes from someone other than her parents.” – Mrs. Yuschak, mother of participant “It was my daughter Kelsey’s idea to join the program. I like the physical activity component and the concept of teaching them [to be] strong, young women.” – Mrs. Nesnick, mother of participant Get Involved - Volunteer, Coach, or Sponsor! Coaches for the program are all volunteers. Our volunteers include a dynamic group of people who are all committed to empowering girls so that they can become healthy and happy adolescents and adults. Volunteer opportunities with GOTR Cherokee include coaching or assisting at our annual 5K 62
AroundAbout — TowneLaker | November 2011
If you would like to participate in the 5k this fall, please register at: http://www.gotrforsyth. org/5krunregistrationinfo.html Open to the Public! Please join us! Thank you Cherokee County Parks and Recreation! Support from Cherokee County Parks and Recreation has allowed the program to expand throughout the county. Currently the program is taking place at BridgeMill Clubhouse, Lake Arrowhead, Woodmont Country Club, and JJ Biello Park. The spring 2012 session will expand to include Hobgood Park. Want to Join or Have a Question? Contact Cathie Brugnoli at (404) 667-4101 or email info@ gotrforsyth.org if you have questions or are interested in signing up.
AroundAbout — TowneLaker | November 2011
63
Schools & Sports
Home Improvements by Dee Locklin After paying my bill at a local restaurant recently, my server looked at my credit card, then at me, then back at the card. He seemed perplexed. I worried that an All Points Bulletin might have been issued on my Visa and he was going to make a citizen’s arrest or something. Dee Locklin is retired from Georgia State University. She lives in Towne Lake with husband Lewis and son Taylor in a cluttered home filled with love and lots of dust bunnies. Contact Dee at dlocklin89@gmail.com or follow her on Twitter and Facebook.
My wallowing has been a bit melodramatic, I suppose, since The Prince is a mere 15 minutes away at Kennesaw State University, and I see him at least once a week when he wants something from me. So I decided to cease the pity party and direct my energies elsewhere. continued on page 90
Finally he spoke. “I know you. You’re that lady who writes about her son going off to college.” Yep, I guess that would be me.
Grateful, of course, that someone had actually read one of my articles, I was nonetheless startled. The server’s remark confirmed my fear that I’ve been stuck at the edge of that messy swamp reserved for empty nesters. Mired for several months in the muck of dreading my son’s departure, then saying goodbye, then missing his presence in my now all-too-quiet home.
Senior Project by Nicole Mott
Nicole Mott is a senior at Etowah High School. She has aspirations of majoring in Broadcast Journalism in college. Nicole also plays on the Etowah soccer team.
Senior year. Many think of it as the easiest year, but the class of 2012 and recent graduates know it as one of the most involved years of our high school careers. On the last first day of school, students were introduced to the Senior Project and prepared their minds for it. So far, students have been brainstorming and doing research; it’s been a lot of hard work. For those unaware, the Senior Project is a yearlong development students must complete to graduate. Various due dates throughout the year keep students on track with what they need to accomplish.
First, students must choose a topic. Topics are supposed to be relevant to a profession or career the student hopes to achieve or has an interest in for the future. There are a wide variety of topics students choose, but each topic must be approved. Original ideas can begin anywhere from cake decorating to learning how to play a musical instrument. Some may call it an internship, but it is basically a chance to explore interests or something new. 64
AroundAbout — TowneLaker | November 2011
Once a topic is selected, students must choose a mentor to guide them through the challenges they may encounter working on the product. Not only will there be a product that must be presented to a board of judges, but also a research paper. The research paper is assigned at the beginning of the year and will be about the topic the student has chosen. Meanwhile, the product will be the accumulated work throughout the year that will eventually be presented to the class in addition to a board of judges. By the end of the journey, students should know a great deal about the topic and have a pretty good indication on whether or not they would enjoy pursuing this focus in the future. While balancing this important project and regular classes at once, the Senior Project will help students develop ideas and face any new challenges in the future. As a senior, I have journalism as my topic. I intend to produce a portfolio of published articles I am writing for the AroundAbout TowneLaker community magazine to possibly give insight to the younger generation while completing my Senior Project requirements.
AroundAbout — TowneLaker | November 2011
65
Kristina Laurendi Havens is a Fine Artist who specializes in portrait and figurative art. She earned an MFA in Painting from Texas Christian University. To find out more about her portrait work or classes, please contact her at 81artist@comcast.net or call (757) 679-0520.
Earlier this year, I was thrilled when Heather Armstrong featured a portrait I created of her daughter Leta on her blog, Dooce.com. Following that beautiful post, I was overwhelmed by the kindness, enthusiasm, and painting orders that came forth from her amazing community and around the world. The timing seemed to be destiny, as I had just become Ann Litrel’s studio partner in her beautiful space above Outspokin’ Bicycles on Main Street. Now I had an inspiring space and several months worth of custom portrait work to keep me busy.
A couple of months ago, Heather shared her experiences of travelling to Bangladesh with the charity Every Mother Counts (www. everymothercounts.org) on her blog. The charity is an advocacy and mobilization campaign to increase education and support for maternal and child health. The stories she shared were emotional and compelling, accompanied as always by her illustrious photos. As I read the stories and learned more about the charity, I couldn’t help but be completely enamored by the beautiful faces of the men, women and children she met on her trip. As a portrait artist, I am always looking at people’s faces — watching how the light reacts to their skin tone, noticing how their eyebrows frame their face, taking note of how they tend to tilt their head when they talk, what presence they have. The subjects of Heather’s photos were beautiful, not only for their engaging eyes and sculpted lips, but for the honest emotional content in every nuance of their expressions. Could I ever, as a portrait artist, rise to a level where I can capture all those beautiful things that Heather captured in her photos - the light, the context, the story, the emotions in a painting? I spent many restless nights running those photos through my head, dreaming of ways to translate her photos into paintings. After a week of tossing and turning, I knew I had to try to paint these portraits. But why? Just to see if I could? It had to be 66
AroundAbout — TowneLaker | November 2011
Art for
bigger than that. I asked Heather if I could create a series of portraits based on some of her favorite photos from Bangladesh. Once the by Kristina Havens portraits were completed, my plan was to auction them off online, with the proceeds benefiting Every Mother Counts. Heather readily agreed. Heather finalized the list, and “Dooce’s Favorites” were ready to be painted. For two months, I spent hundreds of hours in front of my easel, trying to do justice to my subjects, while considering the fact that an amazing woman has trusted me with her personal experiences. By sharing these stories, Heather made me realize and appreciate how lucky I was before, during, and after my two pregnancies. I started my auction on dailypaintworks.com, and the owners offered to waive all fees so as much money could go to the charity as possible. The owners also issued a challenge to the rest of the artists on the site to submit artwork for the auction to benefit Every Mother Counts. The on-line auction will run through November 4, and my goal is to raise $5,000 (as of this writing, I’m halfway there!). I invite you to visit dailypaintworks. com (do an artist search under “Laurendi”) and bid on your favorite pieces inspired by this amazing charity and mothers everywhere. Visit Studio 81 and Ann Litrel Art during the Art and Wine Festival, November 5 – 6 on Main Street in Woodstock, to see these paintings and more. The studio will be open from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, with regional work by Ann Litrel and portrait and figurative art by me. There will also be a special Art and Wine Festival Preview Night on Friday, November 4 as part of the Friday Night Live on Main Street series.
AroundAbout — TowneLaker | November 2011
67
Feature
Homecoming E.T. Booth Middle School and Etowah High School
Left to right: Becca Carpentier , Dalton Porche, Barrett Burns, and Payton Donley.
Left to right: Sam Rubin, Jaclyn Miller, Nick Clift, Catherine Prabhu, Matt Taylor and Rachel Chandler
Front row (left to right): Jason Hammaker, Tyler Tracy and Jake Forbes, Back row: Carlie Gilbert, Samantha Bennett, Anna Claire Smith, Lindsey Roth, Tori Carver, Jill Fullenwider, Emily Smith and Kallie Jones
Left to right: Sam Rubin and Jaclyn Miller
Left to right: Nick Clift and Catherine Prabhu
Left to right: Bless Darah, Madison Cawood and Taylor Snow 68
Left to right: Katheryn Donati and Dylan Herod
AroundAbout — TowneLaker | November 2011
Junior Court
Left to right: Casey Snow and Kingsley Greene
Left to right: Clair Gross, David Drinkwater, Carolyn Taylor, Hannah Duddle, Daniel Ponder, Natalie Goodwin, Johnny Saale and Alex Cervasio
Left to right: Alana Ashley and Garret Duron
Etowah High School held its Homecoming celebration the weekend of October 13-14, with a parade kicking off the weekend on the Thursday prior. The Eagles football team took on Marietta, and unfortunately, suffered a 14-33 loss. Madison O’Brien was crowned Homecoming Queen and Matt Rich was Homecoming King.
Left to right: Becca Hannigan, Madison O’Brien, Kaitlin Johnson, Caroline Allred, Caroline Tilton and Melissa Rivera.
Left to right: Evan Arnold, Sarah Riebly, Taylor Almy, Marlee Neal, Victoria Heck, Gemma Green, Hayden Neal, Brittany Tullis, Taylor Sullivan, Gracie Albright, Olivia Klingler and Courtney Cumby
Left to right: Becca Hannigan and Matt Rich Left to right: Connor Herod and Courtney McGonigle
Queen Madison O’Brien and King Matt Rich
Front row (Left to right): Taylor McKown, Rebecca Gorby and Sydney Ingram. Back row: Max Ryan, Zach Ledford, Erik Birchwell, Josh Franz, Austin Melnick, Eric Rodriguez and Ryan Beachem.
Left to right: Taylor Snow and Eric Brasher
E.T. Booth Middle School (left to right): Carlyle Rechsteiner ,Samantha Forbes, Anna Sleeman, Molly Anderson ,Nicole Booth and Jada Collins.
Carter Russell
Left to right: Hannah Duddle and Daniel Ponder
Left to right: Hayden Neal and Stuart Head
Left to right: Tori Janos, Elyse Anderson, Maya Opara-Nadi and Melissa Butler AroundAbout AroundAbout— — TowneLaker TowneLaker || November November2011 2011
69
Feature
Homecoming Woodstock High School held its Homecoming the weekend of September 30-October 1. The spirit week festivities included a Medieval Fair carnival on the Wednesday prior. The Wolverines football team took on Wheeler Friday night, but unfortunately, suffered a 0-3 loss. Zoe Yurchuck was crowed Homecoming Queen and Daniel Massengale was Homecoming King.
Woodstock High School
Left to Right: Jeremy Hudak, Nicole, Bridgette’ Hudak, Meredith Shea, Andrew McCulloch, Rebecca Sargent, Finley Anderson, Katherine Arp, Ashley Houchin, Dustin Bearden, Sarah Hansberry, Annika Kraft, Annie Jiang, Madison Tank, Rani Tilva, Coury Frush
Left to right: Lexy Emanuel, Zoe Yurchuck and Erika Staskevicius
Left to right: Erika Staskevicius and Kimberly Rudolph
Left to right: Abbey Booz, Dalton Clark, Shelby O’Sullivan and Luke Sellers.
Left to right: Kyle Beard and Erika Staskevicius Seniors
Samantha Krug and Derek Dotson.
70
AroundAbout — TowneLaker | November 2011
Kings Academy
Left to right: Sami Sepe and Ashley Arendt
Left to right: Sami Sepe, Payton Schanen, Hannah Forsberg and Kersten Forsberg
Left to right: Casey Johnson, Alex Motsinger and Andrew Lenhart
Tanner Templeton and Lexy Emanuel Taylor Head and Matthew Johnson
Homecoming Queen Zoe Yurchuck and King Daniel Massengale
AroundAbout AroundAbout— — TowneLaker TowneLaker || November November2011 2011
71
Schools & Sports
SCHOOL NEWS Carmel Gets Wishing Well
Local High School Students Receive Recognition Several students from Etowah and Woodstock high schools recently were named as National Merit Commended Students. Students from Etowah High School are Casey L. Anthony, Tyler Bryant, Dryn H. DuBois, Joseph M. Gerth, Matthew Glazier, Kyle M. Jenkins, Clay T. McElwain, Zachary A. Munson, Austin A. Salyers and Jacob D. Young. Students from Woodstock High School are Ibukunoluwa Babalola, Nha-Truc Dinh, Conner Frost, Morgan Hecker, Blake Nawrocki, Krishan Patel and Carter Sangrey. Two Etowah students, Matthew R. Bird and Philip T. Litrel, were chosen as semifinalists in the 2012 National Merit Scholarship Competition and will continue to compete to become a National Merit Scholarship Winner. Congratulations to all!
Woodstock Student Wins Trip to India Front row (left to right): Carlos Servin, Isaac Toledo, Austin Kelly, Katelyn Wyatt, Rocio Lopez Mesa, Isabella Deel, Savannah War, and Fernando Dela Cruz. Back row: Home Depot employees Matt Tobin, Chuck Nichols, Jody Noble and Store Manager Shawn Brooks.
Parent volunteers with Carmel Elementary School PTA thought it would be great to have a wishing well that could be used for different purposes, such as to collect money for special school-wide projects, to leave notes thanking a staff member or teacher or to appreciate another student. The Home Depot built a giant nine-foot tall wishing well, with careful attention to detail, that proudly sits in the school lobby. The students are so excited to walk by, see what has been collected, and perhaps leave some coins or bills. The current goal is to raise enough funds to purchase an automated external defibrillator (AED) for Carmel, as they presently do not have one. Carmel Elementary School Principal Keith Bryant said, “We can’t thank The Home Depot staff enough for their generosity and support in helping our school. We look forward to inviting them back when the PTA collects enough funds to purchase the defibrillator.” While there, The Home Depot dropped off some activity kits for the students, as well as some junior-sized orange aprons. In addition to the wishing well, the PTA will also dedicate some of the funds earned at their Annual Fall Festival on October 22 toward this cause. For more information or to make a tax-deductible donation, please contact carmelpta@gmail.com or contact PTA Co-President, Rebecca Hayes at (404) 316-2229.
Two years ago, Woodstock High School student Chloe Heidt raised money to go on a mission trip with Stellaris Ministries to Tanzania. While there, Chloe filmed a Water Walk, which showed several American women carrying water for several miles, just like the villagers do. Chloe edited the video and gave it to her fellow trip mates, and as a result, the video was viewed throughout the southeast. Because of the video, Stellaris won a grant for Chloe to return to Tanzania and shoot a follow-up video, The Solar Cooking Solution. Chloe’s Sunday School teacher at Sixes United Methodist Church in Canton, Jacquelyn Yelton, was so impressed that she urged Chloe to enter her Water Walk video in a national competition hosted by the United Methodist Women’s Quadrennial Conference. Chloe took home the grand prize — an all-expensepaid trip to India! Chloe left on October 29 to India to meet and encourage college students and faculty at Isabella Thoburn College in Lucknow, India. She will return November 9.
Please Send Us Your School News! Email to editor@townelaker.com. Deadline is November 5. 72
AroundAbout — TowneLaker | November 2011
Sports News From Oak Grove
Front row (left to right): Addison Parker, Mia Lopez, Dominic Zackery, Sierra NIggli, Trinity Donehoo, Andres Vega, Hannah Faulkner, Nicholas Kennedy, Sebastian Eads, Jamri Maxime and Robert White. Back row: Fabiana Aguirre, Ava Smith, Luke Cerone, Jordan Muehlenbrock, Matthew Lamparella, Jack Yanes, Kenneday Johnson and Nate Bernardy.
Shaun Sudberry’s kindergarten class at Oak Grove Elementary School recently won a local scarecrow contest. The scarecrows were to be based on children’s book characters. The class chose “David” from the series of books by David Shannon that include the Caldecott Honor winner, “No, David!” The class won a gift certificate and a pizza party.
Booth Student Displays Road Biking Excellence
Blake Wilson, an honors student at E.T. Booth Middle School, has always been a gifted athlete. He has wrestled for the Etowah youth program for the past seven years and has been ranked fourth in State, twice. Last year, Blake took up road bike racing, and in that short time he has already made a name for himself. He came in second place in both criterium and road races and sixth in state for time trials this year. He also came in first at the Georgia Games Criterium for his age group. Blake recently completed his first Century, a 100-mile consecutive ride. Currently, he races for Frazier Cycling, which is sponsored by Powerbar. Blake is 12 years old and is the son of Kristi and Steve Wilson.
Pilot Junior Tennis Tournament Scheduled
Pictured with Ross Young are, left to right, Logan Dickman, Hannah Freeman, Stefano Vescio, Brianna Doville and Aiden Stallings.
Scott Gwinn and Ross Young from Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services recently visited Oak Grove Elementary School to teach kindergarten students about fire safety. Students were able to tour the fire safety house and sit inside the fire truck.
On November 11 – 13, Eagle Watch will host an 11U junior tennis tournament. This tournament is a pilot tournament for United States Tennis Association (USTA). Boys and girls from all over the state will compete using the Stage 1 green ball. The USTA green ball has already been introduced to the 10U age bracket and has been a successful initiative in the transition of young players in their tennis playing development. To register for the tournament, visit tennislink.usta.com. All participants will receive hoodie compliments of Head South Assure Group. AroundAbout — TowneLaker | November 2011
73
Schools & Sports
YCMAD Winning Entries for November Role Models Joe Lemmo’s 7th grade Language Arts students at E.T. Booth share their thoughts with the community.
Nick Janakes
Autumn Tapp
Sebastian Henao
Emily Guebert
74
When asked the question: “Am I a good role model?” I have to be honest and say…about 50/50. I’m nice and kind in some ways, but at other times I’m the troublemaker. For younger kids, I’m as sweet as can be. I see a random baby at a store, and a game of Peek-A-Boo begins! My mom says I’m a babymagnet – in a good way! My role models are of course my parents, but that one person who really inspires me is my sevenyear-old sister Cali. She’s my best friend, my rock (or pebble), and my little ball of awesome. She has absolutely no shyness what so ever and doesn’t care what you think about her. Cali is the best thing ever to happen to me! She makes me smile when I’m sad and says the funniest things ever. I want to be more like Cali in so many ways! I’m so lucky to have her as a little sister.
Would I consider myself to be a good role model? Yes, I guess I would. I like kids younger than me. Most of the time, they are sweet. I like taking care of them. I take care of my younger siblings all the time, and they seem to enjoy every minute of it! I play Legos with my brother and draw pictures with my sister. I like to babysit for anyone who will let me. I enjoy babysitting because the little kids or babies are always so sweet to me. It’s like I have some kind of power that makes all kids adore me! I think that certainly makes me a role model. If others consider me a good role model, I am honored, but I have my own role model. My role model is my mom…Aubrey Sky Tapp…the best mom in the world! My mom is my role model because she is strong and is always willing to listen to anyone. She is a nurse at Woodstock Pediatrics, and she is always asked to be seen again. My mom is always willing to help with anything: homework, choosing clothes, and other school problems. My mom is my role model for many reasons, but I don’t know if I could write them all down! Some of us think we are good role models, others not, but we all could be someone’s, and we just don’t know about it. If someone is yours, let him or her know today!
Yes, I consider myself to be a pretty good role model. I believe the more effort you put into something now, the more it will pay off in the end. I try to do my very best in school as well as in my soccer activities. I make sure I eat healthy foods and drink healthy drinks. I try to teach younger kids about many things. I especially love teaching kids how to play different sports. I try to help everyone, not just the younger kids. After all, words are powerful! My role model is probably the soccer player Lionel Messi. When he was young, around my age, he was very small due to a growth defect. He was good at soccer, but no one wanted him because of his height. He left to Barcelona, Spain at the age of 13 to play soccer for only one team that saw the potential he had. They offered medical treatments and took great care of him. Now, Lionel Messi is the best player in the world. Through all the rejections he went through, he finally encountered Barcelona – his hope. That is why Lionel Messi is not only my role model, but the role model of millions!
Good role models are everyday people who just choose the right thing while making regular decisions. I try to set a good example and be a good role model for younger kids, but I don’t always set the best example. In some aspects of my life, I would be proud if younger children watched and learned from me. I think that I strive to do my school work well and do my sports with excellence. I do not hang out with people who I know would negatively influence me. I also try to be as much like Jesus as possible, loving others and caring for the people around me. There are some parts of my life, though, that I am not as proud of. Sometimes I do not hold my tongue and I can be disrespectful to others. I would not like younger kids to mimic how I treat my parents from time to time. I do not treat them with the utmost respect they deserve. When it comes to my role models, my choices are quite simple. Being the youngest in my family, I get to watch how the rest of my family operates. They are my role models! My mom and sister show me how to be a great woman with good priorities; my father shows me how to manage a job and a family, and my brother manages school, friends, and sports admirably. I guess everyone is a role model in some way!
AroundAbout — TowneLaker | November 2011
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: Susan McCarthy 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
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
Harvest Baptist School 3460 Kellogg Creek Road Acworth, GA 30102 Principal: Jamie Smithey (770) 974-9091 www.harvestbaptist.org
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
Lyndon Academy 485 Toonigh Rd. Woodstock, GA 30188 (770) 926-0166 Headmaster: Linda Murdock www.lyndonacademy.org
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 Cherokee Christian Academy and Cherokee Christian High School 3075 Trickum Road Woodstock, GA 30188 (678) 494-5464, www.cherokeechristian.org High School Principal: Rod Kirby Middle School Principal: Hal Scripka Elementary School: Robert Lester Furtah Preparatory School 5496 Highway 92 Acworth, GA 30102 (678) 574-6488, www.furtahprep.org Headmaster: Fred Furtah
Omega Academy (770) 792-7431 www.omegalearningcenter.com Shiloh Hills Christian School 260 Hawkins Store Road Kennesaw, GA 30144 (770) 926-7729 Administrator: John D. Ward www.shilohhills.com St. Joseph Catholic School 81 Lacy Street Marietta, GA 30060 (770) 428-3328 Principal: Patricia Allen www.stjosephschool.org
Cherokee County School District
Kleven Boston Elementary School 105 Othello Drive Woodstock, GA 30189 (770) 924-6260 Principal: Les Conley www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/boston-es Oak Grove Elementary School 6118 Woodstock Road Acworth, GA 30102 (770) 974-6682 Principal: Dr. Jennifer Scrivner www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/oakgrove-es
North Cobb Christian School 4500 Lakeview Drive Kennesaw, GA 30144 (770) 975-0252 Headmaster: Todd Clingman www.ncchristian.org
2011 — 2012 Calendar at a Glance
November 21 - 25 December 19 -23, 26 - 30 January 16
School Holiday School Holiday School Holiday
Cafeteria account information: www.mealpayplus.com Aspen: https://sis.cherokee.k12.ga.us/aspen/home.do School District Website: www.cherokee.k12.ga.us
AroundAbout — TowneLaker | November 2011
75
Schools & Sports
Developing a Leader by Jason Fleeman
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.
I have always said that becoming number one at anything is easier than actually being number one. It takes a tremendous amount of hard work and dedication to achieve that number one status. However, the commitment to stay there for months and sometimes years at a time is something only a true leader has a chance of achieving. I am not sure of the answer, but consider Nascar or Indy racing as an analogy: do the racers who start a race in the front always finish first? Or can racers behind them make necessary adjustments to get out front for the checkered flag?
The leader of a race for number one has to fill so many more qualities than just “starting in front.” One of the most important qualities is knowing how to learn from losing. No one likes losing! In tennis, only 50 percent of the players on the court are going to win. Something I tell all the children I coach is that if both players give 100 percent during a match, then the best
76
AroundAbout — TowneLaker | November 2011
competitor will win. When a child loses a match, the questions I ask are, “Was he better than you?” and “How would you win the match next time you played him?” Most of the time the answers are, “No” and “I don’t know.” The second answer is the one that worries me the most. There are times when I wish I could coach players between points or games during a tennis match. Then again, would that truly help the player’s development? We all know tennis can be physically taxing at any level (depending on how much you play), but the mental challenge is like no other sport in the world. Many team sports have coaches barking orders throughout the competition. In many cases, parents are usually doing the same in the stands. Even golfers have caddies assisting them with decisions. In the end, the athletes are the ones who have to execute. Tennis is really the only sport where coaching is rarely allowed (except in college and Davis/Fed Cup). I believe tennis players who train and compete at a level that allows them to adjust their game have a better chance of developing into leaders almost by default. They recognize opponent’s strengths and can exploit weaknesses. A leader can set short and long-term goals by knowing how he or she is going to compete and strategize, rather than just wanting to continued on page 83
AroundAbout — TowneLaker | November 2011
77
Faith
Marriage Moments by Bill Ratliff
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.
What is the goal of marriage? I have heard many people express why they got married. Some say they got married in order to be happy. The problem is many normal aspects of married life such as snoring, uplifted toilet seats, crying babies, financial woes, lack of communication, broken appliances, puppy accidents, times when you strongly disagree, idiosyncrasies of your mate that drive you up a wall; can create unhappiness.
Some get married to eradicate loneliness. However, some find after several years of marriage that being alone is one of their favorite activities. Plus, I have found that at times the most miserable loneliness exists within the context of marriage. Some get married out of guilt. They have conceived a child together and want to do the right thing.
The problem is the guilt almost always turns to blame, which invariably destroys the relationship. Others get married to impress people. Their marriage goal is basically stated, “ Hey look at me. I am married to a trophy wife.” These reasons are shallow and conditional and reinforce our insecurities about whether our partner loves us for who we truly are. Also, what happens to marriages where the conditions of beauty or wealth
“
"Some get married to eradicate loneliness." change? Obviously, in most cases, the relationships fall apart because the basis for the marriage is no longer present. Some religious entities stipulate that the primary goal of marriage is to produce children. This idea is plausible; yet, what happens if we cannot have children or if something terrible happens to our child or children? What if we are a couple beyond the age of child bearing? Unless our names are Abraham and Sarah, we are to be pitied if having children is the main purpose of marriage. Some think true love is the reason for marriage. That sounds good, but without a relationship with God, who is the source of true love that is only a pipe dream. Some of you who are reading this might be saying to yourselves, “ All right, all ready, get to the point!” The goal of marriage is stated in the Bible in Genesis 2:24, “this is why a man leaves his father and mother and bonds with his wife, and they become one flesh.” Physical, mental, emotional and spiritual oneness is the primary goal of the marriage institution created by God for your own good and the good of your spouse.
Date Your Mate:
Enjoy a preplanned pillow fight. Take your mate to your bedroom where you have previously loaded your bed with every pillow in your house. Get on opposite sides of the bed and start throwing pillows. As soon as all of the pillows are all thrown, it’s over! (Clobbering is forbidden because it can hurt and doesn’t lead to anything else) 78
AroundAbout — TowneLaker | November 2011
An Alphabet of Thanksgiving by Dr. Doug Thrasher I had a friend who preached a sermon every year in which he shared an alphabet of thanksgiving. After learning of his practice, I have begun writing an alphabet of thanksgiving every year for my family and me. You might want to do the same. Here’s mine for this year. I am thankful for: A – Abigail, granddaughter number four, born September 2, 2011. Dr. Doug Thrasher B – Brianne, our beautiful, sweet, smart is the Senior Pastor at Hillside United daughter. Methodist Church. C – Charlotte, granddaughter number He is also a member one, who is almost three and loves of the AroundAbout playing in the water. — TowneLaker’s D`- Debbie, my wife of 35 years who Community Board. You blesses me daily; Dan, son in law whom I may contact him at greatly love. dthrasher@hillsideumc. E – Elizabeth, granddaughter number org. three, born April 27, 2011. F – Friends. We all need them. G- Georgia, granddaughter number two, who loves to dance watching Mickey Mouse. H – Holy Spirit being poured out on Hillside (My other “H”)
I – iPhone — great technology that keeps me up to date. J – Jordan, our son who has a deep soul and a caring heart. K – Kindness. There can’t be enough of this in the world. L – The Lord Jesus Christ who saves all who believe and Jesus loves you. M - Meredith, our wonderful daughter in law responsible for “E” and “G” above; Mom, who turned 91 this year. N – The night sky that reminds me of the greatness of our Creator and how small I am. O – One Holy, Almighty God whom I love and seek to glorify in my life. P – Prayer group on Thursdays. Those guys are awesome. Q – Quiet time(s). I need quiet just to be with God. R – Recreational golf where Mulligans are OK. S – Scripture. I love the Bible. May I be a man of one book. T – Towne Lake community – the place where I live and have come to love. U – Utilities. I am thankful for heat in the winter and cooling in the summer, not to mention running clean water in our home. V – Vacation time spent on Edisto Island with my family. W – Worship. I love the opportunity to worship God with others. X – XOXOX – kisses and hugs for the people I love. Z – Zzzz’s Sleep that refreshes and renews. May you always be thankful. Happy Thanksgiving!
AroundAbout — TowneLaker | November 2011
79
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: 10:50 a.m Sunday Bible Study: 9:45 a.m. Pastor: Monty Guice www.newvicbaptist.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 80
AroundAbout — TowneLaker | November 2011
Congregation Ner Tamid A Reform Jewish Temple (770) 345-8687, Marci, call for information Serving the Northwest Suburbs Tikvah l’ Chaim “Hope for Life Ministries” Messianic Jewish Fellowship 4206 North Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock, (678) 936-4125 Saturday Hebrew Literacy & Bible Study: 10 a.m. Saturday Shabbat Service: 11 a.m. Rabbi Gary Maxted www.tlchaim.com (partnering with TLC Church, Woodstock, GA)
Lutheran Celebration of Grace Lutheran Church 411 Scott Mill Road, 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, 2263 E. Cherokee Drive, 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. 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 7745 Main Street, (678) 445-3480 Sunday Service: 9:30 & 11:15 a.m. 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: 8:25 & 11 a.m. Contemporary Services: 9:25 & 11 a.m. Sunday School: 9:30 & 11 a.m Pastor: Dr. Doug Thrasher www.hillsideumc.org
Liberty Hill Church at the Mill 141 Railroad Street (678) 493-8920 Sunday Service: 11 a.m. Nursery available 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 p.m. Sunday Services: 8 & 11 a.m. Sunday Church School: 9:45 a.m. Pastor: Carl A. Moore, Sr. www.allentempleame.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 5946 Jacobs Road, Acworth, (770) 917-4964 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: Mat Garcia 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 Cornerstone Community Church 503 Hickory Ridge Trail, Suite 160 (678) 439-5108, dlkight@comcast.net Sunday Service: 11 a.m. Pastor David Kight www.ccchurchonline.org 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, Acworth (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 Barber Middle School 4222 Cantrell Road, Acworth (770) 529-6006 Sunday Services: 9:45 & 11:30 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 Service: 10 a.m. Pastor: Rev. Donna T. Lucas
Pointe Church, The 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 www.prayerandpraise.org Resurrection Anglican Church 231 Arnold Mill Road (770) 591-0040 Holy Communion: Sunday 10 a.m. Christian Education (all ages): Sunday 9 a.m. Pastor: Rev. Greg Goebel www.resurrectionwoodstock.org Towne Lake Community Church (TLC Church) 132 North Medical Parkway (678) 445-8766 Contemporary Family Style Worship: Sunday 10:30 a.m. Messianic Jewish Fellowship (Tikvah l’Chaim): Saturday 10 a.m. The Walk — Adult Singles Worship: Saturday 6 p.m. Celebrate Recovery: Friday 6 p.m. Sr. Pastor: William S. 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: Matt Amos www.woodstockchurchofchrist.org
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 www.MomentumChurch.tv
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
Northern Hills Church of Christ 4563 Hickory Flat Highway, Canton, (404) 579-0885 Sunday Service: 10 a.m. Pastor: Ronny West www.northernhillsfamily.org
Woodstock Community Church 237 Rope Mill Road (770) 926-8990 Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m. Pastor: Greg Michael AroundAbout — TowneLaker | November 2011
81
Cinnamon in the Morning continued from page 18
& Spirits has a huge selection of adult beverages, which I find to be the perfect host/hostess gift when invited for a holiday party. Need something for the younger crowd? There are at least four shops devoted to kids and infants just in Towne Lake alone. And you wanted to go to the mall for what reason? Last but not least is downtown Woodstock, which to me has a distinct advantage over the others. Not only can you park in one spot and shop till you drop, but you can drop in the booth or chair of a great restaurant or pub to get your strength back. I can’t list all of the shops available in downtown, but some of the more unique ones are The Blue Frog, Pennybags Emporium, Val’s Happy Shack, Honeybutter, Alex ‘n Sis, as well as yoga outfit shopping at Embers Hot Yoga. When you finally slow down and are ready to relax, you will find every kind of restaurant you could want within steps of wherever you are. The newest are Ipp’s and Fire Stone Wood Fired Pizza and Grille, and Vingenzo’s Pasta and Pizzeria, which has been garnering regional recognition through its “fresh everything” approach. Kitchen Freight and Tap recently opened to join Pure Taqueria, Canyons Burger Company, Hot Dog Heaven and The Cotton Mill Deli. If you just want to relax and take a break, be sure to visit Acru/Copper Coin Coffee, or check out FoxTale Book Shoppe and see what the latest hot read is. 82
AroundAbout — TowneLaker | November 2011
Here is my point: you can do it all right here in Woodstock! Short drives, or even walks for some, time saving, and the big benefit is that your tax dollars stay right here. How can you go wrong?
Department of Driver Services continued from page 44
know. He went inside only to return and tell me that everyone inside is working and no one can help. I had jumper cables, so I went to the parking lot and found a dad whose son had been first in line for the road test that morning and asked for his help, which he didn’t hesitate to provide. I had three fears at this time: first, we would be told we’ve already wasted too much time and therefore would need to reschedule; second, the car wouldn’t hold a charge, and third, my son would flub the test because of the stressful situation we were just in. Luckily, none of my fears materialized. The car started right up after being charged, and my son was allowed to continue with the road test, which he passed! I was glad we had been the last car in line because as embarrassing as this was, it would have been even more so with cars waiting behind us. We had the car checked out when we got home, and because everything checked out, we never did know why it decided to die at that particular moment. I’m going to go with Karma for bad grades the week before!
Junior Service League of Woodstock’s Annual Holiday Home Tour continued from page 28
Ministries, Habitat for Humanity, Forever Fed, Challenger Baseball, Goshen Valley Boys Ranch, Christmas Angels, Meals on Wheels and more. The designers that will be decorating the homes this year include: Katherine Tarleton of Tarleton Interiors, Laurie Prentice and Jane Kaeser of Linden, Christine Blight and Sheila Allison of Christine’s Creations, Shelley Herod of Designing Women, LLC, Denise Kasper of Décor Infusion, Lori Raney of Cherry Lane Drapery and Ann Brackett of Glory in the Flower, Betty Anderson and Donna Honkomp of Fun Finds and Designs. “We are excited to be working with the Henriques family on their home this year and we will incorporate unique French inspired elements since they are from Louisiana , lots of rich colors and natural plantings; it is going to be wonderful,” said Laurie Prentice. There will be six homes in downtown Woodstock, one home in BridgeMill in Canton and another home in Towne Lake Hills North. The Junior Service League of Woodstock is an organization of women committed to improving our community through volunteerism and fund-raising. Its purpose is to serve Cherokee County families by making a positive impact on their lives and their futures. If you are interested in finding out more about the Junior Service League of Woodstock and what they do please visit www.jslwoodstock.org or send an email to jslwoodstock@yahoo.com.
Developing a Leader
Ten Commandments of Dental Insurance continued from page 54
new tires, and tune-ups. Dental care is performed to improve your health, not because it’s covered by insurance. Be realistic and again realize dental insurance is a benefit to help you defray some of your dental care costs. 7. Thou shall not be surprised by insurance claim denials. Insurance companies purposely do not provide clear dental coverage for a patient. With today’s technology, coverage should be nearly instantaneous, but insurance companies use stall tactics when paying claims to hold onto their money longer and interject waiting periods for patients that they know reduces delivery of care. There should be very few surprises for dental offices submitting claims after 20 years, but there is no end to the surprises insurance companies generate. 8. Thou shall realize dental insurance is similar to a generous coupon. Enough said. 9. Thou shall realize insurance policies have different levels that affect your coverage. Not all dental insurance plans are created equal. They are the result of what the employer pays the insurance company and can range from poor to good (none are great). 10. Thou shall realize a PPO insurance policy provides the same benefits for all dentists on the policy. PPO insurance acts like a pre-negotiated contract for your dental fees to relieve you of needing to shop for better prices. All you need is a dentist that accepts your PPO insurance. If your dental office has a better atmosphere, free generous amenities (i.e. movies, spa atmosphere, beverages, etc) and great new technology, you pay the same price as compared to a small and antiquated dental office. Choose wisely.
continued from page 76
win. Most importantly, a leader does not give up. Once his or her mind is made up, he or she follows through, regardless of hardship. I see leadership qualities in many of the children I coach. As I mentioned in a previous article, we live in a hotbed of great athletes, and leadership is a quality that many athletes are required to have. The important thing to note is that a leader is not born, but is developed. As coaches, teachers, and parents, we cannot tell a child how to be a leader, but must show them and guide them. We also have to let them lose on their terms so they learn from their own mistakes.
Sign up today at
www.thedailyvalue.com
to receive money-saving group coupon offers in your email inbox featuring only local businesses!
I may not always be there when one of my children fails, but I am always there to help pick them back up and support them on the journey towards attaining their goals. One of my favorite quotes is “success is a journey and not a destination.” I am not sure who said it, but it should be every leader’s mantra. AroundAbout — TowneLaker | November 2011
83
Concerns About Concussions continued from page 60
your child has suffered a concussion, DO NOT let him or her return to play. It is very important that he or she is evaluated by a physician. Your doctor will do a complete neurological exam and then discuss treatment and order any further testing if needed. The good news is that most kids who have a concussion don’t need fancy testing such as MRI’s and CT scans if they have a normal physical exam. A new test that many trainers in the area and sports medicine experts are performing is something called IMPACT testing. They do this testing before the season starts to see what an athlete’s “baseline” is. After being injured, re-testing with the IMPACT test gives a good idea of when the athlete is ready to start a graduated return to sports. Luckily, due to new education, junior and high school coaches and trainers are increasingly good at recognizing concussion symptoms and doing the right thing. Make sure your club team, recreational league, elementary and pee wee coaches also know these symptoms and rules. When can your superstar get back on the field? Well, recovery time is very individualistic. Much of it depends on the severity of the injury (Did he lose consciousness? Did he have amnesia after?), and based on a history of prior concussions. The average athlete recovers in 7-10 days from concussions, but some may take weeks or months to recover. Children that have multiple concussions or symptoms that last longer than three months should consider retiring from sports. One interesting and scary study showed that 50 percent of high school football players who did NOT have a concussion during the season had changes in their neuropsychological testing and in their MRI’s. Our practice rule in a child who has had even a mild concussion is seven days symptom free, then a graduated return to sports (i.e. just starting with less intense workouts, and seeing if symptoms recur). If symptoms recur with simple training, the clock is restarted for those seven days. Some kids even need to be out of school and studying during these times, as trying to concentrate can make concussive symptoms persist. If symptoms last longer than 7-10 days, we often refer these kids to our sports medicine colleagues or neurologists who are the concussion experts. The good news is that usually these children can be handled by their regular pediatrician, but we truly take these injuries much more seriously than in previous years, and you should too! Having a brain that works when your child is a grownup is much more important than being the star on the high school team. A good website that goes over concussions is www. healthychildren.org. The “Football High” show on PBS which discusses head injuries as well as heat stroke and death on a Texas football team can be found on the PBS website at http:// www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/football-high/. Finally, our own Children’s Hospital Concussion Clinic’s website is at www. choa.org/concussion. 84
AroundAbout — TowneLaker | November 2011
AroundAbout — TowneLaker | November 2011
85
Reference
TOWNE LAKE AREA CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS Business Organizations ABWA-Women Empowered Through Synergy Meeting: 3rd Thursday at 8:30 a.m. Location: J Christopher’s in Downtown Woodstock Contact: abwasynergy@hotmail.com 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 Area Business Connection Meeting: Every Wednesday at 7:15 a.m. Contact: Marci Zied, (770) 345-8687 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: Zest and Zing, 6687 Bells Ferry Road Contact: Dr. 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: Third Tuesday 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 (404) 816-3377 Website: www.powercore.net Women of Woodstock Meeting: First & Third Wednesday. Location: Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills Contact: Barbara Bonatucci, bonatucci@gmail.com Website: www.womenofwoodstock.com Woodstock Business Networking Group Meeting: Thursdays at 7:45 a.m. Location: Atlanta Bread Company on Highway 92 Contact: Lee West, (770) 591-7101 Woodstock Community Business Association Meeting: Second Monday at 12 noon Location: Latimer Hall Contact: info@woodstockcba.com
Charitable Organizations Ahimsa House help for victims of domestic violence who need help getting their pets to safety. Contact: 24-hour, (404) 452-6248, Info (404) 496-4038 Website: www.ahimsahouse.org Chance Afrika Contact: Eric Mwangi, Exec. Dir., ericm@chanceafrika. org, (770) 256 2280, www.chanceafrika.org 86
AroundAbout — TowneLaker | November 2011
Cherokee Child Advocacy Council, Inc. Anna Crawford Children’s Center and Parents HELP Location: 319 Lamar Haley Pkwy., Canton Contact: Amy Economopolous, (770) 592-9779 www.cherokeechildadvocates.org
American Legion Post 316 Meeting: Third Thursday at 7:30 p.m. Location: William G. Long Senior Center, 223 Arnold Mill Road Contact: Irma Martin, (678) 662-2366
Cherokee County Animal Shelter Auxiliary Contact: (770) 704-PAWS or ccasa4paws@yahoo.com Website: www.ccasauxiliary.org
Beta Sigma, Kappa Chi Chapter Meeting: Third Thursday at 7 p.m. Contact: Maria Kuhn, vccibaker@aol.com or April Bolle, (678) 327-7233
Cherokee County Aspergers Syndrome Support Group Website: www.CCAspies.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 sells used household items to raise money for CCHS. Cherokee County Special Olympics Meeting: First Monday at 7 p.m. Location: CrossRoads Middle/High School Contact: Colleen Konwick, (770) 517-7101 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, 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. Contact: Lily Colgate, (404) 992-8155 Website: www.iCORorphans.com MUST Ministries Contact: Kim Loesing, (770) 479-5397 Papa’s Pantry is a year-round local food ministry. Contact: Lynne Saunders, (770) 591-4730 Website: www.papaspantry.org Pet Buddies Food Pantry has pet food collection bin at AroundAbout — TowneLaker offices. Website: www.petbuddiesfoodpantry.org Safe Kids Cherokee County — Call for an appointment for free child safety seat inspections. Contact: Chad Arp, (678) 493-4343 Website: www.cherokeesafekids.org The Wildlife Sanctuary — Ellijay, Ga., to advance the conservation of indigenous wildlife species and habitats. Contact: (706) 276-2980 Website: www.thewildlifesanctuary.com
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 Pilot Club of Cherokee County Contact: Lynda Goodwin, (770) 393-1766, Lynda @edgoodwinassociates.com Rotary Club of Towne Lake Meeting: Every Thursday at 12 noon (lunch) Location: Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills Contact: Ivan Garcia (770) 926-0105 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
Civic Organizations
Woodstock Midday Optimist Club Meeting: Every Wednesday at 12 noon Location: Folks Contact: Johnny Young, (770) 345-6158
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
Woodstock VFW Post 10683 Meeting: Second Tuesday at 7 p.m. Location: Woodstock Senior Center Contact: Andrew Yrabedra, (404) 663-4663
Political Organizations Cherokee County Democrat Party Meeting: Second Thursday at 7 p.m. Location: Holly Springs Train Depot Website: www.cherokeedems.com Cherokee County Republican Party Meeting: First Saturday at 9 a.m. Breakfast served Location: Lodge at BridgeMill, 10451 Bells Ferry Rd. Contact: (678) 809-1411 Cherokee Tea Party Patriots Meeting: Second Sunday at 4 p.m. Location: Latimer Hall, 103 Towne Lake Pkwy. Contact: Conrad Quagliaroli (770)592-6545 Website: cherokeeteapartypatriots.org Republican Women of Cherokee County Meeting: Second Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. Location: Call for location or check website announcement. Contact: RWCC Headquarters, (678) 520-2236 Website: www.rwccga.com
Recreation & Hobbies Airstream Caravan Club Website: http://home.windstream.net/topofga/ Contact: Rob Kelly, (770) 516-7044 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 Cherokee County Arts Center Meeting Fourth Friday at 10 a.m. Location: 94 North Street, Canton Contact: (770) 704-6244 Website: www.CherokeeArts.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 Co. Social Adventures Group Website: www.TCCSAG.org 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 Music Teachers Association Contact: Melanie Williams, (770) 345-2983 Website: www.cherokeemta.org Cherokee Youth Lacrosse Association Contact: Dan Baldwin, 770-846-4843 Website: www.cherokeelacrosse.com Crossfit WOD Club Meeting: Daily for the “Work Out of the Day”
Contact: www.crossfitgarage.com 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
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
Neighbors & Newcomers of Towne Lake Meeting: Third Tuesday Contact: Carolyn White, (770) 926-6756
Grandparents Raising GRANDchildren Meeting: Second & Fourth Tuesday at 7 p.m. (nursery available) Location: Transfiguration Catholic Church, Marietta Contact: Jeannie, (770) 919-9275
Singles of Towne Lake 35+ holds monthly mixers. Contacts: Lisa, (770) 597-3430 LisaR789@bellsouth.net
Hearing Loss Resource Group Contacts: Cathy, (678) 483-9135 WoodstockSHHH-info@phydeaux.org
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
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
Support Organizations Adoption/Infertility Support Group Meeting: First Wednesday at 7 p.m. Location: First Baptist Church of Woodstock Contact: Cindy Braddock, (678) 445-3131 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 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 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 County Family Child Care Association Contact: Brenda Bowen, (770) 926-8055 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. Contact: mailbox@chooseofwoodstockga.org 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
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 MOMS Club Towne Lake — 30189 Website: https://sites.google.com/site/ momscluboftownelakewoodstock/ Email: momscluboftownelake@gmail.com 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 NWAtlantaMommies.com Play dates, mom’s night out, and online support Meeting: Weekly Contact: Stephanie Peterson, (678) 653-1418 admin@nwatlantamommies.com Website: http://www.nwatlantamommies.com 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 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 Spirit of Success Career Clothing Connection Provides professional business attire at no cost. Contact: (770) 956-0711. Tender Hearts Caregivers Support Group Meeting: Second & Fourth Wednesday at 10 a.m. Location: Hillside United Methodist Church Contact: Robin Galloway, (770) 517-5899 Towne Lake Area Moms Group is a newly formed and active group for moms and their babies (newborns to toddlers) Contact: Melanie Website: www.TowneLakeArea.com AroundAbout — TowneLaker | November 2011
87
Reference
COMMUNITY INFORMATION Emergency — 911 • AroundAbout — TowneLaker • (770) 516-7105 Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce
(770) 345-0400
Parks and Recreation:
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
(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
License Plates/Tags, Property Tax Woodstock Office Voter Registration
(678) 493-6400 (770) 924-4099 (770) 479-0407
Cherokee County Government:
Taxes:
Children/Family:
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
Driver’s Licenses (Tues — Sat)
(770) 345-8100 (770) 720-7712 (770) 479-1804 (770) 345-5483 (770) 720-3581 (770) 720-3610 (770) 924-0864 (770) 479-5397 (770) 591-4730 (678) 413-8400
Fire Department (District 1, Station 20)
(770) 926-7155
Georgia State Patrol
(770) 205-5400
Health Department
(770) 345-7371
Kennestone Hospital North Fulton Hospital Northside Hospital — Cherokee
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
Libraries:
Rose Creek R.T. Jones Woodstock
Non-Emergency 911
88
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. (770) 926-4175 www.nasa-ga.org SCRA Park (770) 926-5672 Towne Lake Hills Golf Club (770) 592-9969 Wildlife Action, Inc. (800) 753-2264
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 Pet Buddies Food Pantry www.petbuddiesfoodpantry.org SPARE (Sterilizing Pets And Reducing Euthanasia) (770) 928-5120 Second Chance Dog Rescue www.secondchancedogs.org
Post Office (Woodstock) www.usps.com
(800) 275-8777
Recycling Center
(770) 516-4195
Schools: see www.townelaker.com for complete listing Board of Education (770) 479-1871 www.cherokee.k12.ga.us Sheriff’s Department (678) 493-4200 www.cherokeega-sheriff.org Georgia Sex Offender Registry www.cherokeega-sheriff.org/offender/offender.htm Utilities:
Hospitals:
(770) 793-5000 (770) 751-2500 (770) 720-5100 (770) 479-1703 (770) 345-7920 (404) 616-9000 (800) 222-1222 (770) 704-2610 (404) 250-KIDS (770) 428-2666
www.sequoyahregionallibrary.org (770) 591-1491 (770) 479-3090 (770) 926-5859
AroundAbout — TowneLaker | November 2011
(770) 479-3117
Atlanta Gas Light Co. (770) 907-4231 www.aglc.com A T & T (404) 780-2355 www.bellsouth.com Cherokee Water & Sewerage Authority (770) 479-1813 Comcast (770) 926-0334 Cobb EMC (770) 429-2100 www.cobbemc.com Georgia Power (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.woodstockga.gov City Hall (770) 592-6000 Fire Department (770) 926-2302 Police Information (770) 592-6025
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
(202) 456-1414 fax: (202) 456-2461
Commissioners: Buzz Ahrens (R), Chairperson
e-mail: lbahrens@cherokeega.com
Harry Johnston (R), Post 1 (202) 224-3521 fax: (202) 224-0103
e-mail: hjohnston@cherokeega.com
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
e-mail: kbosch@cherokeega.com
Jason Nelms (R) Post 4
e-mail: cnelms2@gmail.com (202) 225-4501 GA: (770) 565-4990 fax: (770) 565-7570
Cherokee County School System
Superintendent, Dr. Frank Petruzielo
Rep. Rob Woodall (R), District 7
P.O. Box 769, 110 Academy St., Canton, GA 30114 Website: www.cherokee.k12.ga.us e-mail: drp@cherokee.k12.ga.us
State Government:
Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Sheriff Roger Garrison (R)
Website: www.woodall.house.gov
Governor Nathan Deal (R)
(404) 652-7003 fax: (404) 652-7123
498 Chattin Drive Canton, GA 30115 Website: www.cherokeega-sheriff.org e-mail: rdgarrison@cherokeega.com
Senator Chip Rogers (R), District 21
(404) 463-1378 fax: (404) 657-9887
Cherokee County Tax Commissioner Sonya Little
State Capitol, Room 111 Atlanta, GA 30334 Website: www.gov.state.ga.us 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
(678) 493-6001
(770) 887-1960 fax: (770) 205-0602 (404) 656-0126 fax: (404) 463-2793 (404) 656-0287
Cherokee County Courts:
100 North St., Canton, GA 30114 e-mail: slittle@cherokeega.com Woodstock Annex 8681 Highway 92, Woodstock, GA 30189
(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
Board of Education: Robert Wofford (R), Post 1
(770) 704-4398, x4374
Mike Chapman (R), Post 2
(770) 704-4398, x4372
e-mail: robert.wofford@cherokee.k12.ga.us
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: rob.usher@cherokee.k12.ga.us
Juvenile Court: Judge John B. Sumner
(678) 493-6250
Kim Cochran (R), Post 7 (Vice-Chair) e-mail: kimgcochran@gmail.com
Clerk of Courts: Patty Baker
(678) 493-6511
City of Woodstock Mayor Donnie Henriques
e-mail: mike.chapman@cherokee.k12.ga.us
Michael Geist (R), Post 3
(770) 928-3315
Janet Read (R), Post 4
(770) 516-1444
e-mail: michael.geist@cherokee.k12.ga.us
Rick Steiner (R), Post 5 (Chair)
(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
Rob Usher (R), Post 6
e-mail: dhenriques@progressiveaudiology.com (404) 362-1600
(770) 592-7864
(770) 592-6017
Towne Lake Residential and Commercial Owners’ Association (Covenant enforcement issues — all Towne Lake common areas)
(678) 493-6000 fax: (678) 493-6013
Douglas Properties
117 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock, GA 30188
(770) 926-3086
AroundAbout — TowneLaker | November 2011
89
Effortless Ways to Look your
Home Improvements
Best This Holiday
continued from page 64
continued from page 59
the Fraxel® Laser, is a breakthrough in skin resurfacing, producing superior results, with little to no downtime. It usually takes a few sessions so plan those for November/early December and you’ll look amazing for the holidays. Many other procedures can also help the skin look more renewed. Microdermabrasion is a procedure that uses tiny crystals to gently wear away the outer layer of skin, creating a refreshed appearance. A facial is a wash that cleans the skin, providing nutrients and removing the outermost layer of dead cells, a process known as exfoliation. Facial peels remove even more dead skin and they can be very mild, using fruit acids, or more powerful, using stronger forms of acid. Mild peels are designed to rejuvenate and fortify generally healthy skin, while more extreme peels are used to combat more serious skin issues. And there are many different advanced skin care products that help supplement the skin with the nutrients it needs to look healthy and lustrous. High quality products like these are not found over the counter; a skin care specialist knows what’s best for each type of skin. The bottom line is that there are a variety of highly effective, less involved options for improving the texture, tone and appearance of your skin. It pays to do some research, understand the pros and cons, and to always choose a skilled, licensed medical practitioner. Never trust your skin to anything less.
More ways to stay connected: The Daily Value Videos Photos Community Events Calendar www.townelaker.com Join the TowneLaker fan page www.facebook.com/ aroundabouttownelaker Follow us on
www.twitter.com/townelaker 90
AroundAbout — TowneLaker | November 2011
At the time, I thought there was no better way to move on than to initiate multiple, simultaneous home improvement projects. Let the tasks begin! But three months and an armada of work crews later, I cannot find the table space on which to set my laptop to write this article. The dog, curled contently on an uncluttered section of the couch, reluctantly moved a few inches to the right to let me sit down. Various pillows serve as a makeshift desk surface for my laptop, and if I perform some rudimentary gymnastics, I can reach an electrical outlet to stay powered. Yep, my house is pretty much turned upside down with repairs and upgrades. This is a much messier swamp than I anticipated, and it gets worse with each whirl of the early morning circular saws. Oh, in the beginning it was just fine — lively, polite workers who put up with my need to supply them in endless snacks and sodas. Their presence filled a bit of the void left by my son, and their labors yielded shiny, new stuff all around my home. Now? Paint cans, fabric swatches, tools, and hardware lay everywhere. Sawdust graces every surface and found its way into my ice cubes — inside the cubes, not sprinkled on top. To keep walls and windows accessible to the workers, most of my furniture is huddled in the middle of the various rooms. And I have no clean clothes because I can no longer reach the washer and dryer. I am a wiser homeowner, though. Just ask me about the latest prices on double pane windows, or the top ten trends in cabinetry, or the aesthetic advantages of hardwood versus tile flooring. Home Depot should hire me; I’m that good now. With any luck, I’ll find my oven, the silverware and the dining room table before Thanksgiving. After all, a certain college freshman will head home for the holiday weekend and would prefer a sawdust-free meal. My work crews assured me that all projects will be complete by then. Not to worry, because this home improvement goddess, like any good project manager, created a contingency plan. My friendly server recently told me that his restaurant is taking orders for fully cooked Thanksgiving meals to go. Juicy turkeys with all the trimmings, including paper plates, plastic forks, and disposable salt and pepper packets. So if all else fails, I’m throwing a restaurant dinner in the trunk and hauling hubby and The Prince to KSU for our holiday meal. It may be the messy domain of an 18-year old, but my son’s dorm room is most likely cleaner than my house right now. And if I can’t get rid of the swamp workers and their sawdust, his dorm room will serve as our home for the holidays this year.
classifieds Children / Family
Home Services
Pet sitting/Services
Childcare In Your Home. Playful, loving, 25 years old professional nanny, with references in Towne Lake area. Available days, nights, weekends. Your kids will love me! Summer Loughner, (770) 3750393.
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.
Parenting. Trouble understanding your teenagers & teen life? For parents, teenagers & young adults. www.TeenMyth.com
Greg The Painter. Neat, clean, professional. Foyers, rooms, decks, exteriors. No messy crews. I do all the painting myself. Excellent references. (678) 531-7500.
Pet Au’ Purr Professional Pet Sitting Services. Since 1998. Bonded and insured. Member of Pet Sitters International. Owner operated and Towne Lake resident. For more information, please visit www.petaupurr.com. (770) 3104814. =^..^=
HELP WANTED CityWide Maintenance in Marietta is looking for quality individuals to join our team. Part-time positions include: Night Managers, Account Managers and Business Development Associates. Visit www.gocitywide.com or call Scott (770) 9903334. Hair Stylists Needed/Booths Available. Best rate in Towne Lake. Ayesha (404) 579-5823.
$
E.P. Pressure Wash. Reasonable rates, free estimates, insured. (770) 380-2325. A-1 Plumbing & Home Improvement. Bonded, Insured, 30 years experience good work for cheap rates, free estimates. (770) 899-4281.
1/Word
CLASSIFIED FORM
PLEASE PRINT Month(s): Jan Feb Mar
Services Save 50% to 80% on Holiday, Birthday & Greeting Cards! Professional quality & can add gifts. 20k customizable cards available. Try it for free!! www.sendoutcards.com/amazement
Dance Curtain Designs. Custom window treatments and more. Call Lisa, (404) 556-7481.
(10 WORD MINIMUM)
PLEASE CHECK ALL THAT APPLY
JoAnn’s Pet Sitting. Loving in-home pet care. Bonded and insured. (770) 617-0221. Visit www.JoAnnsPetSitting.com.
Classified Ads WORK! You’re reading them!
$
Mail this Form with your Payment to: AroundAbout Local Media, Inc. 2449 Towne Lake Parkway Woodstock, GA 30189 • Fax: (770) 516-4809
1/Word
(10 WORD MINIMUM)
(All Fields Must Be Completed)
Apr May June Oct Nov Dec
Category:
July Aug Sept ¨ ADD A PICTURE (2.375" X 1.50") FOR ONLY $39 (Per Month).
Word Count:
, $1/word, per month (10 Word Minimum)
Box numbers, phone numbers, zip codes and abbreviations are counted as one word each.
Email picture to admanager@townelaker.com.
Ad Wording (please include contact info):
Please make checks payable to AroundAbout Local Media, Inc. Form of payment: ¨ Cash or Check ¨ Visa ¨ Master Card ¨ American Express ¨ Discover CC Account #
Exp:
Sec. Code (CVC):
Credit Card Authorization Signature: Name:
Street Address:
City, State, Zip: Daytime Phone: AroundAbout TowneLaker Classifieds is a monthly feature. All ads are accepted and placed under categories at the discretion of the publisher. Rates are only $1 per word, per month, with a 10-word minimum. “Pet Lost and Found,” “Ride Share” and “Free to Good Home” pet placement ads are FREE.
CLASSIFIED DEADLINE IS THE 10 th FOR THE FOLLOWING MONTH'S ISSUE! AroundAbout — TowneLaker | November 2011
91
Lawn & Landscaping
Animals & Pets Animal Atlanta
18
Automotive Aspen Falls Auto Spa Christian Brothers Automotive C &T Auto Service Towne Lake’s Car Wash & Detail
25 22 59 3
Cleaning & Home Services Carpet Dry Tech Mr. Junk
43 56
Calvary Landscaping & Irrigation
20
Landscape Matters
31
Lawn Squad
43
Medical & Dental Discover Chiropractic & Rehabilitation
43
Dr. Jerry Smith Orthodontics
48
Marietta Facial Plastic Surgery
41
Park Pediatric Dentistry
84
Plastic Surgery Center of the South
60
Towne Lake Family Pharmacy
7
Health & Beauty Azure Salon & Spa Bon Vivant Salon Ember Hot Yoga Hair 718 Salon Innovative Health & Wellness Shine Salon Skin Essentials by Marilyn The Sundance Massage Center Towne Lake Nails
56 5 77 47 9 42 17 29 16
Home Improvements / Repair
Miscellaneous Fox Tale Book Shoppe Park View Montessori School Towne Lake Hills Golf Woodstock Furniture Outlet
63 27 65 76
Restaurants & Eateries Bar-B-Cutie Izumi Asian Bistro
76 3
59
Kani House
33
Hammock’s Heating & Air
27
Oo La La Yogurt Ur Way
20
Nelson Painting and Home Improvement
32
Tuscany
13
The Plumbing Doctor
46
Wow Cafe & Wingery
25
Chumley Contracting
92
AroundAbout — TowneLaker | November 2011
AroundAbout — TowneLaker | November 2011
93
Attorneys/Legal Services
Churches
Kathleen McGillick, Attorney at Law
63
Landrum, Friduss & Ash (678) 384-3012 www.LandrumFriduss.com
93
Merino & Associates, LLC (770) 874-4600
Bridgepointe Church www.bridgepointechurch.org
Computers / Web Services 27, Back Cover
Replogle Firm, P.C., The (770) 952-5000
18
Robertson Law (678) 313-0122
29
Automotive 25, 50
C &T Auto Service (770) 926-4276
59
Christian Brothers Automotive (770) 926-4500
22
Towne Lake’s Car Wash & Detail (770) 592-8102
3
Banking/Financial Services Citadel Professional Services, LLC Inside Front (770) 952-6707 225 Town Park Drive, Suite 440, Kennesaw First Cherokee State Bank www.2gochecking.com
Cherokee Computer Guys (678) 749-7200 www.ccrguys.com
51
TrustWorkz (770) 615-3275 www.TrustWorkz.com
57
Inside Back
53
Hammocks Heating & Air (770) 794-0428
27
S. Bruce O’Neal, DDS (770) 924-8848
79
Handy Handyman, The (404) 316-1490
13
Thad Baird & Tyler Baird, DMD (770) 517-0444
31
Mr. Junk
56
16
Nelson Painting & Home Improvements (678) 283-8171
32
Williams Orthodontics (770) 592-5554
Plumbing Doctor, The (770) 516-9000
47
Education/Instruction
52
AroundAbout — TowneLaker | November 2011
Wild Orchid, The (770) 924-4010
84
Park Pediatric Dentistry of Woodstock (770) 926-9260
Rejoice Maids Service (678) 905-3476 www.rejoicemaids.com
49
16
29
51
Towne Lake Family Chiropractic (770) 592-1877 www.townelakechiro.com
Towne Lake Nails (678) 445-3051
Gilbert Designs (770) 272-4088
Noble Services (770) 363-0303 www.nobleservicesga.com
43
29
42
55
Park View Montessori School (770) 926-0044
Chiropractors
Sundance Massage Center, The (678) 591-5066
Dr. Fixit, Ph.D.
Fountain View Dentistry (770) 926-0000 www.fountainviewsmiles.com 1816 Eagle Drive, Bldg. 200, Suite A
43
Discover Chiropractic & Rehabilitation (770) 516-9900 www.discoverrehab.com
17
17
48
Bascomb United Methodist Preschool (770) 926-0397
Carpet Dry-Tech (678) 368-5991
Skin Essentials by Marilyn (770) 928-1314
Bryan Plumbing Services (770) 826-5277
Dr. Jerry Smith, Orthodontist (678) 905-0300
Access Education Towne Lake Driving School (678) 494-2200
Cleaning Services
42
Home Improvement/Repair & Service
Dentists/Orthodontists
Aspen Falls Auto Spa 6390 Bells Ferry Road (404) 626-9926
94
78
Shine Salon (678) 231-0462
77 7 27
Health & Beauty Azure Salon & Spa (770) 345-8280 Bon Vivant Salon (770) 516-9100 bonvivantsalon.com
56 5
Precision Painting (678) 234-9668
5
Pure Home Solutions (678) 453-0200 Roswell Woodstock Plumbing (770) 663-0600
45 5
Samford Construction
76
Zachos Construction, Inc. (770) 365-7276
20
insurance
Hair 718 (678) 905-4081
47
Mountain Lakes Insurance (770) 926-9444 www.mountainlakesinsurance.com
Salon & Spa Venessa (770) 591-2079
77
Towne Lake Insurance Services (678) 494-8038
39
46
Lawn Maintenance/Landscaping Chumley Contracting (678) 894-5708
59
Dirt Tech Landscaping (404) 934-3478
61
Landscape Matters (770) 403-5813
31
Lawn Squad, The (770) 591-4745
43
Prose Tree Service (770) 876-7871 Wise Guys Landscaping
Rausch Family Practice (687) 384-7305 Towne Lake Eye Associates (770) 926-2858
7
Wellstar Medical Group (770) 592-3000
1
Jersey’s Sports Bar & Grille (770) 790-5740 www.jerseysgrille.com
53
Kani House (770) 592-5264
33
Oo La La Yogurt Ur Way (678) 383-6129
20
Tuscany (678) 453-0888
13
TwoSome Place (770) 924-4124
63 25
52
79
Woodstock Medical Weight Loss (678) 501-5008 www.weightlosswoodstock.net
76
Woodstock Physical Therapy (770) 516-9191
40
WOW Cafe & Wingery (770) 926-9225
25
Cash for Broken Cars (404) 392-7586
Photographers
Animal Atlanta (770) 591-0007
18
Sandy’s Photography (678) 445-2011
Animal Hospital at Towne Lake (770) 591-9500
58
Skip Daugherty Photography (770) 329-5807
Cherokee County Animal Shelter (770) 345-7270 www.petfinder.com/shelters/GA460.html 1015 Univeter Road, Canton
67
South Cherokee Veterinary Hospital (770) 924-6746
39
Retailers & Miscellaneous Services
Inside Front
63
Keller Williams, Kurt & Sheila Johnson (404) 954-2486 www.kurtandsheila.com
Back Cover
Lake Nantahala — Sunset Pointe (828) 321-3101 www.visitlakesend.com
93
Prudential Georgia Realty (770) 365-6193, (678) 494-2953
48
9
Recreation and Fitness
John Lutz, PhD
63
Marietta Facial Plastic Surgery (770) 425-7575 111 Marble Mill Road NW, Marietta
41
Marietta Plastic Surgery (678) 494-2380 www.mariettaplasticsurgery.com
48
Meridian Surgical (770) 704-6101 3755 Sixes Road, Canton
44
Northside Hospital – Cherokee (770) 720-5100 201 Hospital Road, Canton www.northside.com
11
Northside Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine (770) 928-0016
39
Pearle Vision (770) 592-7100 9801 Highway 92, Woodstock
29
Cherokee Chamber of Commerce Jingle Shop 38 Econo Rides (678) 218-7170
Real estate & related services
Physicians and Medical Services
Innovative Health & Wellness (770) 926-4646 www.innovativehealthandwellness.net
27
Towne Lake Family Pharmacy (770) 635-7697
Pet/Veterinarian Services & Supplies
Cherokee Internal Medicine (678) 238-0301
3
7
Elm Street Cultural Arts Village (678) 494-4251
85
Fox Tale Book Shoppe (770) 516-9989
63
Junior Service League Holiday Tour of Homes 35 Justina’s Accessories Boutique (678) 494-6331
7
Overstock Atlanta (770) 926-3332 9872 Main Street, Woodstock
47
Canton South ATA (678) 880-1014
21
Master’s Training Center (770) 591-9588
56
Ember Hot Yoga (770) 485-5583 www.emberyoga.com
77
Rotary Club of Woodstock
31
Signature Private Jewelry (404) 783-7272
13
Etowah Eagles Basketball www.etowaheagles.com/basketball
61
Etowah Eagles Football www.etowaheaglesfootball.com
19
Steps Dance Center (770) 516-1363
39
Woodstock Wolverines www.woodstockwolverinesfootball.com
85
Restaurants/Food & Drink Bar-B-Cutie
76
82
Charlies II (770) 926-1677 5080 Bells Ferry Road
23
Plastic Surgery Center of the South (770) 421-1242 www.plasticsurgerycenterofthesouth.net
60
Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills
84
HMS Golf
65
Progressive Audiology Center Inc. (770) 592-4744, (706) 253-7244
61
Izumi Asian Bistro (678) 238-1899 www.iloveizumi.com
3
The Gifted Ferret www.TheGiftedFerret.com
45, 50
Woodstock Furniture Outlet
76
Joi pa n the aro ge w Town un ww. eLa da bo faceb ker fa utt ow ook. n ne co lak m/ er
AND
Follow us on www.twitter.com/townelaker
AroundAbout — TowneLaker | November 2011
95
96
AroundAbout — TowneLaker | November 2011