First Baptist Church of Roswell A Heart for Missions By Kathleen Boehmig First Baptist Roswell, under the leadership of Interim Pastor, Dr. Kevin Head, views the entire world as a mission field. Their congregation, from the oldest to the youngest, participates and shares the vision of serving the world, and sharing the love of Jesus. Internationally, FBR has taken groups comprised of members of their own congregation, as well as other churches on trips to the Amazon, Mexico, Africa and Haiti. Many of these trips have been medical mission trips and have included doctors, dentists, nurses, dental hygienists and nurse practitioners. Every January, a FBR mission team goes to Nakuru, Kenya to help people who cant afford medical or dental treatment. Larry Feldman, Chairman of Deacons and head of this mission trip, says, In a compound sponsored by the Presbyterian Church of East Africa, we put in about seven days of clinical help, treating people of all ages. We treat 3,500 patients, and we follow up to make sure our patients receive the proper after-care. All medical and dental services offered by the FBR team are free. Because many children come to the clinic with their parents, free childcare and supervised VBS-style learning and play are organized for the children. Of all their patients in Kenya, one of the best success stories has been a teenager named Mercy. Unable to walk from the time she was born, she has lived her life in a wheelchair. Last January, the FBR team met Mercy and tried to determine why she was unable to walk. After meeting with several specialists, they discovered that with surgery, Mercy would be able to walk. FBR was able to pay for Mercys surgery by using mission funds. Mercy is now walking with the help of physical therapy! For the past two summers, Rev. Robert Turnbull, Minister of Youth and Dr. Kevin Head, Interim Pastor, have taken a group of our youth and their parents on a mission trip to Cercadie, Haiti. The poverty in Cercadie rivals that in Africa, Rev. Turnbull says. Five hours from Port-Au-Prince, there are no paved roads, no electricity and no running water. Families sleep on dirt floors without beds or even pillows. They walk two miles to get water for cooking. But the Haitian people are so loving, grateful and generous. Its an eye-opening experience. Here in the United States, three-year-olds have iPads. In Haiti, youngsters who dont even have pencils or paper hunger for education. The Haitian people are industrious and smart. We dont go there to do things for them, but to be with them and to help them in their quest to learn. While in Cercadie, the FBR team holds backyard bible clubs, plants coffee and mango trees and teaches English. These mission trips can be expensive. In order to raise money for all of the missions it supports, FBR hosts an annual golf tournament, as well as a yard sale. The youth host spaghetti lunches and pancake breakfasts to raise money for Haiti. The church helps fund these missions, as well. FBRs children participate in missions, too. Each year, they raise money at VBS to support a cause. Last year, they raised money for clean water for children in India. This years VBS mission project raised over $2000 for water filters for Nepal earthquake victims. Clean water has been a focus of FBR for the last several years. Through the Pure Water, Pure Love campaign, FBR partnered with other churches through the Womens Missionary Union to help provide clean water for international missionaries and the people they serve. This year the WMU has been focused on helping victims of human trafficking. FBR members of all ages participate in Operation Christmas Childs Shoebox Ministry each year. The boxes are filled with gifts for children around the world and are distributed through Samaritans Purse. FBR enthusiastically implements and supports local, state and national mission efforts, too. For the past 17 years, a group of FBR men have participated in Appalachian Outreach mission trips in Tennessee to rebuild homes. They spend five days working on an assigned renovation project. The results are always miraculous, Larry Feldman says. Each March, the youth go to March Mission Madness where they do mission projects in conjunction with CBF. Locally, FBR supports organizations like the Foster Care Support Foundation, Ronald McDonald House, the Drake House, North Fulton Community Charities, North Fulton Child Development Center, Jessies House, and Uplift Ministry. FBR provides restroom facilities and bottled water during the Roswell Arts Festival and Youth Day Parade. For 19 years, FBR has provided sack lunches for the children in day camp at Waller Park during one or two weeks in August. FBR opens its doors to the community in other ways, as well. In addition to regular worship services at 8:30 am and 11:00 am, FBR hosts a Hispanic congregation in the chapel each Sunday, from 9:30 am-12:00 pm, as well as Vietnamese worship services and fellowship time in the chapel each Sunday, from 4:00-7:00 pm. First Baptist Roswell truly demonstrates the love of Jesus through their heart for missionsin our community, our nation and around the world. First Baptist RoswellTraditional Worship, Contemporary Message710 Mimosa BoulevardRoswell, GA 30075770-587-6980FBRoswell.org
Cherokee's Holiday Hospitality 2015 A Guide to Giving Back Cherokee Sheriff Reserve UnitThe Christmas Joy program uses donations by individuals, businesses and organizations to provide food, basic necessities and Christmas gifts to Cherokee County families in need. If your family needs assistance and your children are in the Cherokee County School System, please contact their school counsellors. For donations and other information, contact the Cherokee Sheriff Reserve Unit. 770-479-0451. CherokeeGa-Sheriff.org Cherokee Youth Works Gift ConnectionThis holiday season, consider a gift of education. A program of Cherokee Focus, Gift Connection supports the education of local youth through donations that help fund their testing and college entrance fees, interview clothing, transportation, childcare and other necessities. Other gifts of encouragement that can be given through investment dollars or donated volunteer services include: haircut and style, car repair, furniture and household items. 770-345-5483. CherokeeFocus.org Cherokee County Dept. of Family & Children ServicesThis project is designed to benefit Cherokee County children in foster care. The children in foster care submit a wish list to the Cherokee County Dept. of Family & Children Services (DFCS), and each list is matched with a Secret Santa sponsor. Foster parents and DFCS placement resources pick up the gifts from local offices in time for Santa to deliver them on Christmas morning! Gift sponsors and cash donations are needed to help support more than 300 children in foster care this year. 678-427-9393. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., CherokeeSanta.com Cherokee County Volunteer Aging CouncilThe Cherokee County Volunteer Aging Council (VAC) supports all of Cherokee County Senior Services programs, such as Adopt a Senior, Meals-on-Wheels, the Last Stop Fund for utility bills, meds and other emergency needs, the Food Closet and more. The VAC also provides nearly $1,000 each month to purchase nutritional supplements for those who cannot eat regular meals due to medical conditions. Any donation is greatly appreciated and can be designated to a specific program or to the area of greatest current need. All funds stay in Cherokee County and are used for the most frail and needy members of the community. Donations can be made online. VAC-CherokeeGa.org Cherokee Family Violence CenterThe mission of the Cherokee Family Violence Center is to enhance the safety of victims of intimate partner violence and their children through culturally and linguistically competent crisis intervention services, through longer term advocacy, housing and support that empowers survivors, and through systems change advocacy that holds batterers accountable and promotes a community standard of zero tolerance for violence in the home. They are a non-profit organization. As such, they depend on the support of the community to help serve the over 1,000 victims of domestic violence that they help each year. There are many donation and volunteer opportunities that allow you to support this organization and their mission. 770-479-1804. CFVC.org MUST MinistriesFor the Christmas Toy Shop program, new, unwrapped toys for children and new gifts for teens and parents are needed. The greatest needs are for pre-teens and teens; gift ideas include sports equipment, cologne/perfume, jewelry, games, belts, boots, jackets, pajamas, books and school supplies. Toy and gift donations can be dropped off 8:00 am-3:00 pm, Monday-Friday, at MUST Ministries, 111 Brown Industrial Parkway, Canton. For questions or more information please contact Ranettia Beasley at 770-576-0359. MUSTMinistries.org Northside Hospital FoundationThe Northside Hospital Foundation, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, is dedicated to Northside Hospital and the enrichment of the communities they serve. The Foundation works with corporate, community and individual donors to financially support many medical programs throughout the hospital. Your donations directly impact the lives of each family served by Northside through state-of-the-art technology, research, clinical education, community wellness, charity care, support services and much more. Each generous gift is greatly appreciated and tax-deductible. For information or to make a donation, call 770-667-GIVE or visit Northside.com/Foundation Operation HomefrontHoliday Toy Drive: Help Make The Season Bright! Operation Homefronts Holiday Toy Drive program aims to distribute toys and gift cards to junior enlisted military families. Visit your local Dollar Tree and donate toys to help make the holidays brighter for our military families. New toys or cash donations to purchase gifts for families are accepted. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Other ways to help include: setting up a collection bin at your office, store, church or school theyll provide the signage! You can also collect toys & gift cards at your company holiday party, help distribute toys in your area, become a Dollar Tree volunteer and help pick up donated toys from a local store, organize a matching gift program at work, or make a tax-deductible donation to Operation Homefronts Holiday Toy Drive. For more information, call 770-575-2086 or visit OperationHomefront.net Papas PantryFor Christmas, families can be adopted through our Papa Noel Christmas wish program. We try to match ages, boys/girls, & interests to better personalize everyones experience. Many of our families are headed by single mothers. We ask for Christmas goodies for moms, too! Pajamas, wallets and jewelry are examples of what moms most enjoy. We work closely with each family and get to know them; we believe this lessens the risk of fraud or duplication of efforts from one charitable organization to another. Donations can be made Tuesday, 4:00-7:00 pm and Friday, 3:00-5:00 pm, 6551 Commerce Parkway, Suite 200, Woodstock. 770-591-4730. PapasPantry.org Toys for TotsNew, unwrapped toys will be accepted at various drop-off locations throughout Cherokee County, including area Publix supermarkets and the Cherokee County Fire Dept. Financial donations are also accepted. 678-887-5179. NorthAtlanta.ToysForTots.com WellStar Health SystemGive hope during the holidays to people in need and at risk for cancer. Many people are at risk to develop cancer, but do not have the money to pay for potentially life-saving screenings. Screenings can detect cancer at earlier, more curable stages. They offer screenings for many types of cancer to include breast, cervical, colon, ovarian, lung, prostate, skin and uterine. No donation is too small. Please call 770-956-GIVE or visit WellStar.org/GiveHope to make a secure donation.
North Fulton's Holiday Hospitality 2015 A Guide to Giving Back Child Development AssociationOn Friday, December 11, 2015, join a merry band of Santa wannabes who will pop off their sleigh (its really a trolley car) and into local restaurants to entertain patrons for five quick minutes with a rousing carol or two. They will pass a Santa hat for donations, and in the blink of an eye, theyll be off to the next rooftop. The CDA provides outstanding early care and learning programs for low-income families. Your support of Santa Night will raise scholarship funds to ensure that children in our community succeed in school. Join in the fun by purchasing a $50 ticket to reserve your seat on the trolley, and commit to raise a minimum of $100 prior to Friday, December 11, 2015. CDAKids.org Childrens Restoration NetworkDuring the holiday season, Childrens Restoration Network (CRN) will begin its 12 Days of Caring program to provide new clothes, new toys and other gifts to over 2700 children living in shelters this season. They will be collecting donations of new clothes, new toys and gift cards through December 21 at Northside Hospital locations in North Fulton, Forsyth and Cherokee counties or at their office at 11285 Elkins Road, Suite C-4, Roswell. CRN will also sponsor a gift wrapping party, December 18-21, from 10:00 am-4:30 pm, at the Roswell Town Center, 5000 Commerce Parkway, Roswell; wrapping supplies will be provided by CRN, but extra wrapping paper and tape are appreciated. 770-649-7117. ChildRN.org GCAC of GeorgiaMany opportunities exist to impact the life of a foster child, such as purchasing Christmas gifts, providing tutoring or lessons (piano, ice skating etc.), sponsoring an extra-curricular activity or field trip for foster children, chaperoning foster children field trips, mentoring, conducting a class/workshop (i.e. how to bead, fly fish or garden), serving as a driver one day a month (medical, DFCS, visits etc...) and/or providing services for children coming into care (doctors can donate a childs first check-up; pediatricians, dentists or eye care professionals). Foster and adoptive parents are also needed. Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you or your organization has an interest. 11805 Northfall Lane, Suite 803, Alpharetta.770-255-1018. GCACofGeorgia.com The Drake House Girls Night Out Shopping Event at the Drake Closet, this is an annual holiday event, filled with food, fashion and fun! There are holiday gifts and clothing for the frugal fashionista! The Drake House provides short-term crisis housing, education and empowerment programs for homeless mothers and their children in North Fulton County, designed to assist the family in working toward self-sufficiency. Bring friends and shop for a great cause on December 10, 5:00 pm-9:00 pm! 825 Mimosa Blvd. 678-682-3551. TheDrakeHouse.org NFCC Santa ShopMost of the families approved for holiday assistance this year will be served in their Santa Shop. With the help of NFCCs shopper volunteers, parents of children 1-18 years of age shop at no charge in their Santa Shop. NFCC anticipates over 2,000 children will be supported by Santa Shop this year. Your help is needed to bring the magic of Christmas and the holiday season to children of all ages. Toys, gifts and gift card drop off dates are Sunday, December 13, 12:30-3:30 pm, Monday, December 14, 10:00 am-1:00 pm or 4:00-7:00 pm, Tuesday, December 15, 4:00-7:00 pm, Thursday, December 17, 10:00 am-1:00 pm, Friday, December 18, 10:00 am-1:00 pm, Holiday Distribution Site: 1175 North Meadow PKWY, (enter off of Wills Road), Roswell. NFCCHelp.org Operation HomefrontHoliday Toy Drive: Help Make The Season Bright! Operation Homefronts Holiday Toy Drive program aims to distribute toys and gift cards to junior enlisted military families. Visit your local Dollar Tree and donate toys to help make the holidays brighter for our military families. New toys or cash donations to purchase gifts for families are accepted. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Other ways to help include: setting up a collection bin at your office, store, church or school theyll provide the signage! You can also collect toys and gift cards at your company holiday party, help distribute toys in your area, become a Dollar Tree volunteer and help pick up donated toys from a local store, organize a matching gift program at work, or make a tax-deductible donation to Operation Homefronts Holiday Toy Drive. For more information, call 770-575-2086 or visit OperationHomefront.net The STAR House FoundationSTAR House Foundation is a non-profit organization in Roswell, Georgia that makes a difference in kids lives by providing an after school tutoring and mentoring program for at-risk children. They currently serve over 250 children through four Roswell school programs and often have a waiting list. Their summer camp bridges the gap for 120 students at the elementary level, focusing on academic retention so students do not lose necessary skills over summer break. STAR House provides services thanks to the generous donations of time and money from within the Atlanta community. There are no fees for STAR House services 100% of funding comes from grants and contributions from corporations and individuals throughout Roswell and Atlanta, supplemented by fundraising events held in Roswell that receive community-wide attendance. STAR House Foundation has volunteer opportunities both in classrooms and out. Whether you prefer to work directly with children, assist with administrative tasks, organize a supply drive, bring in an enrichment program, or tap your creative side and serve on an event committee. In addition, financial donations are graciously accepted to help support these programs. For more information, call 678-384-4550, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit StarHouseFoundation.org Senior Services of North FultonFor more than two decades, Senior Services North Fulton has been helping meet the needs of the growing population of older adults who live in the northern part of Georgias most populous county. Theyve delivered and served thousands upon thousands of meals, provided transportation to and from medical appointments and assisted with a wide variety of in-home services. Every day, hundreds of area seniors find a home away from home at their four senior centers. If you are a younger community member who wants to make a difference in the lives of your older neighbors, Senior Services hopes you will contact them. They will tell you about volunteer needs and help you begin making an important and rewarding contribution to the lives of some very important people in your community. And if you represent a business that serves North Fulton public or private, large or small please consider Senior Services North Fulton as a means of reinvesting in your community. Please call 770-993-1906, or visit SSNorthFulton.org for more information on how you can help.
Book Review: The Betsy-Tacy Collection Meet Betsy, Tacy, and Tib! By Catherine Groves Betsy, Tacy and Tib became friends when they were very young. Betsy and Tacy lived across the street from each other, and Tib lived in the chocolate covered house. They had many fun adventures together. If it sounds as if Im describing childrens books, its because I am. Maud Hart Lovelace wrote the first four Betsy-Tacy books for the younger generation. Based on her own life and lives of her family and friends growing up, Maud decided to continue the story of Betsy through high school and beyond. This is a series of books that grows with you. Born in the late 1800s, Betsy is raised in a home that is clearly not typical for that time period. Betsys parents encouraged their daughters to seek further education and dared them to dream. Betsy begins writing as a young child and continues to write throughout high school. Her parents let her travel as a young lady to help her become a better writer, and she continues to write as a married woman. The Betsy books (as I call them) are some of the dearest, most heartwarming books of all time. These books are known for their characters. For example, her father was notorious for putting on the coffee pot in times of stress. Betsys older sister, Julia, was a beautiful opera singer, and her younger sister, Margaret, was nicknamed The Persian Princess. Tacy and Tib remain Betsys best friends (as in Mauds real life) throughout her childhood and after shes married. Tacy is sweet, loyal and doesnt care about boys. Tib is tiny, doll-like and extremely practical. Three is never a crowd for this inseparable trio. And then theres Joe Betsy meets Joe the summer before her freshman year in high school, and he remains a vital part of this entire series. It matters not your age or gender; these books by Maud Hart Lovelace are timeless. The Betsy-Tacy collection can be found in many major bookstores and on Amazon. There are ten books in the series.
Artist Profile: Dr. Donald Stafford Cherokee Chorale's Co-Founder & Artistic Director By Paige Gardner Experts suggest that to figure out the kind of work you should do, remember what brought you joy as a child. Dr. Donald Stafford is a living example of that idea. Don began singing in the choir at church when he was in elementary school, and by 11th grade, he was directing the choir at his church. He earned his Bachelor of Church Music degree from Shorter College in 1971. After five years as Choir Director with the First Baptist Church of Canton, Don returned to school, earning his Doctorate in Chorale Music Education at Florida State University. I came back to Cherokee County and went to work for the school system, Don said. At that time, middle schools and high schools had chorale and other music programs, but there was no formal program for music in the elementary schools. He went on to establish the elementary school music program in the Cherokee County School System in 1988. In 1987, Genevieve Miller, who had performed with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chorus under the direction of Robert Shaw, had an idea about establishing a community choir. She approached Judye MacMillan, who was the Director of Choral Activities and Chairperson of the Music Department at Reinhardt College. I was sort of the music supervisor for the county, Don said. Judye and I met at the county office to talk about this. You see, it was Gen Millers idea, but she quickly brought Judye and me in to do the work! He conducted the groups first performance, the Christmas piece from Handels Messiah, in 1988. The Chorale is comprised of all kinds of people: lawyers and housewives, teachers, dentists and doctors... Its a nice cross-section of the community, Don said. Currently, the group has about 140 members on the roster, but only about 50 people participate in a typical performance. Thats a good thing, because if everyone showed up, we wouldnt get them all on stage! he said. Don believes music is an important part of the human experience. Sometimes things happen that we cant easily express, so music allows us a way to do that, he said. With his long history in the Cherokee County musical community, Don said it is exciting to see former students who have chosen to pursue a career in music. Dr. Martha Shaw, Director of Choirs at Reinhardt University, is a former student, as is Wes Stoner, the Choral Director for Music Education for the State of Georgia. Another former student is in charge of the Music Therapy program at the University of Georgia. I ran into a student I had in the 1970s. She belongs to a small community church, and she came up to me and said, I am the choir director in that church, and I still do the warm-ups you did with us back when I was in your class, Don said. It makes you very proud, he said. You just never know who youre influencing.
Artist Profile: Nancy Tolbert-Yilmaz Teaching Dancers for Decades By Paige Gardner Few people discover their lifes purpose at age three, or start a successful business at an age when most people are trying to determine a major in college, but Nancy Tolbert-Yilmaz, founder of the renowned Tolbert-Yilmaz School of Dance in Roswell, is the rare exception. After beginning dance lessons as a toddler, Nancy spent her childhood and teen years perfecting her craft. At the age of 21, she married her husband and opened her dance studio within the span of a few months. We opened the original location in a house on Canton Street, she said. At the time, there were no dance classes in Roswell; there was no dance school, no dance studio. Nancy anticipated 75 students for the schools debut enrollment. We had 350 kids that first year, she said. It was 1979, and North Fulton County saw an influx of families with children. We were in the right place at the right time. As Roswell and the surrounding communities continued to grow, so did the enrollment in dance classes at the Tolbert-Yilmaz School of Dance, which required a facility that could handle the increased demand. In 1995, Nancy and her staff of instructors moved to a larger facility on Alpharetta Street, where it remains today. The current location houses five state-of-the-art studios, and I could use one more, Nancy stated. She and her staff of 25 instructors work to instill a love of dance and a strong work ethic in their students. Rather than focus on competitions, Tolbert-Yilmaz dance students train for festivals, as well as to pursue dance as a way of life. My goal is to get my kids not just into college, but with a scholarship, she proclaimed. Many of the schools alumni have gone on to become professional dancers and dance instructors. The reputation of the Tolbert-Yilmaz School of Dance contributes to its continued success and growth. This year, our goal was to have 1,000 students enrolled in September, said Nancy. We have 1,593 students, many of whom are children or even grandchildren of those who learned the craft at the dance school in its early years. For The Nutcracker this year, we have three generations of students performing! Nancy proudly exclaimed. When asked how many students have learned to dance at the school, Nancy laughed. That would probably be like counting grains of sand on the beach! she said. A Roswell native, Nancy is committed not just to the dance school that she founded, but also to sustaining the growth and reputation of the community. In addition to her role as Artistic Director of the school, Nancy serves as the current president of SERBA (Southeastern Regional Ballet Association), is an ordained deacon in the Baptist church, an esteemed board member of the Roswell Convention & Visitors Bureau and a member of Roswell Rotary. But the dance school is where her heart lies. I love every minute Im in the studio. Its my happy place, Nancy said.
LGE Community Credit Union A Smarter Way to Bank By Kathleen Boehmig LGE Credit Union, an AJC Top 100 Workplace that has served the metro Atlanta area since 1951, is opening its ninth, full-service branch at Canton Marketplace by the end of the year. Originally known as the Lockheed-Georgia Employees Credit Union, LGE provides full-service, federally insured banking to over 100,000 people and businesses throughout Cobb, Cherokee, Fulton and Paulding counties, as well as to over 350 companies in various counties who have partnered with them, so their employees can have accounts at LGE. LGE is led by President and CEO, Chris Leggett, who was included in the Atlanta Business Chronicles 2014 list of the Top 100 Leaders in Finance and Banking industries and is a member of the ABCs Whos Who In Finance 2010. Shelia Garrison, the Canton branch manager, is enthusiastic about the new location. I am very excited about helping bring LGE to Canton, she says. This office will be our second concierge location. Its a paperless, cashless approach to banking. Instead of tellers behind counters, we will have ATM machines throughout the lobby, with staff waiting to greet and assist members. According to Scott Brooks, LGEs VP of Marketing and Business Development, This is a model specific to LGE, and we feel it is the best way to serve our members. LGE is widely recognized as one of the safest and most soundly managed, federally-insured credit unions in the nation. In addition to its full-service locations, LGE offers nationwide ATM networks, credit union service centers, complimentary online and mobile banking and Memberline, a 24-hour automated phone banking system. Funds are federally insured, to at least $250,000, by the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund (NCUSIF). Membership is easy. Local residents or businesses may open an account online at LGEccu.org or at any branch office, with as little as $5. Consumer advocates love credit unions, which differ from banks in several important ways. Banks are owned by stockholders; we are owned by our members, Shelia says. LGE returns earnings to our members through higher interest on deposits and lower costs on loans. Other financial services are also offered at substantial savings. Shelia adds, Unlike banks, we dont offer periodic specials on rates and services; our rates are lower, and our services are more advantageous. In 2009, LGE made its mark in Cherokee County by opening its Woodstock location. That branch has grown tremendously in terms of new members, loan volume and most importantly, involvement in the community, Shelia says. Katie Wise, Woodstock Branch Manager, currently serves as Co-chair of Leadership Cherokee and on the Chairmans Council. Ben Thacker, Financial Service Advisor at the Woodstock branch, is one of Cherokee Countys 2015 Top Ten in Young Professionals to Watch. LGE, through its own LGE Foundation, provides support to many Cherokee County non-profits. Last year, the LGE Foundation gave over $100,000 to local organizations, such as Next Step Ministries and MUST Ministries. Shelia exemplifies the community-oriented position of LGE. A native of the area, Shelia has an extensive background in banking and community service. She has served on the Board of Directors for the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce, the Cherokee County Chapter of the American Cancer Society and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Cherokee. She has also served on the Cherokee County Library Board of Trustees and is a graduate of Leadership Cherokee. In addition to the personal banking products and services that we offer, LGE has expanded to include insurance, investment services and business accounts. Our business lender, Tonya Parker, brings a great deal of commercial experience to LGE, and we are happy to have her as part of our team. Members have access to their finances via LGEs online services, including features like online bill pay, mobile banking and Snap Deposit, which allows members to deposit checks from anywhere. LGE offers great values in checking, including their High Rate Checking account, which earns up to 15x what most banks pay! It requires no minimum balance and offers a higher interest rate. Also available is Simply Free Checking, which is a more traditional form of checking, and free Youth Checking, which includes a free VISA debit card for members age 16-17. In addition, LGE will soon be adding chip cards, which contain embedded microchips that provide an extra layer of protection. LGE members also have specialized savings and investment accounts available to them, including the Share Savings Account, which is a basic savings account used to establish membership at LGE. Members will also find custodial savings accounts, youth savings accounts for newborns to age 22 that earn 5% on the first $500 dollars, certificates of deposit, money market accounts, and LGE Investment and Retirement Services, providing guidance, support and education for meeting members financial goals. Additionally, LGE offers auto and home loans, home equity and second mortgages, personal lines of credit and various types of insurance. While LGE has grown over the years, Shelia says, we have still maintained our mission of being dedicated to our members financial well-being and providing a smarter way to bank. Whether its by offering higher rates on deposits, lower rates on loans, online and mobile banking capabilities, or insurance and investment services, we would be happy to help you with your financial needs at any of our branches, and we look forward to opening our new Canton location. She adds with a smile, We want LGE to be Cantons community credit union. LGE Community Credit Union2018 Cumming Highway, Canton770-424-0060LGEccu.orgMonday-Friday 9:00 am-5:00 pmSaturday 9:00 am-Noon
Audio Intersection The Art of Smart By Kathleen Boehmig We are living in the digital age, an age where there has been an explosion of smart internet toys, says Michael Buckner, owner of Audio Intersection in Canton. We have great ways to keep our homes safe, comfortable and convenient, but sometimes controlling those devices can become overwhelming. At Audio Intersection, we make devices and controls communicate efficiently. Thats how weve earned our reputation for excellence: by helping others with their home and business electronics in the areas of Wi-Fi, security/safety, convenience and luxury audio-video apps. The business is located in Canton, but service territory depends on the size of the job. Weve done jobs from Chattanooga, Hayesville, and from Bryson City to Pensacola, Michael says. He pilots a Cessna and has been known to fly himself wherever necessary to see a customer. Services provided by Audio Intersection, in business since 2006, include home automation, home theater installation and maintenance, whole home audio, new construction prewires, security systems and monitoring service and DirecTV installation. Home automation is almost considered a necessity nowadays in upscale America. In addition to wiring your home to suit any need or want and providing you with the latest audio, video and security components, we tie it all together in easy to use control solutions and remotes, Michael states. Turning on music or a movie is as easy as pushing a button. Integrating things like lights, HVAC and other electronics into activities can make your home operate around your lifestyle. Theres no limit to what you can do. The first thing we do is fix the Wi-Fi, Michael says. We make sure the internet is perfect. Many people think the trend is toward wireless functions in electronics, but thats actually a misconception. Wireless equals interference. So we arrange internal electronics so that nothing is further than twenty-five to thirty feet from wired hardware. A wired connection is typically twice as fast as a wireless one. Michael continues, So after we make sure the wireless network is robust, we put everything on one app. We use Control 4, a company that makes products that allow different apps to communicate. For the customer, its the equivalent of having a universal remote instead of a bunch of different controls cluttering the coffee table. Several very popular buttons are the Wake Up, Goodbye, Welcome Home and Good Night buttons. We can program your smartphone to tell your house what time to wake up. For instance, if you want to rise at 7:00 am, your thermostat will go up several degrees at 6:45, lights will ramp on from zero to 50% brightness over five minutes, and soft music will play. At seven oclock the loud music comes on, the lights go bright, and you get up without having to turn up the heat. The Goodbye button can shut off TVs and other electronic devices, set thermostats to more efficient temperatures, lock the doors, and arm the security system to the Away function. The Welcome Home button performs the same thing in reverse, and the Good Night button locks doors, shuts off music and TVs, turns down the thermostat, lowers the garage door and turns on outdoor floodlights, if desired. Our Welcome Home button can be programmed, for example, so that when the garage door is opened between 3:00-6:00 pm, the thermostat is put back into comfort mode, and your favorite music station comes on in the kitchen. Almost anything can be automated. We have apps to control pools, hot tubs, lighting, locks, even garden irrigation systems, Michael says. One customer enjoys having coffee by his pool in the mornings while listening to music. He kept missing package deliveries, so we programmed his doorbell. Now when its rung during certain morning hours, the music pauses and lights flash an alert signal. He doesnt miss package deliveries anymore. Security systems are an important component in making sure businesses and homes are protected against intrusion. Thanks to modern technology, we can automate your alarm system so that it is armed when you lock the front door. No more worrying about whether or not you remembered to arm it! All of our alarm systems are monitored through a reliable, 24/7 monitoring service. Audio Intersection is a specialist in home theater installation, as well. We offer surround sound, big screen TV wall installation and projectors. Your movie room is customized to your needs. Whether you are shopping for new in-wall speakers for your home theater or adding complete automation to make things a little more modern, we can do it. Although Audio Intersection has done work for well-known musicians and Fortune 500 execs, their services arent just for the rich and famous. People are often worried about affordability, Michael says, but many of our customers spend a surprisingly low amount of money. We offer the same price as local big box stores on equipment. Our services arent cheap, but they are affordable. It all depends on customer requirements. We provide convenience, for everyone from busy moms to corporate execs. We can shave ten to twenty minutes off of an average day. Audio Intersection also assists in setting up apps for digital home health care. No one ever wants to feel like theyre becoming a burden as they get older, and advancements in home automation are allowing people to age more gracefully, Michael says. We now have a platform that allows notifications to be sent at ones own choosing. This includes instances such as when a loved one returns or leaves, opens a cabinet or refrigerator, gets out of bed or even moves around the house normally. There is also a contact me button that can be pressed and will send a notification in case of emergency. In the end, Michael says, it comes down to this: we provide elegant solutions in solving lifestyle problems. Audio Intersection210 East Main Street, Canton770-479-1000AudioIntersection.com
Now Open in Cherokee County: Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Sports Medicine Making a Difference in the Lives of Young Athletes By Kathleen Boehmig Childrens Healthcare is a familiar and respected name in Pediatric Medicine. For years, metro Atlanta has benefitted from their more than twenty-five locations, including thirteen Sports Medicine facilities, all nationally recognized. The fourteenth, metro Atlanta Sports Medicine location is now open in Cherokee County, as a service of Childrens at Scottish Rite hospital, bringing the same high level of excellence in pediatrics, to young sports participants in the area. Childrens is known for its dedication to the care of each patient. To that end, Childrens has the best orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists and certified athletic trainers, all knowledgeable about specialized care for young, growing athletes. Dr. David Marshall, Medical Director of Childrens Sports Medicine Program since 2001, explains how his program exemplifies the primary vision of Childrens to make kids better today and healthier tomorrow. We understand the needs and wants of kids and their parents, Dr. Marshall says. We do what we can to get them active again. Instead of just treating a young athletes pain, we fix the problem. Many of those problems are unique to children, adolescents and teens, and require specialized treatments. Nowadays, we see fewer traumatic injuries, like fractures, and many more cases of injury due to overuse of a specific set of muscles and/or tendons. We try to bring them back at a level which is less likely to cause injury. Dr. Marshall says the reason for so many overuse injuries is the trend over the last twenty years for youngsters to specialize in one particular sport. When I was a kid, most everyone played different sports seasonally. Depending on what time of year it was, wed play baseball, football or basketball. These days, many kids are excited about concentrating on one sport and playing on elite teams, achieving a high level of expertise, which can lead to scholarships or possibly even to pro contracts. But it can also lead to injuries, if theyre not really careful. Theyre practicing or playing most of the year, and they never get a chance to rest. Matt Owens, lead physical therapist and site supervisor for the new Cherokee facility, agrees. We see, for instance, a lot of Little League elbows and shoulders. Chronic, repetitive patterns of use in particular body parts can be responsible for inflammation and muscle issues, and can take from one to several months to heal. Of course, some fractures or traumatic injuries requiring surgery can have long recuperation periods. Fortunately, those instances are less common. Whatever the issue, Childrens is committed to keeping patients safe, providing the same standard of care in each facility and ensuring there is effective communication among patients, parents and caregivers. Childrens Sports Medicine Program offers the finest and most advanced treatment options available, including ACL injury prevention and rehabilitation, ImPACTTM concussion baseline testing and post-concussion medical management, isokinetic testing, a running program, dance medicine, motion analysis, sports nutrition and wrestling weight management. We are excited to offer Dartfish software, which we use as an analytical tool by capturing videos of individual athletes performances, Owens continues. Physicians and therapists who specialize in the individuals sport can conduct a deeply nuanced level of investigation into the injury, detecting mechanical inefficiencies in sports motions, and make recommendations to the athletes and their parents and coaches. Everyone is involved and informed, which betters the patients chances of healing fast, improving speed, agility and accuracy, as well as preventing recurrence of the injury. Owens adds, Our facility consists of 2,800 square feet, with 1,600 square feet of gym space. We are fortunate to have our own throwing lane and gymnastics equipment, as well as a parquet dance floor and portable ballet barres for artistic athletes. We provide evaluation and motion analysis for all kinds of sports, from running, tumbling, dance and gymnastics to golf, swimming, football, baseball, basketball, lacrossepretty much any sport around. We also have private office space where our certified athletic trainers can conduct ImPACTTM testing. Bob Breingan, a physical therapist and Childrens Director of Outpatient Therapy, reiterates Childrens emphasis on and investiture in their patients. Its about education and partnership, he says. On average, we have 41,000 visits per year, including 8,000 new patients. Each patient averages five visits per injury. Were looking to lower those numbers by making sure each patient gets not only the most effective treatment, but as much accurate information as possible to equip them and help prevent further injury. To that end, Childrens has certified athletic trainers in place in 38 metro high schools, including all six high schools in Cherokee County. They are the gatekeepers, Breingan says with a smile. They work with the athletes, the coaches and parents on site. Breingan is enthusiastic about the new Cherokee location, Its difficult for many families to get to downtown Atlanta, he says. Now, Childrens has brought the same, high level of expertise to Cherokee County. You dont have to come to us! Weve come to you. Dr. Marshall, Breingan, Owens and their staff exemplify the Childrens commitment to each young patient. Not many communities in the nation are fortunate, as is metro Atlanta, to have such a high level of pediatric care. Now, Childrens has brought their tradition of excellence in Pediatric Sports Medicine to Cherokee County. Childrens at CherokeeA service of Childrens at Scottish Rite hospital1554 Riverstone Parkway, Suite 160Canton, Georgia 30114404-785-4268CHOA.org/SportsMedFacebook: ChildrensHealthcareOfAtlantaInstagram: @ChildrensAtlTwitter: @ChildrensAtl
Canton's Light Up the Season 2015 Holiday Hospitality Cherokee ThanksgivingCanton First United Methodist Church will host Cherokee Thanksgiving, providing and delivering free Thanksgiving dinners with all the trimmings to families in need throughout Cherokee County. Volunteers are needed, and monetary donations are accepted. For meals, call 770-877-2601. To volunteer: 770-656-9209, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 930 Lower Scott Mill Road, Canton. CantonFirstUMC.org/give/ House of HopeThe Hope for Hungry (aka Blue Bag Program) allows YOU, the people of our community, to give back to others by becoming a Blue Bag Partner of Hope! Heres how the program works: We will drop your bag off at your house. You will then spend the next 2 months filling the bag with as many items as you can from our Preferred List. Finally, set your Blue Bag of Hope outside your home on your scheduled pick-up Saturday, and they will come by to pick up your food donations and replace your filled bag with an empty one. 770-313-6287. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., HouseOfHopeFreeHome.com Least of These MinistriesThis ministry is dedicated to meeting the practical needs of individuals with the love of Christ, through assistance with food, clothing and assisting with employment. They strive to assist clients in recognizing the root cause of the situation they find themselves in and to take steps to break the cycle of these issues. Their goal is to work with other community organizations to best meet the needs of their clients. They offer an emergency food pantry, which is for clients who have hit a rough spot and need assistance with food. The primary focus is to help clients who do not receive government assistance, but have hit a rough spot and cannot make ends meet. Please call for drop off dates and times. 8889 Fincher Road, Waleska. 770-547-4045. LeastOfTheseMinistriesGeorgia.com/ MUST MinistriesMUST Ministries is collecting food for 1,000 families that the organization expects to serve this year through their annual Thanksgiving Food Box Program. Last year, about 3000 people in 963 families were served through this program. The following items are needed to fill the Thanksgiving boxes: cans of corn, green beans, cranberry sauce and sweet potatoes; boxes of mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, cornbread mix and stuffing; packages of gravy mix; frozen pies and turkeys; and grocery store gift cards. Non-perishable items can be dropped off 8:00 am-3:00 pm, November 9-13 at MUST Ministries, Canton. Frozen turkeys and pies can be dropped off 8:00 am-9:00 am, November 23-25 at MUST Ministries Cherokee location. For questions or more information, please contact Ranettia Beasley at 770-576-0359. Papas PantryFor Thanksgiving, they customize this special dinner for each partnered client family based on a menu furnished by the client. Its their goal to ensure that even in tough times, family traditions will continue with gratitude! Throughout the winter months, Papas Pantry will also accept new electric space heaters. Both Cherokee County Papas Pantry locations accept food donations throughout the year to help families in need: canned meat cereal and cereal bars, peanut butter and jelly, spaghetti sauce, canned fruit, canned pasta and boxed and packaged side items. For Christmas, starting in mid-November, families can be adopted through their Papa Noel Christmas Wish program. They try to match ages, boys/girls, & interests to better personalize everyones experience. Many of their families are headed by single mothers. They ask for Christmas goodies for moms, too! Pajamas, wallets and jewelry are examples of what moms most enjoy. They work closely with each family and get to know them; they believe this lessens the risk of fraud or duplication of efforts from one charitable organization to another. Donations can be made Tuesday, 4:00-7:00 pm and Friday, 3:00-5:00 pm, 6551 Commerce Parkway, Suite 200, Woodstock.770-591-4730. PapasPantry.org Timothys CupboardTimothys Cupboard desires to minister aid through their food bank. Small grants, cash gifts and food drives from outside the church boundaries have provided support, thus supplementing their ministry and enabling them to further their reach. Drop off food and small household items in the collection barrel inside the church. For donations of cash or larger items, call the food bank or the church office. Food is available to residents of Cherokee County by appointment on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 9:00 am-1:00 pm, Timothy Lutheran Church, 556 Arnold Mill Rd., Woodstock. For assistance or to volunteer, contact Timothys Cupboard at 770-591-5515. TimothyLutheran.360unite.com/timothys-cupboard-home Rooted In LoveRooted in Love is a non-profit in Cherokee County that provides a meal and specific needs to the homeless in Cherokee County on the first Saturday of each month, (November 7th and December 5th are the next 2 dates). They offer the homeless families food, toilet paper, water, clothes and goody bags. The meals usually take place at Changed 2 Ministries, 2484 Marietta Hwy, Canton. RootedInLoveGa.org Holiday Happenings November 14Cherokee Charter Academy Holiday Mart5th Annual Holiday Mart to support the exceptional student experience and promote local small businesses in our community and beyond. Featuring 80+ unique vendors, Santas Workshop (Kids Craft Area), live entertainment, photos with Santa, a special visit from Elsa! and food trucks. 9:30 am-2:00 pm, 2126 Sixes Road, Canton. HolidayMart2.wix.com/HolidayMart November 14-16 Annual Holiday Tour of HomesThe Junior Service League of Woodstock Holiday Tour of Homes has raised over $350,000 since its inception in 1997, allowing the JSL to invest in the lives of needy citizens of Cherokee County. The tour features exquisite homes in Woodstock and Canton that are professionally decorated for the holidays by local designers. Each home has unique features that make it distinctive. Visitors will be able to get numerous decorating ideas to make their own homes more festive for the holiday season. Each year, we showcase two homes on a candlelight evening tour. For more information/ticket purchase, visit JSLWoodstock.org November 14 Jingle Bell $hopA one-stop holiday shopping extravaganza of beautiful and distinctive gifts. 11:00 am-8:00 pm, Northside Hospital-Cherokee Conference Center, Cherokee County Administration Building. 770-345-0400. CherokeeChamber.com November 27 Love Lights a TreeAnnual Christmas tree lighting, sponsored by the American Cancer Society. 5:30 pm, Cannon Park, 130 East Main Street, Downtown Canton. 770-704-1500. CherokeeChamber.com November 28 Cartoon Christmas CelebrationGrinch Maze, Frozen Karaoke, Minion Photo Booth, Rudolph Scavenger Hunt, Ride-A-long Hay Ride with Snoopy as he hunts for the Red Baron, visit with Santa at his home on the road, and storytelling with Mrs. Claus. All activities FREE to the public, everyone invited. 1:00-6:00 pm, Autumn Hill Nursery, 4256 Earney Road, Woodstock. AutumnHillNursery.com December 1-17Santas MailboxSantas elves will be delivering his mailbox to Woodstock again this year! Begin the holiday season with a letter to the Jolly Ol Elf and hand deliver it to the North Pole Express mailbox! Santa will send a personalized letter in the mail, just before Christmas! Gazebo- the Park at City Center, 101 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock. WoodstockGa.gov December 2Here Comes Santa!Santa and Mrs. Claus will be stopping by, so be sure grab your camera and come visit. We will have crafts, refreshments and entertainment by the Avery Elementary School Choir, directed by David Boggs, at 6:30 pm. And dont miss the tree lighting! All ages are welcome. 5:30-7:30pm, Hickory Flat Public Library, 2740 East Cherokee Drive, Canton. 770-345-7565. SequoyahRegionalLibrary.org December 3The Polar Express & Santa VisitBring your blanket, and wear your best pjs to experience the magic of Van Allsburgs classic holiday tale, The Polar Express. Join us for crafts, music, refreshments and a visit from Santa. Registration begins on November 19, please call to reserve your spot. All ages are welcome. 6:00-7:45 pm, Rose Creek Public Library, 4476 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock. 770-591-1491. SequoyahRegionalLibrary.org December 4Friday Night LiveChristmas on Main. The spirit of Christmas can be found in Downtown at Christmas on Main. Its the perfect chance to Christmas shop and have some fun at the same time. Santa has already RSVPd to attend! 6:00-9:00 pm, Downtown Woodstock. 770-924-0406. DowntownWoodstock.org December 4Holly Springs Tree LightingBundle up and celebrate the beginning of the Christmas season with the annual tree lighting. Songs of the season will be heard from local talent. Join the City of Holly Springs for light refreshments following the lighting of the tree. For the third year in a row, the city is proud to partner with the Volunteer Aging Council, the Holly Springs Downtown Development Authority and Northside Hospital-Cherokee to present the Tree of Hope. Citizens can make a donation in honor of or in memory of a friend or loved one, and for each donation, an ornament with the name of your honoree will be placed on the tree. Your donation will enable the Volunteer Aging Council to assist seniors in need. We need to receive your donation by Tuesday, December 1, in order to recognize your generosity for the tree lighting. We will, however, accept contributions throughout the holiday season and continue to place the ornaments on the tree until the end of December. Tree lighting is at 6:30 pm, the Historic Train, Holly Springs. Ga-HollySprings.CivicPlus.com December 4The Annual March of the Toys for Toys for Tots ParadeThis event brings in excess of 4,000 people each year to downtown Ball Ground to enjoy the parade, shop and visit with Santa. 6:00 pm, Downtown Gazebo. 770-735-2123. CityOfBallGround.com/events/ December 5A Christmas CarolThe Elm Street Theater will present a free performance of Charles Dickens classic Christmas tale. 2:00 pm, Downtown Woodstock. WhatsUpWoodstock.com December 5Christmas Jubilee & Parade of LightsKick off the holiday season with our traditional Christmas Jubilee Parade of Lights. Bring your children after the parade to the Park at City Center to visit Santa with their wish lists. The Mayor and Santa will flip the switch to light the Park and Christmas tree! Winners of best float will be announced. Music provided by Ronnie the DJ, free moonwalk by Colby Chiropractic. 5:30 pm, Movie in the Park starts at 7:30 pm, Downtown Woodstock. WoodstockGa.gov December 5Holly Springs Christmas ParadeCome line the streets of Holly Springs Parkway to watch the 11th Annual Holly Springs Christmas Parade! After the parade ends at the Historic Train Depot, come inside for a complimentary picture with Santa! Outside the Depot, enjoy carols from elementary school choirs, hot cocoa, treats and crafts! 1:30 pm. Ga-HollySprings.CivicPlus.com December 5Reindeer Run 5K & Fun RunThe Service League of Cherokee County presents the 13th Annual Run for the Children Reindeer Run 5K and Fun Run. 8:00 am, Etowah River Park, 600 Brown Industrial Parkway, Canton. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., ServiceLeague.net December 5Canton Christmas Parade and MarketplaceMusic and Marketplace start at 3:00 pm, the parade starts at 6:00 pm. There will be music after the parade. Santa will be in the gazebo in Cannon Park from 3:30-5:30 pm for pictures, Downtown Canton. 770-704-1500. CherokeeChamber.com December 5Crafting a Holiday WreathPresented by Cherokee Master Gardeners. 10:00 am-Noon, Cherokee Senior Center, 1001 Univeter Road, Canton. CAES.UGA.edu/Extension/Cherokee/MasterGardeners/ December 6Santa at Urban Secrets BoutiquePhotos, cookies and story time. 2:00-4:00 pm, 6175 Hickory Flat Hwy., Ste. 165, Canton. December 7Holiday Open HouseCelebrate the season and enjoy the Festival of Trees during our Holiday Open House. We will have crafts, refreshments, a tree lighting, storytelling and songs performed by the Hasty Elementary Chorus. Welcome the holiday season with library staff and friends. All ages are welcome. 6:00-7:45 pm, R.T. Jones Public Library, 116 Brown Industrial Parkway, Canton. 770-479-3090. SequoyahRegionalLibrary.org December 7Santas WorkshopFree Event! Pictures and Breakfast with Santa, Ms. Claus Kitchen, lots of crafts and games for the kids. 10:00 am-12:00 pm, the House of Hope, 11954 Cumming Hwy., Canton. HouseOfHopeFreeHome.com Holiday Highlights LaVida MassageRelax and enjoy your holiday season! Get a free, 60 minute Custom Massage or Signature Facial when you purchase $150 in gift cards; or get a free $10 gift certificate with the purchase of a $50 gift card at LaVida Massage of Canton, located at 6175 Hickory Flat Hwy. 770-345-1200. LaVidaMassageCantonGA.comTo use this offer, gift cards must be purchased at the Canton location. *Offer expires 12/31/2015 Three Sisters GiftsThree Sisters Gifts in Hickory Flat is your destination for Alex and Ani bangle bracelets! Each bangle is expandable, ensuring the perfect fit for everyone. Choose from initials, birthstones, inspirational emblems and colorful beads. Alex and Ani products are made in America. Gift packaging is always complimentary. Please come by for a special Christmas Open House on Friday, 11/13, 10am-6pm, and Saturday, 11/14, 10am-5pm. 6205 Hickory Flat Hwy, Canton, 30115. 770-345-3090
Woodstock's Light Up the Season 2015 Holiday Hospitality Cherokee ThanksgivingCanton First United Methodist Church will host Cherokee Thanksgiving, providing and delivering free Thanksgiving dinners with all the trimmings to families in need throughout Cherokee County. Volunteers are needed, and monetary donations are accepted. For meals, call 770-877-2601. To volunteer: 770-656-9209, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 930 Lower Scott Mill Road, Canton. CantonFirstUMC.org/give/ House of HopeThe Hope for Hungry (aka Blue Bag Program) allows YOU, the people of our community, to give back to others by becoming a Blue Bag Partner of Hope! Heres how the program works: We will drop your bag off at your house. You will then spend the next 2 months filling the bag with as many items as you can from our Preferred List. Finally, set your Blue Bag of Hope outside your home on your scheduled pick-up Saturday, and they will come by to pick up your food donations and replace your filled bag with an empty one. 770-313-6287. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., HouseOfHopeFreeHome.com Least of These MinistriesThis ministry is dedicated to meeting the practical needs of individuals with the love of Christ, through assistance with food, clothing and assisting with employment. They strive to assist clients in recognizing the root cause of the situation they find themselves in and to take steps to break the cycle of these issues. Their goal is to work with other community organizations to best meet the needs of their clients. They offer an emergency food pantry, which is for clients who have hit a rough spot and need assistance with food. The primary focus is to help clients who do not receive government assistance, but have hit a rough spot and cannot make ends meet. Please call for drop off dates and times. 8889 Fincher Road, Waleska. 770-547-4045. LeastOfTheseMinistriesGeorgia.com/ MUST MinistriesMUST Ministries is collecting food for 1,000 families that the organization expects to serve this year through their annual Thanksgiving Food Box Program. Last year, about 3000 people in 963 families were served through this program. The following items are needed to fill the Thanksgiving boxes: cans of corn, green beans, cranberry sauce and sweet potatoes; boxes of mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, cornbread mix and stuffing; packages of gravy mix; frozen pies and turkeys; and grocery store gift cards. Non-perishable items can be dropped off 8:00 am-3:00 pm, November 9-13 at MUST Ministries, Canton. Frozen turkeys and pies can be dropped off 8:00 am-9:00 am, November 23-25 at MUST Ministries Cherokee location. For questions or more information, please contact Ranettia Beasley at 770-576-0359. Papas PantryFor Thanksgiving, they customize this special dinner for each partnered client family based on a menu furnished by the client. Its their goal to ensure that even in tough times, family traditions will continue with gratitude! Throughout the winter months, Papas Pantry will also accept new electric space heaters. Both Cherokee County Papas Pantry locations accept food donations throughout the year to help families in need: canned meat cereal and cereal bars, peanut butter and jelly, spaghetti sauce, canned fruit, canned pasta and boxed and packaged side items. For Christmas, starting in mid-November, families can be adopted through their Papa Noel Christmas Wish program. They try to match ages, boys/girls, & interests to better personalize everyones experience. Many of their families are headed by single mothers. They ask for Christmas goodies for moms, too! Pajamas, wallets and jewelry are examples of what moms most enjoy. They work closely with each family and get to know them; they believe this lessens the risk of fraud or duplication of efforts from one charitable organization to another. Donations can be made Tuesday, 4:00-7:00 pm and Friday, 3:00-5:00 pm, 6551 Commerce Parkway, Suite 200, Woodstock.770-591-4730. PapasPantry.org Timothys CupboardTimothys Cupboard desires to minister aid through their food bank. Small grants, cash gifts and food drives from outside the church boundaries have provided support, thus supplementing their ministry and enabling them to further their reach. Drop off food and small household items in the collection barrel inside the church. For donations of cash or larger items, call the food bank or the church office. Food is available to residents of Cherokee County by appointment on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 9:00 am-1:00 pm, Timothy Lutheran Church, 556 Arnold Mill Rd., Woodstock. For assistance or to volunteer, contact Timothys Cupboard at 770-591-5515. TimothyLutheran.360unite.com/timothys-cupboard-home Rooted In LoveRooted in Love is a non-profit in Cherokee County that provides a meal and specific needs to the homeless in Cherokee County on the first Saturday of each month, (November 7th and December 5th are the next 2 dates). They offer the homeless families food, toilet paper, water, clothes and goody bags. The meals usually take place at Changed 2 Ministries, 2484 Marietta Hwy, Canton. RootedInLoveGa.org Holiday Happenings November 14Cherokee Charter Academy Holiday Mart5th Annual Holiday Mart to support the exceptional student experience and promote local small businesses in our community and beyond. Featuring 80+ unique vendors, Santas Workshop (Kids Craft Area), live entertainment, photos with Santa, a special visit from Elsa! and food trucks. 9:30 am-2:00 pm, 2126 Sixes Road, Canton. HolidayMart2.wix.com/HolidayMart November 14-16 Annual Holiday Tour of HomesThe Junior Service League of Woodstock Holiday Tour of Homes has raised over $350,000 since its inception in 1997, allowing the JSL to invest in the lives of needy citizens of Cherokee County. The tour features exquisite homes in Woodstock and Canton that are professionally decorated for the holidays by local designers. Each home has unique features that make it distinctive. Visitors will be able to get numerous decorating ideas to make their own homes more festive for the holiday season. Each year, we showcase two homes on a candlelight evening tour. For more information/ticket purchase, visit JSLWoodstock.org November 14 Jingle Bell $hopA one-stop holiday shopping extravaganza of beautiful and distinctive gifts. 11:00 am-8:00 pm, Northside Hospital-Cherokee Conference Center, Cherokee County Administration Building. 770-345-0400. CherokeeChamber.com November 27 Love Lights a TreeAnnual Christmas tree lighting, sponsored by the American Cancer Society. 5:30 pm, Cannon Park, 130 East Main Street, Downtown Canton. 770-704-1500. CherokeeChamber.com November 28 Cartoon Christmas CelebrationGrinch Maze, Frozen Karaoke, Minion Photo Booth, Rudolph Scavenger Hunt, Ride-A-long Hay Ride with Snoopy as he hunts for the Red Baron, visit with Santa at his home on the road, and storytelling with Mrs. Claus. All activities FREE to the public, everyone invited. 1:00-6:00 pm, Autumn Hill Nursery, 4256 Earney Road, Woodstock. AutumnHillNursery.com December 1-17Santas MailboxSantas elves will be delivering his mailbox to Woodstock again this year! Begin the holiday season with a letter to the Jolly Ol Elf and hand deliver it to the North Pole Express mailbox! Santa will send a personalized letter in the mail, just before Christmas! Gazebo- the Park at City Center, 101 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock. WoodstockGa.gov December 2Here Comes Santa!Santa and Mrs. Claus will be stopping by, so be sure grab your camera and come visit. We will have crafts, refreshments and entertainment by the Avery Elementary School Choir, directed by David Boggs, at 6:30 pm. And dont miss the tree lighting! All ages are welcome. 5:30-7:30pm, Hickory Flat Public Library, 2740 East Cherokee Drive, Canton. 770-345-7565. SequoyahRegionalLibrary.org December 3The Polar Express & Santa VisitBring your blanket, and wear your best pjs to experience the magic of Van Allsburgs classic holiday tale, The Polar Express. Join us for crafts, music, refreshments and a visit from Santa. Registration begins on November 19, please call to reserve your spot. All ages are welcome. 6:00-7:45 pm, Rose Creek Public Library, 4476 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock. 770-591-1491. SequoyahRegionalLibrary.org December 4Friday Night LiveChristmas on Main. The spirit of Christmas can be found in Downtown at Christmas on Main. Its the perfect chance to Christmas shop and have some fun at the same time. Santa has already RSVPd to attend! 6:00-9:00 pm, Downtown Woodstock. 770-924-0406. DowntownWoodstock.org December 4Holly Springs Tree LightingBundle up and celebrate the beginning of the Christmas season with the annual tree lighting. Songs of the season will be heard from local talent. Join the City of Holly Springs for light refreshments following the lighting of the tree. For the third year in a row, the city is proud to partner with the Volunteer Aging Council, the Holly Springs Downtown Development Authority and Northside Hospital-Cherokee to present the Tree of Hope. Citizens can make a donation in honor of or in memory of a friend or loved one, and for each donation, an ornament with the name of your honoree will be placed on the tree. Your donation will enable the Volunteer Aging Council to assist seniors in need. We need to receive your donation by Tuesday, December 1, in order to recognize your generosity for the tree lighting. We will, however, accept contributions throughout the holiday season and continue to place the ornaments on the tree until the end of December. Tree lighting is at 6:30 pm, the Historic Train, Holly Springs. Ga-HollySprings.CivicPlus.com December 4The Annual March of the Toys for Toys for Tots ParadeThis event brings in excess of 4,000 people each year to downtown Ball Ground to enjoy the parade, shop and visit with Santa. 6:00 pm, Downtown Gazebo. 770-735-2123. CityOfBallGround.com/events/ December 5A Christmas CarolThe Elm Street Theater will present a free performance of Charles Dickens classic Christmas tale. 2:00 pm, Downtown Woodstock. WhatsUpWoodstock.com December 5Christmas Jubilee & Parade of LightsKick off the holiday season with our traditional Christmas Jubilee Parade of Lights. Bring your children after the parade to the Park at City Center to visit Santa with their wish lists. The Mayor and Santa will flip the switch to light the Park and Christmas tree! Winners of best float will be announced. Music provided by Ronnie the DJ, free moonwalk by Colby Chiropractic. 5:30 pm, Movie in the Park starts at 7:30 pm, Downtown Woodstock. WoodstockGa.gov December 5Holly Springs Christmas ParadeCome line the streets of Holly Springs Parkway to watch the 11th Annual Holly Springs Christmas Parade! After the parade ends at the Historic Train Depot, come inside for a complimentary picture with Santa! Outside the Depot, enjoy carols from elementary school choirs, hot cocoa, treats and crafts! 1:30 pm. Ga-HollySprings.CivicPlus.com December 5Reindeer Run 5K & Fun RunThe Service League of Cherokee County presents the 13th Annual Run for the Children Reindeer Run 5K and Fun Run. 8:00 am, Etowah River Park, 600 Brown Industrial Parkway, Canton. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., ServiceLeague.net December 5Canton Christmas Parade and MarketplaceMusic and Marketplace start at 3:00 pm, the parade starts at 6:00 pm. There will be music after the parade. Santa will be in the gazebo in Cannon Park from 3:30-5:30 pm for pictures, Downtown Canton. 770-704-1500. CherokeeChamber.com December 5Crafting a Holiday WreathPresented by Cherokee Master Gardeners. 10:00 am-Noon, Cherokee Senior Center, 1001 Univeter Road, Canton. CAES.UGA.edu/Extension/Cherokee/MasterGardeners/ December 6Santa at Urban Secrets BoutiquePhotos, cookies and story time. 2:00-4:00 pm, 6175 Hickory Flat Hwy., Ste. 165, Canton. December 7Holiday Open HouseCelebrate the season and enjoy the Festival of Trees during our Holiday Open House. We will have crafts, refreshments, a tree lighting, storytelling and songs performed by the Hasty Elementary Chorus. Welcome the holiday season with library staff and friends. All ages are welcome. 6:00-7:45 pm, R.T. Jones Public Library, 116 Brown Industrial Parkway, Canton. 770-479-3090. SequoyahRegionalLibrary.org December 7Santas WorkshopFree Event! Pictures and Breakfast with Santa, Ms. Claus Kitchen, lots of crafts and games for the kids. 10:00 am-12:00 pm, the House of Hope, 11954 Cumming Hwy., Canton. HouseOfHopeFreeHome.com Holiday Highlights Salon and Spa VenssaGive yourself the gift of beautiful hair with 99% naturally derived dry shampoo. Avedas new Shampure Dry Shampoo revives your hair and senses, while bringing it back to life between shampoos. This non-aerosol, powder mist absorbs excess oils and infuses aromas of 25 pure plant and flower essences, available now at Salon and Spa Venssa, 8516 Main Street, Woodstock. 770-591-2079. Facebook.com/SalonAndSpaVenessa Fire Stone Wood Fired Pizza & GrillThe holidays are fast approaching! With that, comes the need for unique gift ideas for family and friends. Give the gift of Fire Stone Gift Cards, as nothing is better during the holidays than spending quality time dining on delicious food with your loved ones! Fire Stone Wood Fired Pizza & Grill, Downtown Woodstock, 120 Chambers Street, Woodstock, GA 30188. 770-926-6778, FireStoneRestaurants.com
North Fulton's Light Up the Season 2015 Holiday Hospitality Toys for Tots Bring the joy of Christmas to Americas needy children. To participate, simply bring a new, unwrapped toy or game. 11/16, 8:30 am-5:00 pm, Johns Creek City Hall (4th floor), Park Place, or one of the fire stations from Nov. 17-Dec. 19. JohnsCreekGA.gov Operation Christmas ChildOperation Christmas Child uses gift-filled shoeboxes to bring hope to children living in desperate situations all around the world. Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has sent more than 100 million shoebox gifts to children in more than 120 different countries. Suggested items include school supplies, hygiene items and toys. Theyre accepting donations 11/16-11/23. Drop-off locations in the North Fulton area include Johns Creek Baptist Church and First Baptist Church Alpharetta. 770-777-9342. SamaritansPurse.org/OCC Childrens Restoration Network 2015 Thanksgiving Food DriveTheir goal is to collect 250+ turkeys with all the trimmings for children living in shelters and group homes, and fill their pantries for the Holidays! They are accepting donations from 11/1-11/22, 10:00 am-4:30 pm, Roswell Town Center, 610 Holcomb Bridge Road Roswell, Ste. 5000A. 770-649-7117. ChildRN.org The Drake House The Drake House provides short-term crisis housing, education and empowerment programs for homeless mothers and their children in North Fulton County, designed to assist the family in working toward self-sufficiency. Their food pantry is stocked with canned goods, dry items, such as pasta, cereal and rice, paper and cleaning products, toiletries, diapers and baby items, condiments and juices. Through gift card donations, fresh foods, such as milk, cheese and eggs are purchased each week to supplement the canned and dry items. Mothers complete a grocery need list each Monday evening during their workshop, volunteers fill the orders, and families return to their apartments with provisions for the week. The pantry is stocked through donations from individuals, businesses, faith-based organizations and civic groups. Donations may be made during office hours, Monday through Friday, between 9:00 am-4:00 pm, 10500 Clara Drive, Roswell. 770-587-4712 x305. TheDrakeHouse.org NFCC Thanksgiving Food DriveThanksgiving is a special time to share a family meal. NFCCs annual Thanksgiving Food Distribution Day helps over 900 local families in need to celebrate the blessings of Thanksgiving in their homes. Donations of non-perishable, Thanksgiving food items and grocery store gift cards in $25 increments are needed this November! Please limit your donations to specific items for a Thanksgiving meal. General items for our Food Pantry can be made to our Food Pantry at our main location on Elkins Road. Friday, 11/20: 4:00-7:00 pm, Saturday, 11/21: 10:00 am-12:00 pm, Holiday Distribution Site: 1175 North Meadow Pkwy., (Enter off of Wills Road), Roswell. 770-640-0399. NFCCHelp.org Holiday Happenings November 7St. Benedict 11th Annual Holiday BazaarFeaturing over 40 vendors. Lunch and baked goods also will be for sale. We will hold raffle drawings with all product lines represented by our vendors. Offerings include hundreds of unique gift ideas, artistic cards, home dcor, floral arrangements, jewelry, crocheted/knitted items, clothing/ accessories, handbags/totes, books, fused glassware, yard art, seasonal gifts, pet items, headbands/bows, doll clothes, blankets, pottery, gardening items, gourmet food items, artwork, wood carvings and so much more. 9:30 am-5:30 pm, 11045 Parsons Road, Johns Creek. 770-753-4374. November 15Cambridge Subdivisions Annual Holiday Shopping and Craft FairThere will be live music, custom artwork, holiday dcor, clothing and accessories, health and beauty products, monogramming services, raffles and 25+ local vendors. Admission is free! Noon-6:00 pm, Cambridge Clubhouse, 5950 Millwick Drive, Johns Creek. November 22The Lighting of AvalonKick off the holiday season with us at the Lighting of Avalon. This family-friendly event will feature seasonal music, entertainment throughout the day, and free activities for all ages. Just after the sun sets, our 30-foot decorated Christmas tree will light up the night, and the evening will culminate with the parade arrival of Santa Claus and a festive fireworks display. 12:00-8:00 pm, Avalon, 2200 Avalon Blvd., Alpharetta. AwesomeAlpharetta.com November 23-25, 27Thanksgiving Break Bonus FunEveryone loves live animals, so during Thanksgiving break, meet a live animal at our Bonus Creature Features each day. Afterwards, join us on a bonus guided hike. The crisp, fall air will have you begging to get outside! These activities are included with general admission, and Free to CNC Members. 11:00 am, Chattahoochee Nature Center. VisitRoswellGa.com November 24Autumn at Autrey MillJoin us for fall activities during Thanksgiving week. Seasonal crafts, hikes, tours and smores at the fire pit. 10:00 am-1:00 pm, 9770 Autrey Mill Road, Johns Creek. 678-366-3511. AutreyMill.org/events.htm November 27-29The NutcrackerA Roswell tradition, with over 300 cast members; dancing cupcakes, mice, soldiers and an array of favorite characters enchant children and adults. Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest Street, Roswell. 770-998-0259. FallInNorthFulton.com November 30City Hall Tree LightingSanta Claus makes an early appearance at a party highlighted by the traditional lighting of a giant dreidel and 30-foot Christmas tree. Children can give him their wish list and participate in kids activities. Local elementary school choruses accentuate the festive air with a selection of seasonal favorites before the Mayor throws the switch! 6:30 pm, Johns Creek City Hall parking lot. JohnsCreekGa.gov November 30Cards for VeteransSign the giant holiday cards designed by JC 5th graders for military personnel at our three Georgia veterans hospitals. The cards will be available for signing at the tree lighting and City Hall through Dec. 5. 8:30 am-5:00 pm, Johns Creek City Hall, 4th floor. JohnsCreekGa.gov December 1-31Christmas in RoswellWe invite you, your family and friends to enjoy Roswell during the holiday season as history comes alive, tours are abundant, and we festively celebrate our art and culture. You will find the perfect activity to create special memories of the season for each member of the family. VisitRoswellGa.com December 2Cookies with the ClaussChildren enjoy decorating cookies, making crafts and visiting with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Bring your camera for this great photo opportunity! Theres no charge for this event. However, participants are asked to bring a new, UNWRAPPED gift to the event for donations to Toys for Tots. Pre-registration is required by November 30 (walk-ins not accepted). Register early; this event fills fast! 12:30-2:30 pm, Alpharetta Community Center. 678-297-6100. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. December 4Winter FestCraft fair featuring local crafts, such as embroidery, jewelry, glassware, quilts and much more! This festival helps provide conference scholarships for career technology students. 3:30-5:00 pm, Johns Creek High School media center, 5575 State Bridge Road, Johns Creek. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. December 5Alpharetta Christmas Tree LightingAll the magic of Christmas glistens at the annual lighting of the 45 live spruce tree, with 10,000 white lights! At 5:00 pm, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be visiting with children all evening in the gazebo. A North Fulton Jaycees volunteer will be on-hand to help take FREE online photos, or parents may bring their cameras to take photos. Mayor Belle Isle will read the childrens classic book, Twas the Night Before Christmas. An entertainment program will feature North Point Community Church, who will partner on this years event. 6:00-9:00 pm, Downtown Alpharetta, across from City Hall at 2 Park Plaza. 678-297-6000. Alpharetta.Ga.Us December 5Christmas in Crabapple2:00-5:00 pm, Broadwell Pavillion, Milton. 678-242-2500. CityOfMiltonGa.us December 12Milton Fire Department Pancake Breakfast with Santa8:00-10:00 am, Fire Station 43, Milton. 678-242-2500. CityOfMiltonGa.us December 12Breakfast with SantaChildren visit with Santa and enjoy a light breakfast! Personal cameras welcome. Pre-register children (ages 1-10) by December 7. Bring a new, unwrapped gift to the event for a local donation. 8:30-10:30 am, Alpharetta Adult Activity Center. 678-297-6140. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. December 12 Pet Photos with Santa PawsCome paws; come all! You and your pet(s) can be photographed with Santa Claus! This holiday pet portraiture is a special bonding experience between pet owners and their pets, and it can make the perfect greeting card, original gift or heartfelt keepsake. Certain restrictions apply for pets. Free! Noon-2:00 pm, Waggy World Dog Park, Alpharetta. 678-297-6132. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. December 12Breakfast/Lunch with SantaAll Johns Creek boys and girls are invited to have breakfast or lunch with Santa. Children will also enjoy music, holiday crafts, letters to Santa and pictures with Santa. Parents please bring your camera. Breakfast seatings at 9:00 am and 10:30 am, lunch is at noon, Park Place at Newtown School, 3125 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek. 678-512-3200. JohnsCreekGA.gov December 13Alpharetta City Band Holiday ConcertEnjoy festive and traditional holiday music at this free concert, co-sponsored by the Alpharetta Golden Age Club. Cookies and punch will be served. 3:00 pm, Alpharetta Adult Activity Center. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. December 16-18The North Pole Fa-La-La-La FolliesLee Bryan, That Puppet Guy, is returning to Roswell with another captivating show, Yule love it! Get ready for hilarious holiday high-jinx as some talented residents of the North Pole perform in their annual talent show. The zany and colorful cast of characters includes a wisecracking fruitcake, a musical goose, tumbling teddy bears, a duo of dancing deer, the not-so-abominable snowman and much, much more. This sparkling holiday production combines music, live vocal performance and a variety of beautifully costumed hand puppets and rod puppets. This show will sleigh you! All shows will begin at 4:00 pm, Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest Street, Roswell. 770-594-6232. RoswellPuppets.com December 19-21Santas Missing MailOminous Crook and his sidekick, Skellmutt, are two dastardly bad guys who are out to stop Christmas by stealing Santa Claus mail. Youll meet some panicked elves, a wise-cracking reindeer, a dim-witted superhero and Santa, himself. The audience will also give Davids friend, Fitzgerald, some help in writing a letter to St. Nick. This production, written by David Stephens, debuted in 1998 and is being brought back by All Hands Productions for the holiday season. Saturday and Mondays shows will begin at 10:00 am, and Sundays show will begin at 2:00 pm, Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest Street, Roswell. 770-594-6232. RoswellPuppets.com Holiday Highlights LaVida MassageAre you looking for the Best. Gift. Ever?! Best of Life Award Winner, LaVida Massage, is making the stress of holiday shopping easier, with limited time gift card offers for Massage and Facial services. For the holidays, if you buy three, $50 gift cards, youll receive a gift certificate for a FREE 60-min Custom Massage session or 60-min Signature Facial Session. Purchase a $100 gift card, get a free $25 certificate, and if you buy a $50 gift card, youll receive a free $10.00 gift certificate. LaVida Massage offers new client massage specials starting at $39.95 for one-hour sessions or one-hour Signature Facial sessions starting at $49.95. Come try our award winning services, and buy gift cards and gifts for family and friends at the same time! Open 7 days a week with extended hours, and conveniently located in Alpharetta, Johns Creek and East Cobb/Marietta. For a location near you, visit LaVidaMassageGA.com.
North Georgia's Lovely Leaf Gazing Locales By Julie Senger Autumn is that time of year when most Georgians welcome the reprieve from the summer heat and humidity with enthusiastic, open arms. Many of us look forward to the cooler temperatures, which seem to usher in excitement about football season and tailgate parties, all things pumpkin spiced, and cozy nights by a fire, as we dine on a hearty bowl of chili, soup, or stew. However, nothing defines the season more than natures breathtaking, colorful display of fall foliage. Georgians are very fortunate to have many options from which to choose when they want to gather friends and loved ones, and head out for a day to appreciate the crisp bursts of color. Here are some favorites: Amicalola Falls State ParkDawsonvilleAmicalola Falls is the Southeasts tallest, cascading waterfall. There are wooded trails leading to the top of the falls, or you can opt for the more challenging hike, which is up the steep stairways; your reward being that you walk alongside the water the entire way up to the platform that overlooks the falls. If you want to see the breathtaking view without the hike, you can also drive to the top platform. Due to its close proximity to pumpkin farms and apple orchards, Amicalola Falls becomes very popular during this glorious time of year. Fort Mountain State ParkChatsworthThis park is best known for its curious rock wall along the top of the mountain. There are also a variety of trails, with varying levels of difficulty. For example, there is the mostly flat, 1.2 mile, picturesque walk around an emerald green lake, or for the more serious hiker, there is the 8-mile Gahuti Trail, and mountain bikers are welcome to make tire tracks on more than 14 miles worth of trails. Don Carter State ParkLake LanierThis park is fairly new, having just opened in 2013. It boasts a protected hardwood forest, which surrounds the lake. If you have a boat, its a dazzling perspective to be able to see the trees from the water, as they provide a mirrored reflection off of its surface on cool, sunny days. For land lovers, a 1.5 mile paved trail is open to bikers and walkers, and another 2 mile trail is exclusively for hikers. James H. (Sloppy) Floyd State ParkSummervilleAttention families with small children! This is a great park for you! Walk around a fishing lake, and spend time on the boardwalk, from which little ones love to feed the fish. There is also the Marble Mine Trail, which leads to a lovely, small waterfall. Kennesaw MountainKennesawHistory buffs get a twofer at Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, which is a 2,965 acre, preserved Civil War battleground. There are 18 miles of trails for hiking, or on weekdays, you can take a drive to the top of the mountain. On weekends, a shuttle bus is available to the mountain top. Bring your binoculars for birdwatching or a closer look at the Atlanta skyline. Sweetwater Creek State ParkLithia SpringsOne of the closer parks for those living ITP (Inside the Perimeter), youll find 9 miles of hiking trails, a delightful creek and a small lake. The popular, 1-mile Red Trail follows the creek to the ruins of an old mill. If you continue past the mill to the Blue Trail, youll find steep bluffs to scale for splendid creek views. Vogel State ParkBlairsvilleThe 4-mile Bear Hair Gap Trail offers magnificent mountain color and a superb view of the parks lake. If you opt for the less challenging Lake Loop, you will happen upon a cute little waterfall. The bewitching, winding roads around the park, particularly Wolf Pen Gap Road, reveal some of north Georgias most graceful fall sights, as wind blows through the trees causing swirls of crimson red, vivid orange and golden yellow to float down around you. Pine MountainCartersvilleTheres an East Loop and a West Loop that connect Pine Mountain. Both loops provide a rugged challenge thatll surely get your heart pumping, as it quickly starts to incline, reaching 1,562 feet above sea level at its summit. Once you reach the top, youll be at the highest point in the City of Cartersville, overlooking stunning views of the surrounding area. The trail is open daily for hiking. Mountain biking is allowed on Wednesday and Saturday, only on the East Loop. Red Top Mountain State ParkLake AllatoonaJust north of Atlanta, this park has a variety of trails with lots of different types of trees, providing a glorious array of fall hues. The flat, Iron Hill Loop welcomes hikers and bikers. Iron Hill is surrounded by Lake Allatoona for most of its 4 miles and has a few charming little bridges along the way. Another great trail with lake views is the 5.5 mile Homestead Trail, though its hillier. Unicoi State ParkHelenHike a 3-mile trail, which leads from the park into the quaint, German-themed town of Helen. There, you can dine and window shop before hiking back to the trailhead. Theres a challenging, 7.5 mile loop, where mountain bikers can make a blur of the autumn leaves as they race along the trail. Theres also the steep, 4.8-mile Smith Creek hike up to Anna Ruby Falls.
Coming to Cherokee County: Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Sports Medicine Making a Difference in the Lives of Young Athletes By Kathleen Boehmig Childrens Healthcare is a familiar and respected name in Pediatric Medicine. For years, metro Atlanta has benefitted from their more than twenty-five locations, including thirteen Sports Medicine facilities, all nationally recognized. Now, the fourteenth, metro Atlanta Sports Medicine location will open in October in Cherokee County, as a service of Childrens at Scottish Rite hospital, bringing the same high level of excellence in pediatrics, to young sports participants in the area. Childrens is known for its dedication to the care of each patient. To that end, Childrens has the best orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists and certified athletic trainers, all knowledgeable about specialized care for young, growing athletes. Dr. David Marshall, Medical Director of Childrens Sports Medicine Program since 2001, explains how his program exemplifies the primary vision of Childrens to make kids better today and healthier tomorrow. We understand the needs and wants of kids and their parents, Dr. Marshall says. We do what we can to get them active again. Instead of just treating a young athletes pain, we fix the problem. Many of those problems are unique to children, adolescents and teens, and require specialized treatments. Nowadays, we see fewer traumatic injuries, like fractures, and many more cases of injury due to overuse of a specific set of muscles and/or tendons. We try to bring them back at a level which is less likely to cause injury. Dr. Marshall says the reason for so many overuse injuries is the trend over the last twenty years for youngsters to specialize in one particular sport. When I was a kid, most everyone played different sports seasonally. Depending on what time of year it was, wed play baseball, football or basketball. These days, many kids are excited about concentrating on one sport and playing on elite teams, achieving a high level of expertise, which can lead to scholarships or possibly even to pro contracts. But it can also lead to injuries, if theyre not really careful. Theyre practicing or playing most of the year, and they never get a chance to rest. Matt Owens, lead physical therapist and site supervisor for the new Cherokee facility, agrees. We see, for instance, a lot of Little League elbows and shoulders. Chronic, repetitive patterns of use in particular body parts can be responsible for inflammation and muscle issues, and can take from one to several months to heal. Of course, some fractures or traumatic injuries requiring surgery can have long recuperation periods. Fortunately, those instances are less common. Whatever the issue, Childrens is committed to keeping patients safe, providing the same standard of care in each facility and ensuring there is effective communication among patients, parents and caregivers. Childrens Sports Medicine Program offers the finest and most advanced treatment options available, including ACL injury prevention and rehabilitation, ImPACTTM concussion baseline testing and post-concussion medical management, isokinetic testing, a running program, dance medicine, motion analysis, sports nutrition and wrestling weight management. We are excited to offer Dartfish software, which we use as an analytical tool by capturing videos of individual athletes performances, Owens continues. Physicians and therapists who specialize in the individuals sport can conduct a deeply nuanced level of investigation into the injury, detecting mechanical inefficiencies in sports motions, and make recommendations to the athletes and their parents and coaches. Everyone is involved and informed, which betters the patients chances of healing fast, improving speed, agility and accuracy, as well as preventing recurrence of the injury. Owens adds, Our facility consists of 2,800 square feet, with 1,600 square feet of gym space. We are fortunate to have our own throwing lane and gymnastics equipment, as well as a parquet dance floor and portable ballet barres for artistic athletes. We provide evaluation and motion analysis for all kinds of sports, from running, tumbling, dance and gymnastics to golf, swimming, football, baseball, basketball, lacrossepretty much any sport around. We also have private office space where our certified athletic trainers can conduct ImPACTTM testing. Bob Breingan, a physical therapist and Childrens Director of Outpatient Therapy, reiterates Childrens emphasis on and investiture in their patients. Its about education and partnership, he says. On average, we have 41,000 visits per year, including 8,000 new patients. Each patient averages five visits per injury. Were looking to lower those numbers by making sure each patient gets not only the most effective treatment, but as much accurate information as possible to equip them and help prevent further injury. To that end, Childrens has certified athletic trainers in place in 38 metro high schools, including all six high schools in Cherokee County. They are the gatekeepers, Breingan says with a smile. They work with the athletes, the coaches and parents on site. Breingan is enthusiastic about the new Cherokee location, Its difficult for many families to get to downtown Atlanta, he says. This way, Childrens is bringing the same, high level of expertise to Cherokee County. You dont have to come to us! We are coming to you. Dr. Marshall, Breingan, Owens and their staff exemplify the Childrens commitment to each young patient. Not many communities in the nation are fortunate, as is metro Atlanta, to have such a high level of pediatric care. Now, Childrens is bringing their tradition of excellence in Pediatric Sports Medicine to Cherokee County. Childrens at CherokeeA service of Childrens at Scottish Rite hospital1554 Riverstone Parkway, Suite 160Canton, Georgia 30114404-785-4268CHOA.org/SportsMedFacebook: ChildrensHealthcareOfAtlantaInstagram: @ChildrensAtlTwitter: @ChildrensAtl
Vascular Institute of Atlanta Vascular Disease: What it is and Treatment OptionsQ&A with Vascular Surgeon, Dr. Joseph Ricotta Dr. Joseph Ricotta is a nationally and internationally renowned vascular and endovascular surgeon, having been repeatedly named as one of the Best Doctors in America and Top Surgeons in the United States for several years running. Dr. Ricotta has authored over 175 publications and has delivered more than 300 lectures worldwide on the topic of vascular surgery and has been a pioneer in several groundbreaking techniques in the field, including endovascular treatment of aortic aneurysms and Endovascular Robotic Surgery. Dr. Joseph Ricotta came to Atlanta five years ago, after working at the nations leading institutions such as Yale, Johns Hopkins, Mayo Clinic, and Cleveland Clinic and now serves as the CEO and Medical Director of the Vascular Institute of Atlanta, located right here in our own community. FLiP sat down with Dr. Ricotta to discuss his vision for the Vascular Institute of Atlanta and how patients can optimize their vascular health. Q: How did you become interested in Vascular Surgery? A: My father is a vascular surgeon, and his father was also a surgeon; so I was exposed to medicine, specifically surgery, from a young age. I can remember, as a young boy, accompanying my grandfather on house calls to visit his patients. I would carry his black doctor bag for him, which I still keep with me in my office. As I got older, I made rounds with my father as he visited his patients in the hospital and even observed many of his surgeries. I saw from a young age the satisfaction that both my father and grandfather experienced from helping their patients, and I knew that I wanted to grow up to help people just like they did. Q: Speaking of helping people, it was in the news recently that you performed CPR on the man that fell from the upper deck at the Atlanta Braves game. Can you describe what happened?A: That was a tragic accident and something I prefer not to discuss in detail, but I was there and was the first to attend to the man after he fell. I assisted with CPR until the paramedics arrived. That was a situation where your training and medical instincts kick in, and you just go into action and try to help. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Q: What is vascular disease exactly?A: Vascular disease is any disorder of the blood vessels (arteries and veins) in the body, excluding the heart. This includes aneurysms, stroke, vein problems (including blood clots, varicose veins and leg swelling), blockage in leg arteries, or what we call peripheral arterial disease (PAD) which causes leg pain when walking or ulcers and sores on the legs or feet, blockage in kidney or intestinal arteries, which can lead to high blood pressure and abdominal pain and thoracic outlet syndrome, which can lead to arm tingling or pain. Q: How does someone develop vascular disease?A: There are several risk factors for developing vascular disease. These include high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease, obesity, sedentary lifestyle and family history of vascular disease. Perhaps the biggest risk factor is cigarette smoking. Believe it or not, in some cases, it only takes smoking 100 cigarettes to increase your chances of developing vascular disease. Q: How can someone prevent vascular disease, and for people who develop vascular disease, what are their treatment options?A: The best way to prevent vascular disease is to control your risk factors. Do not smoke or if you do smoke, do everything you can to cut down and quit. Exercise, weight loss, eating a low-fat, low-salt diet can help control cholesterol and blood sugar levels and lowers blood pressure. Annual check-ups of your vascular system are also important. For patients with vascular disease, at the Vascular Institute of Atlanta we have the unique ability to offer a myriad of state-of-the-art treatment options under one roof, which include non-operative medical management, minimally invasive endovascular procedures and open surgery. At another facility, a doctor may be limited to just one kind of treatment. We emphasize non-operative and minimally invasive treatment options whenever possible, and the vast majority of our patients can be successfully treated this way. Q: You have trained and worked at some of the most prestigious institutions in the world. How do these past experiences help you in your role as CEO and Medical Director of the Vascular Institute of Atlanta?A: I have learned a great deal from working at those exceptional institutions. One thing that they all have in common is that in everything they do, they always put the needs of the patient first, above all else. That patient-centered approach is something that we emphasize at Vascular Institute of Atlanta, along with providing our patients with the most up to date treatment options and advanced technologies, so that they may lead long, healthy lives. Q: You are recognized as a national and international expert and thought-leader in Vascular Surgery. What do you think has been your biggest contribution or proudest accomplishment?A: I have been fortunate to practice vascular surgery during a time of significant technological advances. The field has evolved over the last 2 decades, from performing primarily open surgical operations, to the minimally invasive endovascular approach that can be accomplished with just a skin puncture, rather than an incision. We still do open surgery when indicated, but I would estimate that 80-85% of my patients can be treated with the newer endovascular procedures. I was also fortunate to work at some pretty good places, as you mentioned, and started my career at the Mayo Clinic where we were one of the early adopters of fenestrated endografts to treat complex aortic aneurysms. In fact, I was the first surgeon in the United States with FDA IDE approval to create and implant custom modified endografts for high-risk patients with complex aortic aneurysms and have dedicated much of my career to the management and treatment of aneurysms. I am a big proponent of technology and strive to find new techniques to make procedures safer, more efficient and with better outcomes for my patients. There is a brand new field of endovascular robotics where we can actually manipulate wires and catheters using a robot, which gives us more precision and control during the procedures. I was the first vascular surgeon in the southeast United States and one of a few in the world to perform endovascular robotic surgery. Q: What specific services are offered at Vascular Institute of Atlanta?A: We diagnose, manage and treat any and all disorders of the arteries and veins in your body, excluding the heart. We offer the newest technologies of non-operative medical management, endovascular therapy and open surgery, treating the spectrum of vascular disease, from the simplest conditions such as spider veins, to the most complex such as aortic aneurysms or stroke. Many of our services are performed in our office in the outpatient setting, and we also offer a full-service vascular laboratory and ultrasound program, a comprehensive vein center, and a cutting edge research program, which offers the latest technologies to patients through clinical trials. The Vascular Institute of Atlanta is an all-inclusive destination for any patient with vascular disease. Q: What can patients expect when they visit the Vascular Institute of Atlanta?A: They can expect world-class care with a personalized touch. We value the multi-disciplinary team approach to the vascular patient and emphasize coordination of care with primary care providers and other specialists. We are dedicated to providing the most advanced, comprehensive, personalized evaluation and treatment options for patients with all types of vascular conditions, so that our patients can feel better, be healthier and live longer. Vascular Institute of AtlantaRoswell, GA 30076 470-355-3053 www.atlvascular.com email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Woodstock Pediatric Medicine Excellence, Consistency and Compassion in Pediatric Care By Kathleen Boehmig At Woodstock Pediatric Medicine, people find excellence in pediatric medicine, but also compassion, caring and a lot of laughter and camaraderie. This isnt just a group of doctors. Its like a family. Woodstock Pediatric Medicine, providing pediatric care to the area for almost twenty years, is a comprehensive pediatric practice, providing well and sick child care to newborns and children from birth through the age of 21. There are six providers, with combined experience totaling more than 50 years in medicine: Drs. Maren Bear, Jordana Heaven, Adriana Rzeznik, and Frini Shah; and Shannon Dobson and Melanie Sprung, Nurse Practitioners. All physicians are board-certified pediatricians and members of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), as well as the Medical Association of Georgia. We believe our first responsibility is to our patients, their needs and overall well being, says office manager, Kelly Marulanda. We realize that patients are the reason we exist, and we treat them professionally, with compassion, respect and dignity. Our pediatric practitioners are dedicated to treating the illnesses of children, as well as promoting good health, wellness and disease prevention, Kelly continues. Ease of access, prompt, courteous service and responsiveness to our patients concerns will always be our primary goal. Other goals are to offer an uncompromising level of medical care to meet the preventive, acute and chronic medical and emotional needs of children, and to ensure that their young patients en-joy longer, healthier and more productive lives. Their website (WoodstockPeds.com) states: Woodstock Pediatric Medicine shall utilize all levels of medical technology to ensure the best medical outcomes for our patients. We strive to maintain the highest quality physicians by board certification and maintaining continuous medical education. The practice has privileges at Childrens Healthcare of Atlanta, as well as Northside Hospital Atlanta, utilizing the team of in-patient pediatricians to care for patients during their hospital stay. These doctors are dedicated and fun-spirited. They are a cohesive team, too. We have each others backs, Dr. Bear declares. We are here for each other, as well as for our patients. If someone needs help, such as another pair of eyes or any kind of assistance with a difficult case, we know we can depend on each other. This combination of dedication and friendship is award-winning. Woodstock Pediatric Medicine was twice-voted Best Pediatricians in Woodstock by Family Life readers. Dr. Heaven, with the longest tenure at the practice (13 years), says one great advantage of Woodstock Pediatric Medicine is that its privately owned. So many pediatric practices have been bought out by hospital systems, and they are bound by rules that hinder their autonomy, she says. We dont have that problem. We all bring different skills and characteristics to the practice of medicine. We are able to treat our patients to the utmost of our abilities, to spend time with each one, talking with them and taking into account physical, as well as emotional issues and to establish long-term relationships with them. She continues, Our patients hold special places in our hearts, and I think the feeling is mutual. We go through major life events with them; we get invited to graduations and weddings. Its very rewarding. Its obviously rewarding for the patients, too, because Dr. Heaven sees over 100 second-generation patients. Dr. Bear agrees. Were very old-school here, she says with a smile. Sometimes we receive really sweet gifts, like glitter pinecones, homemade fudge or bags of vegetables. That sort of thing means a lot to us. Their reputation for excellence is far-reaching. Parents bring their children from all over the region, including Ellijay, Atlanta, Tucker and Paulding County. One family comes in for annual physicals during their summer hiatus from their missionary work in Thailand. Dr. Jesenko Vukotic bought the practice in 1998 and hired several of the doctors who still work at the location. His vision of high quality, compassionate care is still currently followed by the practitioners. Sadly, Dr. Vukotic passed away in 2011. The doctors and staff strive to live up to his ideals. In November, the office will begin their annual fundraising for lung cancer awareness to honor Dr. Vukotic and will be accepting donations. These pediatricians not only work hard to help their own patients, they gladly give back to the community and to the world. Each year during the holidays, they adopt families through Cherokee County schools, and donate meals and gifts to those in need. They participate in mission trips, providing medical supplies and services in Guatemala. Nurse Practitioner, Shannon Dobson, participates in fun runs, which benefit The American Lung Association, Childrens Healthcare of Atlanta, The American Cancer Society and The Epilepsy Foundation of Georgia. In addition, for 16 summers Dr. Heaven has run Camp Kudzu, which is a three-week-long diabetes clinic/camp for kids. Two hundred kids typically participate in Camp Kudzu. Sometimes were up until the wee hours, getting only three to four hours of sleep. Its exhausting, she says, eyes twinkling, but totally worth it. Kelly says, Our doctors continue to do their jobs well. We continue to provide consistently great service. We keep learning in order to be knowledgeable about the latest in medical advancement, while staying grounded and focused on each patients well-being. If theres a way we can help, we do, Dr. Heaven says. Seeing a need and being able to serve, and sharing our patients milestones and accomplishmentsthat reminds us that what we do is important. Woodstock Pediatric Medicine is providing an important service. They are helping their patients enjoy happier and healthier lives, while making a difference in their community and the world. Woodstock Pediatric Medicine2000 Professional Parkway, Suite 200Woodstock, Georgia 30188770-517-0250WoodstockPeds.comFollow them on Facebook: Facebook.com/pages/Woodstock-Pediatric-Medicine
Book Review: All the Light We Cannot See Historical Fiction with Memorable Characters By Catherine Groves Pulitzer Prize winner and New York Times bestselling author, Anthony Doerr, introduces two of his most memorable characters to date, Marie-Laurie and Werner, in All the Light We Cannot See. Marie-Laurie and Werner are living their lives, completely unaware that one day their paths will collide, changing their destiny for all time. Innocent, young lives are caught up in a war of good versus evil. Both are drawn to light of goodness, but circumstances dictate each path. Marie-Laurie and her father live in Paris. Her father is the master of the thousands of locks at Pariss Museum of Natural History. Marie-Laurie has been blind since she was 6, and her father builds her a tiny replica of the village so that she may memorize each street, giving her much needed peace of mind. At the age of 12, she and her father flee the city after being invaded by the Nazis. Life in Saint-Malo with her somewhat eccentric uncle becomes their haven by the sea, but the dangerous, authentic jewel they brought with them from the museum is the most sought after jewel of all time. Werner, an orphan in Germany, is destined to work in the mines at the age of 16.When his mastery in repairing transistor radios is discovered, hes drawn into Hitlers academy for the youth, much to the dismay of his sister. Doer intricately intertwines the lives of young Marie-Laurie and Werner during a time of brutal, evil warfare. With delicate prose and historical facts, the author reveals the power of choosing the light in the darkest of times. All the Light We Cannot See can be purchased at most major bookstores and is available on Kindle and Nook.
Artist Profile: David Ranes The Jukes By Natalie Del Valle Music takes me anywhere I want to go at any time, says Cherokee County musician, David Ranes. Its not a job to me. He discovered his love for music when he was just seven years old, and by the time he was fourteen, he taught himself to play guitar. Now, 30 years later, David says he loves the freedom of expression and creativity that comes with writing and performing music. What he enjoys most is playing uplifting, meaningful songs with a story to tell, which led him to create Legacy Love Songs a business that specializes in writing personalized songs for any occasion, using peoples life stories. Through his music, David has performed at fundraising events to raise money and awareness for area homeless shelters, AIDS and cancer research, and his unique songs have also been part of weddings, anniversaries and other special life events. David keeps busy with Legacy Love Songs and his own music publishing company, Ranes Music Publishing, as well as performing with two current bands, the Jukes and David Ranes Band, which released a CD entitled Fly this past year. David draws on personal experiences, primarily ones others can relate to, in order to write the rock and blues songs on his albums, including Breathe You In, a Billboard Award Winner. Over the course of his musical career, he has been a part of eight bands, playing everything from old rock, pop rock and classical. As a member of the Jukes, David and his partner, Jaymi Renae, like to say, You request it, we play it! The band includes an acoustic guitar and piano performance, with Jaymi and David singing from a list of 300 songs, from which their audience can make requests. The playlist includes covers from the 60s to current covers in country, rock and pop, as well as their own, original songs. Selections vary according to the demands of the audience. The ever-evolving playlist can add up to as many as ten new songs a week, and the Jukes retire less popular songs to accommodate demands. Some of the most requested artists are Taylor Swift, Ray Charles, Maroon 5, Rihanna and Lady Antebellum, David says; It just depends on the age of the audience. The band plays for clubs, venues, weddings, private parties and corporate events all over the north and east Atlanta area, including Alpharetta, Roswell, Woodstock and Cumming. They also occasionally travel south and west of Atlanta, and sometimes commute out-of-state for a show. But no matter where or for whom they perform, the talented duos passion for music is evident in every gig they play. Music is such a special and important aspect of both Jaymis and Davids lives, and that is what makes the Jukes so wonderful. You can see and hear their unmistakable enthusiasm in their performances and just by talking to them. Jaymi and David agree: Music is the greatest gift. DavidRanes.com
Artist Profile: Jaymi Renae School the Jukes By Natalie Del Valle Born and raised in Georgia, Jaymi realized her love of music when she was about 5 years old, and she began performing solos for her church choir by the age of 8. She attended Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, where she earned a Musical Theater degree, honing her wide variety of talents, ranging from acting and dancing, to playing three instruments: piano, clarinet and her favorite, the oboe. Her musical influences include everything from country to opera - even Broadway, but she favors country music styles similar to Florida-Georgia Line. Music has been a part of my whole life, Jaymi says. But during her studies at Belmont University, she developed vocal nodules - one of the worst things that can happen to a performer. Following her diagnosis, she was told she might never be able to sing again, but her treatment and determination to overcome the ailment led to her full recovery. After graduation, Jaymi moved to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, where she performed as a singer and dancer for the Black Bear Jamboree Dinner Theatre. She then returned to Georgia, where she began recording her music. Jaymi also continued her studies at the world-famous Jan Smith Studio, in Atlanta. In April of 2014, Jaymi was declared Talent of the Month by Extreme Talent and Entertainment. She now sings for two bands: the Jukes and Wild Honey, and she has released two albums: Carousel and Hanging on Hope. As a member of the Jukes, Jaymi Renae and her partner, David Rane, like to say, You request it, we play it! The band includes an acoustic guitar and piano performance, with Jaymi and David singing from a list of 300 songs from which their audience can make requests. The playlist includes covers from the 60s to current covers in country, rock and pop, as well as their own, original songs. Selections vary according to the demands of the audience. The ever-evolving playlist can add up to as many as ten new songs a week, and the Jukes retire less popular songs to accommodate demands. Some of the most requested artists are Taylor Swift, Ray Charles, Maroon 5, Rihanna and Lady Antebellum, David says; It just depends on the age of the audience. The band plays for clubs, venues, weddings, private parties and corporate events all over the north and east Atlanta area, including Alpharetta, Roswell, Woodstock and Cumming. They also occasionally travel south and west of Atlanta, and sometimes commute out-of-state for a show. But no matter where or for whom they perform, the talented duos passion for music is evident in every gig they play. Music is such a special and important aspect of both Jaymis and Davids lives, and that is what makes the Jukes so wonderful. You can see and hear their unmistakable enthusiasm in their performances and just by talking to them. Jaymi and David agree: Music is the greatest gift. JaymiRenae.com
Book Review: The Fairacre Book Series The Fairacre Book Series and its Authentic, Lovable Characters By Catherine Groves Ive always considered books to be a bit like people; some I read and never think about again; some I read and never forget, and then there are a few I just cant imagine living without. Every once in a blue moon, I find myself yearning for a visit to Fairacre. Doris Saint, under the pen name of Miss Read, wrote her first book of her Fairacre series, Village School, shortly after the Second World War. Based on her own memories of living and teaching in an English village, her Fairacre series, along with her Thrush Green series, have been read by millions. Although Ive visited Fairacre too many times to tell, the poignancy and warmth of my dear book friends never wanes; each visit only draws me closer and teaches me yet another life lesson. For there is no drama, no mystery, no bone-chilling murders, or heart wrenching love stories. Instead, there are real, everyday people living simple, everyday lives. Based on the life of a spinster school teacher, each day is just that another day. But the characters intertwined in this small village life are so very real. Its incredibly difficult to believe they are not. Each book in the series tells the story of another year in the village. It follows the cranky school cleaner, Mrs. Pringle, the lives of the students and their families, the church and school fundraisers, and about dear Miss Read and her own activities with her personal friends and challenges. Although there is no so-called plot to unravel, the lives and characters begin bringing rhyme and reason to what this thing we call life is all about. Each chapter, no matter how many times I read it, has me laughing and crying at the same time and finding any one person to listen to me read out loud about what one of my dear friends has done now. It is impossible to not want to share these endearing friends. Find Miss Read in your nearest bookstore or on Kindle. Look up the list of the Fairacre series, and read them in order. When youve finished those, start on the Thrush Green series! Youll really be glad you did.