Woodstock Family Life | June 2024

HEALTH WEALTH

Since the kids are out of school and the first official day of summer is June 20, here’s hoping we all have a little more free time and motivation to get outside and enjoy active pursuits that get us moving, as well as meals that are lighter and more wholesome — especially now that we have access to fresh veggies from local farmers markets or our backyard gardens.

We often hear that without good health, nothing else matters because we can’t enjoy the things that are most important to us — the things that make life worth living. Though I’ve always been pretty active and try to eat nutritious foods most of the time, the older I get, the harder it seems to be to maintain my fitness level. During the past couple of years, the stress of worrying about my health has definitely put into perspective how much I took my wellness for granted when I was younger. Gone are the days when I could eat whatever I wanted and “burn the candle at both ends” to try to do and be “all the things.”

Atomic Habits author James Clear makes a great point that applies to everyone, regardless of age: “If you want a recipe for unhappiness, spend your time accumulating a lot of money and let your health and relationships deteriorate.”

Speaking of money, health, and relationships, be sure to check out this month’s featured list of 20 money-saving tips on pages 20-21. Some of those recommendations can help you maintain your health and nurture your family and friendships more affordably. So, if we gather with friends and loved ones for free activities such as hiking a local trail or playing in one of Cherokee County’s many wonderful parks, we cover all three of those bases. Active Fun + Quality Time + Free = It’s a No-Brainer.

Wishing you a happy and healthy summer,

Julie Senger, Editor-in-Chief

PUBLISHER

Family Life Magazines

Publisher@FamilyLifePublications.com

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Julie Senger

Julie@FamilyLifePublications.com

ART

Stephanie Bolton

Stephanie@FamilyLifePublications.com

Tiffany Corn

Tiffany@FamilyLifePublications.com

PHOTOGRAPHER

Jack Tuszynski

PhotoJack.Net@Gmail.com

SALES/MARKETING MANAGER

David Wright

David@FamilyLifePublications.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Steven Anderson, Kay Kirkpatrick, Jennifer Paire, Andy Rogers, Ellen Samsell Salas, Susan K. Treadaway

Family Life Magazines

6175 Hickory Flat Highway Suite 110-PMB 341 Canton, GA 30115 770-213-7095

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4

JUNE

Chalk in the Walk — Folks gather to draw with chalk on assigned sidewalk blocks. Chalk is provided, free with registration. 11:00am, Northside Hospital Cherokee Amphitheater, 103 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock. 770-592-6000 x1955. WoodstockParksAndRec.com

5 Fresh Start Mornings

This program features entrepreneurship-geared educational discussions along with presentations from startups seeking crowd-sourced feedback on challenges they are facing as new business owners. FREE! 9:00am networking and 9:15am program begins, The Circuit, 1 Innovation Way, Woodstock. 770-345-0600. CherokeeGa.org

5-19

Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! — Adapted from Mo Willem’s beloved picture books, this play shines a light on the everyday heroes and civil servants that keep our communities running, as all walks of life flock together on the bus. Tickets are $18-23. 10:00am Wednesdays and 2:30pm Saturdays/Sundays, Woodstock Arts Theatre, 8534 Main Street, Woodstock. 678-494-4251. WoodstockArts.org

6-8/4

All the Fixins: Artists From the South Artists from all over the South submit their artwork for consideration by a panel of judges and show audiences all the talent within this region. The winners will be awarded cash prizes. Admission is FREE. 8:00am-6:00pm Monday-Sunday, Reeves House Visual Arts Center, 734 Reeves Street, Woodstock. 678-494-4251. WoodstockArts.org

8

Cherokee Master Gardeners: Native Perennials — This class will cover planting a natural or formally planned garden with perennials and native plants. The fee is $5 per person. 10:00am-12:00pm, Cherokee Veterans Park, 7345 Cumming Highway, Canton. CherokeeMasterGardeners.com

8

NotATypical Festival Music, options, and activities come together for a block party unlike anything suburbia has ever seen. This is a free-to-attend family-friendly community event featuring vendors, live music, a silent disco, and other activities. 10:00am-8:00pm, Woodstock Arts Event Green, 111 Elm Street, Woodstock. 404-989-7553. LittleSoberBar.com

ONGOING

Community Yoga Classes — Mondays, 10:00-11:00am, The WREC, 7545 Main Street, Building 200, Woodstock. PlayCherokee.org

Downtown Woodstock Walking Tour

On the last Thursday of the month through October, guided tours will be offered, and each month’s walk will cover a unique topic such as the history of the area, public art, or weird and unusual downtown facts. $5 per person. 6:00-7:30pm (a new tour starts every half hour), Woodstock Visitors Center, 8588 Main Street, Woodstock. 770-924-0406. VisitWoodstockGa.com

8

Tropical Night at the Oasis

Enjoy a night of swimming, games, and family fun at the outdoor Oasis Water Park. The aquatic center is excited to partner with Therapeutic Recreation to enrich the lives of individuals with disabilities. 4:30-7:00pm, Cherokee County Aquatic Center, 1200 Wellstar Way, Canton. 678-880-4760. PlayCherokee.org

8

Woodstock Summer Concert Series Presents Guardians of the Jukebox Enjoy a free concert by this popular 80s cover band in downtown Woodstock. 7:30pm, Northside Hospital Cherokee Amphitheater, 101 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock. WoodstockConcertSeries.com

9

2nd Annual Strength to Survive Golf Outing — TurningPoint Breast Cancer Rehabilitation hosts this event, benefiting rural breast cancer patients in Georgia, including Cherokee County. For the four-person scramble, you can choose your team members or be paired up. Registration is $100 per golfer. 9:00am tee off, Fairways of Canton, 400 Laurel Canyon Parkway, Canton. LRusco@myturningpoint.org

Local Artist Showcase — On the first Friday of each month, stop by for a FREE opening reception featuring the local artist. Meet the artist, enjoy a glass of wine, and sway to some live music. 6:00-9:00pm, The Reeves House, 734 Reeves Street, Woodstock. 678-494-4251. WoodstockArts.org

Cherokee Veterans Community Monthly Meeting — First Thursday of each month, 6:30-8:00pm, First Baptist Church Woodstock (“A” Building/ Chapel Building, Room A250), 11905 Highway 92, Woodstock. 678-570-5828. CherokeeVeteransCommunity.org

Woodstock Farm Fresh Market — Saturdays through 12/30, 8:30am-12:00pm, Market Street, Woodstock. VisitWoodstockGa.com

American Legion Post 316 South Cherokee County Meeting Thursday of each month, 7:00pm, William G. Long Senior Center, 223 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock. 706-726-2754. ALPost316Ga.org

MilVet Meetup of each month, 6:00-8:00pm, Reformation Brewery, 105 Elm Street, Woodstock. MilVetCommunity.com

15 Juneteenth Celebration of Togetherness 2024 — This is a FREE festival celebrating Juneteenth, the freedom of the final slaves after the Civil War, symbolizing hope in uncertain times. 2:00pm, Woodstock Arts Event Green, 113 Elm Street, Woodstock. 678-494-4251. WoodstockArts.org

9 Artist Meetup — Amateur and professional artists gather to discuss upcoming opportunities for artists at the Reeves House and other local galleries and art centers, share their work, ask for feedback, or just hang out. 2:00-4:00pm, Reeves House Gallery, 734 Reeves Street, Woodstock. 678-494-4251. WoodstockArts.org

13 American Heart Association First Aid and Homeland Security Stop the Bleed Course

Learn basic first aid as well as skills to help someone stop bleeding in the event of an emergency. FREE (donations accepted, $120 total value). 9:00am-3:00pm, Cherokee County Fire Station #23, 7625 Vaughn Road, Canton. 770-406-6657. V7.HFVA.org

14

6th Annual Golfing FORE! the Children — Presented by the Service League of Cherokee County, play golf for a great cause. All funds raised support the League’s mission to meet some of the most basic needs for children in Cherokee County. $130 per golfer or $500 per foursome. 7:30am registration and 9:00am shotgun start, Fairways of Canton, 400 Laurel Canyon Parkway, Canton. ServiceLeague.net

Marine Corps League Detachment 1311 Meeting — Third Saturday of each month, 9:30am, Rally Point Grille, 9770 Main Street, Woodstock. 561-213-5699. Harry123130@gmail.com

The G.O.D. Squad (Grandparents On Duty) — Second and fourth Thursdays of each month, 10:30am, Hickory Flat United Methodist Church, 4056 East Cherokee Drive, Canton. 770-345-5969.

YPOW AM — Thursdays, 7:00-8:30am, The Circuit, 1 Innovation Way, Woodstock. 770-592-6056. InWdstk.org

14

WIT! – The Woodstock Arts Improv Troupe will have the audience rolling down the aisle with laughter! Tickets are $10-$14. 7:30pm, Woodstock Arts Theatre, 8534 Main Street, Woodstock. 678-494-4251. WoodstockArts.org

15

AMPED in the Park With Elite Performance & Strength — This FREE monthly fitness series features a class taught by a local fitness expert. All workouts are fitness friendly (meaning you don’t have to be super fit to participate). Participants must register. 9:00am, Northside Hospital Cherokee Amphitheater, 103 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock. 770-592-6000 x1955. WoodstockParksAndRec.com

15

Storytime Live With Snow White — Enjoy a story, photos, and more! FREE! 11:00am, The Park at City Center gazebo, 101 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock. 770-592-6000 x1955. WoodstockParksAndRec.com

15

The Lasting Laugh — Enjoy this hybrid comedy series that brings in two different Atlanta-based comedians monthly, hosted by Jessica It’s All Good. Tickets $10-$14, recommended for ages 12+ (content). 8:00pm, Woodstock Arts Theatre, 8534 Main Street, Woodstock. 678-494-4251. WoodstockArts.org

18

Fun4Kids Treasure Hunt

Help break the code to find the secret map that will lead to old One-Eyed Dupree’s pirate treasure. The fee is $10 per person. 10:30am, Dupree Park (Pavilion #3), 513 Neese Road, Woodstock. 770-592-6000 x1955. WoodstockParksAndRec.com

18

Hear, Here! Lecture Hear Jeff Clemmons, author of Rich’s: A Southern Institution, discuss the 137-year-old Rich’s department store. FREE! 7:00pm, Cherokee County History Center, 221 East Marietta Street, Canton. 770-345-3288. HistoryCherokee.org

19

Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group

Second Thursday of each month, 11:00am1:00pm, Little River United Methodist Church, 12455 Highway 92, Woodstock. 615-293-1670.

Adults With Aging Parents Seminar

Third Thursday of each month, 6:30pm, Covenant Presbyterian Church (Kapperman-Williams Hall), 2881 Canton Road, Marietta. CobbCherokee@acapcommunity.org, ACAPCommunity.org/events

What’s Up Wednesdays

This monthly program is designed for children between the ages of 3-7. 11:00am, Cherokee County History Center, 221 East Marietta Street, Canton. 770-345-3288. HistoryCherokee.org

[continued on page 8]

ROSE CREEK

4476 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock 770-591-1491

WOODSTOCK

7735 Main Street, Woodstock 770-926-5859

SUMMER DISCOVERY KICK-OFF: ADVENTURE OF THE LOST TREASURE WITH SCIENCE HEROES

June 3, 4:00pm, Woodstock

June 5, 11:00am, Woodstock

June 7, 2:00pm, Rose Creek

continued from page 7

20 World’s Largest Swim Lesson

Join other swimmers at the Oasis along with kids and parents at aquatic facilities across the country and around the globe to set a new Guinness World Record for the largest simultaneous swimming lesson ever conducted to spread the word that swimming lessons save lives! 12:0012:30pm, Cherokee County Aquatic Center, 1200 Wellstar Way Canton. 678-880-4760. PlayCherokee.org

22

Woodstock Arts Lantern Series: Shayna Steele — Known from recordings with Snarky Puppy and Moby and a host of other stars, Steele takes flight on her third album, Watch Me Fly. Ticket prices vary. 7:30pm, Woodstock Arts Event Green, 113 Elm Street, Woodstock. 678-494-4251. WoodstockArts.org

Go on an interactive and exciting STEM adventure that combines the magic of stories with the wonders of science! All ages are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

CAMPFIRE EVENING STORYTIME

June 6, 5:30pm, Rose Creek

Spook your friends with a creepy tale or just enjoy the snacks and scares. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. No strollers are permitted at this event.

WOODSTOCK ARTS STORIES ON STAGE:

DON’T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS

June 12, 1:00pm, Rose Creek

Woodstock Arts presents scenes from Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus. No strollers are permitted at this event.

SUMMER ADVENTURES STORYTIME

June 19, 10:30am, Woodstock

Storytimes feature books, fingerplays, and songs. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

TEEN PERCY JACKSON TRIVIA NIGHT

June 27, 6:00pm, Woodstock

Compete for the winning trophy at this Percy Jackson-themed trivia night. Snacks will be provided.

WOODSTOCK BOOK CLUB

June 29, 10:30am, Woodstock

This month’s book is The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead. All adult readers are welcome.

20 Family Fun Night: Beach Party — Every third Thursday during summer months, enjoy FREE themed activities and fun for all ages, which culminates with a movie on the Woodstock Arts Event Green (111 Elm Street). This month’s movie will be Lilo & Stitch 5:00-9:00pm, downtown Woodstock, 770-924-0406. VisitWoodstockGa.com

21 Stand Up For Seniors Volunteer Aging Council’s (VAC) Fundraising Luncheon — Support VAC programs and get a delicious lunch for $10. All proceeds support local seniors and senior veterans. 11:30am-1:00pm, The Oaks at Towne Lake, 4580 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock. VAC-CherokeeGa.org

JULY

4 July 4th Spectacular!

27

AHA CPR/AED Course — Learn the basic lifesaving skills of CPR and how to use an AED to help someone in the event of an emergency at this American Heart Association-certified course. FREE (donations accepted, $75 value). 9:00am12:00pm, Cherokee County Fire Station #23, 7625 Vaughn Road, Canton. 770-406-6657. V7.HFVA.org

28

Jazz Night Sway to some live jazz music and unwind for the weekend with a glass of wine in hand. 6:009:00pm, The Reeves House Garden, 734 Reeves Street, Woodstock. 678-494-4251. WoodstockArts.org

Enjoy a traditional parade, festival, and fireworks. 10:00am parade, 11:00am festival, and fireworks at dusk, downtown Woodstock, 101 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock. 770-592-6000 x1952. WoodstockParksAndRec.com

5-28 9 to 5 the Musical

Pushed to the boiling point, three female coworkers concoct a plan to get even with the sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot they call their boss. Tickets $18-$23. 7:30pm Fridays/Saturdays and 2:30pm Sundays, Woodstock Arts Theatre, 8534 Main Street, Woodstock. 678-494-4251. WoodstockArts.org

6 Star Spangled Pub Crawl — Continue celebrating Independence Day with a festive, funfilled pub crawl throughout downtown Woodstock. 2:006:00pm, downtown Woodstock. 770-924-0406. VisitWoodstockGa.com

7

Lucky Duck Derby — Help raise money for Cherokee County Special Olympics by entering your rubber duck for a chance to win a prize. The first duck to make it around the Oasis lazy river wins! The cost is $5 per duck plus the Oasis admission fee. 1:00-1:30pm, Cherokee County Aquatic Center, 1200 Wellstar Way, Canton. 678-880-4760. PlayCherokee.org

Community

Cherokee County School District Announcements

2024 Yes I Can Award Winners Announced

The Yes I Can Awards celebrate the achievements of children and youth with exceptionalities. The awards encourage students to seek their highest potential and increase public awareness of the abilities, aspirations, and personal qualities of those with disabilities. Each CCSD elementary school is invited to select one student to receive the Yes I Can Award, based on achievement during the year in one or more of the following categories: academics, the arts, school and community, selfadvocacy, and technology.

This Year’s Honorees

Academics

Arnold Mill ES, Everett Hogan; Ball Ground ES STEM Academy, Merry Marbourg; Clark Creek ES STEM Academy, Faizaan Syed; Clayton ES, Paisly Williams; Free Home ES, Banks Alexander; Hasty ES Fine Arts Academy, Darwin Ambrocio Mendez; Indian Knoll ES, Jordan Lewis; Knox ES STEM Academy, JJ Reece; Little River ES, Ryan Nguyen; Macedonia ES, Adrian Shirling; Mountain Road ES, Mary Grace Richert; R.M. Moore ES STEM Academy, Cecilia Pineda-Jimenez; and Sixes ES, Caleb Ragan

Arts

Avery ES, Cara France.

School and Community

Hickory Flat ES, Caroline Connor and Liberty ES, Ansley Winfield.

Self-Advocacy

Bascomb ES, Lilly Holsinger; Boston ES, William "Liam" Thompson; Carmel ES, Isaiah Law; Holly Springs ES STEM Academy, Olivia Croft; Johnston ES, Madison Byrd; Oak Grove ES STEAM Academy, Christopher Molino; and Woodstock ES, Avery Becker

Woodstock HS Students Place in International Engineering Competition

For the Real World Design Challenge (RWDC), Woodstock HS seniors Carson Bove, Camden Browning, and Mary Hogrefe designed an awardwinning unmanned aircraft system to help mitigate wildfires. They are fourthyear students in the Career Pathway: Engineering and Technology program, led by teacher Melanie Salas.

The competition follows the engineering design cycle, with teams required to design and plan using a real-world approach, including analyzing costs and efficiency. The team won the statewide competition in January and then advanced to the international competition to make their virtual presentation to a judging panel.

Their winning entry created CRISPI: the Compact Robotic Imagery System for Preventing Infernos, a backpack-sized drone that acts as a fire lookout, environmental scientist, and wildfire specialist. Their 50-page entry demonstrated their design would be more than six times less costly than current systems in use as well as far more portable and efficient.

The students all plan to pursue careers in engineering. Bove will study biomedical engineering at the University of Alabama at Birmingham; Browning will major in mechanical engineering with a specialty in robotics at the University of Florida; and Hogrefe will attend Kennesaw State University to study biochemistry.

Mountain Road ES Students Win Top Prize at State Social Studies Fair

The Georgia Council for the Social Studies organization presents the annual competition that offers participating students in grades 5-12 the opportunity to research and complete a project, individually or as part of a team. Project categories are anthropology, economics, geography, history, political science, and sociology/psychology.

Mountain Road fifth-graders Rachael Crachi and Aubrey Quinn earned the top prize of Best of Discipline honors in the history category for their “Apollo 13” project. Their teacher advisor for the competition was Anna Jurnack.

Their entry was among CCSD’s top-scoring projects that advanced to regionals for the opportunity to move on to the state competition. CCSD students earned half the Northwest Georgia Region’s spots to advance to the state competition.

Aubrey Quinn and Rachael Crachi

Georgia RWDC Champions Carson Bove, Camden Browning, and Mary Hogrefe

Etowah HS Students Place in Statewide Architecture Competition

Two Etowah sophomores in the Career Pathway for Architectural Drafting and Design, Hannah Oduselu and Isaac Wood, won honors in the 2024 Atlanta American Institute of Architects High School Design Competition.

The annual contest is considered the most prestigious competition in the state for high school architecture students. Students are tasked with creating a solution to specific problems using their creativity and architectural knowledge. The competition features two levels to accommodate students with different experience levels. All contest entries, which top 200 each year, are evaluated by professional architects and engineers.

Wood earned second place and Oduselu earned Honorable Mention in the beginner category of the competition, which was open to ninth- and 10th-grade students. Their challenge was to design a butterfly conservatory for the Blue Heron Nature Preserve in Atlanta. The judges praised Wood’s design for featuring sculptural petals centered around the conservatory, calling it “elegant and captivating.” Oduselu’s entry earned specific praise for her butterfly wing entryway.

The Career Pathways program at Etowah HS for Architectural Drafting and Design is led by teacher Lindsay Dean.

Isaac Wood

Hannah Oduselu

Community

Two Unique Local Athletes Gain National Notoriety

David Friedberg

A record-breaking javelin throw in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) qualified Friedberg for the U.S. Olympic Trials. At the recent Berry Field Day Invitational in Rome, Georgia, he threw 76.08 meters, which equals nearly 250 feet. What’s unique about Friedberg?

Until he attended Reinhardt University in Cherokee County (class of 2024), he had never touched a javelin.

The 2024 Olympic Trials take place this month in Eugene, Oregon. Whether or not Friedberg makes it to the Paris Games in July, he already has his eye on the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles and plans to continue training.

Debbie Blount

On a beautiful morning this past April, Blount teed off in her final collegiate tournament. She competed in three full rounds over two days in the Appalachian Athletic Conference championship. What’s unique about Blount? At age 65, she’s the oldest competitive studentathlete in Reinhardt University's history, and she proudly represented RU on and off campus over the past four years.

In her three years as an undergraduate (class of 2023 & 2024), Blount achieved a 4.0 GPA, won the nontraditional Student of the Year Award, and was featured by People magazine, The Wall Street Journal, CNN, NBC, and 3rd Act magazine, to name a few. She humbly notes her proudest accomplishment as being awarded the Kim Moore Spirit Award from the Women's Golf Coaches Association in 2022.

Public Engagement Set for Safe Streets Program

Cherokee County, along with the cities of Ball Ground, Canton, Holly Springs, and Woodstock, has begun the development of a Safety Action Plan in an effort to eliminate fatalities and serious injuries on Cherokee County’s roadways.

The plan is supported by the federal Safe Streets and Roads for All grant program, administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). The Cherokee County Board of Commissioners approved a design services agreement with Pond & Company to prepare the action plan.

Built on robust data analysis and public input, the plan will outline strategies for the county, cities, and key partners to work together to eliminate fatalities and serious injuries on the roadways throughout Cherokee County.

A community survey is open at PlanningAtPond.com/cherokee_ss4a for community members to share their insights to help shape the plan. A map activity also is available on the website, allowing stakeholders to denote where they would like to see roadway safety improvements. The survey and map will remain open through the end of August.

In addition to the survey and map activity options, comments can be shared directly with the Safety Action Plan Project Team via the plan website or by contacting Community Development Agency Director Brantley Day at BDay@cherokeega.com.

The USDOT’s Safe Streets and Roads for All program includes grant funding for both planning and implementation projects. Action Plan grants assist communities that do not currently have a roadway safety plan in place to reduce roadway fatalities by laying the groundwork for a comprehensive set of actions. Implementation grants provide funding for communities to enact strategies and projects that will reduce or eliminate transportation-related fatalities and serious injuries.

The Safety Action Plan will be developed through three major project phases. Public meetings will be held later this year coinciding with the completion of Phase 1: Data Collection and Existing Conditions Assessment (anticipated in August 2024) and Phase 2: Develop Action Plan (anticipated in November 2024). The final phase, Phase 3: Plan and Adopt, is expected to be completed in April 2025. Interim planning documents will be posted to the project website to keep the community informed of the process.

Josh White, assistant track and field coach, with David Friedberg

DavidBy Jennifer

The best views are Outback Celebrates 20 Years

Berglund could not wait to enjoy the energy efficiency, security, and low-maintenance elegance of having custom replacement windows installed in his home.

But what excited him the most was the prospect of a good night’s sleep.

“I live on a busy street — and on Friday and Saturday nights, the kids like to let everyone know how loud their vehicles are,” said Berglund, whose Acworth home was built in 1966 and features four floor-to-ceiling single-pane windows. “I’ve been looking at these virgin vinyl windows for years, and they’re very solid, double-paned, and give some soundproofing. They should cut the outdoor noise down by more than half.”

Woodstock-based Outback Windows has delivered relief to homeowners throughout north Atlanta and surrounding areas since 2004, installing custom-built replacement windows that stop drafts, improve power bills, keep families secure, and elevate curb appeal and home value. According to online articles by home renovation industry sites, the return on investment for window replacement ranges from 70-85%.

“What people really want and enjoy having is products that are fully customizable,” said Kevin Winstead, director of sales for the family-owned Outback Windows and Outback Deck, Inc. “Most contractors offer a stock window through a store like Lowe’s or Home Depot, so they don’t get to decide the features they have. We offer a free consultation and inspection of the current windows, which helps us inform homeowners of the condition of their windows: whether there’s rot, draft, window leakage, or seal failure that traps moisture on the inside of the windows.”

Educating homeowners about window technology and its affordability comes easily to Winstead.

“People don’t realize their windows are mostly made from recycled vinyl because nobody tells them that. Recycled vinyl has a better price point, but it is made from melted down plastic that discolors easily and bows and sags after exposure to intense Georgia heat and wear and tear,” Winstead explained. “When people see this, they think vinyl is a cheap plastic. If they have a consultant come out and explain there are different types of vinyl, they become informed about virgin vinyl, which hasn’t been melted down multiple times and has a lifetime warranty.”

Top-Notch Replacements

Now celebrating its 20th year in business, Outback Windows is a top-rated window contractor known for stellar customer service and attention to detail. Outback’s most recommended window replacements are made with virgin vinyl.

“It’s 100% PVC and has never been used to create anything else,” said Winstead. “The reason people enjoy this is because it's very strong and very energy efficient. It’s an insulator instead of a conductor, and it’s maintenance-free. Virgin vinyl provides the longest warranty in the industry — lifetime.”

Outback Windows consultants measure windows in a home, and once the homeowner chooses replacement windows, the installation team visits to confirm measurements and plan the next steps.

(L-R) John Gwaltney and Bryan Miller, co-owners of Outback Windows

“I renovate homes, and I know the difference between what a builder puts in and what a good window is,” said Berglund, whose brick home leaves little room for error. “Their installation guy went to great pains to be sure they measured everything.”

Improving More Than the View

Installing beautiful, low-maintenance vinyl windows with the look and feel of stained wood put Outback Windows on the map locally.

“If someone has a colonial-style home with stained wood, our window — even though it is vinyl or fiberglass — has a textured look that we can match to their stain,” said David Barnes, marketing manager for Outback Windows and Outback Deck, Inc. “It’s an overlay or pattern put over the windows that is textured to look like wood, then we stain it.”

One of the newest trends in window design is black on black.

“Black is a color that can go with everything, and it has more of a clean and modern look on the home,” added Outback’s Winstead. “I’d say one of the biggest trends is getting rid of grids, the bars on the glass, and going fully clear. That just maximizes the amount of natural light coming into a room, and it gives homeowners a more picturesque view of their backyards.”

Whatever the need, Outback offers great financing on window replacements. For more information about the type of windows they offer, visit OutbackDeck.com.

Like Outback Windows, its sister company, Outback Deck, Inc., offers free deck inspections and quotes for outdoor living deck projects. For more information, visit OutbackDeck.com.

Community Partner

The Cherokee County 911 Foundation officially announces its formation with a resolute mission to support, advocate, and advance Cherokee County E 9-1-1. As the voice of 9-1-1, this nonprofit organization is dedicated to making a lasting impact through initiatives including a dispatcher emergency support fund, public awareness campaigns, continuing education focusing on certifications and employee training, along with support for the mental and physical well-being of Cherokee County’s E 9-1-1 employees. The Community Outreach Unit’s already successful E 9-1-1 efforts will be expanded through the Foundation’s efforts.

“The goal is always to leave something better than you found it, and the Foundation and its mission ensure that we do just that for both current and future communications officers in Cherokee County,” said Cherokee County E 9-1-1 Deputy Director Alice Fennell.

Cherokee County E 9-1-1 is the heartbeat of public safety in our community, answering all calls for the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services, law enforcement for our municipalities — Ball Ground, Canton, Holly Springs, Waleska, and Woodstock as well as City of Woodstock Fire Department, the Cherokee County School District Police, and Reinhardt University Public Safety.

When you dial 911 in Cherokee County, the communication officer on the other end of the line becomes your calm voice of reason. They are the initial first responder who is trained to guide you through emergencies, ensuring the right type of help arrives swiftly. Their investment in your safety begins the moment you hear, “Cherokee County 911, what is the location of your emergency?”

“Every time our team answers the phone, they make a difference in someone’s life. My team is the voice on the other end of the line, the unseen hero giving you lifesaving instructions, controlling the chaos, and giving you their heart no matter what the situation is,” said Cherokee County E 9-1-1 Director Shane Bonebrake.

The Cherokee County 911 Foundation’s Founding Board of Directors is comprised of passionate community servant leaders who champion public safety. Their unwavering dedication will ensure that the organization operates with transparency, integrity, and purpose. Their immense pride in their community is a direct correlation to their support of Cherokee County E 9-1-1, which was recently named Georgia’s 2024 911 Center of the Year.

“The organization is designed to celebrate our amazing public safety communication

officers. They exemplify excellence in making sure all 911 calls are answered. The Foundation is extremely honored to support this exceptional team,” said Foundation President Lori Flink.

To learn more about and/or support your award-winning E 9-1-1 center and the amazing work they do, visit the website, follow them on social media, and support their efforts by becoming a Heartbeat Partner when you donate $9.11, which allows these public servants hearts to beat on your behalf.

Viktoryia Dubovis met with Dispatcher William Yancy to thank him for giving her precious time with her mother. If you have a heartwarming local 911 story to share, please contact Cherokee County 911 Foundation.

E 9-1-1’s Ruby Dawn

Cherokee County’s E 9-1-1 team

2024 Legislative Session Highlights

By State Senator Kay Kirkpatrick, MD

The2024 Legislative Session was very successful. A total of 242 bills passed both chambers out of the thousands that were filed.

Several tax bills passed, resulting in a reduction of the state personal income tax, corporate tax, and a cap on annual property tax increases. In addition to refunds in the last two years, the legislature has been decreasing taxes every year during this robust economy. I passed a bill that allows Cherokee citizens to vote on raising the senior school tax exemption. With a budget surplus due to good conservative leadership by Gov. Brian Kemp and other state leaders, Georgia is in an enviable position.

Public safety gets a lot of emphasis at the Capitol, and there were many bills passed supporting our law enforcement officers, notably a salary increase. There were also bills strengthening our laws on trafficking and gang activity as well as two bills on enforcement of immigration laws by cracking down on sanctuary cities and mandating that our sheriffs work with federal immigration officials. So many of

our crime problems and drug problems are related to the massive amount of fentanyl crossing our borders, which especially affects Georgia’s young people. We also passed a bill restricting land purchases near military installations by our adversaries.

As usual, education got significant attention. Teachers and other school personnel got another raise. We fully funded the Quality Basic Education formula for our schools again and increased resources for school safety and student mental health. We expanded funding for pre-K, understanding that early childhood literacy is a predictor of future success. We also passed school choice for families in failing school districts. Fortunately, we have excellent schools in Cherokee, so this will not change anything for our school district.

We passed legislation about squatting, giving homeowners more protection against people who move into their homes and refuse to leave.

We passed the Certificate of Need reform to help Georgia’s rural hospitals, but

we still have work to do to make this bureaucratic process easier and improve choices for patients.

I was fortunate to pass quite a few bills this year on issues such as foster care, licensure, streamlining and adding transparency to state government, and supporting our military and veteran communities.

We passed the budget on the very last day of the 2024 session. Unlike the federal government, we balance our budget — as our state Constitution mandates.

I am proud to serve Cherokee County and look forward to continuing my work. Please contact my office if you have any questions.

Kay Kirkpatrick, MD, represents District 32, which includes Canton and Woodstock. 404-656-3932. SenatorKayKirkpatrick.com

By Julie Senger

With the current inflation rates on goods and services, many families are looking for ways to stretch their dollars. Check out the following suggestions to help make your money go a little further.

Bring Your Coffee and Your Lunch From Home.

While occasionally buying a specialty coffee on the way to work and grabbing lunch with coworkers are nice treats, doing so five days a week can equate to spending hundreds of extra dollars each month.

Buy in Bulk.

Big-box membership clubs are great places to stock up on items you know you’ll always need at a more affordable per-unit price. Bonus — you won’t have to think about replenishing products purchased in bulk for a while. 2

Buy Off Season.

For example, if you spot a sales rack of winter coats or Easter/spring dresses in a department store in June, you’ll probably score deep discounts.

at Home.

Host a board/card game night, movie night, or potluck dinner.

Streaming services, gym memberships, phone apps, and many other things we sign up for and forget about because “they’re only a few dollars a month” can significantly add up over time. 4

Cancel Unused Memberships and Subscriptions.

Enjoy Free Local Events.

Options such as concerts performed by local and national touring musicians, art exhibits, festivals, and family-friendly outdoor movies or sporting events shown on community big screens are all popular offerings at this time of year. Be sure to check out Woodstock Family Life’s Events Calendar on pages 6-8, which contains some free activities close to home.

Get Outside and Enjoy Nature.

City parks and hiking/biking trails are free and are also a healthy way to spend time with friends and family. Enjoying local lakes, rivers, and state parks usually just requires a nominal parking fee, unless you choose to rent gear such as kayaks, SUPs, tubes, etc.

a Student.

Research beauty or massage therapy schools that offer reduced-price haircuts, skin care, massages, and other services because they allow students to obtain hands-on experience for their future careers.

a Grocery List and Meal Plan/Prep.

Having a grocery list and meal planning/prepping will help you avoid impulse purchases at the supermarket and spending money on less healthy (and more expensive) food at a fast-food drive-thru.

Prioritize Repaying High-Interest Debt.

Paying off debts with the highest rates can save you lots of money in interest. Credit cards are usually the biggest culprits (18-28% interest!).

Purchase Second-Hand Clothes and Refurbished or Open-Box Electronics.

Not only is buying secondhand, gently used, or refurbished items less expensive, but it’s also better for the planet because you’re keeping unnecessary waste out of landfills.

Smoking/ Vaping.

*The average smoker/vaper spends more than $2K per year on cigarettes/e-cigarettes, not to mention the cost of extra medical expenses due to having more health problems.

*Sources — KSBW.com/article/study-vaping-costs-per-year/ 40082883; TruthInitiative.org/research-resources/targetedcommunities/economics-tobacco-what-if-pack-cigarettes-cost10#:~:text=Pack-a day%20smokers%20spend%20an%20average %20of%20$2%2C193%20a%20year%20on%20cigarettes

Make sure you’re not paying for coverage you don't need. It also helps to comparison shop to ensure you’re getting the best rate for the coverage you do need.

Having a yard sale or using digital sources such as Facebook Marketplace, eBay, or other similar apps and websites to offload unneeded items and simultaneously score some extra cash is a win/win situation.

Are you being charged for things you shouldn’t be? Have rates increased since the last time you carefully read your bill? Could you get the same or better service elsewhere for less?

If you keep an eye on how much you spend on non-necessities such as dining out or online shopping, you’re less likely to overspend in those categories.

Using discount travel apps and sites, choosing a destination that avoids the need for expensive airfare, or even becoming a tourist in your hometown are examples of ways vacationers can save money.

It can take a little work to collect coupons or set up and keep track of inputting information on apps and websites that offer cash back or rewards, but not making the minimal effort is leaving money on the table.

You may be surprised at the number of free resources, classes, craft nights, book clubs, and other learning or entertainment options that are available at your modern-day local library. Check out SequoyahRegionalLibrary.org to find a branch near you and to view their activity calendar.

Save money by learning how to make or repair things yourself by watching YouTube tutorials. You can learn anything from how to crochet a scarf to how to perform minor vehicle repairs and maintenance tasks. The possibilities are endless.

Dental Crowns Are Worth Their Weight in Gold

By Steven Anderson, DMD

[Healthy Life] Have you ever been advised by a dentist that you “really should consider crowning that tooth”? Perhaps you dismissed that idea until you bit down on a piece of hard candy and felt a crack.

A dental crown/cap restoration is one of the primary ways an unstable tooth becomes stable, protected, and restored to its chewing function. It is often the best treatment for that tooth, and a clear understanding of why should help motivate you to have the procedure done as soon as possible.

Whenever a tooth undergoes treatment to remove decay or disease, internal supporting tooth structure is removed. “Filling” material replaces the removed area of the tooth. When a large portion of the tooth is filled, the entire tooth becomes unstable and, if not treated with a crown, the tooth can easily fracture and be lost.

Like the familiar process of splitting firewood, large metal fillings act like wedges in a tooth. When a wedge is placed in wood and struck with a hammer, it usually splits the wood in two. Fillings that are struck repeatedly

through daily chewing act like a wedge, which often results in a fractured tooth.

If a fractured tooth cannot be restored, it may have to be removed. Loss of a tooth can have serious immediate and longterm ramifications to your oral health. Nearly every tooth in your mouth has an important function, and current medical knowledge confirms and continues to reveal the primary role oral health plays in your overall well-being.

A dental crown is placed over the entire biting surface of a tooth, which then evenly distributes the direct biting force, thereby removing the “wedge effect” of the large metal filling. Consider why construction workers wear hard hats. The hat has an inner band that distributes the force of a blow evenly around the head to protect it — just like a crown evenly distributes biting forces in your mouth.

Keep in mind that not all crowns are created equal. The materials your dentist uses make a big difference. Gold crowns are unique because they are plaque and bacteria

resistant. However, due to the gold color, most people opt for a tooth-colored crown, which is made from porcelain and can have high-quality gold foundations or lower-quality nickel foundations.

Crowns made of all porcelain are usually the best option for teeth that can be seen when you smile because they will not show a dark line at the edge of your gums. Porcelain also has differing characteristics. All these factors play a role in selection as well as the final cost of a crown.

A crown is an excellent option to restore an otherwise unstable tooth. Given good oral hygiene, a healthy diet, and regular dental checkups, a crown is truly “worth its weight in gold” and can restore years of function to your tooth. After all, quality dentistry should be all about you. L

Middle Age and Beyond How Criminals Target the Aging Population

By District Attorney Susan K. Treadaway

Throughout our lives, many of us have been educated on important safety tips for how to avoid becoming victims of crimes, such as: do not carry large sums of cash, be sure to walk in groups, and always be aware of our surroundings.

Modern crimes involving financial fraud and scams can be hard to avoid, even when we do our best to take preventative measures. Cybercriminals are adept at finding ways to hack into our personal information and use that information to steal from us. Data breaches at major institutions leave us vulnerable to identity theft. A suspicious email link might be a phishing attempt. Credit card information can be stolen through card skimmers.

Besides cybercrimes, we must also be watchful of scams. An item for sale online, priced exceedingly low, is likely a scam, but many people fall for it while searching for a great deal. A phone call from someone claiming to be a person of authority may trick you into paying a fine you don’t owe. An appeal from a criminal posing as a loved one with a financial emergency may lead the unsuspecting to purchase gift cards. A romance scam targeting a mourning widow may result in an innocent person losing her life’s savings.

As you approach (or reach) retirement age, be aware that these criminals will intentionally target you because they think you are less wary, more trusting, and have more money at your disposal.

Throughout the year, the District Attorney’s Office reaches out to the community to provide education on financial fraud, scams, and elder abuse.

Earlier this year, Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney Rachel Hines of the Special Victims Unit delivered a presentation called “What To Do When Criminals Target Seniors” to approximately 150 attendees at a Cherokee County Senior Services Silver Roamers meeting. We also participated in the 17th annual Senior Extravaganza. This month, we will be speaking at Soleil Laurel Canyon, a 55+ community, about common scams affecting older adults.

June 15 Is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Most often perpetrated by family members or caregivers, crimes against senior citizens can range from abuse to financial crimes. Abuse may be physical, sexual, or emotional crimes; in other cases, it may entail neglect, failure to provide essential care, or financial exploitation.

In Cherokee County, most crimes against elders involve scam/identity theft, according to the Cherokee County Adult Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation MDT, which reviewed 411 reports of crimes against senior citizens in 2023. During monthly meetings, this organization substantiated 268 allegations of abuse, including 101 involving scam/identity theft, a 173% increase over the prior year.

Suspected elder abuse should be reported to the Georgia Division of Aging Services at 866-55AGING (866-5524464) or Aging.Georgia.gov/reportelder-abuse. Call 911 if someone is in immediate danger.

We hope that by sharing information, we can help community members avoid becoming victims of these types of crimes. It is very important to stay vigilant and to help others in your life make good decisions when faced with potential scams.

Susan K. Treadaway is the district attorney for the Blue Ridge Judicial Circuit, Cherokee County, Georgia. 770-479-1488. CherokeeGa.com/ District-Attorneys-Office

Presentation for Cherokee County Senior Services Silver Roamers

Follow Your Dreams

By Pastor Andy Rogers

[InGoodFaith] Are you a dreamer? I believe God imparts dreams to each of us. Unfortunately, life’s unexpected twists and turns can lead to losing sight of — or worse yet — giving up on those dreams. That could have easily been the case for Joseph in the book of Genesis.

As a teenager, Joseph was both a dreamer and a bit braggadocious. Perhaps some of you can relate. Instead of pursuing his dreams, Joseph found himself unfairly sold into slavery only to then be falsely accused, imprisoned, and all but forgotten. He had not only been stripped of his favored robe but also his freedom. I can only imagine Joseph asking himself, “What did I do to deserve this?” Perhaps some of you are asking this question, too.

Joseph’s life is marked by God being with him in the depths of despair, the brokenness in his family, and the uncertainty of his future. We see this woven into the detours

of his life. Dreams dashed? Not really! God allowed Joseph’s dreams to be grander than he ever imagined. Even in life’s setbacks, God works for his glory and our good.

Many of us may be living with broken relationships, in the bondage of our own doing or due to the actions of others by circumstances beyond our control. The life we once had or the life we believe God has called us to may be faint. Dreams may seem dim, out of reach, or all but forgotten. That’s how you know that God isn’t done with you.

falsely accused, sold out, imprisoned, physically beaten, and socially rejected because God came down to walk in our shoes through his son Christ Jesus.

Because of Christ and through Christ, our story can change and become part of God’s bigger story. So, don’t give up on the dreams God placed in your heart because they, too, are part of God’s bigger story. L

God knows what Joseph went through and what we go through. He has been there himself. He knows what it’s like to be

Andy Rogers is lead pastor at The Way Woodstock, 109 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock. 770-516-0371. TheWayWoodstock.com

Itwasn’t until the last assignment, of his last quarter, in his last year as a University of Georgia art major that Dan Reed found the theme that has defined his art. In painting two vintage gas pumps, standing in an empty station, Reed began telling the stories of a world that was rapidly disappearing.

Looking for those stories, Reed and his wife, Denise, took to the road, visiting America’s small towns from Georgia to Montana. Using a telephoto lens and highspeed film, he would hop out of the car and shoot photos while Denise kept the motor running, ready to head to the next town.

“I was always hunting to find this thing — I had to get reference material. Anytown USA didn’t exist, but I wanted to capture it,” he said. “Architecture was always involved. That is the story, the empty store, the empty street.”

While the internet now provides infinite images, the thousands that Reed took still serve as starting points. When he has an idea in mind, he might turn to the photos, perhaps using elements from several to create his vision.

“The painting can’t be straight from a photo,” he explained. “I always change the composition to create

BY ELLEN SAMSELL SALAS

Dan Reed Paints the Stories of “Anytown USA”

drama. I put a touch of a curve in the scene. It creates drama.”

Reed says that there is a human element in every scene he paints, even those without human figures. Stores and depots, gas stations and gas pumps, doorways and carousels become characters. Inanimate objects — a train, a bench, a curtain pulled slightly back — tell stories. In some paintings, a man or woman seems to be making a decision or remembering their past. A lone figure stands looking into a store window where couches and armchairs sit empty. The scenes are still. Lines, planes, shapes, color, and light draw the viewer’s eye and move it through the painting.

Almost all of Reed’s paintings are sunset, twilight, or night scenes, adding to the dramatic mood. While large areas of his works might be dark, a floodlight, fixtures hanging from a porch, fluorescent lights in

a shop window, or even the small light in a pay phone stall illuminate the scene and attract the observer’s attention.

“The light pulls you to places. There is theater in it,” he explained.

Although Reed’s paintings convey a distinct mood, he doesn’t want to dictate a message but invites the viewers to find their own. “I hope they think, ’Oh, yeah, I’ve been there.’ I hope they look and come up with their own stories. I want people to experience that process,” he said.

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