6-21 AroundWoodstock webfinal.pdf by Aroundabout Local Media, Inc.

READERS’

CHOICE Award 2021

AROUND WOODSTOCK | June 2021

Contents

Contributors

June 2021

30 Don Akridge

Dentistry For Woodstock

17 Dr. Thad Baird 26 Stacy Brown

42 Charlice Byrd

On the Cover

43 Cherokee Women’s

Behind the scenes as Jerry King photographs hygienists Dena Kimbrel and Amber Hibbert, who are helping Aroundabout Local Media celebrate 25 years of publishing community magazines in Cherokee County. Special thanks to Dr. Bruce and Christie Fink for the beautiful cake!

Health Specialists 18, 22 Jessica Forrester

44 Barbara Jacoby

16 Dr. Michael Litrel 46 Rob Macmillan

20 Margaret Miller

Pages 28 & 29

Cover photo by J. King Images

42 Dr. Haiden Nunn

17 Kirk Pusey

Happy Anniversary to Us!

Aroundabout Local Media celebrates 25 years of serving and growing with the community.

Juneteenth

Learn about this African American holiday, which is gaining popularity across the U.S.

40 John Rodgers 36 Susan Schulz

45 Justin Spainhour-Roth 32 Ashley Velez

In Every Issue 4 Around Woodstock 8 Celebrations 10 Local News

34 Everyday Angels 40 Library Events 46 Rob’s Rescues

48 Recent Home Sales 49 School News

50 Community Calendar 52 Noteworthy

54 Directory of Advertisers

Wedding Wisdom

Tips from the pros for anyone planning a wedding, plus a few pointers from local moms in-the-know.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | June 2021

Home

is a

Feeling

Home. It isn’t simply the place where you live. Home is actually a feeling. It’s where you laugh and love. It’s where you feel safe and spiritually nourished. Home is where you belong. At St. George Village, we understand that home has a meaning that extends far beyond walls and windows and furniture. That’s why we have created an environment that fosters a sense of belonging. From excellent dining, housekeeping and maintenance services to our fitness center and wellness programs, as well as opportunities for intellectual, social and spiritual engagement, everything about our community has been carefully and thoughtfully designed to make life easy, fun, comfortable and safe. We know that from the moment you walk through the main door of our lobby, you’ll feel like you belong. You’ll be home. Discover why so many people have chosen St. George Village as their home. Call 404-558-6108 for information, or visit us online at stgeorgevillage.org, and on Facebook and YouTube.

Roswell’s first senior living Life Plan retirement community 11350 Woodstock Road, Roswell, GA 30075 (678) 987-0410 | stgeorgevillage.org AROUND WOODSTOCK | June 2021

Around Woodstock

Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting

Letter From the Editor

I moved to Cherokee County in 1987, after Glenn and I married that October. The area seemed so similar to my hometown in South Carolina; I settled in easily. We lived in the home he bought when he moved here in 1981, until we built a larger house in Eagle Watch a few years later. We raised our three children there, spending countless hours on the playground and at the pool when we weren’t at the ballpark, or school events, or Boy or Girl Scout meetings. We were part of Hillside United Methodist, long before the congregation, formerly Oak Grove UMC, moved to Towne Lake. Our family truly was a part of the community in every way imaginable. Gathering content for this 25th anniversary issue, starting with the second issue of the TowneLaker, published in July 1996, has been a stroll down memory lane. I found several photos of my children on the pages of the TowneLaker. Becca, now 27, appeared in the Scouting issue in 2001, selling cookies and enjoying a Christmas event with fellow Scouts. Years later, her college graduation picture ran in a 2016 issue. My son, now 32, smiles proudly, with a bat over his shoulder, in a photo I sent in to celebrate his 7th birthday. And I know Julie, my 32-year-old, is somewhere in the group photo of Bascomb Elementary’s first student body that ran in the July 1996 issue. Our art director, Michelle McCulloch, has been an employee since 2004. As a new resident, she picked up a copy of the TowneLaker at Publix to find out what was happening around Towne. She instantly loved what the magazine was about, sharing the good news in the community, and called the owners that day asking for a design job. “The timing was perfect; I was hired to help launch the new titles in Woodstock, Canton and Acworth,” Michelle said. I hope you enjoy the special features we created to commemorate our 25th anniversary! And how fitting is it that our kindness challenge this month is donating to the animal shelter? Since 1996, we’ve consistently featured pets available for adoption at the humane society, and we were thrilled to add Rob’s Rescues to our lineup of features in 2014.

June

Take Supplies to the Animal Shelter. Let’s not forget

to share some love with our furry friends. Bring goodies, such as food, treats, blankets, paper towels, etc., for the cats and dogs waiting to be adopted. Visit www.cherokeega-animals. org/donate.html for more information.

Culver’s

11799 Highway 92, Woodstock 30188 470-377-4176. www.culvers.com.

Snowmies Shaved Ice and Sweet Treats 115 Mill St., Woodstock 30188 404-480-3588. On Facebook.

What’s New

Bark Alley has opened in downtown Woodstock, in a kiosk between Dress Up Boutique and Ace Hardware. The store offers pet products made with ingredients sourced and made in the United States by micro-independent brands. The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta reports the opening of Boss Hugo Boss, featuring casual, business, evening and athleisure clothing, and expansion of Mountain High Outfitters, an active outdoor boutique and lifestyle store. www.theoutletshoppesatatlanta.com. The Fat Shack has opened at 6199 Highway 92, Unit 200, in the Cherokee Commons Shopping Center. The menu is filled with indulgent sandwiches, burgers and wings, as well as deep-fried desserts, including fried Oreos and cheesecake bites. 470-308-4950. www.fatshack.com. Dr. Vanessa Womack, a board-certified internal medicine physician, has joined Northside Family Practice. She specializes in preventive care, diabetes management and hypertension. www.northsidefamilypractice.com.

What’s Coming

7 Tequilas in Holly Springs will relocate to a property

Candi Hannigan is the executive editor of Aroundabout Local Media. She has lived in Cherokee County since 1987. Send your comments or questions to Candi@AroundaboutMagazines.com.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | June 2021

across the street from its 5947 Holly Springs Parkway location. No date has been set for groundbreaking, but the hope is to be in the new location within eight months. The existing 7 Tequilas location will become an Italian restaurant. www.7tequilasmexicanrestaurant.com.

Skilled attorneys who are dedicated to helping injury victims maximize their recovery.

Joel Williams

Chase Elleby

833-LEGALGA

AROUND WOODSTOCK | June 2021

Around Acworth | Around Canton Around Woodstock | TowneLaker

Our Mission

Helping local businesses grow and prosper by offering affordable advertising opportunities in a quality publication that provides positive, relevant information to our readers.

Results With Us

“We advertised on the front cover of Around Woodstock in July 2020. We were unprepared for the amazing and positive response we received. Our business picked up greatly and we got some amazing new customers from this awesome community. When we do it again, I will be better prepared for our increase in business." — Lori Kennedy, Alpha & Omega Automotive

Publisher Aroundabout Local Media, Inc. www.aroundaboutlocalmedia.com ALM President Patty Ponder 770-615-3322 Patty@AroundaboutMagazines.com Executive Editor Candi Hannigan 770-615-3309 Candi@AroundaboutMagazines.com

Managing Editor Katie Beall 770-852-8481 Katie@AroundaboutMagazines.com

Assistant Editor Jessica Forrester 770-615-3318 Jessica@AroundaboutMagazines.com

Art Director Michelle McCulloch 770-615-3307 Michelle@AroundaboutMagazines.com Page Designer Laura Latchford Laura@AroundaboutMagazines.com

Controller Denise Griffin 770-615-3315 Denise@AroundaboutMagazines.com Social Media Manager Kathryn Holt Kat@AroundaboutMagazines.com

Market & Advertising Specialist Michelle Smith Michelle.Smith@AroundaboutMagazines.com Copy Editors Bill King, Eliza Somers

Advertise With Us

Patty Ponder, ALM President 770-615-3322 Patty@AroundaboutMagazines.com

Get Social With Us!

@AroundWoodstockMagazine @AroundWoodstock @around_woodstock

www.aroundwoodstockmagazine.com AROUND WOODSTOCK | June 2021

Around Woodstock, a publication of Aroundabout Local Media, Inc., is a monthly community magazine. The magazine’s mission is helping local businesses grow and prosper by offering affordable advertising opportunities in a quality publication that provides positive, relevant information to our readers. It distributes a total of 16,500 free copies. Approximately 15,900 are direct mailed to homes and businesses and an additional 600 are placed in racks around the community. Around Woodstock also has many digital viewers of the magazine online each month. Around Woodstock welcomes your comments, stories, and advertisements. The deadline is the 10th of the previous month. Subscriptions are available for $24 per year. Send check or money order to the address below. The viewpoints of the advertisers, columnists and submissions are not necessarily those of the editor/publisher and the publisher makes no claims as to the validity of any charitable organizations mentioned. Around Woodstock 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 2021

Around Woodstock

1025 Rose Creek Drive, PMB 380, Suite 620, Woodstock, GA 30189 Volume 8, Issue 8

America’s Community Magazine

AROUND WOODSTOCK | June 2021

Celebrations! ANNOUNCEMENTS ARE FREE!

Email: Edit@AroundaboutMagazines.com July deadline is June 10. Please specify Around Woodstock.

Logan M. Woodward

Age 10 on June 17 Happy 10th birthday to our piano-playing grandson. We are so proud of you and all you have accomplished. Love, hugs, kisses from Nani, Papa, Mama and Daddy.

Alice Schroeder

Age 6 on June 1 Our sweet girl excelled in virtual kindergarten, and we are excited to see what awaits her in first grade. Grateful parents, Pete, Corinne and brother Gram

Stella

Age 3 on June 13 Happy third birthday, Stella! You bring so much happiness and joy to everyone who meets you. We love you!

Congratulations Ansley Cartwright for graduating from the University of Georgia with degrees in public relations and communications. She will continue at UGA for a Master’s Degree in journalism with an emphasis in integrated advertising.

Jett and Beckett Bendik

Jett – Age 8 on June 6 Beckett – Age 6 on June 7 Happy birthday Jett and Beckett! We love you crazy boys so much. Love, Everett, Juliette, Mom, and Dad

Rachael Rivera

Age 7 on June 30 Happy birthday, lovely girl! I am super proud of you and wish you many, many more successes in life! I love you so much! Titi Main 8

AROUND WOODSTOCK | June 2021

Summer Davis

Age 16 on June 4 Happy Sweet 16 Summer! We love you and are so proud of you. We can't wait to celebrate this month. We love you tons, sweet girl! Love, Mom, Dad, Daniel, Levi and Silas

Ivan Escudero

Age 11 on June 27 Happy birthday, Ivan! We love you so much. Daddy, Mommy, Boyka and Molly

AROUND WOODSTOCK | June 2021

Local News

A New Way to Explore Woodstock

The Woodstock Visitors Center offers free guided walking tours of the downtown area. On the last Thursday of each month, through September, themed guided tours will touch on the history of the area, uncover the town’s plentiful public art, share weird and unusual downtown facts and explore the planning that has gone into making Woodstock one of the top downtowns in Georgia. Two weeks before each tour date, monthly tour topics will be announced on downtown Woodstock’s Facebook and Instagram pages, where residents can register. There’s no charge, but an RSVP is required, because space is limited. Tours will be offered at 6 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 7 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and last 30 to 45 minutes. 770-924-0406. www.visitwoodstockga.com.

Sports Program, Local Business Team Up to Support Foster Children

Youth athletic teams in the Georgia Academy Baseball and Softball organization showed up big for the Swing Into Spring Shopping Spree Raffle. Teams from the organization raised $6,100 for The Children’s Haven, directly affecting children experiencing foster care in Cherokee County. The youth athletic association created the fundraiser as a community service effort, leading to the financial donation that will assist with the playground at The Children’s Haven and an experience giving two foster children a 2-minute shopping spree at Learning Express Toys of Woodstock. On May 2, Scott Gunter won the drawing, and asked his niece, Lilly Snow, to do the shopping spree for him. Lilly paid it forward, by donating her shopping spree items to the Sequoyah High School Special Education Department and Friendship Baptist Church. The two foster children (whose names are remaining confidential) also enjoyed the excitement at Learning Express Toys and took home their haul with smiles galore. “The shopping spree at Learning Express Toys of Woodstock was such an exciting and special gift for two sisters in our program,” Smith said. “Their CASA volunteer came to help them shop, and I think she had just as much fun as they did. What a dream come true for two sweet and deserving girls. The generosity from the store’s owners truly touched our hearts.”

From left: Shawn Schumacher, Georgia Academy Baseball chairman; Kimberly Gomillion, co-owner of Learning Express Toys; Marcie Smith, Children’s Haven director; Eric Gomillion, co-owner of Learning Express Toys; Jose Tunon, Georgia Academy Club president, and Eric Forbes, Georgia Academy Softball chairman. 10

AROUND WOODSTOCK | June 2021

Jim Lindenmayer, left, was given the 2021 First Citizen of Cherokee County award from chamber representative David Simmons.

Cherokee Chamber Names Annual Award Winners Leaders of the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce announced awards at the organization’s 50th annual meeting, which featured Gov. Brian Kemp as the keynote speaker. The 46th annual First Citizen of Cherokee County recognition was given to Jim Lindenmayer, director of the Cherokee County Homeless Veterans Program. Killian Automotive was named 2021 Small Business of the Year; In Harmony Pediatric Therapy was given the 2021 Excellence in Customer Service Award, and Cherokee FOCUS received the Nonprofit of the Year award. FOCUS is led by Executive Director and CEO Sonia Carruthers. The 2020 Chairman’s Council “Joan McFather Volunteer of the Year Award” was presented to Jay Street with ASC Group, as he best exemplified ongoing dedication throughout the past year as a Chamber Ambassador while contributing dozens of volunteer hours on the Chairman's Council. This award, bearing the name of longtime chamber volunteer Joan McFather, has been given in her name since her death in 2019. The mission of the chamber, a Georgia Certified Chamber, is to promote business and the community while expanding the economy and enhancing the quality of life. To learn more, visit CherokeeChamber.com.

Kick-off Set for Pollinators BioBlitz

The annual Woodstock Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz kicks off June 1 at 7 p.m., with a special event in Dupree Park, and will continue through the month. June is National Pollinator’s Month, and the Woodstock Parks and Recreation department is working to create awareness of the importance of pollinators by having community members work with park staff to create a snapshot of the variety of wildlife that can be found in local parks and, in turn, discover the vibrancy of Woodstock's pollinator habitat. To participate, community members will use the iNaturalist app to take pictures of plants, insects and animals to see what wildlife is present in the park on the day of the event and throughout the month. The goal is to provide the park system with more information about ecosystem essential local pollinators. The Woodstock Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz is hosted on the app iNaturalist in conjunction with the National Parks and Recreation Association. After the orientation event, participation is self-monitored and can be conducted by local residents in Woodstock parks, trails and around their homes. Registration is required for the free event; register at https://bit.ly/33eX2i8. For more information, email jsnyder@woodstockga.gov or visit woodstockparksandrec.com.

New Tool Makes Appeal Process Easier

Cherokee County residents wanting to appeal assessment notices distributed by the tax assessor’s office have access to a convenient new tool. An online program called Appeals, developed by Spatialist, allows residents to file assessment appeals online. The program includes the Comper tool, which gives property owners easy access to comparable sales in neighborhoods. The tool is only good for filing initial appeals. Mailings were scheduled to begin May 17. Homeowners who disagree with their property values have a 45-day window to appeal, ending July 1. The tax office anticipates mailing more than 113,000 notices, which include the assessed value assigned to a property, used to measure applicable taxes, as well as qualified exemptions, such as homestead and senior tax exemptions. Cherokee County Chief Appraiser Steve Swindell said property owners should expect to see an average of 7-8% increase in their assessment for an existing home, based on the average residential property value of $325,000. Homeowners wishing to file an appeal can find instructions on their assessment notice, as well as a link to the appeal tool at appeals.spatialest.com/ga-cherokee. “If a change is made and an adjusted notice of assessment is sent, the taxpayer would be required to mail us their intent to continue their appeal within 30 days of the date of the notice,” Swindell said. For more information, call 678-493-6120, or visit www.cherokeega.com/tax-assessors-office. AROUND WOODSTOCK | June 2021

AROUND WOODSTOCK | June 2021

Strong!

Celebrating a Quarter Century Of Serving Cherokee County With this month’s issue, we at Aroundabout Local Media (ALM) are celebrating the company’s 25th birthday! We know, we don’t look a day over 20! In fact, we think we are getting better looking each year, inside and out, with our vibrant pages filled with dazzling ads, and uplifting articles and features from cover to cover. It’s a joyous occasion, as we celebrate being the longestrunning community magazine publisher in Cherokee County. It began in June, 1996, when the TowneLaker’s first issue coincided with Atlanta hosting the Summer Olympics. Over the years, we’ve grown to our current lineup of four magazines. Each month, close to 75,000 copies of Around Acworth, Around Canton, Around Woodstock and the TowneLaker magazines are distributed to 71,520 homes, with the rest placed in racks around town. On the following pages, we have assembled a scrapbook, of sorts, that chronicles the history of ALM, with a timeline highlighting covers and a list of some milestones reported in those issues. Next, you’ll find a collection of then-and-now photos, and comments from longtime advertisers; some have been with us since 1996.

ALM’s owners, Jon and Karen Flaig, have been Woodstock residents for more than 25 years. Our newest staff member is a Cherokee County native, and the rest of us have lived here long enough to feel we can claim that status. Our 10-person team works tirelessly each month to unite and inform the members of our community through positive articles and affordable advertising to help local businesses prosper. It’s always nice when hard work is recognized, especially by the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce. In 2016, ALM was given the Small Business of the Year award, followed by the Excellence in Customer Service award in 2019. We consistently hear from our faithful advertisers how their ads in our publications have supported the success of their businesses. We won’t end our celebration this month; we plan to include a little something in every issue moving into our 26th year. If you have special memories to share, please email candi@ aroundaboutmagazines.com. We look forward to celebrating our 50th with you, and each year in between! — Your ALM team

AROUND WOODSTOCK | June 2021

Celebrating

YEARS AGO March 2001

On the cover: Boy Scout Corey

of PUBLICATION

business briefs: State Farm • Inagent Steve Cannon announced

the grand opening of his business, in the parking lot next to Publix, where it still stands. The Bank of Canton opened in Towne Lake. Rumors were circulating that Pike’s would open a 10-acre super store next to Kroger, and a Ford dealership would open in the area.

school news, 900 seniors • Ingraduated on June 1, with

25 YEARS AGO July 1996

On the cover: Bill Tomlinson, who

was chosen as the TowneLaker’s Father of the Year.

•

Home sales: 4,000 homes closed in Towne Lake in June, 1996, pushing developers closer to the estimated 8,000 homes to be built.

Tomlinson was named Father • Bill of the Year, nominated by his

10-year-old daughter, Melissa. See then and now photos on Page 17.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | June 2021

the following breakdown: Cherokee, 210; Etowah, 280; Sequoyah, 330, and the Open Campus Evening School, 72. For comparison, in 2020, 2,954 seniors graduated: Cherokee, 561; Creekview, 479; Etowah, 550; River Ridge, 409; Sequoyah, 429, and Woodstock, 526.

Middle and High • Woodstock schools were set to open in August, 1996.

McKeeth was given the • Kris Pathfinder award, and 17-yearold Jacob Thomas, an Etowah student, was Student of the Month.

the celebrations page, Emily • On Robertson, Alyson Pfrimmer and Michel Punch were celebrating 5th birthdays.

Groom and Venture Scout Brian Hess. Back row, Girl Scout Alysa LaRicca, Tiger Cub Jordan Possway and Cub Scout Ryan Mead.

of the Best (now called • Best Readers’ Choice) winners sound

familiar. Dr. Thad Baird won best dentist in 2001, and Baird Family Dentistry won in 2021. MIK Cleaners also won in both years.

in Towne Lake were to • Sidewalks be completed in summer, 2001; a traffic light at Eagle Watch and Towne Lake Parkway also was to be added.

Square had a grand • Woodstock opening March 9-11 (the plaza on Highway 92 with Target).

at Buckhead Crossing • Publix opened. feature was done on the Paint n • APlaster Fun Factory, which was owned by Lauren and Danielle Nagle, 15- and 16-year-old sisters and students at Etowah.

Birds Unlimited opened, and • Wild Manhattan Bagel closed.

10 YEARS AGO June 2011

On the cover: Park Pediatric

Dentistry, which still advertises with ALM.

Acru, a retail concept of First • Cherokee State Bank, opened

in downtown Woodstock, and included the 2021 Readers’ Choice favorite, Copper Coin coffee shop.

Aspen Falls Auto Spa opened, • along with Cherokee Computer

Guys and Studio Tim Timmons (current owner of Salon Gloss).

YEARS AGO November 2006

On the cover: Young models

show off selections from children’s clothing store Sweet Peas.

Meridian at Ridgewalk • subdivision started construction.

Parkside Grill opened on • Bells Ferry across from Hobgood Park.

Beef O’Brady’s, beside the • Rose Creek Publix, closed. Tuscany Italian Restaurant • opened in June, 2006. Towne Lake Business • The Association (TLBA)

announced updates, upcoming events. ALM still shares news from the TLBA.

Readers learned about Taylor • Dakake, who was adopted by

a Woodstock couple and had just graduated high school. ALM ran a follow-up on him in January, 2021, after he contacted us to see if we’d like to share an update.

Cherokee Women’s Health • Specialists opened a Towne Lake location.

The number of single-family • homes sold in Towne Lake

was 386 for March, 2011. The average sales price (with an average list price) for JanuaryMarch, 2011, was $158,049 of $209,569.

Chip Rogers was the state • senator for District 11, and a regular contributor.

YEARS AGO June 2016

On the cover: David Waters, a candidate for Cherokee County Sheriff.

Presbyterian Church • Heritage announced it has a new pastor,

the Rev. Elizabeth Milford, who now is a contributing writer to the TowneLaker.

advertorial announced the • Anopening of Camellia Place. on Towne Lake to open • Eyes in July. and Kitty opened on Bells • K9 Ferry Road, near Goodwill. Boot Camp on Parkside • Burn Lane was gearing up for the first summer camps.

Law Office of Jay G. Wall • The opened at Buckhead Crossing. Office of Economic • Cherokee Development President Misti

Martin was named one of North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers.

Caldwell was the state • Michael representative for District 20, and a regular contributor.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | June 2021

Your Community. Your Magazine.

Strong!

As the county’s longest standing community publication, we’ve had a chance to build strong relationships over the past 25 years, celebrating our residents and supporting local businesses. Our motto is more than just a saying: Your Community. Your Magazine. Over the years, we’ve opened our pages to the community in ways too numerous to count. Here are a few examples of how we’ve shared life with you, and been here to help your businesses grow.

Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists Advertiser since July 1997

It was 1997 when I moved to Cherokee County with my wife, Ann, and our two small sons. I was fresh off the wards of Grady Hospital in downtown Atlanta, having just finished my OB/GYN residency with Emory University. I chose to take a position with Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists, the sole OB practice delivering babies in Cherokee County. The obstetrical care we gave our patients was superb, but the problem was this: Pregnant women in Towne Lake and Woodstock were choosing to deliver their babies in Cobb County. It was a problem of perception. Canton’s hospital at that time, R. T. Jones (the hospital’s name prior to Northside’s acquisition), did not have an illustrious reputation for obstetrics services.

The Litrel family in 2000. 16

AROUND WOODSTOCK | June 2021

The staff of Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists from a 2019 Around Woodstock cover. Photo by J. King Images.

How could I let women know they could receive great obstetrical care right here in Cherokee County? Ann had noticed a local publication called the TowneLaker. She enthusiastically showed me the magazine, which had lists of churches, elected leaders, community groups … and, most of all, stories about local people and businesses that helped you get to know the people in the community Ann suggested we advertise, and that I use the story space to let the community get to know me. And that was the beginning of a long relationship. Month after month, I shared stories about patients, the lessons I learned from being a doctor at Grady Hospital, of how faith is essential to healing, and, later, stories about the lessons of marriage and raising kids.

And, it worked. The magazine connected me with the community. I can’t tell you the number of patients who have come into my office over the past 20 years with a bright look, saying, “I feel like I know you from the magazine!” And I can look back at the photos of our physicians on the Aroundabout covers and trace the history of our group, as it has grown from a local to a national practice over the past 20 years, now drawing patients from across the country, New York to California. It has been a long partnership between the Aroundabout magazines and Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists, and I truly can say they are a part of our practice story, as much as we are a part of theirs. — Michael Litrel, MD, FACOG, FPRMS

Left, the Tomlinson family at a recent gathering, from left: Lucille McEver, son-in-law Mason Kirk, son Brice Tomlinson, daughter Melissa Kirk, Bill’s wife Cathy Tomlinson, and grandchildren Juniper and Baker Kirk with Bill. Below, the photo of Bill and Cathy, with Brice and Maria, that ran in the July, 1996 issue.

TowneLaker’s Father of the Year July 1996

Bill Tomlinson won the TowneLaker’s Father of the Year contest, thanks to an essay written by his 10-year-old daughter Melissa, and was featured on the July, 1996, cover. She wrote: “I think my daddy is the best dad in the world because he is sweet and I love him. He is trying very hard to stop smoking and he is doing it just for me. It is hard for him but he is toughing it out. That shows how much he loves me. So that is why I think he should win.” We asked for an updated family photo; it’s clear, his family has grown quite a bit!

Baird & Baird Family Dentistry Advertiser since 1997

I am very grateful for the TowneLaker and Aroundabout Local Media (ALM) for many reasons. As a new resident and new business owner in 1996, the TowneLaker (ALM) was very beneficial in creating an awareness of community and helping me grow a new business. The TowneLaker (ALM) enabled me to meet many new residents and business owners. We began advertising in the TowneLaker in 1997. We have continued to support the TowneLaker (ALM) and they have continued to support and serve us. To this day, I am thankful for the service and commitment to community that the TowneLaker (ALM) has held firm to. — Thad Baird, DMD

Towne Lake Family Chiropractic Advertiser since June 1996

As the founder of Towne Lake Family Chiropractic in 1995, and as the first chiropractor in Towne Lake, I was eager to let the community know what services were offered at our clinic, my background, and, of course, our basic contact information. The internet was still in its infancy, and the smart phone wasn’t invented yet. Print advertising was the only way to “get the word out.” I was excited to be one of the TowneLaker’s inaugural advertisers, which helped our clinic enjoy explosive growth in the early years of existence, and maintain a healthy presence in the years since. We were honored to be the first local business featured on the cover in 2002, which resulted in an incredible amount of positive recognition. We have continued to advertise in the Aroundabout publications for the

The ad that ran in the July 1996 issue.

past 25 years, because they are able to reach our target audience in a specific geographic area, unlike the larger, more expensive news publications. We’ve really enjoyed our long-standing relationship with the TowneLaker. On a final note, I’m proud to announce

that Dr. Amber York will be the new owner of Towne Lake Family Chiropractic within the next month. She, along with Dr. Rob Holewinski, will continue to provide chiropractic care to this wonderful community. — Kirk Pusey, DC AROUND WOODSTOCK | June 2021

6 How to Be a Tourist In Your Destinations

BY JESSICA FORRESTER

Planning a vacation can be overwhelming! Even so, it is important to take a break from work to spend quality time with your family. If you want to avoid traveling due to COVID-19 or if you are simply looking for a unique experience close to home, here are six staycation ideas in the Cherokee County area that will help make this a summer to remember!

Splendor Oaks Tiny-Living Glamping

Splendor Oaks Eco-Farm Homestead, located on Bells Ferry Road, is home to three unique glamping getaways, all less than 250 square feet. Guests can reserve the Stay Bird Bus, La Bella Bell Tent or Eden Treehouse through Airbnb. The owners, Kurtis and Dayana Cagle, have created an environment where everyone will feel at home. The lower level of the main house has a guest lounge with various amenities, and a “lake life” fun truck outfitted with kayaks, floats, fishing poles, a cooler and lake pass for nearby Allatoona Lake, which can be reserved at an additional charge. Visit www.splendoroaks.com/airbnbs to see photos of the property along with the links to the Airbnb listings.

Splendor Oaks Owners, Kurtis and Dayana Cagle, stand on the steps to Eden Treehouse with their two boys. 18

AROUND WOODSTOCK | June 2021

Vintage Flights Aviation Experiences

Canton and Woodstock Walking Tours

Operating out of the Cherokee County Airport between Canton and Ball Ground, Vintage Flights offers unique aviation and sightseeing experiences in authentic World War II era aircraft. The aircraft are dual-flight control equipped, so you can take the controls if you are feeling daring. Vintage Flights provides unforgettable experiences and will definitely give you a new view of Cherokee County! Visit https:// vintageflights.com for more information on rides and rates to book a flight.

Historic Haunts: Take a trip back in time through downtown Canton, and learn about its history and haunts on a 2-hour guided walking tour that begins and ends at the gazebo. The family-friendly tours run from June-November, and are sure to captivate and surprise you. Visit www.facebook.com/ cantonhistorichaunts for more info. Downtown Tour Series: Learn more about downtown Woodstock by taking advantage of the free, themed walking tours exploring various aspects of the area. The guided tours are offered on the last Thursday of the month from March-September, and each month’s tour covers a different topic. RSVP online for a tour, two weeks before the tour date, on the Downtown Woodstock Facebook or Instagram pages. For more information, call the Woodstock Visitors Center at 770-924-0406.

Own Backyard Jim Lawrence, left, a Vintage Flights pilot with Randy Dotson after flying in one of Vintage Flights’ World War II training planes, the AT-6 Texan, 2018.

Geocaching in Boling Park

Geocaching is essentially an outdoor treasure hunt, in which participants use a GPS or mobile device to navigate to geocache containers. The geocache containers, or “caches,” typically have a small notebook to log your visit and little souvenirs for you to take with you and replace with a small item you brought from home. There are geocaches hidden all over Cherokee County, but Boling Park happens to have three in close proximity, GC Codes: GC1H79N, GC5DC0 and GC6A26, hidden along the Etowah Trail System. Go to www.geocaching.com/play to download the free app, search by location or GC Code, and start finding!

Polo Matches and Concerts at Chukkar Farm

Horseback Riding with Georgia Frontiers

It’s Not Too Late. Apply Now. Fall Semester 2021 I Classes begin August 16

Chukkar Farm and Polo Club hosts polo matches at 2 p.m. on Sundays, May through October. These matches are open to the public, and are often held as fundraising events. The event facility in Alpharetta also hosts concerts on the first Friday and Saturday of each month, May through October. Check out https://chukkarfarmpoloclub.com for the calendar and more information.

Georgia Frontiers is a horse stable offering western-style trail rides from 1-2 hours. First-time or experienced horseback riders will encounter a change in scenery as they follow the guides across 150 acres of wooded trails on the property. Visit www.georgiahorsebackriding.org for more information or to call and make a reservation.

It’s the perfect time to take the next step. Many Students Qualify for Financial Aid

ChattahoocheeTech.edu I 770-528-4545 A Unit of the Technical College System of Georgia. Equal Opportunity Institution. AROUND WOODSTOCK | June 2021

June 18-20

Juneteenth Atlanta Parade and Music Festival Centennial Olympic Park 1-10 p.m. Friday 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday www.juneteenthatl.com

Popularity of African American Holiday is Growing Across U.S. BY MARGARET MILLER

Juneteenth is becoming more popular in America as an important African American holiday. For many years, it primarily was a Texas celebration. After all, it was in Galveston, Texas, that this holiday originated. U.S. President Abraham Lincoln had abolished slavery in the United States when he issued the Emancipation Proclamation, effective Jan. 1, 1863. But it wasn’t until June 19, 1865, that word circulated in Texas that slavery had been abolished. Upon hearing this news, the former slaves celebrated with church services, picnics, social gettogethers, rodeos, etc. This was the beginning of various traditions of Juneteenth (a merger of the words June and nineteen). In 1980, Texas proclaimed Juneteenth as a state holiday. People in other parts of the country also observe this historic Independence Day for African Americans. Milwaukee,

Minnesota, has one of the longest established celebrations of Juneteenth, beginning in 1971. On June 19, 2020, the city flew the Juneteenth flag over a city building for the first time. This was only one of many activities celebrating this freedom day. In 2011, Georgia became the 37th state to recognize Juneteenth at its state Capitol with the passage of S.R. 164. The Juneteenth Atlanta Parade and Music Festival has been a popular event for several years. The 2021 celebration is scheduled for Centennial Olympic Park, June 18-20. Some of the planned activities include a Black history parade, march and rally, family reunions, a United Nations Human Rights Forum, vendors and an artist market. Since the 2021 festival coincides with Father’s Day, there will be special activities honoring fathers during this historic and fun weekend. www.juneteenthatl.com.

Margaret Miller is a native of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and moved to Woodstock 14 years ago. Her writing hobby led her to become a columnist for community and daily newspapers.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | June 2021

Photo courtesy of Juneteenth website.

June 19

Book signing: “Kevin Turns Fear Into Feat” by Kevin Edwards

11 a.m.-7 p.m. in Marietta Square 99 S. Park Square NE Meet the author: pre-register to attend at www.eventbrite.com.

June 19

Cobb Democrats Celebration Booth

11 a.m.-7 p.m. in Marietta Square 99 S. Park Square NE

AROUND WOODSTOCK | June 2021

Preparing for Forever and The Big Day BY JESSICA FORRESTER

It’s June and many couples are making plans to celebrate their wedding. June has traditionally been the most popular month for weddings, but a shift to fall has occurred in the past three years. October and September have taken over the first and second top month spots, which means there is still time to finish planning and booking the venue of your dreams. Your wedding is about celebrating your love for each other, which is why so much time and thought go into planning the day that highlights your love story. But where to begin? We’ve got you covered. Just remember to have fun, don’t get hung up on the tiny details, and make sure your significant other is involved. Let us do our part in helping plan for your big day by offering tips and money-saving ideas from the pros that will keep your wedding organized and make sure you get hitched without a hitch!

AROUND WOODSTOCK | June 2021

5 Spending Tips

Your wedding should be one of the happiest days of your life, but it also can be one of the most expensive. Determining a budget in the beginning and sticking to it can help couples save thousands on their big day. With inspiration from wedding experts at The Wheeler House and from other online resources, we wanted to help you reduce the costs and stress that come with planning a wedding.

Choose a Different Day/Time/Season. The most expensive time to get married is in the evening on a Saturday in June, September or October. Consider Friday or Sunday weddings to cut costs by 20% to 30% during in-season dates, research a venue’s off season pricing, or think about having a brunch wedding instead.

Simplify Your Drink Options. If you are

serving alcohol, consider serving only beer and wine. No cocktails means major savings on a variety of garnishes, mixers and liquor. A self-serve drink station is another possibility, depending on your venue, which can eliminate the cost of a bartender. Non-alcoholic beverages such as tea and lemonade are low-cost options as well.

Throw a Bachelorette Slumber Party. Hosting the bachelorette party at home instead of in the city or another destination can offer substantial savings to the bridal party. A movie night, game night or a good old-fashioned slumber party are fun and nostalgic ways to spend time with your closest friends before tying the knot. The groom and groomsmen can take advantage of these savings by planning a similar event.

Skip the Wedding Favors. You could opt for

edible favors as part of a dessert bar with goodie bags or save time and money and skip them altogether. After enjoying a lovely event, your guests will not miss the favors. Let’s be honest; how many wedding favors have you thrown away over the years?

Make Your Guest List the A-List. Build your

guest list based on your budget and stick to it. A good rule of thumb is to invite only the people you both have talked to in the past two years. You can limit plus-ones to only friends and family who are engaged or married to help keep numbers low. Feel free to let everyone know that unexpected guests may not get a seat or anything to eat.

Beautiful wedding bouquets can enhance the reception tables.

3 Success Secrets

Although the time leading up to your wedding can be hectic, proper planning will ensure your big day runs smoothly. Our friends at The Wheeler House shared their top three wedding tips, ideas you may not have thought about but are guaranteed to make a difference on your special day. For more wedding tips, visit www.thewheelerhouse. net or follow @thewheelerhouse on Instagram.

Take Bridal Portraits in Advance.

Open a Dedicated Wedding Email. Create

Repurpose Bouquets. Repurpose your

Coordinate your hair and makeup trial-run on the same day and have your bridal portraits taken in advance. The Wheeler House allows brides to come on property during the week with their wedding photographer to get an early start on photos and save time on their big day. a dedicated email account to keep all of your wedding-related correspondence organized. You can also sign up for free stuff without bombarding your personal email!

bridesmaid bouquets by asking your coordinator to grab them after photos are taken to be used as decor. They can then be placed in open vases left on the head table, guest tables or the bar.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | June 2021

What was your biggest challenge, and how did you resolve it?

Cindy Messerly, whose daughters, Anna and Kate, were married in 2018 and 2020, respectively.

The guest list is a challenge because the more you invite, the more expensive the wedding will be. It’s also tough because you want to invite anyone who has invested time, love and effort into your child’s life. As a parent you have to not think of your own friends, but the people who are important to the bride and the groom. It’s hard when you don’t want to hurt feelings or leave anyone out, but you have to realize you can’t invite everyone to everything.

What advice would you give someone who is planning to get married?

Once the wedding day gets there, just enjoy. You’ve done all you can do - the planning is over. Now is the time to be there for your daughter or your son, and focus on them. Another suggestion is to repurpose flowers from the wedding ceremony to use at the reception. Make the flowers a keepsake instead of throwing them away. And have the photographer make a detailed list of who should be in each picture grouping and call out names so everyone knows when they are needed.

If you could, is there anything you would do differently?

Yes! When the bride and groom leave the reception, make sure they have a to-go box of food and cake, in a place where they can get to it easily. Make sure that silverware and napkins are packed with the meals.

Cindy’s daughter, Anna, married Jack Singer on May 19, 2018. 24

AROUND WOODSTOCK | June 2021

Kate Messerly wed Alex Bruner last year.

Michelle McCulloch, whose son, Bryan, married in 2020. What advice would you give someone planning a rehearsal dinner? The wedding was in Decatur, and most attendees were at a hotel near the venue, so we carefully chose the rehearsal dinner location to be a short ride from the hotel. For the table decorations, I used Pinterest for inspiration. I proposed a budget to the florist initially, instead of leaving it open ended, and she described what she could do for that budget. On the night of the party, I let the event host watch the clock and prompt me at certain times to invite guests to sit, do the toast, etc. You lose track of time when you are socializing. Michelle dances with her son, Bryan, who married Cloe Drury on Dec. 19, 2020.

A tip for wedding planning.

My advice to brides would be to invite the parents of the groom when making selections, if possible. It meant the world to us to be included in the wedding planning, especially since we don’t have daughters.

What was your biggest challenge, and how did you resolve it?

Cutting the guest list in half after the Save the Dates had already gone out, because of safety requirements during the pandemic. Guests who were removed from the list received a mini bottle of champagne and a heartfelt note from the bride and groom, so they could raise a glass on the wedding night to toast the newlyweds and feel included in the celebration.

Pinterest helped inspire the table decorations for the rehearsal dinner. AROUND WOODSTOCK | June 2021

Ideas to Please

DAD BY STACY BROWN

PHOT BY MICHELLE MCCULLOCH

Father’s Day is here, and with it the opportunity to show our love for our dads. There are lots of different types of dads, and there are countless ways to make them feel special. We’ve put together some ideas to celebrate a few different types of fathers in Woodstock.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | June 2021

The Downtowner

The downtown dad always has the golf cart ready for a ride along Main Street. He loves dinner on a downtown patio, listening to live music and enjoying a little people-watching. A great gift for this dad would be new camp chairs for the upcoming Woodstock Summer Concert Series, or a Downtown Dollars gift certificate, available in the Woodstock Visitors Center and redeemable at dozens of downtown merchants.

The Mariner

This dad loves being on the water, whether it’s bustling Allatoona Lake or meandering Little River. He loves the sight of the sun’s rays shimmering on the water, or the spectacular sunsets at the end of the day. Make his day with a boat rental — you can treat him to an excursion on a ski boat, a pontoon boat, wave runners, or even kayaks and paddleboards. Go to www.visitwoodstockga.com/explore to find companies offering rentals at various locations in the area.

The Thrill-Seeker

While thrill-seekers may not be so common in other towns, Woodstock is full of them. That’s in no small part because of the mountain bike trails at Olde Rope Mill Park. Our trails are beloved by dads who love to challenge themselves, and get those endorphins speeding through the bloodstream as they speed down single-track trails. Consider a gift in dad’s honor to SORBA Woodstock, the group that tirelessly builds and maintains Woodstock’s trails. Go to www.sorbawoodstock.org/ donate for more information.

The Sport

Does your dad love a little friendly competition? Spend a day with him at Dupree Park. You can play a full round of disc golf, challenge dad to a tennis match, shoot some hoops, or score points on him in a game of pickleball. There’s even a stocked pond, if you want to see who can catch the biggest fish. Learn more about this great park at woodstockparksandrec.com. For more information on the many shops, restaurants and attractions in the Woodstock area, go to www.visitwoodstockga.com. An outing on Allatoona Lake or disc golf at Dupree Park are several options for Father’s Day activities.

Stacy Brown is the marketing and communications manager for the city of Woodstock. She can be reached at 770-592-6056 or sbrown@woodstockga.gov.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | June 2021

Have a Sweet Too Regular checkups ensure good dental health It’s true confession time. You have a sweet tooth. Who doesn’t love a huge hunk of birthday cake, especially the corner piece with lots of icing? There’s no shame in that, as long as you are taking steps to make sure the sugar doesn’t take a toll on your dental health. If you have a sweet tooth and you’re concerned about its effects, don’t worry. Dr. Bruce Fink and Dentistry for Woodstock have you covered. Between regular dental checkups and more extensive services, Dr. Fink checks all the boxes: variety of services, convenient location, insurance coverage, and a friendly office staff.

the results are life-changing,” said Dr. Fink, who has extensive training in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea.

Services

Because Dr. Fink doesn’t want his patients to worry about financing, he offers in-house, no-interest payment plans for more expensive treatments. Dental discount plans are also available for patients with no dental insurance.

The range of care provided by Dr. Fink at Dentistry for Woodstock includes general and cosmetic dental treatments for preventive care and treatment to achieve a perfect smile. Dr. Fink offers teeth whitening, crowns and bridges, orthodontics, family and cosmetic dentistry, preventive care, veneers, endodontics, perio services and dental implants. Treatments are also available for TMJ (a jaw disorder) and sleep issues. “For more than two decades, I have helped patients with their dental needs. I find it especially rewarding to help people who are suffering from sleep disordered breathing, because

Convenience

Located on Eagle Drive in Towne Lake, Dentistry for Woodstock is convenient to Bells Ferry Road, Towne Lake Parkway, and I-575. Since Dr. Fink is a dentist who performs multiple services, patients know they can count on him to address needs ranging from cleanings to dental implants. This eliminates the need for multiple offices for different services.

Insurance

Friendliness

The best way to know for sure is to ask current patients. Here are some comments to convince you. “As a performer, after my braces, I still felt my smile wasn’t its best. The cosmetic crown lengthening was what opened up my smile to be its best. Having the oral sedation also made my appointment a comfortable experience. I LOVE MY SMILE!” —Sydney C.

Dentistry for Woodstock | 1816 Eagle Drive, Bldg 200-A , Woods 28

AROUND WOODSTOCK | June 2021

Sponsore

oth? No Problem! “A daily headache was something that I just thought was normal. Dr. Fink explained to me and my mom that there was more to it, and that with treatment by doing ortho and working with an ENT, I could feel better. Now, the headaches are gone, and I have so much energy because I sleep better and am not as anxious. I can focus in class. And having a straighter smile is a plus.” — Addison F., 15 “I have always had a fear of going to the dentist. Just sitting in the dentist chair made me tense up so badly my knuckles would turn white. However, since I have been going to the Dentistry for Woodstock, I no longer have that fear and actually look forward to my visits. The staff is always warm, friendly and caring, and Dr. Fink is just fantastic. Their compassion and their outstanding service is truly the best I have ever received. I highly recommend them.” — James L. New Patients are Welcome Dr. Fink understands the anxiety that can come with a dental visit. To put everyone at ease, new patient consultations are held in a quiet and calm space called the Pamper Room. Each examination room has a water fountain and an illuminated dome, which adds to the serene setting. Patients can enjoy a relaxing paraffin wax treatment, drinks from the coffee bar and shows on their favorite TV channels

during their visit. Oral and IV sedation is available to help during office visits, an important aid for anxious patients. “We love to help patients feel confident about their smile. There are many reasons for their insecurities. Patients have stopped smiling and we want to know why,” Dr. Fink said. Because the mouth tells a story about overall health, Dr. Fink can help patients understand oral health issues. For example, sleep issues can cause dry mouth, clenching and grinding, which can contribute to head and neck pain. Medications also cause issues within the mouth. Between Dr. Fink’s “My local connections with ear, nose and throat (ENT) physicians to collaborate on a patient’s condition, as well as continuing education in oral surgery, sleep apnea and full-mouth reconstruction, enables me to provide the most effective treatments for patients. This cannot be treated alone. I need other medical professionals to speak into the care and provide services to treat them.” Schedule a consultation, review your history, and make a plan for proper dental care. Then stop for dessert on the way home!

stock, GA 30189 | 770-926-0000 | www. DentistryforWoodstock.com

ed Content

AROUND WOODSTOCK | June 2021

What Forces Are Driving the Market? BY DON AKRIDGE, MBA, CFP®, CPA/PFS U.S. MARINE CORPS VETERAN – EMORY UNIVERSITY ALUMNUS

Recently, you may have seen reports that a record low number of homes are available for sale — roughly 1.03 million nationwide. If you compare that with the average number of homes for sale during the past 10 years, it’s no surprise that many hopeful homebuyers are having issues securing a home.1

Lack of inventory.

There are a few major differences between 2007 and now, however. The biggest difference? What we’re seeing now isn’t a bubble; it’s simply a lack of inventory.

It’s a seller’s market.

In many ways, this may be the most friendly market we’ve seen in quite a while for home sellers. Right now, nearly half of homes are selling in one week or less. At the same time, median prices are rising at a phenomenal rate, and national prices, in general, have increased 17.2% over last year.2

Why now?

Listings are skyrocketing for a number of reasons. Experts believe the continued low mortgage rates, a pandemic-era construction slowdown, and an increase in money available for a down payment are all factors.3 In this hyper-competitive market, many people are thinking of taking advantage of the situation by listing a property or home. If this sounds like you, get in touch with a housing professional who can offer guidance and support.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | June 2021

Securities offered through registered representatives of Cambridge Investment Research Inc., a broker-dealer, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services through Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc., a registered investment adviser. Cambridge is not aff iliated 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 a 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. NAR.realtor.com, March 22, 2021 2. Axios.com, April 11, 2021 3. Axios.com, April 11, 2021

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. 770-952-6707.

Making Woodstock No. 3 in the U.S.

How the town came to be ranked third on the list of best suburbs in the country. More and more people around north Georgia seem to be discovering the appeal and charm of living in Woodstock. And now it is national news. Last month, Woodstock was ranked No. 3 on the list of best suburbs to move to in 2021. There were numerous factors that went into the ranking, a methodology used by homes.com, a real estate website, to rank the 50 towns, which were chosen based on the U.S. Census list of fastestgrowing towns in each state. Nine ranking factors used to measure each town were assigned weights, based on their level of significance to a suburban homebuyer and remote worker fleeing the city. The sum of the nine categories was calculated, and each city was given a score; the highest possible score was 50.

Woodstock’s Numbers • • • • • • • • • • •

Nearest Metro: Atlanta Median listing price: $250,000 Median square footage: 2,128 Housing price-to-income ratio: 3.28 Number of homes for sale per capita: 1,780 Average yard size, in acres: 0.238 Work from home score: 1.40 Diversity levels — percentage of nonwhite residents: 28.9% School district score: A Crime index (100 = safest): 43 Overall city score: 40.69

To put this in perspective, the No. 1 community was Westfield, Indiana, with a 44.24 overall score, followed by Forney, Texas, with 41.03. The suburb that ranked 50th was Milpitas, California, with a 9.51 overall ranking. “Since it seems that homes.com is real estate-based, they took a lot of that into consideration as far as home prices and quality of housing. But I think it goes deeper than that,” Mayor Donnie Henriques said. “Most people, and now the state and country, realize how far we’ve come in such a short period of time. When I first got on council in 2000, we had about 8,000 residents. You see where we are today [33,057, according to www.cherokeegaprospector.com]. Also, the quality of life has improved dramatically; we have so much to offer the residents and visitors to Woodstock. “We’re just very very excited that so many other people and entities are recognizing who we are today. We are Woodstock!” To read the entire report, visit www.homes.com/blog/2021/04/ best-suburbs-2021. AROUND WOODSTOCK | June 2021

Mindfulness Aids Post-Pandemic Mental Health BY ASHLEY VELEZ

Anyone else ready to get back to some semblance of normal after the past 16 months? Yeah, me, too. As COVID-19 restrictions are lifted in the state of Georgia and elsewhere, changing your routine to reintroduce daily activities that involve face-to-face contact requires cognitive effort, i.e., a large mental push from our brains. This can prove difficult when a large portion of the population may be facing a post-pandemic phenomenon called languishing, a term made popular earlier this year in a New York Times article penned by organizational psychologist Adam Grant. Grant describes languishing as a “sense of stagnation and emptiness.” This feeling materializes as muddling through your days, looking at life through a foggy windshield. He predicts it could be the dominant emotion of 2021, even as the pandemic has started to turn around in the United States. Languishing isn’t burnout; people who feel it still have energy. It’s not depression, either, because they don’t feel hopeless. It’s described more as feelings of joylessness or aimlessness. On the heels of Mental Health Awareness Month, a lot of people still might be struggling with the mental after effects of the past year. Burnout, depression and, yes, languishing, are all emotions exacerbated by the pandemic. What’s the key to battling the languishing blahs? Overall, scientists and researchers agree that practicing mindfulness, or even simply putting words to feelings, can help shift our brains from a languishing state to a flourishing one. Mindfulness is a type of meditation that involves intense focus on what you’re sensing and feeling in the moment, without giving in to the need to judge or interpret those feelings. The great thing about practicing mindfulness is, it’s simple to start and uses a combination of breathing methods and guided imagery designed to relax your body and mind, and reduce stress. These exercises can be done anytime and almost anywhere, whether you’re remaining remote or going back to an office. Managers can help employees as they tap into being more mindful about their work and lives by setting clear goals, giving employees time and resources they need, and verbally acknowledging their work and progress. Remaining flexible with work-life balance and leading by example also will foster trust among employees as they move back into their work routines. Ashley Velez is a digital marketing strategist, freelance writer and company culture advocate. She's a proud resident of Woodstock, where she lives with her family.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | June 2021

CELINA MEADOR FINE HOMES EXPERT REALTOR ®

CELL: 361.463.6170 OFFICE: 770.640.6800 CELINA@C21CONNECTREALTY.COM

AROUND WOODSTOCK | June 2021

EVERYDAY Identifying people in need in our community. Over the years, Everyday man I love, lying on the ground covered in blood is Angels has relied upon something I will never forget. I could not stay with our trusted relationship him. I had to give permission for him to have multiple with school counselors and surgeries before he was stable enough to stay with administration to help with him. At the time, saving his life was all that mattered, discernment of needs within and I am so thankful that he is here today.” our community. They are close to the Eight people died, and Elcias was the only survivor families in the schools, and have of the shooting rampage that knowledge of their situations took place at three Asian-owned and personal needs, as well as massage parlors. “I kneeled on the programs they may utilize the floor and begged for him currently. When they reach out not to shoot me. There was no to us on behalf of a student and compassion. As I looked up at family, we are eager to help in any him, he shot me in the forehead. way we can. Today I cannot speak well, eat or Elcias Hernandez-Ortiz, 31, walk. With more surgeries and came to the United States from therapy needed, I am so worried Guatemala as a child. He works about how we can survive all of hard as a mechanic and owns an this,” Elcias said. auto repair shop, and his wife, “Our life is very different, Flora, works at Kennesaw State but we thank God that we are University on the janitorial staff. together, and we are trying “We work hard every day to make harder than ever. We are grateful a good life for our family,” Flora for all the people that have been said. Their precious daughter, here for us. We are thankful for Yoseline, is in fourth grade at our daughter’s school family at Clark Creek Elementary School. Clark Creek who have embraced Flora remembers Elcias us and loved us through all leaving home for his massage that we have been through,” appointment on March 16, Flora said. 2021. “Shortly after he left, he Everyday Angels shares this called in a panic, ‘I’ve been shot! tragic story to rally around this I need you!’ My daughter and I family as they struggle to pay Elcias with wife Flora and daughter Yoseline. jumped in our car and tried to medical bills and remain in their meet him there. There was a lot rental home. We all share our of commotion, police cars and ambulances all over,” heartfelt sadness and disappointment of this tragic Flora said. “We left our car and ran in the middle of event. We are so sorry for those who lost their loved the street and could see my husband in the distance. ones that day and for this sweet family who struggles He was lying on the ground, but the police did not through its aftermath. let us get close. It was an active crime scene and even family members could not be present. Everyday Angels is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving Cherokee “We stood outside for hours in the rain and cold County since 2000. To make a tax deductible donation, visit until the police told us where he was transported. It www.everydayangels.info to donate via Paypal or send seemed like forever until we were able to see him. your donations to: Everyday Angels, PMB 380, 1025 Rose Creek Drive, Suite 620, Woodstock GA, 30189. One hundred Doctors told us he was in critical condition and he percent of your funds will go to the family you specify. may not make it, but, inside of me, I had the faith If you know of a special need in your community, e-mail that he was going to survive. I knew that God was aaeverydayangels@gmail.com. going to work a miracle,” she said. “Seeing the lifeless 34

AROUND WOODSTOCK | June 2021

READERS’

CHOICE Award 2021

Thank you for voting!

AROUND WOODSTOCK | June 2021

When the Pat BY SUSAN BROWNING SCHULZ

Umbr Yvette Pegues and her hoofed friend Freddie. 36

AROUND WOODSTOCK | June 2021

Do you ever wonder about those chance meetings you experience? For Yvette Pegues, such serendipity has been life-changing. “I fell in love with horses as a child when my best friend introduced me to her horse, Foxy,” said Pegues, a rider at Heaven’s Gait Therapeutic Riding (HGTR). “While I didn’t ride much as an adult, horses remained special to me. Decades later, after suffering a traumatic brain/spinal cord injury, which caused paralysis from the waist down, I was warned never to ride a horse again.” “Fast forward to when my husband met Kelly Rickard, director of HGTR, at our local DIY store,” Pegues said. “My husband’s curiosity spurred him to spark up a conversation with Kelly. He shared my love of horses with her. I’ve been learning to ride with the team at HGTR on my hoofed friend, Freddie, ever since. I’ve experienced physical, cognitive and emotional improvement both inside and outside of the arena. This experience has truly been heavenly and healing. I thank God for leading us here.” Divine appointments like this have been happening repeatedly since HGTR’s founding, in 2016. The organization’s mission is to provide emotional, physical and social benefits to children and adults with special needs through the use of horses and equine-assisted activities. Equineassisted activities include the use of therapeutic horseback riding and ground work in order to achieve goals that enhance healing of the mind, body and spirit. There is also a focus on development of the relationship between horse and rider. HGTR offers instruction through the use of PATH International (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship) certified instructors. Rickard and her team love to help adults and children on the path to renewed health and vitality.

th to Healing is Paved with Hoofprints And thanks to a generous grant of a Hoyer lift from Andy’s Army Medical Equipment, riders are safely lifted on and off horseback. “Discovering Heaven’s Gait has truly been an answer to my prayers,” said Jenny Bruce, mom of rider, Emsley. “Emsley has been fighting cancer for two years now. When she started therapy two months ago, she was wheelchair-bound. Emsley has already advanced to a walker and shares a new enthusiasm for life. Although we spend many hours in medical settings treating her physical body, an hour on a horse every week has proven to meet her needs, both emotionally and mentally. She’s the girl I remember before the diagnosis of a brain tumor when she’s on horseback.” Perhaps you know someone who would benefit from the healing power of horses, like Yvette, Emsley or Skylar, another HGTR rider who said, “I wish every day was riding day.” HGTR offers summer day camps, where riders are led by trained, oneon-one instructors. While attending camp, riders will participate in the following activities: • • • • • •

Emsley Bruce with Cruiser.

Daily riding instruction Sensory trail stations Proper grooming techniques Barn chores Care of tack Games and crafts

Camp Dates

For more information or to make a donation, visit hgtrinc.com, or contact Kelly Rickard at krickard@ hgtrinc.com. HGTR is located at Alpha Equestrian Center, 2471 E. Cherokee Drive, Woodstock.

Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-noon June 7-11 June 14-18 June 21-25 June 28-July 2

July 5-9 July 12-16 July 19-23

Download camp applications under the summer camp tab at hgtrinc.com. The camp is $325 per camper.

Susan Schulz is a Bible teacher and mentor who lives and plays on the Etowah River in Canton. Connect with her on social media or at susanbrowningschulz.com.

Miracle Brown’s first time holding reins. AROUND WOODSTOCK | June 2021

Setting the Stage for Success Woodstock real estate professionals go the extra mile to get top prices for clients. In 2017, Jeremy and Lindsey Haas decided to take their successful real estate business to the next level. They acquired a warehouse, a moving truck, invested tens of thousands in decor and furniture, and brought in a full-time stager. The experience and strategic shift immediately began to pay off for their sellers. Lindsey and Jeremy transform ordinary homes into a canvas for buyers to visualize their dream spaces. The home is the seller’s biggest asset; a successful sale requires more work than just hiring a photographer. “After years of working with buyers and sellers, we saw an opportunity to elevate the experience, and maximize profits for our sellers,” she said. “Buyers watch transformations on HGTV; that wow factor is what they’re looking for when they shop for a new home. We decided it was time to leverage our expertise and help our sellers deliver that experience to buyers. With our team, it doesn’t cost anything; it’s a complimentary, vital service we provide, and it always delivers a higher sales price.”

Staging is Vital

With each client, Lindsey walks room to room and creates an extensive plan of action that could involve anything from necessary updates and fixing inspection deal-killers, to staging the home. No detail is overlooked in the staging process, which can require just a few pieces of art or bringing in larger pieces of furniture, all of which stays through showings, professional photography and the appraisal process. The team stages occupied and vacant homes. Kyndra Hunter is The Haas Team’s full-time stager and interior designer. Lindsey describes her as, “the magic pixie dust that makes our listings sell for more money.” Kyndra visits each client to determine what’s needed to make their home a showstopper for the current market of buyers. Once Kyndra makes her list, she visits The Haas Team’s 3,000-square-foot warehouse in Woodstock, loads up the moving truck, and puts everything in place for a successful sale. Because presentation is vital to quick sales and stronger offers, Lindsey and Jeremy open their deep network of qualified and affordable home improvement professionals to their clients, allowing them to see results without breaking the bank.

after

PHOTO BY BRIAN NEJEDLY

The Haas Team

Stager and designer Kyndra Hunter and Realtor Lindsey Haas at the warehouse. 38

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Jeremy and Lindsey have grown their business to selling between 75-100 homes per year themselves. More than 95% of their business is repeat or referrals. Some clients have become members of The Haas Team. One of Lindsey’s biggest challenges is keeping up with and adapting to market changes. She stays ahead of the curve with out-of-the-box thinking, which has resulted in her clients winning in multiple Sponsored Content

before

678-933-1962 thelindseyhaasteam.com

offer situations and getting the home of their dreams. “Now more than ever, it’s critical that sellers understand how to choose the right offer,” she said. She credits her consultative approach for giving her clients an advantage in this market, which is to recognize the right resources for buying and selling. It’s tough for Lindsey to be specific when it comes to the rewards she enjoys as a Realtor. “The most rewarding part of my business is the lifelong friendships I have made with my clients, the friendships I’ve made with my vendors and the satisfaction in hearing my clients are happy with my service and results,” Lindsey said. “My favorite aspect of being a Realtor is helping people and empowering them to achieve their goals.”

Internationally Acclaimed Photographer now based in Woodstock providing quality photos and video for Weddings & Events Family Portraits Senior Portraits Headshots

470·437·9339 www.briannejedlyphoto.com AROUND WOODSTOCK | June 2021

Don’t miss any of the library events this month. Last month, Woodstock Library hosted a Jedi training event.

What’s Happening at Your Library?

BY JOHN RODGERS

Have you started summer reading at your library yet? Animal lovers and book lovers — or, in other words, everyone — will want to swing by their local library in June and July for the 2021 summer reading program, “Tails & Tales.” Take part in a jungle-size celebration of free programming, featuring a visit from Zoo Atlanta and Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park representatives, special storytimes and a chance to meet exotic animals and birds up close. Explore calendarwiz. com/sequoyahreglib for the full schedule, or pick up a summer reading program guide at the library. “While we continue to add new service hours at all locations during the phased reopening of our libraries, we’re excited to welcome the return of safe, and socially distant, in-person library programming, including storytimes and outdoor crafting events,” said Anita Summers, executive director of Sequoyah Regional Library System. “As you start donning your sunglasses and preparing for summer, mark your calendars to enjoy some classic library fun.” So, how can you register for our summer reading program? Visit Beanstack, the library’s online portal, where you can log the books or minutes you’ve read, post reviews, set reading goals and complete summer challenges. Get rewarded for your reading by tracking 40

AROUND WOODSTOCK | June 2021

your activity on Beanstack for the chance to win concert tickets, gift cards, food coupons and more. All ages can participate in summer reading challenges through the end of July. Sign up individually, or as a family, by downloading the free Beanstack app or visiting sequoyahregionallibrary.beanstack.org. Speaking of free, have you delayed visiting your library because of fines? Our libraries are going fine-free to celebrate the 2021 summer reading program. Starting in June and running through the end of July, items returned to the library will not have overdue fines! Even if you can’t find your library card, bring your ID to your local library, and a staff member will be happy to update your account. New reading challenges and programming will be added regularly, so gallop over to sequoyahregionallibrary.org/srp for the latest on summer happenings and partnerships. Unleash the reading animal inside you with “Tails & Tales,” and we’ll see you this summer!

John Rodgers is the community engagement manager for the Sequoyah Regional Library System.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | June 2021

Remembering and Honoring Our Veterans BY CHARLICE BYRD

As we embark on summer and make plans for normal festivities again, I am looking forward to spending more time with family and friends. I always enjoy Memorial Day, the Fourth of July and celebrating what makes our country great. Memorial Day is the day we honor and remember Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of our country. I was reminded recently, while reading an article about Arlington National Cemetery, about how important it is for us to honor the lives of veterans and make sure no one is forgotten. I was struck by the sacrifices so many made to make our country great, and I was overwhelmed by an immense sense of patriotism and love for our nation. There is more we can do to honor veterans and their families in Cherokee County. The Georgia National Cemetery was established in 2006 in Canton. The 775-acre cemetery was donated by a private citizen in 2001, and will serve veterans for many years to come. The site lies in between Cartersville and Canton, near the Etowah River, and offers beautiful views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Lake Allatoona. The cemetery is owned and operated by the National Cemetery Administration under the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, but a nonprofit volunteer advisory council

maintains the cemetery. Other than visiting, there are ways we can support those volunteers and the veterans they honor. Consider participating in the Wreaths Across America program and the Memorial Day Observance and National Vietnam War Veterans Day events. This program, and these events, are dedicated to making Georgia National Cemetery a proper final resting place for military veterans, spouses and children. However, it’s not only about supporting our troops and their families through the dignity of a proper burial and resting place; it’s important also to educate future generations about the lives of our fallen heroes. Consider visiting the Georgia National Cemetery this summer, during this season of celebrating freedom. I am so thankful to the brave soldiers who served our country, and to those and their families who serve now. God bless America!

Rep. Charlice Byrd represents District 20 in the Georgia House of Representatives. charlice.byrd@house.ga.gov

Selective Hearing or Hearing Loss? BY DR. HAIDEN NUNN

A common complaint I hear in my clinic is a spouse complaining his or her loved one has “selective” hearing. This term is used to describe a person who can hear fine most of the time, but tends to tune out their loved one speaking. It can be difficult to determine if it’s simply a matter of tuning out, or if it could be something else. Listening and hearing are not the same thing. For adults, especially spouses, it is interpreted as rude when no response is given to a question or statement. Sometimes your loved one simply is not paying attention, but in most cases, there is truly an underlying problem. The subtle, and not so subtle, signs of hearing difficulty tend to be more obvious to significant communication partners than to the person with the hearing loss. Some common signs your significant other may be experiencing hearing loss include turning the television volume louder, not hearing well on the telephone, answering questions with an inappropriate answer and asking for repetition or clarity. On average, people with a hearing impairment usually wait seven years before seeking help or acknowledging the issue. The reasons for this are usually due to financial concerns, self-image or difficulty with acceptance. If you find yourself in this situation with your loved one, suggest a hearing 42

AROUND WOODSTOCK | June 2021

screening first. Hearing screenings are less formal, and you can let the audiologist handle the recommendations from there. Going with your significant other to the appointment can make it less stressful, and “four ears are better than two!” Untreated hearing loss has been linked to other health ailments such as dementia, depression, social isolation, reduced quality of life and strain on relationships. The longer a person waits to manage and treat a hearing impairment, the harder the adjustment process. The auditory system needs exercise, and if it’s not getting the appropriate amount of volume and clarity it needs, it will decline. This causes a decrease in speech understanding, especially when there is background noise. Managing and treating hearing loss is the first step to effective communication, a healthy brain and getting rid of that pesky selective hearing. Reach out to your audiologist today for more information regarding your significant other’s “selective” hearing loss. You just might change their life!

Dr. Haiden Nunn joined North Georgia Audiology in 2018. She earned her doctorate from the University of Louisville and her bachelor's degree from the University of Georgia.

Diagnosing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Early BY CHEROKEE WOMEN’S HEALTH SPECIALISTS, PC

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects 1 in 10 women of childbearing age. PCOS can happen at any age after puberty, but most women don’t discover they have it until their 20s and 30s. Elizabeth was diagnosed with PCOS at 23, even though she’d had symptoms since she was 11. Initially, Elizabeth’s periods were highly irregular and infrequent. In high school, her symptoms grew worse and included weight gain and painful periods. “My self-esteem plummeted. Although I was physically active and watched my diet, I was classified as overweight by my pediatrician, and I was noticeably larger than my friends,” she said. Elizabeth learned to deal with her symptoms, and hoped they would get better as she got older. They didn’t. Heavy bleeding and severe pain plagued Elizabeth during her menstrual cycle, which came only every three to four months. In fact, it was so severe that she couldn’t go anywhere, or even move during the first day of her menstrual cycle. She heard birth control could help ease the pain and bleeding of periods, so in college, she scheduled an appointment with the school’s gynecologist. The gynecologist performed an annual exam, including blood work. The results shocked Elizabeth – the blood work revealed that she had high testosterone levels. “You’d think this is when I would be diagnosed with PCOS, right? Unfortunately, my doctor at the time told me it would be useless to do further testing since, as she put it, ‘I didn’t want to have kids yet, and I was going on birth control anyway’,” Elizabeth said. After graduation, Elizabeth sought help from a new gynecologist and received a diagnosis. “Even though I had long suspected I had PCOS, it was a major relief to get a formal diagnosis. I was excited to finally stop suffering from my symptoms.” Her doctor discussed the different treatment options, and together they chose the best option for her. PCOS is not a health condition that can go away, so make an appointment with your gynecologist if you are experiencing symptoms. Discussing treatment plans with your physician is the best way to rule out other causes and manage and control PCOS.

Cherokee Women's Health Specialists PC has seven physicians with offices in Canton and Woodstock. 770-720-7733. www.cherokeewomenshealth.com.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | June 2021

Add Reading to Summer Break Plans BY BARBARA P. JACOBY

My childhood memories of summer break tend to run together like melted popsicles. Hearing the warping ring as my dad assembled the heavily chlorinated, aluminum pool every May. Riding my blue coaster bike to friends’ backyards or to the corner store for the aforementioned popsicles. Cooling off indoors, often under my bed, and always with a book. We’d usually spend a week at my grandparents’ farm and a week at the YMCA testing our swimming and lanyard-making skills, but most of the summer was spent at home. That didn’t mean my mind stayed home, though. It wandered the world and through time thanks to books, some of which I was grateful to own, but most were borrowed from the library. I attribute my career and my continued reading “travels” to books and the teachers and librarians who fostered my love of words. Our outstanding school library media specialists foster that joy in students throughout the school year, but during the summer break, we’re thankful for our partners that bridge the gap. The Sequoyah Regional Library System and our media specialists developed the EZ Access Program this school year that allows Cherokee County School District students to use their student ID number as a public library card to check out books and materials. The existing process wasn’t difficult, but this program makes it even easier for a child to check out books.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | June 2021

The public library collections have a wide selection of everything from picture books to chapter books, teen novels to nonfiction. As my avid reader Charlie, who’s 9, recently was delighted to learn, the public library has the “cool” books his school has, like the “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” and “Captain Underpants” series, and even DVDs to borrow! So far, we’ve watched “Flushed Away” and “Haunted Mansion,” much to his delight, with many more this summer, I’m sure. The Sequoyah Regional Library System’s summer reading program makes the experience even more fun with reading challenges and special activities. Details about this program and more are posted on the library system’s website at sequoyahregionallibrary.org. Another outstanding summer reading option is Get Georgia

Reading’s partnership with Renaissance myON. Through this program, students can read digital books and age-appropriate news articles online at no cost at renaissance. com/getgeorgiareading through July 31. Unsure about what books your children should be reading based on their grade level? The Scholastic Book Wizard at bookwizard. scholastic.com is an awesome tool, but nothing can beat the knowledge of children’s librarians, who encourage reading during the summer, or at any time of year. Barbara P. Jacoby is the chief communications officer for the Cherokee County School District, she has four children.

You’re Invited to Art at Elm Street! BY JUSTIN SPAINHOUR-ROTH

We know you’re passionate about this fantastic community we’re all part of and the ways we can support, as well as uplift, each other! There are a lot of exciting things planned that we’ve announced (and some stuff we will be announcing later because we can’t give everything away). Trust us, it can get overwhelming trying to decide how to support our community. Here are some ideas to get you started.

UPCOMING AT ELM STREET Theatre

ON STAGE

1. See a show, concert or event.

Whether comedy is your thing, you’re mad about musicals, or you just want an evening under the stars, we promise there’s something for you to connect with and enjoy!

2. Take a class.

It’s never too late or early to learn something new or brush up on an old hobby. Classes for ages 5 and up (yes, that means grownups, too) in improvisation, pottery and more allow you to meet new people, express yourself creatively, and have some fun at the same time.

How I Became a Pirate

Junie B. Jones

Musical | All ages

JUN 9-23, 2021

JUL 7-21, 2021

Lantern Series

UNDER THE STARS

3. Volunteer.

Have you been racking your brain for ways to give back to the community? Volunteer with us at Elm Street and join our community of “visionaries,” which is what we call our rock star volunteers because of their vitality to our vision and mission as an organization. They are the heart and soul of who we are and what we do. It takes a village, and we want you to be a part of said village.

Audition for a show.

Got a case of the acting bug? Another great way to get involved is to join the cast, or crew, of a show. Be on the other side of the stage with a mix of comedies, drama, plays and musicals.

The Foxies

Scott Mulvahill

Alternative Electronic Rock

JUN 26, 2021

Pop Roots

JUL 17, 2021

Visual Arts

IN THE GALLERY

Be present.

No matter what you’re interested in, being at Elm Street is a huge way to support us, the arts, and the downtown Woodstock community. As you plan your summer activities, we hope you won’t be a stranger.

Justin Spainhour-Roth, marketing manager for Elm Street Cultural Arts Village, has a bachelor of arts in communication in musical theater from Bowling Green State University.

PLUS...

ELM STREET CULTURAL ARTS VILLAGE WILL BECOME

WOODSTOCK ARTS AUGUST 1ST

ELMSTREETARTS.ORG | 678.494.4251 AROUND WOODSTOCK | June 2021

Rob’s Rescues Help Sea Turtles This Summer

I was lucky enough to patrol the beach one night with an AmeriCorp team. During the nesting season, the beaches on Jekyll Island are patrolled every night. I saw a turtle nesting, which was an amazing sight. We need to make sure we are helping sea turtles if we can.

What sea turtles nest on Georgia beaches?

There are lots of kinds of turtles that are found in the sea off Georgia, but the Loggerhead is the only one that nests on the Georgia Barrier Islands’ beaches, like Jekyll Island, Sea Island, etc. Sea turtle season is May to October, so we need to be careful on the beaches at this time.

How do Loggerheads nest?

When a female is around 30 years old, she makes the journey back to the beach where she was born and waits for night time to lay her eggs in a hole she digs in the sand, then she covers it.

What are some threats to nests?

Predators such as foxes, armadillos, coyotes, birds, minks, pet dogs, feral cats and hogs are all a threat to nests. But lights are a major problem to hatchlings. Sea turtle hatchlings usually emerge at night, so they can make their way to the ocean under the cover of dark. On naturally lit beaches, hatchlings crawl to the sea by finding the brightest light in the sky. Due to artificial lighting, land is sometimes brighter at night than the ocean and hatchlings can crawl away from the ocean. Using red light on the beach at night is better than other light, but if possible avoid using any forms of artificial light.

Here are some tips to help nesting sea turtles.

• Walk without light or use turtle-friendly lights when walking on the beach at night during sea turtle season. • Avoid walking in the dunes. • Remove your belongings from the beach as they could be obstacles to sea turtles. • Knock down sand castles, and fill any holes you dig. • Don’t walk in front of a turtle, touch it or take photos of it.

Rob at a Loggerhead Sea Turtle nest on Jekyll Island. 46

AROUND WOODSTOCK | June 2021

Rob Macmillan is on a mission to help shelter dogs and cats. On Facebook @robsrescues. www.robsrescues.com.

Ashley and Emily Kalata and their friends recently collected pet food for Rob’s Rescues to celebrate their eighth birthdays. Celebrate an upcoming birthday with a Rob’s Rescues bin and help shelter animals in the community.

This dog is at Cobb County Animal Services, and his tag number is 628972. He is a sweet, 5-month-old, medium sized terrier. He is a stray, of course, because nobody would want to give up this dog. He also likes to wrap his arms around yours. He is very sweet and will always want to be with you.

This cat’s name is Whiskers. He is 2-year-old with no bad qualities. He was a stray and loves to cuddle. He will cause no harm in your life and bring only love.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | June 2021

Recent Home Sales in April

List Price Address

Subdivision

590,810 725,000 389,900 164,900 465,000 409,900 543,900 300,000 360,000 299,000 300,000 315,000 235,000 849,000 239,900 399,900 255,000 325,000 350,000 465,000 450,000 219,900 230,000 299,000 286,900 415,000 275,000 260,000 420,925 279,900 442,940 465,000 959,900 375,000 450,000 290,000 310,000 625,000 467,900 450,000 285,000 265,000 369,840 560,000 269,300 320,000 350,000 289,900 275,000 270,000 325,000 299,000 420,800 285,000 260,000 425,000 475,000 274,900 392,000

Inwood Tommy Mann Woodlands Little Brook Estates Woodlands Woodlands Longleaf Woodstock Brentwood Stoney Creek Indian Wells Little River Kingsgate Woodstock Village Estates of Fernwood Creek Colemans Bluff Oakhaven Colony Springs Subdivision Cornerstone Estates Lebanon Place Bradshaw Estates NA Wiley Bridge Junction Daventry Village Woodlands Weatherstone Stoney Creek Montclair at Ridgewalk Nowlin Hall Evelyn Farms Carrington Farm Evelyn Farms Arbor View None Haleys Mill Bradshaw Farm Woodlands Kingsgate Linton & Main Newcastle Farm Bradshaw Farm Weatherstone River Oaks Arbor View Sweet Briar Farms None Woodlands Cottages Of Woodstock Little Brook Estates Bramble Oak Coleman's Bluff Rocky Creek Indian Wells Villas at Mountain View The Springs Bramble Oak Stoney Creek WOODLANDS SUB #F PH 2 River Oaks Woodlands

118 Meadow Mill Road 5767 Vaughn Road 201 Tyler Drive 218 Little Brook Lane 123 Brendylynn Trace 114 Brendylynn Trace 184 Foxtail 210 Brentwood Court 133 Stoney Creek Parkway 127 Chickasaw Run 142 N River 807 Cataya Cove 185 Village Trail 613 Rocky Creek Point 174 Colemans Bluff Drive 402 Timberleaf Road 302 Colony Springs Court 408 Parkstone Drive 496 Toonigh Road 508 Augusta Drive 2875 Trickum Road 115 Wiley Bridge Court 1078 Daventry Crossing 403 Yarrow Way 156 Weatherstone Drive 507 Lost Creek Drive 427 Thaxton Lane 604 Neese Road 125 Neese Farm Drive 508 Carrington Court 249 Neese Farm Drive 403 Brookfield Circle 100 Branch Drive 228 Haleys Court 2002 Woodside Park Drive 170 Churchcliff Drive 416 Citronelle Drive 100 Linton Street 308 Canter Way 401 Jessica Lane 506 Weatherstone Court 7005 Woodfield Way 703 PARKSIDE Drive 407 Briar Rose Lane 1438 Toonigh Road 338 Burdock Trace 517 Acuba Court 134 Little Brook Drive 301 Briarwood Court 100 Colemans Walk 1507 Rocky Creek Drive 142 Chickasaw Run 520 Margaret Lane 8028 Whitney Court 1012 Wiley Bridge Road 525 LOST CREEK Drive 502 Pinchot Way 2201 River Woods Way 939 Bendleton Drive

AROUND WOODSTOCK | June 2021

Beds Full Baths Year Built Sold Price Days on Market 4 6 4 3 5 4 3 4 4 3 4 3 4 5 3 5 3 3 3 5 3 3 2 3 3 5 2 3 4 3 4 7 6 4 5 3 3 3 4 5 3 3 4 3 3 3 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 3 4

4 4 2 2 3 2 3 2 2 2 2 2 3 5 2 4 2 2 2 4 3 2 2 2 2 3 2 2 2 2 2 4 5 3 3 2 2 3 3 4 2 2 2 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 2 2 2

2020 2007 2003 1974 2005 2004 2021 1994 2015 1976 1976 2001 2014 2019 1988 2019 1986 2013 1984 2002 1981 1986 1998 2004 1998 2014 2005 1974 2021 1999 2021 2006 2020 2011 1998 2004 2000 2018 2007 1996 1999 1993 2000 2016 1984 2003 2011 1982 1978 1986 1988 1976 2021 1992 1974 2014 2005 1987 2003

606,000 662,500 395,000 195,000 465,000 408,900 550,625 345,000 360,000 300,000 302,000 327,000 335,000 849,000 233,000 400,000 257,000 325,000 348,000 488,000 526,500 219,900 235,000 315,000 301,000 427,000 286,000 280,000 420,925 279,900 453,630 470,000 932,000 380,000 455,000 310,000 335,000 612,000 470,000 471,000 290,000 286,100 385,000 561,000 277,419 343,000 355,000 297,000 266,700 283,000 340,000 299,000 421,045 285,000 285,000 429,500 471,500 275,000 397,000

187 66 0 2 0 0 238 4 26 9 25 2 3 0 4 3 0 4 4 4 5 1 3 3 4 1 5 3 4 4 69 13 52 3 3 7 3 26 3 4 7 3 3 5 2 3 2 4 5 13 3 3 2 6 2 4 14 1 2

School News Students Graduate from Leadership Program

Ila Prabhuram of Etowah High and Fawzan Khan of Woodstock High were among 29 high school students who graduated recently from the Model Atlanta Regional Commission (MARC) youth leadership program. The six-month program offers students the opportunity to learn about issues affecting their region, including housing affordability, water usage and transportation options. The students had the opportunity to speak with local leaders and to offer their ideas to improve life for metro Atlanta residents. “I commend the work and collaboration these young leaders put into the MARC program,” Kerry Armstrong, MARC board chair, said. “The insights they bring to the challenges facing our region is refreshing, and make me feel optimistic about our future.”

Ila Prabhuram

Fawzan Khan

County High Schools Make National Ranking All six district high schools made the U.S. News & World Report’s “Best High Schools” list for 2021. Creekview led the county in the rankings at number 2,342 out of 24,000 high schools in the country and number 55 in the state. Etowah, River Ridge, Sequoyah and Woodstock also ranked in the Top 100 in Georgia of the more than 400 state high schools and fell within the top 15% nationwide. The magazine’s prestigious list is based on factors including academic performance, college readiness, graduation rates and success of disadvantaged students. The rankings include data on nearly 24,000 public high schools in 50 states and the District of Columbia. In addition to traditional high schools, the rankings encompass charter; magnet; and science, technology, engineering and math-focused schools. “It’s great to see national recognition for what we already know to be true here at home — that our teachers, students and support teams are working hard and achieving at impressive levels,” Superintendent of Schools Brian V. Hightower said. “We also greatly appreciate the support of our students’ families and our community partners, which makes accomplishments like this possible.”

AROUND WOODSTOCK | June 2021

Around & About JUNE

Trailstory is a project created by Sequoyah

Regional Library System and Woodstock Parks and Recreation that provides families an opportunity to read a book and enjoy trails at the same time. Visit the Noonday Creek Trail from the Woofstock Park connection towards Highway 92 during June to read “Dragons Love Tacos” by Adam Rubin.

The Market at The Mill on Etowah is every Tuesday night on the green from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Support the best local makers, creators, bakers and artists. Details available on Facebook at The Mill on Etowah page.

Unwind Wednesdays features food trucks and

market night at Veterans Park, the first Wednesday of every month through October from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Follow the Revival Events Group page on Facebook for details.

A Kickball Extravaganza with Circle of Friends

fundraiser is set for 6-10 p.m. at Patriot’s Park, 1485 Kellogg Creek Road. Proceeds benefit the nonprofit Circle of Friends. Register at www.acratl.com/kickball. For more information, email robert@acratl.com.

Downtown Canton First Friday is at 6 p.m.

May-October. It’s a historic Downtown Canton loop block party offering a car show, live music, food and good times. Find more details on the Downtown Canton Ga First Friday Facebook page.

Sacrifices Made is a Memorial Day tribute

sponsored by the Cherokee Veterans Community. Doors open at 1 p.m., the program begins at 2 p.m. in the chapel of Building A at First Baptist Church Woodstock, 11905 Highway 92. For information, email veteransministry@fbcw.org or call 678-570-5828. www.CherokeeVeteransCommunity.org.

Ground Festival and Plant Sale 10 a.m.12 4Ball p.m. Come celebrate the club’s 70th anniversary.

Large plant selection and supply. Gardening presentations and raffles. Guided tours of the Botanical Garden. Bake sale, vendors, nonprofit groups. 215 Valley St., Ball Ground (next to City Hall). For more information, www.ballgroundgardenclub/upcoming-events.

Northside Hospital-Cherokee is holding a prostate cancer screening, 5:30-8 p.m. Pre-registration is required; call 404-531-4444 to make an appointment or get information on future screenings. www.northside.com. 50

AROUND WOODSTOCK | June 2021

in the Park at 9 a.m. with Twisted 19 AMPED Cycle at the Northside Hospital Cherokee

Amphitheater. Part of a free monthly fitness series presented by Woodstock Parks and Recreation. All workouts are fitness friendly (meaning you don’t have to be super fit to participate). Participants will adhere to social distancing guidelines and restrictions from the office of the governor and the CDC.

Storytime Live! With Belle at 11 a.m. at the Park

at City Center Gazebo. Belle will read a story and pose for photos. Presented by FoxTale Book Shoppe and Woodstock Parks and Recreation. Free admission and socially distanced.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOLS June 7-11

Sutallee Baptist Church: Rocky Railway 895 Knox Bridge Highway, White 30184 6:30-9 p.m. Ages 4-18. 770-479-0101.

June 14-16

Canton First Baptist: Backyard VBS Join a team or host a VBS in your neighborhood! 1 Mission Point, Canton 30114 770-479-5538

June 21-24

First Baptist Church of Woodstock: Mystery Island 11905 Highway 92, Woodstock 30188 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Ages 4-Completed Fifth Grade Text “VBS” to 678-831-6489 to register.

JULY

A Built to Quit smoking and tobacco cessation course will take place at Northside Hospital-

Cherokee. Register online at www.northside.com, call 404-780-7653 or email smokingcessation@northside.com.

The Inaugural First Responders Golf Classic will be held at Woodmont Golf and Country Club. Registration begins at 8 a.m. All proceeds support the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation and Kennesaw State University’s Wellstar School of Nursing. Please visit www.cherokeechamber.com/first-responders-golf-classic for the full schedule of events.

FARMERS MARKETS Woodstock’s Farm. Fresh. Market.

Now open for the season on Market Street. Hours are 8:30 a.m.-noon. Saturdays through Dec. 18. Details available at www.visitwoodstockga.com.

Farmers Market at River Church

9 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesdays at 2335 Sixes Road, Canton. On Facebook.

Canton Farmers Market

Opens June 6 in Brown Park. Continues weekly, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturdays through Oct. 16. Details available at www.cantonga.gov.

JULY 4 CELEBRATIONS July 3

Independence Day Pub Crawl in Woodstock

The themed Saturday events will feature food and drink specials at downtown food establishments. Participants are encouraged to visit all of the participating restaurants.

July 4

Canton Fireworks

Fireworks begin at dusk at Riverstone Shopping Plaza (I-575, exit 20).

July 5

Woodstock July 4th Spectacular Parade, Festival and Fireworks

• Freedom Run 7:15 a.m. The 25th annual Freedom Run 5K, 1 Mile, and Tot Trot! • 10-11 a.m. parade starts at Woodstock Elementary School on Rope Mill Road, travels south on Main Street and ends at Sam’s Club near Highway 92. Rain or shine unless inclement weather. • Festival 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Great fun, food, arts, crafts, music, kids activities and more at the Park at City Center! • Fireworks 9-10 p.m. Lowe’s Shopping Center Area (Highway 92 near 575).

Rockin S. Farms. Photos by Abigail Peyton.

ELM STREET CULTURAL ARTS www.elmstreetarts.org

Through July 1

[Re]constructing Home is the first exhibition in the

Reeves House Gallery. This show will feature local and national artists with works centered around the theme of home and how we have rebuilt what home means to each of us during the past year.

June 9-23

How I Became a Pirate is a fantastic musical excursion

with a band of comical pirates: Braid Beard and his mates. Recommended for all ages.

June11

iThink Improv Troupe is back and ready to get its audiences rolling down the aisle with laughter, fully spaced out in the theater. Recommended for ages 10+ (content).

June 19-July 3

The Lasting Laugh is a new comedy series that brings in two Atlanta-based comedians monthly with Jessica It’s All Good as the host. Recommended for ages 12+ (content).

WOODSTOCK SUMMER CONCERT SERIES The free concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Northside Hospital-Cherokee Amphitheater. More details at www.woodstockconcertseries.com.

June 12:

Black Jacket Symphony will perform Tom Petty’s “Damn the Torpedoes” July 9: The Ultimate Queen Celebration with Marc Martel Aug. 14: Steep Canyon Rangers Sept. 18: Christopher Cross Sept. 25: Rumours, a Fleetwood Mac tribute band

LANTERN SERIES At the Elm Street Event Green in Woodstock; shows begin at 7:30 p.m. Check for updates at www.elmstreetarts.org.

June 5: Swedish Jam Factory June 26: The Foxies July 17: Scott Mulvahill July/Aug.: JigJam, date TBA Sept. 25: The Black Market Trust Oct. 16: We Banjo 3

AROUND WOODSTOCK | June 2021

Etowah Grad Recognized for Prison System Reform Project Jacob Rybak, a member of the Etowah High Class of 2012, is wrapping up his senior year at Kennesaw State University by presenting to prestigious research conferences around the United States and was a featured speaker for one of them. Rybak and his professor, Susan Hardy, have worked several months on research on reforming the prison system in the United States, and reducing the number of former inmates who relapse and return to jail. He has given presentations online for seven conferences, including Harvard, Virginia Tech and Stanford, where he was a plenary speaker. His research project involved analyzing statistics from the Iowa Department of Corrections that showed the number of former inmates who returned to prison and why. Rybak’s proposal includes emphasizing rehabilitation within the prison system by offering more educational opportunities and addressing hostile environments and psychological needs of inmates. Rybak is earning a double major in economics and finance with a minor in applied statistics and analytics. After graduation, he wants to work in a field that engages economics, finance and data analytics. He also hopes to continue the community activism and awareness that began with his research, and possibly start a nonprofit to offer education, scholarships and workforce training as inmates transition back into society.

Woodstock Author Pens First Novel Delia Halverson, a Woodstock resident and former contributing writer for Aroundabout Local Media, recently published her first novel, “A Token of Love.” The story follows Amanda, an educator who leaves a job as an elementary school principal in Atlanta to teach in a 92-resident North Dakota town. Halverson was inspired by her experiences of living in a small town, and wanted to share information about the Dakotas, as well as “give people permission to do their own thinking about their beliefs,” through Miss Emma, a character in the book. 52

AROUND WOODSTOCK | June 2021

Jacob Rybak, his wife, Andi, and their son, Kelso.

Carter Graduates, Earns Marine Rank Jaidyn Carter, a member of the Woodstock High School Class of 2020, recently graduated from Parris Island and is a U.S. Marine. She was promoted to the rank of Private First Class and earned expert riflery honors.

High School Filmmakers Take Top Honors The Cherokee Office of Economic Development (COED), in partnership with the Cherokee County School District’s (CCSD) Audio/ Video Technology and Film (AVTF) educators, announced the winners of the third annual Cherokee Student Film Festival during a recent live event at Creekview High. Creekview seniors Jadon Deaton and Brighton St. Vrain, who have entered and won in at least one category in the last three years, swept this year’s competition. This creative duo tied or won across every category, including Best of Show and the coveted Audience Choice Award. “Being a part of the film festival over these past three years has not only pushed my love for film but made me realize this is my passion. Writing, directing and watching your film come to life is such a satisfying feeling,” St. Vrain said. Deaton added: “The film festival has had such a big impact on my life and has pushed us both to pursue film.” Both seniors plan to attend Middle Tennessee State University in the fall, and major in film and video production. Student films were screened on the school’s jumbotron, bringing new meaning to being under the Friday Night Lights as audience members cheered on student filmmakers from across the county. To adhere to social distancing measures, guests were invited to spread out on the football field and stands to view the qualifying student entries and awards ceremony. The Cherokee Student Film Festival represents COED’s second collaboration with CCSD AVTF students this year. While COVID-19 measures prohibited students from participating in-person for the annual Cherokee Student Film Summit, COED hosted an online Student Film Webinar Series featuring expert guidance from local and regional industry professionals. Through this virtual experience, students were able to ask questions and connect with producers, directors, screenwriters, and explore careers in film. “Connecting local students with Georgia’s film industry remains a key goal of our collaboration with the CCSD,” COED President Misti Martin said. “Challenging students through opportunities like the film festival prepares them for successful careers.”

Jadon Deaton, left, and Brighton St. Vrain.

2021 WINNERS

Best of Show

• “Alternate Deception” (Creekview High School)

Created by Jadon Deaton and Brighton St. Vrain, who also won: Audience Choice, Best Use of Prop; Best Sound Quality; tied for Best Cinematography with “A Caged Rat” (Etowah High School), tied for Best Use of Line with “A Caged Rat.”

Runner-up Best of Show • “A Caged Rat”

(Etowah High School)

Created by Connor Fisher and Jack Scott

Third Place *Tie* for Best of Show • “The Delivery”

(Woodstock High School)

Created by Matthew Court, Bryce Jones, Rory Strickland

• “The Hegira Virtual Warp” (Etowah High School)

Created by Charlie Mohar, Ben Gilbert, Colby Pelfrey, Autumn Greenman A screening was held on Creekview High School’s jumbotron. AROUND WOODSTOCK | June 2021

Advertisers

For advertising rates and information Patty Ponder 770-615-3322 Patty@AroundaboutMagazines.com

June 2021

ACCOUNTING & TAX Denson Pepper, CPA 678-797-5241 www.densonpeppercpa.com

AUDIOLOGY 11

ANIMALS/PETS Cherokee County Animal Shelter www.cherokeega-animals.org

Express Vets 678-397-7377 www.expressvets.com

ATTORNEYS/LEGAL SERVICES Imbriale Injury Law 678-445-7423 www.imbrialeinjury.com

Williams | Elleby 833-LEGALGA (833-534-2542) www.gatrialattorney.com

ARTS/ENTERTAINMENT Elm Street Cultural Arts Village 678-494-4251 www.elmstreetarts.org

Tranquility Fine Arts Gallery 770-503-6448 www.tranquilityfinearts.com

Polished Peach Car Wash 770-592-8102 www.polishedpeachcarwash.com Woodstock Quality Paint & Body 770-926-3898

AROUND WOODSTOCK | June 2021

Express Pack N Ship 678-504-5676 www.expresspacknships.com

Innovation Spot, The 770-262-3668 www.theinnovationspot.com

Woodstock Business Club

DENTAL/ORTHODONTICS Dentistry for Woodstock, Dr. Bruce Fink Cover, 1, 28, 29 770-926-0000 www.dentistryforwoodstock.com Gentle Dental Care/Georgia Dental Implant Center Inside back 770-926-2784 www.georgiadic.com Chattahoochee Technical College 19 770-528-4545 www.chattahoocheetech.edu/deadmissions 9

Citadel Professional Services, LLC 770-952-6707 www.citadelwealthcare.com

HOME AND GARDEN 9

Dayco Systems Heating & Cooling 770-336-7888 www.daycosystems.com

Mr. Junk 678-MR-Junk1 (675-8651) www.mrjunk1.com

Myst Power Washing 770-546-6028 www.mystpowerwashing.com

RPM Landscape & Pavers 770-597-5175 www.rpmlandscapeandpavers.com

Vivid Color Landscapes, LLC 404-457-2753

INSURANCE Insurance PM, Monica Landers 470-601-7283

PHOTOGRAPHY

FINANCIAL SERVICES 11

Woodstock Funeral Home and Cremations 770-926-3107 www.woodstockfuneralhome.com Bryan Plumbing Services 770-826-5277

INWDSTK inwdstk.org/events

Aria Music Studios 678-926-4602 www.ariamusicstudios.com

Strongside 35 678-735-0563 www.the-strongside.com FUNERAL SERVICES

BUSINESS SUPPORT

EDUCATION/TRAINING/LESSONS

AUTOMOTIVE Hardline Customs 770-675-8115 www.hardlineind.com

North Georgia Audiology & Hearing Aid Center 770-726-8948 www.YourHearingLink.com

FITNESS/RECREATION

Brian Nejedly Photography 470-437-9339 www.briannejedlyphoto.com

J. King Images 404-384-2794, 404-200-0881 www.jkingimages.com

REAL ESTATE& RELATED SERVICES Atlanta Communities, Hornes Group Dianna Hornes, 404-793-3312 www.hornesgroup.com Atlanta Communities Lindsey Haas Team, The C: 678-933-1962 www.thelindseyhaasteam.com

Capital Mortgage Solutions 770-450-9717 www.cmshomeloans.com

Century 21 Celina Meador C: 361-463-6170 O: 770-640-6800

Homeowners Financial Group The Dean Team Inside front 470-863-7070 www.homeownersfg.com/location/canton Keller Williams, The Premier Group 678-494-0102 www.tpgsells.com

Back cover

Auntie Anne's 470-577-8935 www.auntieannes.com

Gondolier Pizza and Italian Restaurant 770-516-6292 www.gondolierwoodstock.com

J.D.'s on the Lake 770-213-4127 www.jdsbbq.com Susto's Taco Bar Restaurant: 678-400-8131 Catering: 678-400-8160 www.sustostacobar.com

Felber Home Furnishings and Decor 770-693-6985

St. George Village 678-987-0410, 404-558-6108 www.stgeorgevillage.org

SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS MUST Ministries www.mustministries.org

Next Step Ministries 770-592-1227 www.nextstepministries.net

VEHICLE SALES Golf Cars of Canton 678-880-1156 www.golfcarsofcanton.com

RETAILERS Cotton Mill Exchange 770-992-9294 www.cottonmillexchange.net

Wild Birds Unlimited 770-928-3014 www.mywbu.com/woodstock SENIOR LIVING

RESTAURANTS/FOOD 38

Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Tomlinson Team, The www.thetomlinsonteam.com

Prosperity Home Mortgage 404-895-0641 www.lisaeifert.phmloans.com

Inside front

AROUND WOODSTOCK | June 2021

Since 1996, we have brought relevant, uplifting and reader-driven content to readers. We publish Around Acworth, Around Canton, Around Woodstock and TowneLaker. 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. 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. Look on page 6 for our contact information.

OUR PHOTOGRAPHY PARTNERS We work with some of the best professional photographers in the business.

Jerry King J. King Images 404-384-2794 www.jkingimages.com

AROUND WOODSTOCK | June 2021

Brian Nejedly Photography 470-437-9339 www.briannejedlyphoto.com

Heather Stevens Joyful Day Photography 678-947-1200 www.joyfuldayphoto.com

Joseph Baum Maniac Agency www.maniacagency.com