Canton Family Life 7-14

When we at Family life Publications started planning our first issue last July and i began writing my Publisher’s Perspective for that first august issue, i was a little hesitant about writing a monthly column. after all, as a photographer, i was more inclined to “let the picture tell a thousand words.” This whole writing a monthly column takes quite a few more button clicks and quite a bit of backspace, delete and repeat, too. my typing skills are improving with each column and hopefully will continue to do so, as most everything does with practice.

This July issue, the last of the first volume, is our best yet. all three magazine titles have been printed, mailed and are now available online. We are thrilled with our progress and the outpouring of support and praise we’ve been blessed to receive from readers, advertisers and community leaders throughout our first year in business. helping local charities and organizations, championing the arts, and letting families know where they can spend quality time together close to home has been our focus — and will remain so as we chart our path into the next volume.

Personally, i would publicly like to thank the finest group of coworkers with whom i could have ever imagined working. Their individual talents serve as the foundation on which each issue is built — from the initial concept to marketing, design and print. i would never have thought i would enjoy working in an office as much as i do, and i attribute that to the fun and relaxed atmosphere we share. Our great team of professionals, those in the office and all of our contributors who provide content and support, prove themselves month after month with their ongoing dedication and efforts to make each issue better than the one before. The website has seen vast improvements and will continue to gain popularity each month as the content grows within its archives.

a s we close out our first volume, it still all seems so fresh and new. Thank you for enjoying, participating and sharing in the adventure of our first year at Family life Publications. next month we will begin Volume 2 of our magazines — and we’re looking forward to sharing a healthier, happier Family life with you!

Jack Tuszynski, publisher

PUBLISHER/PHOTOGRAPHER

Jack tuszynski

jack@familylifepublications.com

EDITORIAL

michelle martin michelle@familylifepublications.com

ART

Candice Williams candice@familylifepublications.com

tiffany Corn tiffany@familylifepublications.com

SALES

Janet Ponichtera janet@familylifepublications.com

g eorge Colmant george@familylifepublications.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Dr. Christopher a nderson, g eorge a nderson, Dr. Kellie Baxter, michael Buckner, mary Kay Buquoi, Crystal Bryant, a rlene Dickerson, Dr. Kyle e dwards, l ouise e stabrook, meghan g riffin, Catherine g roves, heike hellmann-Brown, Cheryl Kent, James Kilgore, michelle Knapp, Dr. Vicki Knight-mathis, Dr. James e . l eake, Jason l iford, Dr. scott merritt, Dr. e . a nthony musarra, Dr. michael Petrosky, Janet r ead, nick r oper, Cheryl r uffer, suzanne taylor, matthew a t homas

Life Publishing Group Inc. 150 north street, suite a Canton, ga 30114 770-213-7095

FamilyLifePublications.com FamilylifePublications

Canton Family Life welcomes your comments, stories and advertisements. The viewpoints of the advertisers, columnists and submissions are not necessarily those of the editor/ Publisher and the Publisher makes no claims as to the validity of any charitable organizations mentioned. Canton Family Life magazine is not responsible for errors and omissions. no part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without the written permission from the Publisher. subscriptions are available for $25 per year. Please contact us for payment options.

Calendar

JULY

Through october 25

Canton Farmers Market — In addition to fresh produce, plants, baked goods and local crafts, Canton Farmers Market features live music and other activities each Saturday through October 25. Special topics will include art demonstrations, eating farm to table, gardening tips from Cherokee Master Gardeners, and more. 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., Cannon Park, Downtown Canton. 770-704-1529, CantonGeorgia.com

Through July 26

‘At the Races: Dixie Speedway’ Presented by the Cherokee County Historical Society, this exhibit chronicles Dixie

Speedway’s 45-year history. The exhibit features a pictorial history of owners and operators over the years, especially longtime owners Mickey Swims and family, and drivers. Free admission. 10:00 a.m.5:00 p.m., Wednesdays through Fridays; 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.; Saturdays, Historic Marble Courthouse, Suite 140, 100 North St., Canton. 770-345-3288, RockBarn.org

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First Friday: 4th of July Canton Under the Stars and Stripes — Main Street Canton will hold a special 4th of July “First Friday” in conjunction with the 4th of July Parade by VFW Post 5262. Family-friendly activities will include bluegrass music, games, food, shopping and fireworks (on

Riverstone Parkway, hosted by Canton Tourism)! The event is free and open to the public. 3:00-6:00 p.m. (parade at 4:00 p.m.), Cannon Park, Downtown Canton. 770-704-1548, Canton-Georgia.com

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Canton Jazz and Jokes —

Cherokee Arts Center will host an amazing night of live music and laughter, featuring “clean” comedy by Josh Harris and Kelly Spillman, and Gwen Hughes singing popular songs from “The Great American Songbook.” Concessions will be available. Tickets can be purchased online and at the door. 7:30 p.m., Cherokee Arts Center, 94 North St., Canton. 770-7046244, CherokeeArts.org

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Celebrate the life of Collins Dixon at the third annual Collins Dixon Bend Your Knees 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk. The race is part of the 2014 Black Bag Race Series and the 2014 Clover Glove Series. A $100 cash prize will be given to the Overall Male and Overall Female winners (unless they fall under the NAIA Amateur Status Rule), and awards also will be given to the top three finishers in standard age groups beginning with 10 and under to 75 and over. The race will start and finish at First Baptist Church of Canton and will be run on paved streets. Shirts are guaranteed to all pre-registered runners and will be given to race-day registrants while supplies last. There will be plenty of fluids and snacks after the race. Volunteers are needed. 7:00 a.m. registration, 8:00 a.m. 5K, 8:45 a.m. 1-Mile Fun Run, First Baptist Church of Canton, 1 Mission Point, Canton. 404-271-1360, BendYourKnees.org

tim E s

FAMiLy StoRy tiMeS

July 7 & 14, 3:00 p.m., R.T. Jones

July 8 & 15, 10:30 a.m., Hickory Flat

July 10 & 17, 10:30 a.m., Ball Ground

All story times begin promptly at scheduled time; please arrive early to avoid any disruption. Family story times are designed for families with children of all ages. Children must be accompanied by a participating adult. These programs often feature stories, music, rhymes and a free craft activity.

spECi AL pro Grams

DoCtoR WHo BiRtHDAy PARty

July 7, 6:00 p.m., R.T. Jones

The Doctor has been thrilling us on the “telly” for more than 50 years, but no one really knows his birthday! Grab your sonic screwdriver, don a bowtie, and come celebrate with fellow Whovians!

DiveRGent PARty

July 8, 6:00 p.m., Ball Ground

Are you Divergent? Play games and eat snacks based on the best-selling novel!

AWeSoMe ALPACAS

July 9, 10:30 a.m., Ball Ground

See live alpacas up close, as Judy Prettyman brings her alpacas to the library! She will also teach all about these awesome animals and demonstrate how alpacas’ fur can be spun into yarn. All ages; children 9 and under must be accompanied and supervised by an adult at all times.

Cookin’ UP SCienCe

July 9, 3:30 p.m., R.T. Jones

Who knew your kitchen could be your own science lab?

Sharon Christenson, a retired science teacher and Tellus Museum volunteer, will demonstrate how to make your very own GOO-YUK and slime in this ooey-gooey, hands-on activity. All ages are invited; children 9 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

voLCAno eRUPtionS

July 16, 3:30 p.m., Ball Ground

The library is erupting with fun! Each child will get to help set off a volcano in this explosive, hands-on activity led by Sharon Christenson, a retired science teacher and Tellus Museum volunteer. Children also will learn how to make a volcano at home (with the help of an adult)! This program is best suited for children 8 and older; children 9 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

A tALk By SPeCiAL AGent

DUStin HAMBy, GBi

July 16, 6:00 p.m., Hickory Flat

GBI Special Agent Dustin Hamby will present an overview of the GBI and discuss local cases.

SHARPie tie-Dye

July 17, 10:30 a.m., Hickory Flat

Children ages 9-12 will learn how to get the effect of tiedying bandanas using Sharpies and alcohol. All materials will be provided. Children age 9 must be accompanied by an adult.

SUMMeR ReADinG CLUB FinALe: teCHnoReLLA — A teCHie RoBot

PUPPet PLAy

July 21, 3:00 p.m., R.T. Jones

July 22, 10:30 a.m., Hickory Flat

July 24, 10:30 a.m., Ball Ground

Once upon a future, on a home page online...So starts this puppet show, a techie take on the “Cinderella” story. All ages; children 9 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

ARM knittinG AnD BeyonD

July 28, 6:00 p.m., R.T. Jones

Please bring two skeins of #6 yarn. The program will meet in the Youth Story Time Room.

on G oin G pro Grams

ReADinG DoGS

July 7 & 21, 4:30-5:30 p.m., R.T. Jones

July 8 & 22, 4:30-5:30 p.m., Hickory Flat

July 10, 17 & 31, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Hickory Flat Kids and dogs go together like books and reading. Letting a child read to a dog builds confidence by providing a friendly, furry and non-judgmental listener. Sessions of 10-15 minutes for ages 6 and up are available, but space is limited. Register by calling the appropriate branch up to two weeks before the scheduled event.

R.t. JoneS Book CLUB

July 12, 11:30 a.m., R.T. Jones

The R. T. Jones Book Club meets once a month to discuss their current book. Call the library’s Adult Services Dept. for the featured book and other details: 770-479-3090.

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Gardening Seminar: Pollinators & Pesticides — Cherokee Master Gardeners will lead this seminar about attracting and protecting pollinators in your backyard. The seminar if free, but registration is required. 10:00 a.m., Rose Creek Library, 4476 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock. 770-721-7803, UGE1057@UGA.edu, Facebook.com/ CherokeeMasterGardeners

AUGUst

2 Run with the Chiefs 5k — The Sequoyah XC Boosters will host the third annual Run with the Chiefs 5K to raise funds for the school’s cross country program. Prizes will be awarded to the top three male and female finishers, along with custom awards for age-group winners. In addition, door prizes will include a round-trip ticket on Southwest Airlines, gift certificates and free merchandise from The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta. This is a rain or shine event. Free parking is available. 8:30 a.m., The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta, Ridgewalk Parkway, Woodstock. RunWithTheChiefs5K.org

Stout’s Growlers is expected to open in July in Downtown Canton. Owners Jim & Irene Stout and Larry & Maria Pujol describe the growler shop as providing “quality craft beer to go.” The owners chose Stout’s Growlers as the store’s name after Jim and Irene Stout and because “stout” is a type of beer; growlers are refillable bottles typically used by craft beer lovers. Follow the store’s progress on Facebook at Facebook.com/StoutGrowlers. 188 North St., Canton. 678-899-6684

Northside Hospital-Cherokee, along with Northside Hospital-Atlanta, and Northside Hospital-Forsyth, has been named to the Georgia Hospital Association’s Partnership for Health and Accountability Core Measures Honor Roll. The three hospitals are among 25 Georgia hospitals to be placed in the Chairman’s category, the highest on the list. The Honor Roll is based on clinical data provided by the federal Centers for Medicaid & Medicare Services (CMS), which administers the nation’s Medicare and Medicaid programs. The data was collected from October 2012 to September 2013. This marks the 22nd consecutive quarter that Northside has been named to the Honor Roll.

Hospitals are required to submit care data to CMS, which details how well their caregivers adhere to a list of Value-Based Purchasing core measures. These measures are the clinical processes of care that are known to be the most effective methods of treatment for surgical patients and patients who have suffered heart attacks, pneumonia and heart failure. They are a composite and determine whether or not a patient received the right care at the right time. A hospital’s adherence to these recommended clinical practices usually leads to better outcomes. “Throughout the Northside Hospital healthcare system, we are committed to balancing clinical excellence with safe, high-quality, compassionate care for our patients,” said Bob Quattrocchi, president/CEO of Northside Hospital. “This recognition is a tribute to the hard work and dedication of our staff, who work tirelessly and continuously to make excellent care even better.”

“Cherokee County’s Top 10 in 10 Young Professionals to Watch” for 2014 were recognized during a recent Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce “Good Morning Cherokee” breakfast. The recognition program, coordinated by the Chamber in partnership with Enjoy! Cherokee magazine, highlights Cherokee County residents under 40 who are considered to be Cherokee County’s upand-coming leaders over the next 10 years.

“The ‘Top 10 in 10’ initiative is designed to cultivate and showcase exceptional Cherokee County young professionals,” said Pam Carnes, Chamber president/ CEO. Lewis Cline, Chamber board chairman, added, “Far more than 10 nominees were submitted. Each application was carefully reviewed by a judging panel that found this to be no simple task.” Judging criteria included past professional achievements and awards, 5- to 10-year professional goals,

and volunteer and community activities. In addition to being recognized during the Chamber’s monthly breakfast and in magazine features, the recipients have been nominated for GeorgiaTrend Magazine’s “40 Under 40” recognition.

Those recognized as Cherokee County’s next generation of community leaders include (front row, left to right): Brian Stockton, director of economic development, City of Woodstock; Karen Norred, city clerk, City of Holly Springs; Shannon Wallace, district attorney, Blue

Ridge Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office; Blake Kononen, commercial airline pilot, ExpressJet Airlines; The Honorable Michelle Homier, judge, Cherokee County State Court; (second row, left to right): Rev. Jordan Thrasher, chaplain, Reinhardt University; Doug Fountain, vice president, Government Guaranteed Lending, Community and Southern Bank; Zach Blend, director of residential life, Goshen Valley Boys Ranch; Lee Lusk, owner, The Wheeler House/Nickel Creek Development; and Katie E. Wise, branch manager, LGE Community Credit Union.

Central City

Urban Redevelopment Plan

By Matthew A. Thomas

We have some exciting plans in the works from our Economic Development office at the City of Canton. One is an Urban Redevelopment Plan, which is a tool used by local governments to stimulate private investment in areas of need. It includes an assessment of the existing conditions and an implementation plan. Adopting an Urban Redevelopment Plan is an essential step in getting tax credits through the Opportunity Zone program designated by the Georgia Dept. of Community Affairs and other sources of funding.

An Opportunity Zone is an area where businesses can receive State tax credits upon the creation of two or more jobs. The Opportunity Zone designation is good for 10 years and allows a credit of $3,500 per created job.

The Central City Urban Redevelopment Plan is intended to address areas in the city’s historic downtown and central business district that are in need of redevelopment. This area includes portions of census tracts 906.01 and 906.02, which, while home to many businesses and community activities, contain structures and areas exhibiting pervasive poverty, underdevelopment, general distress, and other indicators of blight.

The Central City Urban Redevelopment Plan is the City of Canton’s pursuit to have the area designated an Opportunity Zone.

The Central City Urban Redevelopment Plan public hearing is set for the July 3 city council work session and pending adoption at the July 19 city council voting session.

For more information about the public hearing or the ongoing plans, please feel free to contact me at the City of Canton.

Matthew A. Thomas is Economic Development Coordinator for the City of Canton. 770-704-1516, Matthew. Thomas@Canton-Georgia.com

Scoop of

by mIchelle Knapp & suzanne Taylor

July means many things: fireworks, lemonade, cookouts and summer traditions, like the annual Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest at Coney Island, N.Y., that we watch on TV loyally each year (we have unusual interests). Because of that, we have done some serious research into the best hot dog stands you can find OTP. In fact, we took our kids, our “Scoopers in training,” around to a variety of hot dog stands to get their input. If you are a fan of the frankfurter, these are our picks as the best places to get a great hot dog OTP.

Bobby G’s Chicago-style restaurant, “located just 650 miles south of Chicago,” gets its food fresh from the Windy City. At Bobby G’s, the motto is “absolutely no ketchup” on Chicago dogs! Chili, slaw and kraut dogs are also on the menu, along with some other tasty Chicago favorites, like pizza and Italian beef. 12990 Hwy. 9, Milton. 770-772-0710, BobbyGs.com

Barker’s Red Hots: An oldfashioned term for “red hot off the grill,” Barker’s celebrates 30 years in the hot dog business this year. Barker’s cooks everything made to order, in front of the customer, on charcoal. Barker’s signature hot dogs are topped with its own sweet and spicy relish hot sauce, chopped sweet onions and a pickle. Menu items also include burgers, sandwiches and salads. 3000 Windy Hill Road, Suite 128, Marietta. 770-272-0407

BarkersRedHots.com

Brandi’s World Famous Hot Dogs is a must-stop for us. Serving up bright red hot dogs and their secret recipe for spicy chili, Brandi’s is such a popular hot dog joint that you will find a line to the door most days of the week. Not into chili? Try a hot dog with slaw and onions. Hours of operation are 10:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m., Monday-Saturday. 800 N. Tennessee St., Cartersville. 770-386-1003

Hot Dog Heaven in Downtown Woodstock is owned by Chicago natives Barney and Becky. Experience a true Chicago Dog “dragged through the garden” — topped with a pickle, tomato, onion, sports peppers, mustard and Hot Dog Heaven’s signature sprinkling of celery salt. Hot Dog Heaven serves up a variety of polish sausage and Italian beef, too, for an authentic Chicago meal. 8558 Main St., Downtown Woodstock. 770-591-5650

If watching this year’s hot Dog eating contest at coney Island gets you hungry for an authentic hot dog, you’ll enjoy visiting any of these oTp spots. you can even make a day of it and have taste tests, like we did. Just pace yourself, and bring some Tums!

Scoop of Life finds are compiled by Scoop OTP owners Michelle Knapp and Suzanne Taylor. For more Outside The Perimeter “Scoop,” visit ScoopOTP.com.

Winners Selected in Farm Bureau Contests

Cherokee County Farm Bureau sponsored a coloring contest for first-grade students and an art contest for high school students recently. More than 3,000 students from 22 elementary schools participated in the contest by coloring a picture of “My Plate is Georgia Grown,” which included facts about healthy eating. The 1st and 2nd place winners from each school, and their families, were invited to Cagle’s Family Farm to enjoy a free day on the farm that included a hayride tour, a plant to take home, and pizza and cupcakes.

Leigh Ruff from Cherokee High School was among the 33 entries for Cherokee County Farm Bureau’s high school art contest, designed to promote agriculture. Also selected as the overall winner for the county, Ruff received a check and certificate at Cherokee High School Awards Night.

Service League of Cherokee County Awards Local Scholarships

The Service League of Cherokee County awarded $24,000 in scholarships to 19 deserving seniors who graduated recently from local Cherokee County high schools. Students receiving the scholarships include: Charlotte (Ali) Baker, Jordan Freeman, Ashley Holton, Olivia Nechvatal, Laurel (Kailey) Payne and Logan Witherow, Cherokee High School; Savannah Bakotic, Hudson Graham, Jordan Grassi, Riley Jenkins, Channing Tuell, Victoria Sheffield and Kayla Wright, Creekview High School; and Evan Ezell, James (J.F.) Harris and Devon Higgins, Sequoyah High School. The Service League also

made a $1,000 contribution to the High School Credit Recovery Class Scholarship program administered by the Cherokee County School District (CCSD). In addition, last fall the Service League awarded $1,000 in scholarship funds to Reinhardt University student Virginia Hutton as part of Reinhardt University’s “A DAY for Reinhardt” program. Sherry Wallace, who serves as chair of the Service League’s 2014 Scholarship Committee, said, “As parents, we want our children to receive the message: ‘You have worth.’ The Service League scholarship

Continued on page 17 . . .

How Does Your Child Interact Socially with Others?

By Cheryl Kent, MA, CCC-SLP

Have you ever heard of the terms “pragmatic language” or “social skills?” Pragmatics and social skills are used interchangeably. They refer to the way a child uses language socially. There are verbal and non-verbal rules that individuals follow during social interactions. Many children diagnosed with language disorders, as well as gifted and intelligent children, demonstrate difficulty with social language. Some children demonstrate social awkwardness or difficulty interacting socially with others, preferring to spend time alone. Pragmatic skills are typically learned through observation. For some children, however, these skills are difficult to learn naturally.

Pragmatic skills include greetings and farewells; starting, maintaining, and ending a conversation; maintaining eye contact; commenting and requesting; ability to switch topics; and understanding body language, facial expressions, and personal space. Additionally, problem-solving and learning to make the right decision in social situations are learned pragmatic skills.

Children with pragmatic difficulties may have little variety in their language use and may say inappropriate or irrelevant things during conversation. They may perseverate on one continuous topic, not engage the listener, or tell stories in a disorganized manner. Social interactions become more complex as children get older. Therefore, teaching children good social skills can help them succeed in a variety of environments.

Many speech-language pathologists (SLP) work with pragmatic disorders, which often coexist with other language problems. Some tools that a licensed SLP may use to help a child with pragmatic

language difficulties include teaching nonverbal language by facing the listener when talking; reading facial cues (happiness, anger, boredom, etc.) when in a conversation; initiating a conversation with turn-taking and commenting for a few exchanges before gradually switching topics; and appropriate use of transition phrases, such as, “I would like to tell you something else.” An SLP teaches a child different strategies that will help a child improve social skills and confidence in conversation so he/she can be successful as he/she moves through life.

Community Feature

Continued from page 15 . . .

program is one of many venues we use to support and invest in local teens. Scholarship recipients represent an array of talents and accomplishments, and we want to champion them on to greater achievements. Then, hopefully someday, when given the opportunity, they will be conscientious about offering a helping hand and serving others in need.”

The Service League of Cherokee County awarded $24,000 in scholarships to Cherokee County high school seniors.

CCSD Offers Free Summer Lunches

The Cherokee County School District (CCSD) is participating in the USDA Seamless Summer Option for Children program this summer, providing lunch for children in need at five locations throughout the county, along with breakfast at three locations.

More than 32 percent of CCSD students qualify for free or reduced lunch, which means that more than 12,000 students who rely on a breakfast or lunch at school during the year likely do not have access to adequate food during the summer months. Last summer, CCSD provided 64,980 meals to hungry children through the Seamless Summer program, which is federally funded.

The meals are free to any child under the age of 18 and proof of income is not required to participate. Meals are available only during the specific advertised times and must be consumed on site. The program runs through July 25 at the following locations: YMCA Canton: breakfast, 8:30-8:45 a.m.; lunch, 11:00-11:20 a.m.; YMCA Woodstock: breakfast, 8:008:20 a.m.; lunch, 11:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.; East Gate Mobile Home Park: lunch, 11:30-11:45 a.m.; Shadowood Mobile Home Park: lunch at the clubhouse, 10:45-11:00 a.m., lunch at the playground, 11:05-11:20 a.m.; and Woodstock High School: breakfast, 7:45-8:05 a.m.; lunch, 12:00-12:20 p.m.

Community Feature

Gibson Promoted to Fire Marshal

Barry Gibson was promoted as the new Fire Marshal for Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services during a recent ceremony held at the Cherokee County Administrative Offices. Gibson joined Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services in 2001 and graduated at the top of his recruit class. He has worked at multiple fire stations throughout the county and achieved the rank of sergeant in 2003. In 2007, Sgt. Gibson interviewed for a position in the fire marshal’s office as fire inspector and worked in that capacity until 2010, when he was promoted to the rank of captain/deputy fire marshal. He is certified as a firefighter, EMT-I and fire inspector, and is nationally recognized as an NFPA-certified fire protection specialist.

Gibson replaces Chief Rick Ruh, who retired in April.

In other news, Thomas M. Brady with American Legion Post #45, located in Canton, honored several firefighters and staff members with Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services during the organization’s annual Community Service Awards Banquet. Recognized at this year’s banquet were: Cheri Collett, Battalion 1 Firefighter Award; Sgt. Phillip Carlisle, Battalion 2 Firefighter Award; Lt. Mike Jones, Battalion 3 Firefighter Award; Mark Cornelius, Volunteer Firefighter Award; Nate Sullivan, EMS Employee of the Year Award; Tamarin Gullett-Tyrrell, Fire Administration Award; Sgt. Babette Davis, Fire Prevention Award; and Capt. Frankie Martinez, Special Operations Award.

Higgins Named Wrestling Manager of the Year

Creekview High School senior Lindsay Higgins has been named Manager of the Year by Wrestling USA magazine for her role with the school’s wrestling team. In her role with the team, Lindsay kept track of team scores and each wrestler’s statistics and organized schedules including tournaments. For her senior project, she also produced a video to train team managers on how to keep score during matches. In addition to serving as team manager, Lindsay also played varsity and club volleyball.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends children have their first pediatric dental visit by age 1. Establishing a “dental home” at an early age provides an opportunity for a lifetime of positive dental experiences. For the past seven years, the doctors at Cherokee Children’s Dentistry have been dedicated to helping children develop good oral health habits — and making it a fun experience for the whole family!

Board-certified pediatric dentists Dr. Miles Mazzawi and Dr. Anthea Drew Mazzawi have a passion for dentistry and for children. They were excited to welcome their colleague and friend, Dr. Nirali Procter, to the practice last year. Together, they focus on a personalized approach centered on individual patient/parent interaction. Communication is paramount and they encourage doctor-patient/parent dialogue, which creates meaningful relationships based on education, communication and trust.

The office of Cherokee Children’s Dentistry was designed with a child’s experience in mind. From the kid-sized door to the colorful wilderness murals throughout, the office captivates young children from the start. Throughout your child’s dental visit, they are approached with kid-friendly terms, making them feel comfortable and putting them at ease.

The doctors and staff at Cherokee Children’s Dentistry are highly trained to meet the unique needs of their young patients. They closely monitor growth and development from infancy into adolescence to determine the need for orthodontic interventions at the most appropriate time. In addition, the doctors are experienced in providing comprehensive dental treatment needs for all pediatric patients. They utilize oral conscious sedation in the office to deliver treatment for the very young, highly anxious, or special needs patient.

At Cherokee Children’s Dentistry, the approach to patient care and the kid-friendly environment allows Dr. Miles, Dr. Drew, and Dr. Procter to fulfill their mission statement: to provide compassionate dental care in a warm, fun, caring environment that the whole family will enjoy! Cherokee Children’s Dentistry looks forward to seeing you soon!

Community Feature

Teasley Middle Student Wins Optimist International Communication Contest

Shakobia “Kobi” Sims, an eighth-grader at Teasley Middle School, won the annual Georgia State Communication Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, sponsored by Optimist International. Representing the Cherokee County School District and the Woodstock Midday Optimist Club at the statewide competition, Kobi earned a $2,500 college scholarship.

According to Optimist International, the contest offers an opportunity for children who are deaf or hard of hearing to “present their thoughts in the community, gaining skills that can only come from signing or speaking to a large audience.”

Patterned after the Optimist Oratorical Contest, the contest offers hearing-impaired youth the chance to compete in speech or sign language. This year’s theme was “How My Passions Impact the World.” Kobi was recognized by the Cherokee County School Board and Superintendent of Schools at a recent school board meeting.

Cherokee High Students Earn Rotary Scholarships

The Rotary Club of Canton honored four Cherokee High School (CHS) students with scholarships and awards during the club’s recent weekly luncheon. Seniors Erin Missroon and Miguel Tuberquia each were awarded the Canton Rotary Principal Debra Murdock Scholarship — a $2,000 scholarship named in honor of CHS Principal Murdock, the 2014 Georgia High School Principal of the Year. Erin plans to study English and psychology at LaGrange College. Miguel, class salutatorian and drum major, will study biology and music at the University of Georgia. “These are two of the most amazing students I’ve ever known — and I’ve known a lot,” Principal Murdock said, noting, “Erin has so much potential” and “Miguel believes better than anyone.”

Beat the Summer Heat Economically

By Nick Roper

As you prepare for the summer heat, you may be concerned about your home air conditioning unit. Replacement or repair of an air conditioning unit is something that every homeowner dreads. However, have you thought about installing additional ceiling fans in your home?

According to an article published by the New York Times, a central A/C unit costs about 36 cents per hour during operation, and a window a/c unit costs about 14 cents per hour to run. A ceiling fan, though, costs approximately 1 cent per hour that it is being used. I’m not advocating not using you’re A/C unit altogether. Let’s face it, it is a necessity during these hot summer

months here in the South. However, the use of ceiling fans will allow you to set your thermostat up to 12 degrees higher in some situations and maintain the same comfort level — resulting in energy cost-savings and a longer shelf life for your air conditioning unit.

A ceiling fan will not last forever, but the cost to replace a ceiling fan isn’t even comparable to the cost to replace an A/C unit. A ceiling fan can be added to almost every room in your home, as well as to outdoor covered porches and patios, at a relatively low cost. A ceiling fan on a covered porch can turn a space that is unbearably hot during the summer to a year-round usable space.

Nick Roper is manager of business development for H&H Electric and Security LLC. 770-735-1136, MyAtlantaElectrician.net

“A ceiling fan can be added to almost every room in your home, as well as to outdoor covered porches and patios, at a relatively low cost.”

Benchmarks in Early Childhood Education

By Mary Kay Buquoi, Ed.S.

The developmental benchmarks of early childhood — the “normal” times when certain skills are supposed to appear — can never do justice to the infinite variety of ways that development actually occurs. Yet, it is tempting for parents to compare their children to charts and tables of “average” this or “typical” that, or, even worse, “below average,” in certain developmental guidelines. Moreover, comparison is inevitable in many childcare settings where parents can’t help but see how their child measures up to others in the classroom. Concern about early learning can put added pressure on parents to watch for signs that social, emotional and cognitive development are “on schedule.”

However, from a practical point, timing doesn’t mean very much. The order of development of new skills is more important than the timing of the appearance of any one skill: jargon before vocabulary, crawling before walking, sucking before drinking, etc. Children pass through these gateways at vastly different rates. The important thing is that the development is happening, so celebrate it!

As long as your child is progressing in each area, it doesn’t matter if he is a bit “behind” on something, and, satisfying though it may be, it doesn’t mean anything if he is a bit “ahead” on something else. For example, numerous studies have confirmed that the vast majority of children who talk later than average are just as smart and do just as well in school as early talkers. It is perfectly normal for children’s interests and engagements to lead them further and faster in some areas than in others. It is also perfectly normal for these interests to change throughout the early years.

Benchmarks can be helpful, provided they are used as general guidelines. Let’s remember that benchmarks are just a standard point of reference and that all kids excel at different times. If you have concerns, check with your pediatrician. A good rule of thumb: Don’t’ let other children’s progress get in the way of your respect for the individuality that your child is fostering through his/her exploration of learning.

Coming Home with Your Newborn

By Vicki Knight-Mathis, M.D.

Caring for your newborn can be a little intimidating, particularly if it is your first. But, have no fear, for very soon you will know your baby better than anyone else. Some babies are more temperamental than others, but all babies have five basic needs: to eat, to suck, to sleep, to be socially engaged and to be changed when dirty.

Whether breast-fed or bottle-fed, most babies feed every two to four hours. Breast feeding has many advantages, including protection against infection secondary to antibodies present in breast milk. A good rule of thumb by about 2 weeks of age is an ounce of milk for every 2½ pounds. For breast-fed babies, one sign that your baby is getting enough milk is that he/she has a stool after every, or every other, feeding.

Babies also self-soothe through sucking. Each baby is different in the amount of sucking time he/she requires. Pacifiers are acceptable and protect against Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Pacifiers are generally discouraged for babies who are breast feeding in the first couple of weeks, as babies have difficulty learning to nurse and take a pacifier at the same time. Additionally, studies report higher breast-feeding failure rates and shorter duration of breast feeding with early pacifier use. Some babies, however, may not even take a pacifier, and that is alright, too.

Newborns sleep about 18 hours per day. A baby should sleep in his/her bed on his back. As your baby approaches a couple of weeks, he/she will begin to have “quiet alert periods.” These periods occur after feeding and last about 10 minutes. This is a great time to engage your baby socially by talking, smiling and making faces. Your face and your voice are your baby’s best toys at this age.

Finally, babies urinate about every hour. Changing your baby every couple of hours for wet diapers and with every stool is reasonable. Diaper rash cream can be used if your little one starts to look red.

If you have any questions about your newborn, do not hesitate to ask your doctor.

Dr. Vicki-Knight Mathis is a pediatric physician at DV Pediatrics. 770-704-0057, DVPediatrics.com

Everyday Priorities Help with Back to School

By Crystal Bryant

As parents who work full-time, my husband, Chris, and I have always struggled when summer comes and we have children running loose for two months. The fact that we both work primarily from home makes the situation even more hectic for us all. For us, summer brings more noise, chaos, mess and mishaps.

But, this summer has been different. Just before the kids’ last day of school, I had back surgery. This changed

everything. I have been unable to do practically everything — walk, cook, clean, do laundry, or any of the usual things required to keep a household in order. My family had to step up to the task and help.

So, my wise husband put a structure to each day, setting a time that the children would wake up, assigning morning and afternoon chores, and teaching the children to cook, do laundry, wash dishes, sweep and mop, and more. Once the weeping and gnashing of teeth subsided, our kids realized that they would still have plenty of opportunity to play, but that every day would bring with it a moderate list of tasks that must be performed to “keep it all together.”

It’s only been a few weeks so far, but we have already noticed a very

positive change in our kids. This experience has taught our kids some very important lessons for everyday success: Do what must be done first, what should be done second, and what we want to do third. And, when school begins again, I hope they will continue to apply what they have learned — that homework and chores come first, helping out and working ahead come second, and recreation comes third. We hope this is the beginning of life lessons that will stick with them throughout the years to come.

Back-to-School Eye Exams: An Important Connection Between Vision & Learning

By Kyle Edwards, O.D.

It is that time of year, when the activities of summer are keeping you so busy having fun that it is easy to forget the start of a new school year is just around the corner. While summer is a great time to relax by engaging in various recreational activities and family vacations, it is also a great time to schedule exams for your children, as they are on break from the busy school year. As such, summer is a great time to get a comprehensive eye exam for your children in order to make sure they have optimal vision to aid their ability to learn.

The majority of all we learn is attributable to the information we are able to process from the images we see. Recent studies confirm this strong correlation between vision and learning, with 80 percent of what a child learns being presented visually. We know that reading is enhanced when our eyes are functioning properly, and many learning difficulties can be attributed to poor vision. Unfortunately, the statistics show that

only around 31 percent of children from ages 6-16 have an eye exam each year. In addition, 70 percent of children under the age of 6 have never had an eye exam. As a result of these infrequent or missed eye exams, one in four children will go back to school this year with an undiagnosed vision problem that could interfere with his/her ability to see and learn.

I encourage parents to give their children the best opportunity to learn this school year by ensuring they have proper visual function. A back-to-school eye exam from your eye care professional can help ensure your child has the best opportunity to succeed and give parents peace of mind before the new school year begins.

Community Partners

by cheryl ruffer, proGram DIrecTor

The ninth-annual Give a Kid a chance will take place saturday, July 19, in cherokee county.

every child should come to school equipped to succeed — that’s our mission at give a Kid a Chance-Cherokee inc. The nonprofit back-to-school ministry is designed to help children arrive at school empowered to get a better education and a better future. give a Kid a Chance provides students in need with new backpacks filled with school supplies, medical screenings, haircuts, gently worn clothes, new socks and underwear, lunch and a Bible.

last year, more than 3,000 Cherokee County students benefitted from give a Kid a Chance. The ninth-annual event will be held July 19 at First Baptist Church in Canton and at hillside Church in Woodstock. We expect approximately 3,000 students and their families to participate again this year.

you can help the give a Kid a Chance cause in many ways. it takes more than 500 volunteers on the day of the event. Bilingual volunteers are especially appreciated. all volunteers receive a t-shirt at check-in and immediately go to

work! if you would like to volunteer for give a Kid a Chance, please visit giveaKidaChance.org to register.

Volunteers must be 14 years of age to work the actual event. While some children and young adults may not be of age to help at give a Kid a Chance, they can help sort clothes and fill backpacks in preparation of the give a Kid a Chance event.

another way you can support the program is to recommend hair stylists or barbers. each year, there is a shortage of stylists and barbers on hand to cut hair. if you or someone you know would be willing to contribute your services to give a Kid a Chance, it would be greatly appreciated. last year, 268 children received haircuts.

We understand that summer can be hectic; if you are not able to volunteer on July 19, there are other ways to support give a Kid a Chance. We accept donations of school supplies, new socks and underwear, and stuffed animals. in addition, monetary contributions allow us to purchase necessary supplies and clothes in bulk at discounted prices.

For more information and opportunities to volunteer or donate, visit the website.

Back to School: Perfect Time to Focus on Good Habits

By Scott Merritt, D.M.D.

July is that time of year when our community starts to think about going back to school. Parents will spend a lot of time and resources preparing their children for a successful school year. For students, it provides a fresh start, and an opportunity to make the most of what the new school year has to offer.

The start of school is also a great time to emphasize the importance of good habits, including those that contribute to good oral health. All dentists agree that the key to a healthy mouth is committing to do the right things on a routine basis. This includes at-home care, such as thorough brushing, flossing, eating healthy foods, and drinking lots of water. It also includes obtaining professional dental care, which involves regular cleanings, X-rays, and identifying and addressing trouble areas as early as possible.

There are real benefits, which differ by age, to using the start of school to emphasize the importance of dental care. For those starting school or in their elementary years, good brushing habits in the morning can help establish a solid routine, which is key to arriving at school on time and getting in the right frame of mind to learn.

For middle schoolers, a healthy and attractive smile helps build confidence, which is particularly important at a time in life when so much emphasis is placed on appearance.

And for high schoolers, it’s often the last chance parents have to reinforce to their kids the importance of taking care of their bodies before they are on their own.

Enjoy the rest of summer and have a great 2014-15 school year!

Fun Fact: The Tooth Fairy is leaving an average of $3.70 per tooth, which is a 42 percent increase since 2011. Since children have 20 baby teeth, they stand to earn a total of $74!

Dr. Merritt has been helping families in and around Canton since opening BridgeMill Dentistry on Sixes Road in 2002. 770-704-1812, BridgeMillDentistry.com

By Michelle Martin l Photos courtesy of PhotoJack.net

Donna Harris, owner and director of The Carpenter’s Shop preschool in Canton, has always had a deep love for children. Before opening The Carpenter’s Shop in 2007, she ran an in-home daycare for approximately 15 years, taught kindergarten in Cherokee County School District, and served as preschool director for a local church. Caring for young children is more than her career, though; it’s her calling. “I have always considered caring for children as a ministry,” she says. “My desire has always been to serve and support families, especially full-time working mothers who want to give their children a Christian foundation from an early age.”

The Carpenter’s Shop is an all-day, Christian-based preschool program, open 6:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m., for children ages 6 weeks to 6 years. “We developed The Carpenter’s Shop with working mothers in mind,” Harris says. “Most preschool programs that have a Christian background are only half-day programs. The Carpenter’s Shop preschool allows working mothers to have the best of both worlds — all-day childcare and education, based on Christian principles and biblical teachings they desire for their children.”

At The Carpenter’s Shop, children learn about God’s love and teachings through a variety of activities. They pray every day, learn a new Bible story each week, and learn a new Bible verse each month through song. “It is an incredible feeling to hear a class of 2-year-olds reciting John 3:16 together,” Harris says, “and so rewarding to know they’ll remember that verse for the rest of their lives.” Children also attend weekly chapel, an interactive worship time that includes puppets, music and the pledge to the Bible and to the American and Christian flags. “Our mission is to make children feel loved, to know that God loves them and they can have eternal life through Jesus,” Harris explains. “We want God’s love to touch their lives so that they carry God’s word with them in their hearts always.”

The Carpenter’s Shop uses the A Beka Book curriculum, a Christian-based educational program that includes phonics, reading, language arts, math, science, social studies and other early childhood subject areas. “The A Beka curriculum prepares children very well for public school,” Harris says. “Most children are two years academically above children in other preschool programs. Some of our kindergarteners are reading on a 4th-Grade level.” All classes are structured to

change activities and subjects every 30 minutes to help keep children engaged. In addition, children ages 3 and up have in-classroom computer learning; pre-K classes have weekly Spanish lessons from an outside teacher; and a music teacher from In Harmony Pediatric Therapy leads a 30-minute music time for each class once a week. The Carpenter’s Shop also offers an all-day summer program, “Camp Adventure,” for ages 3-10 (through 3rd Grade).

According to Harris, the student-teacher ratio at The Carpenter’s Shop is lower than state requirements — four teachers in nursery classrooms and two teachers in all other classrooms, which allows teachers to provide more individual attention and care. “Every child learns at a different rate,” she says. “Our teachers meet children where they are. It’s wonderful to see

children get excited about learning and to see how far they have come since the beginning of the school year.”

The Carpenter’s Shop is licensed by the Georgia Dept. of Early Care and Learning. Most teachers have a Georgia teaching degree or associate’s degree, and all teachers are required to complete 10 hours of continuing education each year. In addition, Harris says all teachers and staff at The Carpenter’s Shop are certified in CPR and first-aid.

The kindergarten class is led by Gina Chambers and Christy Stancil, both of whom taught for

Read more on page 30 . . .

6:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m., Monday-Friday (except major holidays)

Ages 6 weeks-6 years

Summer programming for ages 3-10

A Beka Book curriculum

Breakfast, lunch & snack served daily

30 years in the Cherokee County School District. Recently, kindergarten students at The Carpenter’s Shop tested in the 98th percentile nationally. “I am so proud of our students. Their achievement speaks to the curriculum and staff here,” Harris says. “I can’t praise our teachers and staff enough. They are good, Christian ladies who love their job — and it shows in how they care for and engage the children to reach their potential.”

Children’s safety and security are top priority at The Carpenter’s Shop. Doors remain locked at all times and cannot be opened without a secure access code. Parents are assigned a unique code to ensure that only authorized persons can enter. “Not just anyone can come in; parents and authorized visitors have to use their own code, or ask one of us to let them in,” Harris says. “In this day and age, that’s very important.” Children also practice safety, fire and tornado drills regularly.

Harris also believes it’s important to teach children that “it is better to give than receive.” Each week, children are

encouraged to bring a small offering that is used to help local families in need. The Carpenter’s Shop sponsors approximately 10 families for Christmas each year and supports community organizations, such as MUST Ministries, church food pantries and missions. “The Carpenter’s Shop is a ministry, in every way — in caring for the children and families who come here, and helping families throughout the community,” she says.

Harris says she feels blessed to have the opportunity to teach and care for so many children over the years. “I am thrilled that parents choose The Carpenter’s Shop because they know we love their children and provide a Christian foundation on which their children can build their lives,” she says. “I pray every day that I use The Carpenter’s Shop to glorify God and do what is best for our children, because it was God who gave me a love for children and opportunities to share that love. I have a blessed life, all because of the children.”

Having a Family Conference

By James Kilgore, Ph.D.

Changing negative family interaction is the goal of a family conference. Sometimes the first experience happens in a counseling session, but some simple ideas can help your family introduce new options for your household. Here are some basic guidelines:

Every family member agrees to be present for the conference. The family is made up of all its members, and each one has some input to make. Agree on a best possible time for most of the members.

Each family member has equal participation time. The family

conference is not a time for the parent(s) to lecture the children. Exploration of issues without judgment is the goal. I ask that the youngest member be the “chairman” for the first gathering. To ensure equality, the family can use an egg timer or a similar device that allows a short period of talking without interruption. Each family member has the opportunity to say what he wishes before the timer is passed to the next family member.

Each family member agrees to think about what he can do to bring positive changes to the family interaction. In the family conference, no member can tell another member what he has to do; instead, any changes are to be volunteered by the family member. Try a sentence like, “I’ll try to do this to help with our situation,” (followed by the proposed change).

The family conference purpose is to provide a vehicle for controlled family conversation. When counseling a family,

I usually seek a commitment that no one is to be punished for anything that is brought up in the family discussion. That provides an atmosphere of safety to explore some issues. This “rule” only applies to the family conference. Whatever rules the family has still apply at other times.

One of the underlying principles for me in treating families is to strengthen positive parenting. A therapist should never undermine parental authority while attempting to develop parental sensitivity and nurture. A therapist then models for the parents and the children what respect looks like.

Families, after all, are the most important institution in our world. Make yours the best it can be.

James Kilgore is president of International Family Foundation Inc. 770-479-3669, jekiff@hotmail.com, InternationalFamilyFoundation.us

Scott Boys BBQ, the epitome of “road food,” is a mobile kitchen operated by Russell “Pops” and Ann Scott. The menu centers around wood-fired smokers and a passion for BBQ. Catering events from weddings to employee appreciation lunches and serving crowds from Canton First Fridays to the Blue Ridge Blues & BBQ Festival, we have served our award-winning pulled pork and ribs across the Southeast.

While we are mobile, most weeks (Thursday-Sunday 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.) we cook and serve our “regular” customers from our new roadside spot at 5087 Cumming Hwy., Canton, just 3.5 miles east of I-575. With menu items ranging from Ann’s Kitchen sink slaw, (with mango, granny Smith apples and bell peppers) to smoked chicken, sausage and ribs, Scott Boys BBQ serves quality, delicious Southern-centric food in a simple, rustic format.

For a taste of Southern tradition, stop by and visit. Check our Facebook page, ScottBoysBBQ.com or simply call to check our schedule: 404-217-2365 or 678-522-7619.

Testing In-Wall Speakers

By Michael Buckner

I love speakers, almost as much as I love music. Speakers make it possible for me to enjoy listening to Johnny Cash in his prime, even though he has long since passed. When it comes to quality, there are major differences among speakers. For this reason and more, I set out to solve the question of who makes the best in-wall speaker.

I started by building a speaker box, with six chambers for six speakers. One side was made of drywall to emulate a home. Then, I ordered the $299 speaker model from six different popular in-wall speaker

manufacturers: Klipsch, Monitor Audio, Definitive Technologies, TDG, Niles, and Episode.

Next, we noted the installation ease of all the speakers. We noticed huge differences in build quality among the different speakers. Despite being the same retail price, these speakers had obvious differences in how much was spent on their construction. Monitor Audio took the trophy here.

After getting all the speakers installed into this box, we wired them through a speaker selector so that we had a perfect way to compare all of them.

Next was the listening test. After listening to each speaker, our team of 10 noticed two key points. The Niles and Episode speakers sounded muffled and weak, and the Klipsch speaker was much louder than the others. We suspected the loud Klipsch speaker was skewing our results, so we turned down the volume until it was the same level

as the other speakers. After doing this, the Monitor Audio gave the Klipsch a run for its money.

We concluded that the Klipsch speaker was the winner, with the Monitor Audio and Definitive Technologies models a close tie for second. Last place was a tie between Niles and Episode.

In the end, we stayed with the same brand of speakers that we have carried for years, but this test was still worth it. Not only did it confirm that we offer the best in-wall speaker available — Klipsch — but also demonstrated how much better it sounds than the other speaker brands.

Thomas eye Group is a leading metro atlanta eye care provider offering comprehensive services, including medical, surgical, lasIK and cosmetic eye care. Thomas eye Group is celebrating its 40th anniversary of providing complete eye care for infants to seniors.

The Woodstock office opened in 2001 and moved to the present location of 149 Towne lake pkwy. five years ago. In addition to comprehensive care, Thomas eye Group offers full optical services for glasses and contact lens, along with a movie theatre for children.

“We want you to feel welcome and important to us the moment you walk through our door. our staff will provide you comfort and quality care,” says Tim couch, manager.

Thomas eye Group has state-of-the-art facilities designed with patients in mind. Kiosk registration offers easier, patientfriendly check-in, while also providing better patient flow. new designs streamline procedures to enhance patient care, all while giving personal care.

The board-certified ophthalmologists and optometrists at Thomas eye Group have decades of combined experience in eye care. They offer diverse specialized subspecialty services that include oculoplastics, pediatrics, cornea, retina, and Glaucoma.

Jerry berland, m.D., pediatric ophthalmologist at the Woodstock location, offers a complete scope of preventive and corrective eye care for children. he also treats adults with strabismus and double vision issues. Thomas eye Group established pediatric eye care in atlanta 40 years ago and continues to offer one of the largest groups in the southeast.

mark berman, m.D., is subspecialty trained in glaucoma (one of the leading causes of blindness), and also treats patients for general ophthalmic care with emphasis on cataract surgery.

paul Kaufman, m.D., specializes in vitreo-retinal disease, treating diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration with vision-saving treatments, including surgical repair, laser and medical injections.

optometrist lakhvir singh, o.D., has joined the adult ophthalmologists specializing in comprehensive eye exams. he also oversees all of the contact lens fitting.

“We offer patient-focused service while providing a lifetime of outstanding eye care,” says couch. “We want your visit to be extraordinary.”

Thank you for choosing Thomas eye Group.

Thomas Eye Group has served the greater Atlanta community since the company was founded in 1974. For more information on the Woodstock office or to schedule an appointment, call 770-928-4544 or visit ThomasEyeGroup.com.

By Michelle Martin

Unique venues and restaurants offer a fun atmosphere to enjoy a night of live music — from the relaxing sounds of smooth jazz and acoustic guitar to beautiful piano melodies, soulful blues, toe-tappin’ country, classic rock and everything in between!

Special Advertising Section

Donovan’s Irish Cobbler

1025 Rose Creek Drive, Woodstock

770-693-8763

DonovansirishCobbler.com

If you’re looking for a bit of Irish-meets-Southern tradition, this is the place. Saturdays feature live music, 8:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m., with $4 drink specials. Be sure to try the famous “Horseshoe” sandwich — thick-cut slices of bread topped with ham (and other meats), cheese sauce and French fries — and blueberry/peach cobbler.

Guston’s Grille

12195 Hwy. 92, Suite 156, Woodstock 770-485-6565 Gustons.com

Guston’s Woodstock location features dueling pianos on Fridays and live music on Saturdays, both beginning at 9:30 p.m. Entrees start at only $6.99. The family-friendly environment and welcoming staff promise “you’re only a stranger once!”

Little River Grill

6979 Bells Ferry Road, Canton 770-345-4444

Recently re-opened under new management, Little River Grill is a popular spot for boaters. There is no cover charge to enjoy the live bands on Fridays at 7:00 p.m. Check Facebook for upcoming acts.

Downtown Kitchen

140 e. Marietta St., #1 Canton 770-479-1616

theDowntownkitchen.com

Downtown Kitchen, located in Downtown Canton, has become a favorite spot for John Michael Rose, Scott Puckett and the Mayor’s Tribunal, The Local Legends and other acts. Live music starts at 9:00 p.m. on most weekends. You’ll want to come early to enjoy the full Downtown Kitchen dining and entertainment experience.

July 12: John michael rose

July 19: stagrr

July 26: butch and the buckheads

August 2: strange brew

The Painted Pig Tavern

190 e. Main St., Canton 678-880-1714

PaintedPigtavern.com

Downtown Canton’s “neighborhood tavern” features live music every Friday and Saturday, starting at 10:00 p.m. Come early to enjoy live comedy, too! The Painted Pig Tavern also serves a full menu of appetizers, entrées, specialties and craft beers.

Fire Stone Wood Fired Pizza & Grill

120 Chambers St., Woodstock 770-926-6778

FireStoneRestaurants.com

Join Fire Stone on Wednesday’s for “Music & Merlot,” featuring live music from 7:00-10:00 p.m., plus half-priced select bottles of wine. You can also enjoy live music often on Friday and Saturday evenings. The menu covers everything from gourmet wood-fired pizzas, small plates including BBQ pork sliders and mussels, inventive entrées that change weekly using fresh, local ingredients, and shareable desserts.

July 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30: Jazz/blues musicians

July 5: hannah Thomas

July 11: Jason connelly band

July 18: Wild Iris rose

Pure Taqueria

405 Chambers St., Woodstock

770-952-7873

Puretaqueria.com

The Woodstock location is one of five current Pure Taqueria restaurants developed by Chris and Michele Sedgwick. Live music is featured on the rooftop at the Woodstock location on Thursday, Friday and Saturdays, usually beginning at 7:00 p.m. Regular acts include John Amoroso, Ian Schumacher, Patrick Scott and Todd Wells.

Sixes Tavern

3568 Sixes Road, Canton

770-345-2939

Sixes-tavern.com

Sixes Tavern offers live music on the patio every Wednesday for Bike Night, as well as live music on most weekends. Featured performers have included Ed Roland & the Sweet Tea Project (lead singer of Collective Soul), The Armory, Mike Veal and many other favorites. All music begins at 9:30 p.m.

July 5: The mike Veal band and Kontraband

July 11: yacht rock schooner

July 12: band X

July 18: Kiss rub punch

July 19: The armory

July 25: band X

July 26: Kurt Thomas

Sidelines Grille

147 Reinhardt College Parkway, #6 Canton 678-880-0284

SidelinesGrille.com

Local bands perform in the bar on Friday and Saturday nights. Take advantage of special offers on wings, beer and cocktails during live music nights, too.

Jump Kitchen Saloon

1085 Buckhead Crossing, Woodstock 678-388-7717

JumpkitchenSaloon.com

“Country rockin’ scratch cookin’” is exactly what you’ll find here. Weekly live music includes Acoustic Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. and bands on Fridays and Saturdays beginning at 9:00 p.m. Jump has been nominated as one of Georgia’s best live music venues by GeorgiaCountry.com! Visit GeorgiaCountry.com to cast your vote by 12:00 p.m., July 13.

July 10: Tyler porch acoustic

July 12: ronnie brown band

July 17: bike night Dive bar Kings

July 18: ricky combs band

July 24: mike ellis acoustic Duo

July 25: Twisted Whiskey

July 26: The Tyler porch band

August 9: chris massey band

August 15: brandon Wylie band

August 21: bike night southside of the Tracks

August 29: The Tyler porch band

Riverstone Corner Bistro

135 Reinhardt College Parkway, Suite 1, Canton 770-704-7325

RCBCanton.com

Family-owned and operated, Riverstone Corner Bistro offers live music on Friday and Saturday nights. The menu selections include locally sourced farm-fresh beef and signature dishes with a “down home” flair. Closed Sundays.

Don’t Let a Commute Delay Training

By Arlene Dickerson

It seems like when people are ready to improve their skill set or gain a new skill altogether, they drive an hour or more to go to a training facility — that is, if there isn’t an online equivalent. Hands-on training is a great way to learn. It helps students get a better grasp of the material faster. Plus, training outside of the usual office environment provides an opportunity to really focus.

But, what if you feel you have to put off training because you don’t have the time, or perhaps the desire, to make the trek to the city? Don’t put off essential training because of a long commute. Try a local training center!

Looking locally for training provides

many benefits, along with saving time and fuel on a long drive:

• Using a local training center gives students a more efficient way to follow up. In addition to email and telephone support, a student could drop in to the local center for additional face-to-face support as needed.

• Training in the same town where you work provides great networking opportunities — everyone in the room can be a potential business connection, not just a classmate for a day or two.

• Local training centers are more likely to have a better variety of classes and offer them more frequently than nationally run centers. Sometimes it can be as easy as asking the training coordinator if there are more classes available than what is currently shown on the schedule.

Are you looking for a class on a national product or brand, but can’t find it in your neighborhood? Ask for it! Big companies want their customers to get the training and information they need to continue to use their products. If they get a request from a specific area, they are likely to come to the area to fill the need. If you have a training center in your community, ask about the program you want. Many times the training center has the resources to provide the class; all that’s needed are students to fill it.

We at Atlanta Hand Specialist are excited to announce the grand opening of our Canton office with Jose Baez, M.D.

At Atlanta Hand Specialist, we are committed to providing the highest standard of care for patients with Hand and Upper Extremity conditions. Our goals are to identify and treat these conditions in all age groups, to coordinate a multidisciplinary approach for care and treatment, and to facilitate a rapid recovery for a normal, productive lifestyle.

Every patient is treated with the utmost respect, compassion and care. Our professional staff is dedicated to making every patient visit convenient and pleasant, while making every possible effort for your full recovery. The availability of basic radiology makes patient diagnosis prompt and eliminates any delays in preparing the treatment plan. We understand the significance of your hands in everyday life. Our hands and arms are what we use to complete the simplest of tasks to the most complex, such as playing ball with our kids, typing an email, and performing our jobs. Whether you are an existing patient or a new patient, we appreciate that you have chosen Atlanta Hand Specialist for your care.

Atlanta Hand Specialist is affiliated with Northside Cherokee Hospital, Emory Adventist Hospital, WellStar Cobb Hospital, WellStar Kennestone Hospital and WellStar Douglas Hospital.

Atlanta Hand Specialist treats a variety of conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis; numbness and tingling in hands; tennis elbow; carpal tunnel syndrome; hand and wrist fractures; nerve injuries; wrist sprains; and work-related injuries.

Liposuction: Is It Right for You?

By Drs. Musarra, Leake & Petrosky

Maybe you’ve been working out regularly and eating healthy, but still can’t get rid of those extra pounds of fat. Despite good health and a reasonable level of fitness, some people still have a body with disproportionate contours due to localized fat deposits. These areas may be due to family traits rather than a lack of weight control or fitness.

Liposuction slims and reshapes specific areas of the body by removing excess fat deposits, improving your body contours and proportion, and, ultimately, enhancing your self-image.

Liposuction surgery can be used to treat stubborn fat pockets in many parts of the body, including: abdomen and waist; thighs, hips and buttocks; arms, neck and back; knees,

calves and ankles; cheeks and chin; and chest. Fat removed from these areas can also be used to enhance other areas of your body, such as the buttocks or breasts, through fat injections or fat transfers (removing fat from one area and replacing it in another).

Cost is always an important consideration in elective surgery. However, the quality of the liposuction is more important than the costs. The surgeon’s expertise and experience are among the most important factors when considering liposuction. Be careful not to put your body on the “discount rack.” Choosing a surgeon based on lowest price might ultimately be the most expensive choice, if you have to have your procedure redone.

Factors that determine liposuction costs include: size of the patient; number

of areas of liposuction; amount of time and effort required of the surgeon; and costs of the operating room, anesthesia services, preoperative laboratory fees and compression garments.

Your consultation should only be with a specially trained boardcertified plastic surgeon. During a thorough examination, you will be asked to point out the areas you would like to see improved. This will help your plastic surgeon to understand your expectations and determine whether they can realistically be achieved. The ideal candidates for liposuction surgery have excellent skin tone or tissue elasticity with isolated areas of excess fat.

Drs. Musarra, Leake & Petrosky are board-certified surgeons at Plastic Surgery Center of the South. 770-421-1242, PlasticSurgeryCenteroftheSouth.net

Thanks for a Job Well Done

By Janet Read

Almost every organization that I know of has those folks who work behind the scenes. They work quietly and discreetly in the background, taking care of important details that many others take for granted. The Cherokee County School District (CCSD) has numerous people like that in our employ. I would like to recognize a few of them this month.

The first group is the Technology staff members, who provide the audio and video support for our monthly board meetings. They operate out

of a tiny little room adjacent to the dais. Until about a month ago, they utilized equipment that had long passed its life expectancy and was outdated and cumbersome. Every month the staff members hold their breath that the meetings will be recorded properly, that all the microphones will work, and that an accurate, timely record of our often drawn-out meetings will come to fruition and be available for public viewing. In the event that the meeting venue has to be changed to accommodate larger crowds, their workload is multiplied as well. They have to set up a complete sound system to accommodate all 10 microphones (without feedback) and then monitor it from the back of the auditorium while looking over hundreds of audience members. Following each board meeting, they work double-time to make the video of the meeting available online on the CCSD website.

Other behind-the-scenes employees are the bus drivers who transport

our special needs students. Although they have fewer students, these bus drivers often drive longer routes to transport the special needs students. They handle wheelchairs and crutches, bus monitors and, in some cases, children who are very fragile due to health issues. They wait patiently as the bus lifts are raised and lowered, work with parents to understand each child’s individual needs, and remain committed to their precious cargo when public motorists become impatient and frustrated by the time lost behind the school bus.

I am thankful for our CCSD employees who work behind the scenes, performing tasks that are vitally important to the success of the CCSD and our students. Thank you for a job well done!

Janet Read is chair of the CCSD board. 770-516-1444, Janet.Read@Cherokee.K12.Ga.us

Gary Curtis Classic Dutch Still-Life Paintings

By Heike Hellmann-Brown

Award-winning watercolor artist Gary Curtis has been featured in American Artist magazine and on the cover of Artist Magazine. His work is reminiscent of the great painters of the “Dutch Golden Age,” such as Johannes Vermeer, Pieter Claesz, and Willem Claeszoon Heda.

Artist Profile

During the 17th century, Dutch trade, science, military, and art were among the most acclaimed in the world. Non-secular art, fostered by wealthy merchants, showcased popular pictorial subjects, among them stilllifes in subdued colors. Everyday items like food, silver cutlery and flowers, arranged on tablecloths with intricate patterns and subtle folds, displayed the artists’ skills in painting textures and surfaces in great detail and with realistic light effects.

“I always had an interest in art history,” says Curtis, explaining the thematic and stylistic direction of his work. “My earliest training included the works of Rembrandt, da Vinci, and Michelangelo. Later, I discovered the landscapes of Winslow Homer and masters like John Singer Sargent. Yet, a piece of Vermeer displayed at the National Gallery had the most tremendous influence on me.”

Originally from Long Beach, Calif., Curtis aimed to be a college professor, but later wound up in corporate management. When he moved to Atlanta in 1980, Curtis began to pursue art full-time. He focused on portraiture, but commissions inhibited him from what he really wanted to express with his art. He switched subjects and medium, painting wildlife, landscapes and architecture in watercolor, and sold pieces at juried

art shows across the Southeast. “The immediate feedback encouraged me,” Curtis says. “The average person spends little time in an art gallery and even less in a museum. Juried shows reach a greater public and educate visitors. These interactions provoke new ideas for presentation, fresh approaches to do work.”

During this time, Curtis felt there was a missing piece in the art market. “Although the trend is toward contemporary pieces, there will always be a fundamental need and acceptance for traditional art,” he says.

While Curtis liked the composition and almost 3-D effect of Dutch stilllifes, his scenes of everyday life are painted in transparent watercolors instead of oils, thus blending the old and the new and giving still-lifes a new interpretation and a modern look.

Apart from incorporating common household items, Curtis creates arrangements of heirlooms, books, musical instruments, sports memorabilia and even the trophy collection of a Kentucky Derby winner. Transparent glass and mirror-like reflective silver vessels

are his favorite subjects. “The sparkle of cut crystal and distortion of objects seen through it fascinates me. Likewise, I am intrigued by the way a silver bowl reflects its surroundings in a very abstract manner.”

Gary Curtis’ upcoming shows include Art in the Park in Marietta, The Atlanta Arts Festival in Piedmont Park, and the Roswell Arts Festival. He also shares his expertise in workshops and encourages aspiring artists: “You never really know how good you can be, until you devote your whole life to it!”

Heike Hellmann-Brown is a published writer in the United States and Europe. She has translated and edited several New York Times bestsellers and has taught both English and her native German as a foreign language in a career that has spanned more than 20 years.

Downtown New Businesses

“Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.” — Ben Franklin

by meghan Griffin

July 4

Aug 1

have you ever seen the show, “Oz and James Drink to Britain?” it came out several years ago and features James may from “top gear” and Oz Clark, a noted wine authority, driving around Britain in a rolls royce Corniche, trying to find the drink that speaks to modern Britain. it’s a seriously awesome show and well worth watching for any anglophile or lover of beer, whiskey, cider, mead…you get the picture.

soon, we will be able to find the beer that speaks to modern Cantonians, with the arrival of stout’s growlers — Purveyors of Craft Beer. The new business, which will sell craft beer not widely available to the public in reusable containers, is expected to open at the end of July. it will be located on north street, right in the heart of Downtown Canton. The owners, larry and maria Pujol and Jim and irene stout, have made it their mission to help

revitalize Downtown Canton and to support local breweries by offering their beer.

Of course, this is only one step in moving Canton forward; however, the arrival of stout’s growlers definitely speaks to a certain excitement about our downtown. Our goal at the main street Program is to have a vibrant, walkable downtown that is family-friendly and safe for all. We want to see more businesses locating downtown, and it is our plan to help any new business in any way that we can.

i’ll see you at stout’s growlers soon!

First Friday: 4th of July

Canton Under the Stars and Stripes

3:00-6:00 p.m. at Cannon Park (parade at 4:00 p.m.)

Main Street Canton will hold a special 4th of July “First Friday” in conjunction with the 4th of July Parade by VFW Post 5262. Family-friendly activities will include bluegrass music, games, food, shopping and fireworks (on Riverstone Parkway, hosted by Canton Tourism)! The event is free and open to the public.

First Friday: So Long, Summer! 6:00-9:00 p.m. at Cannon Park

Music, shopping, food and fun! First Friday is always free and fun for the whole family!

Brown Patch on Lawns

By Louise Estabrook

Brown Patch is the most damaging disease of warm-season turfgrasses in Georgia. All of the turfgrasses grown in Cherokee County, including St. Augustinegrass, centipedegrass, zoysiagrass and bermudagrass, are susceptible to this fungal disease. Excessive nitrogen fertility levels and thatch often lead to outbreaks of Brown Patch. This disease usually develops on lawns during periods of wet, overcast weather in late spring or early summer and again in the fall. Damage is often heaviest after several days of showers with daytime temperatures of 70-80 degrees F.

Brown Patch first appears in lawns as small, circular, brown areas several inches in diameter, which may quickly increase to 3-6 feet across. These areas often grow together, forming irregular patches of brown, blighted turf up to 20 feet in diameter. Damaged turf usually recovers when conditions no longer favor the spread of the disease. Regrowth of the turf usually starts in the center of the blighted area, forming a ring or frog-eye pattern. Leaves attached by the Brown Patch fungus, Rhizoctonia solani, first become water-soaked and wilted, finally turning brown. On broadleaf turfgrasses, like centipedegrass, distinct tan-colored leafspots that are surrounded by water-soaked margins are sometimes seen.

Nitrogen fertility has a significant impact on Brown Patch development. High nitrogen levels promote the growth of soft, succulent leaves that are susceptible to attack by the Brown Patch fungus. To help prevent disease outbreaks, apply a low rate of a nitrogen fertilizer at four- to eight-week intervals, or use a slow-release nitrogen source to maintain an even growth rate. Every three years, and particularly when your lawn is having a problem, I recommend a laboratory soil test. The University of Georgia’s Soil Lab will do an excellent test and give you specific recommendations for your type of lawn. It’s a bargain, at only $9 per sample! Call our office for soil-test directions.

Thatch often harbors the Brown Patch fungus. Periodic mechanical de-thatching or core aeration is needed to prevent thatch buildup. Outbreaks of Brown Patch occurring on thatch-heavy lawns are likely to reoccur and cause damage in following years unless the thatch is properly removed.

Louise Estabrook is the Agricultural and Natural Resources agent for the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension. 770-721-7803, CAES.UGA.edu/Extension/Cherokee

Book Review

by caTherIne GroVes

‘The Target’

CIA operative Will Robie returns in David Baldacci’s latest spy thriller!

WhenDavid Baldacci releases a new novel, his fans know they are in for a treat. When the novel is a continuation of his characters from a previous series, the wait can be quite painful. Baldacci’s recent release of “The Target” in the Will Robie series is his third release in just as many years.

“The Target” features CIA hitman Will Robie and fellow agent Jessica Reel. From the start, “The Target” weaves in a new wrinkle with a terminally ill Alabama death row inmate, Earl Fontaine. Fontaine will affect Will and Jessica personally with his deathbed plans. Readers are left in suspense as to his ultimate plans and his true identity until well into the story.

Meanwhile, an incredible international plot that would endanger the United States and possibly bring down the president unfolds in Washington, D.C. The president turns to the CIA for help. The CIA can provide the unmatched assassins for the chance to eliminate a global enemy. However, the CIA director has issues with Robie and Reel, as readers will remember from the previous book in the series. Internal battles, jockeying for power, and an agency in turmoil leave the CIA director without many outs. Plus, his personal agenda behind the mission does not guarantee Robie and Reel’s survival.

After overcoming unbelievable attempts to prevent their success individually, personally, and professionally, Robie and

Reel are sent to another continent for a more dangerous follow-up mission.

“The Target” takes another twist, as this follow-up mission — in a foreign land that is a sworn enemy of the United States — has no margin for error. Capture would result in death for Robie and Reel, and could even provoke a war with the United States. Should they be captured and the president step in, the president could be impeached.

While the United States plans its own international espionage with its top CIA agents, the same rogue nation has a surprise of its own. An agent that they have trained to kill at the highest level is being asked to do something that no other nation has been able to accomplish: strike to the very heart of America and also take out the top two CIA agents at the same time.

As Reel deals with her background and Robie realizes that age has his days numbered as the top agent at the CIA, the story barrels along to a stunning conclusion. “The Target” continues to provide multiple layers of suspense and plot surprises with each new chapter — once again proving that a David Baldacci novel is best read before bedtime to ensure a good night’s sleep. Otherwise, plan to be up all night.

“The Target” can be purchased at most major bookstores and in e-Reader versions for Kindle and Nook.

The Smart Way to a

Glow Summer

By Kellie Baxter, D.C.

This just in...

For the first time since its introduction in 1979, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has implemented new standards for the use of tanning beds. The FDA now requires the same standards for tanning beds as cigarettes. That means if you are under age 18, you are not allowed to use tanning beds, which cause skin cancer. This is great news in decreasing the risk of skin cancer, as melanoma in young women 15-29 years old has reached an all-time high.

Several years ago, the FDA and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) restricted the words “safe” or “safer than”

in indoor tanning advertisements by the tanning industry. Prior to this restriction, many ads claimed that indoor tanning provided consumers greater control over UV exposure than outdoor exposure. The truth is that tanning beds actually carry 12 times higher UV radiation than the midday sun.

Did you know that you have a 59 percent increased risk of melanoma with tanning bed usage? Your risk of getting melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, increases 20 percent after just one session. Melanoma in young people is on the rise, primarily due to tanning bed usage.

Dr. Elizabeth Hale at NYU Medical Center of Dermatology has stated that melanoma is largely preventable with sun safety and avoidance of tanning beds. Exposure before age 35 increases your chance of melanoma by 75 percent.

Ninety percent of skin cancers, as well as

premature aging like wrinkles and sun spots, are related to sun exposure. UV radiation is also linked to cataracts and suppression of the immune system.

You should get your skin checked for melanoma once a year. If you use a tanning bed regularly, you should get checked twice a year — and discontinue using tanning beds altogether. If you have never used a tanning bed, you still should have your skin checked.

If you are looking for that bronzed glow, opt for a safer alternative. Get a spray-on tan, apply self-tanner, or just go with your own glow!

I hope this article helps you to make smart sun decisions. As always, stay well adjusted!

Kellie Baxter is president/owner of Revive Day Spa and Baxter Chiropractic. 770-345-1111, MyReviveDaySpa.com, BaxterChiro.com

The Mirage of Perfection

By George Anderson

“When Esau was 40 years old, he took as his wives Judith daughter of Beeri the Hittite, and Basemath daughter of Elon the Hittite. They made life bitter for Isaac and Rebekah.” Genesis 26:34-35 HCSB

Esau and Jacob were the twin sons of Isaac and Rebekah. Isaac, of course, was Abraham’s miracle child. Only one chapter of Genesis is devoted to Isaac’s life story… but what a life it was! He was singularly blessed of God. We learn that, after some rough patches in his early life, he lived 80 years in the Promised Land. He was successful, wealthy, respected. He had peace. He was married to a beautiful woman. Everything appeared to be blissful.

But, there was trouble in paradise. Their son, Esau, married two women — never a good idea. These girls were outsiders, not from the family clan,

and they made life bitter for Isaac and Rebekah.

We have a tendency to look over the fence and say, “Why can’t my life be as good as theirs?” Erma Bombeck said, “The grass is greener over the fence because it’s growing over a septic tank.”

Everyone has problems. This explains America’s fascination with the lives of it heroes. Hollywood celebrities appear to be living the American Dream — then we discover their lives are filled with problems.

Even preachers have problems! We

read all the time about some “man of God” whose public life is spotless, but whose private life is a mess. It seems to make us feel better that others experience the same heartaches and hang-ups that we do.

The truth is: No one’s life is perfect. We all have problems… and we all need help.

I cannot understand people who try to live with God pushed to the margins of their lives. Hello! God is the best help you’ve got! Don’t push Him out. Take your problems to Him. Know He loves you and cares about you. Trust His promise that “all things work together for good to those who love Him…”

George Anderson is senior pastor of First Baptist Church Canton. 770-4795538, FBCCanton.org

Ingredients:

1 cup mango

½ bunch of green onions

½ bunch of cilantro

2 cloves of garlic

¼ cup lemon juice

Preparation:

¼ cup Olive oil

1 small habanero (roasted, peeled and seeded)

Pinch of salt and pepper

1 ear of corn

Micro greens (or other baby greens)

Swordfish

Coulis: Put the first 8 ingredients in a blender, but only half of the Habanero to start. Blend and taste. Add remainder of Habanero if it’s not spicy enough. Or, if it is too spicy, tone down with honey.

Roast one piece of corn, then cool slightly and cut kernels off. Toss corn with micro greens, adding enough olive oil to lightly coat the salad. Sprinkle with a little salt and pepper.

Pan sear swordfish, then plate with salad and coulis.

Enjoy with your favorite white wine.

Cherokee Market Farm Fresh Produce opened in the spring of 2010, with two tables on the front porch of the historic building that had previously been occupied by Ed Bell’s store. Four years later, we have a booming business that features the best produce around.

At Cherokee Market, we guarantee everything we sell 100 percent. We are family owned and operated (Lisa and Lauren Meyer, motherdaughter team), so you get that Southern hospitality when shopping with us. Cherokee Market is an old-fashioned store with many items reminiscent of an old country store, including old-fashioned glass bottle soft drinks; hot boiled peanuts; jams, jellies and local honey; hoop cheese; Amish butter; and live bait, just to name a few. Shopping at Cherokee Market is a unique experience. When you walk through the doors, our homemade items, antique collectibles, and fresh fruits and vegetables will make you feel like you’re stepping back in time!

On July 1, Cherokee Market will be moving 7 miles east on Highway 20 to a larger store in Lathemtown. We are very excited to be in Lathemtown and hope our customers will follow us to our new location. The new store will feature all of the same historic charm and old-fashioned items, as well as the same quality fresh produce and locally grown beef, for which Cherokee Market is known. We

will also be at the Canton Farmers Market on every Saturday morning (through October 25) and at Canton’s First Fridays, both held at Cannon Park in Downtown Canton.

In addition, you can call or request through our Facebook page special orders, including pre-orders for fresh seafood; 100 percent grass-fed beef; organic pork, lamb and chicken; and real dairy products. We work hard to bring you only the best produce, meat, dairy and locally produced foods available.

Cherokee Market Farm Fresh Produce is open daily, 9:00 a.m.7:00 p.m. Please feel free to call after hours and on holidays if you need something special. We look forward to serving you in our new location! 11611 Cumming Hwy., Lathemtown. 770-755-0736

Head Above Water

By Christopher Anderson, M.D.

School’s out and the heat of summer has kicked in. It’s time for some rest and relaxation. It’s time to let our worries go and just chill by the water. But, we can’t be completely carefree. We must all be mindful of the dangers that can occur at poolside or at the lake.

Every year, thousands drown or are injured in water-related accidents that could have been prevented. Follow these general water tips to help stay safe in, on, and around the water.

Water Safety Tips:

• Learn to swim. Enroll your child in a swimming course. There are lessons available for all ages.

• Never swim alone. Even good swimmers can have an unexpected medical emergency in the water.

• Supervise children at all times, even when a lifeguard is present. Use of a floatation device cannot replace parental supervision.

• Learn CPR and make sure that others who care for your child know CPR, too. It can be the difference between life and death.

Keep Your Pool Safe:

• Have a phone near the pool at all times.

• Enclose your pool completely with a fence that has a self-closing, latching gate.

• Have basic life-saving equipment (pole, rope, and flotation devices) and know how to use them.

• Keep toys away from the pool when not in use. Toys attract young children into the water.

• Remove pool covers completely prior to pool use.

• Don’t run near the pool, push others, or dive or jump into unfamiliar or shallow water.

Drowning is not the only danger with swimming pools or lakes. If you see storm clouds or hear thunder, get out of the water immediately to avoid electrocution. Also, contaminated pool water can make you sick. So, for other’s sake, don’t swim if you are sick yourself and don’t swim with open wounds or sores. It is also a good practice to shower before you swim. To ensure a safe summer and fun-filled days at the pool and lake, make yourself knowledgeable of these water safety guidelines. As they say, “Better safe than sorry.”

*Information obtained from www.redcross.org and National Safety Council.