Woodstock Family Life 11-15

Blessings

Always Count

Sometimes, I have to admit that blessings go unaccounted for in my life and may go unnoticed in the hustle and bustle. Even if for a short time they do, I am usually reminded of how wonderful it is that even the smallest of blessings can be used as a daily reminder to be thankful. It’s about the little things, little things that add up to greater things. Just the other day, I was picking up laundry to do a load of darks; my arms were full, and I was fumbling around trying to keep from dropping socks. Then, there on the floor was the last piece, a burgundy towel, and it was large enough to hold everything together. That may sound like just a coincidence to some, but to me, it was a tiny reminder of how good life really is, one moment at a time.

Of course, we each have had great blessings in our life, such as our self, a friend or a relative conquering cancer, injury, a near death event or other malady that was just miraculous. We may, in fact, have a happy home with vibrant children, a good job and a comfortable lifestyle that gives us reason to give thanks. Some of us could be struggling with an array of troublesome things in our or day-to-day lives, in spite of what the world sees as “good enough,” and still recognize that the feeling of the sunshine on our skin, the sound of a guitar, or sharing a laugh with a friend is indeed a gift, and we feel blessed.

There’s really no trick to being thankful beyond the simple acknowledgement of how blessed each and every one of us truly is in our daily lives. By giving thanks, we give back to Him from which our blessings flow. Let us make sure each blessing, however small, counts by being thankful and expressing our gratitude. May God continue to grow in you every day, through blessings in your life and thanksgiving in your heart.

Jack Tuszynski, Publisher

PUBLISHER/PHOTOGRAPHER

Jack Tuszynski

Jack@FamilyLifePublications.com

EDITORIAL

Julie Senger

Editor@FamilyLifePublications.com

ART

Candice Williams

Candice@FamilyLifePublications.com

Laurie Litke

Laurie@FamilyLifePublications.com

SALES

Janet Ponichtera

Janet@FamilyLifePublications.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Steven Anderson, Jose Baez, Sen. Brandon Beach, Kyle Bennett, Kathleen Boehmig, Chris Bryant, Susan Casella, Cobb EMC, Jyl Craven, Paige Gardner, Georgia Farm Bureau, Catherine Groves, Patricia Hawley, Lisa-Marie Haygood, Corey Harkins, Cameron Johnson, Michelle Knapp, James E. Leake, Dot Martin, Kelly Marulanda, Robbie Matiak, Tim Morris, E. Anthony Musarra, Vishant Nath, Cindy Nelson, Michael Petrosky, Preston Pooser, Nick Roper, Suzanne Taylor

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

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Woodstock 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. Woodstock Family Life magazine is not responsible for errors and omissions. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the Publisher.

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Calendar

NOVEMBER

6

Friday Night Live, Downtown Art Walk — Spend the first Friday of every month in Downtown Woodstock, and enjoy the many restaurants and stores that the area has to offer, as the Downtown merchants stay open late. For each Friday Night Live theme, participating Downtown merchants will have activities going on at their stores and throughout the Downtown area related to the theme of the month. Friday Night Live also features great music, as bands play throughout Downtown Woodstock in front of the stores, which adds to the street festival feel of the event. 6:00-9:00 pm. 770-9240406. DowntownWoodstock.org

6

iThink’s improv Comedy Show — immediately following Friday Night Live in Downtown Woodstock! Join us for a fun, spontaneous time! $5 cash at the door ($7 with card). 9:00 pm

6

Bingo Night, presented by The Woodstock High School Marching Wolverines — This is a fun-filled, bandrun fundraiser for everyone! There will be a 50/50 raffle, door prizes, amazing bingo prizes, food, drinks and a bake sale. Everyone who attends receives a ticket for door prize drawings. Bingo cards are $1 each and $5 for the grand prize. All proceeds from Bingo Night will go to the Woodstock Wolverines Band Boosters to provide funding for the WHS Marching band. 6:00-10:00 pm, Woodstock High School Cafeteria. 770-516-6395. WoodburnJM@aol.com

7

1st Annual Chili Cook-off Fundraiser Silent auction, bounce houses, children’s entertainment, football game coverage, cash place prizes, raffles, spectacular chili! It is sponsored by Woodstock Chiropractic and Chili’s Grill & Bar on Towne Lake. Proceeds benefit Serenade Heights, Woodstock Police & Fire Departments. 1:00 pm, Eagle Watch

Subdivision Main Park, Woodstock. 484-614-1681.

11

Veteran’s Day Ceremony — A celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, willingness to serve, and sacrifice for the common good. Join the City of Woodstock, MGen Warren R Johnson, Marine Corps League Detachment #1311 in Woodstock, the American Legion Post 316 Woodstock, and the Warriors Watch Riders celebrate our veterans who have given us our liberty and freedom. Candlelight ceremony begins at 7:00 pm, the Park at City Center, 101 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock. WoodstockGa.gov

12-15

Teachers the Musical! These tales from the teacher’s lounge are for everyone who has ever had the “Monday Morning Blues” and for all teachers desperate to set the world on fire... before their students do it for them! With book/ lyrics by Robin Pullen and music by David Reeb, a retiree wannabe discovers her new teaching partner has only taught cats, and her newest student is Satan’s spawn. This musical comedy is about “tested” teachers who discover what they have might not be what they want! A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Pullen’s former student, Ellie Karlsen, to help offset her uncovered surgery costs. Ellie was born with Neurofibromatosis, a disorder that left her jaw out of alignment. Canton Theatre. For tickets and information: TeachersTheMusical.com or CantonTheatre.com

Happy Thanksgiving

13-15 The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley — The beloved children’s book, written by Jeff Brown in 1964, has become a literary and pop cultural phenomenon delighting readers and travelers all around the world. And now, Timothy Allen McDonald, the writer behind Willy Wonka and James and the Giant Peach, has taken everyone’s favorite two-dimensional hero and given

him a new life in The Musical Adventures Of Flat Stanley. Friday at 7:30 pm, Saturday/Sunday at 2:00 pm, City Center Auditorium, 8534 Main Street, Woodstock. 678-494-4251. ElmStreetArts.org

14

“The Art of Practice” Presented by Huu Mai, president of the Cobb Music Teachers Association for the Cherokee Music Teachers Association. All CMTA programs are free and open to the public. 10:00 am, Reinhardt University’s Falany PAC. 770720-1701.

14-15

festival showcases more than 70 of the most talented artists in the southeast, representing a variety of media, including painting, photography, sculpture, pottery, jewelry and more. 11:00 am-5:00 pm, The Park at City Center, Downtown Woodstock. WhatsUpWoodstock.com

19

Green Team Training Workshop Sponsored by UGA Cooperative Extension office of Cherokee County. Join UGA Specialists for the latest information in the Green Team Training Workshop! Topics and speakers for this workshop are: “Turfgrass Weed Identification” Patrick McCullough, “Pesticides in the Environment” Mickey Taylor, “Special Environmental Concerns with Pesticide: Protecting Ground Water” Mickey Taylor, “Plant Diseases” Jean Williams Woodward and “Green/Water-Wise

Landscaping” Josh Fuder. Earn four hours of CEU credits in category 24, $45 registration fee. 9:00 am-3:00 pm. 770721-7803. Extension.Uga.edu/Calendar/ Event.cfm?pk_ID=9394

Woodstock Art & Wine Festival — features a fine juried art show, high end crafts, a wine tasting area, live music and entertainment, an interactive kid’s activity area and plenty of great food. The continued on 8

LIBRARY EVENTS

HICKORY FLAT 2740 East Cherokee Drive, Canton, 770-345-7565

ROSE CREEK 4476 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock, 770-591-1491 WOODSTOCK 7735 Main Street, Woodstock, 770-926-5859

ROSE CREEK CRAFTERS

Every Tuesday, 11:45 am-1:00 pm, Rose Creek

Come and bring your jewelry or other crafting supplies to the library. Meet other crafters and share your love for everything crafty. Create something of your own, or just watch other creative geniuses at work.

KNITTING/CROCHETING GROUP

Every Tuesday, 1:00-3:00 pm, Rose Creek

Let Mrs. Darlene help you get started on a knitting or crocheting project. Bring your needles and yarn, and be prepared to have fun! No registration or prior knowledge required.

BOOK A LIBRARIAN: EBOOKS

November 3, 10, 17, Rose Creek

Traveling this Holiday season? Sign up for a 30-minute, one-on-one help session to learn about the library’s eBook collection, so you can read on-the-go. Registration is required. Time slots available throughout the day. Call to reserve your spot. Check back every month to see another topic the librarian is covering. Need help with a different topic? Call and book the librarian for a special appointment.

SIT & STITCH SOCIAL

November 5, 12 & 19, 10:00 am-12:00 pm, Woodstock

Enjoy the company of other creative people while you stitch on your current project. Take time to finish a work in progress. Get inspired to try something new. Meet new people and have fun!

DIY: BURLAP PUMPKIN

November 5, 4:00 pm, Hickory Flat

Join us as we walk you through making a burlap pumpkin. We will provide everything needed! Registration is required.

TREES ARE TREMENDOUS

November 7, 10:00 am, Hickory Flat

Learn how to select, plant and care for trees. For more

information and to pre-register by November 4, please call 770-721-7803. Presented by the UGA Master Gardener Extension Program.

LEGO CLUB

November 7, 2:00 pm, Hickory Flat

November 14, 3:00 pm, Rose Creek

November 15, 3:00 pm, Woodstock

Children can work alone or in teams to make their own special creation, which will be displayed at the library until next month’s meeting. Each month Lego Club will feature a new theme. All ages are invited; 9 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

TREE PLANTING IN THE FALL

November 12, 4:00 pm, Woodstock

Now is the perfect time to learn about selecting, planting and caring for trees. Joshua Fuder, Agricultural and Natural Resources Agent, will show the best methods for success during this program. Please call to register for this program.

STARTING A BOOK CLUB

November 17, 12:30 pm & 6:30 pm, Woodstock

This is an opportunity to establish a new book club with people sharing similar interests. If you are interested in joining a discussion group, please come to a meeting to discuss the selection of future titles.

READING DOGS

Children 6 years of age and older can read to a nonjudgmental, furry listener, who won’t laugh if mistakes are made, or the reader stumbles. Parents can register their child for a 10-15 minute program, two weeks ahead for one session, by calling their library. Children are asked to select their own reading material before their scheduled session. Call your library to reserve your spot for one of the Reading Dog programs.

19

Brew HaHa — Every 3rd Thursday of the month is Brew HaHa, because humor is good for the soul. It’s a unique comedy, with each event, along with all brewery tours, conducted improv style by iThink Improv Troupe. Comedy is free, but we encourage tips and donation to Elm Street Cultural Arts Village. Brew Tour options between $10-25 and include six, 6oz tastings to enjoy at the Keeping Room. Tours begin at 5:30 pm, Reformation Brewery, 500 Arnold Mill Way, Woodstock. ElmStreetArts.org

20-22

Guys and Dolls — Guys and Dolls, by Frank Loesser, is a musical romantic comedy involving the unlikeliest of Manhattan pairings: a high-rolling gambler and a puritanical missionary, a showgirl dreaming of the straight-and-narrow and a crap game manager who is anything but. Guys and Dolls features some of Loesser’s most memorable tunes, including the hilarious “Adelaide’s Lament,” the romantic “I’ve Never Been in Love Before,” the exuberant “If I Were a Bell” and the classic “Luck be a Lady.” Falany Performing Arts Center, Reinhardt University. 770-720-9167. Reinhardt.edu

Leadership Cherokee Class of 2015

Leadership Cherokee, a program of the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce, recently graduated its 27th Anniversary Class. With the completion of this year’s class, the Alumni count now totals over 550 graduates.

The Class of 2015 selected two of their peers to receive special annual recognitions. The Cristal Stancil Leadership Award honoree was Greg Erdely, Cherokee Fire & Emergency Services. The Bob Frongillo Magic Spark

Graduates

Plug Award was presented to Shane West with Cherokee Fire & Emergency Services. Outgoing 2015 Leadership Cherokee Chair, Jeff Mitchell with South State Bank, was recognized by Incoming Chair, Katie Wise of LGE Community Credit Union.

Pictured above: Front Row (l to r): Shane West, Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services; Rachel White, WellStar Health System; Jeremy Smith, City of Holly Springs; Jennifer Simonis, Healing Hands Youth Ranch; Lindsey Roberson, Southeast Restoration Group; John Black, 1 Man Geek, LLC; Tracey Satterfield, Live Clean, Inc.; Jenny Wood-Harris, Goshen Valley Foundation; Abby Roach, Roach, Caudill & Gunn, LLP; Angela Reece, Mauldin Body Shop; Brittany Duncan, City of Woodstock; Kathy Lambert, Chart, Inc.; Ginger Fowler, Georgia Probation Management; Jennifer Davo, Studio 5 Salon; Kendall Jones, MUST Ministries. Back Row (l to r): Bill Sebring, Cherokee County School District; Jeffrey Pourchier, Reinhardt University; Greg Erdely, Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services; Kelly Geiken, Edward Jones; Kim Whatley, Cherokee Recreation & Parks Agency; Scott Rule, Chattahoochee Technical College; Chad Atkinson, Cherokee FOCUS

Truck and Tap Now Open!

Truck and Tap is Woodstock’s newest addition to its eclectic food and beverage scene. Truck and Tap’s website describes it by stating, “Start with the love of food trucks, add a great selection of craft beers and thoughtfully selected wines, place it in a rustic, modern setting with outdoor seating, and you’ve got Truck & Tap!” There will be a rotating selection of food trucks, as well as wine and craft beer. They will also be serving hand-mixed cane sugar sodas, so there will be delicious beverages for all! Their schedule of rotating food trucks and current craft beers on tap can be found at TruckAndTap.com

FLU Season

By Kelly Marulanda

There is a season for everything… The Byrd’s quoted it in their song “Turn, Turn, Turn.” The retail stores advertise to let us know when the holiday seasons begin, but who is going to tell us about flu season? It’s a real season that causes major problems, but there are several ways to maneuver through it with very little work. One way is with the Influenza vaccine.

Milan Eye Center Welcomes New Doctor

Milan Eye Center welcomes Dr. Cameron Johnson, a board certified ophthalmologist specializing in cataract surgery, LASIK and corneal transplantation. Dr. Johnson attended medical school at Vanderbilt University, completed his ophthalmology residency at the Vanderbilt Eye Institute and a fellowship in Cornea External Disease and Refractive Surgery at the University of Florida. 201 Kimberly Way, Suite 106, Canton 470-326-0320 l MilanEyeCenter.com

The old adage, “the flu shot gave me the flu” is simply not true. The vaccine does NOT contain a live virus. The Influenza virus can cause fevers (100.4° F+), chills, headaches, body aches, fatigue, sore throat, cough, runny/stuffy nose, nausea/vomiting and sometimes diarrhea (mostly in children) for up to a week or more. The flu virus is very unpredictable and changes annually, so the vaccine must change every year. However, because Influenza is not a bacterial infection, prescribing an antibiotic is not going to help. A physician will test you for the flu and may prescribe antiviral medication if within the first day or two of becoming sick, but most likely, the prescription is going to be for lots of rest and lots of clear fluids.

How do you avoid the flu? Get the flu vaccine! They are offered everywhere…physician offices, pharmacies, minute clinics, grocery stores, and the best part of all is that the vaccine usually lasts between 6-12 months. Most insurance companies cover this vaccine, and it comes in either a nose spray or a true shot with an itty-bitty, tiny needle. Babies can begin getting the flu vaccine at 6 months old, and the age is limitless thereafter.

To enjoy all the seasons in your life, you definitely do not want the flu to slow you down! Call your physician, and see which flu vaccine is right for you and your family.

#Post Body

By Drs. Petrosky, Musarra, Harkins & Leake

It has been over a year and I still can’t seem to get my body back the way it looked before my pregnancy. Even with attentive diet and vigorous exercise, it can be challenging to restore your pre-pregnancy figure. Breastfeeding can cause many changes to breasts, including loss of volume or sagging skin. Pregnancy can stretch and pull the muscles of the abdomen and leave behind fat deposits that are resistant to diet and exercise. The combination of pregnancy and breastfeeding often take a physical toll on your body.

There is nothing more joyous than motherhood. However, along with it involves a number of sacrifices to ensure we bring our children up in a world of love, happiness and devotion. But the way you look or feel about yourself does not have to be one of those sacrifices. A “mommy makeover” can offer women the opportunity to rejuvenate the appearance of their breasts and abdomen with results that look beautiful and natural.

A “mommy makeover” typically consists of the tummy tuck combined with a breast procedure, as these two areas are the most affected by pregnancy and breastfeeding. Breast lifts and breast augmentation are the most common breast procedures. A mommy makeover can be performed all at once. Most plastic surgeons recommend that you wait a minimum of 6 months after childbirth. For mothers who are breastfeeding, it is recommended that you wait 6 months after you are finished nursing before doing breast enhancement surgery. This will allow for all retained fluid to go away and hormone levels to decrease to normal.

The growing interest in “mommy makeovers” reflects the increase in pregnancies at later ages and increased multiple births. In a generation of women with a keen interest in nutrition, fitness and a continued desire to retain their youthful figure, these procedures are on the rise. Women seeking postpartum body contouring want to regain a more youthful appearance, while improving all areas of the body affected by the pregnancy, with the least conspicuous scarring, discomfort and recovery time.

As with any procedure you are considering, make sure your consultation is with a specialty trained, board certified plastic surgeon.

Woodstock’s New Amphitheater Breaks Ground!

By Preston Pooser

OnSaturday, September 12, 2015, the City of Woodstock officially broke ground on the new amphitheater project in Downtown Woodstock.

Woodstock Mayor, Donnie Henriques, said, “This project has been long discussed, and I’m pleased that we’re moving forward with this addition to our city.” “Construction will take about nine months to a year to complete,” said City Manager, Jeffrey S. Moon. The new amphitheater will feature tiered grass seating for 5000-6000, restrooms, retaining walls and a band shell with a green room. It’ll be used for outdoor concerts, dramas and other activities.

“We’ve designed it in such a way that it’ll also be a very usable park on a daily basis,” Moon added.

The Amphitheater at City Center is a game changer for Woodstock. It will

have a significant economic impact, while providing a venue for our residents to enjoy year-round events and entertainment.

The main funding source for the amphitheater is going to be SPLOST (Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax dollars). The City of Woodstock has over 3 million dollars designated for parks and recreation improvements allocated in the current SPLOST cycle. The great thing about SPLOST funding is that the tax burden to the City of Woodstock residents is minimal. Every time someone shops and purchases anything in Cherokee County, including at the Outlet Shoppes of Atlanta and at the new Cabela’s, the City gets a portion of that sale in SPLOST. What that means is that a huge portion of the amphitheater is going to be paid for by people from surrounding cities, counties and even other states.

The amphitheater will be the official venue for the Woodstock Summer Concert Series. After wrapping up its 18th year, our concert series is well-established with a large following. Each year, the Woodstock Concert Series continues to generate excitement within the community and provide an opportunity to enjoy some of the best recording artists in the country.

We look forward to continuing this long-standing tradition in our new amphitheater. 2016’s concert series will have an adjusted schedule based on the construction timeline and anticipated completion of the project.

Captain John New Graduates From FBI National Academy

Capt. John New of Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office recently graduated from the FBI National Academy, which is a 10-week-long program in Quantico, Virginia. Capt. New is currently the east side commander of the Uniform Patrol Division and Commander of the SWAT Team.

There were a total of 223 law enforcement officers from 48 states who graduated in the Academy’s 261st session.

Capt. New also participated in the FBI National Academy Muscle Mania Event, a voluntary competition consisting of four different events, which test strength. Capt. New won all four events and was awarded the title for the Light Heavy Division.

River Ridge HS Wins Presidential Commendation

The River Ridge High School Crusading Knights service organization recently received a commendation from President Barack Obama for its efforts in completing more than 10,000 hours of school-sponsored and organized community service activities. Along with the letter of recognition, River Ridge HS received a Gold Medal to display in the school.

(L-R) front row: Camden Presley, Camryn Goins, Temi Adekunle, Alex Franklin, Miranda Neidhammer, Thao Ngo, Alex Hartwig, Justin Mason; back row: Jordan Mason, Russell Smith, Brian Biddiscombe, Max Miller, Brian Oktovec, Allie Robbins, Counselor Jeff Bennett, Grason Chumley and Justin Mason

Special Olympics Awareness Games

More than 1,000 people, including athletes, staff and student volunteers, attended the CCSD Special Olympics Awareness Games last month.

River Ridge HS hosted the event, which included participants from almost every CCSD elementary, middle and high school. The athletes competed in various track and field events, along with other fun activities, to promote the year-round Special Olympics program.

The Games opened with a parade of athletes from all the schools, presentation of the colors by River Ridge HS JROTC, the Special Olympics oath, the National Anthem and a special song performed by a group of athletes.

CCSD Celebrates 20 Years of Pre-K

CCSD’s youngest students joined the statewide celebration of Georgia Pre-K Week. The event was designed to draw attention to the importance of early learning. The lottery-funded Georgia Pre-K program made its appearance in Cherokee County schools 20 years ago.

More than 1,900 children have attended pre-k in a CCSD school since its inaugural year, and the school district has increased its classrooms and locations steadily ever since the first 4-year-old students arrived on campus at R.M. Moore ES and Ball Ground ES in 1995. The two schools were the first selected to add pre-k classrooms because of the scarcity of preschool programs on the north end of the county.

CATARACTS

By Cameron Johnson, MD

What is a cataract?

The eye has a lens similar in function to a camera lens. This lens is made of proteins that are carefully aligned, making the lens clear. As we age, the proteins can begin to clump together, making the lens cloudy. When the lens becomes cloudy, that’s a cataract.

What causes cataracts?

All people develop cataracts due to the aging process if they live long enough. However, exposure to UV light, smoking and diabetes can accelerate their formation. To slow the progression of cataracts, you should abstain from smoking, and wear UV blocking sunglasses when outside.

What are the symptoms of cataracts?

People with cataracts often note a gradually increasing cloudiness of the

vision. Other symptoms include glare when driving at night and halos around lights. Sometimes these changes happen so slowly that someone may not realize how much their vision has been affected.

How are cataracts diagnosed?

Your eye doctor will be able to diagnose cataracts by performing an eye exam, which includes dilating your eyes to get a good look at the lens. Your vision will be tested, and you may also have glare testing to determine if your vision is decreased in situations, such as driving at night.

What is the treatment for cataracts?

With early cataracts, vision can often be improved with a new glasses prescription or using increased lighting when reading. As cataracts progress, surgery can remove the cloudy lens and replace it

with an artificial lens. Cataract surgery is recommended when the cataract is affecting your daily activities, such as reading, watching television or driving. Your eye doctor will discuss the risks, benefits and alternatives of cataract surgery with you.

What are some of the new technologies available to cataract patients?

Some of the most exciting progress in cataract surgery has been the development of advanced technology intraocular lenses, which help patients minimize dependence on glasses at various distances. Your eye doctor can discuss if you would be a candidate for these technologies.

381-2020. MilanEyeCenter.com

Mill Creek MS Raises More than $2,500 for Childhood Cancer

As part of Mill Creek Middle School’s efforts to raise awareness for Childhood Cancer Month, the school collected donations, and the school’s Relay for Life team raised more than $2,500 to benefit The Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research.

Relay for Life team members, from left to right, Dana Jacobs, Ines Haas, Kathleen Burns, Phyllis Ailes and Riva Newton present Rally Foundation representative, Allie Binder, with the donation, as Principal Dr. Kerry Martin looks on.

The 12th Annual Charity Roast, presented by the Malon D. Mimms Company, was a smashing success! It was held at the Northside Hospital-Cherokee Conference Center, and thousands of dollars were raised, benefitting this year’s worthy charity, the Malon D. Mimms Boys and Girls Club.

CCSD Students Selected for State School Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council

The CCSD is well-represented on the State School Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council, with five of the 110 students selected for the honor hailing from CCSD schools.

State School Superintendent, Richard Woods, chose the students from a pool of more than 1,500 middle and high school students who applied to serve on the 2015-16 Student Advisory Council. Students were selected based on their answers to essay questions about public education and how to improve it.

The CCSD students selected are: from E.T. Booth MS, Hannah Culver; Sequoyah HS, Loren Cagle and Maddison Faulkner; and Teasley MS, Isabella Ragozzine and Madelyn Zeiner.

The students will meet with Superintendent Woods during the school year to talk about education issues, including the impact of state policies in the classroom and will serve as the Superintendent’s ambassadors in their schools.

Charity Roast Raises Over $100k for Boys and Girls Club

The guest of honor/roastee was Billy Hayes, CEO of Northside Hospital-Cherokee, who was a very good sport and took the ribbing in stride. The Master of Ceremonies was Jamie Bendall, from the Punchline Comedy Club. Other special guests/roasters included Avery Poe of Avery Poe Physician Recruiting, Dr. Angela Falany of Falany &

Hulse Women’s Center, Will Hopkins, Dr. Carl C. Capelouto of Georgia Urology and Mia Jackson, comedian.

Lively entertainment was provided by Reinhardt College’s men’s acapella group, Men of ‘Hardt. Food and fun was had by all, and all for a great cause!

Caring Groups for Cherokee’s Seniors

By Tim Morris

Having been the Director of Senior Services in Cherokee County for 3 months, I’m impressed and amazed at the number of individuals and groups who care for our seniors. Though I can’t fit them all in one article, I’d like to start with the Meals on Wheels Volunteers, who give their time every day to deliver meals to seniors who can’t drive. Sharon Smith not only handles the Meals on Wheels program, but she also serves as the Volunteer Coordinator. She truly has a remarkable approach, and her volunteers appreciate her caring attitude each and every day. Meals

on Wheels drivers, Alice and Donald, work hard to make sure meals get to other volunteer deliverers, and they deliver to seniors, too. Thanks to all volunteers and staff for such a wonderful program!

Volunteer Aging Council for Cherokee County is another group that spends countless hours to raise money for seniors to help purchase simple and large items. There are so many things on our “client needs list;” it’s a never ending job to just keep up with it. VAC is currently working on upcoming fundraising ideas to help raise money to keep these projects going. If you’re looking to make donations, this is an excellent cause. You can just call Cherokee County Senior Services if you need more

information. Speaking of the VAC, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Judy, their project volunteer. I didn’t give her last name for fear of someone trying to pull her away from us! Just look for the lady with the big hat and big smile, with all kinds of building materials that she hauls around to help seniors. She works so hard, she makes us tired! Thanks, Judy, and the VAC board members for all your hard work.

There are so many volunteers that I could mention, but space is limited. Don’t worry Garden Club and Nathan Brandon with Body Recall, you’ll be featured in a future article, but I’d like to thank you for all the work you do!

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

Breast Cancer Reduce Your Risk for

Breast cancer is the most common, non-skin cancer in females in the US and the second most common cause of cancer related death in women. One in eight women will develop the disease at some point in her lifetime. Although there are several risk factors you can’t control, such as age, family history and race, there are many steps you can take to reduce your risk.

Maintain a Healthy Weight. Being overweight or obese, especially after menopause, has been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. Exercising is one way that can help you maintain a healthy weight, and growing evidence suggests that regular physical activity may keep cancer at bay. For most healthy adults, the Department of Health and Human Services recommends at least 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity weekly, plus strength training at least twice a week.

By Susan Casella, R.N.,C.

don’t start. If you do smoke, use every resource you can find to help you quit.

Limit alcohol. Habitual alcohol consumption has long been linked to a greater risk of developing breast cancer, particularly for younger women who have yet to have their first child. Research from Harvard Medical School shows the more alcohol a woman drinks between her first menstrual cycle and her first full-term pregnancy, the higher her risk of developing the disease. If you choose to drink alcohol, limit yourself to no more than one drink a day.

Don’t smoke. Developing breast cancer is just one of the many negative health effects of smoking. Accumulating evidence suggests that there is an even higher risk for premenopausal women. If you don’t smoke,

Secondhand smoke also may pose a threat to non-smokers. Reduce your exposure as much as possible; choose smoke-free restaurants and avoid indoor public places that allow smoking. If you work in a smokefilled work environment, ask your employer permission to increase ventilation where smoking takes place by opening windows or using exhaust fans.

Limit the use of hormone therapy. Taking combination hormone therapy for more than three years may increase your risk of developing breast cancer. Women taking hormone therapy for menopausal symptoms should ask their doctor if it’s possible to manage symptoms without the use of hormones. If hormone therapy is necessary, it is recommended to use the lowest dose possible.

Breastfeeding: Among the many benefits that breastfeeding poses for you and your baby, studies show that breastfeeding may reduce your chances of getting breast cancer. The longer you breastfeed, the greater the protective benefits have been shown.

Get Screened. Lastly, perhaps the greatest preventative measure you can take against breast cancer is committing yourself to regular mammograms and screenings. If you don’t already, perform monthly breast self-exams. Although breast self-exams should not replace screening mammograms, breast selfexams allow you to become familiar with the normal feel and appearance of your breasts so that you are able to notice changes easier. Beginning at age 40, you should schedule annual mammograms, unless told otherwise by your healthcare provider.

The busy holiday season is just around the corner and will be here before you know it. While you’re busy preparing your family’s holiday gatherings, remember to keep safety a priority.

• Inspect all interior and exterior lighting to make sure it’s in good, working condition before use.

• Make sure outlets are equipped with properly tested, ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) to prevent shocks.

• Don’t overload your outlets with appliances and lighting.

• To prevent fire hazards, electrical cords should never be run under furniture, windows or doors.

• Keep live Christmas trees watered and away from fireplaces, space heaters, candles, overhead lights and radiators. Dry trees are a fire hazard.

• Always know the location of a working fire extinguisher, and know how to operate it.

• When purchasing new kitchen appliances for gifts, make sure to look for UL-Listed appliances with automatic shut-off features.

• Stay in the kitchen when cooking, and pay close attention to baking, boiling and simmering foods while prepping for your Christmas meal.

Cobb EMC is committed to providing members value-added programs and services that support the delivery of safe and reliable energy, at the lowest possible price. Learn more about home safety at CobbEMC.com/home-safety.

Cobb EMC wishes you a safe and happy holiday season.

By Cobb EMC

Senator Speaks

Thanking Our Heroes

By Senator Brandon Beach

The forms of military service are changing as quickly as the needs of operation, and so our well-trained defenders of liberty are changing with them. Not everyone in uniform has served overseas. Protecting our country from all enemies requires heroes at home, as well. Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and Marines perform valiant services on a daily basis, protecting shorelines, embassies and bases and are constantly training for a variety of scenarios, should an order send them towards a conflict.

Recent federal reductions in active personnel have only increased the number of veterans returning to civilian life. The structure of life on a base, or even life overseas in an active operation, is very different than civilian life. Our stresses are not their stresses. Things our life experiences have taught us to do are often very different than what their training dictates.

For the health of so many families, as well as our country, we must seek to express our deepest thanks and love to our active military personnel and returning veterans. Through their valor, our country remains a powerful, well-protected, self-governing society that is full of opportunities. Because of their sacrifice, many who do return, bear scars—both physical and psychological—that will take time, patience and love in order to heal as best they can.

Today’s military looks very different than it did just a few years ago. Technology has evolved so rapidly that the look and feel of our nation’s service men and women have had to change along with it. With the addition of U.S. Army Cyber Command to Fort Gordon, more active military personnel will call our state home. This great honor for our state means that Georgia will be where more and more active, reserve and eventually retired military personnel live, work and raise their families.

However, there are hundreds of thousands of active duty soldiers stationed overseas on various bases, installations, operations or embassies. These brave men and women are a long way from home. Many are a long way from their families, with no guarantee that they will be able to contact them for a while.

As Veteran’s Day passes on Wednesday, November 11, I hope you will take a moment to thank a veteran in your family or extended family. Also, there are numerous outreach projects for veterans— especially wounded veterans—that do immense amounts of good for our returning heroes. If you know of a single parent home with an active duty solider, keep them in your thoughts and prayers, as well. As part of their sacrifice, they are missing birthdays, football games and school achievements. A great way to express appreciation to those who serve is to love on their families who spend months at a time separated from a spouse, parent or sibling.

From the bottom of my heart, I want to send the biggest thanks to our active, reserve and retired military personnel for all of their service to our state and country. Happy Veteran’s Day!

Gratefulness in Difficult Circumstances

By Chris Bryant

For many people, including myself, 2015 has turned out to be a very difficult year. I would even go so far as to say it has been the worst year of my life. Maybe it is just where I am, but it strangely seemed to me that words like difficulty, pain, anxiety and even depression were the overtones in so very many of the conversations I’ve had with others about their life this year, as well. Maybe for you it has been different, but in any case, how does one be grateful in such circumstances?

Unless we are natural optimists, I think it proves more than difficult to do so, especially if we lack openness to God’s ability to provide beyond the boundaries of our own imagination. Without a growing trust in both God’s goodness and God’s ability to provide, then we typically face any and all the negative situations in our lives with a response of negativity, pessimism and worry. How could we not? We simply cannot see a way out on our own, or the solution seems too far-fetched or difficult to achieve, or we just cannot fathom how anything good could ever come from this horrible situation. The pain of the present and the uncertainty of the future outweigh the hope we need and the gratefulness we want.

“This year may not have given you circumstances for which you can give thanks, but faith allows you the ability in which you can give thanks anyway.”

But, if we do learn to trust God, if we do learn to live our lives open to God’s possibilities and goodness, then an emerging confidence and optimism is born from deep within us. If in Christ, I become open to the full range of God’s goodness, I can feel the beginnings of gratitude start to emerge long before any changes about my situation do, because I have ceased to limit God’s ability to the range of my own imagination and my own strength.

This year may not have given you circumstances for which you can give thanks, but faith allows you the ability in which you can give thanks anyway. With God, all things are possible.

Chris Bryant is lead pastor at City On A Hill United Methodist Church. 678-445-3480. COAHUMC.org

Scoop of

BY MICHELLE KNAPP & SUZANNE TAYLOR

Thanksgiving Hosting a Stress-Free Dinner

Hosting Thanksgiving dinner is a time-treasured honor. But pressure to make everything perfect can become a bit overwhelming. We’ve both had the awesome responsibility of hosting this holiday. We try to remind ourselves of the meaning of the holiday and to be thankful, but sometimes that gets lost in setting a beautiful table or making a homemade pie. So with our years of experience, here’s the Scoop on having an enjoyable and fun holiday with your friends and family.

The morning of Thanksgiving, start the day off right! You know that the day is going to consist of feasting and football, so how about starting the day off with a Turkey Trot? There are many local ones OTP, but you can also create your own. Take the stress out of driving to the location, and involve your friends in a walk, run or bike around your neighborhood.

If you are like us and have out-of-town guests coming for the holiday, we have one word for you: delegate. Let each family be in charge of a meal during the days prior, and then a side dish for the big meal.

Cooking the turkey to perfection is the primary responsibility of the host family. But, if this is something that you haven’t mastered, there are several local stores where you can order your turkey. The Butcher’s Market in Woodstock, the Corner Butcher in Canton or Woody’s Meat & Sausage Company in Alpharetta are great places to trust for your main dish. You will need to place this order in advance, not while you are on the phone with the Butterball hotline in a panic.

Keep breakfast as simple as possible before the kitchen becomes crazy. Grab some fresh scones the day before from Seven Sister’s Scones in Alpharetta or donuts from the Best Dang Bakery in Woodstock.

If you have one of those family members that just can’t sit still, they will probably be happy to be assigned the task of doing a coffee run for everyone. For you healthy ones, hard-boil eggs the night before so you don’t have to deal with cooking in the AM.

If no one is a baker in the family, trust the local experts. The Pie Hole in Roswell, Alpine Bakery and Trattoria in Alpharetta and the Pie Bar in Woodstock are all known for their delicious, homemade pies. You must order ahead, these can’t just be picked up last minute. By “ahead of time,” we mean at least a few weeks.

Now, if you have hopes of capturing that perfect family photo on this sometimes stressful day, here’s our advice: give it up! Snap a few candids during the day, say a blessing, and root for your team to win!

ONE LAST BIT OF ADVICE: always have an extra jar of gravy in case you run out of homemade and marshmallows for the sweet potatoes, in case they accidentally burn. Not that we’d know anything about that…

Understanding Your Insurance

By Patricia Hawley

There is a common misconception that having insurance means you are covered for medical expenses. Your policy is a contract with your carrier. In exchange for your coverage, you agree to pay your premium (some of which may be paid by your employer), pay for office visits with a co-pay, and meet your deductible and out-of-pocket co-insurance expenses. Your benefits and financial responsibility are dependent upon the plan you choose.

In today’s market, in order to save on premiums, most insured patients choose high deductible plans, higher office visit co-pays and co-insurance, etc. in the hopes that they won’t need a doctor. If you visit a doctor on a routine basis, you may want to choose a plan that has a lower co-pay. Some policies will allow for out-of-network

benefits, at a reduced reimbursement rate, if your provider does not participate with your plan. Some HMO plans will require that your primary care provider serve as a “gatekeeper,” and will require you to obtain referrals in order to visit a specialist. It’s my recommendation that you speak to your carrier, your plan administrator at work and/or a representative from your provider’s office to make sure you understand your plan.

When a claim is processed, benefits are distributed according to your plan. The service rendered will pay at a contracted rate and co-payment, deductible and/or out-of-pocket co-insurance will be applied.

A check will be sent to your provider with an Explanation of Benefits (EOB). The EOB will break down the payment. Since most patients have paid their co-pay at the time of service, you will likely receive a bill for the amount that was applied to your deductible and/or co-insurance. There are some services, mostly preventative, that do not have deductible or co-insurance responsibility, which is dictated by your policy.

Your carrier will not pay 100% of any contracted rate until you have met your deductible and out-of-pocket co-insurance. Your deductible and co-insurance renew every calendar year. November and December are a good time of year to schedule procedures if you’ve met your out-of-pocket expenses.

Should I go shorter? That’s a daily question many women ask their friends, neighbors, coworkers and especially their hairdresser. But how do you know if wearing a short hairstyle is right for you? If you want to accentuate facial features like your eyes, lips or a graceful, long neck, all while showing off your strong sense of self, then one of these ladies’ short hairstyles might be right for you. Here are a few, easyto-style looks that are sure to flatter anyone.

Pixie Cut

Going Shorter … Is it Right for Me?

By Jyl Craven

Popularized in the 1950s by Audrey Hepburn, this hairstyle is still fashionable today. The pixie cut is a ladies’ short hairstyle that is generally short on the sides and back and worn with a slightly tousled effect on top. Ideal for light to medium texture hair, this look is very easy to style. If your hair is long and you’re considering a pixie, the experience of going shorter can be quite liberating once you lose all that hair. The challenge with this style is that it does require frequent visits to the salon, depending on how fast your hair grows.

Bob Hairstyle

From classic to curly, or A-line to asymmetrical, the bob hairstyle

was made chic in the 1960s by Vidal Sassoon. A short, bob haircut for women is when the hair falls near the jawline, with a fringe (or “bangs”), and they can vary in length. A bob works best on fine to medium hair texture. This hairstyle is an excellent choice for someone who lives an active lifestyle and prefers a look that’s easy to maintain. However, if this is the coiffure you choose, then pulling your hair back into that posh chignon will be out of the question.

Short Shag

The shag is a style that was first made popular in the 1970s by

Joan Jett and Jane Fonda but is still very in vogue today. A shag haircut is a culmination of evenly distributing layers, from the shortest layers at the top of the head, to the longest lengths at the bottom. This virtually effortless look, often referred to as “bedhead,” works best with thick hair and is easy to style and maintain. On the other hand, if your hair is naturally curly or fine, then a short shag is not a recommended style.

Almost any woman can wear their hair short. It all comes down to face shape and hair texture that ultimately determines the best style for you. So if your hairstyle bores you, and that inner self is saying “go for it!” then take a bold step, and go for one of these ladies’ short hairstyles. Just remember, feeling attractive and good about yourself is the most important reason you should choose any new hairstyle.

Strategies to Avoid Caregiver Burnout

By Cindy Nelson

As a caregiver, you provide one of the greatest gifts possible, being there for someone in need. Often, it is a trying role that can begin to weigh on the caregiver and can even cause burnout.

Feeling overwhelmed by what needs to be taken care of throughout the days, weeks and months while a loved one is ill can easily take its toll on a person. There never seems to be enough time as a caregiver. It’s important to take a step back, and figure out what are the most important items to be done. Utilizing adult daycare services or a couple hours of in-home care to allow you to increase your productivity can be a real help.

Take some time to determine what needs to be done by you and what can be automated or delegated to others. Utilizing automated bill pay through your bank can be a great way to save time and avoid late fees for things that slip through the cracks. If it’s an option, asking for help from friends and family members can relieve the burden. Even if they aren’t up to caregiving directly, they may be able to help you complete some other tasks to free up your time.

Caregiving can be eased by being more informed about the condition. It can help to learn about the person’s condition and ways to address common symptoms. Many ailments have specialized support groups in the area, which can help you learn the “best practices” others are using to cope, such as using “redirecting questions” for loved ones with dementia instead of arguing with them. Support groups can also be a way to remind you that you are still appreciated, and help you avoid taking some of the patient’s frustrations personally.

Children’s Healthcare is a familiar and respected name in Pediatric Medicine. For years, metro Atlanta has benefitted from their more than twenty-five locations, including thirteen Sports Medicine facilities, all nationally recognized.

By Kathleen Boehmig

The fourteenth, metro Atlanta Sports Medicine location is now open in Cherokee County, as a service of Children’s at Scottish Rite hospital, bringing the same high level of excellence in pediatrics, to young sports participants in the area.

Children’s is known for its dedication to the care of each patient. To that end, Children’s has the best orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists and certified athletic trainers, all knowledgeable about specialized care for young, growing athletes.

Dr. David Marshall, Medical Director of Children’s Sports Medicine Program since 2001, explains how his program exemplifies the primary vision of Children’s — “to make kids better today and healthier tomorrow.”

“We understand the needs and wants of kids and their parents,” Dr. Marshall says. “We do what we can to get them active again. Instead of just treating a young athlete’s pain, we fix the problem. Many of those problems are unique to children, adolescents and teens, and require specialized treatments. Nowadays, we see fewer traumatic injuries, like fractures, and many more cases of injury due to overuse of a specific set of muscles and/or tendons. We

try to bring them back at a level which is less likely to cause injury.”

Dr. Marshall says the reason for so many overuse injuries is the trend over the last twenty years for youngsters to specialize in one particular sport. “When I was a kid, most everyone played different sports seasonally. Depending on what time of year it was, we’d play baseball, football or basketball. These days, many kids are excited about concentrating on one sport and playing on elite teams, achieving a high level of expertise, which can lead to scholarships or possibly even to pro contracts. But it can also lead to injuries, if they’re not really careful. They’re practicing or playing most of the year, and they never get a chance to rest.”

Matt Owens, lead physical therapist and site supervisor for the new Cherokee facility, agrees. “We see, for instance, a lot of ‘Little League’ elbows and shoulders. Chronic, repetitive patterns of use in particular body parts can be responsible for inflammation and muscle issues, and can take from one to several months to heal.” Of course, some fractures or traumatic injuries requiring surgery can have long recuperation periods. Fortunately, those instances are less common.

Whatever the issue, Children’s is committed to keeping patients safe, providing the same standard of care in each facility and ensuring there is effective communication among patients, parents and caregivers. Children’s Sports Medicine Program offers the finest and most advanced treatment

options available, including ACL injury prevention and rehabilitation, ImPACTTM concussion baseline testing and post-concussion medical management, isokinetic testing, a running program, dance medicine, motion analysis, sports nutrition and wrestling weight management.

“We are excited to offer Dartfish software, which we use as an analytical tool by capturing videos of individual athletes’ performances,” Owens continues. “Physicians and therapists who specialize in the individual’s sport can conduct a deeply nuanced level of investigation into the injury, detecting mechanical inefficiencies in sports motions, and make recommendations to the athletes and their parents and coaches. Everyone is involved and informed, which betters the patient’s chances of healing fast, improving speed, agility and accuracy, as well as preventing recurrence of the injury.”

Owens adds, “Our facility consists of 2,800 square feet, with 1,600 square feet of gym space. We are fortunate to have our own throwing lane and gymnastics equipment, as well as a parquet dance floor and portable ballet barres for artistic athletes. We provide evaluation and motion analysis for all kinds of sports, from running, tumbling, dance and gymnastics to golf, swimming, football, baseball, basketball, lacrosse…pretty much any sport around. We also have private office space where our certified athletic trainers can conduct ImPACTTM testing.”

Bob Breingan, a physical therapist and Children’s Director of Outpatient Therapy, reiterates Children’s emphasis on and investiture in their patients. “It’s about education and partnership,” he says. “On average, we have 41,000 visits per year, including 8,000 new patients. Each patient averages five visits per injury. We’re looking to lower those numbers by making sure each patient gets not only the most effective treatment, but as much accurate information as possible to equip them and help prevent further injury.” To that end, Children’s has certified athletic trainers in place in 38 metro high schools, including all six high schools in Cherokee County. “They are the gatekeepers,” Breingan says with a smile. “They work with the athletes, the coaches and parents on site.” Breingan is enthusiastic about the new Cherokee location, “It’s difficult for many families to get to downtown Atlanta,” he says. “Now, Children’s has brought the same, high level of expertise to Cherokee County. You don’t have to come to us! We’ve come to you.”

Dr. Marshall, Breingan, Owens and their staff exemplify the Children’s commitment to each young patient. Not many communities in the nation are fortunate, as is metro Atlanta, to have such a high level of pediatric care. Now, Children’s has brought their tradition of excellence in Pediatric Sports Medicine to Cherokee County.

What is a Master Gardener?

By Dot Martin

The Master Gardener Extension Volunteer Program is a volunteer training and service program, offered through county offices of the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension. Through this program, individuals are trained and certified in horticulture and related areas by faculty of the University of Georgia.

The rewarding part is the volunteer hours that you agree to serve after you complete your initial training. The first year requirement is 50 hours. There are more hours the first year because we want to introduce you to all the projects and get you integrated into the program. After

that, in order to retain your certification, you are required to complete a minimum of 25 hours annually, working on projects of your choice such as:

• Teach gardening at school gardens across the county

• Present gardening information at monthly seminars to the public

• Share your knowledge at farmer’s markets and other events

• Practice various aspects of horticulture at our beautiful demonstration garden

• Help grow and harvest vegetables in the community garden for our Feed The Hungry program

• Write newspaper and magazine articles

• Educate and share information with the public through the Cooperative Extension office

These are just some of our projects; all fun, all productive, all giving back to our community.

Josh Fuder, our County Extension Agent, has a blog that includes a post about becoming a Master Gardener

Extension Volunteer. Go check it out! The web address for the blog is Blog. Extension.Uga.edu/Cherokee/

If you love gardening, enjoy learning and sharing your knowledge with others and want to give back to your community, APPLY! Applications for the 2016 class are being accepted from now till December 1st, 2015. For more information on the Master Gardener Extension Volunteer program and how to apply, please call the Extension office at 770-721-7803.

Book Review

BY CATHERINE GROVES

Meet Betsy, tacy, and tiB!

Betsy, Tacy and Tib became friends when they were very young. Betsy and Tacy lived across the street from each other, and Tib lived in the chocolate covered house. They had many fun adventures together. If it sounds as if I’m describing children’s books, it’s because I am. Maud Hart Lovelace wrote the first four Betsy-Tacy books for the younger generation. Based on her own life and lives of her family and friends growing up, Maud decided to continue the story of Betsy through high school and beyond. This is a series of books that grows with you.

Born in the late 1800’s, Betsy is raised in a home that is clearly not typical for that time period. Betsy’s parents encouraged their daughters to seek further education and dared them to dream. Betsy begins writing as a young child and continues to write throughout high school. Her parents let her travel as a young lady to help her become a better writer, and she continues to write as a married woman.

The “Betsy books” (as I call them) are some of the dearest, most heartwarming books of all time. These books are known for their characters. For example, her father was notorious for putting on the coffee pot in times of stress. Betsy’s older sister, Julia, was a beautiful opera singer, and her younger sister, Margaret, was nicknamed “The Persian Princess.”

Tacy and Tib remain Betsy’s best friends (as in Maud’s real life) throughout her childhood and after she’s married. Tacy is sweet, loyal and doesn’t care about boys. Tib is tiny, dolllike and extremely practical. Three is never a crowd for this inseparable trio.

And then there’s Joe… Betsy meets Joe the summer before her freshman year in high school, and he remains a vital part of this entire series.

It matters not your age or gender; these books by Maud Hart Lovelace are timeless.

The Betsy-Tacy collection can be found in many major bookstores and on Amazon. There are ten books in the series. Catherine

One of the fastest growing areas of the American economy is technology. It seems if you don’t upgrade your phone as soon as you’re eligible, you’re classified as having a dinosaur phone. I’ve noticed a similar life span in computers and TV’s, and it seems like after four or five years, it’s cheaper to buy a new one than it is to repair the old one. For this reason, I pose the question to you, when is the last time you upgraded the technology in your home? I don’t mean your TVs, DVD players, computers and game consoles, but turning your house into a “smart house.”

A smart home connects all of the devices in your house so that they communicate with each other. The possibilities are seemingly endless.

Smart

HOUSES

By Nick Roper

Once wired, several vendors offer a mobile access app, which allows you to control items in your home from any web-enabled smart device. This app has many capabilities; for example, you can

view live camera feeds at your home while you’re away. I recently saw a product that appears to be a doorbell but is actually a motion activated camera, so you can see who shows up at your front door from your phone.

The entertainment systems that are available are very exciting. There are systems that allow you to separate your home into many different zones. The

more popular zones in your home are the living room, bedrooms, garage, bathrooms, outdoor areas and basement. You’d have the capability to tune the wall or ceiling speakers in every zone to the same audio source (TV, CD player, iPod, etc.), which means the sound quality in your home would be consistent in every room, or you could listen to or watch something different in each zone. All of this happens through the same interconnected speakers.

All of these devices are interconnected inside the walls of your home and terminate to one box in a mechanical closet, so there are no exposed wires. These are just a few examples of a vast number of options you have when upgrading your home into a smart house.

The meal is not over when I’m full. The meal is over when I hate myself. Louis C.K.

Thanksgiving dinners take eighteen hours to prepare. They are consumed in twelve minutes. Halftimes take twelve minutes. This is not coincidence. Erma Bombeck

We make a living by what we do, but we make a life by what we give.

Winston Churchill

What can you do to promote world peace? Go home and love your family.

Mother Teresa

Thankfulness

is the beginning of gratitude. Gratitude is the completion of thankfulness. Thankfulness may consist merely of words. Gratitude is shown in acts.

What you do speaks so loudly that I cannot hear what you say. Ralph Waldo Emerson

I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. Maya Angelou

Henri Frederic Amiel

How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.

Anne Frank, Diary of a Young Girl

because anyone can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t even have to make your subject and your verb agree to serve … You only need a heart full of grace, a soul generated by love.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.

Winnie the Pooh

Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace and gratitude.

Denis Waitley

We’re people and we’re different, all of us. And we should be using our differences to bring ourselves closer together.

Justin Timberlake

You cannot help someone get up a hill without getting closer to the top yourself.

General H. Norman Schwarzkopf

Granny Sheeran told me when I’m looking for a partner to fall in love with their eyes, because eyes are the only things that don’t age. So if you fall in love with their eyes, you’ll be in love forever. Ed Sheeran

Taste of

Ingredients:

4 ears fresh corn

1 cup chopped Vidalia onion

1 ½ cups fresh or frozen lima beans

½ cup each chopped red and orange peppers

¼-½ cup olive oil

1 tablespoon each minced garlic and basil

Salt and Pepper to taste

Preparation:

Remove corn from cob and combine with remaining vegetables. Combine oil, garlic, basil and salt and pepper; coat vegetables. Place mixture in a shallow pan, and bake for 20-30 minutes at 400 degrees, stirring occasionally.

Makes about 4 cups

Recipes are brought to you by Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) and were developed through a partnership between GFB and the Georgia Department of Agriculture for a segment called “Meals from the Field,” on GFB’s Georgia Farm Monitor TV show. Visit GFB.org/Recipes to view the latest monthly video.

GFB is a membership-driven, nonprofit organization dedicated to serving as the voice of Georgia farmers and rural Georgia. For more information about GFB membership or to join, visit GFB.org.

Holiday Hospitality

Cherokee Thanksgiving

Canton First United Methodist Church will host Cherokee Thanksgiving, providing and delivering free Thanksgiving dinners with all the trimmings to families in need throughout Cherokee County. Volunteers are needed, and monetary donations are accepted. For meals, call 770-8772601. To volunteer: 770-656-9209, CTVolunteer2015@gmail.com. 930 Lower Scott Mill Road, Canton. CantonFirstUMC.org/give/

House of Hope

The Hope for Hungry (aka Blue Bag Program) allows YOU, the people of our community, to give back to others by becoming a Blue Bag Partner of Hope! Here’s how the program works: We will drop your bag off at your house. You will then spend the next 2 months filling the bag with as many items as you can from our “Preferred List.” Finally, set your Blue Bag of Hope outside your home

on your scheduled pick-up Saturday, and they will come by to pick up your food donations and replace your filled bag with an empty one. 770-313-6287. Wendy@HouseOfHopeFreeHome.com, HouseOfHopeFreeHome.com

Least of These Ministries

This ministry is dedicated to meeting the practical needs of individuals with the love of Christ, through assistance with food, clothing and assisting with employment. They strive to assist clients in recognizing the root cause of the situation they find themselves in and to take steps to break the cycle of these issues. Their goal is to work with other community organizations to best meet the needs of their clients. They offer an emergency food pantry, which is for clients who have hit a rough spot and need assistance with food. The primary focus is to help clients who do not receive government assistance, but have hit a

rough spot and cannot make ends meet. Please call for drop off dates and times. 8889 Fincher Road, Waleska. 770-5474045. LeastOfTheseMinistriesGeorgia. com/

MUST Ministries

MUST Ministries is collecting food for 1,000 families that the organization expects to serve this year through their annual Thanksgiving Food Box Program. Last year, about 3000 people in 963 families were served through this program. The following items are needed to fill the Thanksgiving boxes: cans of corn, green beans, cranberry sauce and sweet potatoes; boxes of mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, cornbread mix and stuffing; packages of gravy mix; frozen pies and turkeys; and grocery store gift cards. Non-perishable items can be dropped off 8:00 am-3:00 pm, November 9-13 at MUST Ministries, Canton. Frozen turkeys and pies can be dropped off 8:00 am-9:00 am, November

23-25 at MUST Ministries’ Cherokee location. For questions or more information, please contact Ranettia Beasley at 770-5760359.

Papa’s Pantry

For Thanksgiving, they customize this special dinner for each partnered client family based on a menu furnished by the client. It’s their goal to ensure that even in tough times, family traditions will continue with gratitude! Throughout the winter months, Papa’s Pantry will also accept new electric space heaters. Both Cherokee County Papa’s Pantry locations accept food donations throughout the year to help families in need: canned meat cereal and cereal bars, peanut butter and jelly, spaghetti sauce, canned fruit, canned pasta and boxed and packaged side items. For Christmas, starting in mid-November, families can be “adopted” through their “Papa Noel” Christmas Wish program. They try to match ages, boys/girls, & interests to better personalize everyone’s experience. Many of their families are headed by single mothers. They ask for Christmas goodies for moms, too! Pajamas, wallets and jewelry are examples of what moms most enjoy. They work closely with each family and get to know them; they believe this lessens the risk of “fraud” or “duplication of efforts” from one charitable organization to another. Donations can be made Tuesday, 4:00-7:00 pm and Friday, 3:00-5:00 pm, 6551 Commerce Parkway, Suite 200, Woodstock.770-591-4730. PapasPantry.org

Timothy’s Cupboard

Timothy’s Cupboard desires to minister aid through their food bank. Small grants, cash gifts and food drives from outside the church boundaries have provided support, thus supplementing their ministry and enabling them to further their reach. Drop off food and small household items in the collection barrel inside the church. For donations of cash or larger items, call the food bank or the church office. Food is available to residents of Cherokee County by appointment on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 9:00 am-1:00 pm, Timothy Lutheran Church, 556 Arnold Mill Rd., Woodstock. For assistance or to volunteer, contact Timothy’s Cupboard at 770-591-5515. TimothyLutheran.360unite.com/timothys-cupboard-home

Rooted In Love

Rooted in Love is a non-profit in Cherokee County that provides a meal and specific needs to the homeless in Cherokee County on the first Saturday of each month, (November 7th and December 5th are the next 2 dates). They offer the homeless families food, toilet paper, water, clothes and goody bags. The meals usually take place at Changed 2 Ministries, 2484 Marietta Hwy, Canton. RootedInLoveGa.org

November 14

Cherokee Charter Academy Holiday Mart

5th Annual Holiday Mart to support the exceptional student experience and promote local small businesses in our community and beyond. Featuring 80+ unique vendors, Santa’s Workshop (Kid’s Craft Area), live entertainment, photos with Santa, a special visit from Elsa! and food trucks. 9:30 am2:00 pm, 2126 Sixes Road, Canton. HolidayMart2.wix.com/HolidayMart

November 14-16

Annual Holiday Tour of Homes

The Junior Service League of Woodstock Holiday Tour of Homes has raised over $350,000 since its inception in 1997, allowing the JSL to invest in the lives of needy citizens of Cherokee County. The tour features exquisite homes in Woodstock and Canton that are professionally decorated for the holidays by local designers. Each home has unique features that make it distinctive. Visitors will be able to get numerous decorating ideas to make their own homes more festive for the holiday season. Each year, we showcase two homes on a candlelight evening tour. For more information/ ticket purchase, visit JSLWoodstock.org

November 14

Jingle Bell $hop

A one-stop holiday shopping extravaganza of beautiful and distinctive gifts. 11:00 am-8:00 pm, Northside Hospital-Cherokee Conference Center, Cherokee County Administration Building. 770-3450400. CherokeeChamber.com

Holiday Happenings

November 27

Love Lights a Tree

Annual Christmas tree lighting, sponsored by the American Cancer Society. 5:30 pm, Cannon Park, 130 East Main Street, Downtown Canton. 770704-1500. CherokeeChamber.com

November 28

Cartoon Christmas Celebration

Grinch Maze, Frozen Karaoke, Minion

Photo Booth, Rudolph Scavenger Hunt, Ride-A-long Hay Ride with Snoopy as he hunts for the Red Baron, visit with Santa at his home on the road, and storytelling with Mrs. Claus. All activities FREE to the public, everyone invited. 1:006:00 pm, Autumn Hill Nursery, 4256 Earney Road, Woodstock. AutumnHillNursery.com

December 1-17

Santa’s Mailbox

Santa’s elves will be delivering his mailbox to Woodstock again this year! Begin the holiday season with a letter to the Jolly ‘Ol Elf and hand deliver it to the North Pole Express mailbox! Santa will send a personalized letter in the mail, just before Christmas! Gazebo- the Park at City Center, 101 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock. WoodstockGa.gov

December

2

Here Comes Santa!

Santa and Mrs. Claus will be stopping by, so be sure grab your camera and come visit. We will have crafts, refreshments and entertainment by the Avery Elementary School Choir, directed by David Boggs, at 6:30 pm. And don’t miss the tree lighting! All ages are welcome. 5:30-7:30pm, Hickory Flat Public Library, 2740 East Cherokee Drive, Canton. 770-345-7565. SequoyahRegionalLibrary.org

December 3

The Polar Express & Santa Visit

Bring your blanket, and wear your best pj’s to experience the magic of Van Allsburg’s classic holiday tale, The Polar Express. Join us for crafts, music, refreshments and a visit from Santa. Registration begins on November 19, please call to reserve your spot. All ages are welcome. 6:00-7:45 pm, Rose Creek Public Library, 4476 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock. 770-591-1491. SequoyahRegionalLibrary.org

December

4

Friday Night Live

Christmas on Main. The spirit of Christmas can be found in Downtown at Christmas on Main. It’s the perfect chance to Christmas shop and have some fun at the same time. Santa has already RSVP’d to attend! 6:00-9:00 pm, Downtown Woodstock. 770-9240406. DowntownWoodstock.org

December 4

Holly Springs Tree Lighting

Bundle up and celebrate the beginning of the Christmas season with the annual tree lighting. Songs of the season will be heard from local talent. Join the City of Holly Springs for light refreshments following the lighting of the tree. For the third year in a row, the city is proud to partner with the Volunteer Aging Council, the Holly Springs Downtown Development Authority and Northside Hospital-Cherokee to present the Tree of Hope. Citizens can make a donation in honor of or in memory of a friend or loved one, and for each donation, an ornament with the name of your honoree will be placed on the tree. Your donation will enable the Volunteer Aging Council to assist seniors in need. We need to receive your donation by Tuesday, December 1, continued on page 40

in order to recognize your generosity for the tree lighting. We will, however, accept contributions throughout the holiday season and continue to place the ornaments on the tree until the end of December. Tree lighting is at 6:30 pm, the Historic Train, Holly Springs. Ga-HollySprings.CivicPlus.com

December 4

The Annual March of the Toys for Toys for Tots Parade

This event brings in excess of 4,000 people each year to downtown Ball Ground to enjoy the parade, shop and visit with Santa. 6:00 pm, Downtown Gazebo. 770-735-2123. CityOfBallGround.com/events/

December 5

A Christmas Carol

The Elm Street Theater will present a free performance of Charles Dickens’ classic Christmas tale. 2:00 pm, Downtown Woodstock. WhatsUpWoodstock.com

December 5

Christmas Jubilee & Parade of Lights

Kick off the holiday season with our traditional Christmas Jubilee Parade of Lights. Bring your children after the parade to the Park at City Center to visit Santa with their wish lists. The Mayor and Santa will flip the switch to light the Park and Christmas tree! Winners of best float will be announced. Music provided by Ronnie the DJ, free moonwalk by Colby Chiropractic. 5:30 pm, Movie in the Park starts at 7:30 pm, Downtown Woodstock. WoodstockGa.gov

December 5

Holly Springs Christmas Parade

Come line the streets of Holly Springs Parkway to watch the 11th Annual Holly Springs Christmas Parade! After the parade ends at the Historic Train Depot, come inside for a complimentary picture with Santa! Outside the Depot, enjoy carols from elementary school choirs, hot cocoa, treats and crafts! 1:30 pm. Ga-HollySprings.CivicPlus.com

December 5

Reindeer Run 5K & Fun Run

The Service League of Cherokee County presents the 13th Annual Run for the Children Reindeer Run 5K and Fun Run.

8:00 am, Etowah River Park, 600 Brown Industrial Parkway, Canton. ServiceLeagueRunForTheChildren@ gmail.com, ServiceLeague.net

December 5

Canton Christmas Parade and Marketplace Music and Marketplace start at 3:00 pm, the parade starts at 6:00 pm. There will be music after the parade. Santa will be in the gazebo in Cannon Park from 3:305:30 pm for pictures, Downtown Canton. 770-704-1500. CherokeeChamber.com

December 5

Crafting a Holiday Wreath

Presented by Cherokee Master Gardeners. 10:00 am-Noon, Cherokee Senior Center, 1001 Univeter Road, Canton. CAES.UGA.edu/Extension/ Cherokee/MasterGardeners/

December 6

Santa at Urban Secrets Boutique Photos, cookies and story time. 2:004:00 pm, 6175 Hickory Flat Hwy Ste. 165, Canton.

December 7

Holiday Open House

Celebrate the season and enjoy the Festival of Trees during our Holiday Open House. We will have crafts, refreshments, a tree lighting, storytelling and songs performed by the Hasty Elementary Chorus. Welcome the holiday season with library staff and friends. All ages are welcome. 6:00-7:45 pm, R.T. Jones Public Library, 116 Brown Industrial Parkway, Canton. 770-479-3090. SequoyahRegionalLibrary.org

December 7

Santa’s Workshop Free Event! Pictures and Breakfast with Santa, Ms. Claus Kitchen, lots of crafts and games for the kids. 10:00 am-12:00 pm, the House of Hope, 11954 Cumming Hwy., Canton. HouseOfHopeFreeHome.com

Holiday Highlights

Salon and Spa Venéssa

Give yourself the gift of beautiful hair with 99% naturally derived dry shampoo. Aveda’s new Shampure™

Dry Shampoo revives your hair and senses, while bringing it back to life between shampoos. This non-aerosol, powder mist absorbs excess oils and infuses aromas of 25 pure plant and flower essences, available now at Salon and Spa Venéssa, 8516 Main Street, Woodstock. 770-591-2079.

Facebook.com/SalonAndSpaVenessa

Fire Stone Wood Fired

Pizza & Grill

The holidays are fast approaching! With that, comes the need for unique gift ideas for family and friends. Give the gift of Fire Stone Gift Cards, as nothing is better during the holidays than spending quality time dining on delicious food with your loved ones! Fire Stone Wood Fired Pizza & Grill, Downtown Woodstock, 120 Chambers Street, Woodstock, GA 30188. 770-926-6778, FireStoneRestaurants.com

Soon, Hobgood Park will be transformed into a holiday wonderland, during the 4th Annual Holiday Lights of Hope. The Lights of Hope is a large scale, walkthrough event, with more than a million holiday lights. The event includes a mixture of traditional holiday lights and animated displays, including a 30-foot Christmas tree, 17foot tall reindeer and 15-foot tall snowman family. Parents and children alike can get lost in the over 5,000 feet of bright lights, twists and turns in the Christmas maze. In the Santa Village, children of all ages can take their picture with Santa. Get your last minute shopping done with some unique holiday vendors, while enjoying seasonal concessions. The event, located at Hobgood, 6688 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock, will be open nightly, December 10-22, beginning at 6:00 pm. Tickets are $10 for adults, and free for children ages 14 and under. For

All proceeds from the event benefit Anna Crawford Children’s Center in Woodstock, a non-profit that provides intervention and treatment services to children and families impacted by sexual, physical and emotional abuse. The Anna Crawford Children’s Center assists over 500 families each year. The Center also offers an ever-expanding array of prevention services aimed at the eradication of child abuse. The Center now provides statewide education for those who are responsible for the evaluation and treatment of child abuse investigations. The Center has been in operation since 1990.

Center, visit HolidayLightsOfHope.com

Been to Downtown Woodstock’s Train Depot lately? There are plenty of reasons to check out this 103-year-old, landmarkturned-dining-destination.

FREIGHT Kitchen & Tap, one of Woodstock’s most dynamic restaurants, has been under the culinary stewardship of Executive Chef, Joe Burns. Over the past year, Chef Joe has settled in and made his mark, building a culinary team ready to deliver

seasonal, southern menu items.

FREIGHT presents the new fall menu, thoughtfully created with ingredients from local farms throughout the south. FREIGHT serves lunch and dinner daily, as well as Saturday and Sunday Brunch, featuring downtown’s best Bloody Mary Bar.

The fall menu includes new features, such as Venison Meatloaf, Hanger Steak and Chicken & Dumplings. Their staple dishes keep FREIGHT on everyone’s dining radar, these include Atlanta’s best Shrimp & Grits and classic Pork Braise. In addition, you will find off-menu creations on a daily basis, which utilize

the freshest ingredients as they become available.

The restaurant also makes a strong commitment to local breweries, with the area’s best selection of craft beers, highlighted by the dominance of Reformation Brewery beers on tap. Led by manager and cocktail creationist, Michelle Thompson, the beverage program focuses on house-infused libations and includes new items such as the Pecan Pie Martini, house-made Irish Cream, and barrel aged Sazarac.

The restaurant has a unique loft area for groups, which provides a comfortable setting for holiday parties,

wedding or baby showers, birthday parties, etc. Join the team of service and culinary professionals for a polished, casual dining experience, and enjoy Woodstock’s Historic Train Depot like never before. The fall menu is here, and the FREIGHT team is ready to serve. EAT. DRINK. LOCAL.

BY PAIGE GARDNER

Dr. Donald Stafford,

Cherokee Chorale’s Co-Founder & Artistic Director

Experts suggest that to figure out the kind of work you should do, remember what brought you joy as a child. Dr. Donald Stafford is a living example of that idea.

Don began singing in the choir at church when he was in elementary school, and by 11th grade, he was directing the choir at his church. He earned his Bachelor of Church Music degree from Shorter College in 1971.

After five years as Choir Director with the First Baptist Church of Canton, Don returned to school, earning his Doctorate in Chorale Music Education at Florida State University. “I came back to Cherokee County and went to work for the school system,” Don said. “At that time, middle schools and high schools had chorale and other music programs, but there was no formal program for music in the elementary schools.” He went on to establish the elementary school music program in the Cherokee County School System in 1988.

In 1987, Genevieve Miller, who had performed with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chorus under the direction of Robert Shaw, had an idea about establishing a community choir. She approached Judye MacMillan, who was the Director of Choral Activities and Chairperson of the Music Department at Reinhardt College. “I was sort of the music supervisor for the county,” Don said. “Judye and I met at the county office to talk about this. You see, it was Gen Miller’s idea, but she quickly brought Judye and me in to do the work!”

He conducted the group’s first performance, the Christmas piece from Handel’s Messiah, in 1988.

“The Chorale is comprised of all kinds of people: lawyers and housewives, teachers, dentists and doctors... It’s a nice cross-section of the community,” Don said.

Currently, the group has about 140 members on the roster, but only about 50 people participate in a typical performance. “That’s a good thing, because if everyone showed up, we wouldn’t get them all on stage!” he said.

Don believes music is an important part of the human experience. “Sometimes things happen that we can’t easily express, so music allows us a way to do that,” he said.

With his long history in the Cherokee County musical community, Don said it is exciting to see former students who have chosen to pursue a career in music.

Dr. Martha Shaw, Director of Choirs at Reinhardt University, is a former student, as is Wes Stoner, the Choral Director for Music Education for the State of Georgia. Another former student is in charge of the Music Therapy program at the University of Georgia.

“I ran into a student I had in the 1970s. She belongs to a small community church, and she came up to me and said, ‘I am the choir director in that church, and I still do the warm-ups you did with us back when I was in your class,’” Don said.

“It makes you very proud,” he said. “You just never know who you’re influencing.”

Preventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Ahhh, November. The vast majority of us are getting ready to either have our homes filled to bursting during the approaching holiday season, or we are going to be traveling to family both near and far. Is your home ready for the winter heating season?

Natural gas furnaces are the choice for most to keep our homes warm and comfortable. While natural gas is an efficient fuel for heating our homes, there are some safety measures that need to be observed. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a gas that can build up to dangerous concentrations indoors if fuel-burning devices are not operating or vented properly. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas, often formed as a byproduct during the process of incomplete combustion of organic substances, including fossil fuels.

Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is a risk for everyone; infants, elderly and those with a compromised immune system are at a higher risk. Chronic exposure to relatively low levels of CO may cause persistent headaches, lightheadedness, depression, confusion, memory loss, nausea and vomiting. CO poisoning symptoms are often described as “flu-like.”

When the temperature in our homes drops below the programmed thermostat setting, an igniter located in the combustion chamber of the gas furnace lights a burner. The heat created from the burning of the natural gas is forced into the heat exchanger, where the air is heated. The blower motor on the furnace then pushes the heated air through the ductwork and out into the rooms of the house. The combustion gases created during this reaction are vented through a flue in the roof or wall. Carbon monoxide becomes a concern in the home when the heat exchanger is rusted, allowing the combustion gases back into the ductwork or when the flue pipe is rusted, allowing the combustion gases to leak into the living environment.

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

By Robbie Matiak

How can I prevent CO poisoning in my home?

Install a battery-operated or battery back-up CO detector in your home, and check or replace the battery when you change the time on your clocks each spring and fall.

Have your heating system, water heater and any other gas, oil or coal burning appliances serviced by a qualified HVAC service provider every year; flue exhaust should be checked to confirm it is intact.

Make sure your gas appliances are vented properly. If you use a fireplace, have your chimney inspected every year for removal of any blockages or debris. Never patch a vent pipe with tape or something else. If your flue exhaust venting is in need of repair, contact a qualified HVAC service provider to have this completed prior to operation.

Never use a gas range or oven for heating; this can cause a build- up of CO inside your home. Never burn charcoal or use a portable gas camp stove indoors.

If the proper measures are taken on a regular basis, your chances of carbon monoxide poisoning can be greatly reduced, and you can ensure your family’s comfort and safety inside your home. Please take time this month to make certain the ones you love most are protected from this silent threat.

Dental Insurance:

By Dr. Steven Anderson, DMD

Are Your Benefits Mostly Limitations?

Your dental policy’s many limitations are often buried in “the fine print.” It’s frequently after-the-fact that you realize why your insurance did not pay for your needed treatment. As a customer paying monthly premiums to the insurance company, it’s your right to have an accurate understanding of your monetary benefits and know exactly how much money the insurance company will pay on any treatment.

Coverage of 100% does not always mean the treatment is “free.” It only means that the insurance company will contribute 100% of their limited, predetermined amount for that specific dental procedure, rather than what the procedure actually costs. Although insurance companies often tactically restrict sharing this critical information with your dentist, you are absolutely entitled to know what these

predetermined benefit amounts are from your insurance company, so that you can make informed decisions.

Often, the higher your premium, the more insurance pays out with fewer limitations. Maximum annual benefits paid per customer have not changed much since 1975. The amount still remains around $1,500. However, annual dental premiums have increased significantly.

Although dentists operate a business too, they are professionally licensed and have a higher moral and legal responsibility to provide quality dental care that is independent of monetary considerations. So be sure you truly understand dental insurance phrases like “minimum alternative treatment.” You should expect dental benefits applicable to the best treatments available.

If you consider dental insurance, always evaluate your individual dental health needs and the costs vs. the dental benefits received. Speak with your current dental office to get their advice about your current dental insurance plan and its limitations.

Finally, just because your dentist is not on an “insurance list,” does not mean that you cannot see that dentist, receive their great care and actually have your insurance pay for your dental treatment. After all, “great” dental care is available, and “great” dental care should be all about you. So, always be sure to read your entire contract to understand your actual insurance “benefits.”

Jalapeño Cheddar Mornay

² ¼ cup butter

² ¼ cup flour

² 1 jalapeño (roasted in the oven or charred on the grill)

² 1 cup heavy cream

² 1 cup milk

² 1 cup cheddar

² ½ teaspoon each salt and pepper

Fried Mushrooms

² Crimini mushrooms (cleaned and quartered)

² 2 cups flour, with 1 teaspoon each of salt and pepper mixed in

² 1 cup buttermilk

Jalapeño Cheddar Mornay Preparation:

Melt your butter in a sauce pot, and stir in flour. Cook lightly for two minutes, stirring the roux frequently.

Take your roasted jalapeño and peel the skin off, then seed and mince. Add the minced jalapeño to your roux.

Whisk in your milk and cream, and raise the heat to medium high. When the cream starts to simmer, whisk in cheddar, and then stir until melted.

Add the salt and pepper. Keep warm.

Fried Mushroom Preparation:

Toss mushrooms in flour, and then submerge in buttermilk. Remove from buttermilk and coat in flour again. Fry mushrooms in a deep fryer or frying pan until crisp and golden brown.

Cook your steaks to desired temperature. Place on a plate with your favorite side (potatoes are perfect with this). Top with mushrooms and cover with mornay.

I have been told since childhood that you can’t put square pegs in round holes. However, as parents, we try to do that a lot! At a young age, I had my daughters in tap, ballet and gymnastics, and I was thrilled to have them make a competition cheer squad when they were 6 and 8 years of age. They practiced around 15 hours a week, would cheer Saturday football games and then participate in competitions on Sundays. They won ribbons and trophies, and I thought we were right where we were supposed to be. When the next season came and it was time

Square Pegs Round Holes and

By Lisa-Marie Haygood

to register for cheer, they said they didn’t want to do it. It seemed that all Ashley wanted to do was play with her horses, and Katie always wanted to read; she collected books like other folks collect stamps or coins.

The girls went on to try swim team, piano, singing, painting and even baking classes. None of these things ended up being their passion. Imagine my surprise when Ashley said, “Mom, I think I want to play the clarinet in the marching band.” Marching band? I don’t know anything about band!

I gave in, and let her follow her heart. I was thrust squarely into the life of a band mom. It turns out that with this unique bunch of kids and parents is where my girls were happiest. It

has been the heart of high school for both of my girls. Katie is now doing color guard and flags, and the friends she has made there are super bright, talented and funny.

In spite of all my efforts, they wound up right where they belonged. Sometimes we have to just be quiet, and listen to our kids. When we see them truly connect in a class or environment, there is peace for everyone…much easier than trying to push a square peg in a round hole!

Lisa-Marie Haygood is the President of Georgia PTA. 404-659-0214. LMHaygood@GeorgiaPTA.org

Plenty of Parking for Your Holiday Shopping!

By Kyle Bennett

Shopping for the holidays is about to officially begin! Downtown Woodstock has something to offer everyone. Think you won’t be able to find parking? There is more than you realize, all within close, walking distance of the great stores that Downtown Woodstock has to offer!

Also, be sure to take advantage of the Woodstock Trolley to help you get around the downtown area. The trolley is free to ride and has stops around Downtown Woodstock, at various parking locations in the area, Reformation Brewery, The Outlet

Shoppes of Atlanta and many other convenient trolley stop locations. The Woodstock Trolley is a program of the Woodstock Downtown Development Authority. For more information on the trolley, be sure to check out DowntownWoodstock.org/trolley/

To help everyone understand the parking options available in Downtown Woodstock and also to illustrate the Woodstock Trolley route and stops, we have put together the above map to highlight these items.

So don’t be intimidated by the parking

in downtown, there is plenty! Come and peruse the wonderful selection of gifts the shops in Downtown Woodstock have to offer! For a full listing of the stores and restaurants in Downtown Woodstock and to check out what events will be taking place in the area during the holiday season, make sure to check out VisitWoodstockGa.com

End of Year Dental Insurance Plan Benefits

By Vishant Nath, DMD

As the end of the calendar year quickly approaches, it’s a good time to take a look at your dental insurance plan. If you or your children are due for dental cleanings or treatment, here are some reasons why you might want to schedule them before December 31.

appropriate timeline for scheduling the dental treatment.

If you have dental insurance but are not familiar with the specifics of your plan, it is worthwhile to take some time to review it. This can

and have work that needs to be done, it’s wise to schedule it before December 31. In addition, most plans have a yearly maximum benefit that they will pay out per year. If you have not reached this yearly maximum, it will not carry over to the next year. So if you have dental care needs, it’s beneficial to schedule an appointment before the end of the calendar year to get the full benefits of your dental insurance plan.

First and foremost, if you or your children are requiring any dental treatment, scheduling it sooner rather than later is always the best decision. Delaying dental treatment can create the need for more extensive — and expensive — dental treatment down the road. Be sure to consult your dentist to determine an

be done by looking over the paperwork that you received upon enrollment, visiting the plan’s website or making a phone call to your dental insurance company. These may seem like mundane tasks, but if you are paying monthly premiums, it’s wise to know for what you are paying.

Once you know the basics of your insurance plan, you can determine whether it’s beneficial to schedule any end-of-year dental visits. If you have already met your deductible for the year

The bottom line is that by scheduling your dental appointments in a timely fashion, you can improve your oral health, and you can take full advantage of the insurance benefits that you are paying for with your premiums, both of which will give you reason to smile!

of Canton/Alpharetta/Roswell Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics. 678-352-1090. KidsHappyTeeth.com

By Jose Baez, M.D.

What is a fracture?

Simply put, a fracture is a broken bone. It may be simple, with bone pieces aligned and stable, or unstable, with the bones shifted or displaced. Some fractures occur in the shaft (main body) of the bone, while others occur along the joint surface. When the bone is fractured into many pieces, this is known as a comminuted fracture. An open, or compound fracture, occurs when a bone fragment breaks through the skin. There is some risk of infection in these cases.

Because your hand is made of many bones, hand fractures are common. Common signs of a fracture include:

• Pain

• Swelling

• Stiffness

• Decreased use of your hand

Some fractures result in an obvious deformity, such as a crooked finger, but many do not. Due to the close relationship of bones to ligaments and tendons, your hand may be stiff and weak after the fracture heals. Fractures that involve surface joints can lead to early arthritis in the joint involved.

How are hand fractures treated?

Hand specialists will perform a medical evaluation, and take an X-ray to determine if your hand is fractured. Depending on the type of fracture, the specialist will recommend one of several treatment methods. If the fracture is not displaced, the hand specialist may use a splint or cast. This also protects a fracture that has been set. In some cases, a displaced fracture needs to be set and then held in place with wires or pins, without making an incision (closed reduction and internal fixation). Other fractures may need surgery to set the bone (open reduction). Once the bone fragments are set, they are held together with pins, plates or screws. If the fracture disrupts the joint surface (articular fracture), it usually needs to be set more precisely to restore the joint surface to being as smooth as possible.

If a bone is missing or so severely crushed that it cannot be repaired, it may require a bone graft. This procedure involves taking a bone from another part of the body to provide more stability. Once the fracture has enough stability, motion exercises may be started to try to avoid stiffness. A hand specialist will determine when the fracture is sufficiently stable.

What results can you expect?

Perfect alignment of the bone on X-ray is not always necessary. You may develop a bony lump at the fracture site as the bone heals. This is known as a “fracture callus,” which functions as a “spot weld.” This is a normal healing process, and the lump should get smaller over time.

Problems with fracture healing include:

• Stiffness

• Shift in position

• Infection

• Slow healing or complete failure to heal

You can lessen the chances of complications by carefully following a hand specialist’s advice during the healing process and before returning to work or sports activities. A hand specialist may recommend a hand therapy program, with splints and exercises to speed and improve the recovery process.

This summer, Jonathan and Pam Marquess acquired PharMoore Pharmacy. PharMoore is the tenth pharmacy in the Marquess Group, all of which are primarily located in the northwest metro Atlanta area. All of their pharmacies have long-standing, historical importance in the communities they serve. Eight of their pharmacies are classic neighborhood pharmacies. The other two have a primary focus on medications for senior living - at home or in a senior residence. Three of their pharmacies have compounding facilities,

one of which is equipped for sterile compound preparations.

What makes this group of family owned, independent pharmacies different is that through this partnership, medications that are different from the daily dose can be provided. PharMoore will now be able to fill your prescription, from the compounded formulations that match your specific need, the individualized, packaged doses for your senior parent, the compounded, specially prepared IV solutions that are needed for at-home care, to the flavored medication for your pet. We also provide the added service of delivering them to your home.

While we think of pharmacies for medicine, PharMoore, in partnership

with Woodstock Pharmacy, will provide clinical services such as immunizations, blood pressure screening, medication counseling, and diabetes education and coaching. They’ll continue to offer a selection of items that give seniors independence and self-sufficiency. Given this time of year, they’ll be able to provide comparative information to assist seniors in choosing their Medicare Part D plan.

Jonathan and Pam have long seen the growth of personalized service that an independent pharmacy can provide. They’re excited and committed to bring that level of service to neighborhoods in Canton. If you wish to transfer your prescriptions, call the pharmacy and they’ll take care of you.