Woodstock Family Life 8-16

Publisher’s Perspective

Some days, sitting in my office, it can be hard to concentrate on one of the many items on my task list. As my fellow employees would truthfully tell you, I may, at times, get completely off task altogether. There seems to be an abundance of “squirrels” in the life of Jack, so I find myself deferring to the needs of my trusty dog, Riley, for a reason to step out, enjoy the outdoors and reset in order to move forward. Supposedly, that puts me in the same category as an out-of-date computer in need of an upgrade or one that has too much information spinning across the drive.

One of the best things about having this canine in the office is that she never complains about taking the blame for anything. As CEO, canine executive officer, if she needs to go for a walk, that’s what we do. If Riley wants to go outside, we go outside. Riley may need to go meet with other office-working dogs nearby, and we will gladly make that happen. Recently, Janet even asked where my “Perspective” column was, and I let her know that I had left a message with Riley about that, and she had yet to get back with me. Riley lets no worry or blame bother her. She helps me find time within the puzzle of my plans. I’ve grown very appreciative of the lesson.

When Family Life started just over three years ago, we actually put a rule on the books for each of us to get outside each day, for at least ten minutes, and enjoy something that we all share — the outdoors. There is peace and renewal that can only be had when we set the daily hustle aside and spend time within our personal space. Plan time to escape; get distracted by the wonders each day provides. There will always be more to do; create opportunities to change it up a bit. Be sure to embrace the beauty and simple wonders around you. Enjoy every hour in some small way. You may find that more patience, understanding and kindness fill your heart, and more peace fills your day.

Jack Tuszynski, Publisher

PUBLISHER/PHOTOGRAPHER

Jack Tuszynski

Jack@FamilyLifePublications.com

EDITORIAL

Julie Senger

Julie@FamilyLifePublications.com

Rachel Sprouse, Intern

Rachel@FamilyLifePublications.com

ART

Candice Williams

Candice@FamilyLifePublications.com

Laurie Litke

Laurie@FamilyLifePublications.com

SALES

Janet Ponichtera

Janet@FamilyLifePublications.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Jessica Asbell, Atlanta Hand Specialist, Steven Anderson, Sen. Brandon Beach, Kyle Bennett, Cyndi Braun, Cobb EMC, Jyl Craven, Joshua Fuder, Hillary Gallagher, Corey Harkins, Fred Hawkins, Lisa-Marie Haygood, Johnny Hunt, Master Kim, James E. Leake, Pamela S. Marquess, Robbie Matiak, Tim Morris, Calvin Moss, Anthony Musarra, Vishant Nath, Michael Petrosky, Brent Pickens, Alicia Schultz, Ferdinand Yates

Family Life Publishing Group, Inc. 150 North Street, Suite A Canton, GA 30114 770-213-7095

FamilyLifePublications.com

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

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

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

© 2016 All rights reserved.

Calendar

Woodstock Farm Fresh Market

Locally grown, fresh produce and other goodies will be available Every Saturday through October, 8:30 am-12:00 pm, Market Street, Downtown Woodstock. 770-924-0406. DowntownWoodstock.org

ONGOING

Food Truck Fridays — Enjoy delicious food and treats while visiting with neighbors, listening to music and more! Food trucks will rotate each week. Seats may be limited, so bring a blanket and chairs. 6:00-9:00 pm, Recreation Center, 7545 Main Street, Woodstock. 770-924-7768. CRPA.net

AUGUST

10-9/14

Pay it Fur-ward Cherokee Recreation & Parks Agency will be collecting donations that will be delivered to the Cherokee County Animal Shelter. Wish List: paper towels, Equine Pine bedding pellets, lavender essential oil, Windex glass cleaner, dry dog food, dry cat food, Kong or other indestructible chew toys, hard or interactive cat toys, and 60 gallon heavy/contractor trash bags. Donations may be dropped off at the Recreation Center, 7545 Main Street, Building 200, Woodstock. 770-924-7768. CRPA.net

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Main Street Woodstock’s Bluegrass Concert Series — Jody Hughes Trio, FREE concert! (See more about the Jody Hughes Trio on page 46).

7:00-9:00 pm, Resurgens Orthopaedics Community Stage at the Elm Street Arts Event Green by Market Street, Downtown Woodstock. 770-592-6056. VisitWoodstockGa.com

12-28

Elm Street Arts Village Presents: Urinetown

In a Gotham-like city, a terrible water shortage, caused by a 20-year drought, has led to a government-enforced ban on private toilets. The citizens must use public amenities, regulated by a single, malevolent company that profits by charging admission for one of humanity’s most basic necessities. This production is a PG-rated musical comedy. Fridays at 7:30 pm, Saturdays at 8:00 pm and Sundays at 2:00 pm, Elm Street Cultural Arts Village, 8534 Main Street, Woodstock. 678-494-4251. ElmStreetArts. org

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Tracks on Main Music Festival

Fourteen talented bands and artists performing original music throughout the day on three different stages: Elm Street Cultural Arts Village, the Park at City Center and the Local

Stage. Admission is free. 12:00-9:00 pm, Downtown Woodstock. TracksOnMain. rocks

15

iThink Improv Brew Haha —

Unique comedy at each event, along with all brewery tours conducted improv style by the iThink Improv Troupe. Comedy is free, but we encourage tips and donations to Elm Street Cultural Arts Village. 5:30 pm, Reformation Brewery, 500 Arnold Mill Way, Woodstock. ElmStreetArts.org

23 SchmoozaPalooza

SchmoozaPalooza is a whole new kind of business showcase, designed to bring businesses together in a fun and casual networking environment. Exhibitors will have a tabletop display that will allow them to promote their business and make new contacts, and attendees will enjoy music, door prizes, food and drinks while previewing the latest products and services featured at SchmoozaPalooza. 5:00-8:00 pm, Venue 92, 12015 Highway 92, Woodstock. 770-345-0400. CherokeeChamber.com

24 Once Upon a Dive-in Movie — Come to the indoor pool for a night filled with floating and movie fun. Floats will be available for use, or you can bring your own noodle or clear inner tube. All Divein movies start at 6:00 pm. Cherokee County Aquatic Center, 1200 Gresham Mill Parkway, Holly Springs. 678-8804760. CRPA.net

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Downtown Buzz — On the last Friday every month, Main

BUZZ

Street members and community guests visit The Chambers at City Center for a networking breakfast meeting. Downtown, citywide and community programs and projects are briefed. Members and guests enjoy light breakfast fare and community networking before and after the meeting. 8:00 am, 8534 Main Street, Woodstock. 770-592-6056. DowntownWoodstock.org

SEPTEMBER

1 Brown Bag Concert Series — Free lunchtime concerts are a great Mother’s Morning Out activity! So bring a chair, pick up some lunch at one of our great downtown restaurants and enjoy! 12:00-1:00 pm, the Park at City Center, 101 East Main Street, Woodstock. WhatsUpWoodstock.com

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LIBRARY EVENTS

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

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

COLORING GROUP

Mondays, 10:00 am-1:00 pm, Woodstock

Find out why coloring books are so popular again. All materials provided. This program is for ages 16+.

BRAIN GAMES

Tuesdays, 10:00 am-12:00 pm, Woodstock

Have fun, grow young with Brain Games. Enjoy puzzles, cards, games, coloring, word puzzles and stimulating conversations.

KNITTING & CROCHETING GROUP

Tuesdays, 1:00-3:00 pm, Rose Creek

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

SCRIBBLES & SCRABBLES

Wednesdays, 2:00-4:00 pm, Rose Creek

Get your creative juices flowing by playing a game of Scrabble or coloring a picture. All materials will be provided.

SIT & STITCH SOCIAL

Thursdays, 10:00 am-12:00 pm, Woodstock

Enjoy the company of other creative people while you stitch on your current project.

FALL IN THE VEGETABLE GARDEN

August 6, 10:00 am, Hickory Flat

Fall is the best time of year to garden. Learn how to extend your garden season to enjoy fresh vegetables into the holidays. Register with the Cherokee County Extension Office at 770-721-7803.

LEGO CLUB

August 6, 2:00-3:00 pm, Hickory Flat

August 13, 3:00-4:00 pm, Rose Creek

August 21, 3:00-4:00 pm, Woodstock

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

CROCHETING AND KNITTING CLUB

August 10 & 24, 11:00 am, Hickory Flat

Let Mrs. Pat help you get started on a project. Bring your needles and yarn, and be prepared to have fun! No

registration or prior knowledge required.

BINGO BOOK CLUB

August 11, 10:30-11:30 am, Rose Creek

A new kind of Book Club that lets you decide what to read and when. The criteria is provided; you choose what to read while filling up your bingo card. Come discuss the book you read for the month. Attending meetings is not mandatory. New members are always welcome.

SCHOOL BUS SAFETY

August 11, 6:30 pm, Rose Creek

Hesitant to let your children ride the school bus? Let the Cherokee County Transportation Department Safety Team tame your fear. Watch a puppet show, and learn some safety rules to ensure that riding the bus is a pleasant experience for all.

SPACE JAM

August 17, 4:00 pm, Hickory Flat

Watch the movie, help Bugs Bunny and crew jam out, and make a Space Jam-themed craft. This is for ages 5+.

YOGA AND MEDITATION

August 18, 11:00 am, Hickory Flat

Patricia Gagne will discuss physical movement, breathing and Qi Gong exercises.

HAVE A BALL, CATCH THEM ALL

August 19, 3:00 pm, Woodstock

It’s a Pokemon Party! Make a character craft and card play mat. Practice dueling with your cards, or use ours. There will be Pokemon games, too! This is for ages 9-12.

SPY SCHOOL

August 23, 4:00 pm, Rose Creek

Spy School is a program where children (ages 7-12) learn all the skills to become certified Library Spies! Practice crawling through a maze, make disguises, discover hidden clues, crack special codes and more. Space is limited. Call to reserve your spot.

ERGONOMICS

August 26, 11:00 am, Hickory Flat

WellStar presents fitness including ergonomics exercise and the benefits of physical activity.

continued from page 7

2

Friday Night Live: 50s Night Join the celebration of the 1950s in Downtown Woodstock. Sport your best 50’s style this night, from slicked-back hair to poodle skirts. Many restaurants and stores in the downtown area stay open late for this event. 6:00-9:00 pm, Downtown Woodstock. 770-924-0406. WhatsUpWoodstock.com

6-30

Maya Heritage Exhibit Reception

6:00-8:00 pm, Cherokee Arts Center, 94 North Street, Canton. 770-704-6244. CherokeeArts.org

Book Review

BY JESSICA ASBELL

THE NEST

The Nest, by Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney, is a bit like a train wreck in that you cannot look away. “The Nest” is a nest egg put away by Leonard, the patriarch of the Plumb family, who invested money for his four children when they were young. He told them it wasn’t going to be much. The caveat was that none could claim it until the youngest, Melody’s, 40th birthday. What Leonard couldn’t have known was that he would die soon after he invested the money, and that the market would balloon the money to over $2 million.

Fast forward to today, a few months before Melody’s 40th birthday, when Jack, Bea and Melody are livid because their mother has given most of the money to Leo, the eldest, to quiet an indiscretion and subsequent car accident that cost someone dearly. Each Plumb needs their share of the money for various reasons: Jack, to pay off a secret debt; Melody, who is trying to keep her house and pay for college for her twins; and Bea, a has-been author who doesn’t so much need the money as wants it.

Their interactions with Leo and with each other are poignant and heartbreaking, yet also hilarious in their dysfunction. When Leo disappears, chaos ensues, as they try to learn to live without the money they always thought was theirs. It’s admirable that The Nest doesn’t shy away from the family’s dysfunction, but instead peels back the layers so that we can see, with startling clarity, exactly what makes each sibling tick. As they learn to move on with their lives, they also start to grow closer to each other, discovering a family bond that didn’t exist before. Humorous, while also tragic at times, The Nest is a perfect book to read if you’re looking for some crazy family dysfunction!

Jessica Asbell is an avid reader and a children’s minister. She holds a BBA from Mercer and a Master of Divinity in Christian education from McAfee School of Theology. She’s also a frequent customer at Foxtale Book Shoppe. 770-516-9989. FoxTaleBooks.com

Business

Woodstock has a new bakery! Sugar Belles Bakery recently opened at 2990 Eagle Drive, in Towne Lake. Owner and local resident Pam Davis saw a need to bring custom, fresh-baked sweets to the area. Having many years of baking experience, in a variety of bakery settings, Pam loves to make each dessert extra special!

Sugar Belles Bakery specializes in wedding, custom-tiered and unique cakes for any occasion. They bake from scratch, on-site, with high-quality ingredients (real butter, real vanilla and gourmet chocolates). Whether you want a simple buttercream treat with delicate flavors, or a fondant-covered masterpiece with gourmet fillings and frosting, they’ll make your vision a reality. Sugar Belles Bakery offers cupcakes, cookies, brownies, ice cream, milkshakes and more. Gluten-free, sugar-free and other dietary options are available by special order, and a line of smoothies and protein shakes are also now available. In addition, they have many seasonal items, so their selection is always changing. For daily operating hours or other information, call 678-594-3213, or visit Sugar-Belles.com or Facebook.com/SugarBellesBakery.

Brooklynn’s boutique has now moved one door down from its previous location, effectively doubling its size. Its new address is 490 Chambers Street in Woodstock. “We had to expand [Brooklyn’s] to make shopping a better experience for our customers,” said Owner Jodi Tiberio, adding that the store was often packed to capacity. “We changed the design to be brighter and more open, and we’ve given our guests more space to move

around, linger, and be comfortable.”

Another of Jodi’s three boutiques in downtown Woodstock, Madisonn Ave., has also now moved to Brooklynn’s old location at 500 Chambers Street. This move will put all three shops (Brooklynn’s, Madisonn Ave. and Branches) in the same block in Woodstock.

Madisonn Ave.’s new location will offer a large area, with trendy clothes similar to Brooklynn’s in sizes for tweens, and a separate section with a selection of classic, southern styles for younger girls, including smocks and traditional toddler and little girl dresses.

For more information, please visit Brooklynns.com or Facebook.com/madisonnavekids/, or call 770-485-0744 (Brooklynn’s) or 770-575-9481 (Madisonn Ave.).

“How Can I Help,” You Ask?

By Calvin W. Moss

When the Beatles recorded “With a Little Help from My Friends” for their 1967 Sgt. Pepper’s album, it is doubtful that they were talking about government service. Yet, half a century later, that very expression characterizes public safety in Woodstock and throughout Cherokee County.

Our community has been recognized as being a safe one numerous times over the last several years. Indeed, the hardworking women and men of Cherokee County’s public safety team are on task 24/7 to keep the peace and promote safety. But many of the public safety successes we all enjoy would not be possible without the contributions of our residents, visitors and stakeholders. They’re a critical part of the public safety equation, and it’s only with their support and cooperation that the quality of life in our communities continues to improve.

None of us is as strong as all of us.

We are often asked by Cherokee County residents, “How can I help?” One important way is to get and stay involved in your community.

Did you ever wonder why a fire engine may be dispatched on a sick call or why a patrol car was parked the way it was at an accident scene? Have you pondered how 911 calls are received, prioritized and dispatched, or what the heck an I.S.O. 1 rating is, and what it means to you? An excellent way to find the answers to these and your other burning public safety questions is to enroll in the Woodstock Citizens’ Public Safety Academy (CPSA).

The CPSA is an important component of the Woodstock Police and Fire Departments’ community-oriented philosophy. It provides a forum where

citizens, business owners — anyone interested in public safety — can gain a better understanding of how the police and fire departments strive to better our city and county. Enrollment is now open for the fall 2016 CPSA class, which will meet Thursday evenings, from 6:30-8:30 pm, from August 25th through October 27th at the Magnolia Hall Community Center (108 Arnold Mill Road) in downtown Woodstock.

During the ten-week CPSA program, participants will get an up-close and personal look at how their public safety agencies operate and will experience firsthand how police, fire and EMS agencies coordinate to promote safety in your community. Topics include everything from investigations to homeland security, from vehicle extrication to K9 operations and more. The class will also include tours of a Woodstock fire station, Cherokee County Fire Training Center and the new Roger D. Garrison Law Enforcement Training Center.

Successful applicants must be at least 19 years old and live, work or have an interest in Woodstock. They must have no felony convictions and no criminal misdemeanor convictions in the past year.

CPSA enrollment is limited, so apply today! You can help…become a CPSA graduate!

Applications are available online at WoodstockGa.gov/police/cpsa. For more information, contact Officer Ryan Bleisath at 770-592-6000, ext. 1172 or via e-mail at RBleisath@woodstockga.gov.

Calvin Moss is chief of police for the City of Woodstock. CMoss@ WoodstockGa.gov

What Makes a Good Service Company?

By Fred Hawkins

Good customer service

is the life force that keeps any business alive. You can offer discounts and promotions to gain new customers, but you will never gain a solid customer base or be profitable unless new customers come back a second or third time. If you don’t take care of the customer, someone else will. Competition is great, but to be a great service company, you must be better than the competition.

Always answer the phone. Answer the phone with a smile — customers can tell. If you’re not in the office, forward calls to a live person. Customers don’t want to talk to a machine. Listen

with genuine concern. Customers are the lifeblood of your company. Make sure the person answering the phone

understands that customers are doing the company a favor by calling. After all, they could’ve called any other company for service.

Keep the clients updated. If you have to move or cancel appointments, always let customers know in advance of the scheduled time for service. Let customers know about potential safety concerns on products, services or code changes. Keep customers in the loop on new products and energysaving technology. After completion, thoroughly explain what was done and why, so the customers understand why they needed the service. Answer any

concerns or complaints that customers may have. A quick way to lose a client is to ignore their concerns or not correct mistakes. Always offer a warranty, and honor it with prompt service.

Train your staff and technicians. Teach them to be helpful, courteous and knowledgeable. Drug test and background check all employees. Provide the office staff and field technicians with the proper information and tools to do a great job. Dress your staff to succeed; employees should take pride in their appearance. The same is true of company vehicles, as they’re also a reflection of what kind of company you are and the service you provide. Do the right thing — be honest and trustworthy. Ultimately, you and your company will benefit.

C.R.A.S.E. Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events

The Cherokee Sheriff’s Office is making available C.R.A.S.E. seminars at your office or location. The seminar will be presented by Major Joe Perkins and you will gain insight on how to prepare and react during an active shooter incident. Please contact Major Joe Perkins, to schedule a seminar at JFPerkins@ cherokeega.com, 678493-4143.

4-H’ers Participate in Farm to Fork Day

Cherokee County 4-H’ers participated in Farm to Fork day at Buckeye Creek Farm in Woodstock. Cherokee County Farm Bureau and Liz Porter, owner of Buckeye Creek, made this fun-filled day possible for 4-H’ers.

The day started with 4-H’ers making their own smoothies with fruit from the farm. Later, 4-H’ers took a garden tour to learn about some of Georgia’s top agricultural commodities, diseases and pests that can impact crops. They also learned that agriculture is the largest industry in the U.S.

Water quality was also factored into the day’s lessons. 4-H’ers explored the stream and pond and were able to collect macro-invertebrates with dip nets, such as dragonfly and damselfly nymphs. Students also conducted water quality experiments to determine that the stream and pond were healthy sources of water.

They closed out the day by making strawberry preserves to take home and share with their families.

Sheriff’s Major Completes Counterterrorism Training in Israel

Major Buster Cushing of the Cherokee Sheriff’s Office recently spent two weeks in Israel for training in the latest counterterrorism techniques and technologies by that country’s top police professionals.

Cushing was a member of a delegation of police chiefs, sheriffs, a Georgia commissioner and an inspector from various public safety and law enforcement agencies who participated in the 24th Annual Peer-To-Peer Public Safety Training Program, organized by the Georgia International Law Enforcement Exchange (GILEE).

Fifteen Georgia delegates were joined by law enforcement leaders from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority Police Department in New York and police departments in Alabama and Washington.

Georgia’s Attorney General, Sam Olens, emphasized the training’s importance to Georgia communities when he stated, “The training received in Israel and their ability to deal with high-pressure situations will be valuable for day-to-day situations. There is so much we can learn to be that ‘beacon on the hill’ again.”

GILEE, a research unit of Georgia State University’s Andrew Young School of Policy Studies, improves public safety by enhancing inter-agency cooperation and educational training among law enforcement communities by offering best practices and sources of excellence in a peer-to-peer environment. It was founded as a joint program between the University and Georgia’s law enforcement community by Director Robert Friedmann, Professor Emeritus of Criminal Justice.

Local Youth Win National History Competition

Two Grace Classical Academy students recently scored gold medals, placing first at the 2016 National History Day competition in Washington D.C. Mercy Koehler, age 15, and Devin Snyder, age 16, teamed up to write and perform a play on Mary Musgrove (1700–1767), a biracial, Creek Indian Princess. Koehler and Snyder placed first nationally in the Senior Performance Category on National History Day at the University of Maryland near Washington D.C.

Over the past few years, the topic of tooth bleaching has become very common.There are several different types of tooth bleaching from which to choose.They each vary in cost and effectiveness.

Tooth bleaching is available in many different over-the-counter dental care products. From toothpastes to mouthwashes to toothwhitening strips, there are quite a few products to choose from that are advertised as having teeth-bleaching abilities.These types of tooth whiteners are usually the most inexpensive. The effectiveness of these products will vary, depending upon factors like frequency and consistency of use.

A visit to your dentist will introduce two more choices in teeth-whitening options.Your dentist can create a tray by making a custom mold of your teeth and then provide you with tooth-whitening gel to use with your tray for in-home bleaching. Because it is specifically molded to your teeth, this method is usually a bit more effective than those that you can purchase in a store.

The dentist’s second tooth-whitening method is in-office tooth bleaching. This is typically the most effective method of tooth whitening. The effectiveness of the peroxide is enhanced through several factors.The teeth will be kept dry during the process with the use of gauze and a device called a retractor, which will pull the lips away from the teeth while the peroxide is applied.The gel can be left on for 30 to 60 minutes. Also, sometimes the teeth will be exposed to a curing light or laser to further activate the peroxide.

No matter which method of tooth bleaching appeals to you, talk to your dentist to find out more about which products and methods they recommend. Regardless of your budget, there is a product out there for you!

Vishant Nath is the owner of Canton/ Alpharetta/Roswell Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics. 678-352-1090. KidsHappyTeeth.

Tooth Bleaching

Community Feature

Four Etowah High School students and one of their science teachers recently participated in a Summer Earth Studies trip where they learned in the “classrooms” of Yellowstone, Grand Tetons, Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.

The 21-day experiential learning environment taught students how to “read the earth like a textbook,” according to Etowah HS teacher Denise Danielson, who coordinated this opportunity for students with support from CCSD’s Office of Educational Programs.

Students learned how to read topographical maps, use compasses and read field guides to propose hypotheses and collaboratively solve daily field problems as they related to geology, meteorology, ecology and astronomy. The rigorous academic program in which students earned an Honors Earth Science credit also featured hiking, caving, fossil digging, star gazing and white water rafting.

Etowah HS Students, Teacher Participate in Summer Earth Studies Program

Etowah HS students, from L-R: Hector Guerrero, Anna Henderson, Julia Reidy and Samantha McCannon participate in a fossil dig in Kemmerer, Wyoming.

Woodstock HS Students Place Second in Nation in Engineering Competition

The five-member, ninth- and tenth-grade team of Woodstock High School students earned second place in the 2016 TEAMS (Tests of Engineering Aptitude, Mathematics, and Science) Best in Nation competition at the National Technology Student Association conference that was recently held in Nashville.

The team also placed second in the problem-solving competition and placed as a finalist in both the written essay and prepared presentations. Teacher Karen Zayance is the team’s coach.

The National competition was open to student teams that had placed in the top three at the state level, and approximately 1,000 students participated at Nationals. Students work together in the competitions to solve real-world problems written by industry leaders and college professors.

This year’s competition theme was “Engineering the Tools of Innovation,” and students competed in four areas: research and prepare an essay developing applications for optogenetics; complete multiple-choice questions on engineering, science and math topics; for the problem-solving competition, make an optical device to take light from one source to another, which was based on the Hubble Telescope systems failure; and for the prepared presentation portion, address interplanetary travel and the innovations needed in order for it to be achieved.

Cherokee County School District Launches New Website

The Cherokee County School District has launched a new website for students, parents and the community that’s designed to be easier to navigate and friendly to mobile devices. As part of the launch, each school has its own new website as well, with a school staff member serving as its webmaster.

Cherokee12.net’s home page features app-like buttons and an “I need help with” set of frequently asked questions to make navigation easier for users. Students and parents now can click on these buttons to access popular content such as the Aspen student and parent portal, MyPaymentsPlus cafeteria meal payment system, enrollment and “first day” forms and student handbooks. Job seekers can click on a link to resources just for them, as can existing CCSD employees.

What is

By Master Kim

Taekwondo?

LIFESTYLE

Taekwondo is the traditional and national sport of South Korea as well as an Olympic sport since 2000. It’s also very popular worldwide, as there are more people practicing Taekwondo today than any other martial art style. Taekwondo is translated as “the way of the foot and the hand.” Tae means, “To strike or break with the foot.” Kwon signifies, “To strike or break with the fist,” and do corresponds to, “Way of life.” Its techniques are characterized by a set of blocks, kicks, punches and open-handed strikes, which includes several takedowns, or sweeps, throws and joint locks. Taekwondo is known for its emphasis on high kicking and fast hand techniques. But it’s more than just kicking and punching; it encompasses self-defense, learning

respect for others, mental focus, physical fitness and personal growth in the form of self-confidence and spirituality. Taekwondo is based on five philosophies/tenets:

1. Courtesy (ye ui) — It should be in every daily act.

2. Integrity (yom chi) — This is the perfect sense of justice and acceptance of responsibility that should be possessed by each person.

3. Perseverance (in nae) — It defines willpower and the spirit of sacrifice.

4. Self-control (guk gi) —This is the ability to live and work according to the limits set by others.

5. Indomitable spirit (baekjul boolgool) — This is the willingness to defend freedom.

Taekwondo uses movements that require a lot of flexibility. Stretching,

both static and dynamic, along with cardio, is part of the warm-up regimen before any kicking or punching is performed. Taekwondo practitioners can expect great improvement in their flexibility. The training also consists of forms, which are logical sequences of predetermined movements against imaginary opponents.

As one learns the forms and movements, they are graded by the Master and are promoted. This is one of the greatest confidence builders for students. It is up to each person to choose the goals he or she wants to obtain from martial arts and to work with their instructor towards achieving those goals.

PUBLIC SCHOOLS

ETOWAH

8/19 Campbell

8/26 @ North Cobb

9/02 Spartanburg, SC

9/09 @ Newnan

9/16 Milton 9/30 Cherokee

10/07 @ Woodstock

10/21 Roswell

10/28 @ Walton

11/04 @ Lassiter

WOODS TOCK

8/19 West Forsyth

9/02 @ Sequoyah

9/09 @ Kennesaw Mountain

9/16 North Paulding

9/23 North Forsyth

10/7 Etowah

10/14 @ Lassiter

10/21 @ Cherokee

10/28 @ Roswell

11/04 Walton

RIVER RIDGE

8/19 Woodland, Cartersville 8/26 @ Apalachee

9/02 @ Forsyth Central 9/16 Harrison 9/30 Sequoyah 10/07 @ Dalton 10/21 @ Creekview 10/21 Sprayberry 10/28 Allatoona 11/04 @ South Cobb

SEQUOYAH

8/19 @ North Forsyth 8/26 @ Cherokee 9/02 Woodstock 9/16 Creekview 9/30 @ River Ridge 10/07 South Cobb 10/14 Dalton 10/21 @ Allatoona 10/28 @ Harrison 11/04 Sprayberry

Study Committees: An In-depth Look at Some of GA’s Important Issues

By Senator Brandon Beach

Every year, between legislative sessions, the General Assembly selects several important issues to study in-depth, over several months. The result of these study committees comes in the form of a final report and can include a legislative recommendation.

This summer, I have been appointed by the Lt. Governor Casey Cagle to serve on three study committees in various capacities. First, as Chair of the Senate Venture on Capital Investments Study Committee, subject matter experts on start-up investment and angel investing will provide insight into how Georgia can best grow the next wave of great innovators. Specifically, the committee will analyze what an increase in allocation of funds to the Invest Georgia Program to fund and grow Georgia-based companies would do to this aspirational goal.

I will also Co-Chair the Joint Incentives for Financial Technologies and the Payment Processing Study Committee with Rep. Ron Stephens. In our respective sides of the legislature, Rep. Stephens and I both chair the committees tasked with

the economic development of our state. The financial payments industry has found a home in Georgia, specifically on “Transaction Alley” in the northern half of Fulton County. This committee is charged with reviewing the conditions, needs, issues and problems pertaining to Georgia’s financial transactions industry, which accounts for a significant number of jobs.

In addition to other legislators on this committee, representatives from the Georgia Department of Economic Development will participate in these meetings. Their department does great work attracting and retaining business in Georgia.

Lastly, I will serve as a member on the Senate Regional Transit Solutions Study Committee, which is chaired by my colleague, Sen. Steve Gooch from Dahlonega. This study committee will review traffic congestion and what role a region-wide transit system would play in mitigating it. Transit will play an important role in the economic development of not only the metro Atlanta region, but our

whole state. A regional transit plan would improve the productivity of those living and working in the area, lower the cost of doing any business that moves through Atlanta and make visiting the region easier. All of those benefits layer on top of the potential reductions in congestion on the major highways and interstates of our state.

Each issue presents unique challenges that, with thorough analysis, can be improved upon to maintain Georgia’s position as the best state in which to live, work and raise a family.

Anyone who is interested in following the progress of these committees or attending a meeting may contact my office. Meeting notices will be posted online at Senate. ga.gov, under the “Committees” section.

Back to School Time:

Please, Don’t Eat the Jello!

By Steven Anderson, D.M.D.

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. High revenue opportunities are causing soda machines to “pop” up in hallways, and unfortunately, candy-filled vending machines are commonplace. As a result, unhealthy eating temptations are facing our children now more than ever. These blatantly placed temptations in our schools are very concerning. Soda and sugary treats have seemingly become 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,

not to mention the near absence of any nutritional value. Regular consumption can rapidly destroy your teeth and your ability to enjoy good food and will eventually evolve into very extensive, costly dental treatment.

Sport drinks often contain as much sugar as soda. Read the label, and look for one with a low sugar content per serving. Some sport drinks contain as little as four grams of sugar. It is much more prudent to provide low sugar drinks. Of course, ice cold water is still a great thirst quencher and the best option.

Fruits and vegetables should be an obvious choice in your child’s daily lunch box. Milk is also a healthier selection than juice. Many schools have meal plans that provide nutritious options for those not packing lunches.

When possible, a lunch monitor or cashier will sometimes patrol school sweets. However, you must take an active role to

control your child’s sweet consumption at school. Just like the last time you were in the grocery store checkout line and your sweet one begged for something to make them even sweeter, they can be just as manipulative in the lunch line.

Establishing a healthy diet and “sweet” rules when children are young will better prepare them as they enter adolescence, which is a period of time when they are a lot less malleable. Teenage tooth decay can be a serious problem. In addition to negatively impacting your child’s overall oral health, it can be very costly for parents financially. The occasional “sweet” relief will keep everyone smiling, so remember to practice what you preach in meals and in lunch boxes.

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

Community Partners

Young Life is a world-wide ministry that began seventy-five years ago with the simple idea of sharing the truth of God’s love with adolescents. Young Life leaders go into the world of kids, crossing barriers to build bridges of authentic friendship, with no expectation of who kids should be, but with every hope for who they can become.

Kids’ lives are dramatically influenced when caring adults come alongside them and share God’s love with them. For that reason, you will find Young Life leaders cheering with kids in the bleachers on a Friday night at the high school football game, attending high school plays or sharing lunch with kids in the school cafeteria. This interaction is what they call “contact work,” but kids and leaders just call it friendship. Through weekly meetings called “club,” small groups, summer camps, weekend excursions and one-on-one time with kids, Young Life leaders build unconditional relationships with teenagers and model God’s love.

For most kids, Young Life is a person — their Young Life leader — who sees something in them that others may

not. It’s a person who keeps showing up, cheering them on when things are good and listening when they’re not. Young Life invites you to be that person. We have their sights set to grow in our ability to reach out to the youth in Cherokee County for years to come, and they are looking for more adults who care about kids to join them in our efforts. Adults can be involved by joining the committee or by financially supporting the ministry.

The role of a Young Life leader is to be committed

to being involved with kids’ lives, from supporting them at their creative performances or sporting events, to listening to them talk about what’s important to them. Their leaders help kids consider the direction of their lives, and they offer hope for their future. Young Life leaders are adults who are concerned enough about kids to go to them, on their turf and in their culture, to build bridges of authentic friendship. These relationships don’t happen overnight — they take time, patience, trust and consistency.

The Young Life Cherokee County Committee is pleased to announce that Wes Emery will be the new area director. Wes is coming from the Young Life staff in Greenville, North Carolina. Wes and his wife, Chelsea, will be arriving this summer. For more information on getting involved as a volunteer leader, please contact Wes Emery at Wes@CherokeeCounty.YoungLife.org. For more information on serving on the committee or donating to the ministry, please contact Committee Chair Ashley Snow at Ashley@CherokeeCounty.YoungLife.org.

Getting to the Root

By Pastor Johnny M. Hunt

Once, a friend had a large azalea bush that sprouted hundreds of gorgeous blooms. A few years ago, he noticed some honeysuckle was growing around it, intertwining with the azaleas. Since honeysuckle smells sweet and doesn’t necessarily look bad, he let it keep growing. But the next year, when it came time for the azaleas to bloom, there were significantly fewer blossoms and far more honeysuckle vines. His children enjoyed the honeysuckle, so he left it alone.

As a couple of years went by, the honeysuckle nearly took over the entire plant. Honeysuckle, as lovely

as it smells, is a weed. It was choking the life out of the azalea bush. What was at first seemingly enjoyable and harmless, grew into something that negatively affected the entire plant, keeping it from producing the blooms it was intended to produce.

Isn’t this sometimes like spiritual life? Little things in daily life start out pleasurable and innocuous. Just like the honeysuckle, these aren’t necessarily bad things. But when we consider the root of some of our actions, hobbies or pleasures, we need to discern whether it’s healthy. If it’s a “weed,” it has the potential of getting out of control, infecting other parts of our lives. It’s imperative that we surrender our control to God… things that seem insignificant can have the potential of becoming a toxin to our spiritual lives.

This friend could’ve simply cut down

the whole azalea bush. Instead, he and his sons worked tirelessly, to uproot and remove the honeysuckle. They thought maybe the weeds had ruined the azalea bush forever. But over the next couple of weeks, azalea blooms began to sprout. Now, the azalea bush produces more blooms than ever.

And so it is in our walk with Him. The process isn’t usually easy: first identifying the weeds, recognizing how they hinder our spiritual maturity, then stripping them away so we can “bear fruit,” allowing Him to purify us. The work is hard, but the results are always an unmeasurable blessing!

No More Silent Suffering

Improve Pelvic Health at Women First Rehabilitation

By Cyndi Braun

F or weeks, months, sometimes years, many people suffer silently with something they are embarrassed to talk about — pelvic floor dysfunction, or PFD.

With PFD, some people have problems controlling their bladder and/or bowels. They might have pain in the pelvic muscles, low back, reproductive organs, intestines and/or urinary tract. PFD is common, but should not be considered normal. In fact, research shows that

nearly half of all women experience some type of PFD in the form of incontinence, organ prolapse or chronic pelvic pain. Although more common in women, men and children can have PFD as well.

Established in Woodstock over 10 years ago, Women First Rehabilitation helps patients with PFD through conservative, evidence-based treatments that are so unique that only 30 practitioners in Georgia are trained to provide this sort

Our Providers:

• Dr. Sara Bolden is a board-certified women’s health clinical specialist with more than twelve years of experience in pelvic pain, urogynecologic disorders and pelvic floor dysfunctions. She is the author of What a Girl Wants: The Good Girls’ Guide to Great Sex, which teaches women about their bodies and how to have healthy, enjoyable sex lives.

• Candice Goch, MSPT, E-RYT (500) is a women’s health physical therapist with seventeen years of experience. She helps patients with pelvic floor dysfunctions through a unique approach that combines her knowledge as a therapist with her experience as a yoga instructor.

of specialized physical therapy. In fact, clinic owner Dr. Sara Bolden is one of five specialists in GA with a boardcertification as a women’s health clinical specialist in this field.

“Gynecologists look at reproductive function. Urologists look at the urinary tract. We look at the musculoskeletal system and how it relates to the individual’s complaints,” said Dr. Bolden. Women’s health physical therapists have advanced training to help patients suffering with pelvic pain/ vulvodynia/vaginismus, interstitial cystitis, urinary and fecal incontinence, organ prolapse, overactive bladder, constipation/IBS, pregnancy/postpartum issues, pain during intercourse and more.

“At Women First Rehabilitation, we take a more holistic approach than traditionally-trained therapists. We utilize our expertise in the musculoskeletal system and women’s health, and combine it with our advanced knowledge in functional medicine to offer patients a comprehensive, wellness treatment plan, so patients can achieve lasting results,” said Dr. Bolden.

The providers at Women First Rehabilitation block off one full hour in their schedule for each new patient. During the evaluation, the specialist carefully captures symptoms, pain location(s), medical history, diet and/or specific lifestyles. A detailed examination, which often includes an internal pelvic muscle exam, helps determine an individualized treatment plan for every patient.

“Treatments vary based on the patient’s unique needs,” Dr. Bolden explained. “Some patients may require manual therapy to release muscular trigger points, myofascial tension or adhesions from scars. Others may need biofeedback, which helps re-educate muscles to support or release at the appropriate times.” She added, “We also use certain exercises, diet plans and non-pharmaceutical techniques to help individuals reach their optimal health goals.”

In addition to in-office treatments, the specialists at Women First Rehabilitation teach patients how to continue care at home by way of home exercise programs, which may include certain stretching exercises, a diet plan, specific breathing techniques, pain management interventions, yoga, etc.

At Women First Rehabilitation, providers always stay in contact with referring physicians to ensure continuity of care between the different medical specialties as well as work in unity with other healthcare providers, so patients maximize their overall health potential.

“Most people want a quick fix and pop a pill, but that’s not always a viable option or the right

solution,” said Dr. Bolden. “Surgery might seem like a quick fix, too, but be careful to understand all the facts before making a decision. Many individuals benefit greatly from trying conservative measures, like pelvic rehabilitation, prior to surgery.”

Dr. Bolden added that some surgeries are necessary. Even in those cases, pelvic physical therapy can significantly improve surgical outcome and shorten post-op recovery time. “Pelvic physical therapy is complementary, not competitive, to the care patients receive from their medical doctors,” stated Dr. Bolden. “It’s important that patients receive a multi-disciplinary approach with their medical problems throughout their entire life.”

“Women can be very complex and sometimes get overlooked medically. Many suffer silently with PFD symptoms. Some try medications and surgery then come to us as their last resort when things don’t go as desired,” said Dr. Bolden. “Some have suffered so long that they’re emotionally distressed. But we can still help! There are many tools, treatments and strategies we can utilize to improve a patient’s situation and their quality of life.”

Office hours are 8:00 am-2:00 pm, Monday through Friday, with evening hours on Mondays.

The Clumsy, Awkward Child

By Alicia Schultz, PT, DPT

Does your child have difficulty with sports or lack coordination with running, jumping or throwing? Does your child have trouble with handwriting, using scissors or take longer to complete school tasks? He may have Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), which is a diagnosis that is often overlooked, resulting in labels such as “clumsy,” “awkward” or “slightly delayed.”

*DCD is defined as a chronic, and usually permanent, condition characterized by impairment of motor performance that produces deficits that aren’t explicable by the child’s age, intellect or by other diagnosable, neurological issues. Common signs are slowness of reaction time and movement, relying on vision more than other senses to complete a task and

difficulty selecting the best response for a task.

These children often lack fluidity and speed of movement, stiffen certain joints during movement, have decreased postural control and lack hand-eye coordination. This may be caused by the inability to interpret and use sensory feedback or feedback from task performance and the use of different neuromuscular strategies, leading to inefficient, co-activation of muscle groups necessary for speed of movement and balance.

Many people believe that children will outgrow this, but evidence shows that it can continue to into adulthood, often leading to withdrawal from difficult activities, which may result in decreased strength and endurance. Therefore, early intervention is important and can be very effective. When DCD is recognized early, engagement in age-appropriate activities is encouraged, reducing the risk of poor self esteem and withdrawal

from participation. Therapists can assist children to learn strategies for managing feedback and organizing their bodies, so they can attend to the most important environmental cues.

Therapists can also help to encourage success with activities that involve more repetitive movements, such as swimming or biking, helping to build confidence in the child. Therapists can work with children one-on-one with tasks or sportspecific activities to improve overall strength, balance and coordination to help your child become successful and more confident.

* “Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder: At Home and in the Classroom,” CanChild. ca/system/tenon/assets/attachments/000/000/159/ original/dcdrevised.pdf

Alicia Schultz is a physical therapist at In Harmony Pediatric Therapy. 770-345-2804. InHarmonyPediatricTherapy.com

Taste of

BY CHEF HILLARY GALLAGHER

(Serves 4-6)

Flank Steak

• 2 lbs. flank steak

• 2 limes, juiced

• 4 cloves garlic, chopped

• 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper

• 3 teaspoons kosher salt

Watermelon, Red Onion and Blue Cheese Salsa

• 1 red onion, sliced

• 2 cups watermelon, cut into ½” cubes

• 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

• ¼ cup blue cheese crumbles

• 2 tablespoons mint leaves, chopped

• 2 tablespoons basil leaves, chopped

• 1-2 teaspoons jalapeno pepper, minced (optional)

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Flank Steak Procedure:

1. Combine all the ingredients in a bowl, except the steak, and mix thoroughly.

2. Place the steak in a large, sealable plastic bag or baking dish, and add the marinade, massaging it into the meat.

3. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. Remove the steak from the refrigerator an hour before cooking.

4. Preheat a grill or a stove-top grill pan. Wipe off the excess marinade, and season the steak with the salt and black pepper.

5. Place the steak on the grill or griddle, and sear it over high heat for 5 minutes; move the steak to a cooler part of the grill, or turn down the heat on the griddle pan, and continue to cook it for an additional 5 minutes.

6. Turn the steak over, and cook for an additional 7-9 minutes, depending on the size of the steak and the desired temperature.

7. Transfer the steak to a platter to rest for at least another 5 minutes.

1. Combine all the ingredients in a large mixing bowl; adjust the seasoning as needed.

2. Cover and refrigerate until needed.

To Serve:

1. Slice the steak against the grain, and place it on a platter.

2. Serve the salsa alongside the sliced steak.

*Suggestion: Serve the steak with oven-roasted, red bliss potatoes or your favorite potato salad.

Hillary Gallagher, CCC is the Culinary Arts Program Director and Lead Instructor at Chattahoochee Technical College in East Cobb. Hillary.Gallagher@ChattahoocheeTech.edu. 770-509-6350. ChattahoocheeTech.edu

In the Palm of Your Hand: Control Your Home’s Comfort from Anywhere

By Robbie Matiak

More home devices and systems are designed to work together than ever before, largely due to an increasing homeowner demand for connectivity. Honeywell’s Lyric™ product line is perfect for families who have busy, unpredictable schedules. They are designed to offer easy installation and set-up; plus, as a homeowner, in addition to being aware of your home’s environment, you are able to control your home’s comfort and be alerted about any concerns related to possible water issues.

The Lyric Round™ Wi-Fi Thermostat is designed to function and operate according to “now.” There are no programs, schedules or complex menus to navigate with the Lyric Round™. The Lyric Round™

thermostat’s function is to simply provide you comfort when you are home and savings when you are away. When using the Lyric™ mobile app, control on-the-go gives you location-based temperature control by utilizing your smartphone’s location to adjust the temperature settings in your home. By establishing location parameters, you can arrive home to your customized temperature setting, and your home will be more energy efficient because your system will not be running when you are outside your home location parameters. The Lyric Round™ Wi-Fi Thermostat will also send you maintenance notifications and alerts about extreme conditions in your home to help maintain efficiency and extend the life of your HVAC equipment.

In addition to the Lyric Round™ Wi-Fi Thermostat, homeowners can also utilize the Lyric™ Wi-Fi Leak and Freeze Detector. Leaks and frozen pipes can cause serious damage to your home. According to the American Insurance Association, the average water leak causes approximately $7,000 in damages for homeowners. The Lyric™ Wi-Fi Leak and Freeze Detector provides peace of mind with a water sensor and can also detect temperatures that could freeze pipes as well as humidity that could damage valuables. The detectors are placed near potential trouble spots such as water heaters, washing machines and underneath sinks. They are battery operated, lasting up to three years before needing to change the batteries. Each detector links directly to your home’s Wi-Fi, with no need for hubs or gateways. Each detector comes with a 4 foot sensor cable, and additional cables can be joined for up to 500 feet of coverage. The entire cable is water-sensing. As a homeowner, you would receive alerts regardless of where you were via the Lyric™ mobile app, allowing you time for action while the problem is still measured in drops instead of inches of water.

As we continue to lead fuller, more enriched lives, we no longer have to sacrifice our family’s comfort. Honeywell’s Lyric Round™ Wi-Fi Thermostat and Lyric™ Wi-Fi Leak and Freeze Detector allow you to remain connected and manage your home’s comfort without the hassle of programs, while also providing peace of mind during your active lifestyle.

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

Did you know that Woodstock Funeral Home is the second longest-running business in the city of Woodstock? It was established by Howard Baker in 1958 in historic downtown Woodstock. It was originally known as Baker Funeral Home.

The building began as a home, which was owned by the Latimer family. Martha Latimer married Emmett Carpenter and gave birth to their son, Lew Carpenter, in the home. Lew went on to become a famous pitcher for the Atlanta Crackers Baseball League!

When Howard Baker later acquired the building and established it as Baker Funeral Home, he hired young

Joe Reece to work for him. Once Joe had proven himself to Howard, he changed the name to Baker and Reece Funeral Home. In 1972, Joe purchased a quarter of the funeral home, and after Howard’s passing, he bought the funeral home outright in 1973. Later, Joe developed some health issues and sold the funeral home to Mike McPherson in 1978. Despite Joe’s health problems, he was still actively involved, always making himself available to assist those in need whenever they asked.

In 1983, Sonny Foster purchased the business and changed the name to Woodstock Funeral Home. At this time, Joe Reece came back to work full-time. After Sonny passed

away, Woodstock Funeral Home was purchased by the Loewen Group International and is now a part of Dignity Memorial.

Though Woodstock Funeral Home has been through many changes throughout the years, their commitment to serving the families that entrust them with the care of their loved ones with dignity, honor and respect has remained steadfast. Woodstock Funeral Home is proud to be part of Woodstock and its history.

Woodstock Funeral Home

8855 Main Street, Woodstock, GA 30188 770-926-3107

DignityMemorial.com

Senior Centers without Walls

By Tim Morris

The Older Americans Act allows senior service programs to be creative about how they provide services. The Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) provides grant funds for Cherokee County Senior Services (CCSS) each year. CCSS has operated for years with requirements set by ARC as well as the State of Georgia Division of Aging. ARC and the State are very aware of the impending increased population of seniors in the future. Cherokee County has already experienced an increase in its senior population. This means CCSS must find more creative ways to offer services.

CCSS currently provides homedelivered meals, case management, information and referral,

transportation vouchers, volunteer drivers, homemaker services, caregiver support, client needs (Volunteer Aging Council), and of course, senior centers and activities. These are all very beneficial programs.

The ARC especially encourages area agencies to be creative with their senior centers. Thus, the concept of a “Senior Center without Walls” was born. This program would be operated by volunteers from various organizations. It’s designed to target specific groups needing meals, nutrition education, health-related programs and socialization with others. The community’s help is needed to target these groups. CCSS’s meal program provides food security to adults, ages 60+, Monday-Friday.

For example, one specific group CCSS needs help serving is the 60+ year old Hispanic population. The idea is

to find a central location, in a local church or mission, to house these seniors. Programs would be structured, and lunches would be provided for a donation. We just need the location and volunteers to get started.

CCSS could target senior subsidized housing as a means to provide a Senior Center without Walls. Any place for older adults that has a large meeting area or dining room could be a candidate for this new concept. We’re requesting the community’s help to reach out and share thoughts on our future services at Cherokee County Senior Services. Please call 770-479-7438 for more information or to volunteer.

Winning More than the Game

By Brent Pickens

sportsmanship is demonstrated through polite and fair behavior while participating in a game or an athletic event. It’s doing your best, no matter the outcome. In any form of competition, everyone desires to win, but when someone practices good sportsmanship, they’re always a winner.

Sportsmanship is defined by many different words, but three of the most important are leadership, humility and integrity.

Leadership is not always about ordering others and having a strong will. More importantly, it’s about being able to pull a team together to focus on a shared goal. A leader does not ask their teammates to do anything that they aren’t willing to do themselves, and they know how to bring the best out in each player to make a stronger team. Leaders are respected by their teammates because of their passion, knowledge, commitment and spirit.

Humility is another key part of sportsmanship. Those who are often considered to be “good sports” are not recognized by bragging about their own superior abilities, but rather by the fact that they do not seek the spotlight. Boastful players are irritating to be around, and they can cause friction within a team. Good sportsmanship requires a certain amount of humility. Even if you’re the best player on the field, it’s important to remember that you’re not the only one out there. You might be the league leader or the MVP, but you did not achieve that alone. Good sportsmanship means acknowledging the role others have played in your journey and respecting them for the ways in which they’ve contributed to your success.

Finally, integrity is crucial to displaying good sportsmanship. No one likes to lose. A win or loss can have a major impact on the team’s overall season. Whether a team loses by a wide margin or by a single point, the loss still hurts. But

one of the most important characteristics of good sportsmanship is being able to handle the loss. Some respond to a loss with anger, by refusing to acknowledge the other team or even by blaming their own teammates for the loss. However, a good sport will hold his or her head high with dignity, and recognize the skill of the other team. A good sport realizes that a loss doesn’t diminish the skill of their team, and that winning and losing are a part of life. Sportsmanship is about being a good winner and a good loser.

In addition to learning sportsmanship from coaches, it can (and should) also be taught at home. Parents can teach their children that it’s okay to lose sometimes, as long as you tried your best. Kids can be shown how to display good sportsmanship and treat everyone fairly. If you’re good sportsmanship is practiced, it’s okay to sometimes come up short on the winning side. Parents and coaches must be good role models for the kids who are entrusted to them. In the long run, children are more apt to follow your example than your command. If a child is pushed too hard by their parents to win at any cost, then chances are, good sportsmanship will be lost along the way. A good sport will always shake hands and congratulate the winner and then move on from the loss. Sportsmanship is the most important aspect of the game. Games can sometimes become intense, heated and personal. Thus, sportsmanship must be well-ingrained in order to be practiced in sticky situations.

[A good sport will always shake hands and congratulate the winner

Athletics is a passion shared by many people. Everyone can benefit from the lessons taught out on the field. These lessons can be applied to all areas of our lives— such as the workplace, school and personal relationships. Leadership, humility and integrity are all disciplines that, when adhered to, can make great men and women. Practicing good sportsmanship makes great players and even greater people.

Brent Pickens is the umpire in chief of Certified Baseball Umpires for several of the baseball programs in Cherokee County. He has been an umpire for 31 years.

Boutonnière Deformity

By Atlanta Hand Specialist Staff

There are several tendons running along the top and side of your fingers that are working simultaneously to help it straighten and bend. The central slip of tendon on the top of your finger is connected to the middle bone in your finger. If this integral tendon is injured, you may be unable to fully straighten your finger, which explains boutonnière deformity. If boutonnière deformity is left untreated, the condition may worsen and result in impaired function and permanent deformity.

What causes boutonnière deformity?

In most instances, boutonnière deformity is caused by a “jammed finger” or an impactful blow to the top side of the middle joint in a bent finger. This ailment can also be the result of a cut on the top of your finger. If the cut is deep enough, it can actually sever the tendon from its connection to your bone. When this happens, the tear looks similar to a French “boutonnière,” or buttonhole. In rare instances, the bone could start protruding through the opening. A third cause of the boutonnière deformity is arthritis.

What are the symptoms of boutonnière deformity?

Patients can begin developing signs of boutonnière deformity immediately after an injury to the finger. In some cases, symptoms can develop anywhere from one to three weeks later. Some of the most common symptoms of boutonnière deformity include:

• The middle joint of the finger swells and starts to hurt.

• You have problems straightening your finger at the middle joint.

• The fingertip cannot be bent.

How is boutonnière deformity diagnosed?

Boutonnière deformity is one of many injuries that can be caused by jamming your finger. Because of this, it’s important to consult a hand specialist for a proper diagnosis. During the diagnosis, your physician will examine your hand and fingers. You may be asked to straighten and bend the fingertip of the affected finger. Your physician may also request x-rays to determine if there are any broken bones.

If you want to keep the full range of motion in your finger, it’s important to seek treatment immediately. There are two different treatment options for boutonnière deformity.

Non-surgical Treatment

Non-surgical options are the preferred solution for boutonnière deformities. A few of the most common treatment options are:

• Exercises designed to bolster the flexibility and strength in your fingers.

• Splints can be applied on your finger, at the middle joint, to keep it straight. Splints allow the end joint of your finger to bend while preventing the tendon from separating as the finger heals.

• Protection or taping can be used after the splint has been removed, especially if you play sports.

Surgical Treatment

Although non-surgical methods are preferred, certain instances require surgery, such as:

• If your tendon has been severed

• If your condition doesn’t heal with the splint

• A bone fragment is displaced from its normal position.

• If your deformity is the result of rheumatoid arthritis

Shocking Dangers Could Be Lurking Where You Swim

By Cobb EMC staff

There are hidden dangers lurking near boats, docks and marinas. If those hazards are not addressed, they could cause critical injuries and even death.

Electric shock drowning occurs when someone comes into contact with electrified water. When the current is strong enough, it can cause skeletal muscular paralysis, preventing any electrocuted individual from swimming to a safe location. Because there are no visible signs to tell if water is energized, electrical shock drowning is often referred to as a silent killer.

According to experts, there are ways to swim safely and prevent electrical shock drowning.

Avoiding Electric Shock Drowning:

• Never swim near docks or marinas. Faulty wiring, damaged cords or electrical devices can energize the surrounding water.

• Do not swim near a boat while it’s running.

• Obey all “No Swimming” signs.

• Use licensed electricians to do any electrical work on your boat, dock or marina.

• Inspect all electrical work near docks, marinas and boats before entering the surrounding water.

Responding to Electric Shock Drowning:

• If you’re in the water and you feel a shock or a tingle, swim away from the boat, dock or marina.

• Turn off power to any nearby electrical source.

• Call 911.

• Do not enter the water. Use a life preserver ring, and try to move the shocked individual away from the power source. If you enter the water, you could be electrocuted, too.

• Begin CPR, or use an artificial electrical defibrillator (AED) until first responders arrive.

• Report electrical shock to the marina, dock or boat owner.

The best way to keep your loved ones from falling victim to electric shock drowning is through education and prevention. Spread the word about the dangers of electrical shock drowning, and be sure you’re using precautions when swimming near boats, docks and marinas.

Learn more about home safety at CobbEMC.com/ home-safety.

Curtail the Back-to-School Chaos!

By Lisa-Marie Haygood

Back-to-school feels like chaos to many families, but it doesn’t have to be that way. You can give into the panic, or take a few proactive steps to help with a smoother back-to-school transition.

For starters, pick up a few supplies each time you shop during the summer such as notebook paper, pens and printer paper. Not only will this cut down on sticker shock, but it ensures your student will be prepared without having to brave the mad dash

of purchasing school supplies the weekend before school starts.

The week before school starts, start backing up dinner and bed time 15 minutes each night. This will make it easier to get to sleep the night before when the back-to-school jitters are at their peek.

It will still be pretty hot when school starts, so most children can continue to wear their summer clothes to delay the expense of back-to-school clothes shopping. Children are famous for summer growth spurts, so check to make sure clothes fit properly and adhere to school dress codes.

Supply a few healthy options for breakfasts and lunches. Letting students make choices from healthy options improves the chances that they will eat it. Consider fruit smoothies for breakfast, or grab-n-go peanut butter toast and fruit that can be eaten on the way to school.

Lastly, remember to schedule appointments and check-ups. Students need to see the dentist, the doctor (if they need physicals for school sports), the barber/stylist, and they may need their eyes and ears checked.

It’s very important to review the information that comes home from school during those early weeks.The mounds of back-to-school paperwork can feel overwhelming, but be sure to read it carefully, and fill it out completely. Think about emergency situations and how the office can best reach you with concerns about your children. If you can’t really take calls at work, let them know. A few extra minutes at the beginning of the year can make a big difference in your child’s success.

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

The historic and stately mansion that stands tall on Main Street in downtown Woodstock is home to Salon and Spa Venéssa. The home is more than 100 years old and was originally owned by the Johnston family, who were prominent

founders of Woodstock. Salon and Spa Venéssa owners, Venéssa and Ivey Lanier, moved their business into the Johnston building in 2001. They merged high-tech salon and spa services with the ambiance of the historic home. “We are honored to follow in the Johnston family’s footsteps to preserve this stately, 100-year-old building, while also creating a sustainable business in our community,” said Venéssa Lanier. She also added, “Prior to purchasing the well-known Woodstock home, I looked at the building with dreams of what it could be. I felt I could make it a beautiful business.”

In July, Salon and Spa Venéssa celebrated 25 years of serving guests with “affordable luxury” in Woodstock. Their point of difference is customized services for each guest, using plantbased, sustainable products. Salon and Spa Venéssa provides an oasis of beauty and wellness for every guest who walks through

their historic doors. The nurturing hands of their professional team will welcome you and transport you to a new sense of well-being. In the salon, the inspired artistry of their stylists will create a fresh, new cut and color or simply refresh a look you love. Continue your journey as you enter the tranquil ambiance of the aromainfused spa, where their expertly trained therapists will rejuvenate and renew you to the balanced state your body needs. Book an appointment today, and connect your inner and outer beauty while experiencing the ambiance and beauty of a notable, historic home in downtown Woodstock.

Located at 8516 Main Street in Downtown Woodstock. 770-591-2079. salonvenessa.com

School Daze

By Ferdinand Yates, M.D.

I remember singing “The wheels on the bus go ‘round and ‘round …” to my children, and more recently to my grandchildren. It’s a great song with lots of energy.

Now that the days of school are upon us, let’s make the most of it — for the student, the teacher and the parent.

Successful parents and teachers can do much to help the schooling process go well by preparing the student, encouraging the student and empowering the student.

The act of preparation is far more than purchasing school clothes and supplies. Consider a personal visit with your child’s teacher; remind the student of the positive happenings of the prior school year; review some of the more difficult moments from last year, and help your child to be ready if similar situations arise in the coming year. As you encourage your child, remind her of the importance of school’s broad learning opportunities, the need of socialization with children and adults outside of her family and the importance of proper communication skills in both spoken and written forms. In attempting to empower your child, make the effort to assist him in recognizing, using and developing his natural talents and interests. Children have very different skillsets, interests and abilities. The challenge is identifying these skills correctly and

providing an opportunity for your child to enjoy and develop these abilities and interests.

A good education is important work for both the parent and their child and must not be taken lightly. It is the opportunity for advancement and contribution to and through a complex and sophisticated world.

You may have heard the statement, “Life is an adventure, not a guided tour.”

A good school environment provides necessary experiences, appropriate opportunities and exciting trajectories.

A good education, with proper parental involvement, helps to prepare your child for a successful life adventure.

School days need not be a “school daze.”

at Woodstock Pediatric Medicine, 2000 Professional Way, #200, Woodstock. 770-517-0250. WoodstockPeds.com

Jody Hughes of the Jody Hughes Trio: B

From Metallica to Merlefest By Rachel Sprouse

is a full-time musician and music instructor. Originally a chemist with a degree from Kennesaw State University, Hughes has had a passion for music since the age of 13. “It was just something I’ve always been drawn to, the creativity side of it,” Hughes said.

Despite only being a full-time musician for the last decade, Hughes has performed in several groups and won the 2006 Merlefest Banjo Competition. Beginning with the guitar, he played more hard rock and listened to Metallica. Hughes said he didn’t know what bluegrass was nor had any aspiration to play the banjo until the day he went to the flea market with his grandfather. “I was talking to my grandfather, and come to find out, one of my grandfather’s dreams was always to play the banjo,” Hughes said. “He never got to do that.”

Hughes’s grandfather told him he’d buy him a banjo if he learned to play something on it. “I was the typical teenager, listening to Metallica, and I really didn’t think I would have anything to do with bluegrass or the banjo,” Hughes said. After listening to the music for a while, Hughes said he could relate to how fast the music was, and he became absorbed into the world of bluegrass. “I found myself wanting to play the banjo more and more,” Hughes said. “[I] found some local people to play with and started going to the jams.”

Hughes taught himself how to play the mandolin at the bluegrass jams. “There would be three or four other banjo players there, and some of them played the mandolin as well, so if they were playing, I would just kind of ask them [how to play],” Hughes said. “I started playing the mandolin on the side as kind of a necessity to contribute to the jams.”

Hughes said he believes music genres can be intermixed because many have similarities. “I think that bluegrass and jazz, in particular, are a good mix because they both involve improvisation,” he said.

Hughes has played banjo and guitar in A High Lonesome Bluegrass Mass, a production by Tim Sharp, executive director of the American Choral Directors Association. This production mixes bluegrass and choir music and has been performed at Carnegie Hall and the Ryman auditorium.

But his favorite place he performed at was Merlefest, which he describes as the “second most prestigious kind of banjo contest in the country,” behind the National Banjo Contest. Hughes said one of the great things about Merlefest is that they invite the competition winners to come back the next year to judge the contest. “That gave me a lot of perspective on what a judge hears out in the audience,” Hughes said.

One of the songs Hughes likes to perform is an original song called “The Path.” “I’ve written a lot of tunes, but I’ve found that audiences respond to that one pretty well,” Hughes said. “It’s not your straight, typical bluegrass kind of song; it’s

something that has a little bit of a rock tinge to it.”

When he’s not performing, Hughes teaches about 30 students a week. He gives online lessons to those with preexisting experience with the banjo, using Skype and Google Hangouts to connect with students. He started offering online lessons after seeing another person post about it on Banjo Hangout, an online discussion forum for banjo players.

“There are all these people across the world who live in remote areas, or they live in some area where they just don’t have access to the instructor, so the technology really allowed me to reach those people,” Hughes said. He has students in Canada, one in London and has taught students as far away as Thailand in the past. He’s even had students in Georgia that prefer online lessons to in-person. “I had a guy that lived in Georgia that took online lessons simply because he didn’t want to drive,” Hughes said.

Hughes said he does not take pure beginners for online lessons because he believes there are things a person can only be taught in-person. “There’s certain things you can’t just teach through the computer [like] exactly how to hold the instrument,” Hughes said. “You can direct them, but it’s not as good as hands-on.”

Hughes said the best advice he could give aspiring musicians is to be consistent with practicing. “You have to try to play the instrument every day, whether or not that’s five minutes or three hours,” he said. “As long as you’re consistent with things, you’ll make progress.”

No-Fuss Haircuts for Busy Women

By Jyl Craven

Today’s woman leads a demanding life, and often spending more than a few minutes on her hair in the morning just isn’t an option. If this sounds like you, never fear. Ask your stylist about one of these three fashionable haircuts. All three of these looks will leave you looking dazzling, with minimal muss and fuss in the morning.

The Pixie Cut

Actresses from Mia Farrow to Ann Hathaway have popularized this classic cut, which is perfect for women with fine hair. The cut makes hair appear fuller, while the shorter length also allows for smooth or tousled styles. Plus, busy women will appreciate that the pixie cut works well even if they only have time to air-dry their hair.

Want to create a chic, textured and disheveled look? Keep a sculpting paste on your vanity. Clay Definer, by Shu Uemura, perfectly complements the pixie cut because it contains soft kaolin powder, which provides softness and pliability all-in-one.

The Curly Bob

The curly bob is an easy and versatile look for women on the go. Don’t let the word “bob” scare you; the curly bob can vary from shoulder length to just above the earlobes.

The active woman can wear a curly bob straight or with layers for extra movement and bounce. A curly bob can be a simple, subtle look that conveys urbanity and sophistication, without taking overly long to style. For a touch of shine, consider adding a little of your favorite gloss spray.

The curly bob can also easily be styled into a beach-wave look. To create the look without stiffness or stickiness, use a styling aid like Keratase Spray à Porter. This water-based lotion leaves your hair feeling smooth and breezy all summer long.

Long, Loose Layers

Did you think that long hair automatically equaled a long styling time? That’s simply not true! You can keep your long, thick or curly hair and still have time to live your life if you embrace loose layers. Long hair with round layers that nicely frame your face will always be in style.

Long layers can also be used to shape and contour the face. Women with round faces should ask their stylists for fewer layers, since layers tend to widen the face. For a different look, you might ask your stylist to add a sideswept fringe to keep your hair looking modern.

The best thing about all three of these simple, timeless cuts is that they can be appropriate for day-to-day life or styled for a night on the town. If your busy lifestyle keeps you on-the-go, ask your stylist about one of these no-fuss haircuts. L

limelight in the Jared Davis

Jared Davis State Farm insurance agency is located on the Roswell/ Woodstock border. The team includes: Owner — Jared Davis, Brad Vaughan, Ryan Nikitin, Chip Miller and Jessica Driscoll. Combined, they have over 20 years of insurance experience and 7 years of experience in handling claims.

Jared explains, “Our mission is to make sure you understand your insurance coverage, so your assets are protected in the event of a loss. We want to make sure there are no gaps in your insurance portfolio, and we accomplish this through the various insurance products we provide including life, auto, home, liability and business insurance.”

There is no one plan that suits every client. Jared Davis State Farm asks specific questions to determine a client’s needs. He says, “I never want to find out after an accident that I didn’t have the right

conversation with someone, and now they’re in a financial mess. This is why it’s important for us to make sure that we take the necessary steps to build a customized plan, so that in the event of an accident, the client will never have to wonder, ‘Do I have enough coverage?’”

The office is available to its clients 24/7. “We know our clients are busy, and we want to be there for them if they ever have an issue. I provide all of my insured homeowners with my personal cell phone number, and I’ve received calls while grocery shopping, on the weekend and after hours,” says Jared. Your home is possibly the biggest purchase you’ll ever make. Jared and his team want to be available for you if something happens.

In addition to wanting to make sure they take care of their clients, Jared Davis State Farm also wants to take care of their community. “Four of my team members, including myself, live in Cherokee County. We’re active members in the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce, and Brad is on the Chairman’s Council. We’re also proud to be Partners in Education with Arnold Mill Elementary School,” states Jared.

If you need coverage, or if you have any questions, you may contact:

Jared Davis State Farm 770-559-9150

JaredDavisInsurance.com.

1775 Woodstock Rd. #330, Roswell

Salmon Ingredients:

• 2, 4 oz. salmon fillets

• Salt and pepper to taste

Procedure:

• Add salt and pepper to the salmon fillets to desired taste.

• Sear or grill the fillets to the desired level of doneness, and set aside.

Strawberry Jalapeño Salsa

Ingredients:

• 1 pint strawberries, sliced

• ½ red onion, diced

• 1 tablespoon cilantro, chopped

• 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced

• 1 tablespoon lime juice

• 1 pinch of sugar

• Salt and pepper to taste

Procedure:

• Combine all ingredients in a bowl, and toss.

Strawberry Jalapeño Salsa with

Vinaigrette Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons champagne vinegar

• 4 tablespoons olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 2 cups arugula

Procedure:

• Combine vinegar, oil, salt and pepper in a bowl, and toss with the arugula.

Strawberry Purée

Ingredients:

• ½ pint of strawberries

• 1 teaspoon honey

• Salt and pepper to taste

Procedure:

• Combine all ingredients in a blender, and purée.

Plating:

• Divide the strawberry purée onto 2 dinner plates.

• Place 1 cup of the arugula on top of the purée on each of the plates.

• Top the arugula with the salsa.

• Place a salmon filet on top of the salsa and arugula.

• If desired, garnish the salmon with a halved strawberry, and serve.

Medication

Safety for Children

By Pamela S. Marquess

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.” We should also be diligent about medication safety for our children. Here are a couple of safety areas for your review:

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.

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

You never want to have to experience the stress or panic associated with a child accidentally getting into a medicine that is not for them. You should immediately program “800222-1222” into all the phones of those who care for your children. 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.

Pamela S. Marquess, Pharm. D. is Co-Owner of Woodstock Health Mart Pharmacy, 8612 Main Street, Woodstock. 770-926-6478. WoodstockRX.com

Tracks on Main Music Festival

Debuts in Downtown Woodstock

By Kyle Bennett

OnSaturday, August 13th, a spirited mix of up-and-coming, original music acts will perform in a one-day, multi-stage music festival taking place in downtown Woodstock.

Tracks on Main will feature 14 bands, on 3 stages. The family friendly performances are free and open to the public. Food and beverage vendors will be located at each festival venue. The schedule for the Resurgens Orthopaedics Stage at Elm Street Events Green has already been announced.

At 12:45 pm, the High Divers take the stage with their subtle twang dotting a rock n’ roll landscape. Just after 2:00 pm, Alvin Youngblood Hart will belt out his eclectic “no barriers” blues.

The dynamic trio Swear and Shake follows at 3:45 pm and the Dead 27s

from Charleston take the stage at 5:15 pm. The final set of the day begins at 7:00 pm, as Nashville-based Humming House masterfully weaves together threads of Music City’s folk, soul and bluegrass legacies.

Davin McCoy, The Future Babes, Wesley Cook, Sara Rachele, Jason Wilkes and other emerging artists will perform throughout the day at two more stages downtown: The Gazebo in the Park at City Center and The Local Stage on Wheeler Street.

The absence of 2016 City of Woodstock Summer Concert Series due to the construction of the Northside Hospital-

UPCOMING EVENTS

Downtown Buzz Friday, August 26, 8:00 am The Chambers at City Center 8534 Main Street, Woodstock

This Month’s Speaker: Misti Martin, President of Cherokee Office of Economic Development Please join us for breakfast and networking!

Cherokee Amphitheater may have disappointed a number of area music lovers, but they face no shortage of live music in downtown Woodstock this summer. Restaurants like Pure Taqueria and ICE Martini Bar feature live music on weekend nights. Main Street Woodstock introduced the Woodstock Roots Bluegrass Concert Series, and MadLife Stage and Studios took center stage on Main Street this past June.

Still, Brian Stockton, economic and downtown development director for the city of Woodstock commented, “Due to the construction of the amphitheater this year, we were challenged by the community to come up with new programming that continues to promote downtown Woodstock as a live music destination. We think this new original music festival, being located throughout several venues downtown, will really showcase the community’s love for live music and allow visitors the chance to get out and experience all that we have to offer.”

More than 95% of insects are either harmless or beneficial to humans. They perform specialized roles in our environment like pollination, decomposition of organic matter or prey on other insects, or they act as a food source for the birds we love to watch from the porch. However, inside the home, a bug is a bug, and it is a nuisance.

As nighttime temperatures begin to drop this month, many insects will start to gravitate towards our homes in search of shelter. Here are some things you can do to reduce the chance that they make it indoors this fall.

Seal the Cracks:

• Check your window and door screens; replace or repair torn or damaged screens with 20 mesh or finer screen material.

• Fill cracks around windows, doors and fascia boards; silicon or acrylic latex will work for small cracks. For

larger openings, fill with a strong material that matches the structure of wood, cement or mortar.

• Seal all utility openings like outdoor faucets, entry points for pipes, wires and gas meters. Don’t forget your dryer vents.

• Repair leaky pipes; this will reduce the water that is available to pests, and save money on your water bill.

Keep it Closed:

• Use pest-resistant trash receptacles and airtight storage containers for things like bird and pet food.

• All outside doors should be selfclosing; where this is not possible, consider installing a second screen door.

Get Your House Ready for the Fall Invasion

By Joshua Fuder

broom is the best control option for the occasional bug that makes it indoors.

Pest proofing will reduce almost all incidents, but it is extremely difficult to create a completely bug-free environment. It’s also not necessary. In most cases, a vacuum cleaner or

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

Highland Park

Corner of Dupree Road and Goshen Lane 678-494-0102 (The Premier Group) Subdivision/Homes

1. Canton Dental Town 2020 Cumming Highway, Suite 100 Canton 770-622-1515

Dentists

2. Blue Ridge Mountain Recovery Center 1380 Howell Bridge Road Ball Ground 888-724-1793

Banking Services 1 2 3 4

Addiction/Substance Abuse Treatment

3. Cross Plains Community Partner 2738 Underwood Road Dalton 706-278-8143

Nonprofit Organization

4. Cherokee Bail Bonds 2920 Marietta Highway, Unit 106 Canton 770-224-9150

Bail Bonding

Elm Street Cultural Arts Village Sculpture Garden Market Street 678-494-4251

Public Installation Sculptures

BB&T Towne Lake 936 Towne Lake Parkway 770-308-7903

Put Your Best Face Forward

By Drs. Petrosky, Musarra, Harkins and Leake

Cosmetic medical procedures, like facelifts, are a blend of both art and science. Most plastic surgeons have a strong feeling for beauty; their goal is to enhance the harmony of your facial features while preserving your unique facial character. Dermal fillers help to diminish facial lines and restore volume and fullness in the face.

You’re smart, inquisitive and always pushing yourself to be the best that you can be. You want to look and feel terrific, and the time has come to do something about it. Most people who are considering a facelift or injectable fillers have noticed or considered the following things:

• You feel that your facial appearance does not reflect your youthful spirit and energy level.

• You determine that your facial sagging and excess skin is a social or career obstacle.

• You show signs of facial aging but still have some skin elasticity.

A facelift corrects visible signs of aging such as deep cheek folds, jowls and loose skin, which is removed to yield a smoother, firmer appearance. Facelift incisions may be placed within the hairline and within natural contours in front of and behind the ears.

Dermal fillers can be used to:

• Plump thin lips

• Enhance shallow contours

• Soften facial creases and wrinkles

• Improve the appearance of a recessed scar

The goal of your plastic surgeon and the entire staff is to help you achieve the most beautiful and natural-looking results and to make your experience as easy and

comfortable as possible. Above all, confide in your boardcertified plastic surgeon by thoroughly discussing your goals, expectations and concerns.

Your face is the first thing people notice about you. A pleasing countenance will help you feel confident and assured. As with any procedure you are considering, make sure your consultation is with a specialtytrained, board-certified plastic surgeon.

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