Woodstock Family Life 9-16

Contents

September 2016

Volume 4 | Issue 2

[28-30]

28-30 On the Cover:

Woodstock Pediatric Medicine

38-39

Behind the Curtain

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2016 Riverfest 04 .......................... Perspective 06 .............................. Calendar 10 ....................... Business Life 12 ................ Woodstock Minute

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22 ................... Senator Speaks 25 ........................ Book Review 26 ............... Community Partner 32 ......................... Taste of Life 42 ............................ Quotables 52 ......... Main Street Woodstock

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Woodstock Family Life | SEPTEMBER 2016

54 .................... Ribbon Cuttings

Publisher’s Perspective

We each have battles within us, whether waging at this time or those valiantly fought in our past. We have stood before aggression, despair and confusion, and we’ve been victorious or defeated. From each conflict, we have learned a lesson. When the opportunity comes for us to use our life lessons, we may be beneficial to others.

Knowledge consists of what we have learned. When placed into action, knowledge becomes wisdom. Be mindful of others. When we listen, see, feel…we each can grow.

Woodstock Family Life | SEPTEMBER 2016

ART Candice Williams Candice@FamilyLifePublications.com Laurie Litke Laurie@FamilyLifePublications.com SALES Janet Ponichtera Janet@FamilyLifePublications.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Steven Anderson, Sen. Brandon Beach, Kyle Bennett, Cyndi Braun, Chris Bryant, Mary Kay Buquoi, J. Daran Burns, Cobb EMC, Jyl Craven, Arlene Dickerson, Kristi Estes, Joshua Fuder, Hillary Gallagher, Corey Harkins, Lisa-Marie Haygood, Kyle Herron, Sami Jackson, Cameron Johnson, James E. Leake, Robbie Matiak, Scott Miller, Jeff Moon, Tim Morris, Anthony Musarra, Vishant Nath, Michael Petrosky, Farris Yawn

Family Life Publishing Group, Inc. 150 North Street, Suite A Canton, GA 30114

770-213-7095

FamilyLifePublications.com Family Life publications have the largest monthly circulation of direct-mailed community magazines in our area. Woodstock Family Life is a monthly community magazine with a total print count of 25,000, direct mailing over 23,000 copies to Towne Lake, downtown Woodstock up to Hickory Flat and toward the Roswell border.

The viewpoints of the advertisers, columnists and submissions are not necessarily those of the editor/publisher, and the publisher makes no claims as to the validity of any charitable organizations mentioned. Woodstock Family Life magazine is not responsible for errors and omissions. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the publisher.

Subscriptions are available for $25 per year. Please contact us for payment options. © 2016 All rights reserved.

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Rachel Sprouse, Intern Rachel@FamilyLifePublications.com

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Growth is jumping into something that can bring out the best in you. Someone who wants to rise above soon discovers that leaving their comfort zone is the best way to achieve happiness. If we find a way to support someone as they grow, we, too, will flourish. When we help another, we learn more about ourselves. We learn that sharing our story, good or bad, may help another achieve a goal or overcome what they may see as a great obstacle.

Often, just playing our kind part in the victory of another can feel good to our soul. For that, it is wise to be cheerful.

Happiness is the only thing that truly depicts success.

Jack Tuszynski, Publisher

EDITORIAL Julie Senger Julie@FamilyLifePublications.com

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“The truth is that our finest moments are most likely to occur when we are feeling deeply uncomfortable, unhappy or unfulfilled. For it is only in such moments, propelled by our discomfort, that we are likely to step out of our ruts and start searching for different ways or truer answers.” ~ M. Scott Peck

PUBLISHER/PHOTOGRAPHER Jack Tuszynski Jack@FamilyLifePublications.com

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nspire someone. Help someone grow. Help them rise above a period in their life whether or not you understand their situation. Discover the power of empathy as an incredible resource and the strength that may manifest from it. An essential ingredient of our daily life is kindness, and it needs to show in all of our actions if we truly want to succeed. It’s imperative to know that becoming an inspiration is our way of paying it forward because making any one person’s life better improves the overall wellness of society. Be that beacon of light for someone who may be struggling in darkness, if only to afford them the opportunity to see a glimmering flash. For in that, they may find hope.

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Calendar ongoing Woodstock Farm Fresh Market — Locally grown, fresh produce and other goodies will be available every Saturday through October. September 10th is the Farm Bureau’s Apple Day/ Farm to School Day. 8:30 am-12:00 pm, Market Street, Downtown Woodstock. 770-924-0406.

DowntownWoodstock.org Food Truck Fridays — Enjoy delicious food and treats while visiting with neighbors, listening to music and more! Food trucks will rotate each week. Seats may be limited, so bring a blanket and chairs. 6:00-9:00 pm, Recreation Center, 7545 Main Street, Woodstock.

770-924-7768. CRPA.net GriefShare Support Group — Each Wednesday through November 23rd, GriefShare meets to share three key elements that work together to help people who have lost loved ones recover from the deep hurt of loss. Each class includes a video, group discussion and workbook exercises. Each week, classes will cover different aspects of grief.

Child care is available. 6:30-8:30 pm, First Baptist Canton, 1 Mission Point, Canton. 770-862-1253.

FBCCanton.org Through October

Old, New, Borrowed, Blue — Old, New, Borrowed, Blue will feature wedding dresses, photographs and accessories from women around the county. The exhibit will include dresses from the 1920s to the current day.

Wednesday-Friday 10:00 am-5:00 pm, Saturday 10:00 am-3:00 pm, Cherokee County Historical Museum, 100 North Street, Ste. 100, Canton.

770-345-3288. RockBarn.org

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Woodstock Family Life | SEPTEMBER 2016

SEPTEMBER

1, 8, 15, 22 & 29

Brown Bag Concert Series — Free lunchtime concerts! Bring a chair, pick up some lunch, and enjoy! 12:00-1:00 pm, the Park at City Center, 101 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock. 770-517-6788. WoodstockParksAndRec.com

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Pay it Fur-ward — Cherokee Recreation & Parks Agency will be collecting donations that will be delivered to the Cherokee County Animal Shelter. Wish list: paper towels, Equine Pine bedding pellets, lavender essential oil, Windex glass cleaner, dry dog food, dry cat food, Kong or other indestructible chew toys, hard or interactive cat toys and 60 gallon heavy/contractor trash bags. Donations may be dropped off at the Recreation Center, 7545 Main Street, Building 200, Woodstock.

770-924-7768. CRPA.net

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Maya Heritage Exhibit — Come learn about the Mayan culture through this informative exhibit.

Tuesday-Friday 11:00 am-5:00 pm, Saturday 12:00-5:00 pm, Cherokee Arts Center, 94 North Street, Canton. 770-704-6244.

CherokeeArts.org

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Main Street Morning Networking Meeting — Come get updates on Main Street and Downtown as well as hear a short presentation from our host. Free coffee and pastries from CupUp provided. 8:00-9:00 am, Cherokee Arts Center, 94 North Street, Canton. 770-704-1548. CantonHDL.com

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3rd Annual Night Under the Stars — LA Music Awards Winner, Douglas Cameron and his world-class, high energy, 16-piece big band, return to Elm Street. Often described as “Sinatra on Steriods,” his sounds have a wide variety that will certainly please everyone! 7:30 pm, Resurgens Orthopaedics Community Stage, 111 Elm Street, Woodstock. 678494-4251. ElmStreetArts.org

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9/11 Day of Remembrance — Honor those lost as well as the service men and women who continue to fight for our freedom on the 15th anniversary of this tragic event. Firefighters, police officers and other rescue workers in uniform will be honored. A limited number of 9/11 Remembrance lapel pins will be distributed. 7:00 pm, the Park at City Center, 101 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock.

770-926-8336. WoodstockJaycees.com

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First Annual Tee Off Fore VAC Tournament — The Tee Off Fore VAC Golf Tournament will benefit the Cherokee County Volunteer Aging Council.

7:00 am, Crystal Falls Golf Club, 3756 Cowart Road, Dawsonville. 770-314-8229.

VAC-CherokeeGa.org

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Maya Heritage Art Show Reception — Come out to experience and learn all about the Maya Heritage. 6:00 pm, Cherokee Arts Center, 94 North Street, Canton. 770-704-6244.

CherokeeArts.org/

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iThink Improv Brew Haha — Unique comedy at each event, along with all brewery tours, conducted improv style by the iThink Improv Troupe.

Comedy is free, but tips and donations to Elm Street Cultural Arts Village are

encouraged. 5:30 pm, Reformation Brewery, 500 Arnold Mill Way, Woodstock.

ElmStreetArts.org

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It’s All in the Timing — An original play by Kip Henderson, produced by Broadway Bound Productions. 7:30 pm Thursday-Saturday, 2:30 Sunday, Canton Theatre, 171 East Main Street, Canton. 770-720-2698.

CantonTheatre.com

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Parent’s Night Out — Drop off your kids at the pool for a night of fun for both of you! This is for ages 5+.

5:30-10:00 pm, Cherokee County Aquatic Center, 1200 Gresham Mill Parkway, Canton. 678-880-4760. CRPA.net

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Art and Culture of the Living Maya Part 1 —

There will be a weaving demonstration, a Maya language lesson and much more.

2:00-5:00 pm, Cherokee Arts Center, 94 North Street, Canton. 770-704-6244.

CherokeeArts.org/

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MUST Ministries Charity Golf Tournament — The tournament supports MUST by providing area residents in need with basic necessities such as food, housing, employment services and clothing. 7:30 am, Pinetree Country Club, 3400 McCollum Pkwy., NW Kennesaw. 678218-4513. MustMinistries.org

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Art and Culture of the Living Maya Part 2 — There will be a presentation of the Maya Experience. continued on

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Library Events

Calendar continued from page 7

SequoyahRegionalLibrary.org Hickory Flat 2740 East Cherokee Drive, Canton, 770-345-7565 Rose creek 4476 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock, 770-591-1491 Woodstock 7735 Main Street, Woodstock, 770-926-5859

Family Storytime Tuesdays, 10:30 am, Rose Creek Wednesdays, 10:30 am, Woodstock Thursdays, 10:30 am, Hickory Flat Thursdays, 3:30 pm, Woodstock This is designed for families with children of all ages.

It’s followed by a craft activity. Children must be accompanied by a participating adult.

Nutrition September 9, 10:30 am, Hickory Flat WellStar presents Nutrition, including a discussion on nutrition as we age, weight management and healthy eating.

Bookish Trivia September 13, 6:00-7:00 pm, Woodstock Team up or compete individually as you test your knowledge of popular and classic books. This is for teens in 6th-12th grades.

Amazing Race!

September 13, 4:00 pm, Rose Creek Travel from continent to continent completing challenges, crafts, games and more to proceed to your next travel destination on your way to winning the Amazing Race prize! Space is limited; registration is required.

Movie and Craft September 14, 4:00 pm, Hickory Flat Enjoy a free film where a by the book funny cop must team up with a sly fox to solve a mystery. Come munch on a bag of “Cop-corn,” and make a themed craft while enjoying the movie. Ages 9 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

constitution — learn about their similarities and how they govern in their galaxy and beyond. Watch clips from movies and get your own copy of the constitution to take home.

Movie Matinee September 16, 3:30 pm, Rose Creek A coded map on the back of the Declaration of Independence points to the location of the “national treasure,” but there isn’t only one on this quest.

Whoever can steal the Declaration and decode it first will find the greatest treasure in history (rated PG-13).

Pirate Day September 19, 5:30 pm, Hickory Flat Teens are invited to ‘Talk like a Pirate Day’ with your favorite pirates of film! This is for teens 6th-12th grades only.

Movie Crafter-Noon September 21, 3:00 pm, Woodstock Watch a cartoon about Charlie Brown and his blanket, and after the movie, stay and make your very own Snoopy ears. Children 9 and under with adult supervision, please.

Where in the Library is Carmen Sandiego September 21, 4:00 pm, Hickory Flat The V.I.L.E. villain Carmen Sandiego has struck the library! Race against the clock to discover clues and track her down before it’s too late. This program is for children ages 8-12. Registration is required.

Crocheting and Knitting Club September 14 & 28, 11:00 am, Hickory Flat Let Mrs. Pat help you get started on a knitting or crocheting project. Bring your needles and yarn.

The Art of Autumn September 22, 3:00 pm, Rose Creek Help decorate the meeting room on the first day of Autumn. Create one-of-a-kind art pieces for an art gallery that will be displayed for our patrons to admire.

Tools, supplies and theme provided.

Star Wars and the Constitutional Law: Governing a Galaxy September 15, 6:00 pm, Rose Creek Star Wars and the United States both have a

No-Sew Fleece Throw September 28, 6:00 pm, Hickory Flat Learn how to make a no-sew fleece throw with Lynn Mock. Registration is required.

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Woodstock Family Life | SEPTEMBER 2016

2:00-5:00 pm, Cherokee Arts Center, 94 North Street, Canton. 770-704-6244.

CherokeeArts.org/

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32nd Annual Riverfest Enjoy more than 200 arts and crafts vendors, concessionaires and family entertainers as well as an exciting children’s area. The Riverfest Arts and Crafts Festival is the historic cornerstone of the Cherokee Service League’s fundraising efforts. Please see page 44 for more information. 10:00 am-6:00 pm, Boling Park, 1098 Marietta Hwy, Canton. 770-7045991. ServiceLeague.net/riverfest

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Building Your Beach — Learn how employee engagement achieves business results. 11:30 am-1:30 pm, Cherokee Chamber of Commerce Terrace Level, 3605 Marietta Highway, Canton.

770-345-0400. CherokeeChamber.com

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Downtown Buzz — On the last Friday every month, Main Street members and community guests visit The Chambers at City Center for a networking breakfast meeting. Downtown, citywide and community programs and projects are briefed. Members and guests enjoy light breakfast fare and community networking before and after the meeting. 8:00 am, 8534 Main Street, Woodstock. 770-5926056. DowntownWoodstock.org

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Scarecrow Invasion — As you start your drive down Main Street during the month of October, you will be welcomed by dozens and dozens of scarecrows lining the way. Drop by the Woodstock Visitors Center any time during the month of October to vote for the scarecrow that you like the best.

The votes are $1 each, and businesses with scarecrows may have voting set up in their store for their scarecrow. The proceeds from the Scarecrow Invasion will

be donated to GROW (Green Reaps Opportunity for Woodstock). Main Street Woodstock. 770-924-0406.

DowntownWoodstock.org

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Concrete Planters — Come learn about hypertufa gardening, including creating your own rustic concrete planter to take home.

Once you learn the process, you’ll be amazed how fun and easy it is to make a lightweight, stone-like container. 10:00 am, Senior Service Center, 1001 Univeter Road, Canton.

770-721-7803. UGAExtension.org

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Holly Springs Autumn Fest This will feature a slew of arts and crafts vendors as well as various food vendors. 10:00 am5:00 pm, Barrett Park, 120 Park

Lane, Holly Springs. 770-345-5536.

HollySpringsGA.us

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BSSL Golf FORE Charity Tournament — 18 holes of golf, silent auction, luncheon and award ceremony, benefitting local Cherokee County charities. 8:00 am, BridgeMill Athletic Club, 1190 Bridge Mill Avenue, Canton. 770-630-2619.

BSSLGolf.org

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Friday Night Live: Oktoberfest Celebrate Oktoberfest in downtown Woodstock! Grab a brew with your crew, and have a blast, too! Many restaurants and stores in the downtown area stay open late for this event. 6:00-9:00 pm, Downtown Woodstock. 770-924-0406.

VisitWoodstockGa.com

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Business

Highland Rivers Health is a non-profit provider of treatment and recovery services for mental health,

Autism Center for Children, a practice advancing early diagnosis and treatment of autism in toddlers and children, recently announced the latest expansion of its services, team and facilities.

Amanda Bissonnette-Brown has joined the practice and will help oversee the treatment portion of the Center’s services.

Bissonnette-Brown has a Master’s of Education in Multiple and Severe Disabilities with an emphasis in Autism and has experience as a behavior therapist and lead autism teacher.

In addition, the Center has moved into a new larger office,

addiction and intellectual/developmental disabilities in a 12-county region of northwest Georgia that includes Cherokee County. It was created in February 2002 by the consolidation of Georgia Highlands Center and Three Rivers Behavioral Health Services and has become the second largest public safety net provider in the state of Georgia.

Highland Rivers Health provides services to 14,431 children, adolescents and adults who have mental illness, addiction or developmental and intellectual disabilities. Their mission is to provide superior, community-based neurobehavioral health care services and resource collaboration for individuals and families to improve quality of life.

doubling the size of its previous location. It is now located at 226 Creekstone Ridge in Woodstock. This larger office will enable the

Their vision is to be a community-based system of care

Center to better serve its increasing demand in both its diagnostic

focused on strengthening personal recovery through

and treatment services.

the advancement of a healthy lifestyle for mind and body. For more information, visit HighlandRiversHealth.

For more information on the Autism Center for Children, visit AutismCenterGA.com, or call 470-228-2040.

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Woodstock Family Life | SEPTEMBER 2016

com, or call 706-270-5000.

Georgia Cancer Specialists, the comprehensive cancer care leader in the state, announced the addition of Dr. Navneet Dhillon at its Canton office. Dr. Dhillon is boardcertified in medical oncology, internal medicine as well as hospice and palliative care.

She has special interests in breast cancer and melanoma.

Northside Cherokee Orthopedics & Sports Medicine is pleased to welcome Dr. Jimmy J. Jiang as its newest physician. Dr. Jiang is a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon, who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of all disorders of the hand and upper extremity. He treats a wide range of orthopedic conditions in both adults and children, including fractures, arthritis, sports injuries, rotator cuff disease, tennis/golfers elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome and joint replacements.

Dr. Vallabhaneni joins

Cherokee Lung & Sleep Specialists at its Canton and Woodstock locations. Dr. Vallabhaneni is a triple board-certified physician in pulmonology, internal medicine and critical care medicine. Dr. Vallabhaneni’s clinical interests include management of patients with lung nodules and lung cancer.

He performs minimally invasive thoracic procedures such as Endo Bronchial Ultra Sound (EBUS) and placement of tunneled indwelling pleural catheters to help this patient population. He is also able to treat many routine outpatient pulmonary and sleep disorders.

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

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Woodstock Minute

and Variance Requests

By Jeff Moon

O

ne of the more complex issues local government has to deal with is zoning decisions. Whenever a controversial case comes up, people often ask, “Why would you even allow them to apply for that?” or “Why don’t you just tell them, ‘no?’”

The answer is simple. Under the law in Georgia, as with most states, a property owner has the right to ask for a variance, rezoning, etc. for their property. Everyone gets their day in court, so to speak. That concept is as old as zoning itself.

input meeting, two public hearings are required. The public input meeting is required to be held between the applicant and surrounding property owners. Minutes from the public input meeting are taken and are required to be furnished to the City as part of the application process. As the first step, the public input meeting is the time for the applicant and surrounding property owners to discuss the application directly and try to work through any issues that may be identified.

The first public hearing is before the

Striking the balance between the property rights of the applicant and the neighbor’s property rights can often be a difficult and emotional process.

Zoning is a public process governed by the Zoning Procedures Act in the State of Georgia. Georgia law requires that zoning cases have one public hearing. Local governments can allow for more public input, but not less than the minimum of one public hearing set forth in State law. In Woodstock, in addition to a public

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Woodstock Family Life | SEPTEMBER 2016

Woodstock Planning Commission.

Composed of citizen members appointed by the Mayor and Council, the Planning Commission makes a recommendation on projects to the Mayor and Council.

The second public hearing is before the Mayor and Council who make the ultimate decision on variance and zoning requests.

In regard to variances, the question often comes up, “Why would you even consider a variance to your ordinance?”

The answer is because there is no practical way to write an ordinance that can take every possible scenario into consideration. Not every parcel of property is the same, and sometimes, parcels have unique characteristics that make the application of the zoning ordinance not practical in every situation.

Thus, the requirement in State law is to allow for a variance process to consider unique hardships.

Striking the balance between the property rights of the applicant and the neighbor’s property rights can often be a difficult and emotional process. Legal complexities often further complicate cases along with the consideration of the long-range plans of the community. Public input is an integral part of helping both the Planning Commission and the Mayor and Council search for both a fair and equitable solution to this complex issue.

Jeff Moon is the City Manager for the City of Woodstock. 770-592-6000.

JMoon@WoodstockGa.gov

Kick Off the School Year in the Best Way —

Safely

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By Cobb EMC staff

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Whether your children are starting kindergarten or on their way to college, it’s important for them to practice safety measures, especially with electricity.

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Electricity is a very powerful and vital resource, but it can also be dangerous and even fatal. Talk to your children about how electricity works and the dangers it poses if used incorrectly.

Here are some basic tips to pass on to your children before they head back to school:

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Don’t play or climb on utility poles.

Look up and out for power lines before you climb a tree.

Stay away from areas, buildings and equipment marked with high voltage warning signs.

Do not play with electrical outlets, and do not insert foreign objects or fingers into them.

Keep all liquids away from electrical outlets and electronic devices.

Keep metal objects out of toasters.

If you drive to school and come across a downed pole or line, stay in the car, call 911, and wait for help.

Always assume a down line is energized.

Don’t overload electrical outlets. Overloaded outlets can cause a fire.

Use extension cords with caution. They can easily

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become overloaded.

Be sure that all electrical appliances are kept away from flammable material.

Taking preventative measures and educating your children is one of the best ways to keep them safe from electrical hazards.

To learn more about home safety, visit CobbEMC.com/ home-safety.

Source: Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI)

These tips were provided by Cobb EMC, a non-forprofit electric cooperative. 770-429-2100. CobbEMC.com

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Nerves carry messages from the brain to the rest of our body. Each nerve is like a telephone cable covered in insulation, containing millions of individual fibers, grouped in bundles with the insulated cable. They are fragile and can easily be damaged by pressure, stretching or cutting.

Nerve Injury Treatment A cut nerve can be repaired by sewing together the insulation around both ends of the nerve. A nerve in a finger is only as thick as a thin piece of spaghetti; therefore, the stitches must be very tiny and thin.

You may need to protect the nerve with a splint for the first three weeks to prevent it from stretching apart.

The goal is to fix the outer cover, so the nerve fibers can grow down the empty tube to the muscles and sensory to work again. Your doctor will line up the ends of the nerve repair so that the fibers and empty tubes match up with each other as best as possible. Because there are millions of fibers in the nerve, not all of the original connections are likely to be re-established.

If the wound is dirty or crushed, your doctor may wait until the skin has healed to fix the nerve. If there is a gap between the nerves, he or she may take a piece of the nerve (nerve graft) from another part of the body to fix the injured nerve. The procedure may cause permanent loss of feeling in the area from where the nerve graft was taken. Sometimes, smaller gaps can be bridged with “conduits” made from a vein or special cylinder.

Once the nerve cover is repaired, nerve fibers should begin to grow across the repair site after three to four weeks. The nerve fibers then grow down to the empty nerve tubes, up to one inch per month, depending on your age and other factors. This means that a nerve injury in the arm, 11-12 inches above the fingertips, may take as long as a year to finish growing. You may notice a tingling feeling of pins and needles in the fingertips during the healing process. This is a sign of recovery and should pass.

Recovery for a Nerve Injury You should be aware of several things while you’re waiting for the nerve to heal. Your doctor may recommend therapy to keep joints flexible. If the joint becomes stiff, it won’t work even after the muscle begins to function properly.

Although a nerve injury may create a lasting problem, proper care and therapy will help you achieve more normal use.

Dr. Kyle Herron is a physician with Atlanta Hand Specialist, located in Canton, Marietta, Smyrna and Douglasville. 770-333-7888.

AtlantaHandSpecialist.com

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Woodstock Family Life | SEPTEMBER 2016

Hand Nerve Injuries

By Kyle Herron, M.D.

Community Feature Hickory Flat Volunteer Fire Department Donates Fire Truck Members of the Hickory Flat Volunteer Fire Department gathered at Station 3 to say goodbye to old Engine 30. The engine was purchased new in 1988, and it has served the department well.

In recent years, it became a “reserve engine,” responding to fewer and fewer calls. It was used primarily, as of late, to help train recruits at the Cherokee County Fire Training Center. Engine 30 was recently replaced by a new engine, purchased in large part through donations from within the Hickory Flat community.

Remembering the lean years as the department grew with the community, the members decided to donate the engine to a new, struggling, volunteer fire department in a small community in Kentucky. “She served us well, and now she can continue to serve in another volunteer department,” said board member Jim Hubbard.

Retired after 40 years of service, Chief Larry Berry, who was one of the founders of HFVFD, along with Jim Hubbard, also one of the founding members, were both present. Other members present span years of service. Adam Eilers and Tony DiPasquale with 25+ years, Mark Cornelius and Al Fox with 10+ years, Jack Tuszynski and Paul Manners with 5+ years, Katie Payne with 2+ years, Alex Stice with 2 years and 4 new members representing the future of the department.

Congratulations to our August Differences” winner, YoelMcMichael!

Skurka!

Melanie Tugman!

Congratulations to our October “7“7 Differences” winner, Joyce WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

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Community Feature Chamber Volunteer of the Quarter The Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that Russ Phillips with TransAmerica Financial Advisors has been named the Chairman’s Council Volunteer of the Quarter for second Chamber Volunteer of the Quarter, quarter of 2016.

Russ Phillips receiving his award from In determining the Chamber Chairman Steve Garrison.

Volunteer of the Quarter, attendance at Chamber events is evaluated for all members of the Chairman’s Council.

“Russ is a dedicated Chamber volunteer, and we appreciate the time he has devoted this year,” said Steve Garrison, Chamber chairman and owner of Canton Tire & Wheel.

Waste Management Awards Grant to Cherokee Chamber of Commerce The Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce has been awarded a $2,500 grant from Waste Management. “The Waste Management Think Green®Community Improvement Grants are part of an ongoing national effort to encourage the development of local environmental solutions that build sustainable communities,” shared Pam Carnes, Chamber President & CEO. “The Chamber was thrilled to be chosen as a grant recipient, and we look forward to continuing to promote green living through this partnership with Waste Management.”

Now in the ninth year of the grant program, which is coordinated in partnership between Waste Management and Keep America Beautiful, $1.3 million in grant monies have been awarded to affiliates and partners in support of more than 205 community service projects and programs.

The Cherokee County Chamber received one of 39 grants awarded across the nation and plans to utilize the funds for an elementary school recycling initiative to be held later this fall. The mission of the Cherokee County Chamber’s Going Green initiative is to encourage the community to implement green practices that conserve community resources while helping businesses thrive.

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Woodstock Family Life | SEPTEMBER 2016

Move on When Ready?

“Move on When Ready” (dual enrollment) legislation is supposed to be an incredible opportunity to allow kids from our area high schools to attend local college, university and tech school campuses to earn credit that will also apply to their graduation from high school.The law is very well intentioned, but has some serious kinks to work out.

One of the issues is that the Board of Regents doesn’t give numeric grades.

So, a child who earns a 90 has the same grade as a child who earns a 100 average. In our county, an “A” from a college campus translates to a 95 on a student’s transcript, no matter how high or low the “A” is. While it’s nice for a student who earns a low “A,” it’s problematic for high achieving students who are used to scoring much higher. Many of our best and brightest students end up dropping several spaces in their class rank, which could hurt their admission chances at some colleges and universities.

End Of Course Tests (EOCT) are tricky as well. Several high school classes require that a student pass the EOCT in order to earn credit for the course.The Board of Regents and the Department of Education don’t collaborate on these classes. So imagine the difficulty when a student enrolled full time on a college campus has to go back to the

By Lisa-Marie Haygood high school to take a test over material that may not have been covered.

Attempts were made in the Legislature this past year to correct some of these pitfalls by allowing kids to use their AP exam scores of a 3,4 or 5 (great scores) to exempt taking the EOCT again.The problem with this is that the EOCT is administered in April, and the AP exam scores come back in July, long after school ends.

I believe our law makers will continue to work to find a solution.This concept is an amazing opportunity for students who want to stretch their learning.

Lisa-Marie Haygood is the president of Georgia PTA. 404-659-0214.

LMHaygood@GeorgiaPTA.org

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Community Feature The Woodstock HS Varsity Singers Receive Top State Honor The choral group, directed by teacher Ryan McKendrick, has earned the Exemplary Performance Award presented by the Georgia Music Educators Association.

CCSD Names 2016-17 Student Advisor, Student Delegates to School Board The Cherokee County School Board has included a student advisor position on its board since 1999, and for the past six years, a student delegate from each high school has also been selected.

These students serve for one year to give input and feedback to the School Board; the advisor role is rotated among the county’s high schools.

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Woodstock HS choral students have also been invited to perform at the Association’s In-Service event, as have choral groups from Teasley MS, Woodstock MS and Sequoyah HS. It’s considered a significant feat for so many groups from one school district to be selected.

River Ridge HS Student Places at State Level for Microsoft Certification

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This year’s student advisor is Joseph Henderson of ACE Academy [1]. The Student Delegates are: Cherokee High School’s Julia Kochansky [2], Creekview High School’s Parker Quarles [3], Etowah High School’s Meghan Hines [4], River Ridge High School’s Jordan Mason [5], Sequoyah High School’s Isabelle Riddle [6] and Woodstock High School’s Kayla Brader [7].

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7

Students selected to serve as student advisor or student delegates share common traits. They excel in the classroom, often ranking in the top ten percent of their class and earning titles like valedictorian; they are involved in their school, often participating in numerous clubs, sports and organizations, and they seek out opportunities to serve and lead.

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“Building an excellent music program is a process requiring extra time, much talent and tremendous dedication to the music education profession,” said Ed Davis, chairman for the Exemplary Performance Award Selection Committee. “Mr. McKendrick is to be commended for this outstanding achievement. His school and students are the direct benefactors of his hard work and love for teaching.”

Woodstock Family Life | SEPTEMBER 2016

A River Ridge High School Class of 2016 graduate placed third in Georgia for her performance on Microsoft’s Word 2013 Certification Exam. The school recently received the results for its 2015-16 testing, which showed Kaila Banker’s success on the test. She earned a perfect score in record time.

All Georgia students can take a Microsoft Office Specialist Exam, free of charge, and earn certification in a specific Microsoft program. Kaila was a student of teacher Jennifer Norton in her computer science class.

Why Dehumidify?

By Robbie Matiak

Thanks to living in Georgia, we’re familiar with that muggy, sticky feeling of summer air in the south.

Experts agree that homes should have a humidity level of 40-60%. Newer constructed homes are built tightly, which is great for insulation value and energy efficiency, but that same insulation prevents the exchange of stale air for fresh outdoor air, trapping moisture from showers and baths, cooking and more. Also, outside air can cause issues in older homes when air seeps through cracks in electrical outlets, floors and around doors and windows.

Excessive humidity can make you feel miserable in the one place that should offer the ultimate in comfort, your home. Summer energy consumption and costs can increase dramatically as the thermostat is adjusted to a lower and lower temperature to help off-set that muggy feeling, resulting in your home’s HVAC system running almost non-stop.

There are also health concerns with excessive humidity. When humidity exceeds the recommended level, the air in your home becomes a breeding ground for insects, dust mites, mold and mildew. This can destroy furniture, create an unpleasant aroma, and potentially trigger breathing issues for those with compromised immune systems, allergies or asthma. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, “As many as 10% of the general population and

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Woodstock Family Life | SEPTEMBER 2016

90% of people with allergic asthma are sensitive to dust mites.”

Modern HVAC systems offer a level of dehumidification, but for those experiencing an excessive moisture problem, the Honeywell TrueDRY™ Dehumidification System is a wholehouse solution. While there are portable, single-room dehumidifiers available on the market today, they require daily emptying of the collection

receptacle to prevent overflow. They also use more energy to operate and only affect the room in which they are running. The Honeywell TrueDRY™ Dehumidification Systems are integrated directly into your home’s HVAC system(s), eliminating the need for manual emptying of the water collected, offering relief throughout the home, with an increased capacity for dehumidification.

Honeywell TrueDRY™ Dehumidification Systems also provide energy savings. ENERGY STAR® estimates that homeowners can save up to 6% on cooling costs for every degree the thermostat is turned up.

Since air with less humidity feels cooler, TrueDRY™ helps reduce energy costs because you can turn your thermostat up, and run the HVAC system less often. In addition, TrueDRY™ uses significantly less energy than your HVAC system.

Enabling Honeywell’s RedLINK™ Wireless Technology and their fullsuite of wireless-enabled comfort systems will provide an even greater efficiency by putting the control of your home environment in the palm of your hand, even when you are away, via the web portal or the mobile app. You’ll be able to remain connected to your home from anywhere in the world. As your system operates, every RedLINK™-enabled component is communicating, allowing your system to learn as it operates, optimizing itself for comfort and efficiency based on your family’s needs.

Robbie Matiak is a project coordinator at R & D Mechanical Services, Inc. 770-917-1795. RandDMechanical.net

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Senator Speaks

Making Georgia the Next

Silicon Valley

By Senator Brandon Beach

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estled in the south and home to the world’s most efficient airport, the fourth largest shipping port, one of the most expansive transportation infrastructures in the nation and named the best state in the nation to do business three years running, it is no wonder companies are flocking to Georgia. Our state’s pro-business climate and favorable business tax structure are among the top reasons our state is home to over 16,000 technology companies, 20 Fortune 500 headquarters and 440 Fortune 500 companies.

Today’s demand for competitive job markets and faster, more efficient work places has led Georgia to have over 500,000 fiber optic cable lines. The majority of these lines are laid in and around the metro Atlanta area, especially along the GA 400 corridor, between I-285 and Dawsonville. There are more than 900 technology companies located along this corridor, including financial technology companies responsible for 70 percent of all financial transactions in the United States. The city of Alpharetta has become known as the “Technology Hub of the South” because of this corridor.

The success of North Fulton’s technology industry has an economic impact of more than $113 billion in our state. The exponential growth in economic development spurred by our 21st century technological infrastructure led Georgia to be named one of the top ten states for high-tech job growth in 2015 by the TechAmerica Foundation.

In order for Atlanta to truly own the title of the “Silicon Valley of the South,” Georgia’s generous technological infrastructure needs to be expanded outward to include cities on the fringe of the metro area. Woodstock, in particular, is poised for growth.

Aside from its proximity to the fiber optic cable network running along the GA 400 corridor, 40 percent of Cherokee County residents already possess a post-secondary degree. Additionally, approximately 79 percent of Cherokee County residents commute outside of the county for work. By making Woodstock an attractive area to investors, businesses will be met with a highly educated and skilled workforce, and employees’ commute times will be drastically reduced, easing congestion on our roads.

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Woodstock Family Life | SEPTEMBER 2016

Not only are fiber cables helping bring business to our state, they are also enabling cities, like Alpharetta, to ease the burden of the traffic congestion caused by traffic signals. The fiber optic cable turns the traffic signals from ordinary signals that run on manual timer devices to ones that are connected to a mainframe computer that can be used to adjust the timing of the signals as traffic conditions warrant.

We have seen the enormous economic impact generated by Georgia’s ability to attract cutting-edge, high-tech businesses to the Atlanta area. In order to continue attracting investments, we must continue to expand our plentiful resources, to cities like Woodstock, to show potential investors why Georgia is the number one state in the nation to do business.

Brandon Beach is a State Senator, District 21, who represents a portion of Cherokee County in the Georgia General Assembly.

Things to Consider for the Fall Garden: Planting from seed — Successive plantings of quick growing plants like radish, spinach, beets, turnip and lettuce can be made up to about mid-September to mature before frosts come. These plants do best when planted directly from seed. Soil temperatures in the fall tend to be warmer than in spring, so it is recommended to plant seeds twice as deep as normal.

Fall is Prime Time for

Vegetable Gardening

By Joshua Fuder

It is a common misconception that vegetable gardening ends with the summer.

Many vegetables like spinach, collards, lettuce and turnips prefer to grow in cooler temperatures. Not only do many vegetables tolerate cool temperatures, they actually thrive and are sweeter and more flavorful when grown under cold conditions.

Transplanting — Things like collards, kale, broccoli and cabbage can be transplanted in the garden up to the end of September. These plants are very tolerant of mild frosts and get sweeter in taste after a couple of freezing nights.

Turn up the flavor — To add some flavor to the roots and greens coming out of the garden, think about planting herbs like parsley, dill, arugula and cilantro, all of which prefer to grow under cooler temperatures. The fall is also the time to plant garlic, onion sets and shallots for harvest next year.

A Little Protection Goes a Long Way: If a frost is predicted, try covering plants with floating row cover, straw or old bed sheets. If just a few plants are left out of cover, you can protect them with things like milk jugs. Simple cold frames can also be constructed with old windows or plexiglass that will make growing things like lettuce possible all winter long.

Joshua Fuder is an agriculture and natural resources agent at the UGA Cooperative Extension Cherokee County. Contact the UGA Extension office for any gardening assistance, 770-721-7830 or CAES.UGA.Edu/ extension/cherokee

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By Drs. Petrosky, Musarra, Harkins and Leake You’ve heard it being advertised on the radio, in magazines and billboards all over town. What’s all the buzz about? CoolSculpting® — that’s what!

CoolSculpting® is a revolutionary, nonsurgical contouring treatment that freezes stubborn fat, which is then naturally eliminated from the body — no needles, no surgery, no downtime. It’s safe, DFA-approved and does exactly what it’s supposed to do. Since CoolSculpting® is non-invasive, patients can resume daily activities, including work and exercise, immediately following treatment.

Did you know that 7.2 million patients are seeking CoolSculpting® for thigh

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Woodstock Family Life | SEPTEMBER 2016

treatments? With their new applicator, CoolSmooth Pro™, you can now effectively treat your outer thighs. This unique, comfortable, flat applicator design is ideal for non-pinchable fat, and the best part is that the treatment is only 75 minutes compared to the two hours it used to take. The CoolFit® applicator, with its longer cooling plates and flat vacuum design, is ideal for vertical fat, such as your inner thighs.

Coolsculpting® can treat five of the six areas demanded by patients. On average, each CoolSculpting® procedure results in a 20% reduction of fat in treated areas, and patients can start seeing results as soon as three weeks following treatment, with the most dramatic results occurring over a period of two to four months in most patients.

CoolSculpting® isn’t intended as a weight loss method, but rather as a means of reducing small areas of fat. It’s an excellent choice for patients for whom liposuction isn’t feasible or desirable.

It's body contouring without surgery or downtime, and it takes only one hour of your time. Your friends and family will be wondering when you found the time to work out so much and look so good. It’s not about what you lose, but what you gain. So say goodbye to stubborn fat, and say hello to the body you once had. Byebye muffin tops and love handles!

As with any procedure you are considering, make sure your consultation is with a specialty-trained professional.

Drs. Petrosky, Musarra, Harkins and Leake are board-certified plastic surgeons at Plastic Surgery Center of the South.

770-421-1242. PlasticSurgery CenterOf TheSouth.net

Book Review by farris yawn

The Slave Daughter Several years ago, local history instructor Bob Lipscomb was asked by his aunts to help do some research on the Sardis community of Cherokee County. While working on that research, he came across information about the early settlers and the slaves they brought with them. There was very little information about these people, but his aunt found a descendant of one of these slaves. She told him that family legend told that her ancestor was not just her owner’s property, but his daughter as well.

Mr. Lipscomb could not find enough additional information to tell the true story of these early residents, but the story would not leave him. It eventually became the basis for his first novel, The Slave Daughter.

The Slave Daughter follows the struggles and hardships the slaves endured through the turbulent period before the Civil War, as they worked to survive and build the Sardis Community and build their own community after the war.

Many details of that era are lost to time, so the author was forced to fill in details from his imagination and his knowledge of the area. His hope is that this story will help give a better understanding and appreciation of the people who helped settle this area, and he hopes you will agree with his conclusion: The slaves of Sardis and Hickory Log persevered and endured until a better day only barely glimpsed.

In doing so, they proved their own humanity and the potential, only barely realized, of all of us.

Farris Yawn is the owner of Yawns Publishing, 198 North Canton Street, Canton. 678-880-1922. YawnsBooks.com

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Community Partners

Wildlife Action of GA:

Protecting, Securing and Educating Others on the Great Outdoors

N IO

EDUCATIONS

•

E LIF LD

•

S ACTION, I NC P .

•

W I

CON SE RV AT

For more information, please visit WildLifeActionGeorgia.com, or follow them on Facebook at Wildlife Action of Georgia.

N TIO VA ER

The WLA of Georgia Resource Education Center is located on the shore of Lake Allatoona, at 2075 Kellogg Creek Road, in Acworth, GA. The Georgia State Chapter has been a proud sponsor of the Great Lake Allatoona Cleanup for over 25 years. Join them for the next Great Lake Allatoona Cleanup on September 24, 2016. They’re also having two youth and handicap deer hunts in December.

They’re always looking for volunteers to help during field trips and events.

Their facilities at the Georgia Resource Education Center include a lodge with lake view, Smith Education Center, covered pavilions, outdoor chapel and an

activity field, which are available to rent for special events.

PR ES

Woodstock Family Life | SEPTEMBER 2016

it’s through chapter efforts that WLA members make communities a better place in which to live.

•

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traditions for future generations

E S T. 1977

• FE LL OW S

One of the most important elements for successful conservation projects is to have strong, well-structured, local chapters. WLA’s motto, “local folks solving local problems,” encourages a community to work with its citizens in confronting local issues. WLA’s slogan is, “to put back more than we take,” and

in the cost and benefits of perpetuating them

• Support the right to keep and bear arms • Share outdoor traditions with our youth, and work together to protect these

HIP ANS SM RT O

WLA was first idealized in 1977 by seven hunters, as they sat on the banks of the Great Pee Dee River discussing the diminishing number of ducks in South Carolina and realized that it was the ethical responsibility of each individual to take care of the environment, wildlife and our natural resources.

Thus, Wildlife Action, Inc., a private, nonprofit, conservation organization, was established. Since 1983, WLA has grown from a small group of concerned sportsmen into a diverse group of individuals who share a mutual concern for the earth and its inhabitants.

and encourage improved behavior of irresponsible outdoor users

• Educate all people that natural resources belong to everyone, and all should share

•

In 2014, WLA was a Partner in Education with local schools to welcome students and groups to their facilities for field trips and to enrich curriculums taught in classrooms. By closely working with our local Department of Natural Resources, U.S. Army Corp of Engineers and Georgia Forestry Commission, their mission is to reach kids and educate them about wildlife habitats, conservation, preservation and restoration of natural resources.

WLA’s Goals: • Raise awareness about diminishing wildlife habitats • Effectively secure, protect and manage wildlife habitats • Protect rivers and wetlands from unnecessary destruction and development • Work to reduce poaching, trespassing and other illegal, inconsiderate activities,

P HI

Wildlife Action, Inc. of Georgia (WLA) is one of Cherokee County’s best kept secrets. They’re a familyoriented organization, where children are provided hands-on opportunities through outdoor presentations, events and experiences. They offer hiking, camping, canoeing, fishing, a boat dock, a swimming dock, an archery range and more for their members and guests.

Local Folks Solving Local Problems

Georgia State Chapter EST. 1987

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COVER STORY By cyndi Braun

Building Lifelong Relationships Based on Trust and Quality Care

T

wenty years ago, Woodstock Pediatric Medicine (WPM) opened its doors to patients. Over the years, families have built lifelong relationships with the practice. Providers now see second-generation patients, extended families and patients who travel great distances.

“We pride ourselves on being a community fixture and providing care in a loving, compassionate environment,” said Kelly Marulanda, practice administrator. “We cherish the long-term relationships we have fostered with patients and their families.”

Four board-certified pediatricians serve patients: Dr. Jordana Heaven, Dr. Adriana Rzeznik, Dr. Frini Shah and Dr. Ferdinand Yates. Two certified pediatric nurse practitioners also provide patient care: Shannon Dobson and Melanie Sprung. Providers treat childhood illnesses as well as promote good health, wellness and disease prevention for children, from birth through age 21.

Nearly all insurance plans are accepted, including Tricare and Medicaid.

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Woodstock Family Life | SEPTEMBER 2016

“We are committed to providing highquality care,” said Dr. Yates, who recently joined WPM after a 34-year career in upstate New York. “By building trusting relationships, we can ensure quality care through the years.”

Since many parents are interested in meeting with providers prior to becoming patients, WPM offers free pre-natal and meet-and-greet visits. During these visits, parents can meet with the staff, tour the facility, ask questions about policies and just get a feel for the type of care that the practice provides.

Newborn Care

Newborn care focuses on prenatal visits, well-child check-ups and supporting caregivers in their role as parents. In order to prevent illness, providers keep patients up-to-date on immunizations, per recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Center for Disease Control.

“I especially enjoy seeing brand new babies because the parents have brought

you their pride and joy. They are giving you the opportunity to get involved in their care, and there’s a real trust. Getting to care for a young family with young children means we can be involved in parent education, training and skill development,” said Dr. Yates.

Perhaps the most special new baby is the one brought to the practice by a former patient. The providers agree that the greatest compliment is when patients grow up, get married and return with their babies. This return of the second generation is indication that the former patients want to continue a positive relationship with their childhood providers.

School-Age Years

Just as parents watch their children pass milestone after milestone, providers enjoy seeing patients grow up.

“It’s fun to watch these kids grow up. I’ve been here seven years, so now the babies I saw when I started here are going to school,” said Shannon Dobson, CPNP. “I’ve seen them as newborns, toddlers,

preschoolers, and now they’re in school.

It’s an honor to be part of their life.”

Visits during the school years include well-child exams, vision/hearing screening and any necessary immunizations. The pediatricians also offer ear piercing for parents who desire that.

“Summertime is when we do a lot of our well checks for school-aged children. It’s sometimes my once-a-year opportunity to see kids who I have known since the day they were born,” said Dr. Heaven. “It’s a measure of how much has changed when I walk in the exam room and see boys who are now towering over me. It’s so nice to have that lifelong connection.”

Extra Support

If a child is diagnosed with a chronic disease, the providers offer extra support, including the opportunity to discuss the

condition at length and visit as often as they need. This caring attention goes beyond office hours.

Dobson says she thinks about her patients long after the office is closed. “I worry

about my kids. You don’t just leave here and forget about them. When I have a child with a serious issue, I call back the next day. Sometimes parents are surprised to hear from me, but I need to make sure they are doing okay,” said Dobson.

Teens and Beyond

In addition to well-child visits, WPM provides sports physicals for adolescents and help with issues such as weight management and ADHD. Some parents might think that their teenagers are getting too old to see a pediatrician, but WPM disagrees.

“In pediatrics, we can take care of the kids all the way to 21. Adolescents are not miniature grown-ups. Developmentally, their brains are not adult brains,” said Dr. Heaven. “Pediatrics is geared to taking care of kids as they transition to adults and independence.”

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When teenagers come in for exams, they are not completely on their own. A parent is in the background or waiting in the hallway. This ensures that the young person has privacy, but the parent is still involved in their care. “I tell the kids, ‘this is your time, but I will be reviewing with your mom or dad because it’s still a team effort,’” said Dr. Yates. “We also encourage the teenagers to have a good relationship with their parents. We want to empower that relationship for the benefit of everybody.”

Once children graduate from high school,

some consider going to an adult physician, but WPM says that is not yet necessary.

The relationship a young person has with his/her pediatrician can provide a feeling of security in a transitional time.

Pediatricians are also more knowledgeable about vaccines and paperwork required for college. However, once patients turn 21, they age out of the practice.

“They often leave at 21, kicking and screaming,” said Dr. Heaven, smiling. “I tell them, ‘I loved taking care of you. I’ll see you when you get married and bring back your babies!’”

2000 Professional Way • Woodstock, GA 30188

770-517-0250

Office Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 12:00 pm, 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm Saturday – starting at 9:00 am for sick appointments only 30

Woodstock Family Life | SEPTEMBER 2016

Yoga

for Stress Relief

By Sami Jackson

don’t need fancy clothes or an expensive mat. Find a studio or video with a basic beginner sequence, and follow along.

You will soon begin to notice changes in your body and mood.

Often, when people talk about yoga, they reference the physiological benefits of increased flexibility, balance and strength along with decreased muscle stiffness. However, the mental and psychological benefits are profound.

Stress is something that people deal with on a daily basis. Stress happens to our bodies, minds, thoughts and behavior in response to an event.

Yoga is one of the best methods for reducing and controlling stress.

Yoga is for every “body.” There are very few limitations to start a practice. You

Yoga involves focus on and awareness of your breath and body, which makes it an effective way to calm the mind.

Breath awareness and mindfulness weave their way into your everyday life. Just wait; a positive outlook is just around the next mat!

Yoga has been proven helpful in reducing stress, anxiety and depression by helping to regulate the stress response system. The heart rate drops, blood pressure falls and respiration slows and

deepens. Blood flow to the core of the body is reestablished, which promotes good digestion and support of the immune system, thus infusing us with a sense of well-being. You may sleep deeper and longer, as you are better able to clear your mind and relax.

So if you are looking for an activity that can enhance the quality of your life, mind, body and spirit, give yoga a try. Meet yourself on the mat; embrace your body, and celebrate what it can do!

Increased self-confidence and decreased anxiety are sure to follow!

There are many styles of yoga, so look around; ask questions, and find a practice that suits you.

Sami Jackson is owner/instructor at Seva-Yoga in Ball Ground.

916-214-6535.

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Tasteof

by chef hillary gallagher (Serves 4)

I n g re die nt s Salad

PRE P A R A T I O N Salad

¼ head red cabbage, cut thinly on the bias 1 small red onion, thinly sliced 1 small jar pickled okra, cut into rounds ½ bunch cilantro leaves, washed, picked and roughly chopped 1 fresh lime, juiced 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 1 teaspoon kosher salt ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1. Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl, and adjust the seasoning as needed with salt and pepper.

2. Set the salad aside to marinate and cook the fish.

Fish 3-4 fish fillets, catfish, flounder or other firm white fish 1 teaspoon kosher salt ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper ½ cup cornmeal 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or light olive oil 1 cup milk 1 fresh lime, cut into 8 wedges for garnish 1 pack small corn tortillas

Fish 1. Cut the fish into strips, approximately 1x2 inches.

2. Combine the cornmeal and the salt and pepper in a bowl.

3. Pour the milk in a bowl, and dip the fish strips into the milk then roll it in the seasoned cornmeal.

4. Place the breaded fish on a plate or cookie sheet; do not stack or shingle the fish, or it will get soggy.

5. In a medium sauté pan, on medium high heat, add the 2 tablespoons of oil; you may need more depending on the size of the pan. Allow the oil to get hot, and add the breaded fish. Do not crowd the pan; if necessary, cook the fish in batches. Sauté the fish for two minutes on each side.

6. Remove the fish from the pan, and allow it to drain on a plate covered with paper towels.

plati ng 1. Place 2 or 3 corn tortillas on each plate; fill each tortilla with two or three pieces of fish, depending on the size.

2. Top the fish with the salad, and garnish with a lime wedge.

3. Serve with rice or a green salad.

Additional garnish options: crumbled cotija cheese, fresh cilantro leaves, hot sauce and/or guacamole Hillary Gallagher, CCC is the Culinary Arts Program Director and Lead Instructor at Chattahoochee Technical College in East Cobb. Hillary.Gallagher@ ChattahoocheeTech.edu. 770-509-6350.

ChattahoocheeTech.edu

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ama

Infant Communication: m

Talking and Feeling

By Mary Kay Buquoi, Ed.S. Words do more than communicate thoughts and facts. They allow us to organize and categorize those thoughts and facts — just as numbering systems allow us to do arithmetic after we’ve run out of fingers and toes to count on, or file names let us access previous work on a particular topic.

Children who are only weeks old begin to babble and coo, then move to squeals and squeaks, then repetitive tongue and lip movements, all in a fairly predictable sequence. As children age, they spend a fair amount of time experimenting and playing with sounds.

Children play with giggles, cooing, wailing, grunting, moaning and bubble

blowing on their way to their first word, just as they play with their feet or body parts on their way to sitting up, crawling and walking.

The pleasure gained in the mastery of sounds helps drive development forward. Be honest. You know those sounds are fun to make because you mimic them just to see that little face light up.

While infants begin uttering sounds for the sheer delight of doing so, they won’t attach meaning to those sounds until around twelve months of age. Once this happens, children discover the power of words to cause

action; saying “mama” is likely to bring mom to the scene. Children also discover that words can call forth mental images of the people or things the words mean; saying or thinking “mama” will bring up a mental picture of mom. Such images can be very comforting to a child when mom isn’t physically present, such as at bedtime. Most parents are familiar with children’s nighttime chants, a mix of words and syllables that call up images of the child’s world that are temporarily out of sight when we turn off the lights. While the uttered name may not magically or instantly produce mom, the mental image or picture attached to the name provides important comfort until she actually appears.

Mary Kay Buquoi is owner of The Goddard School, 140 Foster Road, Woodstock. 770-720-1311.

GoddardSchools.com

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Stressed?

How About Your Hair?

By Jyl Craven Have you ever thought your hair may be more stressed out than you? Is that even possible?

Like many this summer, you’ve frequently bleached, highlighted, toned and colored your hair only to realize that it may be coming with a consequence. While repeated trips to the salon to keep your hair in vogue this summer may have been a priority, overstepping your hair health boundaries could have caused it unnecessary stress. Maintaining healthy, color-rich hair certainly doesn’t require expertise, but it does require knowing a few basics if you want to keep your strands stress-free this season and beyond.

LIFESTYLE

Stress Factors

How often should you be coloring your hair? If your hair fiber is strong and your scalp is less sensitive, then coloring every 4-6 weeks is fine. Hair that is more fragile and prone to damage should wait a little longer between color services. When lightening your hair, be mindful, as this process is harsher than simply adding a deeper color. Lightening hair removes healthy fatty acids from the hair shaft, which can weaken the hair strand. If you are someone who likes to frequently change your hair color, consider a semi-permanent or demi-permanent hair color, as these color solutions place less stress on your hair.

Stress Signs

Permanent hair color works by swelling the hair cuticle, lifting the pigment and depositing new color. Coloring too frequently can

lead to damage by causing the hair to become more porous, thus losing valuable proteins. When this happens, strands become stressed and noticeably more brittle, dull and frizzy. These lackluster strands can also become harder to comb out, leaving you in a tangled conundrum.

Additionally, if your hair is drying much faster than normal, it could be from its increased porosity, yet another unwanted signal of hair stress.

has the time for that? Since the one thing we’re all trying to capture is beauty, why not follow these few simple tips? If you do, you’re sure to have color-rich, stress-free hair, which is truly the best of both worlds. L

Stress Remedies

Hair is made of approximately 91% protein. Since coloring your hair can cause the loss of these valuable proteins, it’s important to replace them as quickly as possible.

For the quickest, most concentrated boost of protein, consider a protein treatment from your local salon. Shampooing should only occur two or three times a week, followed by a deep conditioning mask at least once a week.

A protein-rich masque is preferred versus a daily conditioner, since the masque will reach the cuticle of the hair shaft rather than resting on the outside of the hair.

The masque will add back that much needed moisture and protein, leaving your hair feeling stronger and stress-free.

Yes, you could regrow your hair back to its original condition, but who

Jyl Craven is owner of Jyl Craven Hair Design of Canton. 770-345-9411. JylCraven.com

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35

Got TMJ?

By Dr. Steven Anderson, D.M.D.

Causes Trauma, joint diseases as well as exaggerated tension in the muscles that control the jaw, neck and shoulder can contribute to or cause TMD. But sometimes, the exact cause is unknown. Chew Gum? There’s no scientific proof that gum chewing leads to TMD. However, if your jaw hurts after chewing a ton of gum, then you should refrain from chewing gum.

Does your jaw click or pop? This is surprisingly common, and as long as there is no pain or other symptoms, treatment isn’t usually necessary. People who clinch or grind their teeth and subsequently experience pain and dysfunction with their TMJs are often diagnosed with TMD. Clinching and grinding (all night) tire the jaw muscles, which results in pain.

TMD Symptoms Include: • • • • •

Pain in the TMJ, head or chewing muscles Radiating pain in the face, neck or shoulders Locking of the jaw or limited movement Painful clicking or popping of the TMJ Top and bottom teeth not fitting together correctly

Diagnosis There’s no “standard test” for diagnosing TMD. The majority of patients give adequate descriptions of symptoms, and by examining the mouth, jaw and facial muscles, TMD can usually be diagnosed by a trained care provider.

Yes, of course! Everyone has TMJ. In fact, you have two TMJs, or temporomandibular joints (jaw joints). “TMJ” is often mistakenly used in reference to a more complex condition known as “TMD.” The “D” stands for dysfunction or disorder, and these conditions are associated with the TMJs of your jaw.

TMD is not a disease. However, the dysfunction of a TMJ may result secondary to a disease such as a degenerative joint disease or other arthritic conditions.

TMD is when the TMJ doesn’t function correctly. There are three main categories: I – Myofacial pain (most common and involves pain in face muscles) II – Internal derangement of the joint (dislocated jaw/disc or injury related) III – Degenerative joint diseases (examples are osteo and rheumatoid arthritis)

Dr. Steven Anderson is owner/dentist with Anderson Dental of Woodstock and East Cobb. 650 Claremore Professional Way, Ste. 200, Woodstock. 770-384-8505. DrStevenAnderson.com

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How is TMD Treated? Examples of Conservative (Reversible) Options Include: • Reduction of excessive TMJ activity (repetitive chewing and yawning) • Hot/cold packs • Facial and neck muscle relaxing/stretching techniques • Short-term use of muscle relaxing or anti- inflammatory drugs • Custom-made oral appliances (hard splints) that directly aid in the reduction of TMJ muscle tension.

Surgical and irreversible treatments should be approached very cautiously and as a last resort. These options include TMJ replacement, complex adjustments of teeth and/or extensive dental work.

Keep in mind that for most people, TMJ discomfort is temporary and resolves on its own. Simple “self-cure” and/or non-invasive, reversible treatments usually do the trick. Many practitioners, especially dentists, are specifically trained in conservative treatment and are well-qualified in correctly diagnosing and effectively treating TMD. As with any condition, if pain persists, it’s important to seek a qualified health professional to care for you. After all, great dentistry is all about you.

Behind the Curtain…

By Julie Senger

As you and your fellow audience members come into the theatre, take your seats and quietly converse amongst yourselves while awaiting the heavy curtain to be drawn open, bringing you into another world for an hour or two, there is much that has gone on behind that temporary barrier that keeps what lies behind it a mystery until show time.

Months of preparation and hard work have gone into the experience of which you’re about to become a part. Part of what separates live theatre from film is its inclusivity; rather than a series of moving images for you to view, you get to feel the intimacy of what it’s like to be in the room while the action takes place.

There’s always the chance that something won’t go as planned, and actors must improvise on the spot in order to try to make the show seamless.

Therefore, shows are like snowflakes or fingerprints — no two are exactly the same. This is the stuff you don’t get to see:

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Auditions Depending upon the production, auditions will either be open-call or by invitation only. Open-call means anyone can audition. Actors will bring a headshot with their résumé affixed to the back, which will contain their most recent, relevant, performance experience. Auditions usually consist of a prepared monologue and a cold-read. A monologue is a solo character performance that is acted out for the casting director. A cold-read is when the actor is given a portion of the script from the play for which he/she is auditioning that they must briefly review and perform.

This portion of the script is not given to the actor until just before they must perform it. If auditioning for a musical, the actor will also be asked to prepare a portion of a song which best shows their vocal range, and they will be asked to either prepare some choreography, or to learn some basic dance steps so the casting director can see how well they move.

Rehearsal

Once a show is cast, scripts are disbursed, and rehearsals begin. This is where the cast and crew spend a couple of months learning lines and blocking, as well as music and choreography if the show is a musical. Blocking is stage movement; it’s every physical action that you see an actor make that isn’t dance choreography.

Blocking is the element that most people don’t consider when they think of what goes in to a performance. Most people don’t think about the fact that almost every movement, gesture, step, entrance and exit an actor makes has been strictly dictated to them by the director. Blocking must be memorized so that actors are in the right place at the right time, or so that a certain

movement or gesture is made in order to convey specific meaning. Rehearsal is where all the elements must come together to create each scene. Actors will walk around with their scripts in hand for the first few weeks, penciling in notes next to their lines as to what they are supposed to physically be doing during a scene. A few weeks before the show, the actors are expected to be “off-book,” which means they must have all of their lines, blocking, music and choreography memorized so they can perform it without their script.

Hell Week

makeup and costume. It is usually 2-3 hours before show time. Once actors are in costume, they may check with stage hands to ensure that any item they need for the show is in its proper place. Stage hands work back stage to assist actors with costume changes and facilitate set changes.

Actors will want to make sure any prop they will need is where it is supposed to be for a scene, and they will want to make sure that any quick costume changes they must make are set up on the appropriate side of the stage from which they’ll enter once they are changed.

Hell week is the week before opening night.

It’s called hell week because it’s where all the pieces of a show must come together, and everyone is expected to stay until it does; in other words, the actors and crew may not leave the theatre until well after midnight each night. During this week, the stage set is assembled, and actors begin dress rehearsals so they can practice any costume changes and begin to feel the flow of the entire show.

Up until this point, the show has most likely only been performed as separate scenes and acts.

When the director announces that the “house is open,” meaning the theatre is now open for audience members to begin taking their seats, then actors will often stretch, perform vocal exercises to warm up their voice and review their choreography, blocking and scripts backstage to make sure they are ready.

When the director calls “places,” the actors will go to the position in which they open the play; the curtain will open, and the show will begin!

Hell week is also when the stage techs come in and begin setting the lighting, testing sound, and rehearsing the places in which they must use specific spotlights and supply sound effects (phones ringing, babies crying, music, etc.). These technicians must know the show almost as well as the actors in order to time everything perfectly.

After all that goes on behind the curtain, the actors will leave their fingerprint on the stage for the night. If successful, their audience will walk out of the theatre affected in some small or profound way.

On with the Show

For each performance, the director will give the actors a call time. Call time is when the actors are expected to arrive at the theatre in order to get into hair,

Take a Bow

In the theatre world, a show’s production is sometimes compared to an iceberg.

Seven-eighths of an iceberg exist under the surface of the frigid water. This massive portion is equated to all of the show’s preparation that is never seen… in other words, you only see the tip of the iceberg.

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Your Prostate Playbook Understanding Prostate Cancer

By Dr. Scott Miller For American men, prostate cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer, behind only lung cancer. It affects one in seven men. Fortunately, new research and improved treatment plans are yielding better outcomes and enabling patients to continue enjoying active, productive lives.

Know your risk.

No one knows exactly what causes prostate cancer, but research indicates several common factors that may increase a man’s risk of developing the disease: • Age — Odds of developing prostate cancer significantly increase if you are over the age of 50.

• Family History — Having a father or brother with the disease more than doubles your risk.

• Race — You are more likely to develop cancer if you’re African-American.

• Diet — A diet high in red meat and high-fat dairy may increase your risk.

Start the discussion.

Early detection is key in successfully treating many cancers.

Beginning at age 50, men at average risk for developing prostate cancer should begin to discuss screening with their doctor.

Men at high risk for developing prostate cancer should begin discussing screening even sooner, around 45.

Typical prostate screenings include a rectal exam and a prostatespecific antigen (PSA) blood test. If a suspicious lump or area is found during the rectal exam, or if a PSA test reveals higherthan–normal results, a biopsy of the prostate may be performed to confirm if cancer is present.

Spot the signs.

In its earliest stages, prostate cancer usually has no symptoms.

Any symptoms that appear should be reported to your doctor right away.

Symptoms that may occur include: • Blood in urine or semen • Frequent pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, ribs or upper thighs • Trouble having or keeping an erection • Pain or burning during urination • Weakness or numbness in the legs

Explore your options.

Every case of prostate cancer is different, and treatment options can vary. Several factors play a role in determining the most appropriate treatment — age and health, stage of the disease, and benefits and side effects of each treatment.

In most cases, prostate cancer grows slowly. So men diagnosed with the disease usually have time to consider all available treatment options, gather additional opinions and, with the help of their doctor, determine which option is best for them.

Dr. Scott D. Miller is medical director of the advanced laparoscopic and robotic surgery program at Northside Hospital. Northside. com/prostate.

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What Do I Do if My Child is Charged with a Crime?

By J. Daran Burns, Esq. Parents are understandably shocked and worried when their child has been charged with a criminal act.

It might be a traffic citation, minor in possession, criminal trespass, shoplifting or something a little more serious. One of the first questions that comes to mind is, “Do we need to hire an attorney?”

The answer is almost always yes, but you certainly need to discuss the matter with an attorney. The sooner you talk to an attorney, often times, the better the results.

Many of these cases do not need a trial; they simply need an experienced lawyer to handle navigating the court system.

The charge may not be that serious, but a young person’s criminal record is vital to their future. Whether they’re applying for a job, school, the military or an apartment lease, they will likely

are provisions under our law to make efforts to restrict who can see a criminal record, the success rate is much higher when it is professionally handled from the beginning.

face questions about their criminal record. A conviction can dictate the outcome of those applications.

Having an experienced attorney representing your child will ensure that you take advantage of any youthful offender programs, diversion programs or first offender laws that may save their criminal record. Many people seek to restrict a criminal record after a case is over because it is somehow negatively impacting them. While there

Generally speaking, if it’s determined that a trial will not be needed, the costs of the legal services can be kept reasonable. Reasonable is a relative term; however, this is money well spent.

Many parents use paying an attorney as another teachable consequence by having the child reimburse them for the fees from a part-time job or chores.

J. Daran Burns is an attorney and heads the Burns Law Group. 181 E. Main Street, Canton. 770-956-1400.

BASLG.com

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Quotables “When you love someone, you do not love them all the time in exactly the same way from moment to moment. And yet, this is exactly what most of us demand. We have too little faith in the ebb and flow of life, of love, of relationships.

We leap at the flow of the tide and resist in terror at its ebb. We are afraid it will never return.”

-Anne Morrow Lindbergh

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“Show me a man who cannot bother to do little things, and I’ll show you a man who cannot be trusted to do big things.” -Lawrence Bell “We lose ourselves in the things we love, but we find ourselves there, too.” -Kristin Martz

“When you understand that what you’re telling is just a story, it isn’t happening anymore, when you realize the story you’re telling is just words, then you can just crumble it up and throw your past in the trashcan. Then we’ll figure out who you’re going to be…” -Chuck Palahniuk, Invisible Monsters

“One of the best opportunities you can be given in life is to be underestimated.” -Steve Jobs

“Do not leave yourself to find someone else.” -Rune Lazuli

“The world is a tragedy to those who feel, but a comedy to those who think.” -Horace Walpole

“No one knows what’s next, but everybody does it.” -George Carlin

Woodstock Family Life | SEPTEMBER 2016

“Oh yes the past can hurt. But the way I see it, you can either run from it or learn from it.” -Rafiki, The Lion King

“The world praises people who say ‘clever’ things—even if they embarrass and hurt others. But that is not the kind of person I want you to be. Your words are powerful tools. I want you to use them to build up those around you, not tear them down.”

-Sarah Young, Jesus Calling for Kids

September Means Football

By Pastor Chris Bryant September means football. With all due respect to baseball and the many who love it, football is now seemingly America’s game. You can watch NFL games three nights a week. Frank Gifford said before he died, “Nobody gave Monday Night Football a chance.

Now, everybody knows Monday Night Football.” The Super Bowl will undoubtedly be the most watched TV event of the year.

Why?! For one thing, the sport continues to evolve. But at a basic level, football is a sport of incredible intensity and passion. Every play is a demonstration of tremendous strength

and willpower, combined with intelligence, strategy and discipline.

There are even specific penalties regarding too much passion and intensity, like unnecessary roughness or unsportsmanlike conduct. Football is about being able to channel and control all of these great emotions and utilize them to achieve personal, and more importantly, team goals.

As a pastor, I feel called to help people connect with and express their Christian faith with passion and intensity. I want people to understand how faith in Jesus will make all the difference in the world, but not just for them. Christian faith is supposed to change the world. Through our passion and intensity for Jesus, through the strength of the Holy Spirit working in, on and through us, using our intellect, our resources and our strength, the world becomes a better place. It’s about the team’s goals, remember? Without this, Christianity

quickly becomes nothing more than consumer-driven, self-serving religion.

Also like football, our spirituality has appropriate boundaries regarding our passion and intensity. For example, even faith that moves mountains, if it has not love, gains nothing. Intense beliefs not expressed with God’s grace conceal rather than reveal Him. Having passion and expressing it correctly are equally important.

Would your faith get a yellow flag for too much, or inappropriate, passion or intensity? Or, would our Coach wonder why you’re trying to “play the game” without much passion?

Maybe September is your time to get back into church.

Chris Bryant is lead pastor at City On A Hill United Methodist Church. 678445-3480. COAHUMC.org

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Below is a preview of some of the artists you will see at this year’s Riverfest event.

Angela Kook, of Rusted

By Rachel Sprouse

Larry Meyer, of Old Federal Trading in Ball Ground, Georgia, creates handcrafted hunting knives.

A former boat captain for a towboat company, which he refers to as the “Triple A of the water,” Meyer set up his shop when he and his wife, Peg, moved up to the Cherokee County area.

Although Meyer creates custom sheaths out of vegetable tan leather for each knife, he does not take custom orders.

“I don’t do that because what they’re thinking in their head may not be what’s in my head,” Meyer said. “I usually try and keep about 100 knives, and hopefully, one of those is what they want. I don’t really make any two knives alike.”

Last year was Meyer’s first time attending Riverfest as a vendor. Meyer placed second in the Crafts category, which he said was a surprise. “[The judges] came by, there was two or three of them, and they were asking me all kinds of questions,” Meyer stated. “I was just talking to them like I do everybody else.” He’s excited to go back and doesn’t care if it rains all weekend; “[If there’s] mud, I don’t care,” Meyer said.

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Roots, said she’s always been reusing, recycling and “trying not to waste” things. “Where I started, I guess, it was just my own personal desire to not have as much trash,” Kook said.

In the last two years, she has taken repurposed wood and made various items like handmade planters, picture frames, trays and shelves. As a regular at the Canton Farmer’s Market, she feels “blessed” at the amount of positive feedback she’s received. “I want to continue to grow and hopefully become something really prominent in the community,” Kook said.

Last year was Kook’s first time as a vendor at Riverfest, where she learned to bring smaller items this year. “I don’t feel like Riverfest is the place where people are going to buy furniture,” she stated. “You’re not looking for a dresser when you go to Riverfest.”

Kook is looking forward to the family-oriented event, “It’s a staple here,” she said. “Everybody has to go to Riverfest.”

Bettie Anderson, of Bettie’s Blueberry Jams and Jellies, sells more than 70 flavors of her products at farmers markets with her partner, Reggie Nash, who everyone calls the “Jelly Man.” “Everybody thinks we’re married, but we’re partners in both senses,” Anderson said. “It’s a partnership in that I make it, and if you come to the farmer’s market, you’re going to see him selling it along with me.”

While there are some ingredients she can’t get locally, Anderson makes small batches of each flavor with ingredients from local farmers markets. She took third place in Gourmet Products at last year’s Riverfest, which she said surprised her. “I didn’t really come for the jury part of it,” she said. “I just came to get my name out there.”

Anderson is excited to return to Riverfest this year. “Sometimes it rains us out, but it’s still fun to be out there with the people,” Anderson stated.

Does Everyone Get Cataracts?

By Cameron Johnson, M.D.

With cataract surgery being so common, you may have wondered, does everyone get cataracts?

The answer is that everyone will get a cataract if they live long enough. That being said, people get cataracts at different ages.

Cataracts are a clouding of the natural human lens, which is located behind the iris. As we get older, the lens continues to grow more layers and becomes stiffer and thicker. Eventually, the proteins that make up the lens start to clump together and make the lens cloudy. This is a slow process that happens over many years. Cataracts start in many people in their 50s. By age 65, over half of people will have a cataract, and by age 75, most people will have cataracts.

There are many factors that determine

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at what age a person might start developing cataracts. Cataracts may occur earlier in life as a result of genetics, exposure to UV light, smoking and diabetes. Additionally, trauma to the eye, prolonged inflammation in the eye due to disease and prolonged use of steroids, either oral prednisone, or steroid eye drops may cause cataracts to develop.

When you visit your eye doctor, she or he can perform a dilated exam to inspect your lenses and determine if you have a cataract. This can be determined by looking at the lens with special magnifying equipment to see if it is less clear than it should be, has started turning yellow or has opacities.

Most patients that I see over age

50 have some yellow color to their lens that is not present in younger patients, and therefore, they could technically be diagnosed as having very early cataracts. However, these mild changes usually do not affect a patient’s vision and activities enough to warrant cataract surgery. Cataract surgery can be considered when the cataracts progress enough to be visually significant. It’s difficult to predict how quickly cataracts will progress, so it’s advisable to see your eye doctor regularly to monitor their progress.

Dr. Cameron Johnson is a boardcertified ophthalmologist with Milan Eye Center, located in Canton. 470326-0320. MilanEyeCenter.com

How Secure Is Your

Electronic Data?

By Arlene Dickerson

Did you know that simply deleting a file or moving a file to “Trash” does not wipe it from your hard drive?

Did you know that some emails contain attachments and downloads that can retrieve sensitive information from your computer or server?

Or that network copiers and printers store sensitive data on their internal drives and are rarely audited during regular security scans?

FACTA (The Fair & Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003) contains requirements and recommendations for credit card and debit transactions, Social Security numbers and other sensitive

information handled and stored by businesses.

Among the steps your business can take to minimize security breaches are: Create a written policy regarding how to handle devices, including CDs, DVDs, USB drives, hard drives and more, on which consumer information is recorded and stored, how the information is used, who can access the information and how it is disposed of.

Restrict access to sensitive data by making the information available only to those employees who need it to complete their work.

Train employees on document use, securing passwords, etc., as well as on the proper protocols for handling emails, downloads and links to ensure FACTA compliance.

Implement a two-step password system for every device involved

in handling sensitive data. Encrypt information, and add passwords to firewalls.

Store credit/debit numbers and Social Security numbers, “hiding” all but a few digits, according to FACTA guidelines.

Conduct security audits with a company familiar with your technology to ensure data is not lingering on hard drives, servers, in the Cloud, or within shared office equipment such as copiers and printers.

Practicing welldefined, effective security protocols for consumer and employee financial and personal information builds credibility and trust and provides peace of mind for better business relationships.

Arlene Dickerson is the co-owner/director of Technical Resource Solutions. 678-9289491, TechnicalRS.com

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Protecting Seniors from Falls in the Home

By Tim Morris introduce ourselves to this couple.

LIFESTYLE Recently, I received a call from our local fire department. The officer was seeking advice on how to handle a situation in which his team was being called out every week to the same elderly couple’s home. This situation was a deep concern for his station, and they were very worried about the couple’s condition. Senior Services frequently gets calls from neighbors who worry about an elderly person living near them. Most of the time, Adult Protective Services is contacted to send an investigator out to evaluate the situation. In this particular situation, I and some of my staff members went out to meet and

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When we arrived, the couple was very nice to allow us in their home. We wanted to evaluate their situation and see if we could offer assistance.

We discovered the female had fallen several times. The home was cluttered with numerous obstacles. The couple was not willing to part with anything, and there was no storage space in the home. However, I’d seen worse and felt their situation was manageable.

They had to be willing to let others help them. We got them started with an assessment to try and get them homemaker help.

We can help others seniors by looking throughout their homes for things that may cause them to fall. Rugs that are placed over carpet cause a lot of falls. It’s best not to put rugs down.

Furniture sticking out in pathways also causes falls. Installing grab bars in bathrooms would prevent many falls. In this case, a hand bar leading down a step or two to the laundry room would help prevent this lady from falling. In my experience, pets are the number one cause of senior falls. These are just some of the simple steps people can take to make the homes of their senior neighbors and loved ones more safe.

If you have questions or need advice, please feel free to contact Cherokee Senior Services. L

Tim Morris is the Director of Cherokee County Senior Services. 1001 Univeter Road, Canton. 770-479-7438.

CherokeeGa.com/Senior-Services

[ Serves 4 ] Ingredients 4, 12 oz. pork chops 1 cup rendered pork fat (from a pork belly), cooled to semi-solid, softened-butter consistency* 1 Vidalia onion, halved and sliced 1 tablespoon each oil and butter 1 teaspoon each salt and pepper 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Preparation 1. In a sauté pan, melt your butter in your oil.

2. On medium heat, add onions, stirring occasionally until they become softened and turn a rich, caramel color.

3. Cool the onions in the fridge.

4. To make the lardo, use a whisk or a food processor to combine the rendered pork fat with the onions, adding your Worcestershire sauce and salt and pepper until thoroughly combined.

5. Grill your pork chops to the desired temperature, and while they are still nice and hot, top with a generous amount of the lardo. *You should be able to acquire pork fat from either a grocery store or your local butcher. You may also substitute bacon fat. Butter can also be substituted for the pork fat to make a caramelized onion compound butter.

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Patience in the Dental Office

By Vishant Nath, D.M.D.

When taking your child to the dentist, it is important to realize that the schedule is often controlled by the needs of the patients. Being patient and understanding why an appointment can take extra time can be helpful as you and your child wait for your turn.

Pediatric dental offices take children’s time very seriously. The goal is to allow every patient to have a great experience

at their dental visit. Having positive experiences at the dental office as a child can help to ensure a lifetime of good oral health. And so the entire dental appointment is catered to the child. If a child is anxious, extra time and attention is given to allow him or her to become more comfortable in the situation.

For a new dental patient, there are many different sensations being experienced for the first time at the dental office. It can be a bit overwhelming. Giving extra time and attention and allowing new patients to become acclimated to the environment can help to alleviate anxiety.

Oftentimes, pediatric dentists will see special-needs patients.

These patients may need

more time and attention during their appointment. Even when more time is allotted in the schedule to accommodate a certain patient, unexpected situations can arise. It is always helpful to provide as much medical history as possible for the dental office. If the staff knows what to expect with your child, extra time can be built in to give your child the best experience possible.

So please remember, and remind your child, that these types of situations can arise to create a longer dental appointment for your child. And also remember, if your child ever needs extra time at his or her appointment, the same accommodations should be provided to them.

Dr. Vishant Nath is the owner of Canton/Alpharetta/Roswell Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics.

678-352-1090. KidsHappyTeeth.com

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e’re Being

Invaded!

By Kyle Bennett

Upcoming Events Downtown Buzz September 30, 8:00 am The Chambers at City Center 8534 Main Street, Woodstock DowntownWoodstock.org/downtown-buzz/

Main Event October 11, 5:00-7:00 pm Woodstock West by Walton 735 Market Street, Woodstock DowntownWoodstock.org/mainevent/

Mastermind October 19, 8:30-10:00 am Chattahoochee Tech One Innovation Way, Woodstock DowntownWoodstock.org/mastermind/

T

he invasion is returning! Once again, Downtown Woodstock will be invaded by scarecrows. As you drive down Main Street during the month of October, you will be welcomed by hundreds of scarecrows. Last year, there were 140 scarecrows in the invasion, and the invasion is expected to be even larger this year! Are you interested in a chance to create your own scarecrow to be a part of this invasion? Would you like a chance to showcase your creative skills? Do you have a business or nonprofit that you want to advertise in a fun way along Main Street in Downtown Woodstock?

Here is your chance to be a part of the Scarecrow Invasion!

During the month of September, Main Street Woodstock will be taking entries for this event. To enter, stop by the Woodstock Visitors Center, located at 8588 Main Street in Downtown

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Woodstock, open Monday-Saturday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Here, you can pay your registration fee, and receive the rules and instructions on where to place your scarecrow for all to see.

There is limited space available for this event, so get your entry in early. Voting will also take place at the Visitors Center; just drop by any time during the month of October to vote for the scarecrow that you like the best. The votes are $1 each, and businesses with scarecrows may have voting set up in their store for their scarecrow. The winner will receive bragging rights and an awesome trophy.

The proceeds from the Scarecrow Invasion will be donated to GROW. This organization, which stands for Green Reaps Opportunity for Woodstock, is the design committee for Main Street Woodstock. They create and implement great design initiatives

for the Downtown Woodstock community. You might know them from their beautiful landscaping and holiday decor along Main Street. The money raised from this event will help in further beautification of Downtown Woodstock. Proceeds from last year’s Scarecrow Invasion went to purchase beautiful art benches, which have been installed around Downtown Woodstock.

For more information about how to be a part of the Scarecrow Invasion, visit the Woodstock Visitors Center, check out VisitWoodstockGA.com, or call 770-924-0406.

Kyle Bennett is director of tourism and operations for the Woodstock Visitors Center. 770-924-0406.

KBennett@WoodstockGa.gov

Torticollis in Infancy

By Kristi Estes

What is torticollis?

Torticollis, sometimes referred to as “wry neck,” is a condition in which a baby’s neck muscles are tight, weak or a combination of both. Left untreated, babies with torticollis can have poor head control and delayed gross motor development.

There are two types of torticollis — congenital muscular torticollis (CMT) and acquired torticollis. Both are characterized by a tightness and weakness of the neck muscles, primarily related to injury to the sternocleidomastoid muscle.

An infant or baby with torticollis will often tilt his head/neck one way and look in the opposite direction. While often present at birth, torticollis typically is noticed within

the first couple of months as a baby begins to gain better head control.

A referral for therapy is often recommended when a pediatrician observes a pattern of movement or behavior that indicates the need for a professional to take a closer look. An evaluation may also be recommended based on parent observations or concerns.

How is torticollis treated?

A skilled pediatric physical therapist will perform a comprehensive assessment and develop an individualized treatment program. Treatment typically includes physical therapy sessions, with localized strengthening and stretching exercises, that increase a baby’s neck range of motion.

Early treatment is essential. Left untreated, torticollis can have immediate and lasting implications related to a baby’s development of proper reaching, rolling, sitting, crawling and walking skills. Later implications can impact higher-level

balance and bilateral coordination skills, even affecting a baby’s eyesight. Babies with torticollis could also develop a permanent flattening of the head on one side and/or asymmetrical facial features.

Who treats torticollis?

A skilled pediatric physical therapist trained in treating torticollis is a key component to ensuring a successful outcome.

However, parental involvement is vital to a baby’s success. Proper toy placement and performing stretches and exercises at home greatly increase a baby’s chances for normal development.

Kristi Estes is an occupational therapist and co-owns In Harmony Pediatric Therapy with Jennifer Puckett. 770-345-2804.

InHarmonyPediatricTherapy.com

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Ribbon Cuttings, Ground Breakings and Celebrations

Poole Funeral Home & Cremation Services 1970 Eagle Drive Woodstock 678-932-2097 Funeral Homes

Walmart Stores, Inc. #5275 Training Academy 6435 Bells Ferry Road Woodstock 770-926-2606 Retail Department Stores

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River Green Academy

Twin Creeks Softball Complex

200 River Green Avenue Canton 770-479-6729 Child Care Centers

JJ Biello Park 250 Brooke Boulevard Woodstock 770-924-7768 Government — County

Sunnyside Church of God

CrossFit Canton

2510 E. Cherokee Drive Woodstock 770-693-1018 Churches

857 Hickory Flat Highway, Suite A Canton 770-633-4111 Health & Fitness

SERVPRO of Cherokee County Fire & Water — Cleanup & Restoration

Vincent Financial Group

1360 Union Hill Road, Suite 11A Alpharetta 770-924-3848 Fire & Water Damage Restoration

14205 Highway 92, Suite 104 Woodstock 770-485-1876 Financial Services, Financial & Estate Planning, Investment Advisors, Wealth Management

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Advertiser Index 770-Arborist, LLC Anderson Dental Atlanta Hand Specialist Burns Law Group C&T Auto Service Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Sports Medicine Cobb EMC Dance Imagination Dawn Sams, Realtor Downtown Kitchen Dr. Fixit, Ph.D. Elm Street Cultural Arts Village Fire Stone Wood Fired Pizza & Grill Fun Finds & Designs The Goddard School H&H Electric & Security, LLC In Harmony Pediatric Therapy Jyl Craven Hair Design Landscape Matters LGE Community Credit Union Masterpiece Framer Milan Eye Center Next Step Ministeries North Georgia OB/GYN Specialists Northside Cherokee Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Northside Hospital-Cherokee The One Taekwondo Center Owl-o-ween Park Pediatric Dentistry of Woodstock Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics and Dentistry at Canton PharMoore & Woodstock Health Mart Pharmacy Piedmont Primary Care Plastic Surgery Center of the South R & D Mechanical Services, Inc. Rejoice Maids Riverfest Salon Spa Venessa State Farm Jared Davis Summit Financial Solutions Technical Resource Solutions Wellstar Family Medicine WellStar Health System Women First Rehabilitation Woodstock Funeral Home Woodstock Pediatric Medicine 56

Woodstock Family Life | SEPTEMBER 2016

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POSTAL CUSTOMER

PRSRT STD ECRWSS US Postage

PAID

Stone Mountain, GA

Permit #1037