Enjoy Cherokee Magazine - July/August 2020

VOL. 8 | ISSUE 4 | JULY/AUGUST 2020

NATE MULLETT

VETERANS

MadLife ART

UNITE

THE MAN BEHIND THE

Page 18

IN CHEROKEE Page 34

LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHER

DAVID VAUGHN

CAPTURES STORIES AROUND

THE WORLD INCLUDING THIS COVER PHOTO – Page 6 [www.EnjoyCherokee.com]

1

2

[www.EnjoyCherokee.com]

[feature articles]

Features

Leadership: Top 10 in 10

12

The Man Behind the MadLife Portraits

18

Filling Backpacks And Hearts For Fifteen Years

28

These outstanding Cherokee County residents exhibit exceptional qualities that will serve them in their chosen careers and help create the future leadership of our community.

Charcoal and paper bring icons of music to life on the walls of MadLife Stage & Studios— a music studio, restaurant, and live music venue in Woodstock. Nate Mullet, a Cherokee County resident, produced the soulful creations when he was but a sophomore at Cherokee High School.

Giving every kid a chance to succeed has become a back-to-school tradition in Cherokee County.

[special feature]

6 A Morning on the Lake with David Vaughn On May 2 the United States Navy Blue Angels saluted the metro Atlanta emergency workers with a spectacular flyover. David Vaughn—our neighbor, photographer, and Navy veteran—captured the show of respect with his camera. A few days earlier, David shared a morning filled with stories of travel, photographs, and life on Lake Allatoona. Join us as we step into a day in the life of our talented neighbor.

[www.EnjoyCherokee.com]

3

Coping with Market Volatility

J. Thompson Ross Investments: Take Advantage of Market Downturns Anyone can look good during a bull market. However, when the market goes off track, it’s essential to revisit the original reasons you chose to make a specific investment. This reflection will allow you to evaluate whether those reasons still hold regardless of the overall market activity.

If you decide to release an investment, you might incur a tax loss. Selling an investment at a loss does generate cash that can be used to purchase other investments that may be available at an appealing discount. In a bear market, most stocks are available at lower prices—some are absolute bargains. Research might turn up buying opportunities on stocks that have dropped for reasons outside of the company’s fundamentals.

There are other ways to reap some benefits from a down market. Unfortunately, if the value of your IRA or 401(k) has dropped dramatically, you likely won’t be able to harvest a tax benefit from those losses because taxes generally aren’t owed until the money is withdrawn. However, if you’ve considered converting a tax-deferred plan to a Roth IRA, a lower account balance might make a conversion more attractive. Though the conversion will trigger Y A s TOD u t c income taxes in the year a t n o s C il a t e d r of the conversion, the tax e h for furt strategies calculation is based on your account’s reduced on these ORE! value. With some expert help and M you can determine if a conversion might be advantageous to your portfolio.*

ere H e r ’ e W elp. to H

A volatile market is never easy to endure, but learning from it can better prepare you and your portfolio to weather and take advantage of the market’s ups and downs.

All investing involves risk. Risk includes the possible loss of principal. There is never a guarantee that any investment strategy will be successful. Thus, there is no assurance that a financial professional will improve your investment results.

However, a professional can help evaluate your objectives, bring available resources to the table, and assist you in considering appropriate long-term financial strategies. *To qualify for the tax-free and penalty-free withdrawal of earnings (and assets converted to a Roth), Roth IRA distributions must meet a five-year holding requirement.

Also, the distribution must take place after age fifty-nine (with some exceptions). Under current tax law, if all conditions are met, the account will incur no further income tax liability for the rest of the owner’s lifetime or the lifetime of the owner’s heirs, regardless of how much growth the account experiences.

This information, developed by an independent third party, has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but Raymond James does not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. The information contained in this report does not purport to be a complete description of the securities, markets, or developments referred to in this material. Investments mentioned may not be suitable for all investors. The material is general in nature.

Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. does not provide advice on tax, legal, or mortgage issues. These matters should be discussed with the appropriate professional. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services are offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. J. Thompson Ross Investments is not a registered broker/ dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. JThompsonRoss Investments, 3201 S. Cherokee Lane #340, Woodstock, GA 30188. 770/345-8008 Copyright 2020.

[table of contents]

Contents

Cherokee Veterans Community: Strong Leaders, Gentle Hearts

34

Habersham Is Happening

40

Summertime Dining Recipes

46

Get Active Go Parking

48

From dealing with PTSD to seeking financial or housing assistance, the Cherokee Veterans Community provides a one-stop shop for almost all that veterans need and does it in a safe, relaxed atmosphere.

Ninety minutes northeast of Canton lies one of the most breathtaking communities of the Blue Ridge Mountains— Habersham County. Here worldclass hiking, shopping, and dining are even more enhanced by authentic Southern Hospitality.

The summer heat is here, prepare some great backyard cooking with these fun and festive recipes.

Cherokee County operates twentythree parks and recreation facilities throughout the county. Amenities include forty baseball/softball diamonds, twenty-seven athletic fields, twenty-two tennis courts, seventeen playgrounds, and more than forty-three miles of trails.

[Advertisers Index] 3CB Paint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Holbrook Woodstock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

A New You Skin & Body Clinic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Infiniti Roofing & Remodeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24/25

Northside Cherokee Surgical Associates . . . . . . 26/27

J. Thompson Ross Investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Cherokee Office of Economic Development . . . . . . . 37

Magnetize.ME . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Darby Funeral Home, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Mileshko Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Georgia Medical Treatment Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Northside Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . inside front cover

Cherokee County . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17/37

Woodstock Funeral Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Cherokee County Historical Society . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

[www.EnjoyCherokee.com]

5

nature

k, Alaska Brooks Falls National Par ona

Lake Allato

A Morning on the Lake with David Vaughn Early morning on Lake Allatoona is both serene and exhilarating.

When dawn arrives and morning fog rests heavily on the still waters, the wildlife in and around the lake begins to stir.

“This is my favorite time of day,” says David Vaughn.

“It’s the most productive time to capture wildlife with a camera.”

6

[www.EnjoyCherokee.com]

Red Top Mountain Bridge

Taxi in Havana,

Cuba King

Salm

on, A laska

David Vaughn in action

avid Vaughn and his wife, Teresa, have been part-time residents of Acworth’s Atlanta Boat Club community for nearly a dozen years. Under the towering hardwood trees sits their well-appointed yet modest lake home with a breathtaking view of a Lake Allatoona cove. The walls of each room display captivating photos of creatures once seen through the lens of David’s powerful Nikon.

“A picture is only a picture until it tells a story,” explains David as he points out a stunning photo of a wet grizzly bear catching

a plump salmon. The scene took place in Alaska, but the journey was far from easy.

After flying to Anchorage, David booked passage on a small plane to King Salmon and then a float plane into Brooks Falls National Park. “I took hundreds of pictures, and this is the one that floated to the top.” David sighs. “This is probably the photo I’m most proud of as a photographer.”

David glances toward the window. The sun finally peeks out. “Let’s get out on the water.

We’ll check on my birds first,” he comments, referring to the many large osprey that nest around the lake.

Getting to the floating dock requires a quick walk through David’s tree-filled yard. Thick bark covers the trunks of the mature hardwood and resembles heavy Van Gogh brushstrokes.

David freezes in silence and directs my attention to the right. Along the shoreline, ears alert, stand three deer. Without a sound David brings his camera up and snaps a series of photos in rapid succession. The deer take note and gallantly dash away.

Their appearance makes a perfect start to a morning filled with wildlife, photographs, and stories. uuu

[www.EnjoyCherokee.com]

7

uuu We shove off in a pontoon boat, and David shares interesting facts about the lake.

The water in the cove is about seventeen feet deep. Lake Allatoona hosts catfish, bass, crappie, stripers, and a few other species of fish. In August the Georgia State Patrol conducts water-rescue training, and David assists by taking photographs. Generally, he says, people on the lake are friendly and kind, like good neighbors; however, he warns that weekends and holidays often become too crowded for comfort.

In the distance lies a bridge that carries heavily traveled I-75 over the quiet lake.

It’s striking how the freeway and lake live in harmony. Even as we pass under the bridge, the traffic is not a disturbance to the ears or the eyes.



David points out a post that rises about thirty-five feet out of the lake. Atop the post sits a platform with a large nest built of hefty twigs. Slowly he turns the boat off and says, “Do you hear that?” It’s the high-pitched chirping of young osprey. Their heads bob up and down in the nest. “That cawing might be the father.” He points to an osprey flying over the trees along the neighboring shoreline. David gently gathers his camera with a powerful zoom lens, positions himself strategically against a boat chair, and prepares to capture some osprey activity around the nest. “Get in the nest, Daddy,” he whispers softly and slowly.

“Come on, Daddy. Get in the nest.”

After we spend several minutes patiently watching the large bird soar nearer and nearer the nest, the osprey makes his descent toward the babies. Unexpectedly a second adult bird emerges from the nest. Rapid clicks of the shutter capture the scene while the birds converge in what looks like a struggle. Stirred up, the hatchlings become fully visible.

David is swept with exhilaration, and we later find his photos to be a success; they tell a fascinating story.

 

We move away from the osprey habitat, and David tells of his first experiences on Lake Allatoona. “I’m the seventh generation of Vaughns born and raised in Atlanta, but I spent nearly every summer on this lake.”

His family spent the entire summer on Lake Allatoona while his father commuted to and from downtown Atlanta to run his business, the Atlanta Extermination Company.

“The Army Corps of Engineers is the landlord of this lake,” David explains.

“My father was a part of the Army Corps of Engineers during World War II. He was stationed in Pearl Harbor and was there the day Japan bombed it.” David’s father survived the attack unharmed but rarely spoke of the horror of that day.

8

[www.EnjoyCherokee.com]



David also proudly served our country in the U.S. Navy from 1969 until 1971. “Yeah, I had it rough,” David says with a giggle and a smirk. “I spent my Naval life cruising the Mediterranean, the French Riviera, and the Isles of Greece.” He was stationed on the U.S.S. Forrestal, the first United States supercarrier. On July 29, 1967—two years before David’s service began—the U.S.S. Forrestal was engaged in Vietnam War combat in the Gulf of Tonkin when multiple fires broke out onboard. The event ended the lives of 134 sailors and wounded another 161. Senator John McCain was among the survivors. The ship was drydocked in the Philippines for repair and relaunched in 1969.

David was a member of the first crew on the U.S.S. Forrestal when it relaunched.

In a flash a stoic goose on the lake diverts our attention. The graceful fowl carves a V into the glass-like water as he paddles forward.

David lies on his belly with his camera to get an angle of the goose and its reflection.

The goose rears up and flaps his wings as if in revolt. Dave points. “Look! There!

Mama and the babies are out for a swim.”

The little goslings look like bursts of fuzzy yellow sunshine, and mama lets them explore everything that draws their interest. We watch the family of geese poke around the boats in the marina for a bit before we hit the open water again.

GAF TIMBERLINE

HDZ ARCHITECTURAL SHINGLES

FINANCING & PAYMENT OPTIONS AVAILABLE

JAMES HARDIE

FIBER CEMENT SHAKES & SIDING

SHERWIN WILLIAMS DURATION EXTERIOR PAINT

PAINTING SERVICES > > > > > >

Interior / Exterior Exterior Repairs Cabinet Refinishing Texture Ceiling Removal Deck Painting / Staining Siding Replacement / Repairs

ROOFING SERVICES > Replace / Repair > Storm Damage > Insurance Claims

LOCAL

TRUSTED DEPENDABLE

Scan with your cam for a wild ride!

David laughs when he says, “College was the best twenty years of my life.” He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Kennesaw State University at the age of forty, although he spent much of his professional life as a real estate broker. David was always fascinated by photography but didn’t delve into the art deeply until he retired. Since then he has taken and continues to take numerous online photography courses, including an iPhone class that impressed him. “I learned a lot from that class and would recommend it to anyone who wants to take better pictures,” David advises. “Because of smart phones, nearly everyone has a camera—a good camera—in their hands at all times.

It’s worth a few hours of  Deer greet us as education to we head to the boat for a learn how morning on the lake. to use it  Osprey nests are scattered all properly.” around Lake Allatoona.  Geese are abundant in Cherokee County. Take some time to observe their intriguing family life.

uuu

 We live in a fisherman’s paradise.

[www.EnjoyCherokee.com]

9

“If you want to set your photos apart from everyone else, squat.�

Most people take pictures while standing.

If you squat, bend down, or lie down to shoot, your photo often becomes more captivating.

10

[www.EnjoyCherokee.com]

u David gives back to the community in many ways, including high school sports photographs.

u David Vaughn and his wife, Teresa

u Goslings enjoying an adventurous morning on Lake Allatoona

uuu Photography has taken David around the world. In addition to the results of his foray into Alaska, his repertoire includes images from Africa, India, China, Israel, and Cambodia, to name a few countries. When Cuba was open for U.S. tourism in the spring of 2019, David and Teresa visited Havana. They hired a native guide, a photography teacher at the University of Havana, who escorted David and Teresa around the capital city by way of iconic 1950s taxicabs.

Cuban citizens are not allowed to own cars newer than the 1953 revolution, so their vehicles are more than a half century old and haphazardly held together with whatever parts they can get. “But the cars worked just fine,” David says with a smile.

“It’s hard to believe that our tour guide, a professor at the largest university in Cuba and supporter of a family of five, makes a living on an annual salary the equivalent of two hundred fifty U.S. dollars,” David remarks. “I was honored to pay him the equivalent of a year’s salary plus a tip in exchange for his help in piloting us around Havana in search of ballet, boxing, and street people.” Although Cuban incomes are low, David explains that Cuban citizens receive healthcare, medicine, and a minimum of free food from the government.

Our adventure on Lake Allatoona draws nearer to a close when we pass under Red Top Mountain Bridge. The top rails of the iconic blue metalwork have become home to a family of osprey, while

the underbelly of the bridge holds dozens of hivelooking nests, home to birds called cliff swallows.

Swallows make their nests of mud, hair, feathers, and grass. While barn swallows nest independently, cliff swallows colonize and nest near each other.

On our approach to our home cove, a graceful blue heron lands on a nearby boat ramp. David squats to get a bird’s-eye view. “I would like to offer one tip to budding photographers out there,” David begins. “If you want to set your photos apart from everyone else, squat.” Most people take pictures while standing. If you squat, bend down, or lie down to shoot, your photo often becomes more captivating. David sells his most captivating shots as stock photos on his website, SuperDavesPhotos.com.

He posts his photos on his own website as well as social media sites.

The floating dock nears. David parks the pontoon, and we head toward the house among a scurry of squirrels. While only nine o’clock in the morning, we have spotted in one day more wildlife than this city girl has experienced in six months.

David says that every trip he takes on the lake is exciting.

“

”

I may take the same path, yet the scenery is everchanging.

New photos await the taking, but they are good only if they tell a story.

[www.EnjoyCherokee.com]

11

LEADERSHIP

It is with great enthusiasm that Enjoy Cherokee Magazine and the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce present the 2020 selection of

Cherokee County’s Top 10 in 10 Young Professionals to Watch.

These outstanding Cherokee County residents exhibit exceptional qualities that will serve them in their chosen careers and help create the future leadership of our community.

Victoria Hill, 22

Miss Georgia 2019 Miss America 2020 First Runner-up Eastman School of Music, New York (currently enrolled) Victoria Hill is an unrelenting

advocate for children in the foster care system. She expressed her passion while she soared through competitions on her way to obtaining the 2019 Miss Georgia crown. Victoria’s platform is steeped in bettering the foster care system on a local, state, and national level.

Victoria spearheaded Flip the Script on Foster Care, an initiative for which she has formed strong partnerships with numerous foster care organizations, including the Department of Family and Children Services, Goshen Valley Boys Ranch, and the North Georgia Angel House. Victoria has also established a successful local

212 [www.EnjoyCherokee.com] [www.EnjoyCherokee.com]

mentorship program titled WINGS (Women in Need Growing Stronger), wherein girls in foster care are paired with strong women in the community to gain supportive growth and guidance. The goal is to establish a constant loving relationship in the life of each precious girl.

A talented vocalist, Victoria specializes in opera and was recently accepted into the highly acclaimed Eastman School of Music in New York. At the top opera school in the nation she will train with some of the best musicians in the world. She looks forward to completing her bachelor’s degree and aspires to become a world-class opera performer.

[www.EnjoyCherokee.com]

13

Paige Reid, 28

Program Director, Next Step Ministries Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College Leadership Cherokee Class of 2020-2021 Paige Reid runs the day-to-day

operations for Next Step Ministries, a local 501(c)(3) organization that provides a variety of therapeutic day programs to meet the needs of folks in Cherokee County who are moderately to profoundly developmentally delayed.

As program director, Paige schedules staff, onboards new clients, participates in individual education plans, helps with fundraising efforts, and more.

Being involved with the local community is paramount in Paige’s daily routine. Among other things she is an active member of several Woodstock professional organizations, serves on two Elm Street Arts committees, is a part of the Holly Springs Optimist Club, and is a

member of the Chamber of Commerce Leadership Cherokee Class of 2020– 2021. She and her husband are also proud to be certified foster parents.

From Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College in Indiana, her home state, Paige holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and equine business management. She recently acquired her master’s degree in leadership development from the same school. Her extensive education, coupled with her continued learning under the tutelage of her mentor Lori Baker, executive director of Next Step Ministries, prepares Paige for a long and prosperous career with Next Step Ministries. Paige wishes to grow with Next Step Ministries and help it expand into neighboring communities.

Dr. Ashley Eric Rein, Kennerly, 39 34

Vice President/Commercial RelationshipPrincipal, Manager,Sixes Renasant Elementary Bank Colorado Adjunct State Professor, University Piedmont and College Published University Authorofand Georgia Mother of one Eric Rein has positioned himself as a

financial resource to strengthen small businesses throughout Cherokee and Cobb counties. Companies in the fields of distribution, manufacturing, staffing, healthcare, and construction with annual revenues between $2 million to $150 million look to Eric for guidance.

Deeply involved with the heartbeat of our community, Eric holds multiple leadership roles in organizations throughout the area. Eric’s volunteer positions include the Holly Springs Planning and Zoning Commission, the Cherokee County Library Board, the Cherokee County YMCA, the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce

14

[www.EnjoyCherokee.com]

Ashley Kennerly is a graduate of

Governmental AffairsHigh Council, andNorth Greenville Woodstock School, founding University, member ofWalden the Holly Springs University, Piedmont Optimist College, Club, toand name a few.University, Eric Liberty where she is also a graduate of the Leadership earned her doctor of education degree in Cherokeecurriculum class of 2019. and instruction. Having served as the assistant principal for Indian Knoll

Eric, the son of a small business owner, Elementary since 2016 she is embarking understands that Cherokee County on her first term as principal at Sixes is quicklyElementary becoming the premier in the 2019-2020 school year. destination for entrepreneurs in the Ashley spearheaded the revitalization of metro Atlanta area.

He continues the Positive Behavior Interventions & strengthening his financial skills beyond Support initiative at Indian Knoll. The traditionalprograms core banking successsolutions, documents a significant to help move aspiring businesses into and a 30 increase in student engagement successfulpercent trajectories.

Look for Eric decline in disciplinary needs. to propel a new local banking option As charter a noted leader in thelocal field of education, through the of a strong Ashley published both a dissertation and financial institution. an article in Principal Magazine titled

“Bridging the Gap Between I Can’t and I Can.” After presenting this work at the University of Georgia’s Student Support Team Association for Georgia Educators Best Practices Conference, Kennerly was awarded the SSTAGE Star Award for Promising Practices.

As an active member of both Delta Kappa Gamma and Alpha Delta Kappa, Ashley works tirelessly to promote the professional and personal growth of female educators, educational excellence, and altruism. She is also involved with her son’s baseball team and is an advocate for child foster care.

“My heart’s desire is to serve wherever I am most needed, matching my strengths to areas of need,” Ashley explains. “As long as I am an educator, I will strive to lead by example, with character, honesty, and integrity.”

Nick Richert, 31

Light Press Operations Manager, Universal Alloy Corporation Georgia Institute of Technology Nick Richert is a self-driven systems engineer with nearly a decade of experience in lean manufacturing, production analysis, and operational leadership. He is a proven leader who continually strives to instill a motivated and self-sufficient workforce culture. As an intricate member of the Universal Alloy Corporation’s management team, Nick is responsible for more than 150 employees, including supervisors and managers.

Nick comes from a family well rooted in Cherokee County. He graduated from Cherokee High School with honors and received a Tower Award for Academic Achievement from Georgia Tech.

He also holds a Six Sigma Green Belt certification from the Institute of Industrial Engineers at Georgia Tech. Through all of this, his dream to return home to Cherokee County to settle near his family remained steady. Today that dream is a reality as Nick, his wife, and two children are anchored in the community with no plans to leave.

Future aspirations for Nick include attaining a master of business administration and becoming a senior leader in the local community and aluminum industry. Nick is proud to be a part of the economic growth of the community and is poised to help push Cherokee County forward.

Amanda Rostin, 26

Project Manager, Lead Edge Design Group University of Georgia Leadership Cherokee Class of 2020-2021 Amanda Rostin grew up as a classical ballet dancer, having trained at some of the most elite ballet schools in the country. While spending time in our nation’s capital at the Washington School of Ballet, Amanda became enamored with the intricacies of the transportation system and how it impacted the daily lives of everyone in the community. This experience was her inspiration to become a civil engineer.

During her three years at Lead Edge Design Group, Amanda has led more than fifty projects at eleven airports throughout Georgia. She works nonstop to provide the highest level of service in her industry and is

relentless in educating citizens on the importance of community airports. She is a member of Leadership Cherokee and involved with K.A.O.S. Camp for children with special needs, the Cherokee County Historical Society, and Cherokee by Choice.

Amanda holds an Engineering in Training certification, is poised to gain a professional engineering license soon, and is working toward earning her private pilot’s license. The leadership at Lead Edge Design Group holds Amanda with high regard and is actively grooming her to assume the role of president of the company one day.

[www.EnjoyCherokee.com] [www.EnjoyCherokee.com]

15 15

Luis Sanchez, 26

Project Manager, JW Collection, LLC Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia State University Luis Sanchez is a vertical

construction specialist in luxury homes for John Wieland. His products appear in multiple communities across metro Atlanta, including South on Main in downtown Woodstock. He coordinates subcontractors, works with city officials for permits and inspections, and manages customer relations. Luis’s current project requires intricate knowledge of international building code standards—a more sophisticated level of building codes than most.

Through his affiliation with St. Michael the Archangel parish in Cherokee County, Luis gives back to the community by participating in

essential holiday events, presentations, fundraising, and cultural celebrations.

He also dedicates time and energy to raising money for The Hope Center.

Although he holds a master’s degree in real estate development and is a licensed general contractor, Luis’s plans include attaining higher levels of certification (including OSHA), further developing his skills as a visionary in the field of community development, and continuing to expand his network with professional construction organizations, government officials, and marketing specialists. Luis aspires to secure a position as a developer of land with John Wieland, eventually.

Rebekah Smith, 39 Victim Witness Advocate, Cherokee County Solicitor General’s Office Dr.Reinhardt AshleyUniversity Kennerly, 34 Rebekah Smith has been working

with the Georgia court system since 2014, first as a probation officer and now as a victim witness advocate.

Handling a caseload that deals with about three hundred domestic-abuse victims, she juggles some of the most critical services our courts offer.

Rebekah ensures that all victims are aware of their constitutional rights, ensures that all are emotionally supported throughout the process, and provides guidance in keeping their court schedules on track.

Because Rebekah is fluent in English and Spanish, multiple offices rely on her to assist in making sure every person receives equal services.

[www.EnjoyCherokee.com] 16 16[www.EnjoyCherokee.com]

Principal, Sixes Elementary Adjunct Professor, Piedmont College Ending childhood hunger is near Published Author and Mother of one and dear to Rebekah’s heart, so she and her family donate to the Hasty Kennerly is a graduate of Elementary Ashley Food Pantry.

She also Woodstock High School, North Greenville volunteers atUniversity, the school as a room Walden University, Piedmont mom, a party planner, College, andchaperone, Liberty University, where she and mysteryearned reader.herRebekah also doctor ofiseducation degree in involved with the Cherokee Family Having served curriculum and instruction.

Violence Center as theShelter’s assistant annual principal for Indian Knoll Elementary since 2016 she is embarking Easter Egg Hunt. on her first term as principal at Sixes

Among other things Rebekah’s Elementary in the 2019-2020 school year. future includes assisting the solicitor Ashley spearheaded the general’s office in establishing an revitalization of the Positive Behavior outreach program that providesInterventions & Support initiative at Indian Knoll. The domestic abuse victims withdocuments the skills,a significant programs success clothes, andincrease education they require in student engagement and a 30 to move forward with financial and percent decline in disciplinary needs. career success.

As a noted leader in the field of education, Ashley published both a dissertation and an article in Principal Magazine titled

“Bridging the Gap Between I Can’t and I Can.” After presenting this work at the University of Georgia’s Student Support Team Association for Georgia Educators Best Practices Conference, Kennerly was awarded the SSTAGE Star Award for Promising Practices.

As an active member of both Delta Kappa Gamma and Alpha Delta Kappa, Ashley works tirelessly to promote the professional and personal growth of female educators, educational excellence, and altruism. She is also involved with her son’s baseball team and is an advocate for child foster care.

“My heart’s desire is to serve wherever I am most needed, matching my strengths to areas of need,” Ashley explains. “As long as I am an educator, I will strive to lead by example, with character, honesty, and integrity.”

Luke Williams, 24

Account Manager, Professional Benefits Consultants Reinhardt University Luke Williams, a licensed insurance agent, provides exceptional service and guidance to clients and staff members at Professional Benefits Consultants.

In addition he creates the company’s marketing and enrollment materials, uses advanced tools for efficient data management, and maintains the technical needs within the office.

Luke enjoys serving others. In addition to Sundays being a time of worship for Luke, he also serves as a sound technician at Sovereign Grace Church, where he sets up and monitors audio equipment each Sunday. Luke also serves on the Alumni Board of Governors for Reinhardt University.

His past significant achievements at

Reinhardt include serving as the student body president and receiving the NAIA Champion of Character Award, Student Leader of the Year Award, and the Business Leadership Award twice.

Luke has his sights set on owning his own business someday. Toward that end, he will hone his salesmanship skills and further his knowledge of the benefits industry until he becomes a proven servant-leader within the workplace and the community. A lifelong resident of Cherokee County, Luke says his future may include running for public office at the city or county level so that he can continue to serve the people of Cherokee County to the best of his ability.

HOW DO

Cherokee Cherokee County’s County’s Communications Communications Division Division has has launched launched aa community communitysurvey surveyto to learn learn more more about about how howconstituents constituentswant want receive receive news news and and event event information information from fromthe the county. county.

YOU

WANT TO RECEIVE

INFORMATION?

Aim AimYour YourCamera...

Camera...

Take Takethe the Survey!

Survey!

TAKE THE SURVEY

BY JULY 31

CherokeeGa.com [www.EnjoyCherokee.com] [www.EnjoyCherokee.com]

17 17

artist

The Man Behind the MadLife Portraits

by Leana Conway, Woodstock Resident

Nathan Mullett

18

[www.EnjoyCherokee.com]

Charcoal and paper bring icons of music to life on the walls of MadLife Stage & Studios—a music studio, restaurant, and live music venue in Woodstock.

Nate Mullet, a Cherokee County resident, produced the soulful creations when he was but a sophomore at Cherokee High School. uuu

[www.EnjoyCherokee.com]

19

There are many types of charcoal media used in creating portraits. Vine charcoal (pictured here) is burnt willow wood.

It creates a lighter mark when drawn.

Nate’s artistic abilities emerged early. His parents noticed he put great detail and observations into his initial drawings. Nate had an affinity for art that grew even more as he aged. Things like Transformers, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Dragon Ball Z, and Pokeman influenced his work.

Little Nate was fascinated that a person could create an entire world with art, and it inspired him. uuu Nate was eight when he and his family moved from Michigan to Cherokee County, where they had extended family. While one of the main reasons for the move had been for economic opportunities, the prospect of less snow was a perk.

When Nate entered Cherokee High School, art teacher Chris Lambert became a pivotal person who fostered his artistic growth.

From that very first art class, Chris says, “Nate caught my eye. There was something about him, his energy, his chi. I could see he needed to do art.” She explains, “Not only was Nate born to do art, but he is also willing to put in the work and time needed to hone his craft. There are gifted people with no work ethic and people who are willing to learn techniques but who have no special gift.” She points out that Nate is both gifted and willing to learn new techniques.

“That’s rare,” she notes.

Chris retired this year, and she is emotional when talking about missing the kids she taught, especially the special ones like Nate. “He’s just such a cool, sweet kid.

Sometimes I looked at the stuff he came up with and was like, wow! I have no words.

He blew me away.”

Through middle and high school, Nate was good friends with fellow Cherokee High School student Jesse Levi and the whole Levi family. Nathan jokes, “I adopted myself into the family.”

Mike Levi, Jesse’s father, had been planning to open a music venue in Woodstock for a long time. During Nate’s sophomore year, Mike’s dream became a reality. Familiar with Nate’s talents, Mike asked him to help create the atmosphere he and the other owners

20

[www.EnjoyCherokee.com]

“I am proud to have taught for twenty years in the Cherokee County School System. It is the best school system in the state.”

–Chris Lambert (left), retired Cherokee High School art teacher

wanted at MadLife, one that showed their passion for music. They asked Nate for portraits of some of the most influential artists in rock and roll to display in the dining room and bar.

Janis Joplin, B. B. King, Willie Nelson, David Grohl of the Foo Fighters—the sketched faces on the walls at MadLife are people who influenced almost every artist who takes the stage in the building.

Nate spent about twelve to eighteen hours crafting each portrait. He spent a total of about two hundred hours manipulating charcoal on paper to bring all the musicians’ faces to life. Some of the musicians are still alive; many have passed on. uuu

A little humorous side of Nathan’s doodling

“

Every line tells a story.”

–Nathan Mullet “I think people respond when artists lay it out on the line.”

–Nathan Mullet

“I like showing the truth, even if it’s ugly truth. There is nothing wrong with that.

–Nathan Mullet

”

[www.EnjoyCherokee.com]

21

uuu As for which artists most challenged Nate to capture on paper, he explains that drawing Janis Joplin was difficult.

“She was young when she died, so her face has fewer lines and her image has soft features.” B. B. King also posed a challenge, but for the opposite reason, Nathan says.

“His face has an incredible abundance of character; it is almost overwhelming.”

Nate’s favorite portraits? “I feel good about all of them, or I would not have let them go,” he says, “but I’m particularly fond of Jim Morrison and Willie Nelson. Jim has a great face to draw, and Willie, well, I look at that one and think it is my magnum opus so far.” Nate’s portrait of Willie Nelson captures the leathery texture of Willie’s skin, and when you look at it, you can practically smell tour-bus emissions and the scent of illicit substances.

Spoken Word

Jim Morrison’s portrait captures his troubled eyes with a look almost taunting death to take him, while you know it did. His drawn, sulky lips and square jaw bring him back to life, if but for an moment.

Spoken word is original content written on paper and performed by the artist for an audience. The delivery uses rhythm, improvisation, rhymes, word play, and slang.

Examples of spoken word performances include stories, poems, monologues, slam

Nate, now a junior at the University of Georgia, is pursuing a degree in fine arts. Heeding his high school teacher’s advice, Nate continues to push boundaries and explore artistically.

One form of art Nate dips his toe into is spoken-word performances. Nate chuckles.

“Fifteen minutes before I go out there, I am sweaty and shaky, and I wonder why I thought I should do it. Once I get out there, though, I deliver. I do love to entertain people.”

How does Nate see his future? At the moment he sees himself involved in stand-up comedy. graphic art and word art. He loves tackling commission portraits of people, families, and dogs. Seeing people connect with a piece he has created for them brings him joy.

He hopes he will have time to take on more commissions once he graduates. He brands his works with “i am N8.” poetry, rap, and

Nate has been through some challenging times, dealing with bouts of severe depression. Creating introspective pieces and writing have been important parts of his healing.

The life of an artist life can be an uncertain path, but as Vincent Van Gogh said, “Art is to console those who are broken by life.” Art heals.

The young and blossoming artist looks forward to finishing his education and continuing to explore new expressions of art. Cherokee County was Nate Mullet’s incubator, and residents will get to watch what hatches from here.

22

[www.EnjoyCherokee.com]

[www.EnjoyCherokee.com]

23

QUALITY EXPERIENCE CHEROKEE COUNTY’S #1 CHOICE FOR SERVICE 24

[www.EnjoyCherokee.com]

Free Estimates No Money Down Financing Available We Work with Insurance InfinitiRoofingAndRemodeling.com

Kitchens | Bathrooms | Basements Siding | Additions | Decks Interior & Exterior Painting [www.EnjoyCherokee.com]

25

GALLBLADDER HEALTH Did you know your diet heavily influences your gallbladder health?

Maintaining a healthy diet is the best way to prevent gallbladder disease.

The gallbladder is a digestive organ

MEET THE DOCTOR Dr. Madhavi Jordan Northside Cherokee Surgical Associates Dr. Madhavi Jordan is a board-certified physician specializing in minimally-invasive and robotic

located in the upper right abdomen that stores bile made by the liver. It receives messages from the stomach to release bile in order to help breakdown the fatty foods that we eat. Avoiding fatty foods and eating a healthy, balanced diet can help protect your gallbladder health.

surgeries.

Inspired by the doctors who performed openheart surgery on her father, her passion for medicine began as a child, admiring the difference it can make for someone’s life. It is this passion that fuels her dedication to creating a comfortable environment for her patients,

Listen to

ASK THE DOCTOR on WLJA 101.1 FM First & Third Wednesday of each month at 5:15pm

ensuring well-informed communication and trust are the cornerstones of her approach.

In addition to her board-certifications, Dr. Jordan is affiliated with the American College of Surgeons and Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons. In her spare time, Dr. Jordan enjoys travel, spending time with her loved ones, and working on the occasional DIY project.

Accepting new patients.

Same day appointments are welcome.

26

[www.EnjoyCherokee.com]

Northside Cherokee Surgical Associates 470 Northside Cherokee Blvd, Suite 230 Canton, GA 30115 | (770) 924-9656

ASK THE DOCTOR What is a gallstone?

Gallstones are hardened deposits of digestive fluid.

They form in the gallbladder in various numbers and sizes and can sometimes block the flow of bile into the intestine which, in that case, requires surgery.

How common are gallstones?

Abdominal pain is a frequent cause of primary care or emergency room visits. However, more commonly, those patients are diagnosed with gallstones (a major component of gallbladder disease). Many people with gallstones don’t show symptoms or need specific treatment, but patients who have severe pain often require medical or surgical intervention.

Can I try something at home to get rid of my gallstones?

Unfortunately, there are no home remedies, medications, or cleanses that will get rid of gallstones.

Once patients have them, they will continue to have them.

Do I need immediate surgery?

Most asymptomatic patients do not need surgery for their gallstones, with one exception being patients under the age of 50. In that case, surgical intervention depends on the patient’s existing medical conditions. However, if you do have symptoms, it is recommended to have surgery.

Are gallstones and gallbladder disease the same condition?

No. Gallstones can cause gallbladder disease but sometimes gallbladder disease can occur without gallstones.

How is the surgery done?

Gallbladder surgery, known as Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy, is typically an outpatient surgery, with small incisions and does not usually require an overnight stay in the hospital.

How do I know I have gallstone or gallbladder disease?

A common test to evaluate for gallstones is an abdominal ultrasound. An ultrasound is very effective at detecting gallstones/gallbladder disease.

What complications can happen with having gallstones?

Gallstones not only cause pain after eating but can also cause infection of the gallbladder, biliary duct system, or even the pancreas. The size of gallstones

What are the symptoms of gallbladder disease?

can vary, some are small, just 2-3 mm in size. However,

Right upper quadrant pain that often radiates to the back that can range from moderate to quite severe, typically occurring after eating fatty meals. Complaints of chest pain is typically a medical emergency requiring testing for pulmonary or cardiac disease, but when those tests come back negative, the gallbladder should be investigated as the source of the pain. This is why gallbladder disease is commonly referred to as “the great imitator,” often remaining undetected.

as we age, as does the toll surgery takes on our

stones closer to 5 mm in size can cause medical problems. The risk for infection increases considerably bodies. Gallbladder surgery is considered a safe and recommended procedure for patients with symptoms.

NEXT ON

ASK THE DOCTOR Dr. Steven Spitz Neurosurgeon

Send your questions to: Northside.com/NSCherokeeWellness

[www.EnjoyCherokee.com]

27

giving back

Filling Backpacks And Hearts For 15 Years

Give A Kid A Chance: stronger than ever in Cherokee County

By Rebecca Johnston

“Current health guidelines make this year’s distribution a challenge, so we are working with a vendor that will supply filled backpacks.”

28

[www.EnjoyCherokee.com]

Giving every kid a chance to succeed has become a back-to-school tradition in Cherokee County.

For fifteen years the Give A Kid A Chance program has given students returning to local schools an opportunity to experience a great school year by providing backpacks and school supplies for families in need. This summer volunteers expect a record demand.

Started in 2006 in Cherokee County, Give A Kid A Chance gave one hundred children new backpacks and other back-to-school supplies that first year. Three local churches provided all the backpacks and supplies at that time. Fast forward to 2020, and organizers expect as many as three thousand students will benefit from donated backpacks and supplies that came from many sources, including individuals.

“

Last year we supplied more than 2,600 backpacks to students. We expect the needs to be even greater this year, as mandated business closures and lack of work has had a negative financial impact on so many families, says Cory Steinberg, director of the local volunteer organization.

”

Cory worked in a Title I school in Cherokee County for many years. There she saw firsthand the challenges families faced and how hard it could be to purchase the school supplies their children needed. “One of the backpack volunteers asked if I wanted to assist with the program, and I jumped at the chance,” Cory shares. “This is truly a labor of love for all involved. You can feel the volunteers’ energy and love at both host sites.” uuu

[www.EnjoyCherokee.com]

29

The community looks forward to the July 2021 Give a Kid a Chance program where books will be offered to all who participate.

uuu While there may be a few changes to this year’s program, the mission is still the same, to help low-income families equip their children for the new school year.

This year’s event is July 18, 2020, at First Baptist Church in Canton and Hillside United Methodist in Woodstock. Participants were asked to register online and were given an assigned time for a drive-through appointment to pick up the backpacks. “For the safety of children, families, and volunteers at the host sites, we made the decision to offer a drive-through backpack pickup only,” Cory explains.

Give A Kid A Chance is a Partner in Education with the Cherokee County School District and works closely with school counselors to be sure families most in need have information about the event. Families are asked to pre-register their school-age children. “Our website offered registration links in both English and Spanish with a link to download the printed form. Our Facebook page also directs viewers to registration links. We also spread the word about other local organizations, such as the MUST Ministries summer lunch program, Forever Fed, and the Never Alone Food Pantry,” Cory says.

In past years the event has been packed with families taking advantage of a smorgasbord of offerings to help prepare for the school year.

“Our back-to-school event in previous years provided new socks and underwear, gently used clothing, and a filled backpack for each registered child in attendance. Medical professionals also provided dental, vision, hearing, and general health screenings. Children also got a haircut,” Cory says.

Cherokee County residents, churches, and organizations have always overwhelmingly supported the Give A Kid A Chance effort.

“We traditionally have more than sixty churches, businesses, civic organizations, and individuals that contribute 90 percent of the backpacks we need. These generous donors use it as a way for their organizations to connect with others,” Cory adds.

Books and stuffed animals are normally available for all children in attendance, even non-school age. In the past families were welcomed to have lunch together.

This year those who wish to help can get involved in even more ways than packing backpacks and bringing them to the organizers. “Current health guidelines make this year’s distribution a challenge, so we are working with a vendor that will supply filled backpacks. People and groups can purchase these backpacks that will be shipped directly to us the week before the event. We hope this arrangement allows past donors of filled backpacks to continue to participate while staying safe,” Cory explains. uuu

“For many families this is new-school-year shopping for their children. We try to make it as family friendly and welcoming as possible,” the nonprofit leader explains.

30

[www.EnjoyCherokee.com]

Volunteer hair designers give each child a professional style that exudes confidence.

Health checks, and all other personal services, will resume in the summer of 2021.

eliminate fat with

your y RE-ENTRY RE MAKE

tone muscle with

$800 OFF

6+ COOLSCULPTING® CYCLES AND 4+ TREATMENTS OF COOLTONE™ Located between interstate 575 and Main Street in Downtown Woodstock.

145 Towne Lake Pkwy., WDSTK | 678-739-0040 | ANewYouClinic.com/coolsculpting

[www.EnjoyCherokee.com]

31

uuu Give a Kid a Chance is an all-volunteer organization.

Without the volunteers who work tirelessly all year and those who assist in preparing for and giving the one-day event, the annual Give a Kid a Chance back-to-school bash would not happen, Cory says. “But just as the program offerings are limited this year, our volunteer needs will be limited as well. There will be much less prep work and not as many hands needed at the event itself.

The needs are for filled backpacks and for supplies we need to fill the empty backpacks we already have.”

The Give a Kid a Chance program is 100% volunteer-driven.

Give a Kid a Chance is not unique to Cherokee County, but all the programs are run independently. “Fifteen years ago founders Cheryl Ruffer and Candi Hannigan saw the program in action in South Georgia and knew our community had the same needs,” Cory says. “The first year we had more volunteers than kids. Many of our volunteers were once children who benefited from the services of Give a Kid a Chance or are parents whose children were assisted. We have a very loyal following.”

The pandemic created challenging circumstances for many families and created an even greater need for assistance to prepare children for the new school year. If you are able, please donate filled backpacks or money to assist with the purchase of school supplies. The supply list for elementary school and middle/high school backpacks can be found on the Give a Kid a Chance website, along with a PayPal donation button. The website is GiveaKidaChance.org.

2 0 2 0 In light of the pandemic precautions, about 3,000 school students will be receiving backpacks filled with supplies and distributed through drive-by setups at two host sites.

2 0 1 9

By the Numbers

A total of 2,600 backpacks were distributed, thousands of families helped, and sixty churches and organizations participated. Five hundred volunteers were involved.

2 0 1 4 Give a Little Kid a Chance was added to the Give a Kid a Chance program. In addition to the usual distribution to students, 450 backpacks filled with supplies specifically for pre-school students were distributed to pre-school classes in Cherokee County School District schools.

2 0 1 3 More than 3,200 backpacks were distributed; thousands of families were helped.

2 0 0 9 A total of 2,300 students and their families attended the event and another three hundred picked up backpacks that Give a Kid a Chance gave to MUST Ministries in Canton to distribute. A total of eighty-nine churches, businesses, nonprofits, and individuals supported Give a Kid a Chance. The organization became a 501(c) (3) nonprofit, and the Cherokee County School District adopted Give a Kid a Chance as a Partner in Education.

2 0 0 6 In the first year, one hundred registered children and a total of three churches participated.

32

[www.EnjoyCherokee.com]

In past years the event has been packed with families taking advantage of a smorgasbord of offerings to help prepare for the school year.

No matter the global situation, Cherokee commits to giving each kid a chance.

[www.EnjoyCherokee.com]

33

veterans

by Cindy Pope, Woodstock Resident

Ed Martin and Tina Sosebee

34

[www.EnjoyCherokee.com]

From dealing with PTSD to seeking financial or housing assistance, the Cherokee Veterans Community provides a one-stop shop for almost all that veterans need and does it in a safe, relaxed atmosphere. The people who lead that support, however, are the most important elements. Let’s meet two of those people.

After serving twenty years as a medic in the armed forces, Ed Martin, co-director at Cherokee Veterans Community, knew a strong veterans’ assistance group was needed locally.

Tim King founded the CVC, which meets at the First Baptist Church in Woodstock, and Ed went to a few meetings.

“I was received with open arms, met amazing people, and got the support I needed from a community.” Soon he volunteered to help further build a community where, he says, “veterans can meet and do much more than hang out and swap a few war stories.” He explains, “Cherokee County has about fifteen thousand veterans, yet before the CVC began, those veterans had no place that offered all our available resources in one location.” uuu

[www.EnjoyCherokee.com]

35

uuu Ed speaks proudly of his ancestry.

“My family has had someone serving in the military continuously since the Civil War. Currently my son is a staff sergeant serving in the Army.”

by Cindy Pope

Because only veterans and their families understand the problems of folks serving or having served in defense of our country, the Cherokee Veterans Community stands strong, shoulder to shoulder.

The Cherokee Veterans Community is

• A free support group for veterans, active-duty personnel, and their families • A Christ-centered peer support group providing skills and services for everyday life • A safe and relaxed atmosphere for veterans and their families to discuss life issues • A circle of nonjudgmental comrades who share in the burden of having a loved one serve • An educational resource providing speakers and discussion groups on the unique needs of military families • A ministry that includes involvement in the community—from home repairs to visiting veterans in nursing homes • A one-stop-shop providing assistance in the following areas - employment - education - health and wellness - socialization - entrepreneurship - financial support - family life - local resources

Meetings

First, third, and fifth Thursdays of each month / 6:30–8:00 p.m.

First Baptist Church of Woodstock, Building A Men meet in room 260 / Women meet in room 261 No reservation required Phone: . . . . .

Web: . . . . . . .

Email: . . . . . .

Facebook: . .

Twitter: . . . .

ake up Veterans m nation’s ur o f o t n e 33 perc opulation. p ss le e m o h

About returnin 75 percent of see the g veterans n ev in facility side of a VA m er have diffi, often becaus edical e th c about t ulty communic ey heir pain a , especia ting if it is e lly motion al.

36

About 3 of return 3 percent ing service p war-zone diagnos eople are traumati ed with postc Fewer th stress disorder. an 40 pe rcent of those dia gnos receive h ed will elp.

ies ive stud Extens partment of e De s from th Affairs show s n a Veter ery sixty-five that ev s a veteran minute icide—that’s s su m co mit y-two deaths n e tw t day. a

[www.EnjoyCherokee.com]

About 66 percent of veterans who suffer from combat trauma are in a failing marriage.

“

Everything done on a patient today comes from different departments, and intravenous training is done on plastic arms. We worked on real human beings and learned to do everything at once, which is much quicker and more efficient.

”

Originally from Southhampton, New York, Ed came to visit lifelong friends in Georgia with his wife Mary, and they decided to make Woodstock their home in 2016.

678-494-2680 CherokeeVeteransCommunity.org veteransministry@fbcw.net Cherokee Veterans Community CherokeeVets

Warrior Ethos: With a pure spirit and calm mind, we can be an effective part of God’s body.

Following family tradition and patriotism, Ed enlisted in the Army in July 1974 and served as a medic. “I didn’t go to combat, but I’ve seen a lot of everyday illness and injuries. Everything was done in-house, from checking blood pressure and pulse to diagnosing illnesses and treating injuries.

As we progressed we were given more responsibility.” Eventually Ed became a squad leader, and then he ran a battalion aid station. Ed says, however, that he is dismayed at the training received in medical schools today.

Pictured here Harry Martin, is uncle of Ed M the artin who served as , First Sergeant a in World War 2.

Ed says he was glad he was in the medical field. “I saw and learned a lot, plus I was relied upon. And I took that knowledge to the outside world.” He recalls a specific morning all his children and grandchildren were living with him in Statesboro, Georgia.

A month and four days after his daughter gave birth, she yelled that something was wrong with the baby. “I held the baby in my arms with everyone around me panicking and demanding me to do something.” All his medical training rushed back. Ed performed CPR on the infant until the ambulance arrived. The paramedics advised Ed that he had done everything that could have been done, but the baby died of sudden infant death syndrome. Ed wipes away a tear as he states, “That was the heaviest feeling I’ve ever had, but had I not had medical training, I don’t know where my head would have been.” He might have felt helpless, but instead he knew he had done all a trained medic could do.

Upon his first discharge in 1976, “I found that civilian life wasn’t for me. I wasn’t accepted.” Still in New York at the time with a wife and children, he recalls a difficult era in American history. “People still had the mindset of ‘baby killers’ from the

Vietnam War. Jobs were hard to come by, and getting into school programs was a nightmare. Even the unemployment agencies asked why I couldn’t just go back into the service.”

Ed went to Social Services for financial aid, and every day he went, he was advised to come back to turn in duplicate paperwork. Days went by with nothing happening, until he discovered someone at Social Services intentionally had destroyed his paperwork.

Out of frustration Ed went back into the Army and served for eighteen more years, during which time he divorced and later remarried. After twenty years of service, Ed realized that he had to retire from the military. “On the outside I looked like a normal, healthy guy, but doctors said my insides looked like a seventy-eightyear-old from all the damage done from serving.” He had suffered serious injuries while riding in an armored personnel carrier that flipped over.

After hearing how most of his fellow veterans did not fair well in civilian life, Ed wondered what he would face when he returned. “In New York State when I was growing up, my neighborhood was diverse and everyone knew everyone else. When I came home, though, some people accepted me in my uniform, and some didn’t. Some saw only my skin color and treated me accordingly.” uuu

COL O R and Share!

1.

2. WORK OF ART 3.

The Cherokee County Regi onal Airport aviation facili is a premier ty and is hom business and e to one of the recreational largest based aircraft fleets in Georgia.

Download the Coloring Book at

Cherokeega.org

CHEROKEE K LANDMAR MAP

Create a

Reveal your masterpieces on social media using the hashtag

#cherokeebychoice

CHEROKEE REGION

using l media ENT | PM on socia

are LO and Sh Color ur masterpieces ECONOMIC DEVE

hoice keebyc #chero shtag the ha rg

AL AIRPORT | BAL L GROUND

eega.o cherok

yo ICE OF Reveal CHEROKEE OFF ted By

Presen

Color and Sha re

Reveal your masterpieces on social med CHEROKEE ia using

Presented By

OFFICE OF

ECONOMIC

DEVELOPM

the hashtag

ENT | chero keega

.org

#cherokeebyc hoice

CHEROKEE COUNTY | FREEFORM | WAVES Color and Share Reveal your masterpieces on social media using the hashtag #cherokeebychoice Presented By CHEROKEE OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT | cherokeega.org

[www.EnjoyCherokee.com]

37

uuu Veterans who emerge from service face difficult issues. “We usually isolate because we don’t want to talk or think about our experiences. We never know who to trust.” Ed stresses that he may not have faced all the experiences of some veterans, but “I did have quite a few. Homelessness? I’ve been there. Alcoholism? I’ve been there. Severe injuries? I’ve been there.”

Ed is thankful his family supported him throughout his military service, and he is especially thankful for the CVC , which became his strongest supporter.

Because of the difference between the needs of male veterans and female veterans and their families, men and women meet in separate rooms. At the women’s meetings you’ll find Tina Sosebee, who joined the group when it was little more than a Bible study group, but she became its leader in 2019 and has helped build the group into what it is today.

As the mother of two sons in the military, Tina knows the importance of building a strong family and providing a safe home base for those actively serving in the military. Even though her paternal grandfather served as a corporal in the Army during World War II and her father was an Army sergeant who was stationed in Vietnam, the CVC taught her a great deal more about living with family members in the military.

The Sosebee family, (l-r) Tina, Conner, Colt, Walker, Steve and Jordan Conner, Colt, and Walker

Walker Sosebee with Tina’s father, David.

At the time of her son Colton’s graduation from Army Advanced Individual Training, she knew he would be deployed to Afghanistan in the 82nd Airborne. He was assigned to the 82nd Airborne upon graduation, but did not find out he would deploy to Afghanistan until about four months after he completed AIT. Tina befriended a group of women whose family members trained with Colt, and she says, “We could share our fears with one another. Even though we didn’t have the answers to all the questions, we were a support system for each other.”

I became friends with this group of women while Colt was at basic training. They are all moms, and we all are still in touch nine years later.

Because of the education she received through the CVC, Tina became aware of what to say and do when Colt returned from active duty. “A veteran at CVC gave me the best advice, saying, ‘The young man who leaves will not be the young man who comes home. It’s your job as a family member to adjust to him by being flexible enough to understand this is your new normal.’

I learned that veterans have differing feelings upon returning home. I was advised not to ask questions such as ‘What did you do?’ because we don’t need to know. I don’t get to ask ‘Where were you today?’ or ‘When are you coming home?’ I learned not to put that pressure on my soldiers. There are things they can’t tell me.”

Colt’s deployment lasted seven months. In the early years of Colt’s service, Tina was advised that she could cry as much as she wanted, “but not to let him see me cry or make him feel that he’s the cause of my pain, because he’s just doing his job,” she says.

Jordan and Colt Sosebee, September 2013, Fort Bragg, North Carolina return from deployment.

38

[www.EnjoyCherokee.com]

The CVC educated her on how to keep an open communication line, so her sons could tell her what they could or what they felt comfortable telling, and she doesn’t ask for details. “We can talk about church, family, what happened during the week, and such.”

Through the CVC Tina understands that during Colt’s deployment, his thoughts were not of coming home, but instead focused on protecting his team—the guys he

trained with—and completing his mission. The concept was hard for Tina to accept, but she knows, “Family comes second to active soldiers, and it has to be that way. They are literally entrusting their lives to one another.”

She learned what Colt needed from home while he was in Afghanistan. The CVC taught her how to write encouraging letters and what to send in care packages.

“We kept a journal of everything good that happened while he was gone, too, such as birthday parties, trips, and that the kindergarten graduation of Conner, Colt’s youngest brother, was dedicated to Colt while he was serving. We gave those journals to Colt on his return, to keep him included.”

The Sosebee’s next-oldest son, Walker, serves in the Georgia National Guard, and Tina says she had to re-learn how to be a military mom.

“I moved from ‘Mama the nurturer’ to ‘Mama who provides the safe home base,” Tina’s leadership at the CVC focuses on the issues of female veterans as well as military wives, mothers, sisters, and daughters. She teaches these women how to build a strong family, what to expect from their soldiers, how to keep soldiers included in the family while they are away, and how to deal with the hardships of having loved ones away from home and not knowing what is going on. “I say, ‘Let’s you and me talk about the hard stuff, the questions you can’t ask your soldier.’ Having

an outlet where our fears and frustrations can be vocalized and validated gives us a safe place to talk about these things with other women who understand.”

Tina showing her gratitude to Ed

The biggest lesson she learned from CVC was that life carries on while families are separated. “It carries on for the family. It carries on for the soldier,” and those lives take many different paths. “Deployment is hard on families, but if the family has support, the returning soldier comes home to a strong family, and those strengths bond the family closer.”

At fourteen the Sosebees’ youngest son, Conner, is not interested in joining the military; however, their only daughter, Jordan, is twelve and met some local “Rosie the Riveters,” women aged ninety through one hundred who extolled their heroic exploits during World War II and who advised Jordan that she could do whatever she wanted. Now Jordan is contemplating becoming a military policewoman as a K-9 handler.

If Jordan also joins the military, Tina knows the CVC will be right there, supporting her and Jordan through any struggles they may face. “The CVC helps build healthy families, and healthy families build healthy soldiers,” Tina remarks.

Just like the military is a twenty-four-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week job, so is the CVC to Tina.

She gives her phone number to all the female members so they can call her at any time if they need anything.

[www.EnjoyCherokee.com]

39

Travel

40

[www.EnjoyCherokee.com]

Is Happening

by Shannon Sickmon, Woodstock Resident

Ninety minutes northeast of Canton lies one of the most breathtaking communities of the Blue Ridge Mountains—Habersham County.

Here world-class hiking, shopping, and dining are even more enhanced by authentic Southern Hospitality.

F

or your next vacation or family trip, look to a place that truly has something for everyone. You’ll find it in northeast Georgia. Habersham County, an unparalleled treasure for hikers and outdoor lovers, is also a mecca for art aficionados, a windfall for history buffs, a paradise for sportspersons, and a tasty delight for wine connoisseurs and epicureans.

The scenic Blue Ridge Mountains alone are worth a trip to this corner of Georgia. The fall foliage is spectacular when the hills are aflame with autumn color, yet Habersham County offers even more. Habersham is home to Tallulah Falls, a massive series of six waterfalls that plummet more than a thousand feet to Tallulah Gorge, one of only three canyons in Georgia.

Here hikers travel a seemingly endless series of trails with awe-inspiring views of the falls. Some of the trails are ideal for adrenaline junkies. If you like a strenuous hike, grab a gorgefloor permit and hike the Sliding Rock Trail. This hike is not for beginners or the meek—a suspension bridge is a part of this trail—so acrophobics need not apply, but the views from the gorge floor are stunning. Sheer cliffs and a steep descent finally end in a close-up view of Bridal Veil Falls. uuu

[www.EnjoyCherokee.com]

41

u

Habersham County has some of the most beautiful campgrounds in the state.

uuu Habersham County offers plenty of other outdoor activities as well. In Batesville the friendly folks at Sunburst Adventures offer horseback riding for folks seven and older, zip lines for ages two to 102, shift-free ATV trail rides for all, and guided boating adventures.

Nearby Chattahoochee National Forest has scenic campsites. For anglers, the most diverse species of fish in Georgia swim in the clean water of Lake Russell, while Brigadoon Lodge on the River Soque offers private, exclusive fly fishing in a pristine location. Kids will love Apple Mountain Alpacas. The whole family will enjoy the farm tours, classes, and demonstrations, and everyone can pet and feed the animals too. Alpacas are known to be docile, quiet, and intelligent. Be sure to shop the store for unusual products, from toys to bird balls, all made with alpaca fibers and byproducts.

While Habersham became famous for its mountain views and falls, the county seat of Clarkesville is an art-lover’s dream. Stroll through Soque Artworks, situated on the square in downtown Clarkesville. The gallery boasts the work of more than one hundred local artists working in a variety of media. Located in a restored grist mill, The Mark of the Potter has gorgeous one-of-a-kind handmade pottery and also offers demonstrations. For even more art, the Mason-Scharfenstein Museum of Art at Piedmont College in Demorest opened in 2011. It has two permanent galleries and changing exhibit space that hosts national and international exhibitions.

Armchair historians will find much to love in Habersham County. In Clarkesville visitors can take a historic walking tour, which includes famed spots such as the Victorian Mauldin House; Gloaming Cottage, built in 1840; and Old Brewer’s Drugstore, built in 1907.

The Miles Through Time Automotive Museum is a must-see for both automobile and history enthusiasts.

One interesting note: Lee Arrendale Prison, just outside of Alto, is home to the first all-female fire department in the United States and is Georgia’s first inmate fire department. The department services rural communities near the prison and assists during statewide fire emergencies. Baseball legend Ty Cobb was born in Habersham. The Lawton Place, where he lived for two years while he built his own home in Mt. Airy, is on the National Registry of Historic Places.

General Alexander Robert Lawton built the house between 1894 and 1895 as a summer home and called it Seventh Heaven.

u Tasting rooms, fine dining, and awardwinning wineries will make your visit memorable.

Demorest is home to Georgia’s longest-running Independence Day Festival and Parade. The Historic Train Museum in Cornelia gives guided tours of the museum, where you can view artifacts and learn the history of the Tallulah Falls Railroad.

u

Tallulah Falls plummets more than a thousand feet to Tallulah Gorge.

If you are looking for great food and genteel hospitality, Glen-Ella Springs Inn and Restaurant is a lovely alpine retreat with some of the best food in the area. Whistle Top Farm and Tasting Room in Cornelia, the area’s first brewery, serves craft beers in its highquality small-town taproom. Sweet Acre Farms Winery in Alto has a tasting room that offers food pairings, live music, and even trivia games.

The county seat of Clarkesville’s refurbished downtown square features a variety of things to do. Be sure to sit down a while in the Grant Street Music Room, which has some of the finest local music acts in North Georgia. At Wild Berry Cottage and Tasting Room visitors enjoy award-winning wines from Cartecay Vineyards while browsing through a small but enchanting gift shop that features local artisans. Flyhawk Farm and Tasting Room lets you sit on the deck and sip wine while you watch thoroughbred horses gambol in the pastures.

Farm-to-table gourmet diners will love Harvest Habersham. The intimate upscale eatery buys from local farmers to bring diners a fresh, gourmet experience with the best of local produce and meats.

Today more than ever we all need somewhere to relax, unwind, and get away from crowds. Habersham County, a gorgeous spot in the foothills of the Appalachians, boasts breathtaking natural beauty, southern hospitality, and a rich history. You will long remember your visit to this quiet corner of Georgia.

42

[www.EnjoyCherokee.com]

“Habersham is Happening!” u Whether you’re shopping in a boutique or hiking the gorge you’ll find exciting activities in this community.

[www.EnjoyCherokee.com]

43

Your Favorite

bookmark

LOCAL AUTHORS

DOLL-E 1.0

Cherokee County Recipes & Recollections

The final book in the Catfish and Lilly trilogy is a culmination of the past twenty-five years of turmoil and discrimination against Susie Burton and Rodney Thibault’s mixed-race relationship in a small town in South Louisiana. Susie’s younger sister, Sissy, attempts to find out who shot her sister and brother-inlaw and runs down every option in an effort to find justice. Her tenacity and quirky attitude leads her to befriend the governor, the attorney general, the district judge, and other powerful people who she enlists in her quest.

Cherokee County Recipes & Recollections is an unexpected treasure. The three-ring binder houses nearly four hundred recipes handed down from iconic residents of Cherokee County, such as Eleanor Frances Jones Reid, Patsy Martha Cagle Cline, Ruth Fowler Reeves, and Annibelle Green Wheeler to name a few.

by Madelyn Bennett Edwards

by Shanda McCloskey

DOLL-E 1.0 is a STEM-friendly tale of a girl and the doll she upgrades to be her new friend.

Charlotte’s world is fully charged!

With her dog at her side, she’s always tinkering, coding, clicking, and downloading. She’s got a knack for anything technological—especially gadgets that her parents don’t know how to fix! Then, she receives a new toy that is quite a puzzle: a doll! What’s she supposed to do with that? Once she discovers the doll’s hidden battery pack, things start to get interesting...while her faithful canine sidekick wonders if he’ll be overshadowed by the new and improved Doll-E 1.0!

With a little ingenuity and an open mind, everyone can be friends in this endearing, modern tribute to the creative spirit of play.

Shanda (rhymes with panda) is the award-winning author and illustrator of three children’s books. She lives in downtown Ball Ground and welcomes the opportunity to visit schools.

ShandaMc.com.

Interested in submitting recommendations for Your Favorite Bookmark? Contact Jodi@EnjoyCherokee.com. Local authors are encouraged to submit a book summary, personal photo, and book cover image.

44

Sissy

[www.EnjoyCherokee.com]

While Susie and Rodney fight for their lives and, ultimately, rehabilitate in New Orleans, and Marianne falls in love with a dashing surgeon, Sissy confronts her past, present, and future in her search for the shooters. She has a relationship with Assistant Attorney General, Lucas McMath, whose investigation uncovers truths that cause Sissy to question everything and everyone she holds dear.

In the end, Sissy is the most surprised when the actual villain is revealed and hers is the life most changed.

Madelyn Bennett Edwards is a Louisiana native who lives in Canton, Georgia, with her architect husband, Gene.

The book includes recipes in various categories, including meats, vegetables, desserts, home preserves, and “Special Fixings.” Arguably the most captivating page in the book is found as a prelude to the breads section—Information on Beaten Biscuits. It reads, “The word beaten describes exactly what happened to produce these biscuits. A dough made of flour, lard, salt, and water was thoroughly beaten with a stick for thirty minutes or more (at least 200 whacks) until it blistered. The dough was then rolled, cut into small rounds, pricked with a fork, and baked. The result had to be crisp and easily split. They were not eaten with jam or jelly, but were split and served with small, very thin slices of ham.”

This publication brings Southern Home Cooking into your kitchen. It’s the perfect gift for any Cherokee County resident. Order yours today!

This book is available at the Cherokee County Historical Society and online at RockBarn.org.

SIMPLY THE BEST VOL. 7 | ISSUE 1 | MARCH / APRIL 2019

VOL. 7 | ISSUE 2 | MAY/JUNE 2019

ENJOY MAGAZINE INC.

For more than twenty-five years, the Eddie & Ozzie Awards have recognized excellence in journalism and design across all sectors of the publishing industry, and 2020 is no different.

More than three hundred magazine and digital media professionals from around the country will converge in late October at the 2020 Folio: Eddie & Ozzie Awards to celebrate the publishers who compete for this prestigious honor. Honorees will be notified on August 17, 2020.

PASTOR

JOHNNY HUNT MAN IN MOTION page 12

WOODSTOCK'S

SPICY

MAYOR page 32

BEFORE

K ristina L aurendi Havens, Page 6

YOU BUY THE

Woodstock’s community-minded Artist

BUNNY

M ayor Gene HobGood, Page 26

PET

is thrilled to announce that Enjoy Cherokee Magazine has been nominated for a national award for the highest quality in the overall design of a community magazine.

BeAutiful community ties

r icHard sMitH, Page 32

page 21

conquering the AppAlAchiAn trAil

ENJ19-05-06-19-Magazine-v1.indd 1

4/17/19 2:08 PM

VOL. 7 | ISSUE 4 | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2019

VOL. 7 | ISSUE 3 | JULY/AUGUST 2019

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS

CHEROKEE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

LAKE

CELEBRATE

BIRDING

IS CALLING

CANCER

STYLE

ALLATOONA SURVIVING CHEROKEE PAGE 6

PAGE 14

PAGE 20

ENJ19-07-08-19-Magazine.indd 1

For the Love of PIE and MUSIC Page 40

PANNING for GOLD Page 6

A Colorful Visit to BLUE RIDGE Page 12

6/30/19 5:17 PM

VOL. 8 | ISSUE 1 | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020

Enjoy Cherokee Magazine is nominated in a category specific to local and regional publishing excellence. The judges will evaluate the entire magazine using criteria such as sections, features, readability, ease of navigation, use of art and images, and appropriateness of design to the subject. Publications that have walked away with this award in the past include Cape Cod Life, Baltimore Magazine, and Indulge Miami.

DINING IN

GLITZY GOATS

PAGE 4

PAGE 34

PAGE 8

VOL. 8 | ISSUE 2 | MARCH/APRIL 2020

EAT IT CLEAN PAGE 16

THE DARK for Camp Abilities PAGE 20

TRUE STORIES

OF LOVE

& ROMANCE PAGE 6

VOL. 8 | ISSUE 3 | MAY/JUNE 2020

FANTASY

IN FOCUS Jennifer Griffin’s

PHOTO ART page 10

HOLLY SPRINGS

DR. JILL MABLEY MEDICAL DIRECTOR

18 Years with Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services Page 6

MARGUERITE CLINE

CHEROKEE’S LIFELONG LEADER

First Female Mayor of Waleska, School Superintendent, and Chamber Chair Page 10

MARITA WALSH

REAL-LIFE MAD MEN LEADER From Sweden to New York to Woodstock—she’s a trailblazer Page 34

EnjoyCherokee.com

“Rosie the Riveter” is America’s first lady of equal opportunity for women. Join us as we celebrate some Cherokee County women who are making a difference.

R OU E ip at EY DB S U ersh UL CO I SE Memb.com IS TH S Tr FRE rokee L Anue Yojou yChe

nti En Co

Prepares for New

Police K-9 page 36

THE ORIGIN OF

TURTLE MAN page 28

Cherokee Connects

BUSINESS WITH RESIDENTS page 16

Meet Bart Glasgow, page 4

Conservative Candidate for State Court Judge

2020 VOTERS GUIDE

[www.EnjoyCherokee.com]

page 24

45

Summertime Dining Pasta Salad with Chipotle-Lime Vinaigrette Pasta Salad Ingredients:

1 (16 ounce) package of tricolor rotini pasta 2 cups cherry tomatoes 1/2 pound queso fresco 2 cups fresh broccoli florets Black olives to garnish

Alternative Veggies:

Rather than broccoli, consider adding drained cans of sweet corn kernels and black beans.

Dressing Ingredients:

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes) 1 teaspoon minced garlic 1 tablespoon chipotle chili in adobo, minced 1/4 cup roughly chopped fresh cilantro 2 teaspoons ground cumin Salt to taste Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Begin the fun:

1. Prepare the dressing. Place all dressing ingredients (except olive oil) in a food processor. Secure the top of the food processor and quickly pulse the ingredients twice. Drizzle the olive oil through the top of the processor with the food processor on low. Set aside.

2. Cook the rotini according to instructions on package.

Cool pasta completely.

3. Wash and halve the cherry tomatoes.

4. Dice the queso fresco into quarter-inch pieces.

5. Wash and pat dry the broccoli florets.

6. If you choose to replace broccoli with sweet corn and black beans, drain and rinse each thoroughly.

7. Combine cool pasta and all salad ingredients into a large bowl. Gently combine.

8. Slowly pour dressing over pasta salad until it covers all components to your liking.

Grilled Corn with Chipotle Aioli Drizzle Ingredients for Roasted Corn:

Ingredients:

Ingredients for Chipotle Aioli Drizzle:

Mustard Dill Sauce:

4 ears of corn 1 stick melted butter 1 lime cut into wedges 1 cup cilantro (fresh, coursely chopped) sea salt to taste smoked paprika to taste 1 cup mayonnaise 2 tablespoons finely chopped chives 2 minced garlic cloves 2 teaspoons fresh lime juice 1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder or chipotle hot sauce salt and pepper to taste

Begin the fun:

1. Prepare the aioli drizzle by mixing the mayonnaise, chives, garlic, and lime juice in a bowl. Add chipotle seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Chill.

2. Heat grill until hot.

3. Pull back a few of the husks on each ear of corn.

4. Place the corn directly on the grill, husk side down, cover, and grill for 15 to 20 minutes or until the husks are charred on all sides, rotating occasionally.

5. Remove roasted cobs and let cool until they can safely be handled.

6. Remove the husks and silk from each ear of corn. You can either discard the husks completely or fold them back to use as handles.

7. Use a pastry brush to spread butter over each ear of corn.

8. Place the corn on a serving platter.

9. Squeeze a wedge of lime over each cob.

10. Sprinkle with smoked paprika, sea salt, and black pepper.

11. Drizzle aioli over the corn and serve.

Tips: u 46

u

Grilled Salmon Steaks with Mustard Dill Sauce 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar 2 tablespoons sugar 1 tablespoon dill weed 3/4 teaspoon salt 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon pepper, optional 4 salmon steaks (1-inch thick and 6 ounces each)

3 3 3 1 4 1/4

tablespoons mayonnaise tablespoons Dijon mustard tablespoons dill weed tablespoon sugar teaspoons white wine vinegar teaspoon pepper, optional

Begin the fun:

1. In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the first five ingredients. Add salmon; seal bag, and turn to coat.

Refrigerate for 1 hour, turning occasionally.

2. In a small bowl, combine the sauce ingredients; cover and refrigerate until chilled.

3. Discard marinade. Grill salmon, covered, over medium heat for 6-7 minutes on each side or until fish flakes easily with a fork. Serve with mustard dill sauce.

Cast iron skillets are perfect for grilling delicate foods like fish and vegetables.

You’ll infuse the smoky flavor of the grill without losing anything to the fire.

Capture attention with grilled veggies that are cut in unique ways. Large slices of zucchini

[www.EnjoyCherokee.com] and whole carrots won’t fall through the grate and will acquire beautiful markings.

Six Thick and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies Ingredients:

1¼ cup all-purpose flour ¾ cup cake flour 1 teaspoon corn starch ½ teaspoon baking powder ½ teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon salt 8 tablespoons cold, unsalted butter ½ cup packed brown sugar ¼ cup white granulated sugar 1 large egg 1 egg yolk 3 cups chocolate chips of your choice

Begin the fun:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. 2. In a large bowl whisk together both flours, baking soda, baking powder, cornstarch, and salt. Set aside.

3. Cube the cold butter and place it into the bowl of a stand mixer with paddle attachment. Turn the mixer on the Stir setting (lowest setting) and cream the butter for 30 seconds.

4. While the mixer is still whirling, add the brown sugar and mix 30 additional seconds. Toss in the white sugar and mix another 30 seconds.

Add the egg and egg yolk and blend until mixed. If butter gets stuck to the paddle attachment, use a rubber spatula to knock it off.

5. Keep the mixer whirling. Gradually add the flour mixture to the active mixing bowl ¼ cup at a time. Make sure the dry ingredients are well incorporated before adding the next helping.

6. When all the flour mixture is incorporated into the batter, stop the mixer and remove the bowl.

7. Add the chocolate chips to the bowl and gently fold them into the batter with a hand-held spatula. Mix until chips are incorporated evenly.

8. Divide batter into six equal portions (about 6 ounces per portion). This will be your six cookies.

Tip :

9. Using two cookie sheets, place one on top of the other, trapping air between the pans. Line the top cookie sheet with parchment paper. This process will keep the bottom of the cookies from getting overly brown and crisp.

10. Place 3 cookie-batter portions on the parchment paper, keeping plenty of space between each. The cookie batter should be tall, rather than flat.

Do not flatten the batter.

11. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the tops are golden brown. Remove from the oven before you think they are done.

12. To complete the baking process, allow cookies to rest on the cookie sheet for 30 minutes before removing, .

13. Repeat the process with the final three cookies.

14. Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing.

Canopy Cherry Pie Crust Ingredients:

4¾ cups (1 pound) pastry flour 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon sugar ¼ teaspoon cinnamon ¼ teaspoon nutmeg 2 sticks cold, unsalted butter, 1 medium egg, lightly beaten 1/3 cup ice water

Filling Ingredients: 2 1 ¼ ¼ ¼ ¼ 1 1 ½

cups pitted pie cherries (not cherry-pie filling) cup sugar cup pastry flour (for scattering) teaspoon cinnamon teaspoon fresh lemon zest teaspoon real vanilla extract tablespoon salted butter egg teaspoon water

Begin the fun:

1. Combine flour, salt, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

2. Cut cold butter into ½-inch cubes.

3. Using a pastry blender, mix butter into the flour mixture until peasized nuggets are formed.

4. Add egg and water. Mix until dough holds together. Do not overmix.

5. Form into one large ball, wrap in plastic wrap, and place in the refrigerator for ninety minutes or until firm to the touch.

6. In a saucepan, combine cherries, sugar, flour, cinnamon, and lemon zest.

7. Cook over medium heat, stirring continually, until mixture thickens and comes to a boil.

8. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and butter.

Assemble the Pie

9. Place a cookie sheet in the oven and preheat oven to 425°F. 10. Roll dough for the crust into one big circle approximately 13 inches in diameter.

11. Place crust in a 9-inch metal pie pan allowing the excess crust to fall over the exterior of the pie pan.

12. Spoon cherry filling into pie shell.

13. Gently cup the excess crust up and over the pie, forming a circular lip, or canopy, over the pie as pictured above. The pie will not be covered by the crust.

14. In a small bowl beat egg with water to form an egg wash.

15. Brush dough lightly with egg wash.

16. Bake on preheated cookie sheet at 425°F for 10 minutes and then reduce heat to 350 and continue baking until crust is golden brown, about 30 minutes. [www.EnjoyCherokee.com]

47

BADGER CREEK PARK | BARNETT PARK | BLANKETS CREEK | CHEROKEE MILLS PARK | CH GARLAND MOUNTAIN | HICKORY TRAILS PARK | HOBGOOD PARK | JJ BIELLO PARK | K SEQUOYAH PARK | WALESKA PARK | WEATHERBY PARK | RIVERSIDE ATHLETIC COMPLEX | CH

Cherokee Mills Park on Bells Ferry Road and Fields Landing Park on Fields Landing Drive offer easy access to Lake Allatoona.

48

[www.EnjoyCherokee.com]

HEROKEE VETERANS PARK | CLINE PARK | DWIGHT TERRY PARK | FIELDS LANDING PARK KENNEY ASKEW MEMORIAL PARK | LEWIS PARK | PATRIOTS PARK | RIVERCHASE PARK HEROKEE COUNTY AQUATIC CENTER | RECREATION CENTER | UNION HILL COMMUNITY CENTER

Cherokee

County operates

twenty-three parks and recreation facilities throughout the county. Amenities include forty baseball/softball

diamonds, twenty-seven athletic fields, twenty-two tennis courts, seventeen playgrounds, and more than forty-three miles of trails.

Our community also boasts multiple state-of-the-art

indoor facilities, including the Cherokee County Aquatic Center, the South Annex Recreation Center, and the Union Hill Community Center.

A few of our most distinctive amenities include a disc

golf course, a dog park, an in-line hockey rink, multiple

>>>

pickleball courts, a splash pad, and a skate park. It’s time to Go Parking, Cherokee. Turn the page for Adventure.

CHEROKEE

COUNTY is a Great Place to

PLAY. [www.EnjoyCherokee.com]

49

GO

Blankets Creek 2261 Sixes Road, Canton

Hobgood Park

6688 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock

PARKING CHEROKEE.

JJ Biello Park

155 Brooke Boulevard, Woodstock (Additional entrances are located off of Main Street & Arnold Mill Road.)

Twin Creeks Softball Complex

Hickory Trails Park 3860 Hickory Road, Canton

Walking Trail

Lighted Diamonds | Batting Cages CHEROKEE

Tennis Center

Lighted Courts | Pro Shop

3/4 Mile

15+ Miles of

Batting Cages | Athletic Field

Badger Creek Park 464 Blalock Road, Woodstock

Mountain Bike Trails Pavilions | Restrooms

17

NDS PLAYGROU

Pavilions | Restrooms

Dwight Terry Park

Valley Playground

2

13395 East Cherokee Drive, Ball Ground

14 Athletic Fields

Home to

Cherokee Impact Soccer Program Concessions | Restrooms

Cherokee Mills Park 6900 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock

3

Baseball/Softball Diamonds

Boat Ramps

Playground | 1/2 Mile Walking Track | Restrooms

RIVERSIDE

Athletic Complex Enter off of Arnold Mill Road Pavilion | Concessions

40 BALL

DIAMOND S

Patriots Park

1485 Kellogg Creek Road, Acworth

DOG PARK

Adaptive Use Ball Diamond | Paved Walking Paths | Concessions 50 [www.EnjoyCherokee.com]

Kenney Askew Memorial Park

1080 Univeter Road, Canton

4

Tennis Courts

Pickleball Courts

4

Athletic Field 6 Softball/Baseball Diamonds Playground & Pavilion Concessions | Restrooms

Boat Dock | Trailer Parking Access to Lake Allatoona

Weatherby Park 100 Worley Road, Canton

3 Ball

Diamonds

Playground | Athletic Field

4 CHAMPIONSHIP

Lighted Diamonds Tennis Courts | Playground | Pavilions

43

+

TRAIL MILES

27 FIELDS

superdavesphotos.com

600 Fields Landing Drive, Canton

Lewis Park

PLAYGROUND 1.5 Mile Walking Trail Pavilions | Restrooms

Riverchase Park

150 River Glen Drive, Woodstock

11

PAVILIONS

Boat Ramp & Dock | Fishing Dock | Playground | Picnic Areas

Athletic Fields | Tennis & Pickleball Courts | Playground | Walking Path

200 East Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock

Disc Golf

Fields Landing Park

SKATE PARK

S

18 Hole Athletic Field | Ball Diamonds | Playground | Walking Trail | Pavilion

7345 Cumming Highway, Canton

TEN COU NIS RT

7000 Vaughn Road, Canton

ATHLETIC

Cherokee Veterans Park

22

Sequoyah Park

Barnett Park

10795 Bells Ferry Road, Canton

3

Ball Diamonds Playground | Walking Trail Picnic Areas | Restrooms

Garland Mountain Horse & Hiking Trails 1411 Garland Mountain Way, Waleska

23

PARKS &

FACILITIES

19+ Miles of

Cline Park

704 Bartow Street, Waleska

Horse & Hiking Trails Playground | Trailer Parking 2 Picnic Shelters on Trail Pavilion | Restrooms

Waleska Park

150 Ball Field Road, Waleska

Ball Diamonds

Playground | Pavilion

3

Playground | Concessions

SPLASH PAD Playground 2 Tennis Courts Basketball Court Walking Trail Pavilion | Restrooms

CHEROKEE RECREATION & PARKS Recreation Center, 7545 Main Street, Woodstock Aquatic Center, 1200Â Wellstar Way, Canton Union Hill Community Center, 1780 A J Land Road, Canton

PlayCherokee.org | 770-924-7768[www.EnjoyCherokee.com]

51

On May 2 the United States Navy Blue Angels saluted the metro

Atlanta emergency workers with a spectacular flyover. David Vaughn—our neighbor, photographer, and Navy veteran—captured the show of respect with his camera. A few days earlier, David shared a morning filled with stories of travel, photographs, and life on Lake Allatoona. Join us as we step into a day in the life of our talented neighbor. Enjoy! the story on page six.