TOWNELAKER | March 2015
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March 2015
Volume 20, Issue 11
14 Adventures in Scouting
Photos show boys, girls enjoying indoor and outdoor activities.
20 Healing Through Habitat
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38
Women rally to raise money to build home for family.
28 Everyday Angels
Teachers make a plea for wheelchair accessible van for student.
30 It’s Fishing Time
Allatoona Lake is prepped, ready for spring anglers.
38 Summer Camps
Options for children include dance and science themes.
47 Living Gluten Free
A guide to alternative flour and a pretzel recipe.
67 Parents Be Aware
Dangerous drug is being disguised as lip balm.
72 Easter Eggstravaganzas
Egg hunts planned, by land and by aquatic center.
14 Contributing Writers Chantel Adams Don Akridge Kyle Bennett Bill Bingham Siohban Brumbelow Michael Caldwell Caron Catalon Amy Cobb Cindy Crews Claire Frost Jessica Guinn Delia Halverson Dr. Scott Harden Dr. Amy Hardin Dr. Jan Henriques Harden Hopper Kurt & Sheila Johnson Sean Kaufman
44 36 76 74 78 24 46 30 65 42 23 21 58 64 56 70 32 19
Mark Kissel Lorre Lamarca Joe Lemmo Dr. Mike Litrel Rob Macmillan Carrie Mueller Matt Neal O. Julius Quarcoo Bill Ratliff Lynne Saunders Susan Schulz Jessica Leigh Smith Ashley Snow Jodi Tiberio Van Tran Lynne Watts
67 52 66 34 43 60 16 62 71 53 20 47 73 26 63 79
In Every Issue Around Towne 4 Community News 8 Birthdays 12 Community Calendar 40 Everyday Angels 28 Towne Lake Dining Guide 50 School News 66 Faith 70 Parking Map 75 Woodstock Dining Guide 77 Greenprints Trail Map 89 Recent Home Sales 90 Classified ads 91
EDITORIAL Contact us and view the magazine online at questions and comments www.townelaker.com Candi Hannigan (770) 615-3309 Candi@AroundAboutMagazines.com
48 & 49 On the Cover
Optimum Health. Photo by Kim Bates. 2
TOWNELAKER | March 2015
ADVERTISING questions and comments Patty Ponder (770) 615-3322 Patty@AroundAboutMagazines.com
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TOWNELAKER | March 2015
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Community
AROUND TOWNE
The
People, The Places and The Pleasures that make Towne Lake
Our hearts go out to the family of longtime TowneLaker friend Mary Pusey, who passed away recently at the age of 90. We are thankful to have gotten to know her.
What’s Open Candi Hannigan is the executive editor of Around Woodstock. She has lived in Cherokee County for 28 years. Send your comments or questions to Candi@ AroundAboutMagazines. com
Georgia Eye Partners opened an office at 900 Towne Lake Parkway, Suite 312, the fourth office in the metro Atlanta area that includes Northside, Emory, Midtown and Johns Creek. 404-953-4044. www.GaEyePartners.com.
SportClips Haircuts has opened in Suite 103, 12186 Highway 92 and Trickum Road in Woodstock. 678-445-5811. The sports-themed business caters to men and boys interested in a barbershop-style experience. http://haircutmenhwy92trickumwoodstockga.calls.net.
What’s Coming Vendor applications are being accepted for the May-October 2015 Woodstock farmers market season, sponsored by the Bank of North Georgia. Spots will fill quickly, so apply right away if you’re interested. http://bit.ly/1MrGqVE. The Tuesday market will be moved to Market Street, where the Saturday market is held. Tuesday hours will be 4:30-7:30 p.m. Saturday hours will be 8:30 a.m.-noon. For more info, contact Kyle Bennett at kbennett@woodstockga.gov or 770-924-0406. Woodstock city officials are reviewing construction plans for a 33,000-square-foot addition to The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta. Construction should begin late this spring. Marlow’s Tavern will open at The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta this summer. Marlow’s features American tavern fare. A Which Wich Sandwich Shop will be built beside Marlow’s Tavern.
Woodstock City Council approved Mad Life Studios to open at 8722 Main St., downtown Woodstock. Mad Life will be a combination restaurant, recording studio and live performance venue. Daylight Saving Time begins at 2 a.m. March 8, the time when clocks should be set forward an hour. It’s also a good time to check batteries in home smoke detectors, flashlights and weather radios, and perform maintenance on home safety equipment. Fall is the projected opening date for a new Pollo Tropical restaurant at 188 Molly Lane, in what is now an empty parking lot in front of Hacienda Vieja Mexican Restaurant along Highway 92 near I-575. The interior of the 3,600-square-foot facility will feature a Caribbean style with wood-framed walls and wood trusses, along with a coastal exterior.
What’s New Atlanta Communities Real Estate Brokerage associate broker Patti Bachtel and the Woodstock Downtown Team have opened a downtown Woodstock office at 102 Fowler Street. Email dlgorshe@gmail.com or visit www.gorsheteam.com Christie Deese has been named market manager for Sixes Living magazine. Christie joined AroundAbout Local Media in July 2014 in a marketing support role.
Ribbon Cuttings Community & Southern Bank location at Copper Coin Coffee on Chambers Street in downtown Woodstock. Cherokee Recreation & Parks Agency - Rec Center, 7545 Main Street, Building 200, Woodstock. 770-924-7768 Falany & Hulse Women’s Center, P.C., 900 Towne Lake Parkway, Suite 404, Woodstock. 770-720-8551 Brookdale Canton, an assisted living facility at 125 Riverstone Terrace, Canton. 770-720-9669
The Dirty Guv’nahs have been called a “fiercely soulful band” by the Boston Globe. 4
TOWNELAKER | March 2015
Greenprints Alliance is planning for Trailfest 2015, set for 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. May 2 and featuring musical headliner The Dirty Guv’nahs as well as David McCoy and The Coming Attractions The sixth annual event will take place on the Resurgens Orthopaedics Community State at Elm Street Cultural Arts Village adjacent to the start of the Town to Creek Trail. In addition to the concert, the event includes a 5K race, 1-mile Fun Run, food and beer vendors. Trailfest is the largest fundraiser for Greenprints Alliance. www.woodstocktrails.com/trailfest.
TOWNELAKER | March 2015
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COMMUNITY BOARD
Townelaker Publisher AroundAbout Local Media, Inc.
The TowneLaker Community Board consists of well-respected community leaders from different walks of life. Our board members assist us in many ways, including contributing to our magazine, judging our annual Trailblazer award and providing valuable feedback. Ann Litrel — Ann is an artist and writer whose nationally published work includes decorative art, paintings for private and corporate collections, and writing and illustration for a range of publications. Ann lives in Towne Lake with her husband and co-author Dr. Mike Litrel and their two sons. Ann can be reached at Ann@annlitrel.com
Dee Locklin — Dee is a Georgia State University retiree who moved to Towne Lake in 1998. She and husband Lewis are the proud parents of KSU student Taylor. Dee joined the TowneLaker as a contributing writer in 2011 and now is focusing her energy on caring for her beloved husband as he battles late-stage cancer.
G. Lora (Gay) Grooms — Gay has been teaching, writing, directing, and performing in the Atlanta area since 1990. She opened the Towne Lake Arts Center — now the Elm Street Cultural Arts Village — in 2002. She credits her four now-grown children for teaching her almost everything she knows about working with creative young minds.
Dr. Scott R. Harden — Scott is a family dentist at Fountain View Family & Cosmetic Dentistry serving Woodstock and Cherokee County for 25 years. During this time, he has lived in the Towne Lake area with his wife, Kathy, and two children.
ALM President, Market Director Patty Ponder Patty@AroundAboutMagazines.com (770) 615-3322 Market Manager Christie Deese Christie@AroundAboutMagazines.com (770) 615-3324 Executive Editor Candi Hannigan Candi@AroundAboutMagazines.com (770) 615-3309 Assistant Editor Jackie Loudin Jackie@AroundAboutMagazines.com (770) 615-3318 Art Director Michelle McCulloch Michelle@AroundAboutMagazines.com (770) 615-3307 Graphic Designer Laura Latchford Laura@AroundAboutMagazines.com 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 and surrounding area by providing its residents with positive stories and timely information. It distributes a total of 16,000 free copies. Approximately 14,900 are direct mailed to homes and businesses and an additional 1,100 are placed in racks around the community. It also has 2,000+ digital viewers of the magazine online each month. TowneLaker welcomes your comments, stories, and advertisements. The deadline is the 5th 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. 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 2015.
TowneLaker
PMB 380 1025 Rose Creek Dr., Ste. 620, Woodstock, GA 30189
For Advertising: Patty Ponder, (770) 615-3322 Website: www.townelaker.com Powered by TrustWorkz Inc. Volume 20, Issue 11
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TOWNELAKER | March 2015
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Community
YOUR LOCAL NEWS Woodstock Recognized for Successful Planning The city of Woodstock is one of 10 communities recognized by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs for excellence in community planning. The city has earned the state’s first “PlanFirst” designation, which acknowledges communities that have a proven record of implementing their plan and a history of good plan development. “Good planning by local communities is the hallmark of economic growth,” said Gretchen Corbin, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Community Affairs. “These are communities that can serve as statewide models for others in how to actively and strategically implement a vision for the future.” The designation, which went into effect Jan. 1, will last for three years and allows the city to take advantage of incentives that include public visibility, eligibility for funding and certain reduced interest loans. Search www. dca.ga.gov for more info about PlanFirst.
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TOWNELAKER | March 2015
A Plea to Help Humane Society Eagle Watch resident Randi Drinkwater is collecting donations, March 10-April 30, for the Cherokee County Humane Society. Her goal is to raise $2,500 to support medical needs and vaccinations at the shelter. Here’s a list of supplies needed: paper towels, dog and cat food, cat litter, dog and cat toys, chew bones and treats, rope toys and squeaky balls, and blankets, towels, sheets and carpet pieces. Contact Randi at randid@bellsouth.net.
Equine Therapy Volunteers Needed Horse Talk, a therapeutic riding center for special needs children, needs adult volunteers to groom and saddle the horses, lead horses or walk next to children riding the horses to guard their safety. Shifts of varying lengths are available, between 1:30 and 6:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. Training is offered. The location is Green Acres Equestrian Center, 345 Bluebird Acres Road, Woodstock. For details, call 770-517-5154 or email greenacresonline@bellsouth. net. www.greenacresonline.com.
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Community
Leadership Cherokee Class of 2015 The Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce has selected the 22-member Leadership Cherokee Class of 2015. This 27th anniversary class was chosen following participation in a nomination, application and interview process. Over the next nine months, the class will participate in sessions that will focus on topics that include economic development, infrastructure, government, justice, education, recreation, tourism, public safety, healthcare and social/human services. Chamber President and CEO Pam Carnes said the knowledge gained from programs such as these would prepare the class members for a more active role in the community. After nine months of leadership training, the class will graduate during a September ceremony. A 20-member Teen Leadership Class was chosen from high school sophomores who applied for the program. Students will participate in four class sessions and complete an individual project, addressing topics such as community involvement, economic and educational responsibility, personal development and team building. The mission of Teen Leadership Cherokee is to develop the knowledge and leadership skills of young people in Cherokee County so they may confidently become our leaders of tomorrow. A graduation ceremony and dinner will be held in late March to honor the class. For more info, call 770-345-0400 or visit www. CherokeeChamber.com.
Adult leadership class, front row, from left: Kathy Lambert, Angela Reece, Jennifer Simonis, Jennifer Davo, and Kim Whatley. Second row from left: Jeffrey Pourchier, Jeremy Smith, Tracey Satterfield, Abby Roach, Lindsey Roberson, Brittany Duncan, Jenny Wood-Harris, Rachel White, Ginger Fowler, and Kendall Jones. Back row from left: Bill Sebring, Chad Atkinson, Kelly Geiken, Scott Rule, Greg Erdely, Shane West, and John Black.
Teen leadership class front row, from left: Leslie Reece, Yejin Heo, Austin Griffin, Cecelia Fornuto, Temi Adekunle, Olivia Klinger, Sydney Miracle, Nieves Ristuccia and Caroline Avery. Back row from left: Jordan Mason, Kurt Mueller, Camdon Presley, William Oswald, Jordenn Dorsey, Mitchell Ketcham, Alex Franklin, Isabelle Riddle, Roman Vish, Caitlin Moak and Aubrey Gerber.
Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services’ Explorer Post 469 did well at the 41st annual Winterfest competition recently. Twenty one youth and 14 advisors made the trek to Gatlinburg, TN and returned with first and second place in the Z-Drag competition, first and fourth place in the Table Top Display competition, and fifth in the Cherokee Drill competition. The Z-Drag competition consisted of a team of four explorers who had to rescue a victim using technical rescue techniques in a timely yet precise manner. The Table Top Display competition involved the explorers using their knowledge and marketing techniques to share their passion about the fire service. The Cherokee Drill, which was hosted by the Cherokee County Fire Explorer Post 469, is a timed event involving a team of four explorers in a relay type drill that included performing tasks such as quick dress, forcible entry, hose deployment, hose crawl, victim removal, and egress through a restrictive passage. The completion times between first and fifth place in this event were only a few seconds apart. Explorers Post 469, first row from left: FAO Michael Sims, FF Trent Nations, FAO Jordan Seda, Sgt. The explorer program is a career-based Mike Caglioni, Battalion Chief Tom Pellitier, Sgt. Stan Ice, FF Michele Ice and Sgt. Brad Gravitt, Fire Chief Tim Prather. Second row from left: Lake Arrowhead Chief Rebecca Strobl, Operations Chief learning opportunity open to young men Greg Erdely, Lt. Scott Deal, Assistant Fire Chief Eddie Robinson, Cadet FF Ashton White,Cadet FF and women ages 14 (and completed the Emily Blackwell, Cadet FF Ethan Sanders, Cadet FF Chris Caglioni, Cadet Sgt. Nick Leslie,Cadet Sgt. Josiah Gnanamuttu, Cadet FF Zach Robinson, Cadet FF Sujki Jules, Cadet Lt. Kenny Robinson, Cadet 8th grade) and not yet 21 years old with an interest in learning more about careers in FF Chad Barday, Cadet FF William Logan and Captain Bill Hamby. Third row, from left: Cadet Sgt. the field of fire and emergency services. For Jake Pohlman, Cadet FF Zach Ray, Cadet FF Brendan Schmitter, Cadet FF Dalton Hamby, Cadet FF Sarah Logan, Cadet Captain Chris Simmons, Cadet FF Morgan Leslie, Cadet Lt. Brooke Ice, Cadet FF more info, contact Michael Sims at 678-644Chris Dawson, FAO Destiny LaBossiere and FF Corey Deal. 1377 or mrsims@cherokeega.com.
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TOWNELAKER | March 2015
WE VOLUNTEER AND DONATE TO CHEROKEE SCHOOLS AND ORGANIZATIONS. BECAUSE THAT’S WHAT NEIGHBORS DO. Northside Hospital-Cherokee has given more than 10,000 volunteer hours and donated millions to Cherokee schools and charitable organizations. Because Cherokee County is not only the location of our hospital, it is our home. Most of our physicians and staff live right here. Our children go to school with yours and we shop at the local grocery stores with you. Since becoming part of the community in 1997, Northside Hospital-Cherokee is committed to keeping this county great. Because, after all, it’s our home, too.
Cherokee’s community hospital. Northside.com TOWNELAKER | March 2015
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Community
Happy Birthday!
Alexandra Bedoya Age 1 on March 7 You brighten each day! We love you so much! Mommy, Daddy, and Luna
Cullen Wallace
Addison Grace Burns Age 4 on March 29 Happy birthday sweet girl! We love you so much! Mommy, Daddy and Charlotte
Avery Madigan
Age 6 on March 26 Happy birthday to you! We love you and are very proud of you. Mom and Dad
Xavier Alexander Page
Emma Jett
Madeline Elizabeth Imler
Colby Kuleszynski
Grayson Clark
Age 11 on March 4 Son of Lynn and Kim Wallace, brother of Skylar
Lilianna Kate Crabtree
Age 1 on March 7 Happy first birthday, sweet angel! We all love you so much! Mommy, Daddy, Jonah, Cole, and Lucas
Age 10 on March 26 Happy birthday to an amazing daughter and sister!! We love you. Daddy, Mommy, Matthew,
Phyllis Alaimo
Rachel Hugenberg
Happy 75th birthday on Feb. 4 Love, Joe, Kim and Mark
Julie and Adam
Age 5 on March 31 Happy birthday to our beautiful, outgoing princess. You are such a joy and a blessing! We love you to the moon and back. From your entire family
Age 13 on Feb. 5 Daughter of Adam and Missy Hugenberg Sister of Elizabeth
Announcements are free! E-mail to: Candi@ AroundAbout Magazines.com April deadline is March 5.
Engagement! Ricky and Brooke
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TOWNELAKER | March 2015
Benjamin Yee
Happy 6th birthday! Love, Mommy, Daddy and Eve
Will tie the knot and say “I Do� on March 12 Thank you to our friends and family for all the love and support!
Age 6 on March 26
Age 3 on March 20 Happy birthday to our crazy little boy! We love you so much! Mommy, Daddy, Nanny, Pop, Yia Yia, Gary, all the dogs and dinos!
Colton Kuleszynski
Age 9 on March 2 We love you Buddy! Hope this is your best year yet! Dad, Mom, Kady and Coco
Ansley Giesler
Gavin Armstrong
Age 5 on March 13 Happy birthday, boys! We love you! Daddy, Mommy and Cooper
Age 8 on March 17 We love you, monkey! Mommy, Daddy and Lauren
Dayton Peters: Age 2 on Feb. 20 Dalton Peters: Age 17 on March 20 Lauren Peters: Age 17 on March 20 Ryan Peters: Age 23 on March 19
Children and grandchild of Chris and Lori Peters
Age 5 on March 20 Happy Birthday! Love, Daddy, Mommy, Jordan and Bellamy
A Triple Double (digits) Happy 10th birthday Kyle, Emma and Ryan Tipper Love, Mom and Dad
TOWNELAKER | March 2015
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Community
SCOUTING
Brownie Troop 12411 (3rd-graders) and Junior Troop 6027 (5th graders) attended the 3-Day Breast Cancer walk to cheer on participants.
Girl Scout troop 2353 participated in Hillside UMC’s Great Day of Community Service in October 2014 preparing food to hundreds of volunteers.
American Heritage Girls Troop 2012. (L-R): Ansley Richards, Lacy Grace Moore, Brynnley Beaudrie, Abigail Moore, Sienna Stevens and Elizabeth Thomson.
Woodstock Brownie troop 12435 completed a service project for Our Pal’s Place pet shelter.
Thomas Howard, Wolf in Den 12, won First Place Design Overall at the Pinewood Derby.
Troop 14611 members Abby Searcy, Adyson McClure, Addie Liakakos, Ava Guthrie, Morgan Stewart, Jolie Gutmann, Angelina Miller and Ashley Sipes.
Junior Troop 6027 members enjoyed Camp Timber Ridge during the Hogwartsthemed Halloween weekend. 14
TOWNELAKER | March 2015
The Cadettes in Troop 2353 practiced biking and map reading skills at central Florida’s Camp Wildwood.
Troop 2724 took a mother/daughter trip to Universal Studios in Orlando to celebrate the last of their nine years together.
Boy Scout Troop 994 members after working on Austin Holly’s Eagle Scout Project at New Victoria Baptist Church.
ADVENTURES
Brownie Troop 12411 camped at Camp Meriwether in December 2014.
Members of Cub Scout Pack 125 in Holly Springs on an Etowah trail hike.
Junior Troop 11410 members Carly, Allie, Grace, Lydia, Neva, Evie, Camille, Marin and Bela learned the importance of bicycle helmet safety.
Girl Scout Troop 14629 members Claira, Vanessa, Samantha, Kate, Madelyn, Shelby, Hannah, April and Zoe in the Holly Springs Christmas Parade.
Boys in Woodstock’s Cub Scout Pack 2010 wait for the annual Pinewood Derby to start.
Troop 10385 earned the “playing the past” badge at the Indian PowWow at Stone Mountain.
Members of Cub Scout Den 1 of Pack 994 sold popcorn at a “Go See It” event in downtown Woodstock.
New Daisy Troop 14655 held its first parent meeting and Junior Troop 10437 helped by making fire SWAPS (Special Whatchamacallit Affectionately Pinned Somewhere).
Junior Troop 7011 of Woodstock. (L-R): Tanya O’Connor, Kristen Brunelle, Madison Brunelle, Jessica Acord, Lorelei Sanders, Abby Goodwin, Caitlin O’Connor, Megan Lee & Lori Goodwin. TOWNELAKER | March 2015
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Community
Grant Holman, a Wolf in Den 12, receives his third place award for Speed for the Wolves from Jamie Wallace.
Brownie Robyn Copeland helps Felicia Ciulla, a Daisy Girl Scout, sell cookies for the first time.
Troop 2819 members Anne Greer (left), and Emily Holubetz (right) earned their Silver Awards. Shown here with Rachel Rich and Chelsey Odendahl.
Troop 12143 members observing World Thinking Day are Alyssa, Amelia, Dakota, Nicolette, Clara, Emma, Tara, Madison S., Stella, Madison M., Emily, Mollie and Katie.
Cullen Stacy, a Tiger Scout in Den 8 of Cub Scout Pack 2010, enjoyed his night out at the Tennessee Aquarium.
Troop 638 Boy Scouts from left William Jones, Jacob Hall and Trent Crawford complete the God and Church Program at the Heritage Presbyterian Church with interim pastor Arch Baker and Scout Master Brad Crawford.
Scouting Builds Self-Esteem, Expands Horizons BY MATT NEAL
There was no moon that night. The only light was from our campfire. A dozen yards beyond its flickering flames were dark woods. Screams cut the night. A pack of children ran by, then disappeared into the darkness. Seconds later the performance was repeated. All the children wore their Cub Scout uniforms, all except my 8-year-old daughter who was right in the middle of them, yelling and chasing Matt Neal is a freelance writer who has lived and having the time of her life. in Woodstock with his I snuck away from the group and wife since 1999. He has a daughter who headed into the woods. When the kids turns shoeboxes into were near, I grunted and roared. dollhouses, a son who fights those stealthy “Bigfoot!” they yelled. ninjas, and a wife, Diane, I tried to hide, to stay out of the who provides patience, compassion and a kick in beams of their flashlights. But the pants when needed. eventually the bravest of them found mattnealwriter@yahoo. com me, and they were off on another adventure, again with my daughter in tow. That’s when we realized she needed to be in scouting as well. 16
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What we found is that scouting offers much more than we originally thought. Cub Scouts isn’t just about which dad can build the better Pinewood Derby car. Girl Scouts is more than just selling those yummy cookies. My son has gotten patches and awards for everything from archery to chess. Cub Scouts allows my son to expand his horizons. It teaches him more than I could on my own. Girl Scouts lets girls get together in a safe environment with other girls. They are provided the opportunity to develop leadership and self-esteem. They can meet away from the peer pressure of school. It lets them be themselves without worrying about what others think. Our backyard creek was always the favorite play area for both my kids, and family camping trips were something we all looked forward to. They both loved the outdoors. But the older they get, the more they prefer to spend time with their friends. Scouting gives them a chance to do that and still enjoy the great outdoors. They learn to make s’mores the old fashioned way, not in a microwave. They can hike through the woods looking for frogs, hopping across streams, and skipping stones. And most importantly, they learn the fine art of weenie roasting. Far too soon they will be grown and gone. Let’s help them make the most of their childhood.
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A
Bistro & Lounge
6424 Bells Ferry Road 770-516-6779 www.stock-bistro.com
Open: 4–11 p.m.Tues.–Wed., 4 p.m.–2 a.m.Thurs.–Sat., 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Sun. Closed Mon.
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TOWNELAKER | March 2015
s Woodstock and Towne Lake continue to flourish and develop, so does the list of restaurants that residents can choose from. The newest addition is Stock Bistro and Lounge located on Bells Ferry Road directly across the street from Walmart. Owners and BridgeMill residents Keith and Heather Franklin are excited about their new business and what they have to offer their customers. “We wanted to provide the area with a nice restaurant that has a casual atmosphere and that focuses on great food and drink choices,” said Keith. “People shouldn’t have to drive to Alpharetta or Buckhead to find that.” Owner Keith Fran klin and Food definitely takes center stage at Stock Chef Mike Gogo lin Bistro and Chef Michael Gogolin works hard to make sure of that. A former college baseball player turned chef, Gogolin has worked in some of Atlanta’s better known high-end restaurants and is happy to bring his skills to Stock Bistro and Lounge. Gogolin said that after blowing out the shoulder of his pitching arm in college, the transition to working in the food industry was an easy decision. “Growing up, every family get-together or social setting revolved around food. Cooking was the only thing I knew.” Gogolin says that everything on the Stock menu is made fresh–down to the hand-cut, triple fried French fries–and food is locally sourced when possible. The goal is to offer customers new and fresh eating options by updating the menu seasonally. Live entertainment is another key factor in the Stock Bistro and Lounge Experience. Keith says customers can expect “classy and fun entertainment that will enhance their dining experience.” He has hosted dueling pianos as well as guitar acts. Keith has plans to add more musical acts that would include tandem performances with violinists and guitarists. Follow Stock Bistro on Facebook to stay informed about upcoming events. Reservations are recommended for special events and performances. Customers looking for a quieter, more intimate evening can enjoy the Demi-Pub at Stock Bistro and Lounge. The Prohibition style bar is separate from the rest of the restaurant and serves specialty drinks and tapas. The late-night crowd can enjoy their food and drinks later into the evening on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays when Stock is open until 2 a.m. Sunday brunch features a 25-square-foot Bloody Mary bar that includes beef straws you can actually eat after you finish your Bloody Mary. Everything on Chef Gogolin’s brunch menu is made from scratch and customers can enjoy items like stuffed French toast, shrimp and grits, chicken and waffles, and biscuits and gravy just to name a few. The Bourbon Room is a private room within the restaurant that is available for parties, rehearsal dinners, corporate and special events. The room will hold up to 48 people and features two large-screen TVs that allows clients to display PowerPoint or photo presentations for their guests. Stop by Stock Bistro and Lounge on almost any given night and you can find owner Keith Franklin there – hanging out behind the bar, pouring drinks and getting to know his customers. He says he loves being there and meeting people and seeing clients who have already become regulars in the restaurant. “I want people to come here and feel relaxed, have fun, and enjoy great food,” said Keith.
Community
The Lady with the Lamp BY SEAN KAUFMAN
As I watched nurses tend to Dr. Kent Brantly and Nancy Writebol, the first Ebola patients treated in the United States, I observed a great amount of courage in the face of a situation fraught with fear. Their courage and passion for their profession reminded me of a historical figure who redefined the nature of nursing. It started in 1844 with a woman who went against both the societal Sean Kaufman lives and parental expectations of being a in Woodstock with his wife, two sons wife and mother and taught herself and daughter. He the science of nursing. As fate would specializes in intrinsic coaching/motivation, have it, Florence Nightingale would owns a behavioralmeet a Secretary of War (while he was based consulting business and is on his honeymoon), which led to an an internationally opportunity in which she solidified and recognized trainer. He can be contacted at formalized the nursing profession. sean@seankaufman. Her courage continued as she moved com. past those expectations. In 1854, she and 38 volunteer nurses (whom she had trained) arrived in Istanbul to relieve medical staff members who were caring for casualties of the Crimean War. Fatigue was common, supplies were limited and the death rate from infections was high. The efforts of Florence and her nurses resulted in the death rate dropping from 42 percent to 2 percent—an amazing accomplishment. Her passion for her profession was summed up in a newspaper report. “She is a ‘ministering angel’ without any exaggeration in these hospitals, and as her slender form glides quietly along each corridor, every poor
fellow’s face softens with gratitude at the sight of her. When all the medical officers have retired for the night and silence and darkness have settled down upon those miles of prostrate sick, she may be observed alone, with a little lamp in her hand, making her solitary rounds.” She became known as The Lady with the Lamp, symbolizing her courage (of lighting the darkness) and her passion (being around longer than anyone else). That nickname truly summarizes the profession of nursing. March is Women’s History Month, and while there are many men working as nurses today, we owe so much to one woman who has taught so many health care professionals to demonstrate courage, compassion, and commitment when treating their patients. If you know a Lady with the Lamp, give her a hug this month. You’ll be hugging a hero.
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Community
Women Rally Behind Habitat Build BY SUSAN SCHULZ
Chemotherapy rooms are sacred places. Lives change. Ideas are born. Beauty rises from the ashes of illness. Cheryl Mosley knows these truths all too well. While in treatment for breast cancer, she picked up a magazine and read about a woman minister who also was in a battle against cancer. The woman decided to give to others as part of her therapy by building a house for Habitat for Humanity. Cheryl thought, “I would love to do the same thing.” On the other side of the world at the same time Cheryl sat in that chemo room reading the Habitat article, a woman named Esther Par was Michael Young fleeing from her home country Memorial Habitat of Burma with her three Motorcycle Ride on children under the age of 5. March 28, in memory After a temporary relocation of Michael, a lifelong in Malaysia, they arrived in member of CFUMC. the United States in 2008. She For details, call fled because her husband was 678-296-7297. imprisoned for preaching the gospel. After his detainment, their home was constantly watched and ransacked. Esther arrived in Atlanta, began working as a hotel housekeeper, and ended up with a job in Cobb County in 2012, working for an auto parts manufacturer. Esther’s husband, Sial Khup, immigrated in 2013 to join his family in a small apartment in Clarkston. The family worked diligently to be approved for a Habitat house and is now working toward its completion and waiting patiently to move. The family’s current neighborhood has high rent, high crime and is poorly maintained. One of their sons has shared how grateful he will be when he and his siblings can attend school where it is safe. The children (Jason, 11, Willie, 10, and Vanesa, 6) are looking forward to new friends and schools in Cherokee County. Six years after completing cancer treatment, Cheryl presented the idea to her church, Canton First United Methodist, Even though she got a lot of “no” answers at
Motorcycle Ride
first, Cheryl persevered. In faith she moved forward and signed a contract with Habitat, promising to raise $40,000 by March 2015 to cover half the cost of the Par-Khup family’s house. Cheryl’s contract with Habitat is an ecumenical build, meaning fundraising for the Par-Khup home is a collaborative effort of local churches. In this case, five other churches (Hickory Flat, Hillside and Mount Zion United Methodist churches, St. Clements Episcopal and Cumming First Baptist) and a Jewish synagogue (Temple Beth Tikvah) have partnered with Cheryl and First United Methodist and are responsible for the other half of this house. Cheryl went to work with the women of her church by her side. Fundraising kicked off with a Valentine’s Day Hugs for Habitat idea initiated by Lisa McRae, wife of Canton First UMC’s pastor. Next up was the Daughters of the King spring banquet, followed by the Merry Market holiday bazaar, headed up by Bonny Organist Joe Seidel and Spears. The market included pianist John Baker will bake sales, a breakfast café, “Make a Joyful Noise silent auctions and more Unto the Lord” at 3 p.m. to benefit the build. While March 8 at Canton speaking to Cheryl and her First United Methodist helpers, I noticed a repeated Church, 930 Lower Scott theme: women coming Mill Road. Love offering together, all with different will be taken to benefit talents and abilities, to the Habitat build. impact our community in mighty ways. A second Women Build in our county is underway, managed by Sabrina Kirkland, manager of faith relations and community investment for Habitat for HumanityNorth Central Georgia. A Women Build is a nationwide Habitat for Humanity initiative to empower women to build Habitat homes and change the lives of families within their community. House construction is seen as a traditionally male activity, so the goal of this program is to remove the intimidation factor of the construction site and make women feel comfortable. Cheryl’s ecumenical build was led entirely by women—men helped, of course—but women brainstormed and implemented all fundraising efforts. If you would like to donate to the Par-Khup build, mail a check made payable to: Canton First United Methodist Church to 930 Lower Scott Mill Road, Canton, GA 30115, 770-4792502. www.habitat-ncg.org.
The First Nail photo participants are from left: Mike McArthur of Hickory Flat UMC, Willie, age 10, Sial Khup, Jason, age 11, Esther Par, Vanesa, age 6, Cheryl Mosley and Tommy Lee of Mt. Zion UMC. Photo Courtesy of Russell Hayes. 20
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Benefit Concert
Senior Sense: The Homemanager BY DELIA HALVERSON
Long ago, when I was young, women were expected to stay at home and be housewives. I never liked that term because I was wife to Sam, not wife to a house. The term I used was homemanager. In his book “The Peter Prescription,” Dr. Laurence Peter writes that “Whenever you consciously influence the behavior of another human being, you are a manager – as a mother directing the activities of her Delia has written children, a teacher instructing a class, more than 25 books, leads workshops and a conservationist promoting ecological has trained teams awareness, or a concerned individual in the Congo and Mozambique. She and influencing other citizens to support an her husband have lived action group.” If that statement does not in eight states, but now reside in Woodstock, define the vocation of homemanager, I’ll and have a daughter, eat my copy of Peter’s book! son, daughter-in-law and four grandchildren In the home, I was a manager and living in Cherokee organizer, creator and decorator, County. counselor and teacher, lover and friend. I had opportunity to reach out into the community in everything from scouts to politics – experiences that affected myself and my family. I could write letters to those who
had done a good job for the community or even run for office to correct things that needed changing. Today, stay-at-home-mom is a popular term, and mothers at home recognize their importance. But when I stayed home with our children, society was urging women to step out of the home and make other careers for themselves. In fact, those of us who didn’t began to feel useless and unimportant. Maybe that’s why I coined the word “homemanager.” As a housewife, I felt trapped and pushed under. As a homemanager, I saw myself as professional, improving the status of the job. Young girls today are urged to prepare for careers outside the home, and they should. Women are very capable of most any career. In fact, in most professions I know of, women are more capable of the job than some of the men. Equal opportunity and equal pay are important! But more important is for a woman (or a man – and there are stayat-home-dads) to choose to be a homemanager if that is what she or he finds important at that time.
“In the home, I was a manager and organizer, creator and decorator, counselor and teacher, lover and friend.”
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Locally Owned - Support Small Business TOWNELAKER | March 2015
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The Focus is Compassionate Care Thomas Eye Group physicians and staff recently celebrated the 40th anniversary of the practice, signifying a solid history of helping metro Atlanta residents maintain healthy vision. It’s a chance to celebrate past achievements and dig deeper roots in communities like Woodstock that are served by the well-established practice. The Woodstock office, which opened in 2001, is one of eight metro Atlanta locations and treats patients from birth to the golden years. The services offered include treatment of cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration, as well as pediatric care, LASIK, Oculoplastics and access to a modern surgery center. The staff of 17 , which includes four physicians, clinicians and administrative employees that work from the Towne Lake Parkway location, has won the Consumer’s Choice award for the past eight years. “We try to cultivate our team so that everyone feels they are an important member of the team,” said retina specialist Dr. Paul Kaufman. “In the Woodstock office, Paul Kaufman, MD is a retina specialist the morale is high and and chief of ophthalmology for the team is happy. The Northside Hospital. patients benefit because they don’t just see me - they see other team members too, so we have created an experience where people feel well cared for by everyone who works here.” Dr. Kaufman’s patients range from premature babies to seniors age 100 and older. On a recent morning, Dr. Kaufman performed surgery that prevented blindness in a 15-week premature infant. The day before, his surgical techniques restored vision in a diabetic woman who was losing sight in her only good eye, and corrected macular holes in the eyes of a woman who only had peripheral vision, restoring her sight to near perfect Mark Berman, MD is a glaucoma specialist and treats patients for general ophthalmic care, with an emphasis on cataract surgery. 22
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Thomas Eye Group 149 Towne Lake Pkwy Suite 102 Woodstock,GA 30188
770.928.4544
Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. vision. “These are the kind of rewarding things that a retina specialist gets to witness,” said Dr. Kaufman. “While it’s nice to be reminded of how much of an impact you can make, that’s probably why all of us went into medicine in the first place: to make an impact.” As a child, Dr. Mark Berman was actually a pediatric patient of Dr. Stephen Levine, co-founder of Thomas Eye Group. “Not many people can say that they practice for a group that treated them when they were young,” he said. “It was my lifelong dream to become a doctor and return here to practice medicine.” Dr. Berman is a glaucoma specialist and treats patients for general ophthalmic care, with an emphasis on cataract surgery. Pediatric ophthalmologist Dr. Jerry Berland has treated many conditions in his young patients including cataracts. If the cataract isn’t removed in time, the brain may never learn to see, even if the cataract is removed later in life. “I met one such infant when he was five days old,” says Dr. Berland. Jerry Berland, MD is a pediatric ophthalmologist, chief of ophthalmology “By the time he was a for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and month old, both eyes had was named Top Doctor 2012, 2013, 2014 the necessary surgery. by Atlanta Magazine and US News and Eight years later he is World Report. excelling in school and enjoying playing football. It was quite an honor when he named me as his ‘hero’ when completing an assignment for school.” Dr. Lakhvir Singh is an optometrist specializing in comprehensive eye exams, with a focus on contact lens fittings. Dr. Singh, who knew as a teen that he wanted to enter the medical field, said he is filled with “overwhelming joy” when he witnesses someone - especially a child - see the world as they should be seeing it with the help of glasses or contacts. “We care about all of the people we’ve come to know over the years, and we will continue to be here to treat them, their friends and their family members,’ said Dr. Berman. “We’ve been in the suburbs of Atlanta for 40 years, and we’re here to stay.”
Community
Growth Continues in Downtown Woodstock BY JESSICA GUINN
With 2015 well underway, it’s clear that Woodstock will continue to grow as one of metro Atlanta’s premiere communities, offering a wealth of living, shopping, dining and recreational opportunities for diverse lifestyles. Business is booming, the Greenprints Trails are expanding and new neighborhoods are preparing to welcome future residents. Jessica Guinn has The Highway 92 and Main Street been community corridors are bustling with construction development director for the activity. Stars and Strikes, a family city of Woodstock bowling and recreational center, is since 2013. She is a graduate of Kennesaw renovating the former Ingles location State University, and on Highway 92, and expects to open a member of the American Institute of in May, just in time for summer break. Certified Planners. The former Walmart location was demolished this winter, and construction has begun for a new Sam’s Club, projected to open this fall. These exciting new additions will be conveniently located near one of Woodstock’s newest mixed-use communities, South on Main. Building on the success of downtown Main Street, South on Main will bring a mix of single-family homes, townhomes and multi-family residences, as well as a variety
of neighborhood scale retail and office uses to Main Street, just south of the downtown core. Residents will enjoy various amenities, including direct access to the Noonday Creek Trail. Since opening in 2014, Woodstock’s Noonday Creek Trail has been a popular destination for walkers, runners and bicyclists. As the weather warms up, the city and its residents can look forward to the opening of the Rubes Creek Trail, as well as additional trail connections through many of the city’s newer neighborhoods. In late 2014, Woodstock welcomed new restaurants, including Johnny Rockets and Applebee’s, and the city’s culinary offerings will continue to expand in 2015. Salt Factory, a gastropub with locations in Roswell and Alpharetta, is putting the final touches on its Main Street location. Another metro Atlanta favorite, Marlow’s Tavern, will soon open on Ridgewalk Parkway, offering American cuisine. For those seeking south of the border flavor, Mexico Lindo will open its fourth location on Main Street, just south of Highway 92. This spring promises to be an exciting time in Woodstock, with new neighborhoods completed to welcome future residents, restaurants to appeal to a variety of palates, and shopping and entertainment destinations. Be sure to check the city of Woodstock website, www.woodstockga.gov, for project updates, and like Woodstock Planning on Facebook to find out more about future additions to the city!
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Community
Repeal Parties and Shrinking Government BY STATE REP. MICHAEL CALDWELL
If you have ever served in a legislative body, worked with a nonprofit organization or simply called yourself a Protestant, you are likely very familiar with committees. Our General Assembly is no stranger to committees. In our House of Representatives, we utilize a committee process to vet legislation, explore and study new issues and Michael Caldwell more. Each member at the start of the is the state representative legislative term is assigned to a set of for District 20, which covers Towne Lake and these committees, which specialize in Woodstock. He can be certain topics. reached at 678-523-8570 or email him at Michael@ For the 2015-16 legislative session, CaldwellForHouse.com. I am serving on four committees: economic development and tourism, code revision, budget and fiscal affairs oversight, and state planning and community affairs. Among my committee assignments, the committee with the dullest name is also the one that I am the most passionate about: code revision. The code revision committee has one simple job: repeal and revise antiquated law. We are the committee that exists to take laws OFF the books. Because of this committee’s unique purpose, I was very excited to learn that this term I will have the opportunity to chair one of its two subcommittees. We will be vetting and compiling legislation for repeal over the next two years. Too often government is viewed as a growing monster, and we have no hope of bringing it back under control. We live in one of the original 13 colonies of the United States. From the day the royal charter was granted in 1732 to today’s modern government, our state has been developing code, laws and tradition. Many of these are relevant today. Many are not.
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If you have never seen a copy of the “Official Code of Georgia Annotated”—or what is commonly referred to as the “OCGA” in order to (ironically) shorten the name of 80+ volumes of law that govern our state—you can find it in the Woodstock Public Library. Nearly three centuries of government add up. In addition to the opportunity to serve as a subcommittee chairman, I am also carrying what has been named the “J Calvin Hill, Jr. Act.” Rep. Calvin Hill, who served Cherokee County in our state legislature from 2002 until his passing in 2013 from leukemia, was the chairman of the code revision committee. He and the rest of our members had been actively working on an 18-page piece of legislation that would serve as a repeal package. After his passing, it was decided that the bill would be named in his honor. The genesis of the bill was an inquiry that Chairman Hill had sent to all state agencies, departments and subdivisions requesting they submit repeal requests for any laws that were erroneous, broken or antiquated. The response was strong and the committee spent time working through the requests to deem which were appropriate to be struck and which should remain in law. The result was House Bill 731, which unanimously passed the House of Representatives. Unfortunately, the legislation did not make it through the Senate prior to the end of last year’s legislative session. This year, we look forward to taking it across the finish line. I can think of no better way to honor Rep. Hill’s conservative legacy than through repealing antiquated laws. As you stumble across law that you believe has lived past its applicability, please don’t hesitate to send it my way. We are always on the watch for things to remove from the code. It’s a lot of law to comb through: your help is appreciated more than you know. In the past, Rep. Scot Turner and I have hosted what we have referred to as “repeal parties” to search for and discuss laws we would like to have removed. I plan to schedule more of continued on page 82
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Community
A Second Chance at Life BY JODI TIBERIO
Nikki Adams has had a second chance at Jodi Tiberio owns life and is determined Branches Boutique to make the most of for women in Towne Lake as well as a it. Even though some second Branches of Nikki’s friends location and contacted us on her Brooklynn’s boutique behalf, we asked in Downtown that Nikki contact Woodstock. Contact Jodi at jodi@ us. When we are tiberioretail.com. planning a makeover, it’s important to make sure that the recipient is willing and eager for the experience. We were happy to hear from Nikki, who told us that she was ready to make a change and we were excited to help. Nikki’s story was submitted to us in the form of a video, detailing a saga of violence and redemption. Our entire staff was moved to tears as we watched the video. (See the link at the end of the article.) She really appreciates every second she is given because she has a chance to tell her story and help others heal. Inspired by Nikki’s bravery and desire to help others, we wanted this makeover to be a very special experience. We went to work selecting an outfit that she could wear for a date with her boyfriend, with pieces that she could wear in multiple ways. Layering is important this time of year, thanks to our unpredictable weather. Nikki is a jeans and T-shirt girl, so we wanted to go in a different direction for this outfit. We tried on lots of tunics, leggings and jeans. We really had a ball playing dress up! This black dress with crochet detail from Brooklynn’s works for so many occasions. Nikki can wear it with or without leggings, with booties or cowgirl boots, and can add a kimono or cardigan for a put-together looking outfit. Crochet trim and detailing is so on-trend right now. This spring you will see lots of fun lace and crochet pieces at both Branches and Brooklynn’s. The lace vest we selected for this outfit also will look great when paired with jeans and a cute top. The smile on Nikki’s face told me that this outfit was the one! After having her hair and makeup done at a local salon, she was ready to shine. She has worked hard to find herself again after her ordeal. While she struggles each day with sadness, loneliness and fear, her message is strong and 26
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clear - she wants to help others. She wants to make a difference. There is help for anyone who needs it; there’s no need to fight your battle alone. Don’t be a victim, be a survivor. I am truly honored to have been able to do something for Nikki, to celebrate her strength. Being able to help her feel beautiful and confident was her gift to me. To see the beaming smile on this woman’s face gave me a renewed purpose as well. To learn more about Nikki’s story, watch her video on YouTube: http://bit.ly/1ypRSXj. RAINN, an organization set up to support victims of sexual abuse, can be reached at 1-866-656-HOPE or www.rainn.org.
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Community
EVERYDAY Identifying people in need in our community. Everyday Angels is a 501(c)3 nonprofit serving Cherokee County since 2000. If you would like to make a tax deductible donation, please visit www. everydayangels.info to donate via Paypal or send your donations to: Everyday Angels, PMB 380, 1025 Rose Creek DR., Ste. 620, Woodstock GA, 30189. One hundred percent of your funds will go 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.
Everyday Angels is thrilled to be chosen as this year’s charity recipient for the Junior Service League’s annual Give a Child a Mulligan golf tournament. The proceeds from the tournament will be used to buy a wheelchair-accessible vehicle for Jacob Hobby. The JSL chose Jacob after Everyday Angels received a letter from two caring therapists: Brianne, a physical therapist, and April, an occupational therapist. They treat students with physical and cognitive disabilities at many schools in the Cherokee County School District. They say that each child touches their hearts, but Jacob is a special young man. Here’s a portion of their letter. “Jacob Hobby is a 10-year-old boy in fourth grade at Clark Creek Elementary School. He is just like any typical 10-year-old who loves going to school, learning and playing with his friends at recess. Jacob has an infectious personality and people are instantly drawn toward him. When you see Jacob’s class walking down the hall at school, you’ll notice that Jacob isn’t walking. This is because Jacob can’t walk any more. When Jacob was four years old, he was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). SMA is an inherited disease that causes severe muscle damage and weakness, which gets worse over time and eventually leads to a premature death. This disease robs children of being able to participate in ‘normal childhood activities’ like their friends. Not only has this horrific disease taken away Jacob’s ability to walk, but he also can’t write or perform simple tasks
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at school without assistance. “Jacob began this school year in a manual wheelchair that he had outgrown. The sides had to be removed so he could sit in it and his muscle weakness required others to push him. Before Christmas, Jacob’s motorized wheelchair was delivered to school. We were able to see a spark in Jacob’s eyes that we haven’t seen all year. His ‘new set of wheels’ gave him the independence that he’s needed for a long time. With his new motorized wheelchair, Jacob no longer has to rely on someone else if he needs to go somewhere. Plus, his friends thought his wheelchair was pretty cool. He could ‘run’ around with them at recess again! “We were all jumping for joy for Jacob’s independence at school, but that’s where his independence stops. Jacob’s mom, Gina, is a single mom who only has a pickup truck and doesn’t have a way to transport the wheelchair home. Wheelchair accessible vans are expensive and Gina cannot afford one. His bus cannot drop Jacob off at his doorstep because he lives down a gravel road a half mile from the bus stop. His cumbersome daily routine consists of transferring out of his motorized wheelchair at school, getting into his old manual chair, having someone push him to the bus, using the lift to get on to the bus, transferring out of the manual wheelchair and sitting in a regular bus seat, then transferring back into the manual wheelchair at his bus stop, riding the lift down to get off the bus, then his mom has to assist him to get into her pickup truck (which will be impossible as he gets older and more muscle weakness sets in). Then this routine is repeated in the morning to get on the bus and go to school. It is exhausting for both Jacob and his mom! “This family NEEDS a wheelchair accessible van. Not only would this solve the problem of getting his motorized wheelchair home, but it would allow him to get out into the community with his family. Currently he is limited to two worlds- school and home. It’s hard to imagine what Jacob and his mom deal with on a daily basis fighting this horrific disease. I hope each of you can find it in your hearts to help this well-deserving family. If you met Jacob, he would be smiling, but let’s make that smile bigger! He needs us!!!!” Be sure to sign up to play in the April 24 tournament. If you aren’t a golfer, Everyday Angels is accepting donations for the van. See the information in the box on the top left of the page.
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Community
Habitats Created to Attract Fish and Fishermen BY AMY COBB
Fishing is one of the most popular pastimes at Allatoona Lake. With springtime quickly approaching, it’s a perfect time to start planning a trip. Allatoona Lake offers fishermen numerous opportunities in terms of locations to fish and fish species. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers manages convenient boat ramps and day use areas situated around Allatoona Lake, and with Park Ranger Amy Cobb campgrounds starting to open in March, is a Georgia native and has been a Corps you can enjoy a full outdoor experience Ranger at several close to your own backyard. In fact, the locations around the South. Sweetwater Campground opens March 20, followed by McKaskey Creek, Payne and Victoria campgrounds on March 27. By May 15, each of the eight campgrounds operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will be open. Park rangers and volunteers at Allatoona Lake have been busy preparing for fishing season. Over the past few years, we have been placing structures in the lake bed to create and enhance places for fish to live, eat and spawn near popular fishing areas including Bethany Bridge, Galt’s Ferry Day Use Area and Victoria Day Use. Each structure, or fish attractor, is designed with the fish and the angler in mind. Some habitats are created by anchoring old
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Christmas trees to underwater concrete structures. Close to 700 Christmas trees were donated this year, many from local Lowe’s stores. Other Volunteers Dorri Eilbeck and Warren and Betty Lautenschlager prepare Christmas trees donated for structures fish habitats. are made from bamboo, which spreads quickly and easily, choking out undesirable vegetation. Most attractors are located within easy casting distance from the shore for bank fishermen, and their construction makes them readily visible on most depth finders for boat fishermen. Attractor locations are not secret. Signs denote the presence of all fish attractors maintained by the Corps and are usually located on a nearby shore. Anglers can expect spotted bass, largemouth bass, sunfish, crappie and catfish around the attractors at various times of the year. For questions about the Allatoona Lake Fish Habitat Program, or fishing or launching locations, call 678-721-6700 or visit www.sam. usace.army.mil/Missions/CivilWorks/Recreation/AllatoonaLake. aspx.
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Community
Selecting An Agent To Sell Your Home BY KURT & SHEILA JOHNSON
Selecting the right agent to sell your home is critical. The difference between a great agent and an average agent can mean thousands of dollars made or lost. Discerning between the two can be tricky, so we have prepared a list of questions, in no particular order, to ask agents you are considering.
Kurt and Sheila Johnson are Keller Williams Top Producing Agents (over 80 deals in 2014) and have been serving Cherokee County for more than 10 years. www. KurtandSheilaTeam.com
What is your average days on market and average dollars per square foot for your sold listings? The data shows us that homes that sell faster sell for more money. Find an agent that outperforms the market average.
How many homes did you sell in the last 12 months? The top producing agents in Cherokee County sell at least 40 homes per year, and this gives them the necessary cash flow to spend on marketing your home. It also gives them firsthand knowledge of your home’s competition. Do you have a strong presence in my market? In other words, when buyers think of purchasing a home in your
TOWNE LAKE BUSINESS ASSOCIATION The March 23 application deadline for the Towne Lake Business Association’s (TLBA) 13th Annual TLBA Entrepreneurial Spirit Scholarship Awards is fast approaching. Scholarships in the amount of $1,000 will be awarded to two graduating seniors, one each from Etowah and Woodstock high schools. The ideal candidate should demonstrate entrepreneurial enthusiasm and spirit, in addition to academic achievement, during his or her high school career. Please be sure to ask your school counselors for an application, or request one by contacting Gloria Snyder at gjsnyder@bellsouth. net. The topic of our February Lunch ‘N’ Workshop was “Balancing Family and Work Obligations.” We want to thank Stephanie Hines for leading the workshop.
LUNCH ‘N’ LEARN WORKSHOP Tuesday, March 17, 2015 12:15 - 2:00 p.m. Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills RSVP for all events by email to: gjsnyder@bellsouth.net. Please help us welcome our newest members, Vizant Technologies, First Citizens Bank, Enlightenment Capital Funding, N2 Publishing-Towne Lake Hills, and Magical Vacations by Me. As always, thank you for supporting our community by “Keeping Towne Lake Dollars in Cherokee.” Visit us at tlba.org for further information. 32
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community, are they going to call this agent for assistance? Top agents in a given market tend to sell the majority of real estate, and the reason is simple - well-marketed listings attract buyers and top agents with buyers sell more homes. Do you have a team supporting you? The team approach in real estate allows a specialist to handle each aspect of the selling process, thereby providing you the highest level of personalized service. How will people interested in my home contact you? Do the calls go to the agent on duty or voicemail at the Broker’s office or does the agent answer the call on his or her cell phone? You do not want calls from people interested in your home unanswered or answered by someone unfamiliar with your home’s features. Can this agent promote my listing to other top agents in my market? Selecting a top agent from a local successful brokerage is like hiring every top agent in that office. What method do you use to determine the right price for my home? The analysis of your home’s value should be so thorough that there are no questions remaining as to its market value.
TLBA SPOTLIGHT Christian Brothers Automotive Christian Brothers Automotive opened in June 2009 at 1930 Eagle Drive, Woodstock. The automotive business is based on faith and centered on honesty and integrity. The Towne Lake location is locally owned and operated by longtime Cherokee county resident Danny Branom. The friendly office staff consists of James Browning and Nathan Manager, industry professionals dedicated to helping with any automotive needs or concerns. The technical staff includes two full time ASE certified master technicians, Rich Wagener and Towne Lake resident Mark DeSantis, supported by specialist Josh Stone. The automotive service center works on all makes and models of vehicles and utilizes factory computer diagnostic tools to fix problems fast and the first time. State-of-the-art facilities and tools are used for everything from simple oil changes and tire rotations to transmission and engine replacement. Christian Brothers Automotive has been voted Readers’ Choice for Best Auto Repair in Towne Lake for 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014. The award-winning shop provides complimentary shuttle service to and from work or home for local customers who are unable to wait while their vehicle is serviced. A clean and welcoming customer lounge is provided for those clients who want to wait. Come to Christian Brothers Automotive and experience the nice difference. 770-9264500
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Lifestyle
A Prescription to Love BY MIKE LITREL, MD
It was Marsha’s first appointment at my office. She wasn’t making eye contact, her eyes kept flicking to the door, and she could only mumble her answers to my questions. Marsha had come to me for a second opinion. A surgeon had recommended removing her uterus and ovaries to treat the severe pelvic pain she often experienced. For a childless woman in her early 30s, this solution is drastic and Dr. Mike Litrel has authored hundreds of irreversible. articles and two books Marsha managed to communicate she on the faith-health connection. He is a didn’t want another examination from a board certified OB/GYN male doctor. I let her know it was easy and specialist in pelvic reconstructive surgery to reschedule her with a female doctor, at Cherokee Women’s but that an exam was essential to finding Health Specialists in Roswell and Woodstock. the cause of her pain and to give her the Dr. Litrel can be second opinion. Agitated and hesitant, reached at www. herokeewomens Marsha finally decided to let me take health.com care of her. A few weeks after her exam, I took her into surgery. As I’d foreseen, her pelvic organs were virtually glued together with scar tissue. I cleaned out the scar tissue that was most likely causing her pain, leaving the uterus and ovaries intact. After the surgery, Marsha’s pain dissipated almost entirely. Yet Marsha’s follow-up appointments revealed that she suffered from another problem, one that surgery couldn’t fix. In her mid-30s, she was estranged from family, living by herself with almost no social contact beyond work and trips to the grocery store. Marsha was alone in the world. Marsha’s story came out in bits and pieces over the following months, as her trust in me grew.
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For as long as she could remember, Marsha’s male relatives— including her father and her brothers—had forced sexual relations upon her. It had begun when she was 5 years old, and had continued until she was 15—old enough to finally fight them off, and shortly afterward, to move out of the house forever. Removing scar tissue from the human body is technically difficult, but it’s simple compared to removing the scars of childhood abuse. When you remove abnormal tissue, the remaining healthy tissue comes together and heals. But how do you remove unholy, festering memories? Marsha was physically healed, but unable to resume the act of living. I couldn’t see how Marsha could learn to love other people, when those who should have given her those first lessons were the source of her earliest injuries. I recommended counseling, the church and volunteer work to Marsha, but my suggestions were met with her deep mistrust for all people. I prayed for her, but truthfully, seeing Marsha as a patient made me sad, because I couldn’t see how to help her. Then one day, I decided to write Marsha a new prescription. On my pad I wrote: Do one good thing for someone else today. Write down what it was. Repeat daily. I told Marsha it didn’t matter what she did, or when she did it, or who she did it for: just keep the love in her heart, and look for the opportunity to help someone else in need. Once a day. I had no idea what Marsha would do with her “prescription.” Throw it in the nearest trash can, I suspected. Two months later Marsha returned for her next appointment. I was pleasantly surprised to hear that she had made a friend. She had helped someone at the store with her groceries. She attributed it to her new prescription, and promised she would continue to follow it every day. Six months later, I learned she had made some more friends. She had even joined a book club and was attending a local church.
continued on page 82
TOWNELAKER | March 2015
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Lifestyle
Accentuating the Positive Retiring? Saving for retirement? Here’s some good news. DON AKRIDGE, MBA, CPA/PFS, CFP® U.S. MARINE CORPS VETERAN – EMORY UNIVERSITY ALUMNUS
Are 90 percent of articles written about retirement pessimistic? Sometimes it seems that way. Repeatedly, we are reminded that most baby boomers haven’t saved enough for the future. There’s no denying this, but the media are giving short shrift to other, more positive developments that may be improving the economic Don Akridge is and retirement outlook for many president of Citadel Professional Services, Americans. Here are a few worth LLC, an independent noting. firm, founded in 1994 and conveniently 401(k) savings have rebounded located off Chastain tremendously from Great Recession Road between I-575 & I-75 in Kennesaw. lows. For older savers, the recovery Phone 770-952-6707. is especially pronounced. Fidelity just released its latest quarterly retirement snapshot. Looking over account data from its retirement plans, it says that the average third-quarter 401(k) balance for employees who had contributed to their accounts for at least 10 straight years was $241,800, compared to just $130,700 in the first quarter of 2009, when the recession was ending. That’s an 85 percent increase.1,2 Data from Principal Financial Group point out similar gains. Earlier this year, it noted that the average balance in its 401(k) plans had risen nearly 70 percent since the market trough of 2008. Also, new research from the Investment Company Institute shows that if an employee made consistent perpaycheck contributions to a 401(k) during 2007-12, the balance on such accounts increased an average of 6.8 percent annually
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TOWNELAKER | March 2015
(and this is not even considering the great year the market had in 2013).3,4 Incomes finally seem to be rising. This recovery has been marked by a lack of wage growth— a factor that has made it shallower than many analysts expected. That may be changing at last, as the Census Bureau’s employment cost index increased 0.7 percent for the second quarter. That is solid. In fact, it is the biggest quarterly boost seen in six years.4 Hiring has picked up in some crucial industries. ADP’s latest employment change report shows October payrolls swelling by 28,000 workers in the construction industry and 15,000 in the factory sector. There were 5,000 new hires at businesses with more than 500 workers, 102,000 new hires at small firms and 122,000 fresh hires at medium-sized companies.5 Americans aren’t living on margin as much as they once were. In 2008, total U.S. credit card debt reached $866 billion. In 2013, that fell to $660 billion.4 Fewer Americans are letting consumer debt linger. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York says the latest debt delinquency rates are the lowest in more than six years—the 90-day-plus delinquency rate was at 4.8 percent in the second quarter. During 2010, it reached 8.7 percent. Additionally, overall household debt declined $18 billion in the second quarter, and mortgage debt decreased $69 billion.4,6 Medicare spending didn’t rise in the last federal budget year. It was flat for FY 2012-13 and while that may not hold true in successive years, it is certainly interesting. According to Medicare actuaries, fewer Medicare recipients than forecast went to hospitals for care during that budget year, and many of those who did used cheaper services. (Per-beneficiary Part continued on page 82
TOWNELAKER | March 2015
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Lifestyle
GET SET FOR SUMMER This summer could be a busy one for your children, from the looks of this comprehensive guide. Many of these camps also have spring break offerings.
Adventures Express & Special Needs Camps
The Cherokee Recreation and Parks Agency offers Adventures Express, a camp with weekly excursions that begins open registration at 9 a.m. April 14. K.A.O.S. is an exclusive camp for special needs children, and has a 1:3 ratio of experienced counselors to participants. Cost is $130 weekly. 770-924-7768. www.crpa.net.
Elm Street Drama
Art of Living at Community of Hope
Write, produce and perform at Elm Street Cultural Arts Village, where trained counselors lead campers in performance and creative thinking skills that will serve campers in whatever profession they eventually choose. Each camper gets a T-shirt, script and video of the final performance with sessions available weekly June 8-July 31. Junior division for ages 5-7, senior division for ages 8-14. 678-494-4251. www.elmstreetarts.org.
Brainy Bytes Tech 4 Kids
Sessions for children ages 3-12 are held 7 a.m.-6 p.m. weekly June 1-July 31 at 105 Arnold Mill Park, Woodstock. 770-516-2654. info@ ga-allstars.com. www.ga-allstars.com.
Art camp for ages 7-12 will be 9 a.m.-noon June 14-19, 22-27, July 6-10, 13-17. $135. Camp also available for teens. For details, call Patricia Reeves at 770-479-6961. www.patriciareeves.com. Creative technology camps include LEGO robotics, video game creation, Minecraft Mod Design, stop-motion movie making, web design and more. Half-day and full-day sessions available June 1-July 31 throughout Cherokee and Cobb counties for children ages 6 and older. Cost is $210 half day, $310 full day. 770-826-0449. www.bbtech4kids.com.
Georgia All-Star Gymnastics Kids Time Academy
Adventure and Exploration Camp has weekly themes with field trips and activities for ages 4-12. Camp includes full meal plan. 9562 Bells Ferry Road, Canton. www.kidztymeacademy.com.
Camp Gideon
The Christian camp on Lake Allatoona is offering Impact youth leadership camp is June 20-26, Discovery day camp is June 22-26, June 29-July 3 and July 6-10. Overnight camp for ages 7-13 will be July 13-17. Camp Gideon is in Acworth at 3545 Walden Lane. Costs vary. www.campgideon.com.
Canton Golf Club Junior Golf Camp
Learn the fundamentals of golf for ages 7-16, 8:30-11:30 a.m. June 8-10 with PGA Class A instructor Craig King. Games and prizes. Snacks and beverages provided. Cost is $165. Call or text 404-285-7557.
Cherokee Junior Tennis Camps
Five sessions offered June 8-July 30 with tiny tots sessions for children younger than 8, and day camp for older children, at the Cherokee Tennis Center, 155 Brooke Blvd., Woodstock. Cost is $50 tiny tots, $160 day camp. Multiple child discounts offered. 770-592-4582. Proshopctc@gmail.com. www.cherokeetenniscenter.com.
Cherokee YMCA
Campers ages 4-15 will have the opportunity for day camp experiences with highly trained staff on 225 acres on Lake Allatoona or at the indoor YMCA in Canton. Outdoor activities include water skiing, canoeing, arts and crafts, rock climbing, archery and more. Registration opens March 1 for weekly sessions June 1-July 31. Scholarships available. 770-3459622. www.cherokeeymcaregistration.com.
“Seussical” summer camp performance at Elm Street Drama Camp.
Paper.Scissors.Cake
Campers ages 4-15 can choose from dozens of themes. Sessions held 9 a.m.-4 p.m. throughout the summer at Cherokee Charter Academy, 2126 Sixes Road. www.clubscientificatlanta.com.
The children’s art studio will offer mixed media camps for children ages 6-12 that will include time for sketchbooks and stories, painting, drawing, collage and more. Small class sizes. Bring a lunch. Toddler and preschool camp Crafternoons also available on select Tuesdays during the summer. 6687 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock. 404-867-1630. Check Paper.Scissors.Cake’s Facebook page.
Core Camps Plus
Safety Town
CRPA Fishing Camp (10th anniversary edition)
Teams of Sports & Science
Club Scientific Summer Camps
Half-day sessions for elementary through high school students covering math, science, robotics, improve SAT/ACT preparation, rapid reading, and more at Cherokee Christian School, 3075 Trickum Road, Woodstock. www.corecampsplus.com. The basics of fishing, strategies and tactics, and other skills will be taught to campers ages 9-14 June 1-5. Campers will travel to new destinations each day. A cookout and fish fry will wrap up the week. Cost is $150. Contact Jay Worley at jworley@cherokeega.com or 770924-7768. www.crpa.net.
Dance Imagination Fairytale Ballet
Offering sessions 9 a.m.-1 p.m. June 16-July 24 for children ages 2 and older at 119 Mill St., Woodstock. Cost is $40/day. Discounts available on weekly rates. Also planning camp for older girls. 678-445-2731. www.danceimagination.com. 38 TOWNELAKER | March 2015
Offering three 9 a.m.-noon sessions throughout June that cover water, fire, strangers, school bus, poison, traffic and pedestrian safety. $75 fee includes T-shirt and daily snack at Bascomb Elementary School in Woodstock. www.cherokeecountysafetytown.org. Offering sessions 7 a.m.-6 p.m. June 1-July 24 for ages 5-12 at Allen Temple Church, 232 Arnold Mill Road. Cost is $125 per week, Registration fee $40 per child. www.allentempleame.org.
Towne Lake Community Church
Weekly themes change for children ages 4-10, with sessions 9 a.m.-2 p.m. June 8-26 and July 6-24 at the Woodstock church at 132 N. Medical Parkway. Cost is $90 per week or $25 per day. One-time registration fee is $20 per child or $25 per family. camp@tlcchurch.com. 678-445-8766, ext. 203.
Birds * Ferrets * Ragdoll Kittens * Reptiles * Fish * Bunnies * Guinea Pigs * Hamsters * Gerbils * Starter Setups * 25+ Years’ Experience
Your $25 Purchase! Excludes Dog/Cat Food
Not Valid With Other Offers. Expires 3/31/15
Your $45 Purchase! Excludes Dog/Cat Food
Not Valid With Other Offers. Expires 3/31/15
TOWNELAKER | March 2015
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Lifestyle
Out & About March 7, 21
Income Tax Preparation Assistance available through the Sequoyah Regional Library System. In Woodstock 2-6 p.m. by appointment only (call 404-509-2856), March 1, 8, 22 and 29. In Hickory Flat, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. March 7 at R.T. Jones 9 a.m.-5 p.m. March 21, and Rose Creek 9 a.m.-5 p.m. March 28. George Russell, formerly with the IRS, will offer assistance. AARP - Income Tax Preparation Assistance will be available 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. March 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 at Hickory Flat. Noon4 p.m. March 5, 12 at the Woodstock library.
March 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31
Knitting instruction from a retired teacher begins at 1 p.m. Tuesdays at the Rose Creek Library, 4476 Towne Lake Pkwy. Bring your yarn and knitting needles. To register 770-591-1491.
March 7, 21
Master Gardener seminars: 10 a.m. March 7 (pre-register by March 4) on home-grown fruit and veggies at Buckeye Creek Farm, 2115 Jep Wheeler Road, Woodstock. 10 a.m. March 21 (pre-register by March 18) on beginning vegetable gardening at the Cherokee County Senior Services Center, 1001 Univeter Road, Canton. Noon March 21 (pre-register by March 18) on organic gardening at the Senior Services Center. Pre-registration number is 770-721-7803 or email uge1057@uga.edu.
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TOWNELAKER | March 2015
March 11
Free skin cancer screening 6-8 p.m. at the Medical Associates of North Georgia, 320 Hospital Road in Canton. Sponsored by the Northside Hospital Cancer Institute. Medical professionals will provide skin assessments in a private setting. Appointments required by calling 404-531-4444.
March 13-15, 20-22
“The Dining Room,” a production of Cherokee Theatre Company, is set for 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. Sundays. Auditions begin March 16-17 for “Everybody Loves Opal.” Performances at the Historic Canton Theatre at 770-5910282. www.cherokeethreatre.org.
March 15
Woodstock LEGO club meets at 3 p.m. at the Woodstock library. Work alone or in teams to construct a special creation matching the current month’s theme. All ages invited; ages 9 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
March 18
Free prostate screenings, sponsored by Northside Hospital’s Cancer Institute, will be held 6-8 p.m. at the Medical Associates of North Georgia, 320 Hospital Road in Canton. Appointments required by calling 404-531-4444.
March 18
Magical World of Harry Potter: Children ages 3-8 are invited to a Fancy Nancy soiree at the Rose Creek library at 4 p.m. Play stupendous games, enjoy a snack and make a craft inspired by Fancy Nancy. Call 770-926-5859 to register.
March 19
The AG Expo will be held 4-7 p.m. at the City Center in Woodstock at 8534 Main Street. Participants will discuss the importance of agriculture, horticulture and related businesses in the county. Displays, petting zoo, refreshments. Event is free and open to the public. Sponsored by the Cherokee County Farm Bureau, Cherokee County Extension Office, the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce and the city of Woodstock. www.cherokeegaexpo.info. Bascomb preschool registration for the 2015-16 school year begins at 9 a.m. at the preschool of Bascomb United Methodist Church, 2295 Bascomb Carmel Road in Woodstock. 770-9260397. www.bascombpreschool.com.
March 20
Free notary training session, 10:30 a.m.-noon, at the Frank C. Mills III Justice Center, 90 North Street, Canton. All notaries welcome but space is limited. Call 678-493-6523 for reservation.
March 21
Next Step Ministries, Inc. and Gold’s Gym of Woodstock will host the second annual “Run, Walk or Roll: Take the Next Step 5K” fundraiser for Next Step’s programs for people with special needs. Event takes place at First Baptist Church of Woodstock, 11905 Hwy. 92. Registration begins at 7 a.m., race time is 8 a.m. $25 entry fee includes race T-shirt and goodie bag. 770-5921227. nsm@nextstepministries.net. www.nextstepministries. net.
March 21, April 25
The Artisans Arts and Craft Show will be held at His Hands Church, 550 Molly Lane, Woodstock. Vendors can contact mainstreetcraftshow@gmail.com for applications and details.
March 24-29
Book sale at the Woodstock Public Library, sponsored by Friends of the Library, begins with a preview sale for Friends members 3-6 p.m. and open to the public 6-7:30 p.m. March 24, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. March 25-27 and noon-5 p.m. March 29. Closed March 28. www. sequoyahregionallibrary.org.
March 31
Drop-In Crafternoon 2-4 p.m. at the Rose Creek library. Materials provided. For all ages who enjoy crafting with paper, glue and crayons. Requires participating adult. TOWNELAKER | March 2015
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Lifestyle
Congratulations, it’s a … Casserole! BY CLAIRE FROST
If you have a pregnant friend and are wondering what the protocol is for visitation once the baby comes, I can help you! I was always confused too, but having just begrudgingly re-entered civilization from my own maternity leave, I can shine some light on what new mommies and daddies might want. Claire is the editor of House of Frost, a blog juggling family, fashion, food, and furnishing with a little sparkle. She lives in Woodstock with her husband, Sean, their new baby girl, and two pups. HouseFrost. com
1.
Ask. Set up a time for a visit and ask what they want. They’ll be happy to tell you they just had chicken or that Baby gets gassy when Mom has chili, etc. No random pop-ins, but if you leave a basket on their porch and let them know you left some goodies, they’ll love it.
2.
To casserole or not to casserole? Sure, they’re convenient, but sometimes a light meal is just what Mommy wants. I loved the pre-made meals for dinner, but for lunch I craved something fresh: sandwiches, salads and fresh fruit. Refreshing and healthy!
3.
Brevity. Unless you’re told otherwise, visits under an hour are perfect. Baby’s schedule isn’t set and they’re just getting their footing as parents. The last thing they want is to entertain when they’re just trying to stay afloat. (Seriously, lock the windows. It’s a hurricane.) Don’t forget also, if Mom is breastfeeding, she might not be comfortable nursing in front of you.
4.
Lend a hand. It’s natural to offer to snuggle a cutiepie baby so Mom can do laundry, but what will really make Mom happy is offering to do some laundry for her while she holds her bundle of joy. (These visits were my favorite!) For a new mom, the moments of easy silence interrupted only by the sounds of her baby’s small breaths and soft snorts while sleeping in her arms are the most cherished of memories. Allow her to collect and store them. (I’m told they come in handy during the teen years.)
5.
Be patient. When our daughter was born, I was slow to respond to any texts, calls, emails, etc. My phone stayed on silent so I could really enjoy my time with my baby. Mom and Dad are sure to let you know when they’re ready to chat, so don’t get your feelings hurt if you encounter some radio silence. (Maybe some new parents want a constant stream of people visiting. I don’t know any, but I don’t speak for everyone.) 42
TOWNELAKER | March 2015
Rob’s Rescues
I’m Rob Macmillan and I’m on a mission to help shelter dogs and cats. These animals are at the Cherokee County Animal Shelter at 1015 Univeter Road, Canton. Contact me at robsrescues@ gmail.com www.robsrescues.com
This dog’s name is Nellie. She does not come when you call her, she is very jumpy too but she is friendly. She has very long legs. She is 3 years old and has been at the Shelter since Christmas. She is a Coonhound, Walker mix. Someone will really like her.
This cat is named Francisco. He has lots of gray stripes and is quite small. He is 1 ½ years old and is a Grey Mackeral Tabby. He is a really nice cat and is friendly with other cats and humans. My brother’s friend, Dillon Watson, made a video for Rob’s Rescues. You can see it at:
www.robsrescues.com
If you want to support Rob’s Rescues more have a look at this flyer!
TOWNELAKER | March 2015
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Lifestyle
Jump O N S P R I N G C L E A N I N G
A
BY CHANTEL ADAMS | CHANLYNNADAMS@GMAIL.COM
Winter in Georgia doesn’t last very long, but I’m a Southerner through and through, so it’s long enough. By March, I’m digging out the extra large trash bags to purge closets. Although I’m also ready to clean windows and dust off patio furniture, it’s first things first. The priority is to get things under control inside. This month, I’m thrilled to share my secrets for keeping things fresh and organized. If you can’t go out, at least you can feel good about inviting people in.
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First, the fridge. I enjoy tossing out leftovers and wiping down drawers and bins. When I discovered these fridge and freezer bins, my life got even easier. After I went to the grocery store and rearranged everything, even my husband noticed and remarked that everything looked more appetizing. Of course, the downside is that everything looks more appetizing, so if you’re dieting, beware. The bins are available starting at $7.99 at Bed, Bath & Beyond near Target at Canton Marketplace.
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Next, the floors. My neighbor has the shiniest floors. Granted, she doesn’t have a dog or allow shoes in the house, but I can see my face in her floors. And they’ve been that way for the past six years. She swears by this solution from Holloway House. This product, however, is not for everyday use because it will cause buildup if not used correctly. Use just twice a year for the perfect shine. Holloway House Quick Shine Floor Finish, $5.47, Walmart Supercenter, 2200 Holly Springs Parkway, Holly Springs.
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Confession: I first saw the Scrub Daddy while watching an episode of the TV show “Shark Tank.” I ordered it immediately. Although the Scrub Daddy looks like a simple sponge, it’s actually a flexible cleaning tool. I love using it to clean my enamel cookware, but I’ve also found that it does an equally good job eliminating the grime on my kids’ tennis shoes. A pack of three nonscratch sponges sells for $9.99 at Bed, Bath, & Beyond, Canton Marketplace, 1810 Cumming Highway, Canton.
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4. Cluttered counters? I like having
everything out where I can see it, but the obsessive-compulsive in me prefers things to be tidy and organized. Luckily, glass apothecary jars are all the rage right now. I found these at TJ Maxx starting at $7.99. The store carries all shapes and sizes. Arrange on a rustic wood tray for a chic display in the master bathroom.
5. Sometimes I wish my entire house were
covered in hard surfaces, but since wall-to-wall carpeting upstairs is my lot in my life, I spend a lot of time reminding the people I love to remove their shoes. Although we have the rugs professionally cleaned twice a year, tiny spills and doggie accidents happen. I can’t tell you how many times this product has saved me. I buy six bottles at a time because I’m afraid they might discontinue it without telling me. I’ve yet to discover any other product that even remotely compares to this carpet spot remover. A Folex 36-ounce spray bottle sells for $5.79 at Home Depot, Sixes Road, Canton.
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TOWNELAKER | March 2015
Tumors have nowhere to hide Patients now have somewhere to turn The future of cancer treatment is here. And it’s only available at WellStar. WellStar is the only health system in metro Atlanta to offer TomoTherapy® and CyberKnife® for the treatment of both cancerous and non-cancerous tumors.
TomoTherapy
CyberKnife Robotic Radiosurgery System
Unlike conventional systems, which allow radiation to be delivered from only a few directions, TomoTherapy rotates in 360 degrees, meaning that treatments can be delivered continuously to the tumor from every angle. More beam directions give physicians more control in how they plan treatments – and more assurance that the dose will be confined to the tumor.
The CyberKnife Robotic Radiosurgery System involves no cutting, and for many, can offer a non-invasive alternative to surgery for the treatment of tumors. The system is composed of a radiation delivery device, which is mounted on a flexible robotic arm which enables CyberKnife to deliver radiation to tumors anywhere in the body. Its exceptional tracking ability eliminates the need for patients to have stabilizing head frames or limited breathing during treatment.
For more information, call 770-793-7550 or visit wellstar.org/cancercare. TOWNELAKER | March 2015
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Lifestyle
Boxty - Irish Potato Cake Potatoes were and probably still are a big staple in an Irish diet. Back in the day, it was potato for breakfast, lunch and dinner. We are now a bit more sophisticated and eat other foods. Boxty can be made using leftover mashed potatoes from your Sunday dinner for a Monday treat, and can be a tasty morning treat with a fried egg on top. Some people just like it with a bit of butter and salt. At Papa P’s, we use boxty instead of a tortilla to make a quesadilla. Whatever way you try it, you just can’t beat anything made out of potato. Happy St. Patrick’s Day to you and yours!
“Boxty in the griddle, boxty in the pan. If you can’t make boxty, you’ll never get a man” – Old Irish saying.
Ingredients:
Method:
4 large potatoes ¾ cup milk 1 teaspoon salt 1 egg ⅓ cup all purpose flour ¼ teaspoon black pepper 2 tablespoons salted butter
Chop two potatoes, place in water, season with salt and bring to boil. Reduce to low heat and simmer until cooked, 8-10 minutes. Strain and add ¼ cup of the milk and mash. Grate the remaining two potatoes with a large-hole grater. Sprinkle with salt. Put in a strainer and place on top of a large bowl. Using the back of a wooden spoon, press grated potato so excess liquid drips into the bowl. Add grated potatoes to mash. Mix in the egg, remaining milk, flour, pepper and salt. Heat a large frying pan over medium heat. Melt butter in pan and place about ¼ cup of batter per boxty in pan. Cook until golden brown (4-5 minutes) , flip and cook the same length of time on the other side. Enjoy, Caron and Alberto
Caron and Alberto Catalán are the owners and managers of Papa P’s – Mexican with an Irish side, located in the Towne Lake Kroger shopping center. They have lived in Towne Lake since 2008. They have four children, Conor, Ciara, Derek and Fiona. Visit them online at www.papa-ps.com or call (770) 592-3100.
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TOWNELAKER | March 2015
A Lesson On Gluten-Free Flours BY JESSICA LEIGH SMITH
If you have taken the gluten-free plunge, you most likely have found yourself in the middle of a flour storm, meaning you have discovered the variety of flours available and necessary to live a tasty gluten-free life. We GFers are actually lucky, in my opinion. Our flours are healthy and, when blended together well, are tastier. Let’s learn some of the flours that will become staples in your kitchen, and in your vocabulary. Jessica Leigh Smith lives in Cherokee Brown rice flour: Nutty taste, adds County with her texture, high in protein and insoluble fiber. family. Jessica is also an actress and Buckwheat: Contrary to its name, it producer. www. does not contain wheat. It’s excellent for JessicaLeighSmith.com and Facebook.com/ pancakes and yeast breads, contains high NotFinishedInc. levels of zinc, copper, manganese and potassium, and is very high in protein. Chia: Great for flatbreads, high in protein, soluble flour, omega 3 fatty acids and calcium. Cornstarch: Very little flavor, used as a thickener, is low in fat but high in calories, so proceed with caution. Flaxseed: Nutty, strong flavor, retains moisture and provides a spring to baked goods. It’s high in omega 3 fatty acids, lignans
(antioxidants) and fiber, both soluble and insoluble. Some call this the world’s healthiest food. Millet: Powdery texture, sweet flavor, great for muffins and flatbreads. High in protein, antioxidants, vitamin B3, magnesium and fiber. Nut flours (almond, pecan, etc): Add flavor, texture and various nutritional values. Potato starch (do not confuse with potato flour): Weak in flavor, low in calories and great for retaining moisture and providing a soft, light texture. Quinoa: Slightly mild nutty flavor, a perfect balance of all nine amino acids essential for nutrition as well as a large dose of fiber and iron. Sorghum: Nutty, sweet flavor that’s a good source of niacin. Teff: Similar in taste to hazelnuts, high in fiber, low in sodium and fat. Tapioca (cassava): Sweet flavor, adds texture, sodium free. White rice flour: Not as dense as brown white flour, high in protein and insoluble fiber. In almost every case, you will need to combine two or more in order to create traditional gluten-filled type foods for your new lifestyle. The effort put in now to understand which flours work well with each other and with you will pay off tremendously in superb taste, thus helping you stick with your new diet.
Gluten-Free Pretzels
One of my all-time favorites before going gluten-free was a pretzel—the big, bready ones that you get at a ballgame or the mall. After 3 ½ years, I am thrilled to report that I now know how to make carbon copies of the yummy-in-my-tummy mall pretzels (my non-GF husband even prefers mine).
Ingredients: 3 cups GF flour
(plus more by the tablespoon, if necessary)
1 ½ teaspoon xanthan gum
(unless it is already in your flour blend)
3 teaspoons instant yeast ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar ¼ teaspoon baking soda ¼ cup brown sugar 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar 5 tablespoons unsalted butter 2 egg whites 1 cup warm milk Melted butter Coarse salt for sprinkling
Baking Soda Bath: 6 cups water 1 tablespoon baking soda 1 teaspoon salt
Method: Mix the first six ingredients. Then add in the salt and mix again. Add the vinegar, butter and egg whites and mix. Add the warm milk in a slow stream. If needed, add in more flour until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl. Divide into small balls, roll out and twist into pretzel shapes. Place on baking sheet and allow the pretzels to rise for roughly 40 minutes. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. Bring the baking soda bath to a boil in a large pot over high heat. Soak each pretzel in the bath, roughly a minute per side. While still warm, brush each pretzel with the melted butter and if desired, sprinkle with salt. Remember that salt will retain moisture and that gluten-free goods don’t keep well for more than a couple days, so consider not adding salt in order to keep the pretzel tasty for as long as possible. Bake the pretzels in the oven for about 20 minutes, or until light brown. TOWNELAKER | March 2015
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Feature
A Comprehensive Approach to Optimum Health The specialists at Optimum Health have learned that most chronic issues, including weight gain, pain or illness, have something in common: an underlying health issue is often at the root of the problem. So they have tailored their approach to achieving wellness by offering much more than a cursory check-up or a hastily written prescription. Wellness starts when the patient and practitioner meet for a one-on-one consultation. “We bring the best of alternative and traditional medicine together so we can look more extensively, dig deeper and really get to the root causes of the problems that so many people are suffering with,” said Dr. Melissa Grill-Petersen, a wellness specialist at Optimum Health. The services offered at Optimum Health include preventative medicine, nutritional counseling, chiropractic care, rehabilitation, massage therapy, pain management solutions for chronic illness and weight issues. The Woodstock office is one of seven clinics in metro Atlanta, including a new facility in Dunwoody. The staff includes physicians, nurse practitioners, chiropractors, massage therapists and wellness coaches.
Medical Weight Loss
Many patients who seek help at Optimum Health have been on what Grill-Petersen calls a “conveyer belt to no solution” within their current healthcare environment. The specialists at Optimum Health see many patients seeking permanent weight loss. “Weight loss is much more than a numbers game. Too often patients come in and say they have tried everything
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from counting calories and increasing activity to even eating pre-made diet foods, all with no luck and in most cases even gaining more weight. They are left hitting another wall, feeling frustrated and like a failure. Grill-Petersen says, “There is hope. What many people don’t realize is that there can be a host of variables at play impacting their ability to lose weight. Challenges from stress to thyroid and hormonal imbalances to inflammatory responses caused by allergies, food sensitivities, blood sugar disorders and even GI microbial issues can all be culprits. These are just a few of the potential underlying factors that can interfere with the body’s natural ability to shed unwanted pounds.” The team at Optimum Health understands that there are many factors that play into a person’s ability to successfully lose weight. That’s why the specialists take such a comprehensive
“After suffering for years with neck and low back pain, I decided to visit Optimum Health. It was recommended by my sister who is also a patient. The services available are amazing from chiropractic care to nutrition to massage. Everyone is so helpful in all areas of the practice. It was a great choice for me.” — Cheryl H., Marietta
Owner Alex Jutis, DC
Medical Doctor Amit Shah, M.D.
Nurse Practitioner Lisa Rowland, NP-C
Clinic Director Randy Gaddis, DC
Wellness Specialist Melissa Grill-Petersen, DC
Practice Manager Sam Kashani, DC
Massage Therapist Lisa Yoder, CMT
Massage Therapist Regie Pacol, CMT
TOWNELAKER | March 2015
approach with their patients. A medical approach to weight loss guarantees careful supervision by the professionals at Optimum Health, and can include HCG and vitamin B12 injections, food sensitivity and cortisol testing, detoxification, digestive health review, nutritional guidance and supplementation. A plan is customized for each patient and regular visits are scheduled to see each patient through, whether the goal is to lose 10 or 100 pounds.
“I lost 48 pounds on the HCG program. I learned about living a healthy lifestyle and loved working with the staff during my weight-loss journey.” —April B.
Wellness (Functional Medicine)
This science-based field of health care focuses on prevention and underlying causes of serious chronic disease. The medical staff uses very specific types of testing depending on the problems experienced by the patient. Tests can detect food sensitivities, gastro-intestinal problems, hormone and immune system imbalances and issues with adrenals and metabolism. The scientific type of testing done at Optimum Health is designed to evaluate structural imbalances on the cellular level.
Physical Medicine
Photos by Kim Bates
The medical practitioners at Optimum Health may prescribe X-rays, MRIs, NCV (nerve conduction velocity) testing and/or vascular ultrasound testing to diagnose a patient’s condition. Patients may be prescribed homeopathic and/or allopathic treatments to lessen their symptoms. Alternatives to invasive surgeries and pharmacological injections are also provided. Those options include natural bio-pharmaceutical injections for pain associated with muscles spasms, inflammation of the joints and headaches. This approach is a safer and more effective treatment of many conditions, such as osteoarthritis of the knee. The medical practitioner may prescribe chiropractic care, physical rehabilitation and/or massage as part of the patient’s integrated treatment plan.
Supplements and Support
Optimum Health provides an array of pharmaceutical-grade supplements and nutritional support that can aid weight loss and help restore metabolic balance. While the supplements play a part in the treatment plan, specialists also offer customized diet, nutritional and lifestyle coaching. “As an integrative practice, we have the ability to run more comprehensive tests than if you’re just going to your primary care doctor, or even a specialist,” according to Grill-Petersen. “We’re able to see a bigger picture and a more comprehensive road map back to health, to weight loss, pain reduction, and increased energy. A way back to optimum health and vitality.” Optimum Health accepts most insurance plans, and will create a payment plan for patients who pay out of pocket. To schedule a free consultation, call 770-516-7477.
2360 Towne Lake Parkway, Suite 104 Woodstock 30189
770-516-7477
Open: 9 a.m.-1 p.m., 3:30-7 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, 3:30-7 p.m. Thursday 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday www.optimumhealthrehab.com www.facebook.com/optimumhealthrw TOWNELAKER | March 2015
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Lifestyle BKFST LUNCH DINNER SUNDAYS SPIRITS
RESERV.
Cheeseburger Bobby’s, 2295 Towne Lake Pkwy. (678) 494-3200, cheeseburgerbobbys.com
American
no
$
$
open
no
no
Chili’s Bar & Grill, 1460 Towne Lake Pkwy. (770) 592-7676, chilis.com
American
no
$
$-$$
open
full bar
call ahead seating
Chinese
no
$
$-$$
open
no
no
Soup/Salad Sandwiches
no
$
no
closed
no
no
American Irish
no
$
$$
open
full bar
6+
Mexican
$
$
$-$$
open
full bar
no
Homestyle Cooking
$$
$$
$$
closed
no
no
American Casual
no
$
$-$$
open
full bar
special events
GAMEDAY Fresh Grill, 2990 Eagle Dr. (770) 693-6754, gamedayfresh.com
American/Burgers
no
$
$$
open
full bar
yes
Izumi Asian Bistro, 2035 Townelake Pkwy. (678) 238-1899, iloveizumi.com
Thai/Sushi/Chinese
no
$
$$
open
full bar
JD’s Barbeque, 6557 Bells Ferry Road (678) 445-7730, jdsbbq.net
Barbecue
no
$
$-$$
open
no
Jersey’s Sports Bar, 6426 Bells Ferry Rd. (770) 790-5740, jerseysgrille.com
American
no
$
$$
open
full bar
Pizza/Pasta/Salad
no
$
$-$$
open
full bar
American Casual
Sun. brunch
$-$$
$$
open
full bar
Japanese Steak/Sushi
no
$-$$
$$-$$$
open
full bar
Mexican
no
$
$$
open
full bar
Steakhouse
no
$
$$
open
full bar
call ahead seating
Marco’s Pizza, 6424 Bells Ferry Rd. (678) 213-2100, marcos.com
Pizza/Pasta/Salad
no
$
$-$$
open
beer/wine
no
Mellow Mushroom, 2370 Towne Lake Pkwy. (770) 591-3331, mellowmushroom.com
Pizza/Pasta/Salad
no
$-$$
$-$$
open
beer/wine
no
*NY Style Deli & Pizza, 2340 Towne Lake Pkwy., d (678) 426-7004 *see a
Pizza/Subs/Bakery
no
$-$$
$-$$
open
no
no
Bakery/Soups/ Sandwiches
$
$
$-$$
open
no
no
Mexian/Irish
Sat.&Sun. brunch
$
$
open
full bar
large groups call ahead
Chinese/Japanese
no
$
$-$$
open
beer/wine
no
Chinese
no
$
$-$$
open
no
no
American Casual
no
$$
$$-$$$
open
full bar
no
The Place, 1105 Parkside Ln. (770) 928-8901, theplacebargrill.com
Bar/Grill
no
$-$$
$$
open
full bar
no
Town Lake Diner, 2290 Eagle Dr. (770) 675-3390
American
$
$
$-$$
open ‘til 3
no
no
Italian
no
$-$$
$$-$$$
open
full bar
China Fun, 1075 Buckhead Crossing (770) 926-2671, chinafun88.com Corner Bistro, 2360 Towne Lake Pkwy. (770) 924-1202, cornerbistrotl.com Donovan’s Irish Cobbler, 1025 Rose Creek Dr. (770) 693-8763, donovansirishcobbler.com El Ranchero, 1025 Rose Creek Dr. (770) 516-6616 Family Tradition, 4379 Towne Lake Pkwy. (770) 852-2885, familytradition.net Featherstone’s Grill, 1003 Towne Lake Hills Golf Club (770) 592-9969
Johnny’s Pizza, 1105 Parkside Lane (770) 928-9494, johnnyspizza.com *Jump Kitchen Saloon, 1085 Buckhead Crsng see ad * (678) 388-7717, jumpkitchensaloon.com g. 70
p
Kani House, 2455 Towne Lake Pkwy. (770) 592-5264, kanihouse.com LaParilla, 1065 Buckhead Crossing (770) 928-3606, laparilla.com LongHorn, 1420 Towne Lake Pkwy. (770) 924-5494, longhornsteakhouse.com
pg. 23
Panera Bread, 2625 Towne Lake Pkwy. (678) 813-4809, panerabread.com
*Papa P’s, 2295 Towne Lake Pkwy. (770) 592-3100, papa-ps.com
d *see a pg. 8
Peking & Tokyo, 200 Parkbrooke Dr. (770) 591-8858, pekingandtokyo.com Song’s Garden, 2068 Eagle Dr. (770) 928-8387, songsgarden.com *Stock Bistro & Grill, 6424 Bells Ferry Road *see ad (770) 516-6779, www.stock-bistro.com pg. 18
Tuscany, 250 Cinema View Dr. (678) 453-0888, mytuscanyrestaurant.com
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TOWNELAKER | March 2015
yes no yes no yes yes no
10+
* Denotes Advertiser
CUISINE
RESTAURANT
Casual and Upscale Dine-In Restaurants
$ = most entrees under $10 • $$ = most entrees $10 - $15 • $$$ = most entrees $15 - $20 • $$$$ = most entrees over $20
Towne Lake Area Dining Guide
Pretty Tile, Ugly Grout?
®
We Cure Sick Grout!® the
GROUT Doctor
®
Since 1992
BEFORE
BEFORE
AFTER
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Regrouting and Recaulking Grout Cleaning and Sealing Grout Recoloring Tile and Grout Repair
25 Off
$
Any Grout Service Minimum Job of $150
Not valid with any other offer
CALL FOR A FREE ESTIMATE
678-383-1311 www.GroutDoctor.com
Specialists in the Detection and Treatment of Digestive Diseases, Hepatitis and Colon Cancer
Our New Location Is Now Open! 900 Towne Lake Parkway | Suite 308 | Woodstock, Georgia 30189 [In the Northside Cherokee | Towne Lake Medical Campus]
770.926.5459 [Same phone number]
Basil S. Al-Awabdy, M.D. • Bruce T. Kalmin, M.D. • Nandha Kanagarajan, M.D. Marc D. Rosenberg, M.D. • Jon V. Trankina, M.D.
www.atlantagastro.com
With our new location in Woodstock, taking charge of your health has never been easier. AGA is a participating provider for Medicare, Medicaid and most healthcare plans offered in Georgia. TOWNELAKER | March 2015
51
Lifestyle
Dog Park Etiquette 101 BY LORRE LAMARCA
Lorre LaMarca is the owner of the Bark Station, 240 Arnold Mill Road. www.barkstation.com. 770-517-9907
1.
The dog park is a place dog owners love to visit with canine companions. It’s great to get fresh air, watch our doggies frolic and meet people who have the common bond of loving their pets. There’s a sense of satisfaction we feel when we see our pets tuckered out from a joyful dog park visit. Most regulars know how to make their way around the dog park while keeping their canine companions safe. Here are some suggestions for a positive experience. And don’t forget your poopy bags!
Scope the park. Before entering the park and the entire time you are at the park, make sure you look at what dogs are currently there and the energy of the park. Your judgment is the most important piece to keeping your dog safe.
2. Be willing to quickly leave the park if your dog is not
comfortable, not having fun, playing too rough or getting bullied.
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TOWNELAKER | March 2015
3.
Do not use the dog park pack to “test” to see if your new dog likes other dogs.
4.
Refrain from bringing food/treats inside the dog park. Food takes the focus off playing with other pups and on the food/ treats you harbor. Also, some dogs become quite territorial over food.
5.
Keep away from personal distractions (cell phones, books, etc). You should be paying attention to your dog and the body language of the dogs playing with them. Also, be sure to clean up promptly after a potty stop.
6.
Make sure your dog is vaccinated against these common deadly local viruses: rabies, DHPP (distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus and parainfluenza) and bordetella.
7. Keep in mind, even though your “little” dog loves to play
with “big” dogs, “big” dogs might not feel the same.
8. Do not bring intact males or females in estrus into the park.
Even though there are several dog park etiquette do’s and don’ts, being proactive versus reactive is key. So go get your pooper scoopers and head to the park for some fun!
Spring Fever Brings a Renewed Effort BY LYNNE SAUNDERS
Each month ushers in new opportunities. Daffodils boldly spring forth, encouraging us to believe something new is on the way. Even when the temperatures drop, these flowers are resilient. Job seekers, be strong and don’t get distracted. A lady who recently attended an employment class at The Master’s Training Center stopped by, vowing to get serious about her job Lynne is an author search again. She admitted to falling and the director of Papa’s Pantry and the off the proverbial wagon when the MastersTraining temperatures warmed up. Suddenly Center.com. She can be reached at (770) she realized she was one week closer 591-4730 or visit to needing a paycheck. www.papaspantry.org. Not all job-seeking tasks need to be performed indoors behind a computer screen. In an age when applying for jobs online is predominant, most job seekers complain there is no personal touch. Maximize good weather days - expand your job search and make contact with potential employers in person. This strategy is known as cold calling and works in many scenarios. The secret to a successful day is researching, planning and preparing. Be focused. • Determine what kind of job you intend to apply for. Don’t communicate that you will do “anything,” even if you think it. Apply for jobs for which you are qualified. • Research the companies you are interested in. Evaluate their hiring processes to be sure they do not have “do not call” or “do not solicit” policies. • Map the driving route to maximize time and gasoline. Start your day with a clean car inside and out. Avoid visiting companies at the beginning of the day, at lunch time or near closing time. • Cafeterias in professional buildings can be an informative place. Careful, yet respectful eavesdropping can help you learn of potential job openings. • Prepare resumes that feature your skills and qualifications for the job you want. Add a cover letter that introduces you personally. Take a legal pad and pen to write names and contact information of key people you meet. • Start the day with clean, professional clothing, confidence, a warm smile and a firm handshake. • The goal of the day is to introduce yourself to potential employers and open the door for future conversations. • Follow up with thank you phone calls and/or emails to the people who took time to talk with you. Keep making progress! TOWNELAKER | March 2015
53
Lifestyle
Technology Can Be a Helpful Parenting Tool BY BILL BINGHAM
There isn’t a single generation since man walked erect that hasn’t said “things were different when I was young” and meant it. As a father in his (gulp) 40s, I never thought this particular cliché would land as squarely on my shrinking shoulders as it has. Living in the Information Age has provided us all progress and prosperity as well as perils and pitfalls. The question of the day is, Bill owns several tech “How do I use this to my advantage as a companies and often parent?” writes about being a new husband and Depending on the age of your father. He can be precious offspring, you have many seen with his family in downtown Woodstock, options available to help look out for being pulled by a them that our parents couldn’t have husky—leash in one hand, cigar in the other. dreamed of. The easiest revolve around bill@thenetaffect.com a smartphone of any kind. I’m not going to get into the Apple versus Android debate here, but there are many services that allow you to track where family members are at any given time. Some go so far as to monitor and notify based on pre-set locations, (e.g. -“Tell me when my son gets to school”). For those of you like me with pre-teens at home, sans
54
TOWNELAKER | March 2015
cellphone, there are some effective tools as well. The home automation industry will soon provide inexpensive, Internetbased solutions that let your home go from “smart” to “I’m a little slow, but I’m trying hard to learn” as your budget, lifestyle and interests change. A small sensor in your child’s backpack can alert you to his or her comings and goings as warranted. In fact, some sensors can even be logic based, such as “tell me if my son doesn’t come home by 3:15 p.m. on a weekday.” As you make your own parenting decisions, my suggestion is to harness the tools available to you so they aren’t used against you. Remember, Google can be your friend. No matter the solution, my opinion is that the security of parental oversight far outweighs any impulse your kid may have to surpass it. Then again, I am a new parent. I might not be that smart, but I’m trying hard to learn. This is just how I see the world. Your view may be different.
“Depending on the age of your precious offspring, you have many options available to help look out for them that our parents couldn’t have dreamed of.”
Get SAME-DAY appointments with a. Piedmont primary care provider near you.
SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT 678-582-8862 | VISIT PIEDMONT.ORG/TODAY TOWNELAKER | March 2015
55
Health & Wellness
Hearing Loss: The Invisible Disability BY JAN HENRIQUES AU. D.
How well do you see at night? It’s not often we find ourselves in complete darkness. Even if we don’t turn on a light, streetlights, the moon, the stars or light from a distance can help us find our way in the dark. It’s much the same for individuals with a hearing problem. Most people with hearing loss have enough hearing to stumble through conversations. Dr. Henriques is They can ask people to repeat what’s a board certified been said or turn up the television to audiologist and lead provider at North hear it more clearly. Georgia Audiology in Hearing loss is often referred to as Woodstock. She has been practicing since the “invisible disability” because you 1985, after earning a cannot see just by looking at a person doctorate in audiology from the University of that he or she cannot hear. If someone Florida and a master’s is in a wheelchair or walking with a degree from LSU Medical Center. cane, you might be sympathetic and hold open a door. But if someone with hearing loss approaches you and doesn’t understand you because he or she can’t hear you well, that person can be unfairly judged as being aloof or senile. Why is it that if we are having difficulty seeing we have it
checked out? According to the National Institutes of Health, there are 15 million adults in the U.S. ages 18-64, or 6 percent of the population, who have less than 20/20 vision. Of these, about 85 percent use corrective glasses. In contrast, there are 26 million adults ages 1864, or 11 percent of the “Hearing loss is often population, with mild to profound hearing loss and referred to as the only 16 percent reach out ‘invisible disability’ to get help with hearing. because you cannot I often use the analogy of the first time I got see just by looking at glasses. I was 10 years a person that he or old and remember the drive home from the she cannot hear.” optometrist’s office. I was amazed to see the leaves on the trees! It wasn’t that I hadn’t seen the trees or the leaves before, but now they were so much more defined and clear! The same happens when you hear sounds again that have been long missed: the blurriness of the speech goes away. The nuances of speech and music become fuller and more vibrant. Don’t miss out on the sounds of life. Have your hearing tested. You might be surprised at what you have been missing.
Always Tired? You’re Not Alone 70 million people in the United States suffer from sleep disorders. A good night’s sleep can fuel your day with energy, keeping you refreshed, alert, and less-stressed. However, for more than 70 million Americans, sleep does not come easy. Northside Hospital’s Sleep Disorders Center is here to help. With more than 30 years of experience, our specialists will help you find personalized solutions. To learn more about the benefits of sleep, please contact the center nearest you. Relaxing & Comfortable Settings in 3 Convenient Locations.
Centralized SChedUling: (404) 236-8200 View videos on sleep disorders at northside.com/sleep
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TOWNELAKER | March 2015
Attention Sciatica And Low Back Pain Sufferers……
Could One Hour With Our Doctors Give You The Answer To Your Disc Pain? Now, in Acworth, GA, Dr. Erin Arnold, D.C. & Dr. Amy Valente, D.C. have what may be the most important breakthrough in non-surgical back pain treatment. Before and after MRI studies have shown disc bulges shrink in size – even with the most painful cases of L4-L5 & L5-S1 herniations. If you’ve had disc problems for years, recently injured your back, or you’re suffering with sciatica, you must hear about these new studies. Scientific studies tell us that spinal discs are responsible for most of the aches and pains people suffer from. Discs act like a cushion between our backbones and allow for a space at each level so the nerves can exit the spinal column. When these discs get injured or wear out from bad posture, they begin to degenerate and cause pain. Bulging and herniations begin to form, pressing on the nerve roots. If the herniations occur at L4-L5, they can severely compromise the large sciatic nerve, causing muscle weakness, tingling, and severe pain. The most common invasive treatment for disc herniations is surgery. This costs quite a bit of money. Even with health insurance the patient is left with their own portion of the bill, in excess of $10,000-$15,000, and sometimes more. The recovery time and missed work can be anywhere from 3 to 6 months, not to mention the obvious severe risks associated with all surgery. But here’s the biggest problem… there is a high failure rate of back surgery. One medical study found that on average, 53% of L5-S1 back surgeries fail to produce relief of symptoms (International Orthop 1987.) Do You Have A Disc Problem? If you experience any of the following in your back or neck, chances are your pain is due to a disc bulge, herniation or degeneration: • A vice-like squeezing feeling in your back • Sitting causes back or leg pain • Stabbing pain at the belt line or in your neck • Can’t turn over in bed without hurting • Numbness in your toes or fingers • Fire down your legs • Searing pain radiates into your arm • Prickling in your leg or toes Finally, Some Good News…… If you’ve been suffering with back pain or arm/leg pain caused by a disc bulge, disc herniation or squashed or compressed discs. Until recently, the only advice for many of you suffering in pain was to try what you’ve been told: • Try exercising • Try physical therapy • Try pain medications • Try muscle relaxers • Try pain shots • Try dangerous back surgery • Just live with it If you’re like most, none of these have worked for you or you are afraid of what could happen if you do try some of these. Exercising makes you hurt more, pain medications and muscle relaxers cover up the problem and give you side effects. Pain shots can cause more pain, don’t work or don’t last very long or FIX the problem, back surgery didn’t work, or made you worse. Or maybe you were one of the lucky ones that back surgery actually helped, but now the problem is back with a vengeance. Whatever your situation, you owe it to yourself to check into a Breakthrough Computerized Non-Surgical Treatment
for back pain and sciatic or leg pain caused by a bulging, herniated or squashed disc or discs. It has helped hundreds of people who were suffering just like you. This new treatment machine we are calling “the squashed disc machine.” How “Good” Discs become “Bad” Discs Over time the discs in your back tend to get squashed or compressed, especially if you’ve played certain sports when younger or have a job that requires lots of sitting or standing in one place for long periods of time. Car accidents, lifting things, very physical jobs just to name a few. It’s kind of like a cookie with cream filling, and the cream filling will start to ooze out from between the sides of the cookie if pressure is applied on top of the cookie (like gravity on our spines). Eventually this happens to a lot of us. Statistics show over 80% of Americans will suffer with back pain some time in their life. Spinal decompression treatments are very gentle. In fact, every once in a while I even catch a patient sleeping during treatment! How Does This Machine Work? Haven’t you ever had the thought…”Gosh, if somebody could just pull me apart…I would feel a whole lot better.” Yeah, we know you have. And it kind of makes a bit of sense. Well someone else, actually a medical manufacturer, back pain specialists, neurosurgeons and engineers have come up with just that. A machine that gently pulls you apart, stretches the disc to a certain point that causes a drop in pressure inside the disc (like a little vacuum in the middle of the cream filling) causing the cream filling to suck back in! You’ll simply lie on your stomach or back, whichever is comfortable, and then a specialized belt is gently put around your waist. We’ll set the machine to focus on your problem area – then the advanced decompression computer system will do the rest. Most patients feel better with just a few treatments, and best of all there will be no dangerous drugs, no invasive procedures, and no painful exercises. Does Decompression really work? Absolutely! When you come in we will provide you with studies that show why decompression is a preferred method of treatment. But what provides the best “proof” on how well decompression works is what patients say about it: Just Listen to What Our Patients Had to Say: I started at North Cobb Spine & Nerve Institute for pain in my low back that traveled down my right leg. The pain felt like a burning sensation down my leg and numbness into my toes. I was unable to walk my normal 5 miles. Since starting the spinal decompression therapy I am now able to walk again without any pain. The pain and numbness down my right leg is completely alleviated. I was surprised to find that I am even sleeping better at night and that the tension in my upper back has also been relieved. The staff here has treated my great and is very caring! Thanks Bill Norman “Before I started getting spinal decompression therapy I was having severe pain in my low back and numbness down my leg constantly. I had been suffering with this for 3 years. I had two nerve abrasions, multiple steroid shots in my back, pain killers, PT and water therapy and nothing worked. After the first spinal decompression treatment I could stand up straight with very little pain. I can now sleep through the night and exercise again. I am 90-100% better and I am so thankful I found this office.” Thanks, John Ratledge
Dr. Erin Arnold As you can see, spinal decompression has a high success rate with helping disc herniations, sciatica, and back pain. In just a matter of weeks you could be playing golf, enjoying your love life, or traveling again. The Single Most Important Solution To Your Sciatica and Back Pain It’s time for you to find out if spinal decompression will be your sciatic and back pain solution. For 15 days only, we’re running a very special offer where you can find out if you are a candidate for spinal decompression. What Does This Offer Include? Everything we normally do in our new patient evaluation. Just call before March 15th, and here’s what you’ll get… • An in-depth consultation about your health and wellbeing where the doctor will listen…really listen…to the details of your case. • A complete neuromuscular examination. • A full set of specialized x-rays to determine if a spinal problem is contributing to your pain or symptoms. • A thorough analysis of your exam and x-ray findings so we can start mapping out your plan to being pain free. • An extensive review of your MRI. • You’ll get to see everything first hand and find out if this amazing treatment will be your pain solution, like is has been for so many other patients. Until March 15th, you can get everything listed here for $20. The normal price for this type of evaluation including x-rays is $250, so you’re saving a considerable amount by taking us up on this offer. Here’s What To Do Now: Due to the expected demand for this treatment, we suggest calling our office at once at 678-574-5678.
CALL TODAY! 678-574-5678 North Cobb Spine & Nerve Institute 3451 Cobb Pkwy, Ste. 4 Acworth, GA 30101
TOWNELAKER | March 2015
57
Health & Wellness
Scaling and Root Planing: Best Solution for Gum Disease BY DR. SCOTT R. HARDEN
One of the most prevalent diseases in the world is gum disease. Seventyfive to 80 percent of people have some level of gum disease, known as periodontitis. The availability of treatment has improved but the prevalence of the disease has remained the same. Our bodies have an amazing system of defense mechanisms to Dr. Scott Harden is a warn us about threats to our health. dentist at Fountain These threats can range from the View Family Dentistry and has served the obvious (cuts, scrapes, lacerations, Woodstock area for more than 21 years. punctures, burns, sprains, fractures) You can reach Dr. to less obvious threats involving Harden at 770-926-0000 or visit microorganisms (like bacteria that FountainViewSmiles. can cause strep throat, pneumonia, com. diphtheria, pertussis, tuberculosis and meningitis) and viruses responsible for encephalitis, chickenpox, smallpox, rabies, mononucleosis, polio, flu, measles and hepatitis. Our bodies have an early detection system: the immune system. It is primarily an army of cells, called antibodies, that attacks enemy cells called antigens. There are two types of antibodies: lymphocytes that remember and recognize previous invaders, and phagocytes that are cells that chew up and destroy the invading organisms. Our immune system is so remarkable that it can remember when we contract chicken pox and, if these microorganisms enter our body again, it destroys them immediately and prevents us from getting that disease again.
58
TOWNELAKER | March 2015
Despite our immune system’s defense mechanism, gum disease still prevails because of its complex process. Periodontitis is a disease because it can ultimately destroy the jawbone resulting in the need to extract teeth. Gum disease circumvents our immune “Gum disease system with a collection of bacteria known as circumvents our plaque, which adheres immune system to teeth and gums and causes inflammation with a collection and infection. Plaque of bacteria known transforms into a hard substance called calculus as plaque, which or, more commonly, adheres to teeth tartar. Tartar creates a rough sandpaper-like and gums and surface on the roots of a causes inflammation tooth and permanently prevents gum tissue from and infection.” attaching to the root. Tartar cannot be removed by brushing or flossing and requires a dental hygienist to to perform a procedure known as scaling and root planing. This procedure smooths the root surface and permits gums to reattach; a requirement in the reversal of gum disease. Bacteria in plaque can also produce enough acid to separate gums from a tooth’s roots. In addition to scaling and root planing, it is essential for patients to maintain a daily brushing and flossing regimen, as well as use a water irrigation device at night.
TOWNELAKER | March 2015
59
Health & Wellness
Let Nutrition Fuel Your Training BY CARRIE MUELLER, MS, RD, CDE NORTHSIDE HOSPITAL DIABETES AND NUTRITION EDUCATION
Nothing starts my day better than a good run, and I’m not alone. About 19 million Americans are recreational runners like me. We’re a community of like-minded enthusiasts, and sharing best practices is what a community does best. As a registered dietitian and longtime runner, I’ve learned several nutrition hacks along the way that will fuel your training for the upcoming race and help Carrie Mueller is a you achieve your best performance. Northside Hospital registered dietitian and Hydration is key for any runner in a diabetes nutrition training, so drink lots of water. I typically instructor. For more information, visit don’t consume sports drinks during runs www.northside.com/ unless they are longer than an hour. nutrition or call 404-851-8000. However, sports drinks can be beneficial post-run to rehydrate and replenish lost electrolytes. While commercial sports drinks will work, try unsweetened coconut water as a natural source of potassium and magnesium, and add a quarter teaspoon of salt to replenish sodium. If muscle cramps are a problem, proper stretching and rest are important. Try adding a banana smoothie with a splash of milk as a delicious way to stay hydrated and help restore electrolyte imbalances. Other potassium-rich foods you can include are
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oranges, potatoes, spinach, tomatoes and avocados. Feel free to enjoy a cup of coffee before your run. Caffeine has been linked to improved athletic performance, but it can also stimulate your digestive tract. Make sure you know its effect on you before trying it on race day. When we eat is just as important as what we eat. For longer training runs, include a carbohydrate replacement to keep your energy up. A refreshing way to get sugar while running is to keep a bag of frozen grapes handy. Within an hour of finishing your run, you need to refuel with a snack containing both carbohydrates and protein. Try eating half of a whole grain bagel with peanut butter or fruit with half a cup of yogurt. Even two percent chocolate milk will work if eating is difficult after a run. You may not feel hungry, but it is important to consume something to start stabilizing blood sugar levels and aid in recovery. What works for one person may not be optimal for another, so learn what works best for you and avoid trying something new the day of a race. Good nutrition should be part of your ongoing training, not something you start in the days leading up to a big race.
TOWNELAKER | March 2015
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Health & Wellness
Slowing Down Diseases with Antioxidants BY O. JULIUS QUARCOO
With soaring healthcare costs and the impact on personal budgets, more people are turning to various means to prevent them from getting sick. Eating healthier and exercising are becoming common as people make healthier choices. For instance, fruits and vegetables are good for us because they contain nutrient chemicals (phytonutrients) that help O. Julius Quarcoo, us fight disease processes in our cells. a pharmacist for 21 Phytonutrients help our cells years, is owner of Towne Lake Family “mop up” free radicals which, if left Pharmacy, which offers unchecked, can damage cells, tissues compounding and regular prescriptions. and organs through a process called (770) 635-7697. oxidative stress. This process is now townelakepharmacy@ yahoo.com. recognized to be associated with more than 200 diseases as well as age acceleration. Supplementing with vitamins C, E and folic acid have been the mainstay of the fight against cell damage from free radicals, but research indicates they have had modest benefit at best. Studies have shifted to finding other natural plant-derived phytonutrients that have shown significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects on cells. Scientists are interested in
their ability to boost or turn on the built-in system of defense in our cells to help us fight back at cell damage. Some of these phytonutrients are found in milk thistle, bacopa, ashwagandha, green tea and curcumin from tumeric. An important study has shown that a specific blend of these five phytonutrients in the form of a tablet can significantly increase the fighting chance our cells have against diseases and accelerated aging by as much as 40 percent. Taken individually, they have shown a greater ability to bind free radicals, but because nature works in concert, taken together they have an additive effect. As we age, we are unable to absorb all the nutrients from even the most balanced diet, hence the need to take supplements. Taking the right one can make a difference in how our bodies fight against diseases.
“Studies have shifted to finding other natural plantderived phytonutrients that have shown significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects on cells.”
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Children and Chiropractic Care BY DR. VAN TRAN
Parents often wonder if it’s appropriate for a child to receive chiropractic care. Children are very susceptible to trauma in their spines from various activities and events. When learning to walk, children fall a lot. As a result they usually land on their rear ends, which creates trauma to the lower spine. Children play rough and tumble around like a rag doll. Children fall off their bicycles Dr. Van Tran is a board certified chiropractor and skateboards. The list is endless. with Discover These small and large traumas can Chiropractic in Towne Lake. He can be reached misalign or subluxate the vertebrae at (770) 516-9900. of the spine, which results in pressure on the spinal nerves and therefore decreases the ability of the body to function at 100 percent of its normal capacity. Children should be checked as soon as is practical after birth because of the potential damaging effects of the birth process. Even the most natural births are somewhat traumatic to the infant and may cause damage that’s not easily detected. After many years of adjusting children, I have found that many who experience symptoms of colic, ear infections and asthma have spinal misalignments. Early detection and correction can prevent damage from occurring in the child’s nervous system and help the child’s body function at 100 percent of its potential. It is important to understand that a chiropractor does not treat conditions or diseases. A chiropractor’s main objective is checking the spine for misalignments that impair nervous system function and therefore affect overall body function. The bones of the spine house and protect the spinal cord. The spinal cord is an extension of the brain and carries information from the brain to the body parts and back to the brain again. Misalignments interfere with the nerves’ ability to transmit information. The nervous system controls and coordinates the function of all the systems in the body. Any aspect of health may be impaired by nerve interference. Chiropractic care restores nerve system function, allowing the body the ability to maintain a state of health and wellbeing.
“Early detection and correction can prevent damage from occurring in the child’s nervous system and help the child’s body function at 100 percent of its potential.”
TOWNELAKER | March 2015
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Health & Wellness
Be the Herd BY DR. AMY HARDIN
When I was a resident at Emory (I just turned 50 in December, for perspective), children had no HiB, chickenpox or pneumococcal (Prevnar) vaccines. I admitted many children to the ICU at Egleston Children’s Hospital and Grady Memorial Hospital with meningitis, blood infections and, tragically, saw several die or succumb to deafness or cerebral palsy. I also know Dr. Amy Hardin is a what chickenpox looks like. One of the pediatrician in Towne last cases of chickenpox I saw was an Lake at Northside Pediatrics. 8-year-old girl who had to have about a third of her shoulder debrided because she got a Group A Strep (strep throat) infection underneath one of the chickenpox sores. I managed to see one case of measles before I finished med school. Thanks to the measles-mumpsrubella (MMR) vaccine, the only doctor who could diagnose it was an almost retired guy helping out in clinic. I’m thrilled I haven’t seen pneumococcal or HiB infections since the early 1990s! There’s a reason why I’ve not gone to a child’s funeral from an infectious disease in more than 10 years! Vaccines against all these diseases are now available. Yet, as of early February when I’m writing this article, more than 100 people, mainly kids, have been diagnosed with the measles
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in the U.S. Yes, there have been no deaths, but with a death rate of one in 1,000, it will only take another month or two statistically before a child dies. There’s a difference of opinion regarding vaccinating our children. Here are some real life scenarios that may help you decide. What do you say to the mom of an 8-month-old (too young to receive the MMR vaccine) who catches measles after going to a church nursery with an unvaccinated child who has the measles? What about my cute 4-year-old patient who has had two bone marrow transplants because his immune system doesn’t function and he can’t receive vaccines? His mom had to stop and buy milk at Publix and, because measles lives in the air for two hours, the little boy who got cookies there 30 minutes before she arrived left measles floating in the air by the bakery and exposed my patient. My daughter has a tutor whose son just finished chemotherapy for kidney cancer. He loves to play with his sisters at J. J. Biello Park, where a child who had been playing there came down with measles three days later, exposing the tutor’s son because the virus is contagious for four days before and after the rash starts. With an attack rate of 90 percent, all of these kids can easily catch the measles in these scenarios. These scenarios are playing out in California, Washington continued on page 82
School & Sports
Stressing the Test? Or Testing the Stress? BY CINDY CREWS
It is normal for children to worry about tests, but when is worrying too much of a bad thing? Today we are assessing students often enough that some of them aren’t worrying much at all. In fact, some teachers have anxiety about whether or not too much testing creates test apathy in students. Soon Georgia students will take the new statewide assessment, the Georgia Cindy Crews is principal Milestones, which is a summative of Sixes Elementary School, and has been an test spanning grades three through educator in Cherokee high school. It will measure how well County for 20 years students have learned the state content standards in language arts, mathematics, science and social studies. The Georgia Milestones replaces the Georgia Criterion Referenced Competency Tests (GCRCT) and will look very different than the previous statewide assessment. The open-ended responses and writing components have created some anxiety in parents, teachers and administrators this school year. It is critically important for the adults involved to watch for signs of test anxiety in children. And more importantly, not to unknowingly add stress. Schools are increasingly judged by their test scores, which increases anxiety levels within schools. Parents feel a sense of responsibility to push their children to perform well, which adds to anxiety levels within homes. We can stop the insanity by looking for the signs. In the days leading up to a big test, look for changes in eating and sleeping patterns, distractibility, crying over small things or upset stomach. Be aware of your child putting himself down or suddenly not wanting to go to school. Parents and teachers can help children avoid or lessen anxiousness over testing. Parents, start by asking an important question of yourselves: Am I the prime contributor? Often, parents don’t even realize they are piling on the stress by talking about the test frequently or measuring their child’s self-worth in terms of the score they believe their child will earn. Finding a balance is critical. Yes, parents want good scores on these tests. So do the teachers. But other pursuits are important too, such as the arts and sports and relationships. Parents can support their children at home by helping them create good study habits. Check homework, read with them, ask them to explain or defend their answers. Model making good life choices. Teachers have a bag of tricks completely different than what parents can provide. I witness teachers engaging with students in positive self-talk daily. They use positive slogans, poems, visualization strategies, and even some silliness to help students get rid of the testing jitters. Working together, schools and families can make the new Georgia Milestones a pleasant experience for students. Having been in the Cherokee County School District as a teacher for 23 years and an administrator for four years, I can say with complete confidence that our students are among the best prepared in the state. TOWNELAKER | March 2015
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School & Sports
What Do You Think You’d Find At the End of the Rainbow? CREATIVE WRITING ENTRIES SUBMITTED BY JOE LEMMO, 7TH GRADE E.T. BOOTH LANGUAGE ARTS CLASS
It was a gloomy day, perfect for my gloomy personality. Recently I had been really lonely and had become a boring man in a state of depression. I was staring blankly out the window when the sun suddenly came out of the clouds and made the most beautiful rainbow you had ever seen. I would’ve probably been stunned by its beauty if I was still able to appreciate pretty things. I couldn’t seem to find happiness. Maybe money really was the key to happiness. I grabbed a coat and hat off the coatrack by the door and ran out of my small apartment and into the busy streets of New York. I ran and ran, noticing nothing but the rainbow because it was the only thing that marked where the pot of gold was. I was getting tired, but I forced myself to keep running. I didn’t want to risk taking too long and the rainbow going away. I was probably getting weird looks from all of the people walking down the street, but I wouldn’t know because I never took my eyes off the rainbow. Finally, I turned onto an empty alley and reached where the rainbow hit the ground. It was insanely beautiful. The colors splashed onto the ground, but I was far too busy seeing that there was no pot of gold to notice. I walked closer to it and saw a chocolate with a note attached that read: “Happiness.” What was this? Alice in Wonderland? I ate the chocolate anyway and the moment I put it in my mouth, I felt like a weight had been lifted. I saw the beauty of the rainbow and I just felt a sense of general happiness that I hadn’t felt in a long time. I hadn’t found money, but I had found something so much greater. Happiness. Legend has it that at the end of every rainbow lies a pot of gold. It was just my luck that I spotted a rainbow on my walk one day. There I was, walking down the sidewalk when I looked up and noticed a colorful streak across the sky. I was marveling at the lovely sight when I remembered the promise that there are riches at the end. My face lit up with glee at the thought of the prize. I just had to have it. I started following the path of the rainbow and thinking of all that I could buy with the gold. There were so many possibilities. I could buy an enormous mansion with a built-in movie theater or a shiny red Ferrari. I was practically running at the thought! I passed house after house, occasionally looking up to make sure I was still on the path. Finally, after running for miles, I arrived at the end. What I found was not a pot filled with gold, or any tangible item at all. It was at that moment that I realized that I did not need money to buy things, because I already had everything I needed. I had a roof over my head, a loving family, and dear friends. Upon my return home, I recounted my story and was pleased to share what I had found. While it was not a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, it was something much more valuable. Contentment. 66
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As the last echoes of thunder drifted away to who knows where, and as the sun shone through the cracked surface of the clouds, the most beautiful sight lay before me, a color-streaked highway that arched into the sky. This is why I came to this country, for its natural beauty. The Canadian snow-covered forests are wonderful, and the Northern Lights are marvelous, but nothing compares to an off-the-dirt-roadrainbow-seeing-trip. As I gaped, the thought occurred to me. St. Patrick’s Day is coming up, so why not see if I could climb up the rainbow? I gathered my camera and set off for the rainbow. It didn’t take me long to arrive at my destination, and when I did, the first thing I did was look at the glistening white snow at my feet, and the dense Evergreen forest around me. The rainbow landed conveniently in a clearing where I was not at. I took a tentative step towards the rainbow, and touched it. To my surprise, it was solid, and felt like a tightly woven licorice bridge, so I stepped on. When I arrived at the mid-point, I was well above the clouds. It was so peaceful and clear, I snapped a couple of well-shot pictures of the scene. I slid down the rest of the rainbow and found a place that was different than when I left. It still had the natural beauty of what I saw earlier, but ten times more beautiful. I spent half the day down there. When the rainbow started to fade, I closed up show and went back to the airport and then home. I still remember that day, and I still have the pictures, but the real life experience I know will stay with me for a lifetime. I had hunted for ages; the first rainbow of spring. Legend has it the end holds a pot of gold! I was out kayaking on a river when I caught a glimpse of all the colors through the trees and undergrowth along the bank. I yelped and almost plunged into the quick paced water below me when I jumped up. I steadied myself and sat down, paddling my way around an approaching log. I tried to keep my eyes on the rainbow. Suddenly the water quickened, carrying me farther downstream towards the end of the rainbow. I slapped my paddle against the water, narrowly avoiding a jagged rock to my right. The stream opened up quickly, causing me to fall straight over a small waterfall, water quickly getting up my nose and filling my lungs with coldness. I grasped the side of my kayak and yanked myself to the surface. But in all the worry, a miracle occurred. Right before my eyes was the end of the rainbow, crashing into a black cauldron on a small island of sand. I forgot all about my dinky boat and swam to the island. I threw off my shoes and plunged my feet into the sand, scrambling to shore. I plunged my hand into the pot and grasped around for gold, but felt nothing. Finally, I pulled out a small metal piece. After looking it over, I realized it was a music player. I turned I on and searched the library. It was full of all of my favorite songs, and it began to play a sweet melody. I sighed happily and crashed onto the sand on my back, content with my crazy journey.
More Information About a Dangerous Substance BY MARK KISSEL
A few months ago, I wrote an article giving parents, school administrators and law enforcement officers information about the latest challenge in the fight against drugs, marijuana wax. More information has been gathered as law enforcement agencies across the United States investigate this new trend that is finding its way into our schools and college campuses. Chief of Police Mark When we hear the word marijuana, Kissel has served the most of us think of the green leafy Cherokee County School District since substance that is smoked. As I pointed 1999 and has more out in my previous article, this new than 35 years of law enforcement substance looks like lip balm and is experience. very easy to hide. Other descriptions now being offered are butter, oil or amber-colored glass. On the street, or among users, the drug goes by many names: dabs, butter, amber, honey, oil, or BHO, which stands for butane honey oil or butane hash oil. Where the street-level term “420” is used as a universal, unofficial symbol for the use and appreciation of marijuana, the new identifier “710” can be found on clothing and other items to identify marijuana oil; the term OIL is turned upside down and used in a numeric form.
These photos may help you recognize this new street drug:
Cherokee County School District schools all are considered Drug Free Zones, and the 2014-15 CCSD Discipline Code prohibits a student from possessing, using, offering for sale, or the transfer of any drug while on school property, on school buses, at bus stops or while Photos courtesy of Officer Jermaine Galloway, State of Idaho attending school functions.
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School & Sports
School District Recognizes Athletic Scholarship Signees
Eighty-six Cherokee County School District student-athletes were recognized in a ceremony at the Northside Hospital-Cherokee Conference Center in Canton for signing scholarship commitment letters to compete at the college level. Included in the group were twin brothers who will be playing for the same college football team, brother and sister twins who signed for baseball and softball at two different schools, and the first equestrian scholarship won by a Cherokee County student. In the six years the school district has held the event, this was the largest group of scholarship signees recognized. Students, along with their parents, coaches, athletic directors and principals, were honored at a brunch for making their college choices for a variety of sports on National Signing Day. Cherokee County students were recognized for commitments to play baseball, basketball, golf, tennis, lacrosse, softball, soccer, swimming, diving, volleyball, tennis, cross country, track, wrestling and equestrian. Signees recognized from Etowah, River Ridge and Woodstock high schools.
National Women in Sports Day Honors Female Athletes
Etowah Zone Celebrates Five Years of Operation Graduation
More than 500 female athletes from Cherokee County’s high schools participated in the 10th Annual National Women in Sports Day Celebration held at Cherokee High School. School honorees (front row, from left), Sarah Skogen, Emily Spira, Danielle Chimenti, Caroline Coordinated by Manus and Hillary Turner listen to the speakers a committee of along with hundreds of female athletes from coaches from all Cherokee County high schools. six county high schools, the program recognized the impact of Title IX, the federal law calling for gender equity in athletics in schools, and celebrated the successes of this year’s various girls’ sports teams at all of the county high schools. An honored female athlete alumna from each high school shared her thoughts on what role being an athlete had played in her life. This year’s honorees were Jamie Moody (Cherokee), Hillary Turner (Creekview), Emily Spira (Etowah), Caroline Manus (River Ridge), Danielle Chimenti (Sequoyah) and Sarah Skogen (Woodstock).
For the past five years the Etowah Innovation Zone has participated in a zone-wide initiative known Keith Ball and Etowah ambassadors visit with as Operation Bascomb students Riley Zacherl, Emily Collins, Graduation. The Libby Reach, Ella Daugherty and Bianca Santiago. collaborative effort brings together Etowah High School and its feeder elementary and middle schools in the mission to graduate every student. Etowah High School Principal Keith Ball spoke to all fifth-graders and eighth-graders in the zone during special assemblies about the importance of graduation. Ball said the initiative focuses on making students feel like they’re part of the Etowah family. All students received an Etowah “grad rag” towel, and select students—chosen for outstanding grades, a positive attitude and an exceptional work ethic—received Very Important Graduate honor stoles.
Student Chosen for State Council Elizabeth Hughes of E.T. Booth Middle School is one of 64 students selected from across Georgia by State School Superintendent Richard Woods for the State Superintendent of Schools’ 2015 Student Advisory Council. The council will meet to talk about the impact of state Elizabeth Hughes policies in the classroom. Hughes was selected from more than 1,000 applicants. 68
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From left: Lance Crawford, Tristan Shirley, Taylor Grantham, Logan Drake, McKenzie Reid, Molly Foster, Jacqueline Castro, Lindsey Phillips, Ethan Henderson, Bryan Rodriguez, Chris VanSickle and Angel Jaimes.
Emerson Clack, Manuel Abreu, Kyli Daniels and Annabelle Williamson receive congratulations from Keith Ball and ambassadors, and Boston Elementary Principal Joey Moss.
Bascomb Students Earn Awards for Theme-Inspired Art
More Artwork Displayed at Atlanta Airport
Students from Bascomb Elementary School received awards at the county level for the PTA Reflections Program, a national arts recognition and achievement program for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. First and second place winners advance to state competition. The 2014-2015 theme is: “The world would be a better place if…” There are six arts categories: dance choreography, film production, literature, music composition, photography and visual arts. The Special Artist Division is an option for students with disabilities.
Artwork by a second group of Woodstock Elementary School students has been selected for exhibit at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Concourse E is home to a display of artwork by students from around the state. Artwork is submitted for consideration for the Youth Art Airport Exhibits by teachers who are Georgia Art Education Association members.
From left, front row, Saiya Patel and Christian Ortiz. Back row, David Baumgardner, Cadence Tally, Alexes Lakatos, Brandon Noel, Ashley Castro, Nicole Siebold and Carly Goble.
The students’ artwork on display in the airport.
Woodstock High School Stands Out At County Swim Meet
Woodstock High School came away the big winner at the recent Cherokee County swimming championships, held at the Cherokee County Aquatic Center in Holly Springs. Both the boys’ and girls’ teams won their respective titles in addition to the overall team title.
Shelby Rice (3rd in photography), Olivia Lambert (3rd in literature), Caroline Lund (1st in literature), Kelsey Cleveland (3rd in dance choreography), Hadley Duplantis (1st in dance choreography), Parker Young (1st in music composition), Ryan Weber (Special Artist Division, advancing to state competition in photography), and Brayden Wallace (2nd in literature).
Woodstock High School swim team—county champions.
Woodstock Middle Headed to State Science Bowl A team from Woodstock Middle School is headed to the state Science Bowl after winning first place at the Georgia Sub-Regional Science Bowl Competition. Team Team members from left: Camilo Rincon, Andy Jiang, members are: Laney Broussard, Greg Carroll, Katie Gilliam and Laney Broussard. Greg Carroll, Katie Gilliam, Andy Jiang and Camilo Rincon, and coaches are Brandi Miller and Heidi Switzer. Eleven teams competed in seven rounds at the sub-regional event, where the Woodstock team went undefeated through the competition. The state champions will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., for the national competition.
Etowah Team Headed to Divisional Reading Bowl The Etowah High School reading bowl team is headed to the 2015 Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl Divisional Competition. The team earned a spot at the divisional contest after winning first place in the high school category at the regional level of competition.
Student Wins State Design Contest
Jordie St. Pierre
Woodstock High School sophomore and second-year graphic design student Jordie St. Pierre won the 2015 Georgia Science and Engineering Fair (GSEF) pin design contest by the University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education’s Office of Academic Special Programs. Her design will be on the cover of the 2015 GSEF program and on the pin that GSEF participants will receive at the fair later this month.
Etowah High School reading bowl team members from left: Caroline Koschewa, Francis Mukoma, Sindhu Manivannan, William Jones, captain and senior Joleen Coppolo, Carine Seudieu, Kaitlyn Burns and Andrea Geiger. The coach is Cari Cain. TOWNELAKER | March 2015 69
Faith
Beyond that Elusive Question: “Why?” BY HARDEN HOPPER
As a child, I remember it seemed like forever before I would be a “grown up.” I asked many questions, especially “Why?” I remember how the answers were often so difficult! We often have the question “Why?” for God. I have surely been there. In the context of my family, I have been affected by issues common to most people, including cancer, mental illness, divorce, suicide, economic Rev. Harden Hopper distress and war. is senior pastor at Bascomb United There are variations to “Why?” Methodist Church and Why is there evil and suffering? a retired Lt. Colonel in the Army Reserve. There is a problem with evil while He lives with his wife understanding that God the Creator is and daughters in Woodstock, and may good, which is a big topic for a small be reached at harden. article. But it helps if we try to catch hopper@ngumc.net. a glimpse from God’s perspective. We have a powerful gift from God called free will. It allows us to make decisions, respond to and return love to God, and extend love to others. Yet free will can be misused, which affirms the reality of evil and creation by a good God. Much suffering comes as people reap what they sow; yet the way of the innocent is sometimes hard. And then we ask, why? In all cases, we just do not know. Our mistake is staying focused on the difficulty and not on the vast horizon of God’s plan of redemption for us and the problem of evil. Through Jesus Christ, God delivered the answer in person; and though difficult, suffering can be used for redemptive purposes. Does God cause the suffering? We cannot pin the suffering of innocent people on God while at the same time look to Him
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for help in rising above it – which extends beyond this short life. We will all die a mortal death, even if we are healed of a temporal affliction. Our true life begins now in Christ, through whom we move to live eternally with God, as we were created to live. That is why we yearn for life, as our soul is unrelenting in its pursuit. Until we embrace that reality, we will find no peace. But that step of faith is left to our free will, though some use it to destroy their own lives and harm others; sometimes the innocent suffer. Nonetheless, in these times, God may find it as a means of drawing close, and not just in the life of the one suffering. Recently, a couple in our congregation have both been afflicted with cancer. They have a gracious spirit alive in their hearts; yet, they suffer and so do those close to them. Frequently the Lord comes nearest in our suffering. So it is with our brother and sister, as they never fail to affirm their faith in the goodness and presence of God. For those close to the suffering, there can be a blessing, as abundant faith spills over. I am thankful for the power of Christ at work in the life of this couple, as it has affected me - positively. It is the power of faith that changes lives and lifts us above the limits of this mortal life, as even in our most difficult times, hope in the Lord transcends all things, including the question, why?
“Much suffering comes as people reap what they sow; yet the way of the innocent is sometimes hard. And then we ask, why?”
Marriage Moments : Decisions, Decisions, Decisions BY BILL RATLIFF
Every marriage is filled with countless decisions, beginning when a couple decides to get married after realizing that life together as a couple is better. Following that decision, there are choices to be made about the wedding, including the ring purchase, time and location of the wedding, who to invite to be in the wedding and to attend, what to wear, where to honeymoon, etc. Then there are decisions about where to Bill Ratliff is the Senior live, job schedules, money management, Pastor at Towne Lake planning a family, what church to attend, Community Church. He can be reached household chores, vacations, celebrations, at (678) 445-8766 or gift giving among others. All of these bratliff@tlcchurch.com. decisions stem from a core value system which assigns the relative importance and intensity of each choice that is made. I am reminded of a recent episode of a reality show called “Alaska Frontier.” A husband took his wife hunting for deer on a remote island known for its high population of grizzly bears. He knows that he has to bring home a big buck in order to have enough meat to feed his family for the winter. I could not tell why he took his wife with him unless it was for company. They both trudged for miles through dense wilderness and came to the edge of higher ground where he knew the bigger bucks would be located. At that point his
wife said she did not believe she could physically climb any further and she would stay at the base of the ridge. They had seen bear claw scratches in trees and tracks on the ground along the way, yet this husband made the decision to leave the wife for the night at the bottom of the ridge. He climbed up to spend the night in the high country searching for a large buck to feed the family. I saw his decision as an extreme one. I know based on my value system that I could never have left my wife alone at night in bear country to fend for herself. For me, his decision is unthinkable! I would have gone for a smaller deer in the lower terrain rather than leave my wife in danger. Let me report to you that the wife - although she did not sleep - survived the night and was not attacked by bears. The husband found his big buck to feed his family throughout the winter. They had a wonderful reunion when he came back and all was well in their world. I would have had to cancel the trip, go back with my wife, or strap her on my back (with her permission of course) and carry her up that slope with me. Genesis 2:24 says “That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.”
Date Your Mate:
Plan a date where you intentionally go out and help someone who is in need. It can be a physical, spiritual or emotional need. Enjoy working together to make a difference for someone else.
TOWNELAKER | March 2015
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Proven Solutions = Stable Families More Than a Food Pantry Targeted Training to Unlock Potential
Easter Eggstravaganzas March 7, 21
Eastern European-style Easter egg decorating using the batik method will be hosted at 10 a.m. by Saint Elizabeth Orthodox Church. Materials will be provided for the two-hour class. Reservations required by March 14. Light traditional Lenten foods will be served for lunch. The church is at 2265 East Cherokee Drive. To register, call 770-485-0504 or email fatherdutko@gmail.com. www.facebook.com/ SaintElizabethOrthodoxChurch
March 28
The 29th annual Easter Eggstravaganza at Northside Hospital-Cherokee will be held at the hospital campus, 201 Hospital Road, Canton. Activities other than the egg hunt include petting zoo, moonwalks, carnival games, face painting, arts and crafts, food, music and more. Egg hunts begin at 1:30 p.m. for children up to age 3 and for those who have special needs or require assistance. 1:45 p.m. for ages 4-6, 2 p.m. for ages 7-9 and 2:15 p.m. for ages 10 and older. Registration is free online at https://give.northside. com/EasterEggstravaganza. Activities and food are free. Photos with the bunny are $5 for two. T-shirts are $10 each. Proceeds benefit the Northside Hospital Foundations NICU (special care nurseries). Rain date will be March 29. Participants encouraged to bring donations of baby products for MUST Ministries. The city of Holly Springs will hold its 14th annual Easter egg hunt at 11 a.m. at Barrett Park, 120 Park Lane. Arrive early for photos with the Easter Bunny. Each family will receive one picture. More than 12,000 eggs will be hidden for children from infants to age 12. Every child will receive a special prize. Rain date is April 4. 770-345-5536. www.hollyspringsa.us/ easteregghunt
April 11
Aquatic Center Eggs-traordinary Extravaganza will begin with an underwater egg hunt 2:30-5 p.m. for ages 4-10. Children will search for eggs in the shallow water while ages 6-10 will dive for eggs in the deeper water. Bring a swimsuit, towel, goggles and a change of clothes. Baskets provided, prizes for all participants. An outside egg hunt will be held at 2 p.m. for ages 1-3, who must bring their own baskets. From 2 to 5 p.m., participants can enjoy inflatables, face painting, egg decorating, contests, prizes and a visit from the Easter Bunny. Cost of registration is $10 per child before April 3, or $12 after. www.crpa.net
Happy Easter! 770-591-4730
Help families achieve stability and donate today 72
TOWNELAKER | March 2015
Young Life - Going All Out For Kids BY ASHLEY SNOW / CHAIR OF YOUNG LIFE CHEROKEE COUNTY COMMITTEE
When I was in high school, my favorite night of the week was Monday night because that was the night I gathered with my high school friends in the basement of someone’s home for Young Life Club. For a few hours, we could laugh together, play crazy games, sing our favorite songs and hear one of our leaders share about God’s great love for us. The positive impact my leaders had on my life is the reason I became a Young Life leader. Young Life began more than seven decades ago with the simple idea of sharing the truth of God’s love with adolescents. Young Life leaders go into the world of kids, crossing barriers to build bridges of authentic friendship with no expectation of who kids should be, but with every hope for who they can become. Kids’ lives are dramatically influenced when caring adults come alongside them and share God’s love with them. For that reason you will find Young Life leaders cheering with kids in the bleachers on a Friday night at the high school football game, attending high school plays or sharing lunch with kids in the school cafeteria. This interaction is what we call “contact work” but kids and leaders just call it friendship. In order to facilitate our vision to introduce kids to God’s love, Young Life offers structured opportunities for adolescents to come together in a safe and fun environment: club, summer
camp, and Campaigners Bible study. In the past, Young Life has been active in Cherokee County, but currently we do not have an active club. What we do have is a Young Life committee composed of adults whose vision is to have a Young Life club for every high school community in Cherokee County. For our vision to become reality, we need parents, community
leaders and other like-minded individuals to join us. Our committee meets the second Thursday of every month at 7 p.m., and our prayer team meets the third Saturday of every month at 9 a.m. We would love to have you join us. If you are interested, please email laraashleysnow@aol.com for meeting locations. You can read more about Young Life at www.younglife.org.
The Downtown Buzz is held at the Chambers at City Center (8534 Main Street) on the last Friday of the month and begins at 8 a.m. unless otherwise noted. For more information on the Downtown Buzz program or to suggest a topic for consideration, please contact Mitzi at (770) 592-6056. Business Membership Information: $80 investment per year (2 reps) + $30 investment per year for each additional rep Subscription to email newsletter Main Street Woodstock decal Downtown Buzz meeting (monthly) Individual and nonMember appreciation event profit memberships Access to workshops also available Directory listing on website Ribbon cutting or groundbreaking Hobnob - a social event (quarterly) TOWNELAKER | March 2015
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CONSIGNMENT SALE GUIDE Step into your most comfortable shoes, fill up your gas tank and head out into Cherokee and neighboring counties with this guide to help you find bargains in gently-used children’s clothes and toys.
MARCH 4-7 Little Saints
Times: 5-8 p.m. Wednesday ($5), 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursday-Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday. Location: St. Teresa’s Episcopal Church, 5725 Fords Road NW, Acworth. Info: Little Saints Consignment on Facebook.
MARCH 5-7
All 4 Kids Cobb County Fairgrounds
Times: 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday. Location: Cobb County fairgrounds, Jim Miller Park buidlings A, B and the Equestrian Center. Info: http://all4kids.com
MARCH 12-14
All 4 Kids Woodstock
Times: 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday, 9 a.m.6 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday. Location: 299 Molly Lane, Woodstock. Info: http://all4kids.com
Due West Treasure Chest
Times: 9:30 a.m.-7.p.m. Thursday, 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m.-noon Saturday. Location: 3965 Due West Rd., Marietta. Info: www.duewest.org
Angel’s Attic
Times: 4-8 pm. Thursday (volunteers and sellers only), 8 a.m.-1 p.m. and 5-8 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday. Location: John’s Creek UMC, 11180 Medlock Bridge Road. Info: www.johnscreekumc.org
MARCH 6-7
The Blessing Line
Times: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-noon Saturday Location: First Baptist Church Woodstock, 11905 Highway 92. Info: www.blessingline.com
Canton First Baptist
Times: 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday Location: Canton First Baptist Church, 1 Mission Point. Info: www.fbckidssale.com
Wildwood Kidz-Sense
Times: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday Location: Wildwood Baptist Church, 4801 Wade Green Road, Acworth Info: www.kidzsense.org
Roswell UMC
Times: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m.-noon Saturday Location: Roswell UMC, 814 Mimosa Blvd. Info: www.roswellumc.org/rumck
CCC MOPS
Times: 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday Location: Cumberland Community Church, 3110 Sports Ave., Smyrna Info: www.cccmopssale.com
Pass It On
Times: 9 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday Location: Acworth United Methodist Church, 4340 Collins Cir. Info: www.acworthumc.org/passiton/
MARCH 7
Tots to Tweens
Times: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Location: Sandy Plains Baptist Church, 2825 Sandy Plains Road, Marietta. Info: www.nowamom.org 74
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MARCH 13-14 Hillside UMC
Times: Thursday shopping for vendors, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday. Location: 4474 Towne Lake Pkwy., Woodstock. Info: www.womenofhillside.com
Clothing Kids for the Kingdom
Hours: 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m.-noon Saturday Location: Summit Baptist Church, 4310 Moon Station Lane, Acworth Info: www.summitchurch.org.
Lil’ Blessings
Times: 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday. Location: Kennesaw First Baptist Church, 2958 North Main St. Info: lilblessings@kfbc.org
MARCH 20-21 Canton FUMC
Times: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-noon Saturday. Location: Canton First United Methodist Church, 930 Lower Scott Mill Rd. Info: 770-479-2502
All 4 Kids East Cobb/Marietta
Times: 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday. Location: Mt. Paran North Church of God, 1700 Allgood Road, Marietta. Info: http://all4kids.com
Welcome to
photo by Darleen Prem
DOWNTOWN WOODSTOCK
The Outlet Shoppes
T at Atlanta at Saks
Fifth Avenue Off Fifth
- park in marked spaces only - parking in Woodstock UMC lot is M-Sa only - Chatt Tech parking is limited until early 2015
Trolley Routes outlined in red
T
Chattahoochee Technical College
Parks Cir
Trolley Stop
Public Parking Lots
Rope Mill Rd
dt
Dobbs Rd
Kyle St
On-Street Parking - park in marked spaces only
T
Woodstock UMC (M-Sa)
Arnold Mill Rd
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er St
St
St
St
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t Rd
on
r Pe
e Rd
S er d ar
CSB Bank (after 5PM)
Dupre
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Reeves St
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Main
Mark et S t
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Sat 1:45-4:15
Wheel
Fowler St
Hicko
Reformation Brewery
T Fri 6:00-8:15
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Map
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To GA Hwy 140
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to Cre
Oak St
Pinehill
Park at City Center
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City Center
Pkwy
Mca ffee
Lake
Cham bers S
To I-575 Exit 8
Wall
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To GA Hwy 92
ns ki
St
Fow le
r St
Download the Visit Woodstock App for info on downtown businesses and events!
TOWNELAKER | March 2015
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Downtown Woodstock
Mark Your Calendars for Friday Nights in Woodstock BY KYLE BENNETT
2015 is sure to be a fun and exciting year in downtown Woodstock, thanks to the Friday Night Live series. Friday Night Live has proved to be a wildly popular event; each year the crowds grow larger and larger. Spend the first Friday of every month, March through December, in downtown Woodstock and enjoy the many restaurants and stores that the area has Kyle Bennett is the to offer. director of tourism Many downtown merchants are open for the Woodstock Downtown Development from 6 - 9 p.m. on these Fridays and Authority. He can be have special activities related to the reached at kbennett@ woodstockga.gov. Friday Night Live theme. Friday Night Live also features bands that play on the sidewalks downtown, adding a street festival feel to the event.
The 2015 Friday Night Live Series March 6: St Patty’s Fest - Celebrate St. Patty’s in downtown Woodstock as we kick off the 2015 Friday Night Live series. April 3: Roaring 20s Night - Travel back in time to the 1920s and celebrate the spirit of the Roaring 20s. May 1: Superhero Night - Celebrate all things superhero-
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related. Be Superman, Batman, or one of the Avengers. This night is guaranteed to be super fun! June 5: Dog Days of Summer - Find relief from the dog days of summer in downtown Woodstock. Bring your dogs and participate in the dog-related contests we have scheduled. July 3: Downtown Block Party to kick off the Fourth of July weekend. Aug. 7: Summer of Love - No pond bathing here, but we can promise a summer-lovin’ time. Break out the tie-dyes and headbands as the history of the 1969 Woodstock Music Festival is celebrated - peace, love, and rock and roll! Sept. 4: The Great Downtown Tailgate - Put on your team colors, strike up the band and come out to support your favorite team. Oct. 2: Hollywood Night - Celebrate all things Hollywood in downtown Woodstock at this Friday Night Live. Nov. 6: Downtown Art Walk - Downtown Woodstock will have an artistic flair this night. Dec. 4: Christmas in Downtown - The spirit of Christmas can be found downtown at Christmas on Main Street. It’s a perfect chance to Christmas shop and have fun at the same time. Santa has already sent his RSVP. Friday Night Live events start at 6 p.m. and include live music, food and activities.
DOWNTOWN WOODSTOCK DINING GUIDE RESTAURANT Canyons 335 Chambers St. 678-494-8868 canyonsburgercompany.com
CUISINE
BREAKFAST
LUNCH
DINNER
SUNDAY
SPIRITS
RESERV.
American
no
$
$
open
Beer/Wine
no
Century House Tavern 125 E Main St. 770-693-4552 centuryhousetavern.com
Modern American
no
$$
$$$
open
Full bar
8 persons +
Fire Stone 120 Chambers St. 770-926-6778 firestonerestaurants.com
Wood-fired Pizza & Grill
no
$$
$$$
open
Full bar
yes
Southern
Sat./Sun. Brunch
$$
$$$
open
Full bar
no
American
no
$
no
open
no
no
Tapas/Sushi
no
Fri./Sat. only
$$
open
Full bar
yes
Ipps Pastaria & Bar 8496 Main St. 770-517-7305 ippspastaria.com
Italian
no
$$
$$
open
Full bar
no
J Christopher’s 315 Chambers St. 770-592-5990 jchristophers.com
Diner
$-$$
$ - $$
no
open
no
weekdays only
BBQ & Southern Sandwiches
no
$ - $$
$ - $$
open
Beer
no
Freight Kitchen & Tap 251 E Main St. 770-924-0144 freightkitchen.com Hot Dog Heaven 8588 Main St. 770-591-5605 Ice Martini & Sushi Bar 380 Chambers St. 770-672-6334 icemartinibar.com
J Miller’s Smokehouse 156 Towne Lake Pkwy. 770-592-8295 jmillerssmokehouse.com Magnolia Thomas 108 Arnold Mill Rd. 678-445-5789 magnoliathomas.com
Southern
Sunday Brunch
no
$$$$
open
Beer/Wine
yes
Pure Taqueria 405 Chambers St. 770-952-7873 puretaqueria.com/woodstock
Mexican
Sat./Sun. Brunch
$$
$$
open
Full bar
6 persons +
Seafood
Sunday Brunch
$$
$$-$$$
open
Full bar
limited
English Tea room
no
$$
no
closed
no
yes
Italian
no
$$
$$$
closed
Full bar
yes
Reel Seafood 8670 Main St. 770-627-3006 Tea Leaves & Thyme 8990 Main St. 770-516-2609 tealeavesandthyme.com Vingenzo’s 105 E Main St. 770-924-9133 vingenzos.com
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$ = most entrees under $10 • $$ = most entrees $10 - $15 • $$$ = most entrees $15 - $20 • $$$$ = most entrees over $20
Casual and Upscale Dine-In Restaurants
Downtown Woodstock
Experience Elm Street Once Upon A Time... BY SIOBHAN BRUMBELOW
CITY CENTER • WOODSTOCK
MARCH
13 & 20 AT 7:30PM 14, 15, 21, 22 AT 2:00PM
Call or visit us on the web to learn about our
SUMMER CAMPS ELMSTREETARTS.ORG 678.494.4251
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Fairy tales and folklore alike begin with the same four words: “Once upon a time...” The stories that follow take our imaginations on a journey through majestic worlds full of adventure, excitement and romance, ending with an uplifting moral and a “happily ever after”— but what makes a fairy tale magical is between the “once” and the “after.” Siobhan Brumbelow Anything can happen. Houses can has been involved be made of gingerbread. A princess with Elm Street since 2002 and holds a can turn a frog into a prince. A fairy BA in Theatre from can change a wooden puppet into a Brenau University. She toured for a year with real boy. Before fairy tales became Missoula Children’s written lore, they were enacted and Theatre and she currently manages dramatized by storytellers. and performs with the My involvement in an improv iThink Improv Troupe troupe allows me to do one of my favorite things - make up stories. I love pretending to be a superhero who has an obsession with her feet, or a waitress who wants to be a sideshow clown, or a fortune teller who is not very good at reading premonitions. The audience gives me story ideas and I make them up. Since 2002, I’ve collaborated with many children and have created a collection of stories. As a drama instructor, I began with blank paper and brainstormed characters, settings, and juicy plots with my students. Some of the ideas we came up with were a group of princesses deciding to become pirates, a mash-up fairy tales with Lil’ Red, Goldilocks and a Big Bad Pig, and your complete, balanced breakfast taking over all of TV—just to name a few. I’m happy to say that Elm Street continues to create stories from scratch with children (ages 5 and older) in their summer camps and year-round classes. Elm Street not only creates its own dramatic and kooky tales in an educational atmosphere, but produces quality plays and musicals for children throughout the year as well. This month’s performance is “The Emperor’s New Clothes,” the classic tale about a greedy king who cares only about his appearance and two swindlers who convince him to wear the latest invisible fashion. This show runs two weekends in March.
“Elm Street not only creates its own dramatic and kooky tales in an educational atmosphere, but produces quality plays and musicals for children throughout the year as well.”
Destinations: Celebrating the Human Spirit through Storytelling BY LYNNE WATTS
Lynne Watts is an author, speaker, coach, mom and counselor for Cherokee County schools. Follow her at http://acalledwoman. com/, http://lynnewatts. com and http:// wyatthewonderdog. com.
“Oh, you’ve got a story and I’ve got a story. We’ve all got a story to tell. Oh you’ve got a story and I’ve got a story. It’s one we know so well. You tell me yours, and I’ll tell you mine. And we’ll put ‘em all together And spice ‘em all up, And we’ll have a storytellin’ time.”
So begins every production of the folk play, “Swamp Gravy” in Colquitt, Ga. And what a story it is! “Swamp Gravy” performances take place each weekend in March and October. The current production is entitled “Lost and Found.” The stories of some things lost are touching, others are silly and funny but all together they weave a story of the many losses and blessings of life in rural Georgia. How “Swamp Gravy” started is a story in itself. It began as a vision on the part of Joy Jinks as a way to preserve the rich history of the area. She met New York City director Richard Geer, and together they created the framework for the production that has lasted 20 years and is still used today. A storytelling team gathers true stories from local residents and a playwright pulls the stories together into a production around a central theme. Original music, period costumes and a cast of over 100 local volunteer actors are added to create each production. Actors in the play range from young children acting for the first time to veteran volunteers who have been in the play every year for 17 or more
years. It is truly an example of a community effort. “Swamp Gravy” has its own history as well. First performed in a local elementary school in 1992, it now has its own venue, a renovated cotton warehouse called Cotton Hall Theater, located on Main Street in downtown Colquitt. Designated the official folk-life play of Georgia, the production has been performed in many locations including the Seven Stages Theater in Atlanta and the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. In 1996 it was a cultural Olympiad event. Wonder where the name “Swamp Gravy” comes from? Swamp gravy is a local side dish made from the drippings left in a pan after frying fish. Add some onions, potatoes, tomatoes or anything else you like and you have a delicious addition to a fish fry dinner. In keeping with the story-telling theme, downtown Colquitt showcases five exquisite murals that represent the rich history of this predominately agricultural community. They each portray a vital part of the local community such as Saturday on the Square, Neighbors, Ghost Story Alley, Nuthin’ But a Will and Summer in the Swamp. Each mural creates a detailed visual of the history of the town. The Tarrer Inn is a bed and breakfast located in the heart of downtown Colquitt and in easy walking distance from the Cotton Hall Theater. Built in 1904 and restored in 1996 as a labor of love, it provides guests with 12 individually decorated bedrooms and a southern style breakfast. Relax on the lovely upstairs veranda or in the private courtyard before walking to a “Swamp Gravy” performance. “Swamp Gravy” began as a grassroots effort to revitalize and preserve a small-town way of life, and has truly accomplished its mission of empowering individuals, celebrating the human spirit and bonding the community. Website: www.swampgravy.com
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Downtown Woodstock
Cherokee Photography Club Congratulations to all the winners in the January competition, “Angles.” If you placed in either the color or monochromatic print category, please send a digital file of your image to Dean Kelley for the website. deankelley@windstream.net
Digital Projection:
1st Eddie Myers “In the Net”
3rd Mark Mozley “Man vs Nature Angles”
2nd Carole Dubuc Ohlemueller “Sky Painting”
HM Naomi Shively “Proud Tree”
Color Prints:
1st Vicki Sellers “Hidden Palms” 80 TOWNELAKER | March 2015
2nd David Ferguson “Marquis Angles”
HM Peter Kilpo “Covered Bridge”
3rd Joey Thompson “Pyramid Scheme”
Monochromatic:
1st Peter Kilpo “The Glass Tower”
2nd Martin Longstaff “90 Degrees”
3rd Naomi Shively “Ominous”
The Cherokee Photography Club meets on the fourth Monday of the month, and for those participating in the monthly contest, that meeting is held on the second Monday of the month. Both meetings are from 7-9 p.m. and held at the Cherokee County Arts Center, 94 North Street, Canton. For more information, please contact Kim Bates at 770-617-7595 or email him at kbphotoart@comcast.net. TOWNELAKER | March 2015
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Accentuating the Positive
A Prescription to Love
A spending fell for a second consecutive year in FY 2012-13; enrollment in Part C plans expanded.)7 This lack of an annual spending increase led Medicare’s trustees to adjust their forecast of when Medicare’s main trust fund might run dry. It is now projected to do so in 2030, four years later than previously estimated.7 Baby boomers may be in for a more enjoyable retirement than the media assume. Last summer, T. Rowe Price surveyed recent U.S. retirees and found that 89 percent were somewhat or very satisfied with their quality of life. This level of retirement satisfaction surfaced even though the average respondent was now living on 66 percent of his or her preretirement income, with 85 percent of respondents saying that they didn’t require as much money as they once did to maintain their standard of living.8 There you have it: a roundup of good news about the economy and the outlook for retirement. Stay positive and plan actively for your future.
And a year later she went on her first date. Ever. Over the past several years, Marsha’s health has improved so much that now I see her only from time to time. Recently she sent me a card. She wanted to let me know she was getting married. And across the bottom of the card, in a small and hopeful postscript, was a note that she was hoping to have a baby. I have no idea why Marsha decided to take her “prescription” seriously. Maybe it was the fact that it was written on an official pad. Or maybe she could feel the desperation in my last-ditch effort to help her. But perhaps it’s simply that Marsha recognized the truth. I believe that we are hardwired to recognize the truth when we see it, and the truth is this: Love is the necessary ingredient for a healthy life, and it is not always the love we receive that heals. More often, it’s the love that we give.
continued from page 36
Don Akridge is president of Citadel Professional Services, LLC, an independent firm, founded in 1994 and conveniently located off Chastain Road between I-575 & I-75 in Kennesaw. Phone 770-952-6707. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Raymond James is not affiliated with and does not endorse the opinions or services of Peter Montoya, Inc. or MarketingPro, Inc. This material was prepared by MarketingPro, Inc., and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting party, nor their affiliates. This information has been derived from sources believed to be accurate. Please note: investing involves risk, and past performance is no guarantee of future results. The publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional services. If assistance is needed, the reader is advised to engage the services of a competent professional. This information should not be construed as investment, tax or legal advice and may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalty. This is neither a solicitation nor recommendation to purchase or sell any investment or insurance product or service, and should not be relied upon as such. All indices are unmanaged and are not illustrative of any particular investment. Citations: 1 - istockanalyst.com/business/news/7063858/fidelity-s-quarterly-retirementsnapshot-average-balances-increase-year-over-year-record-contributions [4/29/14] 2 - blogs.marketwatch.com/encore/2014/04/29/older-savers-pull-ahead-in-the401k-race/tab/print/ [4/29/14] 3 - blogs.marketwatch.com/encore/2014/06/03/survey-401k-savings-ratesspiked-in-2013/ [6/3/14] 4 - bloomberg.com/news/2014-08-05/how-to-stay-optimistic-about-retirementread-this-article.html [8/5/14] 5 - thestreet.com/story/12941709/1/adp-report-shows-hiring-picking-up-jobgrowth-in-right-places.html/ [11/5/14] 6 - newyorkfed.org/microeconomics/hhdc.html#2014/q2 [11/4/14] 7 - bloomberg.com/news/2014-07-28/medicare-s-financial-condition-improveson-reduced-costs.html [7/28/14] 8 - news.investors.com/investing/073014-711065-people-adjust-to-lowerincome-in-retirement.htm [7/30/14]
Repeal Parties and Shrinking Government continued from page 24
these in the future and hope that each of you will take part. Please feel free to reach out to me on my cell phone at 678523-8570 or email me at Michael@caldwellforhouse.com. If you have any other questions or concerns, contact me or come meet me at one of my Weekly Coffees with District 20 nearly every Saturday at Copper Coin Coffee in downtown Woodstock. Thank you again for allowing me the honor of representing your family in Georgia’s General Assembly! 82
TOWNELAKER | March 2015
continued from page 34
Be the Herd
continued from page 64
state, New York and even South Dakota. Clinics are having to close because patients with measles were in their waiting rooms. My partners and I have been sharing articles discussing what the measles looks like, how to quarantine, etc., so we are ready. No one knows the future, but pediatricians do know some important things. 1.Vaccines work. The MMR vaccine is 97 percent effective after two doses. 2.Vaccines do NOT cause autism. Numerous studies involving millions of kids have shown this. 3.If less than 95 percent of the community is vaccinated on time, the chance of the disease coming into our community rises because herd immunity drops. 4.The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) schedule studies show there is no such thing as “too much too soon.” In fact, the vaccines adults received as kids were fewer in number of injections, but more in antigen number by a factor of 10. Our pediatric group feels strongly that protecting kids against these diseases is one of our most important jobs, so we have an all-or-nothing policy regarding vaccines. If you choose not to vaccinate on the proven AAP schedule, we are not the pediatricians for you. Because we have this policy, we can drastically reduce the number of kids exposed both in our office and our community. More parents are hearing the message, and making the scientifically proven choice: vaccinating their kids and doing it as soon as possible to avoid these devastating diseases. Take it from a pediatrician who has seen these diseases: I don’t want to visit any of our patients at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta’s ICU, or have to talk to our patients about classmates who have died. Talk to your pediatrician and make sure your kids are up to date, and don’t forget to make sure you’re vaccinated, too! #Betheherd!
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Reference
COMMUNITY OF FAITH ADVENTIST
Cherokee 101 Rope Mill Rd., Woodstock 770-591-7304 http://cherokee.netadvent.org/ Canton 411 Scott Mill Road, Canton 678-880-0106 www.cantonadventist.org
AME
Allen Temple AME 232 N. Arnold Mill Rd., Woodstock 770-926-6348 www.allentempleame.org St. Paul 390 Crisler St., Canton 770-479-9691 www.stpaulame-canton.org
BAPTIST
New Victoria 6659 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock 770-926-8448 www.newvicbaptist.org River Church 2335 Sixes Road, Canton 770-485-1975 www.riveratlanta.org South Cherokee 7504 Hwy. 92, Woodstock 770-926-0422 www.cherokeebaptistchurch.org Sutallee 895 Knox Bridge Highway, White 770-479-0101 www.sutalleebaptistchurch.com
Carmel 2001 Bascomb Carmel Road Woodstock,
Toonigh 4999 Old Highway 5, Lebanon www.toonightbaptistchurch.lifewaylink.com
Cherokee 7770 Hickory Flat Hwy., Woodstock 770-720-3399 www.cherokeebaptistchurch.org
CHURCH OF GOD
Crossroads Community Church 2317 Bascomb-Carmel Rd., Woodstock 770-592-7007 Crossroads Primitive Baptist Church 3100 Trickum Rd., Woodstock 770-710-1068 www.crossroadspbc.org Faith Community 659 Arnold Mill Rd., Woodstock 770-516-1996 www.faithcommunitychurch.org
MESSIANIC JEWISH CONGREGATIONS Congregation Beth Hallel 950 Pine Grove Rd., Roswell 770-641-3000 www.bethhallel.org
LUTHERAN
Celebration of Grace 411 Scott Mill Road, Canton 770-503-5050 www.celebrationofgrace.org Good Shepherd 1208 Rose Creek Dr., Woodstock 770-924-7286 www.gslutheran.org
Sunnyside 2510 East Cherokee Drive, Woodstock 770-693-1018 www.sunnysidecog.com
ORTHODOX
Toonigh 4775 Holly Springs Parkway, Canton 770-926-3096 www.toonighcog.org
St. Elizabeth 2263 East Cherokee Dr., Woodstock 770-485-0504 www.stelizabethga.org
PRESBYTERIAN
CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS
Cherokee 1498 Johnson Brady Road, Canton 770-704-9564 www.cherokee-pca.org.
EPISCOPAL
Covenant South Annex Rec Center 7545 Main St., Bldg. 200, Woodstock www.cc-pca.org
First Baptist Canton One Mission Point 770-479-5538 www.fbccanton.org
Christ the Redeemer Charismatic 6488 Hickory Flat Hwy., Canton 404-395-5003 www.ctrcec.com
First Baptist Holly Springs 2632 Holly Springs Parkway 770-345-5349 www.fbchollysprings.com
Episcopal Church-Annunciation 1673 Jamerson Rd., Marietta 770-928-7916 www.annunciationepiscopal.org
Heritage Baptist Fellowship 3615 Reinhardt College Parkway, Canton 770-479-9415 www.heritagebaptistfellowship.com
Saint Clement’s 2795 Ridge Rd., Canton 770-345-6722 www.stclementscanton.org
Hillcrest 6069 Woodstock Road, Acworth 770-917-9100 www.hbcacworth.org
JEWISH
TOWNELAKER | March 2015
Temple Kol Emeth 1415 Old Canton Rd., Marietta 770-973-3533 www.kolemeth.net
Timothy Lutheran (LC-MS) 556 Arnold Mill Rd., Woodstock 770-928-2812 www.TLCWoodstock.ctsmemberconnect.net
2205 Bascomb-Carmel Road, Woodstock 770-733-2585 www.mormom.org
Mt. Zion
Temple Kehillat Chaim 1145 Green St., Roswell 770-641-8630 www.kehillatchaim.org
Bells Ferry 6718 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock 770-592-2956 www.bellsferry.com
First Baptist of Woodstock 11905 Hwy. 92, Woodstock 770-926-4428 www.fbcw.org
Hopewell 78 Ridge Rd., Canton 770-345-5723 www.hopewellbaptist.com
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4096 East Cherokee Drive, Canton 770-479-3324 www.mtzb.org
Congregation Etz Chaim 1190 Indian Hills, Marietta 770-973-0137 www.etzchaim.net
Chabad Jewish Center 4255 Wade Green Rd. NW, Suite 120, Kennesaw 678-460-7702 www.jewishWoodstock.com Congregation Ner Tamid Reform Jewish Congregation 678-264-8575 www.mynertamid.org
Faith 3655 Reinhardt College Parkway, Canton www.faithpc.us Grace Church 1160 Butterworth Road, Canton 678-493-9869 www.gracecanton.org Heritage 5323 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock 770-926-3558 www.heritagepres.com Woodstock 345 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-926-0074 www.woodstockpcusa.com
ROMAN CATHOLIC
St. Michael the Archangel 490 Arnold Mill Rd., Woodstock 770-516-0009 www.saintmichaelcc.org Transfiguration Catholic Church
1815 Blackwell Rd. NE., Marietta 770-977-1442 www.transfiguration.com
UNITED METHODIST
Bascomb 2295 Bascomb-Carmel Rd., Woodstock 770-926-9755 www.bascombchurch.org Canton First 930 Lower Scott Mill Road 770-479-2502 www.cantonfirstumc.org CITY ON A HILL 7745 Main St., Woodstock 678-445-3480 www.coahumc.org Fields Chapel 1331 Fields Chapel Road, Canton 770-479-6030 www.fieldschapel.org Hickory Flat 4056 East Cherokee Drive, Canton 770-345.5969 www.hickoryflat.org Hillside 4474 Towne Lake Pkwy., Woodstock 770-924-4777 www.hillsideumc.org Holly Springs 2464 Holly Springs Parkway 770-345-2883 www.hollyspringsumc.com Liberty Hill 141 Railroad St., Canton 678-493-8920 www.libertyhillumc.org Little River 12455 Hwy. 92, Woodstock 770-926-2495 www.littleriverumc.info Mt. Gilead 889 Arnold Mill Rd., Woodstock 770-591- 0837 www.ngumc.org Sixes 8385 Bells Ferry Rd., Canton 770-345-7644 www.sixesumc.org Woodstock 109 Towne Lake Pkwy., Woodstock 770-516-0371
UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST Emerson 4010 Canton Rd., Marietta 770-578-1533 www.emersonuu.org
OTHERS
Action Church 271 Marietta Road, Canton 770-345-3030 www.actionchurch.tv Awakening 180 Pkwy. 575, Suite 140, Woodstock 770-924-4150 www.awakeningwoodstock.com
Branches of Christ 5946 Jacobs Rd., Acworth 770-917-4964 www.branchesofchrist.com BridgePointe 233 Arnold Mill Rd. Ste. 400, Woodstock 770-517-2977 www.bridgepointechurch.org Christian Praise Center 1358 Sixes Rd., Canton 770-924-7532 www.christianpraisecenter.com Church at North Gate 9876 Main St., Ste. 250, Woodstock 678-494-2193 www.ngca.org Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 2205 Bascomb-Carmel Road, Woodstock 770-733-2585 www.mormom.org Church of the Messiah 4115 Charles Cox Drive, Canton 770-479-5280 www.churchofthemessiah.net Cornerstone Community 503 Hickory Ridge Tr., Ste. 160, Woodstock 678-439-5108 www.ccchurchonline.org Dayspring 6835 Victory Dr., Acworth 770-516-5733 www.dayspring-online.com Empowerment Tabernacle 507 Industrial Dr., Woodstock 770-928-7478 www.EmpowermentTabernacle.com The Factory 9872 Main St., Woodstock, 770-517-7265 www.thefactoryministries.org
678-384-4919 www.MomentumChurch.tv New Covenant Bible 1095 Scott Road, Canton 770-479-6412 www.newcovenantcanton.org North Atlanta Church 6233 Old Alabama Road, Acworth 30102 www.northatlantachurch.org Oak Leaf 151 East Marietta Street, Canton 678-653-4652 www.oakleafcanton.com Prayer & Praise Christian Fellowship 6409 Bells Ferry Rd., Woodstock 770-928-2795 www.prayerandpraise.org Resurrection Anglican 231 Arnold Mill Rd., Woodstock 770-591-0040 www.rezwoodstock.org Revolution 125 Union Trail Hill, Canton 770-345-2737 www.therevolution.tv Sojourn Community Church 231 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-769-7495 www.sojournwoodstock.com Sovereign Grace 471 Arnold Mill Rd., Woodstock 678-494-2100 www.sgcatlanta.org Thrive Chapel 400 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-835-5795 www.thrivechapel.com
Faith Family 5744 Bells Ferry Rd., Acworth 770-926-4560
Towne Lake Community 132 North Medical Pkwy., Woodstock 678-445-8766 www.tlcchurch.com
Fivestones Church 155 P Rickman Industrial Dr., Canton 770-720-2227 www.fivestoneschurch.info
Victory 4625 Highway 92, Acworth 770-794-7366 www.victoryga.com
God’s Rolling Thunder Latimer Hall, 103 Towne Lake Pkwy., Woodstock www.godsrollingthunder.org
Watermarke 2126 Sixes Road, Canton 678-880-9092 www.watermarkechurch.com
His Hands 550 Molly Ln., Woodstock 770-405-2500 www.hishandschurch.com Life Church 224 Brown Industrial Blvd., Suite 103A 770-847-0170 www.lifechurchcanton.com Love Community Church 5598 Bells Ferry Road, Acworth Ministry House 347 Holly Street, Canton 678-459-2347 http://MinistryHouse.org Momentum 110 Londonderry Ct., Ste. 130, Woodstock
Woodstock Christian 7700 Hwy. 92, Woodstock 770-926-8238 www.woodstockchristian.org Woodstock Church of Christ 219 Rope Mill Road, Woodstock 770-926-8838 www.woodstockchurchofchrist.org Woodstock Church of the Nazarene 874 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-366-7515 www.wcnga.com Woodstock Community Church 237 Rope Mill Road, Woodstock 770-926-8990 www.wcchurch.org TOWNELAKER | March 2015
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Reference
TOWNE LAKE AREA CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS Business Organizations American Business Women’s Association, Cherokee Eagles Charter Chapter Meets Third Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. Contact: Jacqueline Miller Van Hook, (678) 493-3618 Cherokee Area Business Connection Meets 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 Club Meets noon-1:15 p.m. Wednesdays at the Bank of North Georgia, 200 Parkway 575, Woodstock. Contact: Richard Stacy at (843) 697-5189, richbstacy@gmail.com. www. cherokeetoastmasters.com. Empowered Women Through Synergy Meets 3rd Thursday at 8.30 a.m. at J Christopher’s in Downtown Woodstock Contact: Shahida Baig (678) 445-3900 Facebook: Empowered Women Through Synergy
CASA for Children Inc. provides child advocacy to abused and neglected children through trained community volunteers. Contact: Deidre Hollands, (770) 345-3274 www.casaforchildren.org
MUST Ministries offers groceries, hot meals, emergency shelter, supportive housing, clothing, employment services, summer lunch and more from five locations in eight counties, including the Canton office at 111 Brown Industrial Pkwy.
Chance Afrika Contact: Eric Mwangi, Exec. Dir., ericm@chanceafrika.org, (770) 256 2280, www.chanceafrika.org
Next Step Ministries provides day programs Monday through Saturday for special needs kids, teens, and young adults. Contact: (770) 592-1227 www.nextstepministries.net
Cherokee Child Advocacy Council, Inc. Anna Crawford Children’s Center and Parents HELP 319 Lamar Haley Pkwy., Canton Contact: Amy Economopolous, (770) 592-9779 www.cherokeechildadvocates.org
Papa’s Pantry is a year-round local food ministry. Contact: Lynne Saunders, (770) 591-4730 www.papaspantry.org
Cherokee County Animal League Contact: Steve Monahan at CherokeeAnimalLeague@gmail.org or (770) 712-4077 Cherokee County Humane Society (CCHS) Contact: (770) 928-5115 admin@cchumanesociety.org www.cchumanesociety.org
No Fee Referral Network Woodstock Meets Every Monday morning at 7:30 am at IHOP 8979 Hwy 92, www.meetup.com/No-FeeReferral-Network-Woodstock
CCHS Thrift Store 5900 Bells Ferry Road, Acworth, (770) 592-8072, accepts donations and sells used household items to raise money for CCHS.
North Georgia Referral Network Meets Every Tuesday morning at 8 a.m. at J. Christophers, 315 Chambers Street Contact: (770) 592-5990
Companion Animal Connection Contact: (678) 493-9847 www.cacadopt.petfinder.com
The Joy of Connecting Networking for Women Meets Third Thursday at 6:45 p.m. Contact: Edeline Dryden (678) 789-6158 www.thejoyofconnecting.com Together We Rise Meets Second & Fourth Tuesdays at 11:30 a.m. at Featherstone’s at Towne Lake Hills Contact: Pat Snipes, (404) 569-5280 Towne Lake Business Association Meets Third Tuesday at 12:30 p.m. at Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills Contact: (770) 615-3350, www.tlba.org Towne Lake PowerCore Team Meets Every Friday at 7:15 — 8:45 a.m. At Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills Contact: Marc Replogle, (770) 952-5000, X20 (404) 816-3377, www.powercore.net
Everyday Angels offers financial assistance for local families in need. Email aaeverydayangels@ gmail.com Feed My Lambs, Inc. Contact: office@feedmylambs.net www.feedmylambs.net Funds 4 Furry Friends helps those in need with food, spay/neuter and medical for their pets. Contact: Gina Jeter, (770) 842-8893 www.funds4furryfriends.com Green Pets America Rescue animal rescue group (770) 712-4077, SteveMonahan777@gmail.com www.GPACharities.US Habitat for Humanity North Central Georgia Contact: (770) 345-1024, www.habitat-ncg.org Harvesting Hope Ministries gives surgery care packs to children facing liver and kidney failure. Contact: dawn@harvestinghopeministries.org. www.harvestinghopeministries.org.
Women of Woodstock Meets First & Third Wednesday at Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills Contact: info@womenofwoodstock.com www.womenofwoodstock.com
Hope Center offers support for unplanned pregnancy. Contact: (770) 924-0864, info@TheHopeCtr.com www.hopectr.com
Charitable Organizations
Hospice Advantage needs volunteers. Contact: (770) 218-1997 www.hospiceadvantage.com
Ahimsa House help for victims of domestic violence who need help getting their pets to safety. Contact: 24-hr, (404) 452-6248, Info (404) 496-4038 www.ahimsahouse.org
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TOWNELAKER | March 2015
iCOR helping orphans, seeks volunteers. Contact: Lily Colgate, (404) 992-8155 www.iCORorphans.com
Pet Buddies Food Pantry has pet food collection bin at TowneLaker offices. www.petbuddiesfoodpantry.org Safe Kids Cherokee County — Call for an appointment for free child safety seat inspections. Contact: (770) 721-7808 www.cherokeesafekids.org Volunteer Aging Council, a non-profit that helps to raise funds for our seniors of Cherokee County. www.vac-cherokeega.org
Civic Organizations AARP Woodstock Chapter is for anyone 50+ Meets Second Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. at Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills Contact: Rich, (770) 926-1944 Junior Service League of Woodstock Meets 3rd Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Tuscany Contact: 24 hour info line: (770) 592-3535 http://jslwoodstock.org Pilot Club of Cherokee County Contact: Lynda Goodwin, (770) 393-1766 Lynda@edgoodwinassociates.com Rotary Club of Towne Lake Meets Every Thursday at 12 noon (lunch)at Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills Contact: Ivan Garcia (770) 926-0105 Rotary Club of Woodstock Meets Every Tuesday at 7:30 a.m. at IHOP on Highway 92, Woodstock (770) 480-4179 Sewrifics of Cherokee Meets Third Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Sixes United Methodist Church, Canton Contact: Sheri Torch, (770) 591-8335 South Cherokee Optimist Club Meets Every Friday at 7:30 a.m. at Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills Contact: (770) 926-3522 Towne Lake Optimist Club Meets Every Friday at 7:30 a.m. at Eagle Watch Golf Club Contact: Charlice Byrd, (404) 557-2218 Woodstock Jaycees Meets First Tuesday & Third Thursday at 7 p.m. at 216 Rope Mill Road Contact: (404) 690-4452
Woodstock Lions Club Meets Second & Fourth Tuesdays at 7 p.m. at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Contact: (770) 906-2958 Woodstock Masons Lodge #246 F. & A.M., Inc. Meets Second & Fourth Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. at Corner of Air Acres Way & Arnold Mill Rd. Contact: lodge.info@woodstocklodge246.org Woodstock Midday Optimist Club Meets Every Wednesday at 12 noon at Folks Contact: Johnny Young, (770) 345-6158 Woodstock VFW Post 10683 Meets Second Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Woodstock Senior Center Contact: Andrew Yrabedra, (404) 663-4663
Political Organizations Cherokee County Democrat Party Meets Second Thursday at 7 p.m. at Holly Springs Train Depot, www.cherokeedems.com Cherokee County Libertarians Meet 7:30 p.m. on the third Tuesday at the Cherokee Co. Board of Realtors Training Center, 1600 River Park Blvd., Suite 104, Woodstock. http://cherokeelp.org. Cherokee County Republican Party Meets Second Saturday at 9 a.m. at Winchesters Woodfire Grill, (678) 809-1411 Cherokee County Republican Women affiliated with The Georgia Federation of Republican Women. Meets monthly in Woodstock/Canton. Contact (770) 592-7811 jkconkeygmail.com. Cherokee Tea Party Patriots Meet at 4 p.m. the third Sunday at Latimer Hall in Woodstock. Contact Conrad Quagliaroli, (770) 378-8232. Republican Women of Cherokee County www.rwccga.com Contact: (678) 520-2236
Recreation & Hobbies Allatoona Gold Panners. Periodic events and outings to pan the creeks in the Dahlonega Gold Belt along the Lake. Contact Rob Kelly, rrkelly@ bellsouth.net. Arts Alliance of Georgia, Inc. Meets Second Saturday at 10 a.m. at Studio 101, 101 Emma Lane, www.artsalliancega.org Blue Skies Laughter Club Meets Every Wednesday 7 — 8 p.m. at Northside-Cherokee Medical Offices 100 Stoneforest Dr., 1st floor conf. room Contact: Craig Whitley (404) 520-0221 www.addlaughter.com Cherokee Amateur Radio Society Meets Second Saturday at 10 a.m. at William G. Long Senior Center, 223 Arnold Mill Road www.cherokeehams.com Cherokee County Arts Center At 94 North Street, Canton Contact: (770) 704-6244 www.CherokeeArts.org
Cherokee County Saddle Club www.cherokeesaddleclub.com
Cherokee County Family Child Care Association Contact: Brenda Bowen, (770) 926-8055
Cherokee Co. Social Adventures Group www.TCCSAG.org
Cherokee Co. Foster & Adoptive Parents Assoc. Contact: Marie Blackwell, (770) 378-0759, mblackwell@fosteroradopt.org www.fosteroradopt.org
Cherokee Hockey In Line League (CHILL) roller hockey, www.cherokeehockey.org Cherokee Music Teachers Association Contact: Linda Lokey (770) 720-1701 www.cherokeemta.org Cherokee Soccer Association CSA Impact Soccer, 157 Railroad St., Canton Contact: (770) 704-0187 www.csaimpact.com Cherokee Youth Lacrosse Association www.cherokeelacrosse.com Christian Authors Guild is a writing support group open to both experienced or inexperienced writers. Meets 1st and 3rd Mondays 7-8:30pm at Prayer and Praise Church, 6409 Bells Ferry Rd. www.christianauthorsguild.org Kingdom Riders, a forming chapter of the Christian Motorcyclists Association in Canton. Meets: 8 a.m. fourth Saturdays at Family Tradition restaurant in Hickory Flat. All makes of motorcycles welcome. Les Marmitons is for men interested in culinary arts. Meets Third Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at Chattahoochee Tech Contact: Larry Lodisio, (770) 516-5197 Neighbors & Newcomers of Towne Lake Contact: Ellen Kayton, (678) 494-6005 www.nntl.org Wildlife Action, Inc. is a conservation organization, 2075 Kellogg Creek Contact: WLA Office, (770) 924-7464 www.wildlifeactiongeorgia.com
Support Organizations Adoption/Infertility Support Group Meets First Wednesday at 7 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Woodstock Contact: Cindy Braddock, (678) 445-3131 American Legion Post 316 Meets Third Thursday at 7 p.m. at William G. Long Senior Center, 223 Arnold Mill Road Contact: Irma Martin, (678) 662-2366 Autism Parent Support Group Meets Second Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at Cherokee County Community Service Center, BridgeMill Fire Station, Canton Contact: Sharon Jones, (770) 345-6551 Breast Cancer Support Group Meets First Thursday of each month at 10 a.m. — 12 noon at Northside Hospital — Cherokee, Diabetes Classroom, Educational Center, Contact: (404) 843-1880 Canadian Women’s Club Contact: Lesley Frappier, cwcatlanta@yahoo.com Canton-Cherokee TRIAD/S.A.L.T. (Seniors & Law Enforcement Together) Meets Second Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. at G.Cecil Pruitt YMCA in Canton (Hall of Fame Room) Dale Walz (404) 375-8193
Cherokee County Lupus Support Group Meets 2nd Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at New Light Church Hall Contact: Pam Bennett, (404) 975-7580 C.H.O.O.S.E. of Woodstock Meets First Monday at 7 p.m. Contact: mailbox@chooseofwoodstockga.org Diabetes Support Group Meets 3rd Tuesday at 9:30 & 11 a.m. at Emeritus Assisted Living, 756 Neese Rd., Woodstock Linda Watson, (770) 793-7818. Georgia Canines for Independence www.gcidogs.org, Contact: (404) 824-4637 GRANDparents Raising GRANDchildren Meets Second & Fourth Tuesday at 7 p.m. (nursery available)at Transfiguration Catholic Church, Marietta Contact: Jeannie, (770) 919-9275 Hearing Loss Association of America NW Metro Atlanta Chapter, for people with hearing loss looking for support and resources, holds free and informative quarterly meetings in Woodstock Contact: nwmetroatlantahlaa@gmail.com or (770) 517-2941 Jewish Havurah Contact: Marcia, (770) 345-8687 La Leche League of South Cherokee Meets First Tuesday at 10 a.m. & Third Wed. 7 p.m. at Bascomb UMC Contacts: Marguerite, (678) 315-7686 Megan, (770) 517-0191 MOMS Club Towne Lake — 30188-30189 https://sites.google.com/site/ momscluboftownelakewoodstock/ Email: momscluboftownelake@gmail.com MOPS — Mothers of Preschoolers (birth — K) Meets Second & Fourth Mondays at 9:30 a.m. at Hillside UMC, 4474 Towne Lake Pkwy Contact: (770) 924-4777 NW Metro Atlanta Chapter of the Hearing Loss Association of America holds free, informative quarterly meetings in the Woodstock area for people with hearing loss. For more information, contact nwmetroatlantahlaa@gmail.com Spirit of Success Career Clothing Connection Provides professional business attire at no cost. Contact: (770) 956-0711. Tender Hearts Caregivers Support Group Meets Second & Fourth Wednesday at 10 a.m. at Hillside United Methodist Church Contact: Robin Galloway, (770) 517-5899 Towne Lake Area Moms Group www.TowneLakeArea.com Unlimited Possibilities, support group for stroke and brain injury survivors meets First Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m. at Kennestone Outpatient Rehab Center Contact: Kelly (678) 677-2589 TOWNELAKER | March 2015
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Reference
ELECTED & APPOINTED OFFICIALS United States Government President Barack Obama (D)
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D.C. 20500 www.whitehouse.gov
Sen. David Perdue (R)
B40D Dirksen Senate Ofc. Bldg., Washington, DC 20510 perdue.senate.gov
Sen. Johnny Isakson (R)
131 Russell Senate Ofc. Bldg., Washington DC 20510 3625 Cumberland Blvd, Suite 970, Atlanta, GA 30339 isakson.senate.gov
Cherokee County Board of Commissioners
202-456-1414 fax: 202-456-2461 202-224-3521 GA: 678-248-6444
202-224-3643 GA: 770-661-0999
State Government Governor Nathan Deal (R)
404-652-7003 203 State Capitol, 206 Washington St. Atlanta, GA 30334 www.gov.georgia.gov
Sen. Brandon Beach (R) District 21 brandon.beach@senate.ga.gov
404-463-1378
Rep. Michael Caldwell (R) District 20
678-523-8570
Rep. Scot Turner (R) District 21
678-576-2644
Rep. Wes Cantrell (R) District 22 wesley.cantrell@house.ga.gov
404-656-0220
Rep. Mandi Ballinger (R) District 23
404-656-0254
scot@turnerforhouse.com
mandi.ballinger@house.ga.gov
www.cherokeega.com 678-493-6001
Commissioners
L.B. “Buzz” Ahrens (R) Chairman
lbahrens@cherokeega.com
Steve West (R) District 1 swest@cherokeega.com
Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R) District 11 238 Cannon House Ofc. Bldg., Washington DC 20515 202-225-2944 9898 Highway 92, Suite 100, Woodstock, GA 30188 GA: 770-429-1776 loudermilk.house.gov
michael@CaldwellforHouse.com
1130 Bluffs Pkwy., Canton, GA 30114
Ray Gunnin (R) District 2 rgunnin@cherokeega.com
Brian Poole (R) District 3 bpoole@cherokeega.com
Scott Gordon (R) District 4 sgordon@cherokeega.com
Cherokee County Coroner
Earl W. Darby 770-735-8055
Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Sheriff Roger Garrison (R)
498 Chattin Drive Canton, GA 30115 rdgarrison@cherokeega.com
www.cherokeega-sheriff.org 678-493-4100 fax: 678-493-4228
Cherokee County Tax Commissioner Sonya Little
2780 Marietta Highway, Canton, GA 30114 slittle@cherokeega.com
Cherokee County School Board Superintendent, Dr. Frank Petruzielo 221 West Main St., Canton, GA 30114 drp@cherokee.k12.ga.us
678-493-6400 fax: 678-493-6420 www.cherokee.k12.ga.us 770-479-1871 fax: 770-479-1236
Kyla Cromer (R) District 1
678-493-8088
Patsy Jordan (R) District 2 patsy.jordan@cherokee.k12.ga.us
770-893-2970
Superior Court
John Harmon (R) District 3
404-462-4950
Chief Judge David Cannon Jr. 678-493-6270 Judge Jackson Harris 678-493-6260 Judge Ellen McElyea 678-493-6240
Janet Read (R) Chair
770-516-1444
State Court
Rick Steiner (R) District 4
Rep. John Carson (R) District 46 john.carson@house.ga.gov
404-656-0287
Cherokee County Courts
Judge W. Alan Jordan 678-493-6490 Judge A. Dee Morris 678-493-6480 Magistrate Court Chief Judge James E. Drane III (R) 678-493-6431 Judge Gregory Douds 678-493-6431
Probate Court Judge Keith Wood (R) 678-493-6160
kyla.cromer@cherokee.k12.ga.us
john.harmon@cherokee.k12.ga.us janet.read@cherokee.k12.ga.us
rick.steiner@cherokee.k12.ga.us
770-721-4398, x4370
Clark Menard (R) District 5
770-928-0341
Mike Chapman (R) District 6 mike.chapman@cherokee.k12.ga.us
770-345-6256
clark.menard@cherokee.k12.ga.us
City Government Canton Mayor Gene Hobgood
770-704-1544
Chief Judge John B. Sumner 678-493-6250 Judge Anthony Baker 678-493-6280 District Attorney Shannon Wallace 770-479-1488
Holly Springs Mayor Timothy Downing
770-345-5536
Clerk of Courts Patty Baker 678-493-6511
Woodstock Mayor Donnie Henriques
770-592-6001
Juvenile Court
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TOWNELAKER | March 2015
www.canton-georgia.gov www.hollyspringsga.us. www.woodstockga.gov
GREENPRINTS TRAIL SYSTEM WOODSTOCK, GA
Town to Creek Trail - This 0.57 mile paved trail begins at Market Street in downtown Woodstock one block west of Main Street. It continues downhill toward Noonday Creek where it intersects with the Noonday Creek & Towne Lake Pass trails. Noonday Creek Trail - This 0.86 mile paved trail is a continuation of the Town to Creek trail meandering along Noonday Creek. It intersects the future Towne Lake Pass trail and the bridge to Woofstock Park. Trestle Rock Trail - This 0.40 mile paved trail is located in Olde Rope Mill Park and is an easy flat trail on the banks of Little River. Towne Lake Pass (2015) - This approx. 1.2-mile trail will connect the Towne Lake community to downtown along the banks of Noonday Creek. It will begin at the interesection of Towne Lake Parkway and Towne Lake Hills South. Rubes Creek Trail (2015) - This 1-mile paved trail runs along Rubes Creek and will ultimately connect into a larger run of trails.
TOWNELAKER | March 2015
89
Reference
TOWNE LAKE AREA HOMES SOLD IN JANUARY
Towne Lake Sales for January 2015
List Price
Address
Subdivision
Beds Baths Yr Built
$200,000.00
246 Ascott LN
Belmont Trace
$110,000.00
100 Bennett Farms DR
Bennett Farms
$ 99,500.00
1090 Britley Park LN
Britley Park
$119,000.00
1087 Britley Park LN
Britley Park
2
4
2.5
2005
4
3
2
2 2
Days on Market
Sales Price
$$/sq ft
11
$
191,000
No data
1994
9
$
107,850
$
77
1995
88
$
96,000
$
105
1995
26
$
115,000
$
132
$179,900.00
323 Santa Anita AVE
Brookshire
3
2
2002
2
$
177,000
$
126
$209,900.00
546 Keeneland AVE
Brookshire
4
2.5
2002
52
$
203,000
$
86
$172,500.00
101 Creekwood TRL
Creekwood Place
3
2.5
2007
99
$
171,000
$139,900.00
107 Parks CIR
Dobbs Estate
3
2
1973
6
$
134,500
$
84
$195,000.00
810 Eagle Glen XING
Eagle Glen
4
3
1999
61
$
195,000
$
86
$162,000.00
605 Wedgewood DR
Eagle Watch
4
2
1989
7
$
156,400
$
78
No data
$189,900.00
4009 Bent Willow LN
Eagle Watch
4
2
1989
40
$
189,000
$
89
$220,000.00
1010 Wedgewood CT
Eagle Watch
5
3.5
1989
177
$
215,000
$
79
$289,000.00
3332 Rough Creek DR
Eagle Watch
4
3.5
1989
87
$
267,000
$
94
$389,900.00
186 Colonial DR
Eagle Watch
6
4
1990
1
$
389,900
$
74
$400,000.00
434 Woodruff XING
Eagle Watch
5
3.5
1989
102
$
400,000
$
100
See all the photos and details of these sold listings at http://TLJAN2015.KurtandSheilaTeam.com $139,900.00
3000 Cherokee TRL
Kings Ridge
3
2
1973
39
$
127,400
No data
$220,000.00
802 Commons CT
Kingston Sqaure
4
2.5
1985
6
$
219,000
No data
$219,114.00
203 Freelon LN
Meridian At Ridgewalk
3
2.5
2014
7
$
219,114
$
117
$195,000.00
306 Mirramont CT
Mirramont
4
3
2000
26
$
195,000
$
79
$537,685.00
208 Big Rock WAY
Overlook at Woodstock Knoll
5
4
2014
49
$
535,197
$
148
$701,925.00
221 Big Rock WAY
Overlook at Woodstock Knoll
5
4.5
2014
0
$
705,925
$
189
$204,900.00
319 Parc XING
Parc at Kellogg Creek
3
2
2014
34
$
205,520
$
110
$256,900.00
301 Parc XING
Parc at Kellogg Creek
4
2.5
2014
147
$
252,000
$
92
$190,000.00
1046 Regency DR
Regency Woods
3
2
1997
2
$
180,000
$
98
$
81
$164,900.00
2945 Cheryl CT
Salem Woods
4
2
1975
50
$
154,000
$419,900.00
221 Twisted Timber CT
The Village At Towne Lake
3
2.5
2014
123
$
480,767
$459,900.00
223 Twisted Timber CT
The Village At Towne Lake
4
3.5
2014
32
$
576,388
$
240
$164,900.00
1606 Towne CV
Town Harbor
3
2
1989
7
$
164,900
$
101
$263,000.00
4006 Sunhill CT
Towne Lake Hills East
4
2.5
1994
126
$
253,000
$
84
$319,900.00
3009 Towneside LN
Towne Lake Hills East
5
3.5
1993
9
$
312,700
$
83
No data
$224,850.00
2026 Castlemaine CIR
Waterford
4
3.5
2003
6
$
212,500
$
94
$149,800.00
6234 New Mill TRL
Westland Mill
3
2
1989
64
$
147,000
$
107
$205,000.00
216 Mincey WAY
Whitfield at Ridgewalk
5
3.5
2004
3
$
205,000
$
61
$
97
$225,000.00
324 Tuggle CT
Whitfield at Ridgewalk
5
3.5
2006
4
$
225,000
$679,900.00
109 Rope Mill RD
Woodstock Downtown
5
3
1910
34
$
669,000
No data
$188,010.00
179 Village Trail VW
Woodstock Village
3
2.5
2014
4
$
184,000
No data
$182,500.00
1406 Long Shadow CT
Wyngate
3
2.5
1991
38
$
181,000
No data
$215,000.00
1052 Deer Hollow DR
Wyngate
4
2.5
1995
81
$
217,000
No data
43.66
$
253,396
$ 103.14
$
252,750
AVERAGES IN JAN 2015
Seize this opportunity to sell. Rates can only go up from here which will make homes less affordable for buyers using financing.
Data compiled by the Kurt & Sheila Team / Keller Williams Realty Partners / www.KurtandSheilaTeam.com Sales Data derived from the FMLS (Area covered by Townelaker)
90
TOWNELAKER | March 2015
CLASSIFIED CLEANING SERVICES
CONSIGNMENT SALE
Alpha Window Cleaning Plus, LIC 678-763-6034. Specializing in:
KENNESAW FIRST BAPTIST Lil’Blessings Consignment Sale March 13th 9am-7pm, March 14th 9am-1pm Half-Price Day http://www.kfbc.org/ministries/lil-blessings-consignment-sale/ 2958 Main Street, Kennesaw, GA
Window Cleaning: Windows Hand Washed & Detailed along with Sills & Screens. Also, Skylights, Chandeliers, Mirrors, Ceiling Fans & lndoor/OUtdoor Light Fixtures. Gutter Cleaning: Gutters & Downspouts Cleaned, Ground Cleanup, Gutter Guard lnstallation &Gutter Repairs. Pressure Washing: Houses, Roofs, Decks, Patios, Driveways & Walkways. *** 15% Off First Cleaning With This Ad*** The Dynamic Clean Team. Let us put the *SPARKLE* back in your home! Weekly or Bi-weekly cleaning. Also move-in and moveouts! 10% off 1st service. 15 years experience, pet friendly, references available, bonded & insured. CALL TODAY Melissa Jones, 404-414-7743.
HYPNOTHERAPY
STOP SMOKING WITHOUT WITHDRAWAL www.georgiahypnotherapy.com or 678-938-7274 for more information LOSE WEIGHT WITHOUT DIETING with hypnosis www. virtualgastricbandgeorgia.com or 678-938-7274 for information
Classified ads will be discontinued after March.
TOWNELAKER | March 2015
91
Reference
COMMUNITY INFORMATION Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce (770) 345-0400 Cherokee County Government:
Animal Shelter (770) 345-7270 Business Licenses (770) 721-7810 Clean & Beautiful Commission (770) 517-7650 Commissioners (678) 493-6000 Courthouse (770) 479-1953 Engineering Office (Traffic Signals) (678) 493-6077 Extension Office (770) 479-0418 Jury Phone (770) 479-9011 Justice Center (Courts, Judges, etc.) (770) 479-1953 Planning & Zoning (678) 493-6101 Senior Services (770) 345-5312 Tax Assessors/Evaluation (678) 493-6120
Taxes:
License Plates/Tags, Property Tax (678) 493-6400 Woodstock Office (770) 924-4099 Voter Registration (770) 479-0407
Children/Family:
Anna Crawford Children’s Center (770) 345-8100 Bethesda Community Clinic (678) 880-9654 Cherokee County Boys & Girls Club (770) 720-7712 Cherokee Family Violence Center (770) 479-1804 Cherokee Focus (770) 345-5483 Child Support Enforcement (770) 720-3581 Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children (CASA) www.casacherokee.org (770) 345-3274 Department of Family & Children Services (770) 720-3610 The Hope Center (770) 924-0864 MUST Cherokee Ministries (770) 479-5397 Papa’s Pantry (770) 591-4730
Driver’s Licenses (Tues — Sat) (678) 413-8400 Fire Department (District 1, Station 20) (770) 926-7155 Georgia State Patrol (770) 205-5400 Health Department (770) 345-7371 Hospitals:
Kennestone Hospital (770) 793-5000 North Fulton Hospital (770) 751-2500 Northside Hospital — Cherokee (770) 720-5100
Hotlines — 24 Hour Help Lines:
Battered Women Hotline (770) 479-1703 Drug Tip Line (Cherokee Co. Sheriff) (770) 345-7920 Poison Control Center — Atlanta (404) 616-9000 Outside Metro Atlanta (800) 222-1222 Probate Court Information Line (770) 704-2610 Sexual Assault & Family Violence Center (770) 428-2666
Libraries: www.sequoyahregionallibrary.org Rose Creek (770) 591-1491 R.T. Jones (770) 479-3090 Woodstock (770) 926-5859 Non-Emergency 911 (770) 479-3117 Parks and Recreation: 92
TOWNELAKER | March 2015
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 www.cherokeega-animals.org Cherokee County Humane Society (770) 928-5115 www.cchumanesociety.org Emergency Veterinary Clinic (770) 924-3720 Funds4Furry Friends (770) 842-8893 Lost Pets Go to www.townelaker.com. click on lost and found pet button to report missing pet 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 Sheriff’s Department (678) 493-4100 www.cherokeega-sheriff.org Georgia Sex Offender Registry www.cherokeega-sheriff.org/offender/offender.htm
Utilities:
Atlanta Gas Light Co. (770) 907-4231 www.aglc.com AT&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 www.georgiapower.com
Urgent Care Facility
American Family Care, 6440 Bells Ferry Rd., Woodstock (770) 200-1220 Northside Cherokee Urgent Care, 900 Towne Lake Pkwy (404) 851-6577 SHEFA Urgent Care 2000 Village Professional Dr. #110, Canton (678) 661-3166 Wellstar Urgent Care (678) 494-2500
Woodstock, City of:
(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) 592-6030
Since 1996, we have brought relevant, uplifting and reader-driven content to the residents of Towne Lake, Canton and Woodstock. We look forward to serving you, our readers and advertisers, every month. Thank you for your continued support and participation in making this truly your community magazine. 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. Candi Hannigan Executive Editor
Michelle McCulloch Art Director
Jackie Loudin Assistant Editor
Laura Latchford Page Designer
Patty Ponder ALM President Marketing & Advertising Sales
Denise Griffin Controller
Christie Deese Sixes Living Market Manager
Karen & Jon Flaig Owner/Publisher
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.
TowneLaker Distribution Map Circulation: 16,000
TOWNELAKER | March 2015
93
TOWNELAKER ADVERTISERS DIRECTORY ATTORNEYS/LEGAL SERVICES
CHIROPRACTIC
Debranski & Associates, LLC 770-926-1957, ext 306 321 Creekstone Ridge
9
Hartman Imbriale Attorneys 51 678-445-7423, www.hartman-imbriale.com 145 Towne Lake Pkwy., Suite 200 AUTOMOTIVE Aspen Falls Auto Spa 6390 Bells Ferry Rd. 770-591-3630 Christian Brothers Automotive 770-926-4500 1930 Eagle Dr., Woodstock
71
32, 43
Joe’s Auto Service 770-517-2695 6957 Hwy. 92, Woodstock
46
Frankfurt Foreign Automotive 41 678-505-8907, 9817 Main St., Woodstock FrankfurtForeignAutomotive.com 7
Citadel Professional Services, LLC 39 770-952-6707 225 Town Park Dr., Suite 440, Kennesaw 3
Optimum Health Cover, 48, 49 770-516-7477, www.optimumhealthrehab.com 2360 Towne Lake Pkwy., Ste. 104, Woodstock Ribley Chiropractic 2453 Towne Lake Pkwy., Woodstock 770-592-2505, www.ribleychrio.com
27
Azure Salon & Spa 42 770-345-8280 1359 Riverstone Pkwy., Ste. 110, Canton 76
BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS
City on a Hill www.woodstockeaster.com
36
First Baptist Church of Woodstock 770-926-4428, www.FBCW.org
72
Hillside United Methodist Church 770-924-4777, www.hillsideumc.org 4474 Towne Lake Pkwy.
61
Compass Prep Academy Woodstock Church of the Nazarene 874 Arnold Mill Rd., Woodstock 30188 404-643-9424, info@compassprep.org www.compassprep.org Goddard School, The 3115 Parkbrooke Circle, Woodstock 770-516-0880, GoddardSchool.com
17
7
46
Rejoice Maids 678-905-3476, www.rejoicemaids.com
30
Music Together 65 678-613-2048, www.musictogether.com
Cherokee Computer Guys 678-889-5900, www.ccrguys.com 10511 Bells Ferry Rd., Canton
3
DENTAL
Byrd Dental Group Inside front 770-926-8200 2035 Towne Lake Pkwy., Ste. 130 Fountain View Dentistry 59 770-926-0000, www.fountainviewsmiles.com 1816 Eagle Dr., Bldg. 200, Suite A Park Pediatric Dentistry of Woodstock 770-926-9260 www.PediatricWoodstockDentist.com 1816 Eagle Dr., Suite 200-C
North Cobb Christian School 770-975-0252, ncchristian.org 4500, Lakeview Dr., Kennesaw Park View Montessori School 770-926-0044 6689 Bells Ferry Rd.
3
41
FITNESS
17
Towne Lake Business Association
32
72
Spillane Orthodontics 79 770-928-4747, www.SpillaneOrtho.com 335 Pkwy. 575, Suite 200, Woodstock
TOWNELAKER | March 2015
Bascomb UMC Preschool 770-926-0397 2295 Bascomb Carmel Rd.
53
73
94
37
Carpet Dry-Tech 678-368-5991
Downtown Buzz
Papa’s Pantry www.papaspantry.org
Williams Orthodontics 770-592-5554 www.DrWilliamsOrthodontics.com 145 Towne Lake Pkwy., Ste. 201
Mathnasium 65 678-214-5544 2265 Towne Lake Pkwy., Ste. 102
CLEANING SERVICES
S. Bruce O’Neal, DDS 63 770-924-8848 2230 Towne Lake Pkwy., Bldg. 100, Ste. 100
CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS
Werner Pediatric Dentistry of Woodstock 25 678-224-5722 www.ChildrensDentistWoodstock.com 250 Parkbrooke Place Suite 250, Woodstock
EDUCATION / INSTRUCTION
(Cosmetic, Family, Orthodontics, Prosthodontics & Pediatric)
BEAUTY, MASSAGE & SPA
The Sundance Massage Center 678-591-5066 www.SundanceMassageCenter.com
57
COMPUTERS
BANKING/FINANCIAL SERVICES
Michael & Company, PC 770-420-8020 ext. 225 195 Chastain Meadows Court, Ste. 110 Kennesaw, www.MichaelCPApc.com
North Cobb Spine & Nerve Institute 678-574-5678 3451 Cobb Pkwy, Ste. 4, Acworth
CHURCHES
Mike the Mechanic Auto Service & Repair 7 770-928-2828, www.mikethemechanic.com 3155 Parkbrooke Cir., Woodstock
Towne Lake’s Carwash & Detail www.townelakescarwashanddetail.com 770-592-8102, 1490 Towne Lake Pkwy.
Discover Chiropractic & Rehabilitation 35 770-516-9900, www.discoverrehab.com 2295 Towne Lake Pkwy.
Towne Lake Family Dentistry Inside Back 770-591-7929, www.RayMorganDMD.com 120 N. Medical Pkwy., Bldg 200, Ste 100
Thad Baird & Tyler Baird, DMD 30 770-517-0444, www.BairdFamilyDentistry.com 4595 Towne Lake Pkwy.
Brooks Personal Training & Massage 8 678-665-6021, BrooksPersonalTraining.com 1432 Towne Lake Pkwy., Ste. 120 Orangetheory Fitness Woodstock 1 200 Parkbrooke Dr. Suite 140, Woodstock 770-833-4550, www.orangetheoryfitness.com R2 Total Fitness 1025 Rose Creek Drive 678-809-7833, www.r2totalfitness.com
5
HOME IMPROVEMENT & REPAIR Atlanta Prestige Flooring 58 770-516-3227, atlantaprestigeflooring.com 1105 Parkside Lane, Suite 1338, Woodstock AquaDoc Plumbing 37 770-516-9000 Blue Horizon Air Conditioning & Heating 13 678-279-2244, BHCool.com Bryan Plumbing Services 5 770-826-5277
Coleman Home Services 7 770-294-9667 www.colemanhomeservices.com Design Options 27 866-595-FLOOR Dr. Fixit, Ph.D. 46 770-974-2390 Drainage First 33 John Brodbeck, 678-525-589 Grout Doctor, The 51 678-383-1311, www.GroutDoctor.com Hammocks Heating & Air 37 770-794-0428 Handy Handyman, The 54 404-316-1490 Innovative Contractors 35 423-421-0667, 678-776-5202 Mr. Junk 76 678-Mr-Junk1 Nelson Exteriors 40 678-283-8171 Pike’s Professional Painting 33 770-516-0045 Precision Painting & Remodeling 5 678-234-9668 Reliable Heating & Air 31 770-594-9969, ReliableAir.com Uptronix 21 770-928-0260, www.uptronix.com LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE
Cherokee Internal Medicine 678-238-0301, www.cherokeeim.com 1192 Buckhead Crossing, Ste. C
42
Connect Hearing 39 1-888-694-0655, www.connecthearing.com 2230 Towne Lake Pkwy., Bldg. 800, Ste. 100
Ursula & Assoc., Keller Williams Inside front 678-569-4044, TowneLakeExperts.com
Georigia Eye Partners 62 404-953-4044, www.GAEyePartners.com 600 Towne Lake Pkwy., Ste. 312, Woodstock
Elm St. Cultural Arts Village 678-494-4251
Graham Pediatrics, Fitzroy Graham, MD, FAAP 63 770-485-9670, www.grahampediatrics.com 105 Mirramont Lake Dr.
Around Town Take Out www.AroundTownTakeOut.com
42
Butchers Block 770-517-2225, 1025 Rose Creek Dr.
29
Dogwood Growlers 6215 Bells Ferry Rd., Acworth 404-981-2739
27
North Georgia Audiology & Hearing Aid Center, Dr. Jan Henriques 60 770-726-8948, NorthGeorgiaHearing.com 203 Woodpark Place, Ste. B-100, Woodstock Northside Hospital Sleep Disorder Center 56 770-345-2568, www.northside.com/sleep Northside Hospital – Cherokee www.northside.com
11
Northside Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine 770-928-0016
61
Piedmont Physicians 678-582-8862, piedmont.org/today
55
73
Landscape Matters 770-403-5813 www.landscapemattersinc.com
29
Psychologist John R. Lutz, PhD 76 770-592-9065, www.johnromanlutz.com
Mclellan Excavation & Landscaping 404-520-0710
9
Rausch Family Practice 678-384-7305, judithrauschmd.com 1000 Wyngate Pkwy., Ste. 210
5
Overstreet Lawn Care 770-861-7272
25
Thomas Eye Group 22 770-928-4544, www.thomaseyegroup.com 149 Towne Lake Pkwy., Ste. 102
RPM Landscape & Pavers 770-597-5175 www.rpmlandscapeandpavers.com
17
Towne Lake Family Pharmacy 770-635-7697 2045 Towne Lake Pkwy., Ste. 110
25
Village Podiatry Center 1198 Buckhead Crossing, Ste. D 770-928-9263
67
Wellstar Cancer Network 770-956-STAR (7827)
45
PET/VETERINARIAN SERVICES & SUPPLIES Animal Atlanta 39 770-591-0007, www.AnimalAtlanta.com 6449 Bells Ferry Rd. Animal Hospital of Towne Lake 34 770-591-9500, www.townelakevets.com 3105 Parkbrooke Circle Cherokee County Animal Shelter www.cherokeega-animals.org
83
PHOTOGRAPHERS Kim Bates Photography www.KimBatesPhotoArt.com
52
REAL ESTATE & RELATED SERVICES
South Cherokee Veterinary Hospital 54 770-924-6746, www.southcherokee.net 513 Sharp St.
Berkshire Hathaway, The Tomlinson Team 53 770-365-6193, 678-494-2953
PHYSICIANS AND MEDICAL SERVICES
Current Realty, Angela Martin, 17 678-540-3230, www.CurrentBrokers.com
Atlanta Gastroenterology Assoc. 51 770-926-5459, www.atlantagastro.com 900 Towne Lake Pkwy., Ste. 308, Woodstock
9
Envision Therapy Dr. Rosalyn Coleman 33 678-540-6680, envisiontherapycenter.com 117 Mirramont Lake Dr., Woodstock
Plastic Surgery Center of the South 24 770-421-1242 www.plasticsurgerycenterofthesouth.net 120 Vann St., Ste. 150, Marietta
Calvary Landscaping & Irrigation 770-720-1727 or 770-827-0346 www.calvarylandscaping.com
Paragon Property Group Anna Daily, 888-MNG-MNT9 ext. 1007 adaily@paragonga.com K.K.Lopez, 888-MNG-MNT9 ext. 1006 klopez@paragonga.com www.paragonga.com
Kurt & Sheila Team, Keller Williams 404-954-2486, 678-494-0644 www.kurtandsheila.com
Back Cover
RECREATION AND ENTERTAINMENT 78
RESTAURANTS/FOOD & DRINK
Jump Kitchen 70 678-388-7717, jumpkitchensaloon.com 1085 Buckhead Crossing, Woodstock NY Style Deli & Pizza 678-426-7004, 2340 Towne Lake Pkwy.
23
Papa P’s 2295 Towne Lake Pkwy. 770-592-3100, papa-ps.com
8
Small Cakes — A Cupcakery 2035 Towne Lake Pkwy., Suite 110 678-324-1910
9
Stock Bistro & Lounge 770-516-6779 6424 Bells Ferry Rd., Woodstock
18
RETAILERS/ SHOPPING Diamonds R Forever 64 4200 Wade Green Rd., Ste. 212, Kennesaw 770-422-0845, www.diamondsrforever.net Gifted Ferret, The 21 770-693-5889, www.TheGiftedFerret.com 1910 Eagle Dr., Ste. 400 Max Video Games & More 40 770-924-9300 6424 Bells Ferry Rd., Ste. 124, Woodstock www.facebook.com/maxvideogames Rudi Fine Jewelry 678-445-2626 rudifinejewelry@yahoo.com 6790 Hwy. 92, Acworth
33
Spirited 29 8670 Main St., Ste. 2, Woodstock 678-214-5304, www.spritlala.com Urban Renewal Consignment Shop 35 678-398-7691, www.urcwoodstock.com 1085 Buckhead Crossing, Suite 120, Woodstock Wild Birds Unlimited 19 770-928-3014, www.woodstock.wbu.com 1025 Rose Creek Dr., Woodstock
TOWNELAKER | March 2015
95
COUPONS & SPECIAL OFFERS! These local businesses have special offers just for you! Animal Atlanta
39
Max Video Games & More
Animal Hospital of Towne Lake
34
Mclellan Excavation & Landscape
9
Aqua Doc Plumbing
37
Mike the Mechanic
7
Aspen Falls Auto Spa
71
Mr. Junk
76
Azure Salon & Spa
42
North Cobb Spine & Nerve Institute
57
Blue Horizon Air Conditioning & Heating
13
NY Syle Deli & Pizza
23
Butchers Block
29
Plastic Surgery Center of the South
24
Byrd Dental
Inside front
R2 Total Fitness
5
Carpet Dry Tech
53
Rejoice Maids
30
Christian Brothers Automotive
43
Reliable Heating & Air
31
Connect Hearing
39
Rudi Fine Jewelry
33
Discover Chiropractic
35
Small Cakes
Dogwood Growlers
27
Spirited 29
Hammock’s Heating & Air
37
The Grout Doctor
Joe’s Auto Service
46
Towne Lake Family Dentistry
Jump Kitchen
70
Towne Lake’s Carwash and Detail
Landscape Matters
29
Urban Renewal Consignement Boutique
35
Wild Birds Unlimited
19
Mathnasium 65
Shop Local! 96
40
TOWNELAKER | March 2015
9
51 Inside back 7
770.591.7929
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120 N. Medical Pkwy | Building 200, Suite 100 | Woodstock, GA 30189