The Story of WWII Veteran, George Norman Sosebee By Julie Senger At only 15 years old, George Norman Sosebee was playing football in Cantons Brown Park when he first heard about the bombing of Pearl Harbor. At the time, he was too young to even know what Pearl Harbor was or that we even had a problem with the Japanese. That didnt stop him from wanting to enlist to fight for his country. Since his parents wouldnt sign for him to enlist early, Norman enlisted as soon as he turned 18. He entered into the Army by default, because it was the only branch that hadnt filled their enlistment quota for that day. After a short, 12 weeks of training at Camp Wheeler in Macon, GA, Norman was sent as a replacement infantryman to Holland. He had never been out of the country before. Upon arrival, he was handed a bazooka and told that he was the new bazooka man, because having shot the weapon for a mere 1-2 rounds in training, he was incredulously the most qualified for the job. After carrying the bazooka for 2 weeks, Norman said he and a few of his fellow soldiers in his company were given their first orders. Their commander pointed at them and said, You, you, you and you go with Marcus, and do what Marcus does; youre now going on patrol. This was the only instruction they were given. Having been in war for only a week or two longer than Norman, Marcus was considered an old-timer. While following Marcus along the river, not even knowing what they were looking for, it began to get dusky-dark when Norman suddenly heard this terrible noise, and he didnt know what it was. As I looked around, there were suddenly all of these terrific explosions. That was my first experience of hearing incoming artillery. Fortunately, there was a lot of soft mud and dirt, so the shells burned down into the mud before they exploded, so no one was injured, but we looked around and Marcus was on the ground, yelling, Get down! Get down! Norman explained. After seeing that he would be given little direction by men who werent much more qualified than himself, Norman, nervous and scared, realized hed have to learn quickly from personal experiences in order to survive. There would be 3 other close-calls that Norman would survive. He once lay unconscious on a battlefield for 2 hours following the explosion of a 90 mm mortar, which hit so close behind him that it knocked him out. The second close-call occurred just after the Battle of the Bulge ended, when Norman and some of his fellow soldiers were making their way through the Die Hard Forest in Germany in an effort to take the German town that lay on the other side, and friendly fire exploded near him and was only a foot away from taking off his leg. The third close-call is the one that would forever change George Norman Sosebee; it would dictate nearly every decision he made for the rest of his life. It would instill in Norman an important sense of purpose that, at 90 years old, he still pursues to this day. We were trapped (by the Germans) in the Norman Elm Canal, which had been drained. Our squads job was to capture a bridge, but when we got there, (the Germans) had already blown it. The front end of the bridge was dropped down into the canal. So we went down into the bridge to see if we could get on the other side somehow. The Germans were on the opposite side, and they had us trapped there for over an hour when our radio went out. So my fellow soldier, Carlton Simon, had to risk his life going back and forth to get us some help. Every time anyone tried to run up and down the bridge, they (the Germans) had us in crossfire [sic]. Carlton went twice up and down that bridge to get help. On his second trip is when he got shotI couldnt see it, but I heard him holler out [sic]. I still hear that sound today. After that, the only thing that saved the four of us who got out alive was that it got pitch dark; the fog started to move in, and it started raining. To escape, we had to run up the bridge one at a time, with 6-8 Germans firing at us from their foxholes at less than 100 feet away and then belly crawl about 400 meters to safety. But nobody shouldve gotten outnobody, Normans words trailed off, as his eyes began to water. It took 2 days for news to reach Normans troop in Nephten, Germany that the war was officially over. It would be more than a year after that when he finally came back to the U.S. and went home to his parents house. His dog, Jack, was on the front porch when he pulled into the driveway and immediately began barking with recognition and excitement. His mother was awake, even though it was 2 am, waiting to hug and kiss him, and as many mothers would do, she asked him if he needed anything to eat. But his father, who had picked Norman up from the airport, had picked up an entirely different young man than the one hed seen off to war only a year and a half earlier. You see, I had been rebellious against parental control, Norman said, I bucked my dad on everything at home. After he picked me up, I thanked my dad many times for being so persistent and disciplined with me. When you have someone who gets killed saving your life, its hard to take. It makes you want to do something with your life to help others. It made me grow up. Norman had 93 days of actual combat in WWII. He said, The fear, the anxiety, the emotion is always with you. Some people ask, how can you remember all of that stuff? and I sayhow can you forget it? And really, I dont want to forget it. Norman returned to Germany in 1982. It was important to him that he revisit the place where he should never have lived. The collapsed bridge had been rebuilt. It was very emotional, Norman said, I sat on that bridge and cried for 2 hours. Every emotion I had at that time, every experience that transpired that day, I relived it.
A Culinary Twofer By Shannon Marsh Teach Skills and Make Memories with Your Kids in the Kitchen Teaching kids how to cook is one of the most important life skills we can give them. They get excited about food, interested in trying new things and shine with pride when they accomplish cooking a meal. Many kids today are eager food television fans, so theyve learned a lot of culinary information. Working hands-on in the kitchen allows them to dive deeper. When I was growing up, my parents exposed me to lots of different cuisines through travel in Europe. Im fortunate for those experiences because it opened my mind and palate to a world of flavors. The more we can expose kids to different cuisines, the less likely they are to be picky eaters. Kids are curious by nature, so why not take advantage of that with food? My mom and I often baked together after school days, making cookies and brownies. I credit those memorable times in the kitchen with her to my life-long passion for baking and pastry making. Tips and Safety Rules: Use good, quality ingredients. When cooking from scratch, the goal is to eat more whole foods and less processed foods. With older kids, review the differences between wet and dry measuring. For younger children, you may need to measure out ingredients ahead of time. Know that cooking with kids can get messy. Encourage a clean-as-you-go mentality, and enlist their help to clean up. Teach kids basic cooking techniques and how to follow recipes. After they develop a higher level of comfort in the kitchen, then they can try to wing it, and let their style lead the way. Think about what happens at a kids eye level. Check for proper table height, and have step stools/chairs when needed. No sharp knives for small children. Keep them out of reach. For older kids, knife safety is key. Model for kids how to properly hold a knife. Curl fingertips under during cutting, and safely walk a knife with the tip down to the sink for cleaning. I often suggest to adults to sharpen their own skills by enrolling in a knife skills cooking class. Hand washing is crucial. Avoid touching hair, face, floor, etc. after hands are clean. Always clean items that were in contact with raw meat and eggs immediately after use. Make sure all pot and skillet handles are turned inward during use on the stove, so they arent sticking out and get bumped. Make sure all ingredients are measured and equipment is at your fingertips. Praise them! Let kids know they did a great job! Benefits of Getting Into the Kitchen with Your Kids: It exposes your family to new recipes, flavors and cuisines. Change up your routine by testing recipes with your kids, and discover new family favorites. You make healthier choices. Its a common fact that when we cook at home, we are empowered to make more healthy eating decisions. We know exactly where our ingredients come from, and we can control the fat, sugar and salt content. You have the opportunity to be creative and build self-confidence. Allowing your kids to follow their inspiration in the kitchen builds imagination. Maybe not every dish is a winner, but trying new recipes is a great way to instill confidence and encourage flexible thinking. You learn to plan and stick to a food budget. You enjoy quality time connecting with family in a way that fosters teamwork. Kids are more likely to eat what they make. Along the way, they enhance science, math, problem-solving, sharing, communication, reading and fine motor skills. Whats Age Appropriate? Toddlers: putting ingredients away, setting the table, washing produce, washing hands, wipe up countertops, mix ingredients for batters, cut cookies with cookie cutters or using a pastry brush to paint oil or melted butter onto bread. Ages 6-9: cracking eggs, using a peeler on fruits and vegetables, measuring out ingredients, loading the dishwasher, cutting herbs with scissors, mixing dough and batters together, beating eggs, juicing citrus, shaping burgers and pounding out chicken. Ages 10-12: reading and prepping recipes, pulling equipment out, measuring ingredients accurately, sauting and simmering on the stove, boiling pasta, beginning knife skills, slicing or chopping vegetables (with supervision) or baking items in the oven.
Wages of War Recognizing and Honoring the Military Service of J.R. (Chief) Wages By Julie Senger Upon entering American Legion Post 201 in Alpharetta and awaiting the arrival of J.R. (Chief) Wages to speak with him about his long military career, his fellow veterans were quick to note that he is the only one of them who can still fit into his original issued military uniform that he received when he was 17 years old. Now 89, Chief is in excellent condition, walking expeditiously and completely unassisted as he makes his way around the facility and its grounds, especially for someone who served his country in 3 major wars (WWII, the Korean War and Vietnam) and received a Purple Heart during the course of his more than 20 year military career. Following the bombing of Pearl Harbor and the start of WWII, Chief enlisted in the Navy in 1944, even though as the son of an Oklahoma sharecropper, hed never even seen the ocean before. After basic training at Stevedore Training Port in Hueneme, CA, and obtaining visual signal training at Treasure Island in San Francisco, CA, he became a signalman on the U.S.S. General M.M. Patrick, passing through Calcutta, the Strait of Gibraltar and the Suez Canal. When on one of his first missions as a signalman, Chief noted, In route to Guam, we were forced to pass the Japanese held Truk Islands. Enemy submarines were a constant fear while at sea, as we were a prime target due to our valuable human cargo of 5000 combat-ready troops. We had destroyer escorts and had to maintain a complete, utter silence during our passing to avoid the sensitive, sonic listening capabilities of the enemy subs. Any crewman making the slightest noise aboard the ship was severely reprimanded by his superior; he could even receive a court-martial. We would have to go for 3-4 days at a time without speaking and trying not to move. Over the course of the next two years, this young man, who had previously never been out of the United States, would end up travelling around the world five times. Two months after returning home from WWII, Chief enlisted in the Army. He would then serve in the Korean War and later finish out the remainder of his armed forces career as a military government officer in Vietnam, retiring as a 4th Level Chief Warrant Officer in 1966. The Purple Heart Chief received was because of wounds he incurred while working inside a building that was bombed by the enemy, embedding a large piece of shrapnel into his stomach, leaving a permanent, vertical scar, which stretches from below his navel to about the middle of his rib cage, just below his chest level. But he is quick to diminish the significance of this award and the recognition he received from it, saying, You have a guy whos 19 years old, from a little town in south Georgia; he gets killed in action; they send a Purple Heart to his mom and dad in the mailand thats the end of it. Its just not right. Well, I call up the parents and tell them that we want to put a brick in the Walk of Memories for their young man. Constructed on the grounds of Post 201, the Walk of Memories is a tribute to those who have paid the ultimate price for our country. Chief came up with the idea, conducted all of the research and led all fundraising efforts (raising nearly $800k) to make this mission a reality. The Walk houses a brick for every Georgian soldier who lost their life during any war since the attack on Pearl Harbor. It is free and open to any member of the public whod like to pay their respects. Up until very recently, Chief was still getting down on his hands and knees to personally place each of the bricks commemorating a fallen soldier. There are currently over 7,400 dedicated bricks, and theres room for about 7,000 more, which Chief hopes will never have to be installed. When asked what specifically inspired the Walk of Memories, Chief said, I just feel that more should be done for those who gave their life than has been done for a wounded warrior like me. Someone who gives their life for their countrythey should be remembered.
Artist Profile: Broadway Bound Productions All Originals Plays and Musicals, All the Time By Julie Senger Husband and wife team, Cheryl Lambert and Ralph Zaffino, have had the pleasure of being involved in almost all facets of the theatre industry throughout the course of their life and careers. Cheryl is a retired television producer/director whos also an accomplished stage director, actor and choreographer. Ralphs background is in educational theater, and he has worked as an actor and director in community theatre for many years. When Cheryl and Ralph were offered the opportunity to produce and direct two original works, they decided to form their own production company, and in April of 2014, Broadway Bound Productions, Inc. (BBP) was born. The uniquely wonderful thing about BBP is that theyve made it their mission to give back to the theatre community that they love so much by exclusively producing all original plays and musicals for playwrights who need their works performed in order to get them published. In turn, this gives local actors some great opportunities to be the first to bring a new character to life, while also offering north Georgia theatre-goers the chance to be the inaugural audience for these exciting, original works. Cheryl states, It was important to us to give back to the theater community, since Ralph and I had both been doing theater for many years. We didnt want to step on the toes of other local theater groups, so we believed sticking with original works would fit a niche that wasnt being served. Thus far, BBP has produced five original shows, with their very first show, Thomas Riesers Ordinary Time, winning the 2015 Metropolitan Atlanta Theatre Award for Best Original Work and subsequently being accepted for publication by the Dramatic Publishing Company. Choosing to create our small, creative business so late in life, we were uncertain as to whether or not we were doing the right thing. However, when Toms play was accepted for publication and received the MAT award that was validation that we had chosen the right path, Ralph says. BBPs sixth and final production of the 2015-2016 season, MANopause, the midlife crisis, musical comedy, is set to hit the stage next month, May 12-22, with convenient performance times on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 pm, and Sunday matinees at 2:00 pm at the Canton Theatre. If youre a playwright whos interested in submitting your work to BBP for consideration, please email a perusal script/query to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. They are currently seeking scripts for their 2017-2018 season. If youre interested seeing one of their productions or being cast in a role, check out their website for upcoming shows and auditions. BroadwayBoundProductionsInc.com
Book Review: A Fall of Marigolds By Jessica Asbell A Fall of Marigolds, by Susan Meissner, is about lost love, survivors guilt and the people who help us move past tragedy. It chronicles two of the biggest tragedies in New York City: The Triangle Shirtwaist Fire of 1911 and the 9/11 attacks in 2001. The book opens with Taryn, a widowed survivor of 9/11, whose husband was killed in the attacks. Shes now a single mom to her daughter, Kendal. She has survivors guilt, not only because she survived while her husband didnt, but also because she believes her husband died as a direct result of her actions. Most people dont know that shes a survivor until a picture of her and a florist in the midst of the debris is published in a magazine ten years later. In the picture, shes clutching an old marigold scarf, a scarf that ended up saving her and her daughters life. Meissner also tells the story of Clara, a nurse who survived the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire of 1911 only to leave the city to work at the hospital on Ellis Island. Clara feels the guilt of surviving this fire, particularly since the man she loved did not. As her story unfolds, we begin to see that she believes he would have survived had it not been for her, which makes it hard to move on from the tragedy. She meets an immigrant on Ellis Island whose wife died of Scarlet Fever on the ship ride over to America. He is wearing a marigold scarf, a scarf that was precious to his wife. As she cares for him during his own bout with Scarlet Fever, she finds herself with information about his wife that forces her to confront her own past. As both Taryn and Clara have to confront the past so that they can face the future, they receive help along the way from surprising sources.
Book Review: Win-Win By Amanda Wiggins If you are a dog owner, you need to read this book! Ive had dogs all my life, yet Jordan Rothmans book, Win-Win, brought me a deeper understanding of canine behavior and how training methods affect the outcome. For years, the idea of dominance was bandied about by professional trainers along with such absurd notions as dogs shouldnt exit through doors before you, or dogs shouldnt eat before you. With insight and wit, Rothman debunks these notions and emphasizes positive reinforcement and associations. When we travel to a foreign country, we dont know the language, customs or expectations. Doing something as simple as maintaining eye contact while speaking can be perceived as rude or offensive in some cultures. Likewise, dogs are adrift in the human world without a map or Google translate. We shake hands; dogs sniff butts. We log in to Facebook; dogs check in to curbs, trees and fire hydrants. We spray ourselves with cologne or perfume; dogs roll around in dirt. We put valuables in a bank vault; dogs put valuables under the couch cushion, or they bury them in the yard. Rothman provides tools to apply in all areas of training. He teaches marking, prompting, luring, shaping and more to add to your toolbox. Using charming cartoons and poems from the dogs viewpoint, as well as concrete examples and metaphors, he guides the reader through understanding and applying the techniques as surely as he would guide a dog through training. Ive only just begun to use some of the techniques in training my rescue dogs, and I can already see positive results. I wish this book had been available years ago. Win-Win is available on Amazon.com in both paperback and Kindle formats.
Canton Termite & Pest Control Your Hometown Pest Control Company By Kathleen Boehmig Here in Georgia, we are blessed with a mild climate, amazing natural beauty and termites. Termites have been around for millennia. They are social: they groom each other, tap out warnings to the colony when they detect danger, and termite fathers help raise their young. They are ecologically beneficial insects, natural recyclers that break down tough fibers in dead and decaying trees, and transform them into new soil. Thats great when they stay in the woods, but when they attack our homes with those voracious appetites, its bad news. The most widely seen termite in the United States is the Eastern Subterranean termite. They are most active in warm weather, swarming in spring or whenever rain warms the soil and moistens it dramatically. Tim McWhirter, President and Owner of Canton Termite and Pest Control, says, Termites devour anything containing cellulose, from wood to art canvasses. A termite queen, one of the longest-living insects, can live up to fifty years. The southeast is the most active termite area in the nation. Fortunately, Canton Termite and Pest Control is here with effective pest control solutions. Serving Cherokee County and the surrounding area, they offer pre-listing and standard termite inspection and report letters, termite treatments and bait systems, as well as nuisance wildlife removal. Annually, termites do five billion dollars in damage statistically similar to the damage done by Hurricane Katrina, and more than the damage done by fire. You cant be too careful, Tim says. Termites are everywhere here. Nationally, only five in 100 homeowners have termite protection. Even in Georgia, in the middle of the termite belt, only fifteen to twenty percent of homeowners in our area have an active termite control guarantee. Tim continues, Its ironic; people spend a lot of money on expensive burglar alarms and other devices to protect their homes, but if they dont have termite protection, they are asking for trouble. The chance of having termite infestation is usually much higher than the chance of being burgled. And although termites are a major concern, Tim says, there will always be another bug bringing some new problem to the forefront. Some of these issues, like the Zika virus, are serious. The Zika virus has been declared a major threat by the World Health Organization, which forecasts approximately four million cases over the next year. What can you do to protect yourself? You can avoid infected areas as much as possible, use bug repellent, and have your yard treated for mosquitoes. Read more about this concern on Tims blog at CantonGeorgiaPestControl.com. Service has been Tims passion since 1989, when he first started in the pest control business, working part-time during college, and discovered an interest in entomology. In 1999, Tim started his own company, based on integrity, reliability and high ethical standards, as well as pride in staying at the technological forefront of the industry. We want to be the kind of people you feel comfortable inviting into your home, as well as the pest control professionals you trust, Tim states. I give my personal attention to each customer. I want to be their best resource for hometown pest control. We are natives to the area: local people serving their neighbors. When you call Canton Termite and Pest Control, you can be confident that you are getting the very best pest control service, with the best guarantee. We stand behind our warranties. And usually, we can get to you immediately. Tims customer base has doubled in the last year, and new employees have been hired to balance the workload, including an entomologist, who is available for consultation anytime. Tim says, Your home is your most valuable possession; you certainly want to protect it. If you have a problem with termites, roaches, ants, fleas, bedbugs, possums, snakes, rats, mice or any other unwanted pests, you want someone you know will do the job right, and get rid of the problem fast for a reasonable price. There are plenty of pest control companies, Tim continues, but Canton Termite and Pest Control is the company you know you can trust. Canton Termite & Pest Control150 North Street, Suite CCanton, Georgia 30114770-479-1598This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.Facebook.com/CantonTermiteCheck out our channel on YouTube!
R&D Mechanical Services, Inc. Meeting Your HVAC Needs We want the R & D Mechanical name to mean something. We want R & D Mechanical to be the best of the best. Since starting R & D Mechanical Services in 2000, owners Robbie and Dana Matiak have followed a single principle that serves as the foundation of the entire company: to meet your HVAC needs with integrity. We know there are a lot of HVAC companies out there, so we have set our own high standards to make R & D Mechanical different, says Robbie. We want the R & D Mechanical name to mean something. We want R & D Mechanical to be the best of the best. Robbie, who has more than 27 years of field and operations experience in the HVAC industry, says he always knew he would have his own company. I feel like I was called to the HVAC industry. I love fixing problems and serving people, he says. This company isnt just about making money; its about trust and relationships. We are willing to sacrifice revenue in order to maintain our own high standards for quality and integrity. As R & D Mechanical has grown over the years, Robbie and Dana have welcomed their children into the family business. Their son, Heath Matiak, is operations manager, and their daughter, Ashleigh Rich, has moved from the role of dispatcher over to the role of bookkeeper. Robbie says, With Heath and Ashleigh working in the company, customers have confidence in knowing R & D will continue to offer the same quality, dependable service for many years to come. R & D also wants to make sure that everyone who works within their company understands that doing the right thing and treating other employees as they would like to be treated is intrinsic in their companys work ethic. In fact, R & D Mechanical operates under 16 core values. They use these values as standards when hiring new team members. Some key points include living and working with the highest sense of integrity and character, being themselves, whether in public or in private, always doing as they have promised, being fair and honest, treating customers with respect, giving customers more than they expect and meeting customers needs without selling, just to name a few. Robbie and the R & D Mechanical team stand by their core values day-in-and-day-out conscientiously displaying them on the company website and on advertising campaigns. I have always believed that if you concentrate on doing what is right, then everything else will work out, he says. After securing quality team members, R & D Mechanical also wants to make sure that they are making their lives better. Every January, the team members meet to discuss the expectations, goals and focus for the year. R & D Mechanicals team members are at the top of their priority list. Heath notes, If we serve each other first, we will serve our customers even more so. The term team member was a very deliberate decision for the company; Robbie wants everyone at R & D to know that they are, working with us and not for us. The focus on valuing family time is also conveyed by allowing the on-call service technicians to control their schedules when emergency calls are needed. If there is a planned family activity, technicians are encouraged to make it known and to ask other technicians to assist in the emergency service calls with customers. As always with R & D, family is first priority. It should also be noted that all R & D Mechanicals service technicians participate in ongoing education of new industry requirements and new products released. Their level of commitment to quality, in both service and employees, has established R & D Mechanical as a dependable, trustworthy company with consistent results. People return and refer others because they know R & D values them as customers first. We dont try to up-sell our customers, and we dont offer cookie-cutter systems and solutions, Robbie says. We believe in informing and educating customers on all available options based on their individual needs. We help customers make the best decision that is right for them because, ultimately, that is best for the company. In addition to putting the focus on customers, family and team members, Robbie and his crew are active in the community. R & D Mechanical has sponsored the Kennesaw Grand Prix Series, and they also partner heavily with MUST Ministries and their Save It Forward program, with which Dana Matiak is heavily involved. Other organizations that they have partnered with include Next Steps Ministry in Woodstock and Cloud Walk Ministry in Alpharetta. However, the team members at R & D are most proud of quietly helping individuals in their community. Whether its installing a new, low or no-cost furnace or system for someone who was without heat during the winter or doing labor at cost to help families in need save money, R & D continues to show their actions speak louder than their words. R & D Mechanical currently operates at about a 70/30 split between commercial and residential work. They offer HVAC installation, repair, upgrades and preventative maintenance. The company uses reputable, name brand products that are known for quality, durability and affordability including Trane, Carrier and Liebert. R & D Mechanical is a NATE-certified company. They back all work according to manufacturers warranty, as well as their own 1-year labor warranty. Technicians are on call until 8 pm, Friday-Monday, to assist existing customers in emergency service situations. We aim to under-promise and over-deliver at all times, says Robbie. To learn more about the companys values, its people, what they do and what sets them apart, please visit RandDMechanical.net/video/ R&D Mechanical Services, Inc. 3448 Holly Springs Parkway, Canton 770-917-1795 RandDMechanical.net
David Waters A Sheriff for All Citizens Former Forsyth County Commander, David Waters, a lifelong resident of Cherokee County, is asking for your vote to become your new Cherokee County Sheriff. Known for building bridges between others in the community, David looks forward to forming a partnership between the employees of the Sheriffs Office and the citizens they serve. He will pledge to defend and stand up for your constitutional rights and strive to preserve life, liberty and freedom while enforcing our state and local laws. Under his leadership, every asset of the Cherokee County Sheriffs Office will be utilized to assure citizens that their Sheriffs Office will operate effectively and efficiently and by good stewardship of the taxpayers dollars. Waters also looks forward to continuing to serve as Vice Chairman on the board of the Keely Foundation, serving in the community in order to become a resource for heroin addiction and education. David was recently quoted, at a gathering of many who were not familiar with Cherokees new community menace, as saying, 95 lives were lost to heroin in 2015, and as your sheriff, we will deal with the problem, as it has to stop. David began his career in May of 1978. During that time, he was assigned and commanded the Cherokee and Forsyth County Sheriffs Offices Uniform Patrol Division, Criminal Investigation Division, Office of Professional Standards (IA), Narcotics Division and Special Services. Waters has received law enforcement training in 7 states. He holds two national certifications hes a graduate of the 122nd Administrative Officers Course at the Southern Police Institute at the University of Louisville, Kentucky, as well as the National Animal Control Association (N.A.C.A.) in Nashville, Tennessee. Less than 1% of all law enforcement personnel are accepted into the Southern Police Institute, and even fewer continue on to graduate from this prestigious academy. David accomplished both. He also has certifications from the Georgia Peace Officers Standards Training Counsel (P.O.S.T.), including levels 1, 2 and 3 in Law Enforcement Supervision, levels 1, 2 and 3 in Law Enforcement Management and levels 1, 2 and 3 in Executive Law Enforcement Management. Additional certifications include Homicide Investigations, Major Case Investigations levels 2, 3, 4 and 5; Criminal Psychological Profiling, Robbery Investigation, Interviews and Interrogations, Family Violence, C.O.P.S. Training for Command Staff, Georgia Criminal Law, Police Crisis Intervention, Managing Interpersonal Relationships and Police Liability. While this list of educational achievements, training and accomplishments is important with regard to the job Waters seeks, one event stands out as most important to the candidate himself. In 1997, while serving with the Forsyth County Sheriffs Office, David was in his patrol car, travelling down Interstate 400, and was flagged down by a frantic mother whose 3-month-old baby was choking. David ended up saving that babys life. Without his quick response, including CPR, the child most likely would have died. He received the Medal of Valor for his efforts. 10 years later, David was reunited with young Cassidy Sullens, at which time he gave her his award, which she still treasures. He added recently, It was one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever encountered as a law enforcement officer. Waters is the only candidate endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police, and he most recently won the endorsement of former Georgia Senate Majority Leader, Chip Rogers, who stated, I stand with David as another true conservative, as he plans to hold the line on spending while providing excellent public service to protect Cherokee County.David Waters wants your support and vote to become Cherokee Countys next sheriff. Honor, strength and experience are the three elements that will enable him to provide security to citizens, children, homes, schools and places of worship. David and his wife, Brenda, are proud members of Sutallee Baptist Church and reside in the Macedonia community. For more information about David, please visit his website at DavidWatersForSheriff.com, or if you have questions, give him a call at 770-655-4626. He knows hearing ideas for your Sheriffs Office will only help him as he implements the open door policy, which he intends to maintain while serving as your sheriff. Top Priorities 1.Deal with the exploding heroin problem in Cherokee County David is the only candidate who has managed a sheriffs office narcotic department. During 2015, over 95 Cherokee County citizens died of a heroin overdose. 2. Effectively and efficiently manage a budget David is the only candidate who has managed a sheriffs office budget. 3. Establish a School Resource Officer program (SRO) David is the only candidate who has negotiated a hostage situation in a local school. David Waters for SheriffCherokee CountyDavidWatersForSheriff.com770-655-4626
2 Wheel Terrain Biking Trails in North GA By Angela Chambers North Georgia is very lucky to have many amazing biking trails. In fact, not utilizing our trails would be like living next to a world class ski resort and not skiing. We have world class, off-road trails and a progressive attitude about creating paved trails. There are two mountain bike trail systems in Cherokee County that offer almost 30 miles of trail and can be used by joggers, walkers and hikers, as well. But, if you think mountain biking is only for the young, brave or fit, you are wrong! Beginner trails were built for just that beginners. Cantons Blankets Creek has two beginner trails, an intermediate trail, and two advanced trails from which to choose. This is a great place for any level rider to enjoy the best of single-track mountain biking. Blankets Creek is often listed as one of the best trail systems in the south and U.S. Woodstock has the Taylor Randahl Memorial Bike Trails at Olde Rope Mill Park, which offer several beginner to advanced level options, and Cherokees Dupree Family Mountain Bike Trail is the best place to start your mountain biking habit. Beginner level trails are laid out in three loops on wooded land. Just a mile in length, the system is designed for kids and those just getting off-road for the first time. SORBA Woodstock is the non-profit that builds and maintains these trails. In addition, they hold a monthly social ride that caters to every ability level especially beginners and novices. They also have monthly work parties to maintain the trails. For more information about trails and activities, visit SORBAWoodstock.org. Along with the off-road trails in Cherokee County, Greenprints Alliance has created an amazing system of concrete, multi-use trails that are the beginning of a master planned system. Already completed and in use is the Noonday Creek Trail, which is 1.5 miles long and runs from Downtown Woodstock to Hwy 92, along the Noonday Creek corridor. It also connects to the Woofstock Dog Park via a beautiful, spanning bridge. Connections to Towne Lake, Olde Rope Mill Park and Cobb County trails are planned by 2021. In Northern Fulton County, there are also several biking trail options. Big Creek Greenway features 7.5 miles of 8-foot-wide concrete track, a 0.4 mile wood chip path and a combination mountain bike/hiking trail, all of which meanders through a flood plain formed by Big Creek. It is paved, with the exception of the hiking trail, the mountain biking/hiking trail and the boardwalk, which is a section of Greenway between the original Northpoint entrance and the original end of the trail, about 600 feet north of Mansell Road. Bikes are not permitted on the boardwalk section. Also in the North Georgia area is Charleston Park, which includes 5.5 miles of XC single-track trails along the edges of Lake Lanier. These trails are for intermediate bikers and consist of short and long climbs/descents, roots and rocks. Another trail system in North Fulton is Haw Creek Park, which is roughly 85 acres and includes approximately 3.3 miles of multi-use trails for foot travel and mountain bikes. If you are interested in learning more about North Fultons trails and activities, visit the Roswell-Alpharetta Mountain Bike Organization (RAMBO) at RAMBO-MTB.org/. The RAMBO Chapter of SORBA is a volunteer organization dedicated to improving off-road biking and recreational opportunities through their advocacy for quality trail systems. All of these trail systems are used by those in the metro area and beyond. Be sure to take advantage of them! Biking Trails: Blankets Creek2261 Sixes Rd.,Canton Big Creek GreenwayAccess points at Alpharetta YMCA, Haynes Bridge Road, North Point Mall, Kimball Bridge Road and Marconi Drive in Alpharetta Charleston Park5850 Charleston Park Rd., Cumming Dupree Family Mountain Bike Trail513 Neese Rd., Woodstock Haw Creek Park2205 Echols Rd., Cumming Noonday Creek Trail 9500 Alabama Rd., Woodstock The Taylor Randahl Memorial Bike Trails at Olde Rope Mill Park 690 Olde Rope Mill Park Rd., Woodstock Upcoming Events for Bikers:May 7th 7th Annual TrailfestTrailFest.org (Woodstock) May 7th 3rd Annual Big Creek Quick Six Enduro RAMBO-MTB.org (Roswell) May 14th SORBA Woodstocks Pedalpalooza SORBAWoodstock.org (Woodstock)
10 Things Your Vet Wishes You Knew About Your Pets By Chris Bryant, DVM 1. Regular physical exams are the most important thing you can do for your pets health. This allows you to tell your vet about symptoms or behaviors that might alert the doctor to problems. Animals naturally hide symptoms. By the time the illness is apparent to owners, it is often late stage, and our treatment options may be limited. Clients frequently describe things they think are no big deal, but are signs of a possible underlying disease. Physical exams and blood tests can help identify many of these diseases. 2. Animals feel pain, just like we do. They cant tell us what hurts and rarely cry or whimper. Animals tend to curl up and sleep to try to avoid pain. 3. Human medications, such as aspirin, Tylenol, ibuprofen, other over-the-counter anti-inflammatories and decongestants, are dangerous and potentially fatal. Always call your veterinarian before giving any medication to your pet. Many veterinarians will answer these types of questions over the phone. 4. Dental disease is real, and it really hurts. Most animals wont show signs of pain and will keep eating. However, owners describe how much more alert and spunky their pets act after those painful teeth are treated or removed. There are no shortcuts in dental care. There are many people out there in the business of selling shortcuts, but safe and thorough dentistry requires anesthesia and dental x-rays. 5. Heartworm disease is caused by mosquitoes, which are around all year long in Georgia. There are no winter breaks for them. Heartworms lead to heart failure, and its nearly 100% preventable with a simple preventative each month, all year round. 80% of unprotected dogs in Georgia will get heartworms at some point in their lives. Cats get heartworms, too. 6. Most people know chocolate is toxic to pets, but did you know grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure? Onions and macadamia nuts can cause problems, as well. Xylitol is a common, artificial sweetener in chewing gum, medications and other foods, like yogurt. This can cause rapid and severe liver disease in pets, and it doesnt take much. A half of a stick of gum can make a small dog sick. 7. Food does not equal love in your pets eyes. They may surely enjoy snacks. But they will still know how much you adore them, even if you minimize snacks to keep them at a healthy weight. 8. Speaking of food quality matters. Many of the less expensive, popular foods are high in fat. This is why your pet likes them so much. Better foods do cost more, but tend to have lower fat contents and less non-digestible materials. This often means less poo! Labeling on foods is notoriously untrustworthy. There are all kinds of gimmicks and loopholes in the claims they make. Just because its on the label, doesnt mean its true. 9. Cat foods are a bit easier the best food for most healthy cats: Canned Fancy Feast. Avoid dry foods when possible. Bottom line ask your veterinarian for two or three good food options that are available in stores. The vast majority of our patients eat regular food found in most stores, and we are happy to make recommendations. 10. If your pet is drinking more than usual, urinating more than normal, vomiting, not eating, sleeping more than usual, is less active or having soft stoolsdont wait. At least call and ask for advice. Most veterinarians, or one of their veterinary nurses, will be able to talk to you and get you some basic information. Unfortunately, waiting to see if things get better on their own or using old fashioned home remedies can often make things much worse.
Caring for Your Furkids! By Joe Gaston Pet care begins with the decision to purchase or adopt a pet. This is one of the most critical parts of pet care, because the decision will impact your life and the life of the pet for the next 10-15 years. It should be a carefully considered decision. Things to Consider Before Adopting: 1. Your living situation (apartment vs. home) 2. Need for and access to an exercise area for a dog vs. none for a cat 3. Your life style, including how long youre away at work or traveling, which impacts your ability to interact with your pet 4. Your financial ability to provide daily care, as well as health care 5. The time demands of family, friends and work Exercise, Nutrition and Weather Precautions Exercise is essential for a healthy life style for pets as well as people. Indoor cats and dogs tend to be more obese due to lack of regular exercise, so its important to reduce their caloric intake to match their lifestyle. This can be achieved by feeding a less calorie-dense food with high fiber, feeding them less and/or increase exercise. Cats tend to do a better job of weight management with high protein, low carbohydrate diets. Weight can result in a cat or dog becoming diabetic and requiring insulin injections twice daily. Some diets are selected specifically for medical conditions your pet may have, such as allergies, kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, pancreatitis, etc. Its important to make dietary changes in all pets slowly, so you can avoid pathogen bacterial overgrowth and colitis. Exercise will also impact the diet choices for your pet. Working dogs often require a higher fat content in their diets to prevent weight loss. You must also take precautions during hot, humid days to avoid a heat stroke for yourself and your pet. Dogs and cats cool themselves by panting. You can exceed their ability to regulate their temperature when you run long distances on a hot, humid day. Its far better to run early in the morning or late in the evening, and wet your pets coat to act as sweat, which will help to cool them as they run. Potty Training Your Pet If youre away from home for 8-10 hours each day without someone to allow the dog to go outside to the restroom, it would be unwise to have a dog. Keeping a dog in a crate when youre not observing them is a good way to house train a dog. However, it is unfair and ineffective to keep a pet in a crate for greater than 4-6 hours, because you cannot expect them not to mess up their cage/crate. Housebreaking a puppy requires that you take them out first thing in the morning, 15 minutes after feeding and generally every 3-4 hours during the day until they get to be six months or older, which is when they have self-control for longer periods of time. Its best to take up food and water at about 6:00 pm when training a puppy, so they will not have to go to the restroom in the middle of the night. Cats are usually easily trained to use a litter box. For them to continue the good habit, its important to keep the litter clean and odor-free. If dogs or cats develop indiscriminant urination or defecation, we first try to determine if there is a physiological problem and /or a psychological problem, and treat appropriately. Medical Expenses to Consider When Owning a Pet Feeding and providing healthcare for a pet will far exceed the purchase price of a pet. The largest expense occurs in the first year of life, when the pet is spayed or neutered, given a series of vaccines and treated for intestinal parasites. Between youth and old age, the pet will require grooming, annual exams, preventatives for parasites and disease and often special foods or supplements. These expenses can be exceeded by care for a geriatric patient when they develop diseases of age, including osteoarthritis, immune mediated diseases, metabolic diseases and cancer. This is when there is a greater need for hospitalization and longer term care. Often, these expenses are occurring at the same time the family is facing expenses for their own health care, education for children, business expenses and home owner expenses. This can often lead to the pet being put last on the list of financial needs. As long as one is prepared for this, a pet will provide the unconditional love we all need and will become your faithful companion and a wonderful addition to your family.
Providing the Perfect Home For Your 4 Legged Family Member By Sherry Weaver, D.V.M. 1. Do your research, and pick the right pet for your lifestyle. The history of different types of dogs and cats will give you better insight as to what that breed will need. Some are high-energy, some independent. Sometimes, people who work long hours will choose a high energy breed, such as a border collie or an Australian shepherd. These dogs are wonderful but may develop behavior problems if not given enough of an outlet for their energy level. Cats or small dogs may be a better option for busy people. 2. Feed them quality food. Theres an overwhelming variety of food choices on the market. The most important factor to consider is which companies use research-based ingredients to formulate their food. On the average, more expensive foods use better ingredients, which provides better nutrition, and companies that spend less on advertising can spend more providing healthy food. 3. Consider the preventative health care needs of your pet. If I were to choose one thing to do annually for my patients, it would be to get an exam and bloodwork. The annual checkup is a chance to find things that arent causing a problem yet, and prevent them from ever becoming a problem. So many medical problems, if caught early, can be addressed relatively inexpensively, preventing pain and illness, as well as more expensive bills later. Other health care needs include: *Heartworm prevention - Of all of the preventative medications that a dog can take, heartworm prevention is the most important. In this area, over half of the dogs who dont get prevention will get heartworm disease, which can be fatal. *Vaccines - Vaccines are very important for puppies and kittens to develop healthy immune systems. In adulthood, vaccines help keep your pet safe from illness. *Dental care - If all owners would brush their dogs teeth 3 times a week, they could live as much as 2 years longer. Unfortunately, most of us do not succeed in accomplishing this, so the next best thing is regular dental cleanings. Since dogs cannot readily cooperate by opening their mouths on command, dental cleanings must be performed under anesthesia in order to thoroughly evaluate their teeth. 4. All dogs need exercise. Unfortunately, most dogs have infinitely more energy than their owners, and all that extra energy can be easily turned toward chewing and destroying furniture and other valuables. Try to find a game that encourages the dog to use more energy than you do, such as fetch, or teach your dog to use the treadmill. For some individuals, doggie day care provides this. Cats will exercise with something as simple as a paper bag or a laser light. 5. Enrichment - pets need to be mentally challenged. Thinking toys offer more than play, they are a chance for pets to use their natural behaviors to problem solve. Imagine being home all day with no TV or books, and that is how your pet can feel every day. Solving puzzles will keep your pet mentally stimulated, which will prevent them from finding less appropriate ways to entertain themselves. 6. Dogs need social interaction, (cats less so, but they often enjoy a companion). If youre not home all day, another dog may fill that roll. But you should only get a second dog if youre sure you can give it the same care as your first one. If 2 dogs arent right for you, try doggie day care or play dates with your neighbors. 7. Pet insurance is a great idea. No matter how good of a parent you are, accidents happen. Be prepared for the unforeseen by either getting pet insurance or setting aside a savings account. A serious injury requiring a specialty center can cost as much as $10,000, although most emergencies treated at your local veterinarian are closer to $1000-3000. Research your options to make sure youre able to provide this care if its needed. Pet ownership can be one of the most rewarding parts of life when planned appropriately.
Artist Profile: Allen Quandee Capturing God's Beauty By Natalie Del Valle A colorful ocean-side sunset, lush green foliage framing a waterfall and a snowy mountain range are just a few of the stunning sights Allen Quandee has photographed. For as long as he can remember, Allen has been capturing the world and all its beauty in mesmerizing snapshots. Its a wonderful stress reliever being out and enjoying nature. It inspires me. Its a gift instilled in me to capture Gods beauty, he says. His passion for photography started as a child when his father bought him a Brownie Kodak camera, and his passion and interest in photography only grew as he became a teenager. I started getting serious in the 1960s, he recalls; I developed my own pictures and did my own processing in dark rooms. Amazingly, Allens photos are simply the product of a keen eye and years of experience. I took a few photography classes in college, but thats it, he says. Nowadays, his photos are receiving recognition and winning awards, including a second place prize at the Botanical Gardens Art Show that he won three years ago. Allen has taken photos in a variety of locations in the United States and even some overseas. Ive taken photos all over. Some shots are of local areas in Tennessee, North Carolina and here in Georgia, while a few photos are taken in Canada, Japan and Korea, he says. But his favorite location to photograph is in the Grand Tetons National Park, in northwestern Wyoming, where there are plenty of beautiful and awe-inspiring landscapes and sights waiting to be captured. My favorite types of pictures to take are of landscapes, flowers and wildlife, he says, but wildlife is harder to capture. I have to be at the right place at just the right time. One striking wildlife photograph Allen managed to capture is of a gray and white wolf. The pictures up-close detail allows viewers to take in the animals golden eyes and black whiskers around its nose. The wolf had been injured and brought to a wildlife rehabilitation center. I was able to catch a snapshot of him in his natural habitat there. Its one of my favorite photographs, he says. He considers this picture to be the one of which he is most proud. Since Allen has retired, he has had more time to focus on his hobby. Sometimes, I take a bunch of pictures within a month, and other times, Ill only take a few. It varies, but I do take photos more frequently now, he says. He displays and sells his work at fine art shows, and he involves himself in photography clubs and competitions. Until recently, he has been focusing mostly on photographing flowers and landscapes, but one of the new things he is working with is micro landscape photography, which is snapshots of the little details. I want to experiment with new techniques and push myself for new ideas, he says.
Book Review: What the Children Saw By Farris Yawn We all know the Easter story from church or Bible school, and we know the impact those events have had on the history of the world. Have you ever wondered what it would have been like to live in Jerusalem at that pivotal time and witness those events firsthand? What the Children Saw, by Deb Gerace, shows us the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ through the eyes of two unlikely young friends the son of a Roman soldier and the daughter of a Jewish family. The children secretly watch the brutal crucifixion. Jarius, whose father is in charge of the execution squad, sees his father profoundly changed by the experience. He presents Naomi, his Jewish friend, with an invaluable gift to pass to Mary, the mother of Jesus. This short book is a wonderfully different perspective on these three days in Jerusalem and offers not only a great story to share with children and young adults, but also features a play that tells the story of these young people. In addition, it includes a song with sign language instructions to use with this book as part of a Lenten lesson or program. This book is available from Yawns Publishing in Downtown Canton, YawnsPublishing.com and Amazon.com.
Book Review: Splendors and Glooms By Amanda Wiggins In Splendors and Glooms, Laura Amy Schlitz creates an atmospheric Victorian London filled with puppetry and orphans, magic and cruelty and an evil witch with a cursed stone. Two orphans, Parsefall and Lizzie Rose, are forced to work for the wicked puppet master, Gaspare Grisini, who can make puppets move like they are alive, but he often fails to feed the children or buy them necessities. Lizzie Rose muses, That, too, was Grisini: a bad guardian, a bad man perhaps, but a matchless artist. One day, the rich and lonely Clara Wintermute sees The Phenomenal Professor Grisini and His Venetian Fantoccini perform in the park and begs her parents to allow the puppeteers to entertain at her twelfth birthday party. She vanishes that evening, and Grisini, the main suspect, disappears soon after. Suspicion falls on the children, who flee right into the hands of an evil witch. With every sight, smell and sound, Schlitz uses small details to create a gothic, Dickensian world. Her characters are fully realized, three-dimensional beings with their own thoughts and habits, and you feel real fear for them. Within the grim reality of Clara Wintermutes life, we see that even those in high stations are not exempt from pain and grief. I highly recommend this young adult book for pre-teens, teenagers, parents and anyone who enjoys reading along with their children. A Newberry Honor book, Splendors and Glooms is available on Amazon and in brick-and-mortar bookstores.
Woodall Construction Co. Inc Making Your Dreams Come True By Kathleen Boehmig Dean Woodall, born and raised in Cherokee County, is a man of many talents who is driven to provide his customers with quality homes. In 1986, he started Woodall Construction Company, his first business, at age nineteen. He quickly became one of the most sought-after subcontractors in the area, and within six years, the business grew to include three crews and twenty employees. At age twenty-nine, Dean began building homes. Several years later, he formed Dean Woodall Communities, Inc., built his first subdivision, got his real estate license and partnered in marketing and selling all the homes there. In 2002, Woodall Construction Company built and closed in excess of fifty homes. Over the next ten years, Dean developed more subdivisions in Cherokee County including Chestnut Hill, Sweetbriar, Pebble Brooke, Brookwood, Sweetwater, Amberleigh, Brookfield and Willow Ridge. He has built over 200 homes in Cherokee and Pickens County. In his career, he has bought and sold in excess of 1600 acres of land and successfully closed over 450 real estate transactions. In 2009, with the traditional real estate market suffering, Woodall Construction Company added remodeling and restoration to their list of services. Dean possesses some key skills that have enabled him to reach the pinnacle of a long, respected career: effective communication skills, knowledge of creative finance solutions and risk management, experience in estimating, bidding and cost management, bookkeeping, labor organization and crisis management and a vision of the final product. I so enjoy what I do, Dean says. Im a hands-on person, and I love making deals work out to everyones benefit. I really enjoy meeting people, talking to them and getting to know them and finding out what they want, then bringing that vision to fruition. Dean designs and draws some of his own plans. I enjoy designing spaces for my customers, he says. They tell me what they want, and I design it and build it. Its very satisfying helping them achieve their dream homes. We have ten full-time employees installing siding, cornices and decks onto homes we build as well as existing houses built by others, Dean says. So we are helping those who are looking to move into beautiful new homes, as well as people who want to improve on what they already have. A licensed builder in the state of Georgia, Dean is a IICRC certified water damage restoration technician and certified EPA lead safe renovator. He has been named Builder of the Week in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, and Agent of the Month by Metro brokers GMAC Realty. He holds memberships in the Cherokee County Board of Realtors and the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce. Dean served on the Board of Trustees at Canton First United Methodist Church from 1997 to 1998 and as its Chairman from 1999 to 2000, is currently a member of Woodstock First Baptist Church, and is a past game director for Woodstock First Baptist Churchs Awanas Program. At this point in my life, family is my passion, Dean says. I love helping other families, and I enjoy working with mine. He continues, In 2015, I formed Woodall Family Realty with my daughter, Ashley Donnelly. This is a full service real estate company; we market my properties as well as others. Ashley is a fine realtor and a true professional. Its wonderful being part of a team with her and with Keller-Williams. They share our help each other agenda. There are two subdivisions currently being marketed. Woodall Construction Company, in a joint venture with Meridian Development, owns seventeen lots in Wild Timber Subdivision in south Pickens County, Dean says. We are in the process of building and selling homes in the high 200s to high 300s. The homes are marketed by my company, Woodall Family Realty. The other subdivision, Wilshire Estates, located off White Road in Cherokee County, is currently in Phase I, consisting of twelve, heavily-wooded lots, which range from 1.8 to 2.6 acres. Phase II, consisting of forty lots, will open this fall. Its definitely a family project, Dean says; It was developed by Dean Woodall Communities; the homes are being built by Woodall Construction Company, and its being marketed by Woodall Family Realty. To date, four homes have been started and are under contract, ranging from $280,000 to $410,000. Dean has been a leader in the real estate industry for the past thirty-one years. His hands-on experience has given him a vast knowledge of engineering and construction and how they relate to each other. He has a talent for being able to look at a project, come up with a marketable idea and efficiently turn his vision into the final product. He then has the ability to effectively market and sell that product. Unlike most developers, Dean lives in one of his neighborhoods surrounded by neighbors whose homes he built. With his talent and love for his job, Dean has risen to the top of the real estate and construction industry in the area in which he lives. Whats his success strategy? Dean says, I want anyone that I do business with to walk away happy, feeling like they got a little more than they paid for. Dean Woodall has certainly realized his own dream by helping make dreams come true for over three decades for homeowners in Cherokee and Pickens Counties. Woodall Construction Co. Inc.302 Pebble Brook TraceCanton, Georgia 30115404-314-1000WoodallConstructionCompany.com Woodall Family Realty678-230-2911WoodallFamilyRealty.com
SuperSlow Zone's "The New Strong" Taking Control of Your Fitness and Your Life Luis and Rachel Quiles, owners of SuperSlow Zone Milton, invite you to experience The New Strong. Our clients have changed their view of exercise. Its a change in focus, a new attitude, says Luis. Exercise is the means to an end; it leads not only to a strong body, but also to a strong mind and spirit. The New Strong empowers you to face your obstacles, live your aspirations, and begin each day with more confidence. Strong muscle is the best medicine, and each person can optimize health and wellbeing for a better quality of life. SuperSlow Zone is helping its clients discover The New Strong, and this approach to living brings them hope, results, and freedom. Clients Have HopeMany of their clients were people who had not exercised for a long timeor ever! Some had started exercise programs but given up along the way. Many said they wanted their exercise commitment to stick this time. Privately, some of them said they didnt have the know-how and were overwhelmed by the choices at the local gym. Some had medical challenges and needed to exercise safely. A few were exercise enthusiasts looking for improved results in less time. I have been working out since I was in my 20s. I continue to be amazed at the strength and energy improvement I experience at SuperSlow Zone. The convenience, the price, and the amount of time required to achieve these results, all without the worry of injury, is hands down the best one could hope to find. I am thrilled this is available here in Milton. Karen Roszyk Clients Get ResultsBecause theyve delivered 800,000+ safe, effective exercise sessions globally, they have the know-how and the experience to help you achieve results. SuperSlow Zone is the original, accredited, slow-motion strength training protocol based on medical research. SuperSlow Zone continues to evolve their exercise protocol and system based on new scientific research coupled with their expertise, which was developed through thousands of hours caring for their clients. By strength training the SuperSlow Zone way, you will experience an exercise method that is non-traditional strength training that is doable, safe and fits conveniently into your life. It will keep you out of a traditional gym and allow you to achieve the results you want with one-on-one, personal attention and support. Your personal results are how hope is transformed from a desire to reality. Often times people think of hope in a more passive way crossing your fingers and hoping things will get better or change. But to me, its much more than that. Its having a positive attitude, making a plan, taking action, and doing whatever you can to get a positive outcome. HOPE Having Only Positive Expectations. Michelle B. I enjoy tracking my progress on a weekly basis, both visually from on-line charts and, more telling, in the increased strength and energy I feel while carrying on everyday activities. Laura T. Clients Have FreedomSuperSlow Zone clients have more freedom to do the things they love or always wanted to do. They feel positive about what they are accomplishing. They feel stronger, more youthful and vibrant. There is less focus on aging and more confidence that they will stay independent longer. No matter how many candles were on your last birthday cake, you can keep feeling young, stay healthy, and add life to your years. The SuperSlow Zone ExperienceA distinctive feature of SuperSlow Zone is the atmosphere. This isnt your typical gym, Luis says. SuperSlow Zone is designed with a spa-like atmospherefree of distractions like loud music, mirrors, bold colors and lighting. The SuperSlow Zone workout requires focus, so they create an atmosphere where individuals can concentrate, receive one-on-one attention from their instructor and not feel intimidated. The temperature, set at 65 degrees, and fans in the training area keep clients comfortable during their workout, so they dont have to be inconvenienced with showering and bringing a change of clothes. SuperSlow Zone is an ideal workout that busy professionals and parents can do early in the morning, during their lunch hour or on their way home, Luis says. We understand its hard to make time to work out, so we make it easy. SuperSlow Zone provides an effective workout in a short amount of time so that you can get in, get out, and get on with your busy life! Thank you to our friends and clients. We are celebrating an expeptional year of business and changing the way adults work out. In order to continue providing the highest quality personal training, we are expanding our team. Brandon DeRitis, from Augusta, Georgia is excited to join the team." Luis and Rachel Quiles SuperSlow Zone12540 Broadwell Road, Suite 2103, Milton678-691-2969SuperSlowZoneMilton.com7:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m., Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., Saturday
Thomas Eye Group A difference you can see. By Kathleen Boehmig Thomas Eye Group has been serving patients in the greater Atlanta area since 1974. The full service eye care provider opened its Woodstock office more than a decade ago and moved to its current location, 149 Towne Lake Parkway, in 2009. A dynamic organization of respected ophthalmologists and optometrists, Thomas Eye Group provides eye care services for the whole family with specialties that include pediatric ophthalmology, cataract surgery, LASIK, vitreoretinal diseases and surgery, glaucoma, cornea, oculoplastic surgery and cosmetic services. Thomas Eye Group is a carefully selected team of professionals whose doctors are not only outstandingly high academic achievers, but compassionate people who care deeply about the welfare of their patients. The Woodstock office of Thomas Eye Group is comprised of five doctors including Mark Berman, M.D., Paul Kaufman, M.D., Jerry Berland, M.D., Lakhvir Singh, O.D. and Mindabeth Jacobs, O.D. The Thomas Eye Group mission statement is To improve the quality of peoples lives by compassionately providing a lifetime of outstanding eye care. In 2001 our goal was to bring high quality eye care to the city of Woodstock and the surrounding counties. Dr. Berland and Dr. Berman initially started the location and added services and more doctors as the location grew. Dr. Paul Kaufman is fellowship-trained as a specialist in retina/vitreous medicine and surgery, and he has been the Chief of Ophthalmology at Northside Hospital since 2006. He provides care for a wide variety of retinal conditions, including retinopathy of prematurity, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, macular pucker/hole and retinal vascular occlusions, among many others. I enjoy helping people of all ages see better, Dr. Kaufman says, from preemies to people who are over 100 years old. Age-related macular degeneration is the number one cause of vision loss for those who are fifty-five years of age and older. The good news is that in the last ten years we have developed treatments which can not only preserve, but improve their vision! Its an exciting time to be a specialist in retinal ophthalmology. A native Atlantan, Dr. Mark Berman shares his colleagues passion for making a difference in peoples lives. He specializes in treatment of glaucoma and cataract surgery. I like to think that we get back to the basics in our practice here. We reach out to our patients, provide a warm, welcoming environment in which to serve them, and we listen and get to know them, as well as helping them improve their lives. I treat my patient the same way I would expect someone to treat my mom, daughters or wife.He continues, Vision is so critical at any age, but especially for seniors. People are living longer now and vision plays a large role in keeping their independence. Dr. Jerry Berland specializes in comprehensive medical and surgical eye care for children. He serves as the Assistant Chief of Ophthalmology at Childrens Healthcare of Atlanta/Scottish Rite and has been named in Atlanta Magazine and US News and World Report Top Doctors each year from 2012 to 2015. I love being able to make a major positive impact on childrens lives, Dr. Berland declares. In my profession there is an opportunity to permanently prevent and correct vision loss for a childs lifetime. Children with a blocked tear duct, wandering eye or drooping eyelid can have it corrected as well. Correcting an eye problem in a child changes lives not only the childs life but it provides peace of mind for the whole family. I am happy to see any child with the simplest to the most complex eye issues. Some of my patients need a pair of glasses and some need complex eye surgery. The goal is the same and that is to improve the problem and return to just being a kid. Dr. Berland smiles. Lakhvir Singh, O.D. and Mindabeth Jacobs, O.D. are board certified optometrists specializing in comprehensive eye examinations as well as contact lens fitting and eyeglasses. Both doctors provide eye exams to determine visual acuity and function and to diagnose and refer ocular diseases to our ophthalmologists. With 7 locations in greater Atlanta, Thomas Eye Group is the largest, private ophthalmology practice in the area. The group has been awarded the Consumers Choice Award for 9 consecutive years and named Best Eye Doctor in the Woodstock Family Lifes 2016 Best of Life contest. The professionals at Thomas Eye Group bring the best possible ophthalmic care to Woodstock and across metro Atlanta with their unique blend of caring and compassion. Thomas Eye Group149 Towne Lake Parkway, Suite 102Woodstock, Georgia 30188770-928-4544ThomasEye.com/woodstock.htm
Cherokee Happy Campers Choosing the Right Camp for Your Child By Neely Motiejunas As summer approaches, many parents ask themselves, What am I going to do with my kids this summer? Summer camps are a great way for parents to entertain their children, teach them new skills, ensure their safety and keep them physically and socially active. But how do we go about choosing the right camp for our kids? There are many factors to consider before making any decision. Start by talking with your children about their expectations and desires for the summer. Here are some additional items to contemplate: COSTThis certainly does not mean much to your children but often is one of the main factors for consideration. As parents, we have to develop a budget for summer and find camps that fit into that budget. Typically, standard day camps offered by YMCAs, day cares and recreation centers are a less expensive option when compared with specialized sports camps such as cheerleading, gymnastics or football. DAY OR OVERNIGHTThe decision to send your child to an overnight camp should be based on his/her personality, experience and needs. A shy child who has never slept away from home may not enjoy being away from you, whereas a child with more experience staying elsewhere may look forward to staying overnight. Age and maturity level should also come into play. A child at an overnight camp will need to be more responsible when it comes to their belongings, hygiene, a schedule, etc. CAMP FOCUSDoes the camp have a particular focus? If you want your child to experience more of the outdoors, then a camp at an outdoor YMCA or lakeside location may be good. A standard day camp at a recreation center is going to offer diverse activities, which often include field trips, arts and crafts, playground time, movies and indoor games. If your child wants to learn a new skill or develop current ones, a specialized camp such as sports or horseback riding is a good choice. AGE OF CAMPERSFind out the age range of children accepted at the camp, and ask how the kids are broken into groups. Its always a good idea for everyone involved that younger children are kept separate from older children. They play differently, talk about different subjects and require different types of supervision. EXTENDED CAREBefore and aftercare hours for working parents is an important addition to a camp. If a camp is 9am-4pm with no extended hours, this may not fit into your work schedule. Ask up front about extended care and any additional costs. LOCATIONLearning about the location of a camp is important. It may play a role in how your child gets to and from camp, how safe the program is and how comfortable your child will feel there. Parents may want to pick a camp that is close to work in case of illness or injuries. If your child is sensitive to the sun and heat, an outdoor focused location may not be best. Does the location have air conditioning? Does your child have access to only indoor activities? These are important things to know. STAFFINGThe camp staff will play a huge role in your childs safety and overall camp experience. Ask the following questions: What is the hiring process? Is there a minimum age for staff? How are they trained in child care/discipline? Are all staff CPR/First Aid Certified? What is the staff to camper ratio? Summer camp is meant to be a rewarding, memorable experience for children. Only you know what is best for your child. Take the time to research; dont be afraid to ask a lot of questions, and choose wisely! Neely Motiejunas is the recreation division director for Cherokee Recreation and Parks Agency. 770-924-7768. CRPA.net