May 2015 1 May 2015 Volume 2, Issue 7 10 a New Arts Coalition Volunteer Group to Bring Visual Arts to Downtown Woodstock

AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015 1 May 2015 Volume 2, Issue 7 10 A New Arts Coalition Volunteer group to bring visual arts to downtown Woodstock. 16 The New Hollywood? Extensive database attracts many filmmakers to Cherokee County. 17 17 Saluting Single Moms Woodstock nonprofit helps mothers provide for their children. 18 Above and Beyond Meet a few very special - and busy - extraordinary moms. 24 Farmers Market Fresh foods, chef demos and children’s programs ready for summer. 26 Off to the Races Blankets Creek festival raises funds to support local trails. 28 Everyday Angels 24 45 Teen and her family eager for better health after kidney transplant. 41 Roller Derby Contributing Writers In Every Issue Today’s version is not how you may Chantel Adams 31 Ann Litrel 40 Around Woodstock 4 remember it. Kyle Bennett 24 Dr. Mike Litrel 23 Community News 8 Siobhan Brumbelow 14 Rob Macmillan 30 Birthdays 12 45 River Ridge Prom Michael Caldwell 22 Pictures celebrate special memories Trent Chambers 43 Matt Neal 19 Everyday Angels 28 of high school event. Cathy Wendland-Colby 46 Tricia Nitti 24, 25 Dining Guide 36 Linde Ferrere 17 Northside Hospital 50 Community Calendar 39 Claire Frost 34 Rene Gable 10 Office of Economic Dev. 16 School News 44 Delia Halverson 21 Premier Group 29 Recent Home Sales 52 Dr. Scott Harden 50 Lisa Randall 26 Parking Map 53 Dr. Jan Henriques 48 Susan Schulz 18 Ward Map 54 Dan Hultquist 38 Sean Kaufman 19 Jessica Leigh Smith 46 Trails Map 60 Lorre Lamarca 35 Jodi Tiberio 20 Advertisers Index 64

Patty Ponder, ALM President and Join the Around Woodstock magazine fan page 32 & 33 On the Cover Marketing & Advertising Sales www.facebook.com/AroundWoodstockMagazine Broadus Realty Group and Georgia Pride 770-615-3322 [email protected] www.twitter.com/AroundWoodstock Remodeling. Photo by J King Images.

2 AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015 AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015 3 Community AROUND WOODSTOCK The People, The Places and The Pleasures that make Woodstock

What’s New Total Aesthetic & Nutrition Center (TANC) is a full nutrition The Grant Academy, the first private store with all major brands along with a full aesthetic center school in Cherokee County for students providing non-surgical face lifts, body contouring, laser hair with disabilities, is registering for the fall removal and more. Scheduled to open May 1 at 2990 Eagle 2015-16 school year. Open house events Drive, Suite 108, Woodstock. 678-354-8001. www.tancfit.com are planned for May 7 at 7 p.m., May 16 from 1-5 p.m. and May 20 from 9-11 a.m. What’s Closed at 102 Springfield Drive in Woodstock. Stock Bistro at 6424 Bells Ferry Road, Suite 118 in Woodstock, has closed and is expected to reopen under a new owner. A new opening For more information, call 770-926-7827, Candi Hannigan is the date has not been announced. executive editor of visit www.thegrantacademy.net or check Around Woodstock. She out the article on page 13. has lived in Cherokee Ribbon Cuttings County for 28 years. The 272-apartment complex called The Send your comments Crest at Laurelwood in Woodstock, at the Cherokee Angel Adult Day Care Center, 3353 Trickum Road, or questions to Candi@ Suite 104, Woodstock. www.cherokeeangels.com. AroundAboutMagazines. corner of Main Street and Highway 92, is com open and accepting renters. Amenities Harmony Burger Cafe, 2210 Holly Springs Parkway, Suite 120, include, two-story fitness center with Canton GA. www.harmonyburgercafe.com yoga room, billiards room, business U.S. Congressman Barry Loudermilk’s office at 9898 Highway center, bocce ball court, swimming pool with tanning ledge 92, Suite 100, Woodstock. www.barryloudermilk.com and pet park. The community is gated and offers electric car charging stations. www.crestatlaurelwood.com. Brownlee Agency, Inc., 3213 S Cherokee Lane, Bldg. 1700 Blush Nail Salon has opened at 9999 Highway 92, Suite 150 in Unit 1710, Woodstock. www.brownleeagency.com Woodstock. The salon offers manicures, pedicures, gel, acrylics, The HOPE Center, 295 Molly Lane, Suite 120, Woodstock. etc. Open 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Saturday. www.supporthopecenter.com Allatoona Outdoors & Archery is new to Towne Lake, at 95 Grove Park Lane just off Rose Creek Boulevard. The archery Workout Anytime Woodstock, 6232 Old Highway 5, and outdoor shop, open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday, will Woodstock. http://workoutanytime.com/locations/woodstock carry a full line of archery, hunting and shooting equipment including various price point bows and equipment for all ages and genders. For information, look for Allatoona Outdoors & Archery on Facebook. GROW volunteers, from left back row, are Debbie Tidwell, Rebekah Gibson and Diane What’s Coming Geeslin. Front row from left, Brooklynn’s, the clothing boutique in downtown Woodstock, Cindy Nichols, Renee Gable, is adding a second store to be located in the Town Center at Melissa Casteel, Pat Tanner Cobb, on the lower level by Starbucks, and should open in early and Suzie Thomas. Not May. Follow Brooklynn’s on Facebook for all the grand opening pictured: Kathy Sawyer, Tarne Eyle and Sarah Eyle. festivities, or go to brooklynns.com for more details. Woodstock West by Walton Apartments recently broke ground on an expansion that will add 94 one- and two-bedroom apartments and 10 townhomes. The apartments will be part of What’s Blooming a five-story building with an elevator, outdoor cabana area for Things are blooming in and around downtown Woodstock, grilling and entertaining, and a parking deck. Seven of the 10 thanks to some hard-working GROW volunteers. If you’ve townhomes, which will be available for lease, will be on Market been enjoying the Noonday Creek Trail (formerly called Town Street behind Salt Factory; the remaining three will be in back to Creek Trail), you may have noticed wildflowers blooming. of the property. Apartments should be completed by this The volunteers organized a seed bomb party earlier this spring time next year, and the townhomes should be ready by end of and scattered donated seeds along the trail. Volunteers also summer 2016. www.waltonwoodstock.com. just finished filling flower pots and planting beds in downtown A 33,000-square-foot expansion to The Outlet Shoppes at Woodstock with summer flowers. And not to let anything go to Atlanta, the center’s second phase, is set to open before this waste, the volunteers salvaged about 200 daffodil bulbs from an year’s holiday season and will include GAP Outlet and Banana area undergoing construction and are replanting those around Republic. town.

4 AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015 AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015 5

COMMUNITY BOARD WoodstockAROUND The Around Woodstock Community Board consists of well-respected Publisher community leaders from different walks of life. Our board assists us in AroundAbout Local Media, Inc. many ways that include serving as contributing writers, judging our annual Trailblazer award and providing valuable feedback. ALM President Patty Ponder [email protected] 770-615-3322 Kris McKeeth is team leader and visionary for The Premier Group Keller Williams Realty on Main Street Market Manager Christie Deese in Woodstock, and has more than 25 years experience [email protected] in real estate. She’s active in many community efforts 770-615-3324 that include her position on the Business Board of Executive EditorCandi Hannigan downtown Woodstock and as president of Etowah [email protected] Foundation. 770-615-3309

Assistant Editor Jackie Loudin Photographer Darleen Prem specializes in natural [email protected] light portrait photography and enjoys dog, pet and 770-615-3318 family photography. She spends much of her time photographing local events for the city of Woodstock Art Director Michelle McCulloch and is the official “unofficial” photographer for [email protected] 770-615-3307 Woodstock’s fire and police departments. Darleen’s son serves overseas as an Army Military Police Officer. Graphic Designer Laura Latchford [email protected]

Ross Wiseman started Momentum Church in 2005 and still Around Woodstock, a publication of AroundAbout Local serves as head pastor. He draws from his experiences in Media, Inc., is a monthly community magazine. The more than 21 years of ministry and 19 years of marriage to magazine’s goal is to build a sense of community and challenge, inspire and instruct people in what it takes for pride in Woodstock and surrounding area by providing better living, loving and laughter. residents with positive stories and timely information. It distributes a total of 16,300 free copies. Approximately 15,000 are direct mailed to homes and businesses and an additional 1,300 are placed in racks around the community. See page 61 for a distribution map. Around Renee Gable, a sales and marketing executive for Woodstock also has many digital viewers of the magazine Window Expert Tinting, volunteers for many committees online each month. Around Woodstock welcomes your comments, stories, that work to improve downtown Woodstock. She is an and advertisements. The deadline is the 5th of the avid cyclist who aligned herself with Greenprints Alliance previous month. because of her desire to help create safe and natural Subscriptions are available for $24 per year. Send trail riding experiences. check or money order to the address below. The viewpoints of the advertisers, columnists and submissions are not necessarily those of the editor/ publisher and the publisher makes no claims as to the Beth Hermes is a graduate of Auburn University’s validity of any charitable organizations mentioned. School of Journalism, and a professional writer for Around Woodstock is not responsible for errors or more than 26 years. Her writing has appeared in omissions. No part of this publication may be reproduced magazines, newspapers and online publications, and or transmitted in any form or by any means without she has created marketing campaigns for corporations written permission from the publisher. and nonprofits. All rights reserved. © Copyright 2015.

Around Woodstock PMB 380 Suzanne Litrel is a young adult historical fiction 1025 Rose Creek Dr., Ste. 620, Woodstock, GA 30189 author and doctoral student in GSU’s graduate history Website: www.AroundWoodstockMagazine.com program. Suzanne resides with her family in downtown Powered by TrustWorkz, Inc. Woodstock, which she is very happy to call home. Volume 2, Issue 7

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AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015 7 Community YOUR LOCAL NEWS New Ramp Gives CHILL Mom a Better View An astute parent with the “I taught and shared roller skating with my Cherokee Hockey In-Line League boys when they were 5 and 3 years old, prior (CHILL) noticed that Yvette Pegues to my injury. So while it was bittersweet to lose that was having a hard time watching connection, watching them use those same skills for in-line her boys practice at the rink hockey with CHILL makes me smile,” said Yvette, who is the behind the Cherokee Recreation reigning Ms. Wheelchair USA. and Parks facility on Main Street “Not in our wildest dreams or prayers did we expect such a in Woodstock. Yvette has had a well-built, well-intended gesture. I was honestly in tears and traumatic brain injury and uses a my oldest never practiced so hard. He called out to me so wheelchair. In order to see her many times during practice that I thought we’d be asked to sons make a play, she and her leave. In fact, he told his dad that he’d be playing extra hard husband worked out a plan where because my Mommy’s watching.” he would let her know when one Before the ramp was built, Yvette Pegues would have of their boys got close to the puck to push herself up in her so she could push herself up in wheelchair to watch her sons her wheelchair to peek over the from the sidelines. barrier and cheer him on. The parent approached CHILL Director Matt Brackett, who spoke to a representative of Cherokee Recreation and Parks. A plan was set in motion. Within two weeks, a new wheelchair-accessible viewing platform was built next to the rink. The addition was built by employees Tony Stargel, Ray Yvette with her son Isaiah on the Hendrix and Steve Ralston, park new ramp. superintendent. In less than two weeks, the ramp was ready.

Hospital Offers Access to Screening, Treatment Students Raise Money Northside Hospital is continuing to offer breast cancer screening and diagnostic for Books services to underinsured women, thanks to a $179,956 grant from the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Atlanta office, and $39,954.83 from It’s The Journey, producer of the Students at Goddard School of Atlanta 2-Day Walk for Breast Cancer. Funding will be used to offer mammograms Woodstock recently participated in and other procedures like ultrasounds biopsies and more for women who can’t afford “book wars,” where kindergarteners them. For information on the services, call 770-667-4400. Applicants must meet raised $137 through a coin collection in eligibility requirements. www.northside.com March. The children took a trip to the Woodstock library and presented books and a monetary donation. Thrilling Thursdays National Cemetery at the Library Site of Memorial Day This summer the Woodstock Public Observation Library and teachers from Woodstock Memorial Day will be observed Elementary are teaming up again to at the Georgia National Cemetery offer “Thrilling Thursdays,” June 11- at 10 a.m. May 23. The keynote July 23. Each Thursday at 10:30 a.m., speaker will be Brigadier General teachers from Woodstock Elementary Denis Shortal, USMC, Ret. Attendees School will make stories come alive should carpool and arrive early due in the children’s department of the to parking constraints. Folding chairs, Woodstock Public Library. Come listen blankets, and weather related items to stories, check out books, catch up (umbrellas, hats, hand fans, and with friends, and learn new things. This water) are recommended items to is a free event. No need to register. bring to enjoy the ceremony.

8 AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015 In less than two weeks, the ramp was ready.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015 9 Community YOUR LOCAL NEWS

Cherokee Judge Earns Award Cherokee County Probate Court Judge Keith Wood was named 2015 Outstanding Probate Judge of the Year by Cub Scout Pack 2010 and American Heritage Girls Troop 2012 get ready to clean up at Little River Elementary. the Council of Probate Court Judges (CPCJ) at the judges’ Cleanup Day on the Playgrounds spring seminar in Athens. Judge Wood, who joined Woodstock Cub Scout Pack 2010 and American the court in 2004 as an Heritage Girls Troop 2012 worked together associate judge and its chief recently to clean up the playground areas at Little clerk, began serving as an River Elementary on Trickum Road. More than elected official in 2009. His 50 volunteers arrived armed with rakes, brooms contributions to the council and shovels. They cleared mulch from the paved have included assisting in and lawn areas and spruced up the play yard even the creation of an accredited though the weather threatened rain. “Scouting is educational program for about service,” said Pack 2010 Cubmaster Jamie Probate Court judges, Wallace. “It’s not always about fun. It’s about developing and teaching becoming a leader.” Cub Pack 2010 is looking for classes for both judges and new den and pack leaders. If you are interested Glenn Greet helps Pack 2012 Cub Scouts and clerks and, for the last two in volunteering, visit www.cubpack2010.com. American Heritage Girl 2012 troop member Hailey years, serving as the chair of Photos courtesy of Kelli Miller Acocello rake mulch. the Training Council.

Dedicated Woodstock Citizens Form Arts Coalition BY RENEE GABLE

Ever heard the saying “build it and they will come?” A group Woodstock artist. of dedicated volunteers in Woodstock has come together with The ACW will be responsible for developing Woodstock’s the vision of creating a vibrant arts presence in Woodstock Public Art Master Plan, which will recommend locations for through public visual art. They have formed a volunteer group, public art to be placed on land owned and controlled by the Arts Coalition of Woodstock (ACW), which will be a Main Street city. ACW will facilitate a series of public meetings to get the Woodstock program. The mission is to create a sense of place community’s opinions of what they would like to see in public for the city of Woodstock through exposure of public visual art, facilitate the RFP process for artist submissions, fundraise, arts. The group is an independent voice for promoting a vibrant apply or recommend grants to obtain funds to purchase art cultural community by facilitating, empowering and advocating installations for the city’s permanent collection, as well as for the arts in city of Woodstock. facilitate temporary art installation programs. ACW has the ACW members represent a diverse skill set that brings goal of enhancing Woodstock with exhibits of individual and much to the table to facilitate the addition of public art in unique pieces of art that will stimulate a public art initiative the city. The members, all Woodstock citizens, are Susan in Woodstock and serve as an economic development tool by Wright, chairperson, Quest Consulting; Diane Geeslin, vice- attracting visitors, residents and businesses to the area through chairperson and artist; Melissa Casteel, Mondo Land Planning public arts. Design; Christopher Brazelton, Elm Street Cultural Arts Village; Membership in ACW is by nomination and approval Brian Stockton, Economic Development Director for the process. If you are interested in joining the effort to bring city of Woodstock; Liz Cole, landscape architect; Jenna Hill, public art to the city of Woodstock, contact Susan Wright at Woodstock city employee; Renee Gable, Greenprints Alliance [email protected] or Diane Geeslin at dgeeslin@ Board of Directors; Judy Mod, Woodstock citizen, and Tarne Eyl, yahoo.com.

10 AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015 NORTHSIDE HOSPITAL-CHEROKEE IS WORKING TO KEEP CHEROKEE GREAT. BECAUSE, IT’S OUR HOME, TOO.

Northside Hospital-Cherokee has served the residents of this county for many years. And our commitment to bring you the very best possible care goes well beyond our walls.

BEING NEIGHBORS Most of the people who work at Northside Hospital-Cherokee live in Cherokee. They’re not just your doctors or nurses, they’re your neighbors.

INVESTING VOLUNTEERING We’ve invested more than Our employees and $100 million to bring the physicians have volunteered best the medical world more than 10,000 hours to has to offer right here to Cherokee County schools Cherokee. and organizations.

CONTRIBUTING We contribute to Cherokee County schools and support local venues and community Cherokee’s community hospital. activity centers. Northside.com

AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015 11 Community Happy Birthday!

Lexie Rollbuhler Bria Lane McCready Jorge Shifflett Kim Rollbuhler Destiny Barnett Age 14 on April 28 Age 10 on March 29 Age 12 on May 2 Celebrated that milestone on Age 14 on April 11 Love, Mom and Dad Happy birthday -- we love you! Happy birthday! April 13. Happy birthday, honey! Daughter of Bruce and Julie Love Mom, Dad, Jordan, Riley & Sydney Love, Tom Barnett Sister of Karlie and Ian

Mitchell Drought Stacy Splawn Jenna Jewel Forte Eliza Drought Age 6 on April 25 Age 38 on May 5 Age 9 on May 31 Age 5 on May 21 Happy birthday! You make us Happy Birthday to a great mother and Happy Birthday to the sweetest girl Happy Birthday! Your laughter so proud! We love you! wonderful girlfriend!! in town!! We love and adore you and is the best medicine. Dad, Mom and Eliza Love, Sean Sr, Kaleb, Corriene and Sean Jr are so proud of you! We love you! Dad, Mom, Mom, Dad, and Jessica and Mitche Engagements

Merritt Smith Benjamin Blackburn Barb Hinkle Enrique Torres and John Croland and Maria Flores May 26 Age 12 on April 1 will wed at the end of Son of Alan and Sarah Blackburn Happy Birthday Nani! Happy birthday! We love you and May on a riverboat in Daughter of Fernando Flores Your mother, kids, husband and are very proud of you. Rome, GA and Myrna Suarez grandkids love your very much!!! Mom, Dad, Valerie and Nataly Celebrating Anniversaries

Julian Hamlin Adam and Valerie Kidd Shane & Denise Shifflett Paul and Jennifer Gentile will be receiving his first Eucharist at Transfiguration Catholic Married 3 years on May 5 Celebrating 12 years and Married 5 years on May 18 Church on May 9. May the light that guides you, Fall from heaven wedding renewal Happy Anniversary to the above, as you walk each day with Him and enjoy His Holy love. love of my life! Love, Mom and Dad Announcements are free! E-mail to: [email protected] June deadline is May 10. Please specify, Around Woodstock, TowneLaker or Sixes Living.

12 AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015 NOW REGISTERING FOR FALL — CALL TODAY FOR A TOUR! The Grant Academy 102 Springfield Drive, Woodstock GA 30188 770-926-7827 (STAR) www.thegrantacademy.net [email protected] Grades 1-5 • S.T.E.M. School The Grant Academy Elementary School Where the Students are the Stars Private School for Students with Disabilities to Open in Fall Melissa Wright has spent 17 years teaching special education approach and have proven results in a range of environments, including public schools and for struggling learners. high-end private academies. Her husband David, whose Melissa has a bachelor of arts background is in business, has learned a lot through the years degree in psychology and criminal as he’s experienced the highs and lows of helping special needs justice from the University of students through Melissa’s successes and frustrations. They’ve Alabama and a master’s of education taken a shared vision for helping special needs students reach degree in special education from their full potential and are opening The Grant Academy in the University of West Georgia Woodstock, the first private school for special needs children with a reading endorsement. She’s in Cherokee County. The name was chosen to honor Melissa’s certified to teach pre-K through parents, Ron and Ellen Grant, who passed away in 2014. grade 12 in all subjects and will be “Our philosophy is that every child is capable of learning. the academy’s education director. Each child just learns differently. We will have our teachers look David earned a bachelor of arts at each child as an individual and teach to the student—not the degree in psychology and bachelor curriculum,” said David, the school’s business director. of science degree in criminology The academy will be from Auburn University, and has Bates Kim by Photos a STEM school (Science, worked in sales and marketing Hayleigh Wright modeling Technology, Engineering management for more than 20 years. school’s uniform and Mathematics), and will Years of experience have taught serve students with mild Melissa what works and what doesn’t. She remembers a special to moderate cognitive and needs student who left high school with only a certificate of intellectual disabilities that attendance. His parents cried out, “Where does he go now? can include dyslexia, ADHD, What can he do?” He had no job skills. She wants to help ADD, autism, Asperger’s and students like him succeed. “My passion is special education developmental disabilities. and I want to make sure that our students get as much as they Melissa & David Wright The goal is to help each child can out of their education. We’re going to have some kids who, reach his or her potential, with help, can go on a college path. Yet others may never go to which is the inspiration behind the school’s logo that pictures college, but we can help them develop skills that will take them students reaching for the stars and inspiration for the motto: on a career path and enable them to be productive and happy,” Where Dreams and Potential Become Reality. The logo is also she said. the inspiration for the school’s mascot, The Stars. The academy Students will be tested before starting at The Grant Academy. will open with grades one through five and a grade will be These results will be used to develop an Individualized added each year. Education Plan (IEP), which will be reviewed each grading period The Grant Academy is unique because class sizes are small, with the teacher, parent and student instead of once a year. planned for six to 10 students depending on diagnosis and Changes can be made, if needed, to benefit the student. The abilities. Students will have physical education, social studies, IEP then guides the teachers’ lesson plans, ensuring that the science, language arts, reading, math and integrated social students’ needs are always being met. skills courses daily, with art and music offered every other day. Students who have IEPs can get tuition reimbursement Speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy and through the state-funded Special Needs Scholarship Program. counseling will be offered as needed and incorporated into the Tuition will include monthly field trips, a monogrammed classes. Students will also participate in monthly academic field backpack and school supplies. The school is on Highway. 92, trips. All classes will be based on the needs of the students. one mile east of I-575. The students will change classes and teachers will instruct only one subject. Teachers are certified and trained in special To find out more about The Grant Academy you can education and the subject area to ensure they are experts in meet the directors on Thurs., May 7 at 7 p.m. or what they teach. The school’s curriculum uses programs such as Wed., May 20 from 9-11 a.m. or attend the Open House on Orton-Gillingham and Touch Math which utilize a whole-brain Sat., May 16 from 1-5 p.m. or call 770-926-STAR (7824). AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015 13 Community Bitten By the “Bug”

BY SIOBHAN BRUMBELOW

There once was a young girl who was extremely shy. She was afraid to talk to others. Maybe she thought she would be wrong. Maybe she thought she would upset someone. Needless to say, she always sat quietly among a group of people. This girl had a wild imagination. She loved to create fantastical stories, games and art. She loved to sing, but Siobhan Brumbelow only did so in choir. She dreamed has been involved in bright colors and aspired to be with Elm Street since 2002 and holds a something big. BA in Theatre from She was encouraged by her family Brenau University. She toured for a year with to try out for her high school musical Missoula Children’s ”Annie.” Nerves got the best of her, Theatre and she currently manages but it didn’t matter. She pushed and performs with the through and the next day she iThink Improv Troupe discovered she got the lead. Thrilled, she immediately called her mom from a pay phone. From that moment on, she was no longer the same. She was bitten by the “theatre bug.” That young girl was me, and for those who know me, many would be surprised that I actually used to be shy. I had aspirations of becoming a big Broadway star someday, and as I made my way toward that spotlight, I made a discovery. I loved theatre. I loved every single aspect of it. I didn’t just want to perform, but I wanted to be a part of everything involved. I wanted to teach, direct and create. And it didn’t matter what I was doing, I just wanted to be involved. CITY CENTER • WOODSTOCK I’m happy to be making those opportunities for our younger generation through Elm Street, giving children a springboard for their own big aspirations. I only wish there had been a theatre like ours when I was 5. MAY We all have big dreams. Take Millie for example: she 15, 16, 22, 23 AT 7:30PM aspires to make a name for herself in Manhattan; to marry a wealthy man and live a rich life. However, she too makes 17 & 24 AT 2:00PM a self-discovery about life and love. “Thoroughly Modern Millie” takes audiences on an uplifting, toe-tapping journey through the eyes of a dreamer in the 1920s. Elm Street is ecstatic to present this heartwarming show May 15-24.

Call or visit us on the web to learn about our SUMMER CAMPS

ELMSTREETARTS.ORG 678.494.4251

14 AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015 AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015 15 Community What Hollywood Likes About Cherokee County SUBMITTED BY THE CHEROKEE OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Tom Cruise. Kristen Stewart. Sony Pictures. Three names and help existing industry harnessed to one industry: film. But when a production company expand. There’s lots of money can shoot anywhere, what attracts movie makers to Cherokee to be made by landing a movie County? “We’ve worked with a number of film scouts since production in your community. Cherokee earned its Camera Ready designation in 2011,” says Misti It’s an obvious match. Martin, President of the Cherokee Office of Economic Development Last year, more than 158 (COED). “Cherokee is attractive because it’s so diverse. It’s rural. feature films and television It’s urban. There are mountains, lakes, waterfalls, incredible productions were shot architecture and some very distinctive buildings and downtowns. somewhere in the state of Plus, we have a skilled workforce. That’s always attractive to Georgia, generating a combined production crews looking to hire locals.” production cost of $1.4 billion. No one really tried to keep it a secret, yet few realize COED is Add in the revenue each film the county’s liaison with directors, scouts and crews. If a film is fosters in the community where looking for something specific, like a mansion with Mediterranean it’s shot, and Georgia enjoyed an architecture for a scene set in the 1940s, they’ll check the state’s economic boost of about $5.1 Camera Ready Reel Scout database. If they find what they’re billion last year thanks solely to looking for in Cherokee, they’ll call COED. “Each request is a little A crew member checks the camera the film industry. while filming at the Blanton Property. different than the one before and you can absolutely never guess With those kinds of dollars, what’s coming next,” said Martin. just about every community in the state is ready and willing to Cherokee garners a lot of attention from location scouts. For roll out the red carpet and say “Hi y’all” to Hollywood. And like so example, in 2011, the county received 11 inquiries. In 2014, that many things in life, some of the strongest attractions to Cherokee number grew to 41. Martin credits the state’s Camera Ready Reel are also its greatest challenge in movie land. Scout database, which is an electronic file of locations across the Over the past five years, production companies have stayed close state. It’s one-stop shopping for most scouts. COED recognized to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. There are also the opportunity and assembled a think tank of community leaders a number of sound stages peppered around that same area. Yet to help identify every area in the county that would attract film Cherokee, true to its motto, “where the metro meets mountains,” scouts. has topography the region around the airport can’t offer. The Camera Ready program was the first of its kind in the nation “There’s no doubt, the film industry is big business,” said when it launched in 2010. It’s designed to establish a liaison in Marshall Day, COED Chairman. “But with any business endeavor, each community for film and television companies to contact you have to make sound decisions. I think you’ll see in the next and work with on a local level. Throughout the state, a majority several months that COED has been extremely savvy about of economic development authorities have taken on that role. attracting some incredible projects to film in our community.” But think of it like this: COED’s mission is to attract new business Hmmm. On that note, as they say in the business, stay tuned.

Ready for that close-up? If you’re interested in applying to work as a background artist, also known as an extra, here is a list of casting companies that handle that work in metro Atlanta. Email them two pictures, preferably taken with your cell phone in normal light. They’ll need a close-up of your face and a second picture that’s full length. Include your name, contact information, weight, height, age and sizes.

Atlanta Casting and Talent Extras Casting Atlanta Marinella/Hume Casting Direct info: 404-808-0685 Phone: 404-865-3330 Email/Casting: [email protected] Direct email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email/Talent: [email protected] Website: atlantacastingandtalent.net Website: extrascastingatlanta.com Website: marinellahumecasting.com Hylton Casting Big Picture Casting Phone: 404-963-1105 Tammy Smith Casting Phone: 404-919-9293 Website: HyltonCasting.com Phone: 404-433-7616 Website: bigpicturecasting.com Extras Submission Page: http://hyltoncasting.com/submissions/extras/ Email: [email protected] Christopher Gray Casting Twitter: twitter.com/hyltoncasting Website: tammysmithcasting.com/TSCasting/ Phone: 323-301-3185 Facebook: facebook.com/HyltonCasting HOME.html Website: christophergraycasting.com New Life Casting Phone: 404-444-0565 William Reynolds Agency CL Casting (Catrett Locke Casting) Email: [email protected] Phone: 404-636-1974 Website: clcasting.blogspot.com/ Website: newlifecasting.com Email: [email protected] Facebook: facebook.com/CLCastingCo Facebook: facebook.com/NewLifeCasting Website: williamreynoldsagency.com 16 AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015 A Salute to Single Moms BY LINDE FERRERE

On Mother’s Day, Serenade Heights would like to honor the single moms our ministry serves. Our ministry is a six- to 24-month faith-based program that helps single Jackie women with children achieve family stability. We have Jackie and her daughter came been blessed to have the opportunity to house a total of six into our ministry at the beginning single mothers in the past two years, and currently house of this year and we are excited five single mothers and eight children. Our ministry serves to work with her as she begins these mothers by offering them support through affordable the road to a great future for her housing, a weekly life coach, counseling, employment daughter. She works two jobs guidance, financial education, Bible classes, and by while driving her daughter nearly directing them to community resources. But each week, 20 miles for reasonably priced the Serenade Heights staff members meet and review the child care. She hopes to find more progress of the single moms in our ministry with marvel stability during her time in the and astonishment. Our women are more than just moms. ministry with one full-time job or They are inspirational women building a better future for possibly returning to school for more education. Her devotion their children. They do the typical “mom jobs” like making breakfast, lunch and dinner. They manage the homework, to making her life better and her ability to push through projects and crafts. They tuck their children into bed and challenging circumstances makes it apparent to Serenade try to get them to the extracurricular activities like most Heights that God is doing something big in her life. moms. So what makes our single moms within our ministry so different? All our moms work one if not two jobs and go to school. They take their children to doctor and dentist Chasity appointments at the sacrifice of a day’s wages. Our moms Chasity, who has three children, has been in our ministry attend life coaching sessions weekly and participate in for six months and already has her CNA certificate and has community workshops. They do this with the stress and just successfully completed a challenging phlebotomy class. burden and knowledge that the responsibility is all theirs. There was hardly a moment of rest after she moved into her They manage their day-to-day lives without a second home before she was out the door making huge strides in her income or a second set of hands in the house. Our ministry life. Not only is she working to support her family, but she is is designed to help single moms who just need someone attending school every night to earn more certifications with to walk beside them and hold their hand. From the staff the hopes that her hourly pay rate will continue to rise. With of Serenade Heights, we want to wish our single moms a a place to call home and a ministry supporting her efforts, this Happy Mother’s Day because we are amazed by you. single mom can do anything her heart desires, and Serenade I’ve never met such amazing women in my life; it is an Heights is honored to be a part of her journey. honor to work for them. As busy as I am, they put me to shame when I hear all they do! If you’d like to support a home within this single mom’s ministry, go to https://gosponsorit.com/serenadeheights. Selina For more information about the ministry and how you can Serenade Heights be involved, visit www.serenadeheights.org. is proud of Selina as she begins her journey in our ministry. She has been blessed with Natalie the challenge Natalie, mom of two beautiful children, has nearly completed to raise her four her time in our ministry and has impressed our staff in more boys, one who has than one way. Challenges that would break a mother’s spirit a rare disease. She have made her strong. Her ability to trust God’s hand on is inspirational her plan in life, regardless of how challenging it is, has made as she learns to the staff and volunteers marvel at her success. She leans navigate single parenting. Selina is currently working a part- not on her own understanding, but on God’s promise for her time job while searching for a job that will meet her family’s wonderful future. full financial needs. To supplement her income, she cleans homes and hopes to one day own her own cleaning company. AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015 17 Community Extraordinary Moms BY SUSAN BROWNING SCHULZ

Milton Berle said, “If evolution really works, how come mothers she watched the movie, “Cheaper by the Dozen.” This film only have two hands?” Yes, of all the rights of women, the inspired her to start a large family of her own after marrying her greatest and most challenging is to become a mother. Those who sweetheart, Brent. Laura felt led to continually fill the number 12 make that choice often feel like they need more than two hands. spot by opening her home to the downtrodden. Unwed mothers, young men, the homeless, troubled family members, and those Steen Jones dealing with financial issues and hard times found refuge in the A creative and beautiful young mom, Steen Jones, faces the George home. Today, two of her teen children live at home, while challenges of autism head on, but the beginning was quite nine married sons and daughters are adding to the George legacy difficult. A heart wrenching time, Steen described the early with 16 grandchildren (13 born and three on the way). As a years of her children’s autism as “the dark ages.” She’s the mom resourceful, think-outside-the box homeschooler, Laura founded of two wonderful Compass Prep Academy in Woodstock, where students learn in a children, Elijah (11) unique, three-day learning community. and Peyton (9), both of whom were Dr. Nadine Thomas diagnosed as toddlers. “I like to say that we are the family that love built,” Nadine When doctors sat said. “Our family of 10 is comprised of biological, adoptive down with Steen and and step children. It is good, hard work. Being a mom is my her husband, Andy most challenging and rewarding blessing. It may be the most (a middle school important thing pastor at Watermarke I’ll ever do. I’m Church), and explained addressed by the results of Elijah’s evaluation, they were heartbroken. They others in many experienced a repeat diagnosis only a few years later with their ways—Mrs., daughter, Peyton. Doctor, Aunt— Steen was having lunch in a restaurant with her son and her but the title mom when Elijah, who was having a bad day, began acting out Mommy beats and making a lot of noise. A man came up to their table and said, them all.” “If you can’t control your kid, find someone who can.” Crushed, Nadine she rarely left the house for years. While in survival mode she works as a decided to put her artistic side to work. Andy took a turn staying pediatrician in home with the kids while she built a career as a hairstylist at Ellijay and is Clark Salon and started crocheting scarves and what she calls, married to Charlie Thomas. People often ask her, “How do you “skinnies.” What started as a hobby in 2010 became a full-force- do it? How do you work full time and take care of all of those ahead business in 2012. At that point, she quit the salon to focus kids?” “Well I believe in a very good God, I have a great husband, on her three main walls: her husband, her children, and her I pray a lot, and I laugh a lot!” business, Colors: Freedom in Fashion. One day, her stepdaughter said, “We are such a blessed family. We need to help those who don’t have families like ours.” Nadine Laura George agreed and adopted their third child at birth and applied to Laura George, who gave birth to 11 children (six boys and five foster at-risk children. The Thomas family soon fostered three girls), could certainly use more than two hands. As a teenager siblings. When the birth mother became pregnant again she contacted Nadine explaining that she had been raised in the foster care system and did not want that for her children. “Will you adopt my children, even the new baby?” Nadine and Charlie said, “Yes,” and the day after adopting the family of four their youngest child was born. He was adopted nine months later. They have their challenges. After the emotional trauma of separation and experiencing and watching violence, the foster children now receive counseling and top notch care. For more information on how you can get involved with foster care visit: fostercare.com, adoptuskids. org or contact your DFACS office.

18 AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015 The 575 Mother’s Day Miracle BY SEAN KAUFMAN

It happened on I-575 South, right hospital. She refused to leave the hospital and likely spent before exit 9 on the morning of Feb. every waking moment praying for her daughter, Scarlet − the 7. I was returning home from Kroger one ejected during the accident. I cannot imagine the pain I when a horrible car accident occurred. would feel seeing one of my children struggle to live. I jumped out of my car and I could hear Doctors were not hopeful. When Scarlet left the hospital, screaming. As I ran to assist, I noticed a Minerva was told she would live in a “vegetative state” or woman laying motionless on her back, absence of responsiveness and awareness due to overwhelming and another woman had been ejected damage to the brain. Regardless, Minerva’s faith was a from the vehicle. mother’s faith and never wavered. The accident involved three sisters On April 3, Scarlet started nodding. On April 4, Scarlet Sean Kaufman lives in on their way to work. Two of them starting talking. Not only did she start talking, she remembers Woodstock with his were mildly injured, but the one who everyone and everything! Two months after she was violently wife, two sons and daughter. He specializes had been ejected was in big trouble. ejected from a car, struggled to survive in a hospital, and was in intrinsic coaching/ One of the sisters screamed for her sent home with the prognosis of living in a vegetative state, motivation, owns a behavioral-based Mom and pointed. Mom was about Scarlet returned to her family. consulting business and 300 yards away and was not allowed to No parent should ever have to see his or her child suffer. is an internationally recognized trainer. He come near the scene of the accident. Not only is it heartbreaking, it is soul-breaking. Minerva’s pain can be contacted at I ran to her to let her know what was during the past two months has been unimaginable. Though sean@seankaufman. com. happening. this story is far from being over, on this Mother’s Day, Minerva As I approached their mother, I could will be able to hug all of her daughters. tell her soul was breaking. She already This was a miracle and it happened in Woodstock right on knew two of her babies were okay, but the third one needed a 575. miracle. Happy Mother’s Day, Minerva. Thanks be to God and the love I saw Minerva, mother of the three girls, a week later at the of a mother!

Moms are Easy BY MATT NEAL As a toddler, my son would toddle over me like I’m the around the yard. He would pick a Pope. It’s because she’s handful of weeds and present them to my mom. my wife as a token of his affection. The It’s true. When it reaction was invariably, “Thank you, comes to their kids, sweetie! How beautiful!” My daughter moms are easy to please could draw the goofiest picture of her no matter what age. Yet mom, with weird stick arms and crazy after you move out and hair. But my wife would act like it’s as you grow older, it’s the Mona Lisa. Stick lady would hold a often harder to make Matt Neal is a freelance prominent place on our fridge for years time for your parents. writer who has lived in Woodstock with his to come. Sometimes, a simple wife since 1999. He It’s interesting that those same ladies phone call is all that’s has a daughter who turns shoeboxes into aren’t so easy to please in their role needed to make their dollhouses, a son who as wives. Men, back me up on this: day. But our lives are so fights those stealthy ninjas, and a wife, Diane, when was the last time you picked a busy with kids and work and all the rest, we have to set aside who provides patience, handful of weeds for the wife and got time and check our calendars. If you don’t live nearby, then a compassion and a kick in the pants when needed. that same reaction? Our stick figures visit to mom’s house might feel like planning an annual vacation. mattnealwriter@yahoo. are never fridge-worthy, and wives Sometimes we make it too difficult. Parents spend years com are brutally honest about our many teaching us, guiding us, loving us. Later in life, they don’t stop shortcomings. But here’s the strange loving us or wanting to spend time with us. They never stop. I part. I’m fortunate enough to still have a mother that I can call. know how grateful I am with my own children over the smallest When I do, I’m always surprised at how impressed she is with things they do. To our parents, we are still those small children. everything I do. It’s like I’m a little boy again. I don’t have to do So we need to remember, they don’t want the Mona Lisa; a stick great things. I can tell her I washed the car and she will make figure will do.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015 19 Community A New Look for a Special Mom BY JODI TIBERIO

It is difficult to imagine what creating a bold texture. Once washed, a texturizing cream was Jodi Tiberio owns Debbie Bowman has been through used to show Debbie that she can style her hair without a blow Branches Boutique over the last two years. Debbie’s dryer. The end result is a true no-fuss style that gives this busy for women in Towne daughter Emily was seriously injured mother a new, fresh look. Esthetician Amy Chandler gave Debbie Lake as well as a second Branches in a hit-and-run accident, and since a finishing touch of makeup, showing Debbie that the look can location and that time, Debbie has spent all of her be recreated in just five minutes. Amy used a dual finish powder Brooklynn’s boutique attention on caring for Emily. That to even out Debbie’s skin tone, added a shimmery coriander eye in Downtown has left Debbie with very little time shadow, softly smudged a cacao eyeliner along her lash line, and Woodstock. to spend on herself. Last month, we completed her look with sheer peony lip color. Debbie’s new Contact Jodi at jodi@ tiberioretail.com. featured a makeover on Emily, who is look is fresh and simple for her to recreate, as she continues to making remarkable progress since that focus daily on Emily’s recovery. life-altering accident. Now it’s time Debbie is smiling ear to ear, and while I know it is mostly to focus on Debbie, in honor of Mother’s Day, and to celebrate because Emily looks so great too, I know she is feeling really the devotion she has had in helping good. She plans to rock her new look at an Emily in recuperating. I was delighted upcoming Willie Nelson concert - a night to do something to honor Debbie and out that is well deserved. Happy Mother’s brighten her day. Day to all the moms out there. You are Like lots of women who go through all amazing with great stories to tell; we our makeover process, Debbie appreciate all of you. admitted to me that she has “no style.” She was wearing a cute top when she came in, but the jeans had to go. Debbie is very narrow through the hip and thigh. We got her into some Silver jeans in the skinny pencil fit. Silver comes in many fits, so it gives us lots of options. Whether you need low or mid-rise, relaxed, boot-cut or skinny, Silver has got you covered. The pocket designs are simpler without all the embellishments of some of our other brands. She was amazed at how much better the new jeans looked. I always say that a great fitting pair of new jeans can make any top look great. We sent Debbie home with tons of new clothes and booties, but her favorite look was Debbie Bowman with this dove gray tunic and soft cardigan. daughter Emily, who was Layering her clothes was something treated to a makeover and featured in the April issue Debbie really struggled with and this of the TowneLaker. outfit makes it seem easy. She found lots of great chiffon kimono style pieces to layer with solid tops or tanks as the weather gets warmer. With Debbie all set with her new clothes, it was time for hair and make-up with our friends at Salon and Spa Venéssa. With Debbie’s hectic lifestyle, she normally wears a no-fuss haircut that can be washed and worn without much styling. Stylist Bethany Renner describes Debbie as being like many of today’s busy mothers who put their needs last. Debbie has super straight, fine hair that requires product and styling to achieve any type of volume. Bethany gave Debbie a strong, shorter cut that is cropped close through the sides and back. She left a wispy softness around her ears and on her neckline, and finished the cut by adding texture through the top. Then stylist Megan Wood gave Debbie bright blonde highlights,

20 AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015 Photo courtesy of Darleen Prem Senior Sense: Parental Tidbits BY DELIA HALVERSON

“Don’t cry over spilled milk!” a tribute to her mother, and how convenient to have them “Little folks want what they want right where we could all be reminded of such wisdom. These little now, but big folks can afford to wait!” sayings may seem old fashioned, but they held much wisdom These are some of the parental tidbits that was given to us in subtle ways. As we celebrate Mother’s that I grew up with, and I’m sure that Day, and next month, Father’s Day, we can thank our parents for you have your own set of tidbits that teaching us wisdom in ways that are easy to remember. helped shape your personality. I often Perhaps you heard some of these. Pass them on to your hear that it’s the grandparents’ job to grandchildren or children. spoil their grandchildren, but I’m not • A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. sure that that’s true. Perhaps the job • I’d rather see a sermon than hear one any day. Delia has written of grandparents is to bring back some • Don’t believe everything you hear. more than 25 books, of the parental sayings that have been leads workshops and • A stitch in time saves nine. has trained teams lost through the years. These were • Focus on what’s right in your world instead of what’s wrong. in the Congo and truths clothed in gentle sayings instead Mozambique. She and • Never spend your money before you have it. her husband have lived of harsh words. These were usually said • Keep an open mind. in eight states, but now over and over so that they stuck in our reside in Woodstock, • Any plan is bad that cannot be changed. and have a daughter, minds. Many have been lost through son, daughter-in-law the years and parents today don’t have • Nothing remains constant except change itself. and four grandchildren • The best cure for a short temper is a long walk. living in Cherokee time to say much more than “Don’t do County. that!” or “Grow up!” • Take one day at a time. On the wall of a friend’s home I • It’s okay to make a mistake as long as you learn from it. found a framed copy of such tidbits that had been her mother’s • If you fall in the mud puddle, check your pockets for fish. sayings. They were done in calligraphy and framed nicely. What For more wise old sayings, go to www.wiseoldsayings.com.

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AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015 21 Community Sine Die - 2015 Legislative Session Wrap Up BY STATE REP. MICHAEL CALDWELL

On April 2, your citizen legislature voted yes. packed up and left the Capitol when the Transportation Funding Act: With the start of the session came clock struck midnight and marked “Sine a debate over the way transportation is funded in Georgia. Out Die,” the end of the 40th legislative day of 50 states, our state has the 10th largest transportation network and final constitutionally permitted day and spends 49th per capita on our infrastructure. The estimated of the session. This year’s contentious shortfall in funding was roughly $1 billion and the legislature set legislative session dealt with some big out to bridge the gap. The plan, as it began, was to consolidate issues. The debate ranged from medical and simplify our transportation taxes, set up an effective user marijuana to transportation funding and fee, and do it all without raising taxes. The end result was a nearly everything in between. significantly more convoluted tax structure that taxed users and Michael Caldwell is the state Though I won’t be able to cover non-users and raised Georgia’s tax burden by roughly $700 million. representative for everything of interest in this limited This is not conservative governing. I voted no. District 20, which covers Towne Lake article, I’d like to touch on a few key Haleigh’s Hope Act: Medical cannabis oil use for children and Woodstock. He highlights from the session, both good experiencing seizure disorders has been debated in the General can be reached at 678-523-8570 or email and bad. Assembly for nearly two years now. After barely missing the finish him at Michael@ Balanced Budget for 2016: The line in the 2014 session, the House and Senate were able to come CaldwellForHouse.com. Constitution of Georgia has only one together on a final bill this year. I voted yes. annual requirement of the General Student Data Privacy Act: This simple bill places strict guidelines Assembly: to pass a balanced budget for the following fiscal year. around when the State Department of Education can make Fiscal Year 2016 will begin July 1, 2015 and end June 30, 2016. personally identifying information about individual students The total FY15 budget comes out to just over $44 billion with available to other governmental and non-governmental agencies. nearly $21.7 billion in state funds. Our budget, in contrast to the This becomes one additional check and balance to protect private federal government’s, is constitutionally required to be balanced. performance, identity and other information that belongs to This budget included a massive increase in K-12 education funding students and parents. I voted yes. and an additional three judges for the Georgia Court of Appeals. I continued on page 63

22 AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015 A Clumsy Doctor BY MIKE LITREL, MD I was a clumsy waiter. Not all the my patient and her husband, now quite agitated, reminded me time—just when things got too busy. I where I had left off. They were able to laugh at the confusion worked in an upscale restaurant at John once they found out they weren’t expecting. F. Kennedy International Airport in New But not all mistakes can be laughed away. York during my late teens. My biggest Recently a patient returned to the office after cancer surgery. blunder was spilling a pot of coffee on a Elizabeth had wanted children, and the loss of her uterus and mink coat. I wiped off the fur, muttered ovaries had been heartbreaking. an embarrassed apology, and made Her recovery had gone well, but lines of sadness marked a feeble attempt to distract the irate Elizabeth’s face. “I think you need some other magazines in your customer by pointing out the window to exam room, Dr. Litrel,” she said quietly. Tears shone in her eyes. Dr. Mike Litrel has a Concorde headed for France on a two- I glanced at the coffee table. Every magazine bore the authored two books hour transatlantic flight. smiling face of a pregnant woman, or a mother holding a baby. on the faith-health connection. He is a She still didn’t give me a tip. Clumsiness in a doctor’s office can cause pain. board certified OB/GYN Practicing medicine has similarities to I heard myself say I was sorry. As I searched for words of and specialist in pelvic reconstructive surgery waiting tables. Instead of flight delays, comfort, I found myself telling Elizabeth the story of another at Cherokee Women’s we get urgent work-ins—patients who patient. Health Specialists www.cherokeewomens need to be seen on top of regularly Dawn wanted nothing more than to get pregnant. For 10 years health.com scheduled patients. Just like at the she visited doctor after doctor. I referred her to an infertility clinic airport, when things get busy, I can for in vitro fertilization, where she spent tens of thousands of occasionally get clumsy. One morning a young mother rushed in dollars. Still, she wasn’t able to have a child. for a pregnancy test. With three children, two still in diapers, she At her check-up she was confused and bitter. Nothing mattered and her husband were anxious for the results. more to her than becoming a mother. Why had God filled her “We have the results,” I began as I entered their exam room. with dreams of motherhood only to leave them unfulfilled? Suddenly I realized I was holding a prescription for a patient We talked a while about the miracle of pregnancy, wanting to leaving the office. I dashed out to give it to her. When I returned, be part of it. The conversation turned to motherhood—not just continued on page 63

AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015 23 Community 2015 Farmers Market Season From Our Farms to Your Table BY TRICIA NITTI / MARKET MANAGER FOR RIVER CHURCH, ROSWELL FARMERS MARKETS The key to any meal is fresh, quality ingredients, and Cherokee County Farmers Markets offer an array of Georgia-grown produce and artisan foods to satisfy the latest trend of buying from local and sustainable food sources. It’s even more appealing when you think that most food available at the supermarket travels an average of 1,700 miles and is picked four to seven days before being placed on the shelf. With a multitude of small family farms in Georgia, where agriculture is our No. 1 commodity, we are able to satisfy the demand for the freshest produce, harvested within a day to just a few hours of being brought to market. In a time when every dollar counts, imagine the difference it can make to a family when buying directly from the producer. Only 18 cents of every dollar goes to the actual grower of food purchased in a large supermarket. Shopping at your farmers markets not only benefits the farmers—who get full value for their products—but An employee from a local Georgia farm sells produce that has been raised it keeps those dollars in the community, benefiting other area using new technologies in organic farming at the River Church Market. businesses. Food grown locally, processed locally and distributed Markets in Cherokee County locally generates jobs and supports the overall local economy. • River Church: 2-6 p.m. Tuesdays, open through Nov. 24 at “Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food” isn’t just a catchy phrase. 2335 Sixes Road, Canton. Direct-to-consumer purchasing opens the door to relationships • Waleska: 3-7 p.m. Thursdays, opening May 7 at Reinhardt between the buyer and the person who grew the food. It gives you University at the corner of Highway 108 and Highway 140. the ability to ask questions about the food and how it was raised. • Canton: 8 a.m.-noon Saturdays, opening May 25 at The goals are transparency and a willingness to share farming Cannon Park. methods and information. Farmers take pride in their products • Downtown Woodstock: 8 a.m.-noon Saturdays and 4-7 p.m. and demand the highest quality. The same food that feeds their Tuesdays, opening May 2 on Market Street. own families is what they offer to the greater community. In addition to the relationships, the markets offer a sense of … And Beyond community and what I like to term “a return to yesteryear.” Family • Acworth: 7-11 a.m. Fridays at Acworth First Baptist, and children’s activities bring together neighbors who shop, play 4583 Church St. and enjoy the market’s festive atmosphere. • Jasper: 7:30 a.m.-noon Saturdays at the Park and Ride lot at If these were not reasons enough, then the basic fact that the Lee Newton Park on Highway 53. food just tastes better when picked at peak freshness should be • Marietta Square: 9 a.m.-noon Saturdays, open year round. the final incentive! When I was a child, I never knew just how great • Roswell Farmers & Artisans Market at City Hall: 8 a.m.-noon a strawberry, blueberry or peach could taste. By shopping local, Saturdays, now open. you are treating yourself to the best varieties each season that • Sweet Apple: 3-7 p.m. Thursdays, now open at World Harvest Georgia has to offer. Church, 320 Hardscrabble Road.

Cooking Demos, Pie-Eating Contests The Woodstock Farmers Market, presented by the Bank of North Georgia, will kick off its seventh season on May 2 on Market Street between Mill and Maple streets adjacent to the Elm Street Arts Village event green. Saturday market hours are 8:30 a.m. to noon. This year the Tuesday market will be held at the same location as the Saturday market. Tuesday market hours are 4:30-7:30 p.m. Events will including cooking demonstrations by local chefs, farm-related activities presented by the Cherokee County Farm Bureau, pie baking and eating contests, canning demonstrations and urban garden classes. For more information on the Woodstock Farmers Market, please check out www.downtownwoodstock.org/farmer/ or call the Woodstock Visitors Center at 770-924-0406. - Kyle Bennett 24 AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015 2015 Farmers Market Season Kids “POP” at River Church Market

Last year, the Roswell Farmers and Artisans Market Manager gave me the inspiration to bring the Power of Produce (POP) Club to River Church Market to help educate children on the importance of good nutrition. POP Club is designed to help children ages 5-12 explore nutrition, culinary arts, agriculture and science, and to learn lifelong habits of healthy food choices. Club members earn passport stamps by participating in a series of market events. Once the passport is filled, the child will receive a free kid’s meal from participating local restaurants. The activity gives each child a sense of community and ownership in the markets. Parents can enroll their children at participating markets (River Church, Woodstock and Sweet Apple). Waleska and Acworth have limited participation. The Power of Produce is sponsored nationally by the Farmers Market Coalition and recognized by the USDA. Cherokee County Farm Bureau and Century House Tavern in Woodstock, the original sponsors of POP Club, made the first year a success. They will be joined this season by Family Traditions and Frosty Frog Creamery & Cafe. POP Club activities planned for this season include the following: • Cherokee County Master Gardeners will present a monthly activity similar to the school garden clubs. • Girl Scouts are developing a nutrition program focusing on at-risk children. • Local chefs will do demonstrations in culinary arts to encourage great tasting, healthy options. • Cherokee Charter Academy students will take field trips to the River Church Market, where they will devote time to agricultural projects and have a tent. For more information, contact Tricia at 770-630-2715 or [email protected]. —Tricia Nitti

AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015 25 Community Blankets Creek Spring Sports Festival Supports Local Trails BY LISA RANDALL April marked the arrival of warmer weather and the SORBA Woodstock/ Mountain Goat Adventures season opener at Blankets Creek Mountain Bike Trails in Canton. The Spring Sports Festival featured an entire day of races, with a five-mile trail run and off-road duathlon in the morning, followed by a 15 or 30 mile mountain bike race in the afternoon. Athletes were able to pick their favorite discipline, at an Jonathan Hiott of Canton takes the win in the men’s 40-44 division in the event that offered a bit of something Duathlon. Eddie Delacruz from Suwanee won second, and Charles Oswald Photos by Featherbrush Photography Featherbrush by Photos from Ball Ground came in third. Max McAllister of Woodstock for everyone. rides to a win in the Men’s 40+ Thanks to the ongoing efforts of Sport Division in the Mountain SORBA Woodstock volunteers, the Bike Race. trails were in great shape leading up to the event, and were not affected by the rain from the previous day. By the time the events started, the courses were once again dry and fast. On race day, more than 30 SORBA Woodstock volunteers came out and helped make this event a huge success for both the participants and the trails. The event raised more than $4,000 for SORBA Woodstock, which will be used to build Blankets Creek Dirty Duathlon Expert riders hit the opening singletrack and maintain trails at Blankets Creek and Rope Mill Park. started with a five-mile trail run. in the 30-mile Mountain Bike Race.

PERIMETER NORTH FAMILY MEDICINE

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26 AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015 Every Picture Tells A Story J.KING IMAGES

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AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015 27 Community The Miracle of EVERYDAY

Everyday Angels is a 501(c)3 nonprofit serving Cherokee When hospitalized with a County since 2000. If you would Kelly and Scott kidney infection and like to make a tax deductible McDonnell sepsis. Four days donation, please visit www. everydayangels.info to donate were expecting later, Dr. Jernigan said via Paypal or send your their first child, a she would need a donations to: Everyday Angels, sonogram revealed transplant within the PMB 380, 1025 Rose Creek Drive, Suite 620, Woodstock GA, there was no amniotic year,” said Kelly. 30189. One hundred percent fluid, the baby had no Today, the of your funds will go to the kidneys and her head was McDonnells face their family you specify. Also, if you know of a special need within your not forming properly. Despite transplant challenge community that you would like to a doctor’s recommendations to with excitement share, please send an e-mail to terminate the pregnancy, the and hope. “We are [email protected] for consideration and qualification. McDonnells believed that as long hopeful to see color as their baby had a heartbeat, return to her face she had a chance. They relied and have swelling Faith at age three. on faith and prayers for a miracle. As the pregnancy progressed removed from her beautiful and Kelly spent months on bed rest, her amniotic fluid doubled, blue eyes. The doctor said these things will be immediate a small kidney had grown, and the baby’s head began to take after the transplant, so instead of dread and fear, we now feel shape. Their baby was delivered six weeks early weighing less an excitement,” Kelly said. The McDonnells’ health insurance than 4 pounds with one very small kidney functioning at only will cover 70 percent of the transplant expenses, leaving them 10 percent. They named their baby girl Faith. Miraculously, a responsible for the balance. Faith has begun her testing and her sonogram performed at her four-month appointment revealed a dad and a family friend have been confirmed as potential donor second, larger kidney had grown. matches and continue in the qualifying process. Meanwhile, “I am so glad we chose life! This beautiful, intelligent, caring the McDonnells remain in a holding pattern on the deceased and very strong-willed girl has influenced and changed our lives donor list until a surgery date is confirmed. Financially, the in the best of ways. Through her health struggles, we have had to McDonnells have asked for assistance from Children’s Organ lean and rely on the Great Physician and not rely on the negative Transplant Association (COTA), a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization, report of the doctors,” said Kelly. Today, Faith is 16 years old to help them with Faith’s transplant expenses. Through and has battled kidney disease her entire life. “We were always COTA, 100 percent of funds donated in honor of Faith will be warned that Faith would need a kidney transplant when she gets used for transplant expenses. Donations are tax deductible. older but they have been wrong before. Thanksgiving Day, 2014, The account is hers for the remainder of her life. If you feel Faith began to run a fever and get ‘the look.’ She has had many led to donate, please visit http://cota.donorpages.com/ kidney infections in her life, so that wasn’t surprising. Faith was PatientOnlineDonation/COTAforFaithM. Everyday Angels has featured stories and followed the journeys of local children and adults who were patiently waiting for organ transplants. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, an average of 79 people receive organ transplants each day. However, an average of 21 people die each day waiting for transplants that can’t take place because of the shortage of donated organs. To help save a life, designate yourself as an organ donor on your driver’s license, or by an advance directive, will and living will. “We are so thankful for our support system. We have a big need but an even bigger God! It is your love and prayers that have helped us get this far and it will be what carries and encourages us in the days ahead,” said Kelly. 28 AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015 The Miracle of Features Sought by Home Buyers in 2015 BY THE PREMIERE GROUP

If you’re considering selling your home, it’s important to understand the current real estate market, from both the big picture and local levels. In addition to knowing the average home sale prices and other pertinent data for your neighborhood, you need to know which features home buyers love or hate. Knowing what your potential buyers are looking for will help you determine how to stage your home, play up its strengths and minimize weaknesses. Walk-ins welcome Walk-in closets are on the must-have list for many home buyers. Even if you don’t have spacious, his-and-her’s walk- in closets, you should do your best to make your closets appealing. One smart strategy is to remove out-of-season clothes from your closet. Grateful for great rooms Homeowners want open spaces that merge the living room, kitchen, and/or dining area into one cohesive room. Faith at age three. This allows for more conversation and enables parents to keep an eye on kids while they play in the adjoining space. Luxurious laundry room Today’s home buyers are not content to settle for a gloomy basement corner or a cramped closet off the kitchen. Buyers are looking for more space for folding and storage, high-end appliances and handy features like built-in ironing boards. Energy efficiency, inside and out Whether motivated by conservation concerns, frugality or both, energy efficient features are in high demand. Energy Star appliances are a good selling point, as are other features like programmable thermostats and low-e windows. If your home has any features that decrease utility bills, make sure buyers know. Spacious first-floor ceilings Home builders are getting requests for kitchens, dining rooms and great rooms with nine or 10-foot ceilings, but buyers still prefer the cozier dimensions of normal 8-foot ceiling heights for upper-story bedrooms. The tall-ceiling appreciation does not extend to cathedral ceilings in great rooms. As previously mentioned, homeowners want more energy efficiency, and large rooms with 2-story high ceilings are anything but efficient when it comes to heating and cooling.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015 29 Community Rob’s Rescues

This dog is Waldo. He is a puppy and he is calm and patient, unlike other puppies. He is nearly 7 months old. He was found as a stray and he is a mixed terrier and Chihuahua. He likes to snuggle. The shelter called him Waldo because he likes to hide. He is very soft, likes other dogs and walks on a leash. He sits very happily with you and he would be a really good dog and friend. These cats must be adopted together. The one with the white face is called Tigger and the I’m Rob Macmillan other one is Finnegan. Finnegan is and I’m on a mission 3 years old and Tigger is 9, and to help shelter dogs and cats. These they are very close. Tigger animals are at the Cherokee County likes to look around and Animal Shelter at 1015 Finnegan likes to sleep. Univeter Road, Canton. Contact me They have been at the at robsrescues@ shelter quite a long time gmail.com www.robsrescues.com now. Their adoption fee is discounted to $150.

We have recently received a great kindness. Every year on his birthday, the family of Lachlan Underwood, who died of a pediatric brain tumor almost four years ago, chooses a cause to support in his name. This year the family donated 30 bags of cat food to Rob’s Rescues, which we have passed on to Pet Buddies Food Pantry and the Cherokee County Animal Shelter for their outreach programs. We are very grateful for this and know that Lachlan’s Light will always shine brightly. Please visit Callum Underwood, Lachlan’s brother, and Rob Macmillan of Rob’s Rescues. the organization’s website site, www.lachlanslight.org.

30 AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015 IT’S FINALLY TIME FOR Gardening BY CHANTEL ADAMS | [email protected] Even though we live in the South, my mama always told me to wait until Mother’s Day to plant a garden. Now that I am a mom, I can’t think of a sweeter way to celebrate our special day. Who wants to spend an afternoon at the spa when you can spend it with your family? A little dirt under the nails, a little sweat on the brow, and the satisfaction that you and the people you love created something beautiful together. I hope you enjoy this month’s selections. Please feel free to send photos to 1 [email protected]. I’d love to see your projects! . A simple galvanized pail becomes a chic way to display seasonal 1flowers. I found these for $39 at Georgia Antiques and Treasures . Located on Old Highway 5, next to the post office. 2 . I found these seed kits for $9.992 and an easy-to-understand gardening book for kids (and adults!) for $14.99 at Learning Express in Towne Lake. The store even sells a little red wheelbarrow. I already purchased these for my nephew’s spring birthday.

3. I have to admit that I included this houseplant in our shopping guide because it has such a funny name. It’s commonly known as Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, so I wouldn’t recommend giving it as a gift to your mother-in-law unless you 3 can keep the name a secret. Don’t worry, I won’t tell! You can find this easy-to-maintain Sansevieria 4 plant at your local Home Depot for $10.98. . Terrariums are all the rage, and Pike Nurseries in4 Towne Lake has the most wonderful terrarium- making station. Containers of all shapes and sizes, adorable plants called itty bitties, pebbles, sand and—best of all—teeny tiny benches, mushrooms and ceramic figurines will help you customize your terrarium in the cutest way 5 possible. It’s a grown-up version of designing your own dollhouse. Terrariums range from $29.99 to $99.99. Prices on accessories vary, but the itty bitties are only $3.49 each. 5. This fairy house would look stunning nestled next to an old oak tree. Can’t you just see it covered in moss and decked out with a string of twinkling lights? Available at Linden in Towne Lake for $100.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015 31 Community REALTOR AND REMODELER TEAM

utting your house up for sale can be a daunting project that raises many just came out for Realtors and I’m really questions. How do you know what repairs need to be made before you excited to be offering it to my sellers. P put the sign in the yard? What can you do inside to make your home This will be an essential tool for out-of- more appealing to potential buyers? state home buyers looking to transfer Donna Broadus of Broadus Realty Group and Jeff Kalteux of Georgia Pride to this area,” said Donna. Visit www. Remodeling have the answers. They have teamed up to offer a free home matterport.com for a 3D sneak peek. analysis for potential sellers, combining her experience in real estate and his expertise in home remodeling. GREEN CERTIFICATION “Both Jeff and I go to the homes, assess the property and help potential Donna recently received a National sellers determine what they can do to update the home and point out problem Association of Realtors GREEN areas. We both try to save the client money by giving them inexpensive certification which will help her in selling ideas for updating,” said Donna. “Of course the sellers are not required to and buying properties that are certified use our services, but we both feel that to give the sellers a more realistic idea EarthCraft, LEED, Energy Star and just of what buyers are looking for, we want them to be prepared for any possible plain energy efficient homes. “Jeff and objections and negatives that may come out during the marketing of the I can help both sellers and buyers by property, inspections during due diligence periods, and contract negotiations.” giving them ideas to make their homes more energy and cost efficient, but also to help with design ideas on what buyers are looking for in homes now as well as doing repairs to get their homes market ready.” In conjunction with the green certification, Broadus Realty Group is In her 12 years of real estate a paperless brokerage firm. Contracts experience, Donna has learned what are finalized online utilizing an e-signing helps a home sell. As part of the free feature. Donna doesn’t use paper flyers home analysis, Donna gives the client a for properties, and relies on online comparable market analysis and offers viewing. She has an option for sellers tips on decluttering and staging the to upgrade their listing by including house to show well. In fact, she said property flyers and/or listing CDs that other real estate agents tell her that potential buyers can take with them. they love to show her listings because The old-fashioned contract signing Debi Radcliff, Donna Broadus and Amy Duska they are staged properly and most of the is available for clients who aren’t onna has been in the real estate work and updating of the home has been technologically inclined. Dbusiness since 2003, and has lived done. “Although we love staying on top in the Woodstock area for more than 22 Donna doesn’t have a brick-and-mortar of the latest technology, we also love years. She has raised her children here traditional office; her virtual office building personal relationships with and has five of her seven grandchildren travels with her as she meets clients in all of our clients. I have made many nearby. She is the lead agent and broker their homes, or in a coffee shop prior new friends from my past clients and for the realty group. to showing property. Saving money still enjoy relationships with them,” Amy Duska, associate broker, has on overhead allows her to spend more said Donna. “We want to make the been in real estate since 2005. She is a on marketing properties and taking experience a wonderful one for each buyers’ specialist who works with move- advantage of the latest technology to of our clients, whether they are buying up and new home buyers and investors, help her clients. or selling. There can be bumps along as well as those looking for land or the path to finalizing a real estate lake property. The mom of three and 3D VIRTUAL TOURS transaction, but we feel we have the step-mom of four has lived in the Towne A new marketing technique that knowledge and experience to help our Lake area for more than 15 years. Debi Donna is embracing is using 3D virtual clients navigate those bumps.” Radcliff is a buyers’ specialist and has tours to showcase her listings. She’s been a licensed agent since 2014. The starting a new company for the 3D tours, Broadus Realty Group former Cherokee County school board and hopes to begin the service in June. member has lived in Woodstock for Buyers will be able to virtually walk Donna Broadus more than 20 years and loves working into any room of a home and scan 360 404-583-8856 with first-time buyers and those looking degrees to look around, as though they www.broadusrealtygroup.com to downsize or buy second homes. were there in person. “This technology

32 AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015 UP TO GET YOUR HOUSE SOLD Jeff Kalteux and Donna Broadus work with each client, like homeowner Colleen Crumpton, to provide a thorough home analysis. photos by J King Images J King by photos

detailed scope of the job is given to Georgia Pride Remodeling each customer, and Project Manager Kris Ziegler or Jeff are continually on site, making sure work is progressing as plumber is a licensed plumber, and the it should. The more diligent monitoring same for my electrician and so on,” said reduces the number of surprises that can Jeff. “In my business, you can’t be any come in a remodeling job. “When you’re better than the people you work with, doing remodels, you can’t see what’s and my guys are awfully good.” behind the walls. Our project manager Georgia Pride handles everything from goes on site on a daily basis to make sure minor repairs to a full home remodel. things are happening, work is done on An extensive project he’s working on time and correctly.” now involves removing load-bearing Kris Ziegler and Jeff Kalteux By teaming up with Broadus Realty walls, redoing hardwoods and tiling a Group, Georgia Pride Remodeling offers eorgia Pride Remodeling is a full bathroom. A priority for Jeff and his services for buyers and sellers. Buyers Gservice business that tackles small crew is to complete the work on time. who’ve found a home they’re interested and large remodeling and building “Remodeling jobs can be very invasive in in purchasing can rely on Georgia Pride projects. Owner Jeff Kalteux became the lives of our clients, so we make sure to visit the property and give an estimate interested in construction 19 years to get the work done on time.” on potential repairs and upgrades. This ago when he was an executive in the Among the most common requests information helps the buyers know how restaurant industry and supervised are outdoor living spaces and updated to formulate an offer on the house. construction of 40 to 50 restaurants. kitchens. A relaxing and beautiful Sellers can get a free analysis of indoor No matter the size of the job, Jeff outdoor area can be created with stacked and outdoor improvements that will help said the difference that Georgia Pride stone fireplaces and flagstone patios. their house sell more quickly. Remodeling offers is thoroughness. Jeff Customers also are looking to renovate “It’s common when I work with sits down with new clients and goes their kitchen by cleaning or resurfacing Realtors to do very specific things to get through a questionnaire that covers existing cabinets. a house ready to sell or do repairs listed not only what they want done, but “If you’re trying to remodel on a dime, on an inspection report,” said Jeff. their expectations. He says the goal we can do that. It doesn’t have to be of Georgia Pride is to exceed those a full replacement. You can make big expectations. changes to your house and not spend a Georgia Pride Remodeling “The guys who work for me have lot of money,” said Jeff. Jeff Kalteux , 404-465-4457 worked for me for many years and are Clear and constant communication [email protected] specialists in their fields. My hardwood is another feature of the company that GeorgiaPrideRemodeling.com floor guys only do hardwood floors. My makes it stand out above others. A

AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015 33 Lifestyle The Mother Load BY CLAIRE FROST

Before I was a mom, baby showers were the stuff nightmares were made of. Other moms in attendance would tell stories about how the gift they bought was a ray of hope in the otherwise stormy sea that is being a new parent. Meanwhile, back at the mimosa table, I was just crossing my fingers that the onesie I brought that said “Silently Judging You” would go Claire is the editor of over as well as I had hoped. House of Frost, a blog I recently attended my first baby juggling family, fashion, food and furnishing shower as a mom, and suddenly all of with a little sparkle. the products I’d been confused about HouseFrost.com made perfect sense. I knew what was useful and what wasn’t, and I used this opportunity to showcase my newfound mom-knowledge by putting together a new-mom survival kit called the Mother Load. It included:

• Light-Sensitive Night Light: It comes on in the dark and is a lifesaver for those 4 a.m. feedings. Your un-stubbed toes will thank you.

• Headbands: Styling your hair? Puh-lease! I’ll take “Things There’s No Time For” for $500, Alex. Cute headbands are a nice solution.

• T-shirt: I lived in soft T-shirts for months.

• Tissues: There will be tears.

• Spray Lotion/Dry Shampoo: Remember when I said there’s no time for styling your hair? There is no time to wash it either. General up-keep flies out the window for a while. (Or maybe that was just me … Anyone? Bueller?)

• Disinfectant Wipes: These are handy for cleaning the kitchen in a pinch for unexpected visitors.

• Wine: Enough said.

• Chapstick: No dry lips here!

• Water Bottle with Straw: It’s hard to take sips with a baby in your lap. The straw is key. (Breastfeeding requires a lot of water intake.)

• Ibuprofen: No matter how tough you think you are, you will have pain somewhere.

Don’t agree with everything on my list? That’s fine! Every experience is different. If you know a new mom this Mother’s Day, let this be your starting point. Make your own Mother Load. (You don’t even have to give me credit!) Just make sure you put everything in a cute container and provide your recipient with an explanation of the contents and why you think she needs them, just like I did here. Happy Mother’s Day!

34 AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015 The Myths and Truths About Heartworm Disease In Animals BY LORRE LAMARCA

Did you know that each year one Myth. Heartworm disease mainly affects dogs in the million dogs are diagnosed with Southeast region of the United States. heartworm disease? Heartworms can also affect cats and other wildlife in Truth. Heartworm disease has been reported in every state addition to dogs. in America. Luckily for pet owners, there is a monthly preventive medication for Myth. It is smarter to save the monthly pill money and just heartworm disease. But why are some pay for treatment if my pet becomes infected. pets not getting the monthly pill? Truth. Treatment could cost anywhere from $1,000 to There are many myths that surround Lorre LaMarca is $2,000, and that’s only if no surgery is involved. Monthly pills the owner of the heartworm disease and hopefully this are a bargain compared to the time and risk involved in the long, Bark Station, 240 article will clear up some of them. Arnold Mill Road. painful treatment. www.bark- station.com. Animals get heartworms from Yearly heartworm testing before writing a prescription 770-517-9907 Myth. Myth. other animals and my pet never goes is another way vets can make extra money. around other pets. Truth. Your veterinarian wants to make sure your dog Truth. Pets can only get the disease doesn’t have an active infection of heartworms before giving by the bite of an infected mosquito. a heartworm medication. Infected animals can have a severe There is no way to tell if a mosquito is infected. That’s why reaction if given heartworm medications. Sometimes owners prevention is so important. Just one bite from a mosquito forget and miss a dose or the dog spits the medication out infected with the heartworm larvae will give your dog unnoticed. It is a veterinarian’s job to check for the disease yearly heartworm disease. and rid the pet of the infection as early as possible.

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CALL FOR A FREE ESTIMATE 678-383-1311 www.GroutDoctor.com AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015 35 Lifestyle DOWNTOWN WOODSTOCK DINING GUIDE Casual and Upscale Dine-In Restaurants

RESTAURANT CUISINE BREAKFAST LUNCH DINNER SUNDAY SPIRITS RESERV. Canyons 335 Chambers St. American no $ $ open Beer/Wine no 678-494-8868 canyonsburgercompany.com Century House Tavern 125 E Main St. Modern no $$ $$$ open Full bar 8 persons + 770-693-4552 American centuryhousetavern.com Fire Stone 120 Chambers St. Wood-fired no $$ $$$ open Full bar yes 770-926-6778 Pizza & Grill firestonerestaurants.com Freight Kitchen & Tap 251 E Main St. Southern Sat./Sun. $$ $$$ open Full bar no 770-924-0144 Brunch freightkitchen.com Hot Dog Heaven 8588 Main St. American no $ no open no no 770-591-5605 Ice Martini & Sushi Bar 380 Chambers St. Fri./Sat. 770-672-6334 Tapas/Sushi no only $$ open Full bar yes icemartinibar.com Ipps Pastaria & Bar 8496 Main St. 770-517-7305 Italian no $$ $$ open Full bar no ippspastaria.com J Christopher’s 315 Chambers St. weekdays 770-592-5990 Diner $-$$ $ - $$ no open no only jchristophers.com J Miller’s Smokehouse 156 Towne Lake Pkwy. BBQ & 770-592-8295 Southern no $ - $$ $ - $$ open Beer no jmillerssmokehouse.com Sandwiches Magnolia Thomas 108 Arnold Mill Rd. 678-445-5789 Southern Sunday no $$$$ open Beer/Wine yes magnoliathomas.com Brunch Pure Taqueria 405 Chambers St. 770-952-7873 Mexican Sat./Sun. $$ $$ open Full bar 6 persons + puretaqueria.com/woodstock Brunch Reel Seafood Seafood Sunday $$ $$-$$$ Full bar 8670 Main St., 770-627-3006 open limited reel.seafood.com Brunch Tea Leaves & Thyme $20 over entrees $15 - $20 • $$$$ = most entrees $10 - $15 • $$$ = most entrees under $10 • $$ = most entrees $ = most English no $$ no closed no yes 8990 Main St. Tea room 770-516-2609 tealeavesandthyme.com Vingenzo’s Italian no $$ $$$ closed Full bar yes 105 E Main St. 770-924-9133 vingenzos.com

36 AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015 AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015 37 Lifestyle A Reverse Mortgage for Financial Planning? BY DAN HULTQUIST

Most people these days see plenty reverse mortgages. This isn’t because they’re desperate for of reverse mortgage advertising. As a cash; they choose HECMs for the significant retirement planning result, you probably already know that advantages. if you’re 62 or older, you can access The HECM line-of-credit (LOC) is the primary financial planning your home’s equity at a low interest advantage. The LOC experiences compounded growth, and many rate through a government insured homeowners will opt-in to reverse mortgages as early as possible reverse mortgage. But, did you know (age 62). But they will wait to draw their funds until the funds that according to the Journal of Financial have grown. Since the LOC becomes considerably larger over Planning, many financial planners are time, it becomes a valuable form of tax-free retirement income. advising clients with no immediate need Homeowners only accrue interest on the amounts they take Dan Hultquist is a for a reverse mortgage to consider one? or borrow. So, electing to get a reverse mortgage now allows certified reverse mortgage professional In fact, “cash poor” homeowners are homeowners to have emergency funds that grow at current and originator. becoming a smaller portion of those interest rates plus 1.25 percent. When interest rates rise, For information, call 404-992-7798 obtaining reverse mortgages, also known homeowners get the benefit of a line of credit that is outpacing or visit www. as Home Equity Conversion Mortgages their home appreciation. The available funds can even exceed understandingreverse. com. (HECMs). home value. Then, these funds can be converted to monthly Ten thousand baby boomers are income when traditional retirement savings are depleted. turning 62 every day, and unlike the Financial planners, advisors, CPAs, estate planners, and other previous generation, most don’t have defined benefit plans finance professionals are realizing that obtaining a reverse like pensions. Many have disproportionate amounts of their mortgage early opens up potential income later in retirement. retirement savings held in real estate. Using a reverse mortgage to The growing line of credit is not taxed on its growth, and is a draw monthly retirement income, tax-free, from home equity nest secure collection of funds that can act as a second source of tax- eggs can help their more traditional retirement funds last longer. free retirement income when needed. The reverse mortgage is a Today, doctors, lawyers and mortgage executives are getting powerful retirement planning tool that shouldn’t be overlooked.

38 AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015 Out & About May 2 raised will be used to build a quarter-mile track at Johnston Elementary Trailfest 2015 8 a.m.- 8 p.m. with the Dirty Guv’nahs and Davin for school and community use. To register, visit www.runsignup.com McCoy at the Resurgens Orthopaedics Community Stage at Elm Street and type in the race name. Cultural Arts Village. In addition to the concert, the event includes May 16, 30 a 5K race, 1-mile Fun Run, food and beer vendors. Trailfest is the Artisan and crafts showat Latimer Hall on May 16 and His Hands largest fundraiser for Greenprints Alliance. www.woodstocktrails. Church on May 30. For details, visit www.mainstreetcraftshow.com. com/trailfest. May 23 May 4 Memorial Day 5K Run Walk and 1K Fun Run begins with check in at 7 Kells Weatherby Golf Classic, at the Marietta Country Club, is a a.m. at Holly Springs Elementary. $25 pre-registered, $30 day of race. fundraiser for Feed My Lambs ministry, a nonprofit organization that Supporting the Friends of Holly Springs Police Foundation, Inc. www. provides free Christian preschools for children living in poverty areas. hollyspringsga.us/memorialday5K. Proceeds will benefit Georgia schools, one of which is in Canton. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m., shotgun start at 11. Register at May 30 www.feedmylambs.net. Strike Out Cancer bowling event, 10 a.m.-noon at Cherokee Lanes, 1149 Marietta Highway, Canton. Sponsored by the BridgeMill Sixes May 6 Service League. Raffles door prizes, awards for best and worst score. Job Fair 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the Historic Train Depot in Holly Springs. $15 adults, $7 for children 12 and younger, free for age 3 and younger. Employers attending include Northside Hospital-Cherokee, Fifth Two hours bowling, shoes included. 770-345-2866. www.bssl.org/ Third Bank, Aflac and Edward Jones, plus many staffing agencies relaybowl. and independent distributors. Free. Bring your résumés. www. hollyspringsga.us. May 7 National Day of Prayerservices at noon in Woodstock at the gazebo in the Park at City Center, hosted by Pastor Larry Baker, and in Canton at the gazebo at Cannon Park, hosted by the Rev. Fred Goodwin. Sponsored by the Cherokee Christian Ministerial Association. www. cherokeeministers.org. May 8 Relay for Life will kick off at 6 p.m. at Creekview High School, 1550 Owens Store Road, Canton. www.RelayForLife.org/CherokeeGa.

May 8-10, 15-17 Classes are led by Nathan Brandon, director of senior services. “Everybody Loves Opal” by the Cherokee Theatre Company will be performed at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturdays, and 2:30 p.m. Sundays at Ongoing the Canton Theatre, 171 E. Main St. in historic downtown Canton. Body Recall Class meets 9-10 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and General admission is $15, seniors and students $12. Groups of 10 or Friday at the Boys & Girls Club Gym, 1082 Univeter Road, more, $10. Canton. The concentration is on strength, flexibility, balance and May 9 coordination in order to maintain independence. The exercises Church Yard Sale, 9 a.m.– 4 p.m in the parking lot of Woodstock are chair-based and involve all muscle groups. Balance challenges United Methodist Church, 103 Towne Lake Parkway, one block south are offered each class in order to sharpen one’s ability to avoid of Main Street. Bargains include knick-knacks, household goods, yard falls. No need to register in advance. Just show up and join in. and garden items, crafts, baked goods. Money raised goes to church projects and missions. May 30-31 May 11 Wing and Rock Fest in downtown Woodstock is noon-10 pm. Saturday Marcy’s Mulligan golf tournament is planned for the Fairways of and noon-6 p.m. Sunday with chicken wings with bold sauces, live Canton, 400 Laurel Canyon Parkway, Canton. Individuals and teams music on two stages, arts and crafts area, children’s activities and a of four are invited to complete. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. wing-eating contest. More than 25,000 people attended the free event Proceeds will benefit the Thomas F. Chapman Family Cancer Wellness last year. www.wingandrockfest.com. Center at Piedmont Hospital. Hosted by FM Radio 97.1 The River’s morning show host and cancer survivor Kaedy Kiely. More details at June 5 www.marcysmulligan.org. Canton First Friday Bike Night 6-9 p.m. featuring live music by No May 13 Sweat in downtown Canton. www.canton-georgia.org. The annual city of Woodstock Police Memorial Ceremony will begin June 6 at 7 pm at The Park at City Center in Downtown Woodstock. www. Coffeehouse6:30-8 p.m. in Latimer Hall, 103 Towne Lake Parkway, woodstockga.gov. sponsored by Woodstock United Methodist Church. Quarterly event begins with refreshments and includes music and time of personal May 16-17 testimony. Festival of the Arts,sponsored by the Cherokee Art Center, in downtown Canton. Featuring an artist’s market, children’s area, food Free Community Screenings Hearing screenings during May at North Georgia Audiology & and concessions and a serenity garden where you can learn about Hearing Aid Center. Call 770-726-8948 for an appointment. www. and purchase locally grown plants and produce. For details, visit northgeorgiahearing.com. www.canton-georgia.com. Stroke screenings 9 a.m.-noon May 2 at Northside Hospital Cherokee May 16 County Conference Center, 1130 Bluffs Parkway, Canton. Screenings The Jungle Run 5k and 1-mile Prowl, sponsored by Johnston may also detect heart disease and diabetes. Free parking. Appointments Elementary School, begins at 8 a.m. at River Ridge High School. Funds required. Call 404-845-5555 and press 0. www.northside.com.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015 39 Lifestyle BB Guns and Wild Mint Tea BY ANN LITREL There are BB holes in my bird butterfly garden. feeders. We plucked a Our backyard is wooded. For 15 handful of violet years I’ve been working to restore it blossoms and to its natural state with native flowers then a small bag and berries to attract birds and other of leaves from the wildlife. I see it as a mini ecosystem. wild mountain Growing up, my sons Tyler and mint. Joseph saw it as a handy place for Evelyn chose target practice. a little yellow Ann is an artist and Over the years I watched them ceramic teapot. writer whose nationally run around with a pack of their Carefully we published work includes decorative fellow warriors dressed in masks poured boiling art, paintings for and camouflage pants. They shot water to make private and corporate collections, and writing paintballs, airsoft pellets, arrows and a tea of steeped and illustration for a BBs at a variety of targets pinned wild mint, mixed range of publications. Ann lives in Towne against my long-suffering trees. with a little local Lake with her husband So with a recent visit from my wild honey. Then and co-author Dr. Mike Litrel and their 8-year-old niece Evelyn, I had a we frosted and two sons. Ann can feeling of tentative but then growing decorated two be reached at Ann@ annlitrel.com happiness as she took my hand for a (not wild) sugar walk through my backyard. Here was cookies with a quiet companion, interested in just violets to make looking. We watched the bumblebees, starving after winter a very pretty hibernation, getting their first meal at the plump blueberry “Mother Nature” cookie. Violets are edible! blossoms. Later on, I explained, they would feed on the We carried our spring tea outside on a tray. Surrounded nectar of beebalm and wild mint, whose young leaves were with bumblebees and butterflies, we sampled our culinary just emerging from the ground. Violets lit up the edges of creation at nature’s table. Evelyn licked her fingers. the shady moss lawn. Walking with a child reminds you that A spring tea, from the perfect pantry Mother Nature violets are a magical sight, not a yard weed. provides for her children. Right in our backyard. Evelyn listened with interest when I told her that violet leaves are the host food for a whole family of caterpillars, those of the beautiful orange and spotted fritillary butterflies. We love to see these adult butterflies in Resources our gardens, drinking the nectar of “Bringing Nature Home” by Douglas W. Tallamy zinnias and lantana – but we forget their caterpillars! There This revolutionary book explains the unbreakable link can be no butterflies if the between native plants and wildlife. For the first time, young have nothing to eat. gardeners have become important players in the And some eat only violet management of our nation’s wildlife. leaves. I suggested to Evelyn “Peterson Field Guides: Edible Wild Plants” that we make ourselves by Lee Allen Peterson a little meal from nature. Exercise common sense when teaching children She gave me a skeptical about nature. Children of around 8 or older look but seemed understand that some plants are poisonous and not quietly excited. We to eat anything without guidance from an adult. consulted a plant Wild blackberries are easy, but use a plant guide guide. Right away we spotted several edible when in doubt. wild flowers perfect “Prairie Moon Nursery,” www.prairiemoon.com for a mid-morning tea. We headed to Prairie Moon’s Native Gardeners Companion sells a shady edge of the deer-proof plant kits for different lawn environments. yard, the woodland I like the “Semi Shade Native Woodland Garden.” Art by Ann Litrel, annlitrel.com Ann Litrel, Art by

40 AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015 Today’s Roller Derby — It’s Not How You Remember It

There’s a modern version of roller derby, a contact sport of roller skating and female athleticism, and promoting self- many of us remember from the 1970s, that’s a bit different esteem in young women by offering alternative and athletic and has more of a philanthropic twist. If you’d like to see avenues of expression. The Darlins support other local non- for yourself, the Marietta Derby profit organizations like MUST Darlins (MDD), a local league Ministries, the Etowah Valley formed in 2011, has a season- Humane Society and other opening home bout planned qualified amateur athletic for May 17 at Hot Wheels Skate organizations. Center in Woodstock. In the early 1900s, multi- Off the track, skaters for day roller skating endurance the Darlins are teachers, small races were popular spectator business owners, librarians, events. By the late 1930s, the artists, students, moms and popularity of collisions and other business professionals - crashes led to the development including a few from Cherokee of a sport that maximized the County. Today’s roller derby is a physical contact. During the far cry from the 1970s version. The Marietta Derby Darlins will have their first home bout of the 2015 next 30 years, roller derby It’s not played on a banked track season on May 17. Photo courtesy of Blaine Cone. evolved into a popular traveling and there are no flying elbow spectator sport that resembled take-downs or flips over the outside railing. It is a fast-paced, professional wrestling with scripted storylines, exaggerated full-contact team sport that requires athleticism, speed and falls and staged theatrics. The modern, flat track revival of the strategy. sport began in 2001 and by late 2005, claimed more than 50 all- The mission of MDD, a non-profit amateur athletic female leagues. By 2009, there were 425 amateur leagues, some organization, is to offer athletic skating entertainment while outside the U.S. In December 2011, the first Roller Derby World promoting the sport of roller derby. The focus is hosting Cup tournament took place with teams representing 13 countries. family friendly events, raising awareness of the health benefits continued on page 63

The Downtown Buzz is held at the Chambers at City Center (8534 Main Street) on the last Friday of the month and begins at 8 a.m. unless otherwise noted.

For more information on the Downtown Buzz program or to suggest a topic for consideration, please contact Mitzi at 770- 592-6056. Presentation: May 29 Cherokee Recreation and Parks Agency Bryan Reynolds, Director

Business, individual and non-profit memberships are available

AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015 41 42 AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015 Faith Mercy and Marriage BY TRENT CHAMBERS

According to my generation, “Marriage no longer works.” It seems like the doom of marriage is on the horizon; according to CNN and “The Millennial Project,” the Marriage Apocalypse is nearly upon us. This is an important topic because it speaks to a longing that we all have: the longing to be known, loved and have a joy that lasts. The sobering reality is that most Trent Chambers is pastor at Sojourn everybody has experienced the hurt Community Church, and pain of a marriage’s demise. husband to Emily and father of Abby Grace Forget happily ever after; too many of and Isaac. Trent us think the idea of happiness, even for and Emily moved to Woodstock in 2012 a moment, is a fairytale. to start a church that I get it. There have been moments would connect the hope of the gospel to of pending doom in my marriage. To everyday life. be transparent, it nearly ended 12 weeks after it began. Today, I want to share with you what has made all the difference. What has caused this good gift to sparkle and shine again. What has become the glue of our broken pieces and been a catalyst for great joy. Here it is: mercy. It is a short word rarely used. Mercy. It is a powerful word for the hurting, the ruined and the broken. Mercy. It is the display of love in the Holy Scripture and the sweetener of our lives together. Marriage is designed to display mercy. Many of us celebrated Easter last month. Easter is the greatest display of mercy the world has ever seen and the most meaningful invitation for me to become a recipient of mercy. This is essential, because unless I am first a recipient of mercy, I will not be an instrument of mercy in the lives of those I love. Here are some of the ways we practice mercy in our home: • Celebrate Forgiveness. Emily and I have made it a habit to be quick to apologize, quick to forgive and quick to embrace. • Enjoy a Weekly Activity Together. Mercy flows most naturally when our relationships are meaningful. Time together matters. • Serve Others. We want to be instruments of mercy to each other and others. Find a way you can bless a neighbor or someone in need and do it as a team. • Pray Often. Prayer, by its nature, is an admission of dependency and an act of praise. Doing mercy demands that we seek not our own praise and live not on our own strength. Sojourn Community Church is sponsoring the Redeem Marriage Conference May 8-9 featuring Robert and Karen Cheong. For details, visit www.redeemmarriage.com

AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015 43 School & Sports Science Olympiad Teams Advance to State Competition Elementary schools from around the county competed in the Cherokee County Elementary Science Olympiad at River Ridge High School, sponsored by Cobb Electric Membership Corporation. Nine of the 35 teams qualified to advance to the state competition held in May at Kennesaw State University. More than 100 medals were presented to individual students and team trophies were presented to: first place Woodstock Elementary (Team 1), second place Bascomb Elementary (Team White), and third place Oak Grove Elementary Fine Arts Academy (Team 1). Science Olympiad is designed to encourage students to explore new and challenging ways of solving problems as part of a team. Events require Woodstock Elementary Science Olympiad winners. knowledge of science facts, concepts, processes, skills and applications.

Sequoyah Sophomore Selected As a Youth Ambassador Cecilia Webb, a sophomore at Sequoyah High School, has been selected as one of 250 Youth Ambassadors for the 2015-16 school year by the U.S. State Department-funded Congress Bundestag Youth Exchange Program (CBYX). This program has been in place for 30 From left: Felicia Williams, Joshua Isaksen, Chetan years and is one of the most prominent exchange programs of its Velivela, Rishab Kaup, Brandon Perez and Garrett kind, funded jointly by Germany and the United States, with the goal Johnston, team captain. of mutual cultural appreciation and cooperation. Cecilia Webb Cecilia will live in Germany with a host family for the year-long Bowl Team Wins immersion program. She will fly to Washington, D.C., in August to meet with members of Congress and then on to Germany, where the first three weeks of the State Championship program will include an intensive language immersion class. Students will then be The Academic Bowl Team from River introduced to their host families and new homes, where they will spend the rest Ridge High School recently won the state of the academic year. In the meantime, Cecilia will be trying to get ahead, taking championship in Division 3 (schools with Georgia’s required courses in independent study and in summer school, so that she 1,400-1,700 students). The team will compete will be able to graduate with her class. at the national competition in Chicago in May.

Winter Guard Earns Silver Medal The Sequoyah High School Varsity Winter Guard won the second place silver medal in the Scholastic Regional A Championships with its performance of this year’s program, “Shelter” at the Southern Association for Performing Arts (SAPA) Championships in Chattanooga, Tenn.

River Ridge High School Indoor Marching Band. Indoor Marching Band Wins Silver The River Ridge Knights Indoor Marching Band competed at the Winter Guard International (WGI) World Championships in Ohio and was awarded the silver medal for its division. WGI is an international competition for the performing arts that features groups from the U.S., Front row, from left: Mikey Barraza, Josie Fournier and Canada, Europe and Asia. River Ridge Band Director Daniel Gray said this Hannah Fisher. Back row: Allison Reid, Sydney Kyle, Kylee is the first time a group from Cherokee County has medaled at this event. Bonham, Elena Gardner, Katie Clayton and Kate Haruch. 44 AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015 River Ridge Prom 2015

River Ridge student Jordan Dye with Caroline Gross, who attends Etowah High School.

Lindsay Wagner and Jacob Samuels.

River Ridge students Satpal Sagoo, Allison Morian, Zach Jamison, Katie Mohundrun, Brandon Sarbeth Nolan and Arron Schroeder, Cherokee Dollar and Kendall Williams, who attends Sequoyah High School. Rabjohn and Matt D’Andrea. AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015 45 Health & Wellness Nature’s Perfect Food BY DR. CATHY WENDLAND-COLBY

If you could provide a baby with Breast feeding gives babies antibodies to diseases, aids in nature’s perfect nutrition, complete with immune system development, facilitates proper jaw and dental the exact nutrients the baby needs in development, creates better cognitive development, improves the precise quantity needed, would you communication skills and is a natural tranquilizer for mom and be interested? What if you could save baby. countless hours every week by not having Breast milk helps protect baby from diarrheal Infections, to drive to stores, shop, unpack bags, bacterial meningitis, respiratory infections, visual defects, prepare baby’s meals and clean up? And Haemophilus B, reflux / colic, ear infections, inguinal hernia, urinary if there was a way to save about $2,500 tract infections and SIDS. in one year while still providing the best Breast milk decreases baby’s risk of developing Crohn’s disease, Dr. Wendland-Colby nutrition for baby, would you want to ulcerative colitis, dental cavities, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, is an international know how? necrotizing enterocolitis, obesity, diabetes, asthma, Hodgkin’s speaker, writer, When it comes to providing disease and cardiopulmonary distress during feedings. chiropractor, wife and mother to two. She can nourishment for a baby, the best choice In addition to the bond that develops between a mother and be reached at www. is nature’s most perfect food. It’s the one her baby while nursing, baby also feels a sense of warmth, safety ColbyChiropractic food source that has been consistently and security. While nursing, mom and baby will continually make Lifestyle.com or by perfect since the very beginning of time. close eye contact, which helps develop eye strength and reinforces calling 770-592-1915. There have never been any manufacturer that loving connection. But baby is not the only one to benefit recalls, no false advertising claims, no from nursing. Breast feeding moms have so much to gain as well, added sugars, chemicals, preservatives or fillers. Nature’s most including increased metabolism, decreased need for insulin in perfect food constantly changes nutrient content to meet the needs diabetics and a decreased lifetime risk of breast, cervical, uterine of the growing baby, it is always served at the correct temperature, and endometrial cancer. it is readily available and comes in the most perfect carrying cases For these reasons, and more, all babies should be exclusively that all babies love. So what is the most perfect food source? It’s breast fed for the first 6-12 months of life before introducing any mother’s breast milk, and the benefits are astounding. water, vegetables, fruit or protein.

Feeling Discouraged in Your Fight for Good Health? BY JESSICA LEIGH SMITH There seems to be a natural progression listen to the criticism. to just about every fad. First, it seems that Here is where the rubber meets the road. If you are concerned no one is doing it. Then everyone is doing about pleasing others, then you can choose to eat gluten. I am not. it. Finally, you get grief if you’re still doing My symptoms are not “all in my head.” I would never turn down it. a hot Krispy Kreme if I could get away with it. But I know what will That has been the way with eating happen if I don’t, and that is why I have chosen to ignore the critics. gluten-free. First, hardly anyone had even Maybe I am wrong and I am not sensitive to gluten. But I am heard of gluten. Then we saw GF eaters sensitive to something. Whatever it is, it currently presents itself pop up everywhere. I am grateful for this as gluten. And until I find out differently, I will be abstaining from stage because it brought about a wonderful all forms of gluten. I hope you are seeing positive results from Jessica Leigh Smith lives in Cherokee slew of GF options that had not been your change in diet and you will have confidence in your own County with her available until recently. But as with most ability to decide what is right for your body. Now go enjoy all those family. Jessica is also an actress and popular things, the people engaging in the inherently GF fruits that are so abundant this time of year. producer. www. popular thing are derided by those who are JessicaLeighSmith.com and Facebook.com/ not. Egg and Tuna Salad NotFinishedInc. We seem to have hit that last tier in the One of my favorites for a sunny, spring lunch is an egg salad. This GF “fad.” It’s tough to turn around and particular recipe is inherently gluten-free, so it isn’t showing you how to replace your favorite gluten-filled version. not find some “scientific” article explaining why no one is really, truly affected negatively by gluten. Some of these pieces make 4-6 hardboiled eggs One 5 oz. can of tuna, in water exceptions for those with Celiac disease. But most of these articles 1 ½ tbsp mayonnaise Salt and pepper to taste claim that those of us who claim to have symptoms are either One fresh lemon Fresh cilantro making them up or have convinced ourselves of what isn’t there. Mix all but the lemon together in one bowl. Grate the lemon zest In other words, “it’s all in your head.” into the mixture and then squeeze the juice of half of the lemon You may have friends or family members who question your into the bowl. Mix all together and serve immediately. For stronger need to lead a gluten-free lifestyle. I have them, and it isn’t easy to flavor, allow it chill in the fridge for at least an hour up to overnight.

46 AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015 AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015 47 Health & Wellness May Is Better Hearing and Speech Month BY JAN HENRIQUES AU. D.

“How’s Your Hearing? Ask an Audiologist” is the tagline of the American Academy of Audiology (AAA) and is used to promote awareness of hearing loss identification, prevention and treatment. May has historically been designated Better Hearing and Speech Month by the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association (ASHA). Dr. Henriques is a board certified Facts regarding hearing loss in America audiologist and lead according to AAA: provider at North Georgia Audiology in • Approximately 36 million Woodstock. She has been practicing since Americans suffer from hearing loss. 1985, after earning a doctorate in audiology • More than half of the people with from the University of hearing loss are younger than age Florida and a master’s degree from LSU 65. Medical Center. • Hearing loss is the third most common health problem in the U.S. • Nearly three in 1,000 babies are born with some degree of hearing loss in the U.S., according to the March of Dimes.

Common signs of hearing loss: • Difficulty understanding speech in noisy environments such as restaurants or cars. • People seem to “mumble” all the time. • You often ask others to repeat. • You have trouble hearing if someone is not facing you. • You have ringing or buzzing noises in your ear or head.

Common causes for hearing loss: • Exposure to excessive loud noise. • Ear infections, trauma or ear disease. • Damage to ear drum from contact with a foreign object (cotton swabs, bobby pins, etc.). • Illness or certain medications. • Deterioration of hearing due to aging process.

How can you protect your hearing? • Wear ear protection in noise that measures 85 decibels or louder. Use earplugs, earmuffs, etc. • Avoid using earbuds with MP3 players at a volume that others are able to hear even though the plugs are in your ears. Turn the volume down to avoid damage.

See page 39 for information about free community hearing screenings during the month of May.

48 AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015 Which Of These Neuropathy Symptoms Do You Suffer From?

If You Suffer From A Single One Of These Torturous Symptoms – Numbness, Tingling, Or Sharp Nerve Pain – THEN THE FACTS BELOW MAY BE THE MOST IMPORTANT YOU HAVE EVER READ IN YOUR LIFE! Neuropathy affects every part of your release the pressure that has built up on life -- walking, sitting, and even sleeping. the nerve. This allows the nerve to heal Maybe you’ve had multiple tests, only and the symptoms to go away. to find out no one has any idea what you have. Maybe you’ve even been put on a Listen to what some of our drug with heavy side effects. patients have to say about it: “I came into North Cobb Spine and Do you have any of the following Nerve with extreme leg pain that caused a symptoms... lack of sleep and decrease in activity. Now that I have been getting care I have a lot • Pins and needles feeling less pain and I am able to be more active. • Numbness in the hands or feet What amazed me the most is that I don’t • Tingling or burning sensations have to take any medication and I feel • Weakness in the arms or legs that my nerves have healed a lot!” normally cost you at least $100). • Sharp shooting or burning pains Thank you, • A thorough analysis of your exam and B. Johnston x-ray findings so we can start mapping If so you may have a condition called out your plan to being pain free. peripheral neuropathy. “I originally came into the office • You’ll get to see everything first hand seeking relief for symptoms of Diabetic and find out if this amazing treatment My name is Dr. Erin Arnold, and I’ve Neuropathy. Since receiving treatments will be your pain solution, like it has been helping people with neuropathy and I have less pain, tingling and numbness been for so many other patients. nerve problems for years. in my legs and feet. I can walk longer, The appointment will not take long at More than 20 million Americans suffer farther and my mobility has really all. And you won’t be sitting in a waiting from peripheral neuropathy, a problem improved! The doctors and staff here are room all day either. caused by damage to the nerves that very friendly and I am thankful for their supply your arms and legs. concern of my well-being. This painful condition interferes with Here’s What To Do Now Thanks, The offer is only good until May 15th. your body’s ability to transmit messages T. Oglesby to your muscles, skin, joints, or internal Call today 678-574-5678 and we can get organs. If ignored or mistreated, you scheduled for your consultation, exam neuropathy can lead to irreversible health How To Find Out If This and x-rays as soon as there’s an opening. conditions. Will Work For You Our office is located at 3451 Cobb Pkwy Why not get help by those trained to It’s time for you to find our treatment Suite 4. Acworth, GA 30101 (on the corner correct the major cause of peripheral will be your neuropathy solution. of Mars Hill and 41). neuropathy? For 14 days only, $20 will get you all the When you call, tell the receptionist Data from the National Board of services I normally charge new patients you’d like to come in for the Neuropathy Chiropractic Examiners’ Job Analysis of $250 for! Evaluation so she can get you on the Chiropractic lists arm and leg neuropathy What does this offer include? schedule and make sure you receive the as the second most common nerve Everything. Take a look at what you will proper credit for this special offer. problem treated by chiropractors. receive: Sincerely, Often neuropathy is caused by a • An in-depth consultation about your Erin Arnold, D.C. degenerating spine pressing on the nerve health and well-being where I will roots. This can happen in any of the listen…really listen…to the details of vertebral joints from the neck all the way your case. CALL TODAY! down to the tail bone. • A complete neuromuscular 678-574-5678 examination. North Cobb The Single Most Important • A full set of specialized x-rays to determine if a spinal problem Spine & Nerve Institute Solution To Your Neuropathy is contributing to your pain or By using gentle techniques, I’m able to 3451 Cobb Pkwy, Ste. 4 symptoms… (NOTE: These would Acworth, GA 30101

AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015 49 Health & Wellness 10 Reasons For Tooth Sensitivity BY DR. SCOTT R. HARDEN 1. You brush too aggressively. A exposed roots. Stop using mouthwash to see if the sensitivity common source of tooth sensitivity is disappears. If you’re concerned about missing the benefits of brushing with too much force or with mouthwash, try flossing and using a tongue scraper to cut the a stiff toothbrush. Using a toothbrush amount of oral bacteria in your mouth, which will reduce bad with hard or medium bristles damages breath and the risk of cavities or gum disease. your teeth by wearing down the 6. You have excessive plaque. Excessive plaque buildup protective layers and exposing dental results in acid eroding your teeth, ultimately leading to nerves that are sensitive to hot, cold, sensitivity. The easiest solution is to practice good daily dental sweet or acidic foods. Switch to a soft care and visit your dentist twice a year or more frequently if toothbrush and brush more gently. necessary. Dr. Scott Harden is a You eat acidic foods. Tomato dentist at Fountain 2. 7. You have gum disease. Gum disease is common in View Family Dentistry sauce, lemon, grapefruit, kiwi, pickles 75 percent of the population and is caused by bacterial acid and has served the Woodstock area for and other acidic foods can cause tooth present on your teeth for prolonged time periods. Gum disease more than 21 years. pain. Soft drinks and sports drinks also causes inflammation, infection and tooth sensitivity. If you’re You can reach Dr. Harden at have high acidic content, and ultimately concerned you have gum disease, check with your dentist. 770-926-0000 or visit de-mineralize your tooth structure You’ve had a dental procedure. Teeth can become more FountainViewSmiles. 8. com. along the root surface to create sensitive after a dental procedure. It’s common to have some sensitivity. sensitivity after multiple fillings or a crown procedure. If your 3. You’re a tooth-grinder. Grinding sensitivity doesn’t disappear after a reasonable time, another teeth, which most often happens subconsciously at night, can visit to your dentist is in order. You may need your bite adjusted wear off the protective enamel layer and expose the sensitive or an antibiotic for infection. part of your teeth, called dentin. Ask your dentist to make a 9. Your tooth is cracked. A nerve can be exposed through mouth guard that serves as a buffer between your teeth. a cracked tooth. The protective enamel coating is gone and 4. You use tooth-whitening toothpaste. Many allows hot, cold and sweets to aggravate the tooth. Even a manufacturers add tooth-whitening chemicals to toothpaste, small fracture can allow bacteria to cause decay that results in which may cause some people to develop tooth sensitivity. Try tooth sensitivity. switching to a non-whitening formula to get relief. 10. There is decay around the edges of fillings. Fillings have 5. You use too much mouthwash. Some mouthwashes a lifespan of 10-15 years. They weaken and fracture or leak and rinses contain alcohol and other chemicals that can around the edges. It’s easy for bacteria to penetrate into these make your teeth more sensitive, especially if your teeth have tiny crevices, which causes acid build-up and tooth sensitivity. Sleep Apnea is Serious Health Risk BY NORTHSIDE HOSPITAL SLEEP DISORDERS CENTER

Sleep apnea is a chronic disorder that occurs when a person importantly may cause extreme daytime sleepiness that could experiences repeated pauses in breathing, sometimes hundreds result in falling asleep at inappropriate times. of times a night, and often for a minute or longer. As a result, Symptoms and Risk Factors these people are unable to reach the deepest, most restful stages Sleep apnea can affect anyone, at any age, but you’re more of sleep and often feel sluggish throughout the day. Studies likely to have it if you are overweight, a male, older than 40, show that sleep apnea also increases the risk of developing heart have a family history of the condition, and/or suffer from nasal disease, high blood pressure and stroke in the more than 18 million obstruction due to a deviated septum, allergies or sinus problems. Americans with this condition. Snoring is a major sign of sleep apnea, but it’s not the only one. Types of Sleep Apnea Seek help if you: • Obstructive, which occurs when the muscles in the back • Have been sleeping poorly for a month or more. of the throat fail to keep the airway open, despite efforts to • Are drowsy throughout the day or if drowsiness prevents breathe. you from carrying out your normal activities. • Central, in which the brain fails to properly control • Have been told by your bed mate that you snore loudly, breathing during sleep. have pauses in breathing or make strange noises in your sleep. Obstructive is far more common than central. Although a person • Wake up with a very sore or dry throat. may experience episodes of choking or gasping for air throughout • Occasionally wake up with a choking or gasping sensation. the night, which he or she may not remember the next morning, • Have morning headaches. and as such, many cases go undiagnosed. Lack of sleep may also • Experience forgetfulness, mood changes and a decreased worsen psychological conditions such as depression, but more interest in sex.

50 AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015 AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015 51 Reference WOODSTOCK AREA HOMES SOLD IN MARCH

List Price Address Subdivision Beds Full Baths Yr Built Sales Price 429,900 207 Autumn Glen TRL Autumn Glen 4 4 2005 420,000 420,000 106 Autumn Glen DR AUTUMN GLEN 4 3 2005 401,269 399,000 5008 Hickory Hills DR Bradshaw Farms 3 2 1996 370,000 385,000 407 Castle Creek DR Woodstock Knoll 5 3 2012 385,000 365,900 1796 GRAND OAKS DR Oakhurst 4 3 2014 369,900 355,000 319 Spotted Ridge CIR Woodstock Knoll 5 3 2012 348,000 350,000 332 Arnold Mill RD 2 1 1976 165,000 340,000 106 Normandy DR Woodlands Enclave 5 3 2003 340,000 320,515 431 Spring View DR Woodview Enclave 4 3 2015 320,515 310,000 166 Susobell PL Woodlands 5 3 2004 310,000 305,000 528 Augusta DR BRADSHAW ESTATES 4 3 2002 305,000 299,900 134 Cornerstone PL Cornerstone Park 3 3 2014 299,900 292,900 104 Brendylynn TRCE Woodlands Enclave 4 2 2004 291,000 289,900 2008 Woodside Park DR Bradshaw Farms 4 3 1997 286,000 289,265 162 Riverside LN Woodview Court 2 2 2014 290,265 285,000 705 Aroura DR Woodlands 4 2 2006 276,000 280,000 118 Towey TRL Woodlands 4 2 2003 280,000 255,000 218 Freelon LN Meridian at Ridgewalk 3 2 2013 240,000 253,900 230 Haleys CT Haleys Mill 5 3 2010 251,500 229,900 228 Haleys CT Haleys Mill 3 3 2011 225,000 229,900 305 Melilot CT Woodlands 3 2 2003 228,000 227,000 216 Mountain View DR Walnut Creek 3 2 2002 225,000 224,000 303 Don Pierre WAY KINGSGATE 4 2 1999 218,000 205,000 203 Cleavers Close Woodlands Park 3 2 2003 190,000 204,500 307 Acuba VW Cottages of Woodstock 2 2 2006 200,000 200,000 803 Westover CT Farmington 5 3 1983 196,000 199,900 219 Mincey WAY Whitfield at Ridgewalk 5 3 2004 191,000 190,000 1002 River Plantation DR River Plantation 4 2 1998 182,000 189,900 405 Parkstone DR Cornerstone Estates 3 2 2012 184,000 185,000 508 Lazy River LN River Plantation 3 2 2000 181,000 185,000 4012 Westridge XING Westridge 3 2 1996 178,500 180,000 370 Westchester WAY Waverly Hills 4 3 1994 180,000 179,900 127 Farmington DR Farmington 3 2 1980 179,900 179,900 1303 Kensington LN Farmington 3 3 1983 177,300 175,000 126 Chickasaw RUN Indian Wells 4 3 1975 175,000 174,900 327 Independence WAY Colony Woods 4 3 1980 175,000 170,000 606 Jeffrey CT Deerchase 3 2 1985 170,000 169,900 513 Rivercrest DR Driftwood Forest 3 2 1975 155,000 169,900 724 Habersham PL Waverly Park 3 2 1996 164,000 167,900 1140 Dunedin TRL The Regency At Kingsgate 3 2 2000 171,000 165,900 127 Dials DR Misty Mountain 4 2 1980 162,840 162,000 307 Water Ridge CT North Towne 4 3 1999 151,000 159,900 347 Winchester WAY Springfield 3 2 1993 159,000 159,390 444 Village VW Woodstock Village 3 2 2014 156,290 156,900 2100 Toonigh RD NONE 4 2 1988 151,000 156,900 620 Bluff DR Colemans Bluff 3 2 1991 143,600 154,900 928 River Rock DR Colemans Bluff 3 2 1986 149,900 150,000 509 Magnolia DR Bramble Oak 3 2 1979 150,000 144,500 205 Daventry WAY Daventry Village 3 2 1998 142,000 139,900 96 Farmington DR Farmington 3 2 1982 139,900 130,000 144 Bramble Oak DR Bramble Oaks 4 2 1979 132,000 130,000 703 Etowah CT Little River Crossing 3 2 1984 130,000 124,500 201 Prissy LN Southern Oaks 3 2 1985 108,500 119,999 302 Creekbend DR Creek View 3 2 1977 65,000 116,600 113 Pioneer DR Pioneer Crossing 3 2 1979 116,600 110,000 568 Rivercrest DR Driftwood Forest 3 2 1977 96,938

FMLS SF Detached residences data provided by The Premier Group, Keller Williams Realty Partners, Woodstock, GA Data believed to be accurate, but not warranted.

52 AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015 City Manager WOODSTOCK CITY GUIDE Jeffrey S. Moon, 770-592-6001, [email protected] Rhonda Smith, exec. assistant, 770-592-6001, [email protected] Stay Connected on Facebook City of Woodstock: www.facebook.com/WOODSTOCKGAGOVT City Council Representatives Woodstock Fire: www.facebook.com/woodstockfireandrescue For minutes and agendas of meetings, visit www.woodstockga.iqm2.com. Woodstock Main Street: www.facebook.com/MainStreetWoodstock Ward 1: Warren Johnson Woodstock Parks and Recreation: www.facebook.com/woodstockparks Ward 2: Chris Casdia Woodstock Police: www.facebook.com/woodstockpolicegeorgia Ward 3: Bob Mueller Woofstock Dog Park: www.facebook.com/woofstockpark Ward 4: Liz Baxter Ward 5: Bud Leonard On Twitter Ward 6: Rob Usher www.twitter.com/woodstockpd www.twitter.com/woodstockfd Council appointed committees: Downtown Development Authority and www.twitter.com/woodstockparks Convention & Visitors Bureau; Ethics Board; Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. www.nixle.com Sends alerts, advisories and community notifications from the city of Woodstock and Cherokee County Sheriff Department. www.cherokeega-sheriff.org A resource to check for registered sex Economic Development offenders in your neighborhood. Click on Georgia Sexual Offender Registry Downtown Development Authority Convention & Visitors Bureau then click on Register for Email Alerts for updates. Brian Stockton, Director, 770-592-6056, [email protected] City of Woodstock government 770-592-6000 Woodstock Visitors Center/Dean’s Store Kyle Bennett, Tourism Manager, 770-924-0406, [email protected] City Officials Mayor Donnie Henriques, 770-592-6001, [email protected] Mitzi Saxon, Administrative Coordinator, 770-592-6056, or ext.-2250 Community Development [email protected] Jessica Guinn, direct 770-592-6050 ext. 1600, [email protected] Public Safety Finance George Williams, community outreach, Fire Marshal’s office Robert Porche, CFO 770-592-6003, [email protected] 770-592-6000 ext. 1845, [email protected] Parks and Recreation Woodstock Police Department 770-592-6030 Preston Pooser, 770-517-6788, [email protected] Woodstock Post Office 770-591-0364

The Outlet Shoppes T at Atlanta at Saks Fifth Avenue Off Fifth Dobbs Rd

dt Rope Mill Rd Chattahoochee Trolley Routes Public Parking Lots Trolley Stop T Technical College - park in marked spaces only outlined in red - parking in Woodstock UMC lot is M-Sa only ParksCir - Chatt Tech parking is limited until early 2015 Kyle St On-Street Parking - park in marked spaces only T

To I-575 Towne Lake Pkwy Exit 8 City T Park at T Center City Center To GA Woodstock Hwy 140 UMC (M-Sa) Arnold Mill Rd Mill St

Town to Creek Trail Reformation Brewery Wall St T Fri 6:00-8:15 T Sat 1:45-4:15 E Main St T Wheeler St

Pinehill Dr Elm St

Oak St

Maple St T Chambers St Bailey Ln

Pinehill Ln Market St Latimer St Paden St T

Main St Hickory St Fowler St Mcaffee St Hubbard Rd CSB Bank

Reeves St (after 5PM)

Perkinson St Download the Visit Woodstock App Fowler St Dupree Rd To GA for info on downtown Hwy 92 businesses and events!

AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015 53 Reference WOODSTOCK CITY GOVERNMENT Mayor and Council Members

Mayor Donnie Henriques [email protected] Ward 1 - Warren Johnson [email protected] Ward 2 - Chris Casdia [email protected] Ward 3 - Bob Mueller [email protected] Ward 4 - Liz Baxter [email protected] Ward 5 - Bud Leonard [email protected] Ward 6 - Rob Usher [email protected]

Ridgewalk Pkwy.

575

Towne Lake Pkwy.

Arnold Mill Rd.

Hwy. 92

54 AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015 ELECTED & APPOINTED OFFICIALS

United States Government Cherokee County Board of Commissioners www.cherokeega.com 1130 Bluffs Parkway, Canton, GA 30114 678-493-6001 President Barack Obama (D) 202-456-1414 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D.C. 20500 fax: 202-456-2461 www.whitehouse.gov Commissioners L.B. “Buzz” Ahrens (R) Chairman Sen. David Perdue (R) 202-224-3521 [email protected] B40D Dirksen Senate Office Bldg., Washington, DC 20510 GA: 678-248-6444 perdue.senate.gov Steve West (R) District 1 [email protected] Sen. Johnny Isakson (R) 131 Russell Senate Office Bldg., Washington DC 20510 202-224-3643 Ray Gunnin (R) District 2 3625 Cumberland Blvd, Suite 970, Atlanta, GA 30339 GA: 770-661-0999 [email protected] isakson.senate.gov Brian Poole (R) District 3 Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R) District 11 [email protected] 238 Cannon House Office Bldg., Washington DC 20515 202-225-2944 9898 Highway 92, Suite 100, Woodstock, GA 30188 GA: 770-429-1776 Scott Gordon (R) District 4 loudermilk.house.gov [email protected]

Cherokee County Coroner State Government Earl W. Darby 770-735-8055 Governor Nathan Deal (R) 404-652-7003 203 State Capitol, 206 Washington St. Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office www.cherokeega-sheriff.org Atlanta, GA 30334 www.gov.georgia.gov Sheriff Roger Garrison (R) 678-493-4100 498 Chattin Drive Canton, GA 30115 fax: 678-493-4228 Sen. Brandon Beach (R) District 21 404-463-1378 [email protected] [email protected] Cherokee County Tax Commissioner Rep. Michael Caldwell (R) District 20 678-523-8570 [email protected] Sonya Little 678-493-6400 2780 Marietta Highway, Canton, GA 30114 fax: 678-493-6420 Rep. Scot Turner (R) District 21 678-576-2644 [email protected] [email protected] Cherokee County School Board www.cherokee.k12.ga.us Rep. Wes Cantrell (R) District 22 770-722-7526 Superintendent, Dr. Frank Petruzielo 770-479-1871 [email protected] 221 West Main St., Canton, GA 30114 fax: 770-479-1236 Rep. Mandi Ballinger (R) District 23 404-656-0254 [email protected] [email protected] Kyla Cromer (R) District 1 678-493-8088 [email protected] Rep. John Carson (R) District 46 404-656-0287 [email protected] Patsy Jordan (R) District 2 770-893-2970 [email protected] Cherokee County Courts Superior Court John Harmon (R) District 3 404-462-4950 [email protected] Chief Judge David Cannon Jr. 678-493-6270 Judge Jackson Harris 678-493-6260 Janet Read (R) Chair 770-516-1444 Judge Ellen McElyea 678-493-6240 [email protected]

State Court Rick Steiner (R) District 4 770-721-4398, x4370 Judge W. Alan Jordan 678-493-6490 [email protected] Judge A. Dee Morris 678-493-6480 Clark Menard (R) District 5 770-928-0341 Magistrate Court [email protected] Chief Judge James E. Drane III (R) 678-493-6431 Mike Chapman (R) District 6 770-345-6256 Judge Gregory Douds 678-493-6431 [email protected]

Probate Court City Government Judge Keith Wood (R) 678-493-6160 Canton Mayor Gene Hobgood 770-704-1544 www.canton-georgia.gov Juvenile Court Chief Judge John B. Sumner 678-493-6250 Holly Springs Mayor Timothy Downing 770-345-5536 Judge Anthony Baker 678-493-6280 www.hollyspringsga.us. District Attorney Shannon Wallace 770-479-1488 Woodstock Mayor Donnie Henriques 770-592-6001 Clerk of Courts Patty Baker 678-493-6511 www.woodstockga.gov

AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015 55 Reference WOODSTOCK AREA CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS

BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS Cherokee County Humane Society (CCHS) Contact: 770-924-0864 or [email protected] Cherokee Business Network Contact: 770-928-5115 or [email protected] www.hopectr.com Meets: 7:45 a.m. every Wednesday at Chick-fil-A, 9728 www.cchumanesociety.org HOPE Center — Baby & More Thrift Store Highway 92, Woodstock Cherokee FOCUS Offers adult and children’s clothing. Contact: Marci Zied 770-345-8687 Works to improve the lives of children and families Contact: 770-517-4450 Cherokee Toastmasters Club through collaborative programs and initiatives. www.babyandmorethriftstore.com Meets: Noon-1:15 p.m. Wednesdays at the Bank of North Contact: Sonia Carruthers 770-345-5483 MUST Ministries Georgia, 200 Parkway 575, Woodstock Contact: Richard www.cherokeefocus.org Offers groceries, hot meals, emergency shelter, supportive Stacy 843-697-5189, [email protected] Cherokee County Senior Services housing, clothing, employment services, summer lunch www.cherokeetoastmasters.com Offers educational, social, leisure and recreational and more from five locations in eight counties, including Empowered Women Through Synergy activities for senior citizens. the Canton office at 111 Brown Industrial Parkway Meets: 8:30 a.m. third Thursday at J Christopher’s, 315 Contact: 770-345-5312 or 770-345-5320 www.mustministries.org Chambers St., Woodstock www.cherokeega.com/senior-services National Alliance for Mental Illness Contact: Shahida Baig 678-445-3900 Community Veterinary Care The nation’s largest grassroots organization in America The Joy of Connecting Networking for Women Provides professional veterinary care for pets whose working to build better lives for the millions affected by Meets: Various times and locations owners have limited financial means. mental illness. Contact: Edeline Dryden 678-789-6158 Contact: 678-640-3512 www.nami.org http://xperienceconnections.com/spotlight/woodstock/ www.communityveterinarycare.com Never Alone Outreach Main Street Woodstock Companion Animal Connection Provides food and clothing assistance to Cherokee families Meets: 8 a.m. last Friday of every month at 8534 Main St. Contact: 678-493-9847 www.adoptapet.com in need. www.neveralone.org. at City Center www.mainstreetwoodstock.org Everyday Angels Next Step Ministries Southeast Cherokee Business Networking Offers financial assistance for local families in need. Offers a therapeutic day program, Saturday respite, camps Meets: 8:30 a.m. Wednesdays at Frosty Frog Creamery, Contact: [email protected] and special events for people with special needs. Contact: 770-592-1227 www.nextstepministries.net 6205 Hickory Flat Hwy., #112, Canton www.secbn.com Feed My Lambs, Inc. Towne Lake Business Association Provides free Christian preschools in the U.S. and around North Georgia Pregnancy Center Meets: 12:30 p.m. third Tuesday at Featherstone’s at the world. Offers help and care to young girls and women with an Towne Lake Hills Contact: 770-795-9348 [email protected] unplanned pregnancy or who need counseling. Contact: 770-615-3350 www.tlba.org www.feedmylambs.net Contact: 706-253-6303 www.ngapregnancy.org Towne Lake PowerCore Team Forever Fed Papa’s Pantry Meets: 7:15-8:45 a.m. every Friday at Featherstone’s at A mobile food ministry that addresses physical hunger and A year-round local food ministry, which also includes the Towne Lake Hills hopelessness in North Georgia by providing meals and Masters Training Center to help individuals and families in Contact: Marc Replogle 770-952-5000, ext. 20 or sharing the gospel. crisis get back on their feet. 404-816-3377 www.powercore.net www.foreverfed.org Contact: Lynne Saunders 770-591-4730 Women of Woodstock Funds 4 Furry Friends www.papaspantry.org Meets: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. first and third Wednesday at Helps those in need with food, spay/neuter and medical Pet Buddies Food Pantry Featherstone’s at Towne Lake Hills attention for their pets. Helps families in need by providing pet food, supplies, Contact: [email protected] Contact: Gina Jeter 770-842-8893 spaying and neutering, and education through community www.womenofwoodstock.com www.funds4furryfriends.com outreach programs. Ahimsa House Georgia Animal Project, Contact: 678-310-9858 www.petbuddiesfoodpantry.org Helps victims of domestic violence 24-hours a day who Offers high quality, low cost spay and neuter services for Safe Kids Cherokee County need help getting their pets to safety. dogs and cats throughout North Georgia. Based in Ball Provides free child safety seat inspections by Contact: 404-452-6248 www.ahimsahouse.org Ground appointment. Angel House Girls Home Contact: 770-704-PAWS (7297) www.theanimalproject.org Contact: 770-721-7808 www.cherokeesafekids.org A residential facility to help girls ages 12-18 learn self- Give a Kid a Chance – Cherokee SERV International sufficiency. Sponsors a yearly back-to-school bash, giving children in Operates the House of Hope orphanage in Africa, sponsors Contact: 770-479-9555 www.angelhousega.com need filled backpacks to free haircuts. a clean water program in Dominican Republic and meal Anna Crawford Children’s Center www.giveakidachance.org distributions worldwide. Also offers mission trips. Dedicated to preventing child abuse and neglect, and Goshen Valley Boys Ranch Contact: 770-516-1108 www.servone.org protecting and serving children and families through Offers a home, care and counsel to young men in the DFCS Volunteer Aging Council prevention and intervention services. system. A nonprofit that helps raise funds for the seniors of Contact: 678-504-6388 www.cherokeechildadvocates.org Contact: 770-796-4618 www.goshenvalley.org Cherokee County. A list of current needs is available. Bethany Place Green Shelters America Contact: 770-310-3474 www.vac-cherokeega.org A transitional home for single women, unwed mothers. Animal rescue group. Veterans Service Organizations Contact: 770-479-9462 www.bethanyplacehome.org Contact: 770-712-4077 or [email protected] American Legion Post 316 CASA for Children www.GreenSheltersAmeric.com Meets: 7 p.m. third Thursdays at William G. Long Senior Promotes the health and happiness of children impacted Habitat for Humanity North Central Georgia Center, 223 Arnold Mill Road by abuse through programs that increase their safety Contact: 770-587-9697 www.habitat-ncg.org Contact: Irma Martin 678-662-2366 and improve their educational, social and emotional functioning. Harvesting Hope Ministries Woodstock VFW Post 10683 Contact: 770-345-3274 www.casacherokee.org Gives surgery care packs to children facing liver and kidney Meets: 7 p.m. second Tuesday at William G. Long Senior Center, 223 Arnold Mill Road CCHS Thrift Store failure. Contact: Andrew Yrabedra 404-663-4663 Accepts donations and sells used household items to raise Contact: [email protected] www.harvestinghopeministries.org. money for Cherokee County Humane Society. 5900 Bells Civic, County Organizations Ferry Road, Acworth Healing Hands Youth Ranch AARP Woodstock Chapter Contact: 770-592-8072 Offers safe, peaceful environment where abused and For anyone age 50 and older. Cherokee Family Violence Center at-risk children are paired with rescue horses for hope and Meets: 11:30 a.m. second Tuesdays at Featherstone’s at Offers emergency shelter and crisis intervention, healing. Towne Lake Hills Contact: Rich 770-926-1944 affordable housing, education, support services. Contact: Jennifer Simonis 770-633-4451 www.hhyr.org Contact: 770-479-1703, Spanish 770-720-7050 or 800- HopeQuest Ministry Group Canton-Cherokee TRIAD/S.A.L.T. (Seniors and Law 334-2836 option 2 www.cfvc.org Helps people who struggle intensely with life dominating Enforcement Together) Cherokee Fellowship of Christian Athletes issues related to alcohol abuse, substance abuse and/or Meets: 8:30 a.m. first Tuesday at G.Cecil Pruitt YMCA in Challenges professional, college, high school, junior high sexual brokenness. Canton (Hall of Fame Room) and youth level coaches and athletes to use athletics to Contact: 678-391-5950 www.hqmg.org www.saltcherokee.com impact the world for Christ. HOPE Center Cherokee County Historical Society Contact: Bill Queen 404-441-3508 www.cherokeefca.org Offers support for unplanned pregnancy. Contact: 770-345-3288 www.rockbarn.org

56 AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015 Citizen Oversight and Education Cherokee Amateur Radio Society Contact: 770-428-2695 Contact: 678-520-2236, citizenoversighteducation@ Meets: 10 a.m. on the second Saturday at William G. Breast Cancer Support Group yahoo.com Long Senior Center, 223 Arnold Mill Road Meets: 10 a.m. - noon first Thursday of each month at Jewish Havurah (Friends) www.cherokeehams.com Northside Hospital—Cherokee, Diabetes Classroom, A group of Jewish people who meet for Jewish holidays, Cherokee Community Chorale Educational Center special Jewish events and Shabbat dinners. A community of singers from all walks of life including Contact: 404-843-1880 Contact: Marcie Zied 770-345-8687 housewives, teachers, retired professionals, office Celebrate Recovery managers and professional musicians who love the art of Junior Service League of Woodstock Christ-centered recovery program for all types of habits, choral singing. Contact: 770-592-3535 http://jslwoodstock.org/ hurts and hangups. Contact: 678-439-8625 www.cherokeechorale.org Pilot Club of Cherokee County Meets: 6:30 p.m. Thursdays at Woodstock Church of the Meet: 6: 30 p.m. second Mondays at IHOP on Hwy 20 Cherokee County Arts Center Nazarene. Contact: Lynda Goodwin, 770-393-1766 or 94 North St., Canton Contact: 770-366-7515 [email protected] Contact: 770-704-6244 www.CherokeeArts.org Meets: 6:30 p.m. Mondays at Sixes United Methodist www.pilotinternational.com Cherokee County Master Gardeners Contact: 770-345-7644 www.sixesumc.org Rotary Club of Cherokee County Contact: 770-721-7803 Meets: 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays at Ministry House Meets: 6:30 p.m. Thursdays at IHOP on Highway 92 www.caes.uga.edu/extension/cherokee/mastergardeners Contact: 678-459-2347 http://MinistryHouse.org Contact: 770-480-4179 Cherokee Photography Club Meets: 6:15 p.m. Thursdays at 411 Scott Mill Road, www.cherokeepc.org Canton Rotary Club of Woodstock Contact: 678-764-8660 www.celebraterecovery.com Meets: 7:30 a.m. Tuesdays at IHOP on Highway 92 Cherokee County Saddle Club Contact: 678-428-6514 Hosts monthly meetings and group rides. Cherokee County Support Group Rotary Club of Towne Lake www.cherokeesaddleclub.com Provides support for people with autoimmune conditions such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren’s syndrome, etc. Meets: Noon Thursdays at Featherstone’s Grille at 1003 Cherokee Hockey In Line League (CHILL) Towne Lake Hills E., Woodstock Roller hockey. Meets: 6:30 - 8 pm second Thursday at New Light Baptist www.townelakerotary.com www.cherokeehockey.org Church, 1716 New Light Road, Holly Springs Contacts: Stacie Collett 404-402-0571, jhmom88@ Service League of Cherokee County Cherokee Music Teachers Association comcast.net and Christy Stephenson 770-337-0294 Contact: 770-704-5991 http://serviceleague.net Contact: Linda Lokey 770-720-1701 www.cherokeemta.org [email protected] South Cherokee Optimist Club Cherokee Soccer Association Cherokee County Special Olympics Meets: 7:30 a.m. every Friday at Featherstone’s at Towne Contact: 770-704-0187 www.csaimpact.com Provides year-round sports training and athletic Lake Hills Cherokee Youth Lacrosse Association Contact: 770-926-3522 competition for children and adults with intellectual www.cherokeelacrosse.com disabilities. Towne Lake Optimist Club Christian Authors Guild www.cherokeecountyspecialolympics.org Meets: 7:30 a.m. Fridays at Eagle Watch Golf Club Meets: 7-9 p.m. first and third Monday at Prayer and Cherokee Christian Ministerial Association Contact: 404-557-2218 www.townelakeoptimists.com Praise Christian Fellowship, 6409 Bells Ferry Road, For pastors and ministry leaders of all Christian Woodstock Jaycees Woodstock denominations. Meets: 7 p.m. first Tuesday and third Thursday at 216 www.christianauthorsguild.org Meets: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. last Wednesday at Dayspring Rope Mill Road Kingdom Riders Contact: 770-926-8336 Church, 6835 Victory Drive, Woodstock A forming chapter of the Christian Motorcyclists www.cherokeeministers.org Woodstock Lions Club Association in Canton. Meets: 7 p.m. second and fourth Tuesdays at Good Meets: 8 a.m. fourth Saturdays at Family Tradition Diabetes Support Group Shepherd Lutheran Church. restaurant in Hickory Flat. All makes of motorcycles Meets: 9:30 and 11 a.m. third Tuesday at Emeritus Contact: 770-906-2958 welcome. Assisted Living, 756 Neese Road, Woodstock Contact: Linda Watson 770-793-7818 Les Marmitons Georgia Canines for Independence POLITICAL ORGANIZATIONS For men interested in culinary arts. Contact: 404-824-4637, [email protected] Cherokee County Democratic Party www.lesmarmitons.org Meets: 7 p.m. second Thursday at Holly Springs Train www.gcidogs.org Wildlife Action, Inc. Depot, 164 Hickory Road, Holly Springs A conservation organization on Allatoona Lake at 2075 Grace Valley Ministries Connects pastors by offering Contact: 770-345-3489 www.cherokeedemocrats.com Kellogg Creek Road, Acworth. small group meetings, free counseling and a place to Cherokee County Libertarians Contact: 770-924-7464 www.wildlifeactiongeorgia.com retreat. Meets: 7:30 p.m. on the third Tuesday at the Cherokee Contact: 727-251-7690, [email protected] Cherokee Senior Softball Association County Board of Realtors Training Center, 1600 River Park www.gracevalleyministries.org www.seniorsoftball.com Blvd., Suite 104, Woodstock http://cherokeelp.org Sons of the American Revolution - Cherokee Grandparents Raising GRANDchildren Cherokee County Republican Party Meets: 7 p.m. second Tuesdays at the Rock Barn, 638 Meets: 7:15 p.m. second Tuesdays Transfiguration Meets: 9 a.m. second Saturday at Winchester Woodfire Marietta Highway, Canton Catholic Church, Marietta (nursery available). Grill, 110 Mountain Vista Blvd., Canton www.cherokeechapter.com Contact: Jeannie 770-919-9275 Contact: 678-809-1411 http://cherokeecountygop.com/ William G. Long Senior Center Hearing Loss Association of America NW Metro Atlanta Cherokee Tea Party Patriots Offers activities for seniors at 223 Arnold Mill Road in Chapter Support and resources offered at free and Meets: 4 p.m. third Sunday at Latimer Hall, 103 Towne Woodstock. quarterly meetings in the Woodstock area. Lake Parkway, Woodstock Contact: 678-445-6518 Contact: [email protected] Contact: Conrad Quagliaroli 770-378-8232, [email protected] La Leche League of South Cherokee www.teapartypatriots.org/groups/cherokee-tea-party- SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS Meets: 10 a.m. first Tuesday and 7 p.m. third Tuesday at patriots/ AA Meetings Bascomb United Methodist Church Cherokee County Republican Women affiliated with Meets: 9:30 a.m. Monday-Saturday, 7 p.m. Monday Contact: Marguerite 678-315-7686 or The Georgia Federation of Republican Women Meets: at Canton First United Methodist, 930 Lower Scott Mill Megan 770-517-0191 Road, Canton; 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday Monthly in Woodstock/Canton MOMS Club of Woodstock - Towne Lake Contact: 770-592-7811 or [email protected] at Hillside United Methodist, 4474 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock. www.aageorgia.org/14c-meetings.html Contact: [email protected] Grassroots Conservatives of Cherokee https://sites.google.com/site/ Al-Anon and Al-A-Teen Meets: 7- 9 a.m. Fridays at the Wendy’s in Holly Springs, momscluboftownelakewoodstock 5343 Old Highway 5, Woodstock Meets: 8 p.m. Thursdays at St. Clement’s Episcopal Contact: Bill Dewrell 770-294-0922 Church, 2795 Ridge Road, Canton; Al-Anon at 7 p.m. MOPS — Mothers of Preschoolers (birth — K) Republican Women of Cherokee County Tuesdays and Al-A-Teen at 7 p.m. Thursdays at Hillside Meets: 9:30 a.m. second and fourth Mondays at Hillside Contact: 678-520-2236 www.rwccga.com United Methodist Church, 4474 Towne Lake Parkway, UMC, 4474 Towne Lake Pkwy Woodstock. Contact: 770-924-4777 RECREATION & HOBBIES Contact: Reba, 770-516-3502 www.ga-al-anon.org/district-number.php?district=17 Unlimited Possibilities Allatoona Gold Panners Support group for stroke and brain injury survivors. Periodic events and outings to pan the creeks in the American Heart Association - Cherokee Division Meets: 7 p.m. first Tuesday of each month at Kennestone Dahlonega Gold Belt along the Lake. Contact: 678-385-2013 Outpatient Rehab Center Contact: Rob Kelly [email protected] American Red Cross Metro Chapter Contact: Kelly 678-677-2589

AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015 57 Reference

Temple Kol Emeth COMMUNITY OF FAITH 1415 Old Canton Road, Marietta ADVENTIST New Victoria 770-973-3533 Cherokee 6659 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock www.kolemeth.net 101 Rope Mill Road, Woodstock 770-926-8448 770-591-7304 www.newvicbaptist.org MESSIANIC JEWISH http://cherokee.netadvent.org/ CONGREGATIONS River Church Congregation Beth Hallel Canton 2335 Sixes Road, Canton 950 Pine Grove Road, Roswell 411 Scott Mill Road, Canton 770-485-1975 770-641-3000 678-880-0106 www.riveratlanta.org www.bethhallel.org www.cantonadventist.org South Cherokee LUTHERAN 7504 Highway 92, Woodstock AME Celebration of Grace 770-926-0422 Allen Temple AME 411 Scott Mill Road, Canton 232 N. Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock www.cherokeebaptistchurch.org 770-503-5050 770-926-6348 Sutallee www.celebrationofgrace.org www.allentempleame.org 895 Knox Bridge Highway, White Good Shepherd St. Paul 770-479-0101 1208 Rose Creek Drive, Woodstock 390 Crisler St., Canton www.sutalleebaptistchurch.com 770-924-7286 770-479-9691 Toonigh www.gslutheran.org www.stpaulame-canton.org 4999 Old Highway 5, Lebanon Timothy BAPTIST www.toonightbaptistchurch.lifewaylink.com 556 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock Carmel CHURCH OF GOD 770-928-2812 2001 Bascomb Carmel Road Bells Ferry www.tlcwoodstock.org Cherokee 6718 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock ORTHODOX 7770 Hickory Flat Highway, Woodstock 770-592-2956 St. Elizabeth 770-720-3399 www.bellsferry.com 2263 East Cherokee Drive, Woodstock www.cherokeebaptistchurch.org Sunnyside 770-485-0504 Crossroads Community Church 2510 East Cherokee Drive, Woodstock www.stelizabethga.org 2317 Bascomb-Carmel Road, Woodstock 770-693-1018 770-592-7007 PRESBYTERIAN www.sunnysidecog.com Cherokee Crossroads Primitive Baptist Church Toonigh 1498 Johnson Brady Road, Canton 3100 Trickum Road, Woodstock 4775 Holly Springs Parkway, Canton 770-704-9564 770-710-1068 770-926-3096 www.cherokee-pca.org. www.crossroadspbc.org www.toonighcog.org Covenant Faith Community EPISCOPAL South Annex Rec Center 659 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 7545 Main St., Bldg. 200, Woodstock Christ the Redeemer Charismatic 770-516-1996 www.cc-pca.org 6488 Hickory Flat Highway, Canton www.faithcommunitychurch.org 404-395-5003 Faith First Baptist of Woodstock www.ctrcec.com 3655 Reinhardt College Parkway, Canton 11905 Highway 92, Woodstock www.faithpc.us Episcopal Church-Annunciation 770-926-4428 1673 Jamerson Road, Marietta Grace Church www.fbcw.org 770-928-7916 1160 Butterworth Road, Canton First Baptist Canton www.annunciationepiscopal.org 678-493-9869 One Mission Point www.gracecanton.org Saint Clement’s 770-479-5538 Heritage 2795 Ridge Road, Canton www.fbccanton.org 5323 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock 770-345-6722 770-926-3558 First Baptist Holly Springs www.stclementscanton.org 2632 Holly Springs Parkway www.heritagepres.com 770-345-5349 JEWISH Woodstock www.fbchollysprings.com Chabad Jewish Center 345 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 4255 Wade Green Road NW, Suite 120, Kennesaw 770-926-0074 Heritage Baptist Fellowship 678-460-7702 3615 Reinhardt College Parkway, Canton www.woodstockpcusa.com www.jewishwoodstock.com 770-479-9415 ROMAN CATHOLIC www.heritagebaptistfellowship.com Congregation Ner Tamid St. Michael the Archangel Hillcrest Reform Jewish Congregation 490 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 6069 Woodstock Road, Acworth 1349 Old 41 Highway NW, Suite 220, Marietta 770-516-0009 770-917-9100 678-264-8575 www.saintmichaelcc.org www.mynertamid.org www.hbcacworth.org Transfiguration Catholic Church Hopewell Congregation Etz Chaim 1815 Blackwell Road NE., Marietta 78 Ridge Road, Canton 1190 Indian Hills, Marietta 770-977-1442 770-345-5723 770-973-0137 www.transfiguration.com www.hopewellbaptist.com www.etzchaim.net UNITED METHODIST Mt. Zion Temple Kehillat Chaim Bascomb 4096 East Cherokee Drive, Canton 1145 Green St., Roswell 2295 Bascomb-Carmel Road, Woodstock 770-479-3324 770-641-8630 770-926-9755 www.mtzb.org www.kehillatchaim.org www.bascombchurch.org

58 AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015 Canton First Christian Praise Center New Covenant Bible 930 Lower Scott Mill Road 1358 Sixes Road, Canton 1095 Scott Road, Canton 770-479-2502 770-924-7532 770-479-6412 www.cantonfirstumc.org www.christianpraisecenter.com www.newcovenantcanton.org CITY ON A HILL Church at North Gate North Atlanta Church 7745 Main St., Woodstock 9876 Main St., Suite 250, Woodstock 6233 Old Alabama Road, Acworth 678-445-3480 678-494-2193 770-975-3001 www.coahumc.org www.ngca.org www.northatlantachurch.org Fields Chapel Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Oak Leaf 1331 Fields Chapel Road, Canton 2205 Bascomb-Carmel Road, Woodstock 151 East Marietta St., Canton 770-479-6030 678-653-4652 www.fieldschapel.org 770-733-2585 www.mormom.org www.oakleafcanton.com Hickory Flat Prayer & Praise Christian Fellowship 4056 East Cherokee Drive, Canton Church of the Messiah 4115 Charles Cox Drive, Canton 6409 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock 770-345.5969 770-928-2795 www.hickoryflat.org 770-479-5280 www.prayerandpraise.org www.churchofthemessiah.net Hillside Resurrection Anglican 4474 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock Cornerstone Community 231 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-924-4777 503 Hickory Ridge Trail, Suite 160, Woodstock 770-591-0040 www.hillsideumc.org 678-439-5108 www.rezwoodstock.org Holly Springs www.ccchurchonline.org Revolution 2464 Holly Springs Parkway Dayspring 125 Union Trail Hill, Canton 770-345-2883 6835 Victory Drive, Acworth www.hollyspringsumc.com 770-345-2737 770-516-5733 www.therevolution.tv Liberty Hill www.dayspring-online.com 141 Railroad St., Canton Sojourn Community Church Empowerment Tabernacle 678-493-8920 231 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 507 Industrial Drive, Woodstock www.libertyhillumc.org 770-769-7495 770-928-7478 www.sojournwoodstock.com Little River www.EmpowermentTabernacle.com 12455 Highway 92, Woodstock Sovereign Grace 770-926-2495 The Factory 471 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock www.littleriverumc.info 9872 Main St., Woodstock, 678-494-2100 770-517-7265 www.sgcatlanta.org Mt. Gilead www.thefactoryministries.org 889 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock Thrive Chapel 770-591- 0837 Faith Family 400 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock www.ngumc.org 5744 Bells Ferry Road, Acworth 770-835-5795 Sixes 770-926-4560 www.thrivechapel.com 8385 Bells Ferry Road, Canton www.ffcacworth.com Towne Lake Community 770-345-7644 Fivestones Church 132 North Medical Parkway, Woodstock www.sixesumc.org 155 P Rickman Industrial Drive, Canton 678-445-8766 Woodstock 770-720-2227 www.tlcchurch.com 109 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock www.fivestoneschurch.info Victory 770-516-0371 4625 Highway 92, Acworth God’s Rolling Thunder 770-794-7366 UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST Latimer Hall, 103 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock www.victoryga.com Emerson www.godsrollingthunder.org Watermarke 4010 Canton Road, Marietta His Hands 770-578-1533 2126 Sixes Road, Canton 550 Molly Lane, Woodstock www.emersonuu.org 678-880-9092 770-405-2500 www.watermarkechurch.com OTHERS www.hishandschurch.com Action Church Woodstock Christian Life Church 271 Marietta Road, Canton 7700 Highway 92, Woodstock 300 Adam Jenkins Memorial Drive, Suite 108, 770-345-3030 770-926-8238 Canton www.actionchurch.tv www.woodstockchristian.org 770-847-0170 Woodstock Church of Christ Awakening www.lifechurchcanton.com 180 Parkway 575, Suite 140, Woodstock 219 Rope Mill Road, Woodstock 770-924-4150 Love Community Church 770-926-8838 www.awakeningwoodstock.com 5598 Bells Ferry Road, Acworth www.woodstockchurchofchrist.org Branches of Christ Ministry House Woodstock Church of the Nazarene 5946 Jacobs Road, Acworth 347 Holly St., Canton 874 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-917-4964 678-459-2347 770-366-7515 www.branchesofchrist.com http://MinistryHouse.org www.wcnga.com BridgePointe Momentum Woodstock Community Church 233 Arnold Mill Road, Suite 400, Woodstock 110 Londonderry Court, Suite 130, Woodstock 237 Rope Mill Road, Woodstock 770-517-2977 678-384-4919 770-926-8990 www.bridgepointechurch.org www.MomentumChurch.tv www.wcchurch.org

AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015 59 GREENPRINTS TRAIL SYSTEM WOODSTOCK, GA

Noonday Creek Trail - Noonday Creek Trail - This 1.43 mile paved trail begins at Market Street in downtown Woodstock one block west of Main Street, and continues downhill toward Noonday Creek. The trail meanders along Noonday Creek and intersects the future Towne Lake Pass and the bridge to Woofstock Park.

Trestle Rock Trail - This 0.40 mile paved trail is located in Olde Rope Mill Park and is an easy flat trail on the banks of Little River.

Towne Lake Pass (2015) - This approx. 1.2-mile trail will connect the Towne Lake community to downtown along the banks of Noonday Creek. It will begin at the interesection of Towne Lake Parkway and Towne Lake Hills South.

Rubes Creek Trail (2015) - This 1-mile paved trail runs along Rubes Creek and will ultimately connect into a larger run of trails.

60 AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015 CHEROKEE COUNTY CONTACTS

Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce 770-345-0400 Cherokee Recreation and Parks Agency www.crpa.net. 770-924-7768 (Includes Aquatic Center, Barnett Park, Blankets Creek, Cherokee Cherokee County Government www.cherokeega.com Mills, Field’s Landing Park, Kenny Askew Park) Building Permits, Business Licenses 770-721-7810 Commissioners 678-493-6001 Cherokee Tennis Association, www.cherokeetennis.org 678-909-0252 Engineering Office (Traffic Signals) 678-493-6077 Cherokee Youth Lacrosse Assoc., http://cherokeelacrosse.uslaxteams.com Environmental Health 770-479-0444 South Cherokee Recreation Association (SCRA) 770-928-5917 Extension Office 770-479-0418 Cherokee Youth Football Association, www.cyfa.org 770-710-2835 Jury Phone 770-479-9011 Justice Center (Courts, Judges, etc.) 770-479-1953 North Atlanta Soccer Association: www.nasa-ga.org 770-926-4175 Planning & Land Use 678-493-6101 SCRA Baseball www.scrabaseball.com Senior Services 770-345-2675 Wildlife Action, Inc. www.wildlifeactiongeorgia.com 770-924-7464 Sheriff’s Office www.cherokeega-sheriff.org 678-493-4100 Voter Registration 770-479-0407 Pets Taxes Animal Control 678-493-6200 License Plates/Tags, Property Tax – Canton office 678-493-6400 Cherokee County Animal Shelter & Pet Adoptions Woodstock office 770-924-4099 www.cherokeega-animals.org 770-345-7270 Renewals online https://mvd.dor.ga.gov/tags/ Tax Assessors/Evaluation 678-493-6120 Cherokee County Humane Society www.cchumanesociety.org 770-928-5115 Children and Family Emergency Veterinary Clinic 770-924-3720 Anna Crawford Children’s Center 770-345-8100 Funds 4Furry Friends 770-842-8893 Bethesda Community Clinic 678-880-9654 Cherokee County Boys & Girls Club 770-720-7712 Lost Pets: www.townelaker.com. Cherokee County Foster & Adoptive Parents Assoc. (click on lost and found pet button to report missing pet) www.ccfapa.com 770-560-2624 Pet Buddies Food Pantry www.petbuddiesfoodpantry.org Cherokee Family Violence Center 770-479-1804 Community Veterinary Care Cherokee FOCUS 770-345-5483 Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children (CASA) www.communityveterinarycare.com 678-640-3512 www.casacherokee.org 770-345-3274 Division of Family & Children Services 770-720-3610 Utilities Goshen Valley Boys Ranch www.goshenvalley.org 770-796-4618 Atlanta Gas Light Co. www.aglc.com 770-907-4231 Hope Center www.hopectr.com 770-924-0864 MUST Ministries - Cherokee www.mustministries.org 770-479-5397 Canton Water www.canton-georgia.com 770-704-1500 Never Alone www.neveralone.org 770-363-5272 Cherokee Water & Sewerage Auth. www.ccwsa.com 770-479-1813 Next Step Ministries www.nextstepministries.net 770-592-1227 Cobb EMC www.cobbemc.com 770-429-2100 North Georgia Angel House www.angelhousega.com 770-479-9555 Georgia Power www.georgiapower.com 888-660-5890 North Georgia Pregnancy Center www.ngapregnancy.org 706-253-6303 Papa’s Pantry www.papaspantry.org 770-591-4730 Woodstock Water www.woodstockga.gov 770-926-8852 Recycling Center 770-516-4195 Hospitals Kennestone 770-793-5000 Free, Reduced-Price Health Care North Fulton 770-751-2500 Northside Hospital — Cherokee 770-720-5100 Bethesda Community Clinic www.bethesdacommunityclinic.org 678-880-9654 Hotlines — 24-hour help lines Cherokee County Health Department Battered Women Hotline 770-479-1703 www.nghd.org/CherokeeHealth 770-345-7371 Drug Tip Line (Cherokee Co. Sheriff) 770-345-7920 Poison Control Center 404-616-9000 Poison Control Center (outside metro Atlanta) 800-222-1222 Urgent Care Facilities Probate Court Information Line 770-704-2610 American Family Care, 6440 Bells Ferry Rd. Woodstock, 770-200-1220 Sexual Assault & Family Violence Center 770-427-3390 Northside Cherokee Urgent Care, off exit 11 at I-575 678-426-5450 Parks and Recreation Physician’s Express Care at Towne Lake Cherokee Hockey In Line League (CHILL) roller hockey 900 Towne Lake Pkwy. #104 Woodstock 770-693-5880 www.cherokeehockey.org SHEFA Urgent Care Cherokee Outdoor YMCA, 201 E Bells Ferry Road 2000 Village Professional Dr. #110, Canton 678-661-3166 www.ymca.net Cherokee Senior Softball Association www.cssasoftball.com Wellstar Urgent Care Cherokee County Soccer Assoc. www.csaimpact.com 770-704-0187 120 Stonebridge Pkwy. Woodstock (off exit 8) 678-494-2500

AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015 61 Reference

Since 1996, we have brought relevant, uplifting and reader-driven content to the residents of Towne Lake, Canton and Woodstock. We look forward to serving you, our readers and advertisers, every month. Thank you for your continued support and participation in making this truly your community magazine.

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62 AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015 Sine Die - 2015 Legislative Session Wrap Up A Clumsy Doctor continued from page 22 continued from page 23 J. Calvin Hill Jr. Act: This was my legislation, which is now on growing another human being inside your body, but also about the governor’s desk for signature. It is the first true repeal bill in caring for another human being and watching over him or her the history of the state of Georgia and comprises 23 pages that growing from baby to adult. repeal unconstitutional and antiquated law from the books. I She left my office agreeing to pray, and to consider adoption. am very honored to have carried it on behalf of our code revision Three years later, she came in for an exam. With her was a committee and to have voted yes after presenting it on the House little girl. She had the straight dark hair and almond eyes of floor. her birthplace in China, and the pink dress and smile of a true These were just a few of the highlights from the 2015 legislative American princess. Dawn told me she had prayed for weeks, session. If you have any questions for me about any specific asking God for help to see the path toward adoption. She believed initiatives from this session or anything you’d like to see enacted it no coincidence that on the other side of the world, on the very in Georgia in the future, I would love to hear from you. Please day she decided to adopt, her future daughter was born. feel free to reach out to me on my cell phone at 678-523-8570 or She paused as she left my office, and I’ll never forget her next email me at [email protected]. You can also meet words, or her peaceful smile: “My infertility has been the greatest me at one of my Weekly Coffees with District 20 nearly every blessing of my life.” Saturday at Copper Coin Coffee in downtown Woodstock. I knew the story about Dawn wouldn’t excuse the magazine Thank you again for allowing me the honor of representing our selection, or fix the pain Elizabeth was experiencing, but I thought families in Georgia’s General Assembly! perhaps the message might be conveyed: God is not clumsy. Today’s Roller Derby Send Us continued from page 41 Your Marietta Derby Darlins versus Soul City Sirens of Augusta at 7:30 p.m. May 17 at Hot Wheels Skate Center, 228 Farm Ridge Drive, Woodstock. Tickets are $8 pre-purchased, $10 Promphotos at the door, $5 for ages 6-12, free for age 5 and younger. For [email protected] details, email [email protected] or visit www. mariettaderbydarlins.com. Deadline is May 5

AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015 63 For advertising rates and information please contact Patty ADVERTISERS DIRECTORY Ponder, 770.615.3322, [email protected].

ACCOUNTING/FINANCIAL SERVICES Williams Orthodontics 35 770-395-1130, www.pnfm.com 770-592-5554 900 Towne Lake Parkway, Ste. 210, Woodstock LGE Credit Union 7 145 Towne Lake Parkway, Suite 201, Woodstock 12186 Highway 92, Suite 111B, Woodstock 770-345-4155 Wellstar Cancer Network Inside back www.LGEccu.org, 770-424-0060 205 Waleska Road, Suite 1A, Canton 770-956-STAR (7827) Open Mortgage 21 www.DrWilliamsOrthodontics.com www.wellstar.org 404-992-7798, understandingreverse.com Woodstock Pediatric Medicine 1 EDUCATION/TUTORING Schuckers & Associates 9 770-517-0250, www.woodstockpeds.com 770-329-8873 or 706-745-2475 Piano Instructor-Ralph Iossa 43 2000 Professional Way, Bldg. 200, Woodstock 3760 Sixes Road, Suite 126 #127, Canton 973-519-6863 [email protected] The Grant Academy 9, 13 PHOTOGRAPHERS 770-926-7827, www.thegrantacademy.net ATTORNEYS/LEGAL SERVICES J King Images 27 102 Springfield Drive, Woodstock 404-384-2794, 404-200-0881 Hartman Imbriale Attorneys 47 Tutor Doctor 29 www.JKingImages.com 678-445-7423, www.hartman-imbriale.com 770-308-6300 145 Towne Lake Parkway, Suite 200 Kim Bates Photography 47 www.InHomeTutorNorthAtlanta.com www.KimBatesPhotoArt.com BEAUTY, MASSAGE & SPA HOME & GARDEN REAL ESTATE & RELATED SERVICES Bambu Salon and Spa 27 Alcaraz Drywall 43 150 Prominence Point Parkway, Suite 700, 678-949-8689, [email protected] Ashton Woods 3 Canton 30114, 770-345-0027 605 Stone Hill Drive, Woodstock Blue Horizon Air Cond. & Heating Inside Front 770-517-9114 or 770-592-3375 Salon Spa Venéssa 21 678-279-2244, BHCool.com 770-591-2079, www.salonvenessa.com ashtonwoods.com 8516 Main Street, Woodstock Elite Roofing of Georgia 23 770-445-1290 Atlanta Communities Real Estate Brokerage, Tara Daigle, Realtor 37 BUSINESS EM Universal Construction, LLC 41 404-925-6351, [email protected] Cherokee Chamber of Commerce Reese, 678-773-2804 Broadus Realty Group Cover, 32, 33 Spring Business Showcase 63 Georgia Pride Remodeling 33 Donna Braodus, 404-583-8856 Downtown Buzz 41 404-465-4457 www.broadusrealtygroup.com Grout Doctor, The 35 CHIROPRACTIC 678-383-1311, www.GroutDoctor.com The Crest of Laurelwood 34 10247 Highway 92, Woodstock Colby Family Chiropractic 47 Landscape Matters 22 www.crestatlaurelwood.com 770-592-1915 770-403-5813, LandscapeMattersInc.com 10917 Highway 92, Suite 160, Woodstock The Premier Group, Keller Williams www.colbychiropracticlifestyle.com Mr. Junk 25 678-MR-Junk1, www.mrjunk1.com 678-494-0102 Back cover North Cobb Spine & Nerve Institute 49 8604 Main Street, Woodstock (678) 574-5678 Precision Plumbing 25 www.TPGsells.com 3451 Cobb Parkway, Suite 4, Acworth 678-758-3493, PrecisionPlumbingPros.com Ribley Chiropractic 38 Rejoice Maids 9 RECREATION/ENTERTAINMENT 678-905-3476, www.rejoicemaids.com 2453 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock Canton Festival of the Arts 48 770-592-2505, www.ribleychrio.com Reliable Heating & Air 42 770-594-9969, ReliableAir.com Dance Imagination 7 DENTAL 678-445-2731, www.DanceImagination.com Soil Sense Landscape Group 29 119 Mill Street, Woodstock (Cosmetic, Family, Orthodontics, Prosthodontics 678-483-5185, soilsenselandscape.com and Pediatric) Elm St. Cultural Arts Village 14 PETS/ANIMALS 678-494-4251 Fountain View Dentistry 51 770-926-0000, www.fountainviewsmiles.com Bark Station 5 Memorial Day 5K, City of Holly Springs 43 1816 Eagle Drive, Bldg. 200, Suite A 240 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock R2 Total Fitness 5 Hickory Flat Dental 15 770-517-9907, www.bark-station.com 678-809-7833, www.r2totalfitness.com 7840 Hickory Flat Highway, Woodstock 1025 Rose Creek Drive, Woodstock 770-479-8654 Cherokee County Animal Shelter 48 Park Pediatric Dentistry of Woodstock 37 770-345-7270, cherokeega-animals.org RETAILERS/SHOPPING 1015 Univeter Road, Canton 770-926-9260 Max Video Games & More 37 www.PediatricWoodstockDentist.com 770-924-9300 1816 Eagle Drive Suite 200-C PHYSICIANS AND MEDICAL SERVICES 6424 Bells Ferry Rd., Ste. 124, Woodstock North Georgia Audiology 1 Spillane Orthodontics 30 www.facebook.com/maxvideogames 770-928-4747 and Hearing Aid Center, 770-560-4775 www.SpillaneOrtho.com 203 Woodpark Place, Suite B-100, Woodstock Spirited 27 335 Parkway 575, Suite 200, Woodstock www.NorthGeorgiaHearing.com 8670 Main Street, Suite 2, Woodstock 678-214-5304, www.spritlala.com Werner Pediatric Dentistry of Woodstock 25 Northside Hospital – Cherokee 11 678-224-5722 770-720-5100, www.northside.com Trickum Wine 5 201 Hospital Road, Canton www.ChildrensDentistWoodstock.com 678-503-2269, www.TrickumWine.com 250 Parkbrooke Place, Suite 250, Woodstock Perimeter North Family Medicine 26 3333 Trickum Road, Woodstock

64 AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015 Tumors have nowhere to hide Patients now have somewhere to turn

The future of cancer treatment is here. And it’s only available at WellStar. WellStar is the only health system in metro Atlanta to offer TomoTherapy® and CyberKnife® for the treatment of both cancerous and non-cancerous tumors.

TomoTherapy CyberKnife Robotic Radiosurgery System Unlike conventional systems, which allow The CyberKnife Robotic Radiosurgery System involves radiation to be delivered from only a few no cutting, and for many, can offer a non-invasive directions, TomoTherapy rotates in 360 alternative to surgery for the treatment of tumors. degrees, meaning that treatments can be The system is composed of a radiation delivery device, delivered continuously to the tumor from which is mounted on a flexible robotic arm which every angle. More beam directions give enables CyberKnife to deliver radiation to tumors physicians more control in how they plan anywhere in the body. Its exceptional tracking ability treatments – and more assurance that eliminates the need for patients to have stabilizing the dose will be confined to the tumor. head frames or limited breathing during treatment.

For more information, call 770-793-7550 or visit wellstar.org/cancercare.