Woodstock Family Life 8-15

One natiOn...

Ifyou’re reading this right now, you are probably aware that there is a quite a bit going on within our country today. Since I’m not one to go on about bad stuff, hop on the rhetoric wagon or throw folks under the bus, there really isn’t any need to list specifics. On occasion, I admit that I might slip up, take a side or voice an opinion based on how the past has formed my view of a particular, random event or happening in the world around me. It happens. It’s life.

From the social network view, I’ve noticed that some of those close to me and others within their network can be wildly outspoken. Friends I’ve known for years are popping out with ideologies on topics that I honestly had no idea were ever a concern to them. Has all this “stuff” just been lingering around within people’s heads all this time? Have we allowed our feelings and emotions to curdle to the point that we are all so sour and bitter inside? If that’s the case, then let it out people. Shout it from the pulpits, the corners of the street, and let your voices be heard. Let honesty flow, let everyone else know how you feel, and let freedom ring.

Be prepared, too. For certainly there will be some who feel the way you do and undoubtedly, some who will not. Be prepared to be empathetic to their feelings, as well. Listen to them, understand that they too have a story, and realize that your individual past and your particular knowledge do not have anything to do with how they formed their particular opinion. They have a right to that opinion, just as you have a right to yours.

Let’s not provoke any more shouting, yelling and disrespect, but try to rinse such acridity away with forgiveness, faith and fellowship. It’s time to unite with caring and compassion as a country of many voices, opinions, ideals and concerns, with the understanding that we are all different, yet created equal. It’s never too late to be one nation, under God…again.

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, Crystal Bryant, Cobb EMC, Michael Consoli, Lori Davis, Joshua Fuder, Meghan Griffin, Angel Groves, Catherine Groves, Heike Hellmann-Brown, Jenna Hill, Michael Hulse, Johnny Hunt, Michelle Knapp, James E. Leake, Pamela Marquess, Robbie Matiak, Tim Morris, Calvin Moss, E. Anthony Musarra, Vishant Nath, Jeff Nevison, Vishal Patel, Michael Petrosky, Frank Petruzielo, Janet Read, Juan Reyes, Nick Roper, Suzanne Taylor, Kathryn Wise

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

770-213-7095

FamilyLifePublications.com FamilyLifePublications

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.

Subscriptions are available for $25 per year. Please contact us for payment options.

© 2015 All rights reserved.

Calendar

AUGUST

On-Going

Woodstock Farmer’s Market Each Saturday morning and Tuesday evening, the Woodstock Farmer’s Market will be held downtown on Market Street, between Mill and Maple Streets, adjacent to the Elm Street Arts Village event green. Saturdays, 8:30 am-12:00 pm; Tuesdays, 4:00-7:30 pm. 770-924-0406, DowntownWoodstock.org/Farmer/

Waleska Farmers Market Sponsored by Reinhardt University, the Waleska Farmers Market is in the parking lot, behind the North Cherokee Church of Christ, at the corner of Highway 140 and 108 in downtown Waleska. Admission and parking are free, and the market operates rain or shine. Every Thursday through August, from 3:00-7:00 pm.

8 Downtown Woodstock’s Friday Night Live: Summer of Love

No pond bathing here, but we can promise a summer-lovin’ time. Break out the tie-dyes and headbands for a little early autumn fun, as the history of the 1969 Woodstock Music Festival is celebrated! Peace, Love, and Rock & Roll. Participating downtown merchants will have activities going on at their stores and throughout the Downtown area, which will be 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. The 2015 Friday Night Live Series is presented by Regions Bank. 770-924-0406, DowntownWoodstock.org

8

Woodstock Summer Concert Series, featuring The Rupert’s Orchestra Put on your dancing shoes for the best community concert series in the state! Celebrating the 18th year, we’ll be serving up a free, eclectic musical brew of classic rock, country, oldies, dance, and rhythm & blues in Downtown Woodstock. Bring a blanket or lawn chair, and come early. Food vendors, a moonwalk provided by Colby Chiropractic, face painting, balloon animals for the kids, and water brought to you by Momentum Church. 7:30 pm WoodstockConcertSeries.com

8

City on a Hill Celebrates Their Birthday with a Fish Fry The whole community is invited to celebrate. The party will begin with a special outside worship experience at 5:14 pm, and the fish fry will immediately follow. 7745 Main Street, Woodstock, right next door to the public library. 678-445-3480, COAHUMC.org

14-30

Curtains: The Murder Mystery Musical

It’s the brassy, bright, and promising year of 1959! Curtains is a parody of 1950’s “whodunnit” theater mysteries, where Lieutenant Frank Cioffi of Boston, investigates a series of murders that take place behind the scenes of the fictional, 1959 cowboy musical, Robbin’ Hood. The cast of Robbin’ Hood is forced to stay inside the theater, while Cioffi unravels the mystery, getting involved with the show and its large cast, and falling in love along the way. Don’t miss a hilarious night with an incredibly talented group! Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 at the door. Group Rates Available. Friday & Saturday at 7:30 pm, Sunday at 2:00 pm. 678-494-4251, ElmStreetArts.org/curtains/

20New Member Mixer, hosted by the Junior Service League of Woodstock — The league welcomes women of all ages and types. It is a very diverse and fun group, with one common goal: improving the community through volunteerism and fundraising! At the event, JSL board members will be there to answer questions, and you’ll meet other members in a relaxed, social setting. Free appetizers. Fire Stone Wood Fired Pizza & Grill, 7:009:00 pm. RSVP at jslwoodstock@yahoo. com. JSLWoodstock.org

August

21

Through Sept. 5

The 3rd Annual Discover Woodstock Scavenger Hunt will take participants on a journey through Woodstock. This two week long challenge consists of 100 challenges, where participants must take photos of various things around Woodstock. Free event to take part in! Top teams will win great prizes! 1st Place team will win a $100 Downtown Dollars Gift Certificate and other great prizes. Scavenger Hunt activity list will be posted on August 21 at 9:00 am, on VisitWoodstockGa.com, the Main Street Woodstock Facebook page, and hard copies will be available at the Woodstock Visitors Center at 10:00 am on August 22 VisitWoodstockGa.com

22

Blue Iron Law Enforcement’s 4th Annual Boot’s Ride for Courage

This year’s ride will benefit Nicole “Nikki” Fitzmayer, who needs a special FM station for her hearing aids to help her learn in school. The ride this year is even more special, as the name has been changed to Boot’s Ride for Courage in honor of Blue Iron Motorcycle Club’s Brother, who passed away from heart failure earlier this year. Registration at 9:30 am, kickstands up at 11:00 am. The ride will begin at Kaotic Kustoms, 6406 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock. Registration fee is $25 per bike and $10 per passenger. Food is included in registration. Raffles, music, and fun for the whole family at the end of the ride. BlueIronMCGA@gmail.com

SEPTEMBER

4

Downtown Woodstock’s Friday Night

Live: The Great Downtown Tailgate No need for doubletakes, that’s the grill you smell. Put on your team colors and strike up the band for a little early autumn fun! Participating downtown merchants will have activities going on at their stores and throughout the Downtown area, which are 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. The 2015 Friday Night Live Series is presented by Regions Bank. 770-924-0406, DowntownWoodstock.org

Cherokee County School Calendar

— 2015 —

AUG. 3

First Day of School

SEP. 7

School Holiday

SEP. 21-25

School Holiday

NOV. 23-27

School Holiday

DEC. 21-31

School Holiday

SequoyahRegionalLibrary.org

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

ROSE CREEK 4476 Towne Lake Parkway Woodstock, 770-591-1491

WOODSTOCK 7735 Main St. Woodstock, 770-926-5859

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.

LEGO CLUB

August 8, 3:00 pm, Rose Creek August 16, 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.

Keeping Your Information Safe

By Kathryn Wise

LIFESTYLE

You’ve probably heard the news reports concerning security breaches at major retailers, resulting in debit and credit card information being compromised. These breaches have shown the importance of regularly monitoring one’s financial accounts for ongoing activity.

Some consumers elect to receive monthly paper account statements through the mail, but in today’s world of fraud, that’s really too long to wait to review your account. Online or mobile banking, unlike monthly printed statements, gives you immediate access to monitor your transactions and accounts.

In most cases, these services are provided by your financial institution at no cost to you.

Another added benefit of switching from paper statements to electronic statements is that you no longer need to worry about sending sensitive account information to your mailbox, which can easily be stolen. Instead, you can view your statements securely online and, if needed, save them to your computer for quick reference.

And on the topic of online and mobile banking, always make sure the site you are using is secure. One

way to make sure the site is secure is to look for a padlock icon to the left of the web address. Another clue that the website is safe is that the web address will display as “https” on secure sites. In today’s world, to protect oneself and one’s sensitive data, it is always recommended that the “username” and “password” one uses for online and mobile banking is not the same login credentials one uses for other internet sites or even other financial institutions. It’s also recommended that you frequently change your login credentials, and always keep your anti-virus program running and updated.

In a time when scams and fraud are at an all-time high, it’s important to be diligent when it comes to protecting your sensitive data.

Kathryn Wise is the LGE Community Credit Union Retail Manager in Woodstock. 12186 Highway 92, Suite 111B — behind Starbucks in Walmart shopping center. 770-424-0060, KathrynW@LGEccu.org, LGEccu.org

Entertaining, Enlightening & Educational

Alpharetta, Roswell and Milton are cities with much to do at the core of the North Fulton area. These active cities provide plenty for residents and visitors, including shopping, dining and the arts. To tap the incredible marketing potential of the area, North Fulton Family Life magazine distributes to 25,000 homes in many of the most affluent neighborhoods to guarantee you will reach your clients.

Woodstock is a growing, vibrant city that is on the move. Several parks and an expansive trail and waterway system provide plenty to do in and around the city. Family Life Publications is proud to partner with Woodstock through our Woodstock Family Life magazine. Currently, our magazine reaches over 23,000 homes, including those in downtown Woodstock, Towne Lake, and surrounding areas.

Canton, seated in the center of Cherokee County, has a perfect balance of small town feel and big time business. New restaurants and businesses are popping up one after the other. Canton and her surrounding areas, including Holly Springs and the Hickory Flat and Sixes communities, have a very desirable market, rich with history and tradition. Canton Family Life is the only magazine in Canton that reaches east and west of I-575, with a distribution of 24,000.

Pie Bar

Pie Bar is passionate about creating pie that people love to eat and love to share. All of Pie Bar’s pies are handcrafted and made with fresh, local ingredients. We are currently serving Georgia Peach, blackberry, blueberry, banana pudding, key lime, pecan, bourbon chocolate pecan, peanut butter and buttermilk pies. Pie Bar’s first retail location is scheduled to open in Downtown Woodstock this month. You can also find us at the Woodstock Farmers Market on Saturday morning and at Reformation Brewery at Friday Night Live.

8720 Main Street, Suite 130, Woodstock. 404-536-5100, OrderPieBar.com

Rejoice Maids

Rejoice Maids, a residential and commercial cleaning service, takes pride in meeting the highest standards in cleaning and excellent customer service. Always aiming high, Rejoice Maids is now 80% “green.” Their goal is to continue to improve and provide our residential and commercial cleaning clients with the best service, without compromising quality. They provide professional cleaning services for homes, offices, daycare, churches and more in Woodstock, Towne Lake, Canton, Kennesaw and Acworth, GA areas. Whether your cleaning needs are residential or commercial, they offer flexible cleaning service options, including recurring maid service, movein/move-out cleaning, one-time house or office cleaning, as-needed housekeeper service, and house-for-sale cleaning. They have moved to 9910 Highway 92, Suite 120 in Woodstock. 678-905-3476, RejoiceMaids.com

BB&T has recently opened their third location in the Cherokee market. BB&T operates over 1,900 financial centers, in 13 states and offers a full range of consumer and commercial banking, securities brokerage, asset management, mortgage and insurance products and services.

The new branch is located at 936 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock. Their banking hours are Monday-Thursday 9:00 am–5:00 pm; Friday 9:00 am–6:00 pm; and Saturday 9:00 am–12:00 pm. The drive-thru opens at 8:30 am those mornings. 770-308-7903, BB&T.com

Sunglasses

Sunglasses More Than Just a Fashion Statement

By Vishal Patel, OD

A pterygium is a benign, wedge-shaped growth that develops on the conjunctiva or the mucous membrane that covers the white part of the eye. Pterygia usually occur in people aged 20 to 50, and are more common in men. The higher incidence in men is likely attributed to their association with outdoor work and dirty, dusty environments. Pterygia usually don’t cause problems or require treatment. However, in some cases they can extend on to the cornea, (the transparent front part of the eye). This may interfere with vision and may require surgical removal.

There are variable symptoms associated with pterygium growth. Many people

can feel as if there is something in their eye. Other symptoms also include dry eyes, irritation, inflammation and redness. They can also make it more difficult or uncomfortable to wear contact lenses. Most symptoms can easily be managed via topical lubricants or steroids.

The exact cause of pterygia isn’t known. The most common link to their growth and progression is too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. They occur more often in people who live in warm climates and spend a lot of time outdoors in sunny

or windy environments. For example, sailors and skiers tend to have a high incidence of pterygia because of the high levels of reflected UV light they encounter.

There are certain steps one can take to prevent the development or progression of pterygia. If possible, avoid exposure to environmental factors that can cause pterygia. Wearing sunglasses or a hat to shield your eyes from sunlight, wind, and dust while spending excessive time outdoors is very beneficial. Your sunglasses should also provide protection from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. If you already have a pterygium, limiting your exposure to wind, dust, pollen, smoke, and sunlight can slow its growth. It can also help prevent them from coming back if you’ve had a previous pterygium removal.

Summer vacations are in full swing, and fall break along with holiday trips are on the horizon, which makes now the perfect time to have a security system installed and monitored in your home. This addition will keep your valuables safe from theft, while allowing you to enjoy your trip without the worry of coming home to an empty house.

There are several options for installing and monitoring a security system. If you have a newer home, it is likely that it had a security prewire completed during the construction process. Therefore, protecting your home could be as simple

Better Safe Than Sorry

By Nick Roper

as installing the hardware for the system. If your house wasn’t prewired, you can also install a wireless unit. If you already have a system installed, you may just need to choose a monitoring company.

Make sure to do your research when selecting a security company. Some companies offer free system installation with a monitoring agreement, and some offer low monitoring rates with the purchase of a system. There are companies that will only lease you your system, so if you cancel your monitoring agreement, they’ll remove their equipment from inside your home. However, if you buy a system through the company that installs it, and then want to switch to a company with cheaper monitoring rates at a later date,

your system may not be compatible with the new monitoring company. It is important to not make a snap decision that could result in costing you more money for a comparable product.

Finally, don’t be deterred from getting a security system because you don’t want to pay for a phone line. Any reputable company will have the ability to provide you with a price for a security system by using a cellular phone. Therefore, it is very possible for your security system to pay for itself. Most insurance companies will reduce your homeowner’s insurance if you have a monitored security system. However, even if there is an additional cost, a security system should be considered, because you can’t put a price on the safety of your family.

Back to School… Safely!

By Calvin Moss

For most of us, the back-to-school season brings the constant shuffling of papers, carpools, heavy backpacks, and hectic schedules. While getting back into the swing of things, remember to safely share the roads with school buses, pedestrians, and bicyclists, and be sure to reinforce with children the necessary knowledge to keep them safe throughout the school year.

Twenty years ago, young children, ages 5 to 9, were more at risk than any other age group under 19 for being struck by a vehicle while walking. Thankfully, the death rate for kids of all ages in this category has declined more than 50 percent since 1995. But the news is not all good.

According to a study by SafeKids.org, an average of 61 children are hit by cars every day in the United States, most often during the hours before and after school, and peaking in September. There has also been a noticeable demographic shift. It is now much more likely that it will be a teenager rather than a younger child that will be hit by a car.

Distractions are everywhere, and cell phones top the list. It’s estimated that kids aged 13-17 send more than 3,400 text messages each month. That’s more than 7 messages every hour that they are awake! So whether children walk, ride their bicycle, or take the bus to school, it’s important that they, and the motorists around them, take proper safety precautions.

Before your children head out, remind them of these year-round safety tips:

† Never walk while texting or talking on the phone

† If texting, move out of the way of others and stop on the sidewalk

† Never cross the street while using an electronic device

† Don’t walk near traffic while wearing headphones

† Be aware of your surroundings

† Always walk on the sidewalk if one is available

† Look left, right, then left again before crossing the street

† Cross only at crosswalks where drivers expect to see a pedestrian

† Immediately report anything suspicious by calling 911

Drivers face many distractions, too, and cell phones are a top distraction because so many drivers use them for long periods of time each day. An estimated one of every four automobile crashes involves the use of a cell phone. Together, we can drive down that number.

Drivers have a lot to pay attention to in school zones, too, and should never pass a stopped school bus with its stop sign and lights activated for any reason. Almost everyone has seen a driver distracted by a cell phone, but when you are the one who is distracted, you often don’t realize that driver is you!

As you and your children head out the door on that first day of school, and every day throughout the year, there is really only one priority: making sure that you all get home safely.

Remember, a vigilant community is a safe community.

Sarah Cannon Receives CCSNA’s Judy Johnson Memorial Scholarship

The Cherokee County School Nutrition Association (CCSNA) recently awarded the 2015 Judy Johnson Memorial Scholarship to Sarah Cannon, a 2014 graduate of River Ridge High School.

A Chattahoochee Technical College student, Sarah plans to use the $1,000 scholarship to continue her studies toward earning a business degree. She plans to use this knowledge, along with her handson experience working at Camp Bow Wow and volunteering at the Atlanta Zoo, to open her own animal rescue shelter.

While at River Ridge HS, Sarah was a fouryear member of the marching band and first-chair clarinet. In addition to the zoo, she also volunteers for the MUST Summer Lunch Program and for the Bethlehem Walk Ministry at Mountain View United Methodist Church.

The Judy Johnson Memorial Scholarship began in 2010 in memory of Judy Johnson, CCSD School Nutrition department secretary. The Association works during the year to raise the $500 for the scholarship. Additional contributions to the Scholarship fund have raised the amount of the award this year to $1,000. The scholarship is awarded to the child or grandchild of a CCSNA member who has shown strong academic performance and a record of community service. Sarah is the daughter of Mountain Road Elementary School Cafeteria Manager, Tonya Cannon.

“We take great pride in offering this scholarship each year as a means to assist students with financial support while attending college,” CCSD School Nutrition Supervisor, Susan Turner said.

School District representatives and members of the Cherokee County School Nutrition Association (CCSNA) recently met to present the 2015 Judy Johnson Memorial Scholarship to River Ridge HS graduate Sarah Cannon. From left to right, Susan Turner, CCSD School Nutrition Supervisor; Malynda Wehunt, PresidentElect of CCSNA and Cafeteria Manager at Holly Springs ES STEM Academy; Superintendent of School Dr. Frank R. Petruzielo, Sarah Cannon and her mother, Tonya Cannon, Cafeteria Manager at Mountain Road ES; and Lisa Adams, Cafeteria Manager at Ball Ground ES STEM Academy.

Community

Wendy Cope

is CCSD’s 2015 Media Specialist of the Year

Cherokee County School District’s 2015 Media Specialist of the Year has been named the regional winner!

Woodstock Middle School Media Specialist, Wendy Cope, in March was surprised with the CCSD award — the first time the honor was presented by the District.

She was notified this week by the Georgia Library Media Association that she is the regional winner for North Central Georgia and now will be considered for the statewide Georgia Media Specialist of the Year award to be announced in October.

Ms. Cope and other regional winners will be recognized at an award luncheon this fall at the Georgia International Convention Center in Atlanta.

Ms. Cope earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Master of Education degree, both from the University of Georgia, and a specialist degree in Library Media and Information Technology from University of West Georgia. She previously served as a classroom teacher at Woodstock Middle School and River Ridge High School.

Chattahoochee Gold Swimmer Excels in International Competition

Chattahoochee Gold’s Alarii Levreault-Lopez has his sights set on the Olympics after his success in two, recent international competitions.

Alarii Levreault-Lopez (pictured) took part in Mexico’s National Long Course Swimming Championships from June 29th through July 4th, in Guadalajara. He captured the 18 & under National Championship in 100 Butterfly (56.50) and the 18 & under and overall championships in 200 Butterfly (205.12). He also recently competed in the Irish National Meet in Dublin, where he finished 4th in 200 Butterfly, 4th in 400 IM, 5th in 100 Butterfly, 2nd in 400 Medley Relay and 3rd in 800 Freestyle Relay.

Levreault-Lopez has dual citizenship, his mother is American and his father Mexican, so he can compete for a place on the American or Mexican Olympic teams. He will soon say goodbye to Chattahoochee Gold. This fall he’ll head for Baton Rouge to swim for the LSU Tigers and continue his training, aiming for an Olympic berth.

Medication Safety for Children

We actively engage to learn and provide the “right foods and fluids,” in the right amounts for our children to be energized and function at their best.

We are watchful that children do not have access to or consume food and fluids that are “not good for them.” The pharmacy team’s watchfulness is called Medication Safety, and these are a couple of SAFE thoughts.

1st Area of Safety — Over Medication

Often, non-prescription drugs are called “Over-the-Counter,” OTC for short, because they do not require a prescription to purchase. We walk up to the children’s display, read the information and make our selection. Many times, parents give these medicines together and duplicate the active ingredient. Safety for OTC means that some products do NOT need to be taken together. More importantly, more of the same medicine does not heal faster. Ask your pharmacist for the SAFE choice in OTC medications.

By Pamela S. Marquess

2nd Area of Safety — Doses of Medication

Do you have a child who takes medicine on a daily basis? Is it a challenge to arrange to have doses available for your child at school, at an after school activity or traveling with family or friends for extracurricular activities? Unit dose packaging provides a SAFE, sealed individual dose. This type of packaging is a SAFE solution.

3rd Area of Safety — Emergency Help

While your pharmacy team never wants you to experience the stress a parent feels when you think a child got into a medicine that is not for them, program “800-222-1222” into all the phones of those who care for your children — NOW! This number is the 24-hour HOTLINE for the Poison Control Center, but it is also your SAFE VOICE in case of a medication emergency.

Medication Safety is the pharmacy team’s highest priority for your family.

Ten CCSD Students Receive Cindy Richards Woody Awards

Cindy Richards Woody

Ten Cherokee County School District students have been recognized with Cindy Richards Woody Awards.

The annual awards are presented by the Canton Kroger supermarket and the family of the late Ms. Woody, who lived with Cystic Fibrosis until her death at age 24 in 1995, after fulfilling her lifelong dream of becoming a teacher. She was known for her strong will and love of life and graduated sixth in her class at Cherokee HS. She also earned an academic and softball scholarship to college, graduated from Shorter College with top honors and began working as a teacher at Sixes ES in 1993.

One student is selected from each participating school to receive the honor, and of all the honorees, one overall winner is selected. Students in Grades 3 to 6 are eligible for the award; nominations are made by teachers. This year’s overall winner is Greer Unterreiner of Sixes ES.

The school winners are:

Avery ES: Ella Walker

Canton ES STEM Academy: Madison Bonitatibus

Hasty ES Fine Arts Academy: Riley Crawford

Hickory Flat ES: Hannah Rivers

Holly Springs ES STEM Academy: Katherine Vansword

Indian Knoll ES: Megan Kirby

Knox ES: Stella Belfield

Liberty ES: Emily Beasley

Macedonia ES: Addison Spell

Sixes ES: Greer Unterreiner

“We select students who we feel best fit the life that Cindy portrayed. These nominees are expected to excel in academics, sports, morals and citizenship,” said Kathryn Laird of the Canton Kroger.

All of the honorees receive an engraved plaque; the county winner also receives a gift basket, and a trophy is displayed at his or her school for a year.

Woodstock AARP

Frank and Frances Giove spoke at the July 14th meeting of the Woodstock Chapter of AARP. They presented a talk about their recent Viking cruise to the wine country of France. They talked about the ins-and-outs of river cruising; and narrated a great trip to the wineries.

Do you know why they plant rose bushes at wineries? Rose bushes are an early warning signal to the growers that a fungus has occurred; so they can take action before it reaches the vineyard. Frank and Frances also talked about their other river cruises to Germany and China.

Also, the Woodstock Chapter collected school supplies to be donated for needy children.

Etowah HS Choir Performs with Rock Legends, Foreigner

As part of Foreigner’s ongoing charity partnership with the Grammy Foundation, they hosted the Etowah High School Chorus, who sang with the band on a performance of their 1984 hit, “I Want to Know What Love Is,” on July 19th, 2015, at Lakewood Amphitheater.

Foreigner has partnered with the Grammy Foundation to support its mission of maintaining and restoring music education in North America’s public schools, and raising awareness about the importance of music as part of each child’s complete education.

“As far as I’m concerned, music is not only the most powerful form of communication between the peoples of the world, it provides a gateway that opens up a fantastic new dimension of feeling and creativity. Anything we can do to provide young ones with the tools to express themselves through music is our goal in this partnership,” said Foreigner guitarist and founding member, Mick Jones.

As part of its charity initiative, Foreigner is donating $500 to the choir to use towards its music program.

Foreigner has also been involved with other charities including the Red Cross, the Shriner’s Children’s Hospitals and the VH-1 Save the Music charity, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for these worthy causes.

By Jeff Nevison

Congratulations! Your child recently graduated high school, and now they’re off to college and taking all of their prized possessions with them. If your college bound child is going away to college, it’s important to know the changes that might apply to your insurance.

Unfortunately, theft or robbery of personal property on college campuses can be a major concern, and the frequency of incidents seems to be increasing. Along with the increased ownership of technology products, has come the increase in the theft of technology products. Theft of jewelry, as well as furniture, is also very common on or around campus. The number of dorm and apartment fires are also increasing.

For students living in a campus dorm, personal possessions are usually

covered under the parent’s homeowner’s or renter’s policy. However, the amount of coverage is usually limited to an amount no greater than 10% of the personal property coverage limit on the parent’s policy. If the parent’s personal property limit is $50,000, only $5,000 would apply to the possessions in the student’s dorm. In some cases, a separate endorsement may be purchased to increase the coverage limits for computers, cell phones, and other personal property.

For students living in off-campus housing, a separate renter’s insurance policy is normally required. Parents should always check with their agent to determine if increased coverage or a separate policy is needed for their student away at college.

The Insurance Information Institute recommends the following for students going away to college:

• Leave valuables at home, if possible

• Create and maintain a ‘dorm inventory’

• Engrave electronics

• Always lock your dorm room and keep keys with you, even if you leave briefly

• Don’t leave personal possessions unattended

• Buy and use a laptop security cable

• Be careful to monitor and use microwaves and cooktops properly. Most apartment fires are cooking related.

For students leaving their car at home, check with your agent about discounts for students who are living at least 100 miles away from home.

When it comes to determining what is or is not covered, always take the time to check with an experienced agent.

ETOWAH

8/21 Marietta

8/28 @ Sequoyah

9/04 @ Cherokee

9/11 Walton

9/18 Woodstock

10/02 @ Pope

10/09 @ Milton

10/16 Lassiter (H)

10/30 Wheeler (SN) 11/06 @ Roswell

SEQUOYAH

8/28 Etowah

9/04 @ Blessed Trinity

9/11 @ Kell

9/18 River Ridge

9/25 @ Dalton

10/09 @ Cass

10/16 Creekview

10/23 Rome (H)

10/30 @ Woodland, Cartersville

11/06 Region 7-5A Play In

RIVER RIDGE

8/21 @ Woodstock

9/04 North Atlanta

9/11 @ North Springs

9/18 @ Sequoyah

9/25 @ Woodland, Cartersville

10/02 Rome

10/16 Dalton (H) 10/23 Cass (SN)

10/30 @ Creekview

11/06 Region 7-5A Play In

WOODSTOCK

8/21 River Ridge

8/28 @ Johns Creek 9/04 @ Wheeler 9/11 Pope 9/18 @ Etowah 10/02 Lassiter (H) 10/09 Cherokee 10/16 @ Walton 10/23 Roswell (SN) 10/30 @ Milton

All Games @ 7:30 ● (H) Homecoming ● (SN) Senior Night

New Students, New Teachers CCSD Welcomes for 2015-16

By Dr. Frank R. Petruzielo

The 2015-16 school year gets underway this month with more than 41,000 students expected to fill our classrooms and eager to begin learning! An additional 1,100 students will join us this year, along with more than 250 new teachers hired to accommodate student enrollment growth, replace retiring educators and further reduce class size.

One of the school board’s major system priorities is attracting and retaining the best teachers, principals and support staff; we are proud that our teacher turnover rate averages less than 6 percent, which is almost half the state’s attrition rate! Our award-winning school district

benefits greatly from the stability and professional expertise, provided by a highly competent staff of great teachers, who dedicate their careers to serving students, parents and the Cherokee County community.

Student health and safety is also a 2015-16 priority, as full-time hours for school nurses and the addition of school nurses at high schools have been restored.

More than 1,000 students attend school daily while managing a potentially life-threatening, chronic condition, ranging from asthma to epilepsy. Therefore, the support from professional healthcare staff is essential in today’s school environment. Parents will also notice expansion of a front door security access system at all elementary and middle schools, after a successful pilot in several schools last year.

As the economy strengthens and growth returns, CCSD is committed to providing support services to

more students while keeping costs contained. For example, while additional students this year will require increased bus service, our Transportation Department is piloting a three-tiered transportation model in the Etowah Innovation Zone that will adjust start and end times by 15 minutes for Booth Middle School, but will do away with the need for second bus loads at that location. This will increase capacity on buses and save $260,000 annually.

Our teachers, administrators and support staff will again strive to exceed the expectations of students, parents and the community in the coming school year. Let’s work together to ensure our tradition of excellence in education continues!

Dr. Frank R. Petruzielo is Superintendent of Cherokee County schools. 770-479-1871, Dr.P@Cherokee.K12.Ga.us

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

By Jose Baez

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a condition caused by increased pressure on the median nerve at the wrist. Simply put, it is a pinched nerve at the wrist.

The carpal tunnel is a space in the wrist where the median nerve and nine tendons pass from the forearm to the hand. When pressure builds from the swelling in the tunnel, it puts pressure on the nerve. When the pressure becomes great enough, you may experience one or all of the following symptoms:

• Numbness

• Tingling

• Pain in the arm, hand and fingers

What Causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

The cause is often unknown, but pressure on the nerve can occur in several ways:

• Swelling of the lining of the flexor tendons (tenosynovitis)

• Joint dislocations, fractures, or arthritis narrowing the tunnel

• Keeping the wrist bent for a long periods of time

• Fluid retention during pregnancy, (this often goes away after delivery)

• Thyroid conditions, rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes

• Carpal tunnel is sometimes due to a combination of causes.

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms usually include pain, numbness, tingling, or a combination of the three, with tingling and numbness most often in the thumb, index, middle and ring fingers.

Most likely, you will experience symptoms at night, but some notice them during daily activities. Some patients also notice a weaker grip, occasional clumsiness, or a tendency to drop things. In severe cases,

it’s possible to permanently lose sensation while the muscles at the base of the thumb slowly shrink (thenaratrophy).

Carpal Tunnel Diagnosis

In order to diagnose carpal tunnel, physicians will complete a detailed history, which will include any previous medical condition, how you’ve used your hands, and any prior injuries. They will also take an x-ray to check for other causes of your symptoms, such as arthritis or a fracture. In some cases, physicians may recommend a laboratory test if they suspect a medical condition that is associated with CTS. They may also perform a nerve conduction study (NCV) and/or electromyogram (EMG) to confirm your diagnosis, as well as check for other possible nerve problems.

Carpal Tunnel Treatment

It is possible to relieve carpal tunnel symptoms without surgery. By identifying and treating the underlying medical

CAUSES SIGNS SYMPTOMS DIAGNOSIS TREATMENT

condition, changing the patterns of hand use, or keeping the wrist splinted in a straight position, you may be able to reduce pressure on the nerve. Other treatment options include: wearing wrist splints at night to relieve symptoms that interfere with sleep and adjusting your workstation to alleviate a possible cause.

Carpal Tunnel Surgery

If your symptoms are severe or do not improve, physicians may recommend surgery to make more room for the nerve. By cutting the ligament that forms the top of the tunnel on the palm side of the hand, it is possible to decrease the pressure on the nerve. The incision allows the physician to enlarge the tunnel and decrease pressure on the nerve.

Cobb EMC’s Electrical Safety Tips for Children

Many children are left home alone at some point during the day. In fact, it is estimated that 40 percent of children spend some time at home by themselves.

Home should be a place of comfort, so it’s important to teach children electrical safety to help protect them when they may be alone. Teach kids the following safety tips:

 Leave electrical outlets alone, and do not touch. Parents, childproof your electrical outlets at home so children aren’t tempted to touch.

 Handle electronic toys with care, and ask an adult to help you before using an electronic toy.

 Do not place electronic toys or appliances near water. If there is an electronic device touching water, do not sit, stand or walk through the water.

 If an electronic device looks damaged or if a cord or wire looks frayed, do not touch it.

 Never stick fingers or objects into electrical appliances.

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.

Sources: American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Safe Electricity

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

Senator Speaks

By Senator Brandon Beach

ESECURITY

very day, your data is under attack. Hackers from all around the world are chasing your credit card information, social security number, date of birth, and other identifying data. Several high profile data breaches have spent weeks in the news, cost millions of dollars and cast a bright light on the need for more rigorous cyber security, in both the public and private sectors.

It is the responsibility of government to protect the data it requires from citizens to get a driver’s license, access state programs or receive other benefits. Every time data is submitted to the government, there is an unspoken contract that the information will be securely stored and shielded from attempted cyber theft.

To continue Georgia’s development as a secure cyber state, I have requested the Senate form a cyber security

study committee that would submit recommendations and findings, prior to the 2016 legislative session. Study committees are an important aspect of our state legislature to carefully craft the language necessary for any new laws or updates to existing laws. It is my hope that this committee will be able to provide a forum for cyber security experts, in and around our state, to shape Georgia’s policy, as it relates to cyber security.

In the state government, the Georgia Technology Authority (GTA) is on the front lines of the cyber security issue, overseeing the information technology infrastructure and subsequent services necessary for the 85 Executive Branch agencies in the state government, as well as managing the network of services delivered to 1,300 state and local government entities.

These services can include operating mainframes, servers, service desk, end user computing, disaster recovery and security, depending on the agency’s needs. Obviously, there is a lot of information that GTA is responsible for safeguarding.

Another factor in Georgia’s need for a more robust conversation about cyber security, is the relocation of the U.S. Army Cyber Command Center, to Fort Gordon in Augusta by 2019. Army Cyber Command (ARCYBER) is the lead for Army missions, actions and functions related to cyberspace. It is the sharp end of the spear for reporting and assessing Army cyberspace incidents, events, and operations, as well as synchronizing and integrating Army responses.

The relocation of ARCYBER is another major step in maintaining Georgia’s position as a leading state in the technology industry. It is important, in this conversation about cyber security, to remember that to remain on the forefront of the economic development opportunities in the technology industry, Georgia must stay on the cutting edge of cyber and digital issues. In today’s world, that means cyber security must be a priority for the state and businesses alike. As the Atlanta Tech Village and other technology driven businesses across the state continue to thrive, this need for cyber security will continue to increase.

It is my honor to represent Georgia’s 21st Senate District and serve as the Chairman of the Senate’s Science and Technology Committee.

The Con troversial

Tom ato

By Joshua Fuder

With summer now upon us, we will finally start to enjoy those delicious, home-grown tomatoes. The ways to include tomatoes in a meal are only limited by one’s taste buds and imagination. Americans love their tomatoes, probably more than any other vegetable. But is it a vegetable? Technically, by botanical definition, the tomato is a fruit. It is defined as such because it is the fleshy product of a plant that contains seeds and can be eaten as food.

This was the definition that the importers, John Nix, John W. Nix, George W. Nix, and Frank W. Nix argued for all the way to the Supreme Court in Nix v. Hedden in 1893. The Tariff Act of March 3, 1883 required a 10 percent tax on imported vegetables. However, this tax did not apply to fruit, thus the importance of defining the tomato as such. So the Nix’s took the case to court against Edward L. Hedden, the tax collector of Port of New York, to recover dues paid.

At the trial, definitions were submitted as evidence from Webster’s Dictionary, Worcester’s Dictionary, and the Imperial Dictionary. The witnesses were individuals who had been in the fruit and vegetable business. They were asked whether those words or definitions had any special meaning in their trade or commerce.

The court unanimously decided in favor of Mr. Hedden and upheld the definition that the tomato is a vegetable and subject to import taxes. Justice Gray did acknowledge that botanically, tomatoes are classified as a “fruit of the vine.” However, ultimately, they are a vegetable, because they are eaten as a main course instead of as a dessert. This decision followed the precedent of the decision reached four years prior in the 1889 case, Robertson v. Salomon, which cleared the air of the controversy of beans and whether they are “seeds” or “vegetables.”

To follow the UGA Master Gardener Extension Volunteers of Cherokee County visit Facebook.com/ CherokeeMasterGardeners.

Never Alone, founded in 2006, is dedicated to positively impacting and fulfilling individual, family, and community needs, both physical and emotional. Our outreach center, at 291 Rope Mill Road Woodstock, GA, (between Downtown Woodstock and The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta), collects, stores, and distributes food, milk, personal hygiene products, clothing and more to those in need in Cherokee County. We assist all of our guests in a respectful, sensitive, and private manner. Each household is permitted one visit per month, in an effort to promote self-sufficiency and independence, while still enabling us to fulfill needs of the greater community. We also collaborate with other food banks in the county to ensure that our

291 Rope Mill Road, Woodstock

resources are put to the best use and help the most people possible. We are a Christ-centered organization, and we seek to show the love of Christ and spread His truth through our actions, as we serve all those in need, regardless of creed or other differences. A single parent trying to provide for their children, a family whose primary breadwinner has lost a job, a child trying to make their own way, or anyone else who has fallen on hard times is welcome at Never Alone.

Never Alone has served nearly 5,000 people so far this year, but can only continue to serve those in need if we receive help from the community. Volunteers are vital for us, as we operate 6 days a week, from Monday

“Then

to Saturday, 10 am - 3 pm. We are happy to host church groups, school groups, or any individuals who are just looking to do some good in their community. However, we also depend on donations, both from businesses and private individuals, to cover our expenses and to supply clothing for the guests. Tangible donations, such as clothing, can be delivered to the outreach center at the previously listed address. Financial donations can be made securely online at NeverAlone.org. As a non-profit 501(c)-3 organization, financial donations to Never Alone, Inc. are tax deductible. Any amount, no matter how small, will enable us to help the people of Cherokee County and would be very much appreciated.

Seniors’ Life

LIFESTYLE

My name is Tim Morris, the new Director of Senior Services in Cherokee County. I have dedicated my life to working with seniors for over 25 years. I recently spent 22 years as the Operations Coordinator for Gwinnett County Senior Services. I was fortunate to retire from Gwinnett and had the opportunity here, in Cherokee County. This all came about from my friend, Nathan Brandon, and his desire to see the program grow and improve. In his words, he thought I had the “right personality to be his replacement.” I respected the job he did here from afar, and the dedication he put toward it. I don’t think everyone is meant to do this kind of work, and I believe people are born with the personality to provide services like we provide. I

have the full understanding that I am a provider for the community and the seniors of Cherokee County. I tell people all the time that “they are the reason why we are so fortunate to do this kind of work.” If I can make a person’s life more enjoyable, then I have fulfilled my obligations not only to them, but myself. I try to put myself in the shoes of others and treat people the way I would like to be treated. Someone asked me while I served in Gwinnett how I was able to grow our centers into

fully functional centers for all day programs. My response was, “It was simple. You love them and let them know this is their place.” I wasn’t perfect, but what I did well was listen. A center participant came to me during my retirement party at one of my centers and told me I was “the one that made her feel welcomed, and she knew I cared about her.” After she lost her husband of 50 years, she struggled with his death and the decision to come back to the center. She told me it was something I told her that gave her a “sense of being needed,” and that she “needed the center to help her during this time of healing.” I told her she needed us and we needed her, and “we will get through this together.” I am a very fortunate man that can say he truly loves what he does each and every day. L

By Meghan Griffin l Photos courtesy of PhotoJack.net

When Tim McWhirter Jr. of Canton Termite and Pest Control started his business, he pledged that hard work, dedicated service and respect for others would be his company’s watchwords. As a lifetime Cherokee County resident, his reputation with his local area means a great deal to him. Tim’s family is well known in the Canton area. As many may recall, Reeves Florist serviced the county for many years before the death of Tim’s grandfather, John Reeves.

If you’ve been around Cherokee County for a while, you might have hired Tim and Canton Termite and Pest Control under a different name. In fact, the company was originally called Systematic Service, and Tim only

recently made the decision to change the company’s name. Canton Termite and Pest Control was originally run for 35 years by one of Tim’s inspirations, Mr. Winston Stringer of Cartersville. Tim worked for Mr. Stringer for many years and respected him greatly for never letting his disability stop him. In fact, Tim said that it truly made Mr. Stringer work harder. He never quit. Tim carried on the legacy of Canton Termite and Pest Control after Winston Stringer passed away.

Another inspiration for Tim was the farm where he grew up; the McCurley Dairy Farm on Univeter Road. He credits both the farm and Mr. Stringer with his hard work ethic and strong moral compass.

“There wasn’t a day that wasn’t filled with hard work. It was a matter of pride to work hard and do well,” Tim said.

Both Mr. Stringer and the McCurley Farm also instilled in Tim a call of service. The farm put their people first. From family to customers to employees, everyone was valued and treated with respect. Testimonials from customers prove that this core value is put into action by Tim and his service manager, William Botts, both professionally and personally. The company is frequently commended for their integrity and quality of service.

As evidence, Tim’s company offers a 58 point Pest Analysis and a no risk, 100% money back guarantee. If you are not completely happy with Canton Termite’s work, they will make it right or you won’t pay a penny. Tim also offers another service on his website, where he writes pest control advice blog posts. If you have a question about pests, you might want to take a look at www.CantonTermite.com. Tim may have an answer for you.

When asked about local pest control concerns, Tim stressed the issue of termites in the southeast. Did you know that, statistically speaking, termites will do far more damage to your home than fire? Canton Termite and Pest Control will help prevent termites or mitigate damage that’s already been done.

Canton Termite and Pest Control also handles wildlife control issues like squirrels, raccoons, and groundhogs. Tim and William are also happy to help local homeowners with that most annoying of all pests — the mosquito. Call for a backyard treatment to protect your family for the remainder of the warm months. Mosquitoes are also vectors (transmitters) of several viruses that can cause severe disease and even death in humans, including West Nile Virus and St. Louis Encephalitis.

In addition to putting service first

professionally, Tim and his wife, Robin, are active with First Baptist Church in Woodstock, where their daughter Bethany cheers with the Upward Program. The program focuses on building skills in sports and teaching Christian values that athletes will have for life. Tim and Robin have also served through AWANA, Boy Scouts, and by leading youth groups at church. Tim feels that in addition to his family, his biggest inspiration is his faith. He is guided by a passage from Proverbs 22:29. It reads, “Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will stand before kings and not before obscure men.”

The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree when it comes to a tradition of

community service. The McWhirter’s three sons, Joshua, Aaron and Adam are active with Boy Scout Troop 125, chartered by the Canton United Methodist Church. Tim is also heavily involved in the Scouts, and proudly guided his two oldest sons through the Eagle Scout rank. Joshua, who now attends North Georgia College, worked actively with the Bryan Center in Canton for his Eagle Scout project. He helped to create a beautiful courtyard for residents of the Center, near what long time Cherokee County residents will recognize as the former home of Dr. Coker. Aaron, who attends King’s Academy with Adam and Bethany, partnered with TurnAround Ministries in Woodstock to build a play and storage area.

TurnAround Ministries provides a home for displaced children and currently has 20 permanent residents under the age of 18.

Tim’s Service Manager, William Botts, shares this dedication to hard work and service. William, also a Cherokee County native, grew up in Holly Springs near the fire station. He married his high school sweetheart, Mary Beth Daniel, and for the next eight years continued to work in management. After witnessing the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, the Botts family made the decision to serve as missionaries. With their three children; Dakota, Mason and Grace, they traveled all over the US and overseas to serve others. William, who is bilingual in Spanish and English, also attended school at Tennessee Temple University and completed his degree in Intercultural Studies. After returning to Cherokee County, William searched for a vocation that matched his and his family’s values. He and Canton Termite and Pest Control were a perfect fit. William is also currently serving as interim student pastor at First Baptist Church of Holly Springs.

As we move into another autumn, be sure to reach out to your hometown neighbors at Canton Termite and Pest Control for all of your pest control needs.

Scoop of

BY MICHELLE KNAPP & SUZANNE TAYLOR

Are you up for a little exploring this month? Scoop OTP has some Forced Family Fun suggestions that are worth the drive. Thank you to Scoop OTP contributor, Connie Briggs, for these family friendly recommendations.

Every summer, my family takes a day trip to Fort Valley, Georgia, to buy peaches fresh off of the trees at Lane Southern Orchards. The peaches are wonderful, just the kind I love — the flesh snaps right off the pit, (also called the “stone,” so these peaches are “freestone;” the ones that have the flesh cling is “clingstone”). Although you do not pick them off the tree yourself, you can buy the peaches in small or large quantities. Several varieties are offered at different times, so call ahead to see if your favorite kind is in season. Be sure to check out the store while you are there. The novelty items, baked goods and the homemade peach ice cream really make this trip worth the drive.

Forced FamilyFun

As the days grow hotter, there is no better time to go tubing down the beautiful Chattahoochee River! Last year, my family went to Cool River Tubing in Helen, Georgia, to go tubing at their Chattahoochee Outpost. We had a blast! It’s great Forced Family Fun! After paying $5 per person and choosing the 1.5-hour ride, we looked around the gift shop and rented a locker for $2. A bus shuttled us up to the point where we were to enter the river, and we were given colorful tubes for the ride down. You can choose between tubes with or without bottoms, and we chose ones with bottoms. The day was sunny and hot, a perfect day to “Shoot the Hooch!” My kids loved zooming over the small “waterfalls,” (just some rocks on an incline), and a couple of times I got out of my tube to push the four of us over these inclines. I highly recommend bringing a walking stick to help push your way through the rocky areas, (also available in the gift shop).

An easy drive south to Locust Grove will take you to Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary. The Sanctuary was created to provide a home for abused, unwanted and orphaned animals, and it is FREE to visit. This worthy organization, a 501©3 non-profit, is deserving of each and every donation from its visitors. I think the Sanctuary is a very good place to visit, especially with young children. There is a huge playground, lots of picnic tables, a beautiful flower garden, a habitat for turtles, and a pond with a bridge and alligators next to the Visitor Center. At Noah’s Ark, you get a real sense of what it is like to live and work with the animals. The fenced habitats are immense! The sheer number of animals (1500+) at the Sanctuary is amazing. So enjoy the birds, the monkeys and the big cats at Noah’s Ark.

Our Own Corner

By Johnny M. Hunt

In today’s culture, especially in America, it seems we are frequently compelled to concentrate on “self.” Who we are as an individual takes precedence over most everything else; we constantly fight for our rights to ourselves. It’s about me, my education, my career, my family, my bank account, my choices, my lifestyle, and what I want out of life. When put in particular context, the idea of self-reliance can be attractive. But what about God?

Consider these verses:

“Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God,” 2 Corinthians 3:5

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,” Ephesians 2:8

“For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive?”

1 Corinthians 4:7

Over and over again, God reminds us that everything we have been given is a GIFT. We would not have these gifts of our own accord. When we fight for our own corner, what we’re really saying is that we would prefer to follow our own will and not our Creator’s. Thus, making ourselves our own god.

In his book, The Problem of Pain, C.S. Lewis described self-sufficiency in this way:

“Adam and Eve wanted, as we say, to “call their souls their own.” But that means to live a lie, for our souls are not, in fact, our own. They wanted some corner in the universe of which they could say to God, “This is our business, not yours.” But there is no such corner.”

There is no such corner. Too many of us are worshipping our own self. We outwardly say we believe in Him, but inwardly we act as though He does not exist. When one hears the commandment heeding against false idols, one may conjure up imagery of a golden calf, a celebrity, or even money. It is sobering to think that in order to recognize the most potent false idol in our lives, all some of us would need to do is look in a mirror.

When you take your car to get an oil change, one part of their service is usually to disclose current and potential problems discovered when inspecting the engine. Making affordable and necessary adjustments now, which could save you from expensive, unexpected expenses in the future, will actually save you money. Before each cooling season, it is recommended that central air conditioners get a professional tune-up. This is the biggest step to preventing major malfunctions in an A/C unit. A professional, preventative maintenance visit should include a complete visual system inspection, checking system operation to ensure that it is operating within manufacturer’s specifications, and provide documented system recommendations to aid in minimizing future complications with the performance and operation of your HVAC system.

You can think of HVAC efficiency in terms of miles per gallon, (mpg). By maintaining your car with the recommended tire pressure, oil changes, and other engine tune-up procedures, its mpg is optimized. Your home’s HVAC system is the same. Having seasonal, preventative maintenances performed on your HVAC systems optimizes your home’s “fuel” efficiency and reduces your electrical consumption.

One of the most important steps that

to Maintain Your HVAC System

By Robbie Matiak

can be done by a homeowner is to clean or replace the HVAC system’s air filter every three months. Do not run the unit with the filter removed. Check the owner’s manual for the filter cleaning procedure. Let a washed filter dry completely before reinstalling it. Every month, especially during the summer

months, remove any leaves or debris from around outdoor condenser units. Some additional energy saving tips for the summer months include setting your thermostat higher for periods when you are away from home, checking around windows and doors for any gaps

or leaking air, minimizing the use of doors leading to garages and making sure that the stove exhaust is on when cooking. During the spring, summer, and fall, leaves and yard debris should be removed from around the outdoor unit on a weekly basis. Lawn mower clippings should not be discharged directly onto the unit. All shrubbery should be pruned back at least two feet from the unit, so as to allow proper air circulation while the unit is running. Inspect the area surrounding the outdoor unit for any signs of insect activity. Insects are often drawn into the unit due to the low frequency hum of the electrical components, which can result in an unexpected repair cost.

Our goal as a professional heating and cooling provider is to provide top-notch, professional system recommendations, not as a way to sell you something, but as a necessary customer service to ensure the utmost safety and continued comfort for you and your family. By properly maintaining your HVAC systems, we can help to ensure that your family experiences a safe and comfortable home environment year-round.

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

Could Rejuvenation Surgery Be Right for You?

By Michael Hulse, MD

Vaginal rejuvenation is a group of surgical procedures that are performed on women, in an attempt to tighten up the vaginal area. The most common procedures recommended are vaginoplasty and labioplasty. Surgeons often claim that these procedures can increase sensitivity, improve self-esteem and enhance women’s lives. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) challenges these claims and questions the safety and effectiveness of these procedures.

Vaginoplasty refers to the procedures that are used to tighten the vagina. Potential

complications of these procedures include decreased vaginal sensation, pain, scarring, damage to surrounding organs, infection, and painful intercourse. Most women can sufficiently tighten or tone the vaginal area without undergoing unnecessary and potentially dangerous surgery. Kegel exercises, pelvic muscle training and functional electrical stimulation therapy are a few examples of successful, nonsurgical treatments that help increase the tone and function of the pelvic muscles. These therapies can also be used to treat leaking urine, leaking stool and painful intercourse.

Labioplasty refers to procedures that include reshaping or reducing the size of the labia. Women need to be reassured that there is much variation to the appearance of the external genitals, which is normal. Typically, surgery is not needed. However, there are occasions when the labia are enlarged or uneven and cause pain, discomfort or embarrassment. In

these cases, it is appropriate to consider surgical correction. The procedures are fairly straightforward, and can usually be performed in the office with light anesthesia or in an operating room.

Your OB/GYN should be an advocate for your health and well-being. As such, he or she should provide counseling, support and education to help guide you in making the best health decision for you.

Book Review

BY CATHERINE GROVES

Pulizer Prize Winner and #1 Bestseller

The Goldfinch

Was Well Worth the Wait

Thirteen-year-old Theo Decker loves his mother but doesn’t recognize the depth of his love until she’s gone. After her tragic death, Theo goes to live with the family of a wealthy friend. Although appreciative of the kindness this family has shown him, Theo cannot embrace his new life on Park Avenue, nor can he even begin to communicate with his new friends. His constant grief and remembrance of the explosion he survived, create a black hole from which he sees no escape. The only thing that gives Theo any consolation is a small, mysterious painting of his mother’s called “The Goldfinch.” It is this painting which begins to shape his destiny, and pull him into the underworld of art.

With “The Goldfinch” in Theo’s care, his life becomes one of shootouts, gangsters, and the black-market for art. His teenage years find him being a young man of whom he knows his mom would not be proud. Theo finds some solace in Greenwich Village with a gifted restorer of antique furniture, who shows Theo great kindness. From there he lands in a quite foreign Las Vegas, where he meets the young outlaw, Boris.

Pulsing with emotions, Tartt gives an intricate dialogue of the deepest of sorrow and survival, yet at the same time, captivates with chilling action. The Goldfinch is yet another reason to love Donna Tartt; her prose so full of dignity; her characters radiating with life; the drawing of joy and heartache in a single sentence. Tartt weaves a tale of many layers.

Donna Tartt is also the author of The Secret History and The Little Friend.

The Goldfinch can be found at most major bookstores, and can also be purchased on Kindle and Nook.

Catherine Groves is an avid reader and book collector (owning more than 5,000 books). She also is publisher of two neighborhood magazines and is writing her first novel.

Taste of

1 cup almond flour

½ cup coconut flour

By Lori Davis, honorary member

1 tbsp. cocoa powder

½ tsp. salt

Pinch of cinnamon

2 pouches of instant coffee granuales

2 cups Enjoy Life chocolate chips, melted

¼ cup almond milk or coconut milk

½ cup honey or agave nectar

½ cup safflower oil or coconut oil

5 eggs

Sift all dry ingredients together in a large mixing bowl. Melt chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, 30 seconds at a time, until completely melted. Add honey, almond milk, oil, eggs and melted chocolate chips to the dry ingredients. Mix with electric hand mixer until well blended.

Divide batter into lined muffin tins, filling the cups to almost full. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 23 minutes or until top is cracking and a toothpick inserted in the center of each comes out clean. Let cool for 5 minutes and remove from muffin pan and place on wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, store in an airtight container for up to one week.

Note: Gluten-free, dairy-free, soy free recipe.

Summer is coming to an end, and school is just around the corner. There are now many parents looking for an activity for their children to do after school. There are many choices, but The One Taekwondo is the perfect choice for you! Taekwondo is a martial art that focuses on helping your child learn confidence, respect, focus, and most of all, have fun! In recent years, it has greatly grown in popularity and is also an Olympic sport. Anyone can start Taekwondo at any age. At The One Taekwondo, we help students develop a healthy mind and body and try to help reinforce the good habits taught at home. The atmosphere here at The One Taekwondo is full of energy and draws your child in, making it an extremely enjoyable experience. As a parent, watching your child grow and develop better reflexes, coordination, and confidence can be very rewarding. As your child begins their journey to black belt, they will face challenges and have to set and achieve goals. As a result, their self-esteem and confidence will grow. With over 25 years of experience, Master Kim, a 5th degree black belt, and Master Yang, a 4th degree black belt, dedicate their lives to teaching Taekwondo to all ages. Both instructors are graduates of Kyung-Hee University, a school highly regarded in the Taekwondo community. They both share the same passion for teaching Taekwondo and have established a family-oriented environment. Our family class allows you to train side-by-side with your children, for what is truly a special experience. The One Taekwondo Center will help you and your child grow and bond together through our program. It is more than a martial art; it is a way of life.

It’s School Cafeteria Time:

Please, Don’t Eat the Jello!

By Steven Anderson, DMD

Well, not exactly, but you should talk with your children about a healthy diet plan, as well as some “sweet” rules before they begin their new school year.

Increasingly, more schools are offering sweets and snacks in high revenue soda and candy vending machines. As a result, unhealthy eating temptations are facing our children more than ever. As a parent and doctor, I am concerned about these blatantly placed temptations in our schools. Soda and sugar has often become simply another food group rather

than a “special treat,” and the harmful health aspects are far-reaching.

Soda should not be consumed on a daily basis. From an oral health perspective, all soda contains harmful acids that literally “eat away” the strong enamel of our teeth. Regular consumption can rapidly destroy your teeth, your ability to enjoy good foods, which eventually evolves into costly dental treatment.

Sugar and other refined carbohydrates increase oral bacteria’s harmful acid production. Sure, twice daily brushing for two minutes helps, but this sugar contraband cannot be combatted effectively without abstinence.

Fruits and vegetables should be an obvious choice in the daily lunch box. Milk instead juice is an excellent choice. In

addition, many schools have meal plans that provide nutritious opportunities for those not packing lunches.

Parents must take an active role in controlling their children’s sugar consumption at school.

Establishing a healthy diet and “sweet” rules when children are young will better prepare them as they enter adolescence and become less malleable. Teenage tooth decay can be a serious problem. It can be very costly, financially for parents, as well as to your child’s overall oral health. The occasional “sweet” relief will keep everyone smiling. So remember to practice what you preach, in meals and in lunch boxes.

DrStevenAnderson.com

Mentally Prepare for Back to School!

By Angel Groves

Going back to school takes preparation. You want everything to run smoothly so you can get a good start to the new school year. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to get ready for back to school so you are prepared and more at ease.

First, get in the right mindset. This

means getting yourself in the habit of thinking in terms of school. Start thinking about your time schedule and how much will be dedicated to schoolwork. You must also gear your brain up to do a lot more critical thinking during your downtime, some of which will now be utilized for studying and homework. Playing trivia games is

one way to get your brain back in the routine of critical thinking, while still having the freedom and fun of knowing you are playing a game. Unfortunately, if someone does not mentally prepare themselves for school, they can be overwhelmed when they realize there’s more involved than just going through the motions.

eating schedule. Get the family back on a regular mealtime and snack routine, so it mirrors the student’s schedule at school. This will also help you be more mentally focused in in the classroom.

Next, get organized. When thinking about being organized for school, start thinking of what you can do now. Call the school and find out anything that is going to be required. Prepare any papers, doctor’s physicals, immunization records, and proof of residency if you are enrolling in a new school, as well as purchase parking stickers or learn bus routes and bus stop times. This way, you are not searching for important, mandatory documents or items at the last minute. Do not forget to schedule time to do all of the previously mentioned activities and requirements. Make a central location for school schedules and calendars. Family calendars are a great way to keep track of after-school activities and school programs. Choose a calendar format that works for your family, so you can add to your calendar as needed. As the year progresses, there will be school lunch menus, class assignment sheets, sports practice schedules, field trip permission slips and other information you need to find at a moment’s notice.

at the last minute, will minimize your stress and prevent possible, unnecessary expenses.

Secondly, be sure to get the right amount of sleep. Do not wait until the first day of school to drastically change your sleep schedule. Make it a priority to get back into a normal school sleep routine. Go to bed on time, and wake up around the time you need to get up for school. Easing into a normal routine will help make that first week much easier. The same goes for the family’s

Before you purchase school supplies and school clothes, check out your current wardrobe and supplies. What items do you need for school? What needs to be thrown out or donated? You might consider discussing the family budget before you shop, so you can avoid in-store tantrums. Check your school website for supply lists and other information. Doing it this way, rather than trying to think of things

Being organized for school does not just involve having the right papers and school supplies; it also means creating a daily routine to make school pleasant. One great way is to have organized mornings. School mornings, whether involving a parent getting the children ready, or just the student trying to get himself ready, can affect the entire day. Little daily tasks can add up quickly, but if you are prepared for them, your morning will be less hectic. Lay out your clothes the night before, as well as the breakfast needs. Make lunches the night before, or make sure each student has money to buy lunch. Check backpacks for homework, projects or library books. Make sure musical instruments or sports bags are packed and ready. If multiple people leave around the same time, have a bathroom schedule in the morning to cut down on time and stress, as well. Another great way to be mentally prepared for school is to run through your morning routine before the first day. Have the students wake up on time, go through the morning routine, and get to the car or bus stop on time. Routines help children feel comfortable, and can help the first day of school go much more smoothly.

Getting back into the school schedule and practicing a routine will help ease you into the new school year. Doing these little things are easy and effective ways to be in the right mindset and become organized. These things can help make going back to school less stressful and more enjoyable!

Woodstock Scavenger Hunt!

By Jenna Hill

The 3rd Annual Discover Woodstock Scavenger Hunt is just around the corner! Soon, locals and tourists alike will have an exciting opportunity to experience Woodstock through a scavenger hunt. The scavenger hunt is a free activity that will take participants on a journey through various areas in Woodstock. You will learn new things, explore exciting places and visit some familiar and some new areas. Participants will have August 21st through September 5th to complete as many of the 100 photo challenges included in the hunt as they can. The lucky winner will receive $100 in Downtown Dollars to spend at their favorite place in Downtown Woodstock, as well as various other prizes!

Contestants can expect a variety of challenges during the scavenger hunt. You will be learning about the history of Woodstock, performing an amusing task or making a funny

face in your pictures, all while having a great time! The Discover Woodstock Scavenger Hunt will be a great excuse to take family and friends to restaurants, shopping destinations, parks and places in the Woodstock area you may have never visited. Past teams have said they discovered new favorite restaurants they had never tried or trails to hike that they didn’t know existed. You might find a new great shopping spot, eatery, or Woodstock recreational facility that you love. Since the scavenger hunt takes place over the course of an entire week, you will have plenty of time to fully explore this wonderful town.

Participants will take photos with a camera or cell phone to have visual proof of completing the challenges in the scavenger hunt.

The scavenger hunt activity list will be available at 9:00 am on August 21st on VisitWoodstockGA.com, as well as the Downtown Woodstock Facebook page, and hard copies will be available at the Woodstock Visitors Center starting at 10:00 am on August 22nd.

So start preparing yourself and your team today for the 3rd Annual Discover Woodstock Scavenger Hunt!

For more information on the 3rd Annual Discover Woodstock Scavenger Hunt please contact The Woodstock Visitors Center at 770-9240406 or visit VisitWoodstockGa.com.

The photo challenges are scored on a scale, which depends on their degree of difficulty. Although you probably will not be able to finish all 100, choose wisely so you can get the most points out of each challenge. This is a great way to be creative and have fun with friends and family! Jenna Hill is Tourism Information Coordinator at the Woodstock Visitors Center. 770-924-0406, WhatsUpWoodstock.com

Viking Cruises Offers New Itineraries for 2016-2017

By Michael Consoli

Fresh off the christening of its first ship, Viking Ocean Cruises® has announced four new itineraries in the Mediterranean, Western Europe, Scandinavia and the Baltic. Viking’s guests now have even more opportunities for destination-focused cruises in 2016 and 2017 that span from ancient empires to the towering fjords of Norway and beyond.

New Mediterranean & Holy Land Itineraries

Not only is Viking adding sailing dates to existing itineraries, but the company has also created four new, enrichment-filled programs that will take guests from the sun-soaked region of the Mediterranean to the cultural capital of St. Petersburg.

NEW FOR 2016: Ancient Empires & Holy Land (15 days; Rome to Istanbul)—This 15day itinerary offers the opportunity to explore historic destinations in the Eastern Mediterranean, and experience some of the sacred sights of the Middle East while traveling through the heart of the Holy Land. Guests will have the chance to spend three days in Israel, making stops in Jerusalem and Haifa, gateways to Bethlehem and Nazareth, and will also be able to explore the ancient cities of Rome, Athens and Istanbul. Introductory 2-for-1 pricing starts at $4,199 per person, with discounted airfares from $695 per person.

NEW FOR 2016: Bergen to the Bosphorus (15 days; Bergen to Istanbul)—This epic journey begins in beautiful Bergen before cruising south to the Mediterranean, stopping in Paris and Lisbon along the way. Once in the Mediterranean, travelers visit Tunis, Valletta and Athens before concluding the trip in the ancient cosmopolitan city of Istanbul. Introductory 2-for-1 pricing starts at $3,699 per person, with discounted airfares from $895 per person.

NEW FOR 2017: Secrets of the Southern Mediterranean (8 days; Rome to Barcelona)—Guests will set sail through the southern Mediterranean, departing from glorious Rome and continuing on to some of North Africa’s most historically significant destinations, including Tunis, which is a dazzling city that mixes North African tradition and French colonialism, and Algiers, home of the Notre Dame d’Afrique. The itinerary also stops in Valletta, Sardinia and Valencia before concluding the trip in beautiful Barcelona. Introductory 2-for1 pricing starts at $1,999 per person, with discounted airfares from $595 per person.

NEW FOR 2017: Barcelona, the Baltic & Beyond (22 days; Barcelona to Stockholm)—This voyage travels through the waterways of Western Europe and the Baltic, giving guests the opportunity to explore iconic, worldclass cities, such as Barcelona, Lisbon, Paris, Amsterdam and St. Petersburg. Introductory 2-for1 pricing starts at $5,999 per person, with discounted airfares from $695 per person.

L

Despite her young age, 2014 Georgia Country’s Teen Artist of the Year, Madison Shea, has a long list of accomplishments. Born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, the now 18-year old grew up in Woodstock and discovered her passion for music early in life. “In first grade, I entered my school’s talent show with a song my mom used to sing when she was doing my hair in the mornings,” the singer remembers. “I instantly fell in love with being on stage. Knowing that I can make people smile with my voice was the coolest thing!”

Shea went on to acting in plays and musicals, something she intended to pursue, until a poetry assignment in 6th grade came along. “I discovered this amazing new way to express myself — songwriting,” Shea says. “However, at that point, I played no instrument; so I only heard the music in my head.” With the help of her mom and her music teacher, who put music to her written songs, Shea got in contact with a producer in Nashville, where she recorded two original songs at age 12. “The exposure I had at such a young age is amazing,” Shea states. “Over the years, I worked with different producers, which helped me to evolve a feeling for the music industry, yet it was quite frustrating that I lacked experience. Something I kept hearing over and over for the next five years was: ‘You are extremely talented, but you are not ready, you are too young’.”

Artist Profile

BY HEIKE HELLMANN-BROWN

Despite her disappointment, Shea worked hard on following her dream. As a teenager, she performed at local venues and festivals and learned to play the piano and the guitar, which enabled her to add music to her lyrics.

Today, Shea has written 80 original songs, six of those have played on Atlanta’s 94.9 The Bull. In 2011, she released her first EP titled, “I’ve Got a Secret,” followed by the album, “Miss Me” in 2014. Its title track is currently playing

on The Bull’s Backyard Country. Shea opened for John Michael Montgomery at the 2013 Global Winter Wonderland at Turner Field and performed a pre-game and postgame show for the Atlanta Braves. When performing, she is either supporting herself on acoustic guitar and keyboard, or she is accompanied by her professional band.

A recent graduate, Madison Shea is now heading to Tennessee again. She will study Music Business at Middle Tennessee State University. “The university also offers a songwriting program, so

it was a hard decision. In the end, gaining extensive knowledge about the music business won out.”

She is still pursuing singing while in college. Her next appearance will be October 4th, at The Bluebird Café in Nashville, TN.

No doubt this Georgia girl is set to leave her mark on the music world! “When I was 14, someone asked me, ‘What is your backup plan?’ I have none — because that would only set me up for failure!”

Time Management: Focus on Intent

By Crystal Bryant

Many times I have heard someone say, “There just aren’t enough hours in the day!” Quite often, that person is me! It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and unable to complete everything on my list. And then two things occur to me. First, I make my own task list every day, and while some items affect other people, many do not. Secondly, when was it decided that we are to pack as much as humanly possible into a day, then add just a little bit more?

So, I decided to take charge of my day. I decided to divide my task list into three categories, which are “necessary,” “profitable,” and “other.” The “necessary” things are things like

feeding children and pets, paying bills, doing laundry, and work I do as paid employment. If I decided not to do any of them, there would be undesired results.

“Profitable” things are certain cleaning tasks that need to be done, perhaps reading a book, running errands, learning Spanish, exercise or playing with my children. I realize some of these are “necessary,” and some are in the “other” category, it will depend upon an individual’s priorities.

The “other” category can hold a wide range of things. From day to day, the same task may float from

one category to another. But in my “other” category, I found things such as Facebook, games, and watching TV. None of those things are harmful in and of themselves. However, I easily give time to the things in the “other” category that take time away from my “profitable” category, and sometimes my “necessary” category. Most of the time, this is unintentional.

I have the gift/flaw of adaptability. I easily move from one thing to another, often in the middle of a task. Therefore, intentionality is a must for me to complete my necessary tasks. I am working on a limited schedule for my “other” category. I already feel as if I have more time and less stress.

Ing redients (Serves 2)

10 large, Wild American Shrimp, skewered

2 ears local corn, shucked, blanched & removed from the cob

2 local tomatoes, quartered

2 cups arugula

½ Vidalia onion, sliced very thin

1 tablespoon lemon juice

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

4 large basil leaves, hand torn into nickel-sized pieces

¼ cup milk

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Salt & pepper to taste

Pre paration

Ø Preheat grill.

Ø Season shrimp with salt, pepper and 1 tablespoon olive oil, set aside.

Ø Add cooked corn, milk, lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, and salt and pepper to blender; purée until smooth, set aside.

Ø Mix tomatoes, arugula, remainder of olive oil, basil, balsamic vinegar, and salt and pepper, set aside.

Ø Place skewered shrimp on the grill and cook for 40 seconds per side.

Ø Place corn purée on the plate.

Ø Remove shrimp from skewer, serve over the corn and top with tomato salad.

Teeth Grinding in Children

By Vishant Nath, D.M.D.

Bruxism, or teeth grinding, is quite common in children. Its cause can be dependent on the age group of your child. Children younger than 7-8 years still have many of their primary teeth. Primary teeth shift and change quite a bit. During this phase of change, a child may experience an abnormal bite that might feel odd to them. This can lead to teeth grinding at night. Most children who

experience teeth grinding at a young age will outgrow it once the 6-year molars come in.

In older children and teenagers, teeth grinding can be caused by stress. If you notice teeth grinding in older children, you can try talking with them to see if they are especially worried about anything in particular.

In all cases of teeth grinding, it’s best to speak to your child’s dentist to ensure that the grinding is not damaging the teeth. A parent may not even realize that teeth grinding is occurring, but the dentist can tell by looking for wear patterns on the surfaces of the teeth.

Teeth grinding can become severe in some cases. The grinding can lead to the wearing down of the enamel, tooth chipping, and increased temperature sensitivity of the teeth. Extreme cases can even lead to facial or jaw discomfort and temporomandibular joint disease, more commonly known as TMJ.

For the most part, in primary teeth, the dentist will simply wait for the permanent teeth to come in to see if the child outgrows the grinding. However, in cases of grinding in permanent teeth, the dentist may recommend that the child wear a mouth guard at night to protect the teeth from the grinding. These are similar to the mouth guards worn in sporting events. They can be molded to specifically fit the individual’s mouth to best protect the teeth.

Visiting your pediatric dentist every six months is a great opportunity to keep up with any changes you may notice with your child’s teeth or mouth. Staying on top of these changes can help to ensure that your child’s oral health remains at its best!

& Orthodontics. 678-352-1090, KidsHappyTeeth.com

5 Tips to Keep Your Roof

Cool This Summer

By Juan Reyes

Summers in North Georgia are filled with soaring temperatures. Roofs take the brunt of the heat. Many of our neighbors ask what they can do to keep their roof cool in summer. Our first answer, shingle roof replacement with cool roofing, is not always possible. These five tips may help you keep your roof cool and lower your energy bill.

Insulate Most of our homes have attic insulation, which covers the joists of the attic’s floor. Foil-faced insulation, board mounted in your attic to the bottom of roof sheathing, can lower cooling costs.

Ventilate Your home should have ridge vents to allow convection currents up from the soffit vents. Warm air rises, so air circulating through your attic helps cool your roof.

Evaporate A roof mist cooling system, or evaporative cooling system, lowers surface temperatures by spraying small amounts of water across your home’s roof. Evaporative cooling systems can lower rooftop temperatures by up to 60 degrees, forestalling shingle roof replacement by extending your roof’s useful life. If you are worried about your water bill, don’t fear. These systems can operate on less than a pint of water per square foot, per day.

Foliate Trees that give partial shade to your home’s roof help block infrared rays. Consider having mature trees

professionally planted, and avoid cutting back branches, unless they endanger your roof.

Innovate By far, the most effective way to cool your home’s roof is with complete shingle roof replacement, using a “cool roof” shingle. These innovative GAF products repel heat, which lowers cooling costs, while lowering your roof’s temperature. GAF’s Timberline Cool Series shingles feature:

• Specially designed, heat-reflective roofing granules

• Stainguard® algae protection to prevent heat-absorbing algae formation

• Savings between 7 and 15% on cooling costs

Juan Reyes is owner of Pro Roofing & Siding. 770-777-1733, MyProRoofing.com

What are Dermal Fillers?

By Drs. Petrosky, Musarra, Harkins & Leake

Dermal fillers help to diminish facial lines and restore volume and fullness in the face. As we age, our skin becomes more susceptible to wrinkles and aging. Exposure to sun and years of muscle movements, (squinting, chewing, smiling) contribute to tissue breakdown of the skin. The facial muscles are then working closer to the skin’s surface; so smile lines and crow’s feet become more apparent. Facial fillers will volumize creases and folds in the face in areas that have lost fat and collagen.

Hyaluronic acid is the natural filler substance in your body. The face starts to lack volume and appears aged with deeper nasolabial folds, which are the creases that run from the sides of the nose to the corners of mouth, (marionette lines), a deeper mentalis fold, (chin), under-eye hollows, thinning lips, and turning down at the corners of the lips. Hyaluronic acid fillers, such as Restylane, Juvederm, Voluma and Perlane, can be injected to temporarily rejuvenate the appearance of the face.

Radiesse is another injectable that helps boost collagen. It contains microspheres of a naturally occurring mineral, known as calcium hydroxylapatite, in a waterbased gel. In addition to adding volume to the skin when initially injected, it also

stimulates the body to produce more collagen, creating longer-lasting results.

Dermal filler injections require very minimal downtime, allowing patients to return to work and their normal activities directly following the treatments. The average time it takes to do an injection is about 20 minutes, depending on the individual and how many areas are being treated. In general, the results from most injectable fillers last from several months to over a year, depending on the type of product used. Your surgeon will help you to determine which one is best for you.

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

• Plump thin lips • Enhance shallow contours

• Soften facial creases and wrinkles

• Improve the appearance of a recessed scar Dermal fillers can be used to:

Drs. Petrosky, Musarra and Leake are board-certified plastic surgeons at Plastic Surgery Center of the South. 770-421-1242, PlasticSurgery CenterOfTheSouth.net