Enjoy Cherokee Summer2012

7/31/2019 Enjoy Cherokee Summer2012

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art s entertainment DestinatiOns peOple

summer 2012

Cherokee

MAKING

WAV E S


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Still the #1 placeto celebrate a birthday

A birthday. Its the day we celebrate our entire lives. Northside would be proud to be part of your babys special day.

No one is more prepared or has more experience. Well make the big day a celebration from day one.

Visit us online at www.northside.com.


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Dear Readers,

Actually, making waves just about themes this summer issue oenjoy! Cherokee

both metaphorically and literally.

ake or instance the ten in ten people recently named as the (under 40)

chamber o commerce business and proessional rising stars. In their chosen

careers they have already caught the eye o peers and employers alike and now so

named as the awards rst drat choices. Youll read about each recipient within

our pages that ollow. In so doing, perhaps youll be inspired to submit the name

o a young proessional or business person next year who is making waves in our

community. Someone we need to know about.

We hope youll also take pleasure in reading about the Tompson children,

now grown, who returned home to live in Cherokee...how the inuence o their

thoughtul parents inspired and encouraged them in their paths toward success

and eventually back home. How, ater work and on weekends, they make the

waves o which all would-be sailors have long dreamed. With the snap o a sail

and a push o the rudder, they cause the quiet waves to ripple across the water oAllatoona in practice or competitive events or just or un.

Isnt it extraordinary to nd so many events happening this summer in

and around home? You just dont have to drive very ar to nd art and

entertainment, water un or just amily gatherings around the backyard

barbecue or swimming pool.

We hope your will nd interesting things in enjoy! Cherokeeto read that will

motivate or inspire you to do or attend this summer. Tere is a lot going on.

And, i you happen to see one o our photographers snapping away at happening

around Cherokee, we hope youll say hello. Or, at least justwave.

Te Editors

You are also invited to visit our websiteatwww.enjoycherokee.com. Click to Enjoy!

Welcome

CHEROKEE


4/5232

22

16

CHEROKEE

On the Cover:

Dixie Regatta; photo courtesy of

Jeffrey Martinroe.

1 Wlcm

4 Stay an Play!

6 Its Summ! eNJoY t La

8 C Cunty - T Tp Tn in Tn

16 F t Lv f At - T Ball Gun At Gally

18 Sta Stunt Tyl Litl

22 Pling Yu rsucs f Bacya Fun!

24 A Quit Plac f hmag - T Ggia Natinal Cmty

26 Jump In T Summ

30 Pactic Mas Pfct

32 Tail ri: Blants C Muntain Bi Tail Systm

34 Cming hm - T Tmpsn Family

44 evnts Calna

enjoy! cherokeeTMmagazine is published inpartnership by WLJA Radio and Advertising Dynamics, Inc.

706.290.0202 [email protected]

For Advertising, contact: 678.454.9350 or [email protected]

enjoy! cherokeemagazine reserves the right to edit all materials for clarity and space availability,

and to determine the suitability of all materials submitted for publication. No reproduction of

printed materials is permitted without the consent of the Publisher. enjoy! cherokeemagazine is

published in partnership with WLJA Radio and Advertising Dynamics, Inc., Copyright 2012 by

Advertising Dynamics, Inc. All rights reserved.

TM


5/52

www.cobbemc.com

Start making a difference today!

www.cobbemc.com/roundup

or call 770-429-2100.

No political organizations or individuals can receive donations from the

Cobb EMC Community Foundation. Funds may not be used to pay electric or gas utility bills.

All funds are administered by the independent

Cobb EMC Community Foundation Board of Directors.

See how it works! A

monthly bill of $65.01

would be automatically

rounded up to $66.00with the additional

99 cents going to the

Operation Round Up fun

By rounding up your

power bill, you can help

contribute to local charities

and make a difference in

peoples lives.

All funds are used

for charitable and

educational projects

within our communities.


6/52

Jim Gibbs longtime dream was to open a world-class publicgarden. Gibbs dream became a reality earlier this year when GibbsGardens opened in Ball Ground in north Cherokee. Gibbs is theretired ounder and president o Gibbs Landscape Company, one othe metro areas top landscape companies. Te property encompassesmore than 290 acres, with the house and gardens occupying 220acres, making Gibbs Gardens one o the largest residential estategardens in the country. A stream ows the middle o the property,and literally hundreds o springs intersect with it. Tere are also 19

wateralls and 24 ponds.

Springs delightul daodils and cherry blossoms have given wayto acres o roses and rhododendrons. More than 150 varieties orhododendron are in bloom in the early summer in all shades opink, amethyst, ruby and lavender. Rose blossoms in shades o pink,yellow, and white are bordered by water gardens, waterlillies, and areplica o Monets Japanese bridge at Giverny in France. Azaleas andhydrangeas make the gardens pop with color rom spring until all,along with daylilies and crape myrtles, perennial Southern avorites.

Te 100 acres o valley gardens are designed or comortablewalking and are wheelchair accessible. Te paths are wide, and thereare many shady spots, even in the warmest weather to enjoy justsitting on a bench and drinking in the beauty o the landscape. Tegardens sta estimates that visitors will need three to our hours to

...and play!With the price o gas continuing to climb, many Americans are oregoinglong trips, opting instead to seek out those destinations closer to homethat theyve been meaning to visit and just havent had the timeuntilnow. Within a ty-mile radius o home, Cherokee County amilies havea myriad o day or weekend trips awaiting them.

see all o the gardens or one to two hours to either the valley gardensor the manor house gardens on seven owering terraces. Te gardenschange every two weeks as new owers come into bloom. wo owerbridges lead to the Welcome Center. Tere, visitors will enjoy TeSeasons git shop and the Arbor Ca or lunch or a cool treat on asummer aternoon.

I you are looking or outdoor un close to home that will thrill theyoung members o the amily, look no urther than Cagles FamilyFarm, just a short country drive away in Hickory Flat where vegenerations o the Cagle amily have been arming. Here, the amilycan take part in hayrides, picnics, meeting riendly arm animals,dairy cow milking demonstrations, and watching the herding dogsat work. It is a arm, remember, so dress comy, the Cagle amilyrecommends. Tere is also a covered pavilion or all types o outdoorevents. Cagles is an Ag-Venture or all ages!

While the kids will enjoy their outing to Cagles, the adults in theamily will want to drive a little arther north into Gilmer Countyto spend a relaxing day at Ellijays Cartecay Vineyards. Did youknow that the Southern Appalachians o north Georgia are ideal orgrowing grapes? Its the combination o soil and climate that producesgrapes suitable or making ne wines. Te Cartecay Vineyards wereplanted in 2008 with two varieties, Vidal Blanc and Merlot, andsince 2008, our additional varieties have been planted. Located on

stay


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an Appalachian armstead whose history goes back more than 100years, the vineyards tasting barn, a circa 1890s barn, is one o thenewest tasting rooms in Georgia with plenty o space to host specialevents. Te asting Barn eatures a tasting bar, a sitting area around a

wood re stove, a covered porch, a deck and an events room, whichwas originally a hay lot, that can seat up to 45 people. o providea ull range o wines or guests to enjoy, Cartecay Vineyards haspartnered with two other premier north Georgia vineyards to serveand sell their wines as well.

Ellijay and Gilmer County are the gateway to the north Georgiamountains, which means these major vacation destinations are closeenough or Cherokee amilies to visit on a day trip or a weekendgetaway. In Blue Ridge, enjoy a spectacular view rom the porcho your mountain cabin, hike to nearby wateralls or go horsebackriding on trails in the Chattahoochee National Forest. Or, perhapsyou want a more excitement like the thrill o whitewater ratingor perhaps a ride on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. Fishing inclear mountain streams is a relaxing way to spend a warm summeraternoon, or perhaps your taste runs more to browsing and shoppingin shops and galleries or local arts and crats in charming mountaintowns like Ellijay, Blue Ridge, McCaysville and Young Harris.

Apple orchards and apple houses are scattered across GilmerCounty, Georgias apple capital, where you can stop or apple ciderdoughnuts, resh baked apple bread, or tasty jams and jellies. Tereare also great opportunities here or kayaking or tubing. At CartersLake, youll nd a beautiul and relatively undeveloped mountainlake setting. Mountain bike trails criss-cross as do hiking trails thatinclude the Benton MacKaye andAppalachian Trails. Spend a dayon beautiul Lake Chatuge boating, swimming or picnicking or a

weekend at the rustic and charming yet elegant Brasstown ValleyResort & Spa. Experience Georgias Wine Highway which wendsits way through the mountains or play a round o gol on somebreathtaking mountain courses.

Maybe your vacation compass points south rom Canton andWoodstock. In Cartersville, amilies will enjoy two excellentmuseums, the Booth Western Art Museum and Tellus ScienceMuseum. Te Booth Museum has the largest exhibition space in thecountry or Western American art. Galleries include contemporary

Western art, historic Western art, Civil War art, Presidential portraits

and letters, Western movie posters and Western illustrations. Inthe Sagebrush Ranch Gallery, children can learn about Westernart and history in an interactive environment. Te museum alsocontains space or special and traveling exhibitions. From May 15through September, visitors can view the works o Harry eaguein Saddle Up: Te Western World o Harry eague, and rom

June 14 through October 7, Te Indian Gallery o Henry Inmanexhibition, organized by Atlantas High Museum o Art, will displaymore than a dozen portraits o Southeastern Indian leaders romthe early 1800s, including the Cherokees, Creeks and Seminoles. Anumber o important artiacts are also on view. Te museum shophas a collection o books on art and the West, as well as prints andother items that eature Western American art images. Te popularCa is a good place to stop or a light but tasty lunch.

Te ellus Museum brings together science and un. ellus eaturesour main galleries: the Weinman Mineral Gallery, the Fossil Gallery,Science in Motion and the Collins Family My Big Backyard. Tereis also a 120-seat digital planetarium and an observatory with a state-o-the-art 20-inch telescope. Childrenand adultswill delightin seeing the 80-oot long Apatosaurus and a replica o Orville and

Wilbur Wrights rst aircrat. Gems and minerals rom deep in theearths surace displayed in the Mineral Gallery are guaranteed tocatch the eye, while interactive exhibits demonstrate how the earthmoves and changes.

Whatever your daytime activities, you may want to end yourday at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. Located at theCobb Galleria Parkway, the center is a premier venue or Broadwayshows, ballet, concerts, educational shows, amily perormancesand opera. Te John A. Williams Teatre, the centerpiece o theacility, has been designed as a multi-purpose entertainment venueto accommodate shows ranging rom opera and Broadway tocomedy to pop music. Te theatre has a seating capacity o morethan 2700, with 14 private boxes.

So, whatever you enjoy, chances are, its not ar rom home thissummer!

Booth Western Art Museum


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9/52

EnjoyLake Allatoona is a busy place during the summer months, and there is no

reason to believe that the summer o 2012 will be any dierent. We have beenset on go or about two months, says Blue Evans, sales manager at MariettaMarine on Bells Ferry Road. It has been very eventul so ar. Sales are upand seem to be holding on. Over at Little River Marina, manager Ira Smithechoes Evans thoughts: We had a good year last yeara great yearbut wereexpecting this year to be even better, he says.

Each year, approximately 6.5 million people visit Lake Allatoona. LindaHartseld, chie ranger o recreation or the United States Army Corps o

Engineers, which manages the lake, is expecting that again. I dont oresee itbeing any dierent, she says. With gas and the economy the way that they are,people are staying close to home or vacation, and we have a huge playgroundhere. Tere is certainly a lot o lake to enjoy. When it is ull, Lake Allatoonacovers more than 12,000 acres and has 270 miles o shoreline. Tere are 14Corps o Engineers day use parks or public use located around the lake, whichspreads across Cherokee, Cobb and Bartow counties. Te parks oer activitiessuch as ball elds, shing jetties, picnic tables, swimming beaches, horseshoepits, volleyball areas and picnic shelters.

Te day use areas in Cherokee County include Fields Landing in Canton,Galts Ferry in southwest Cherokee, Sweetwater in Canton and Victoria in

Woodstock. Hartseld recommends that people who want to enjoy the dayuse parks arrive together in one car i they are in a group so that the lots donot get congested. She also suggests getting to the parks early. On holidays,at 5:00 or 6:00 in the morning, there are people waiting or the park to open,she explains, adding that on normal days, it is good to get to the park at 8:00a.m. Once the parking lots o the day use areas are lled, people are thenturned away.

Week days on the lake are denitely more relaxed, Smith agrees. Weekdays are especially good opportunities or novice boaters; on week days,

Allatoona is a very user-riendly lake, and overall, we have less trafc than

(continued on page 20)

he lke

i ummer!


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Teyre capable, theyre energetic and

theyre devoted to making CherokeeCounty the best possible place tolive. Tey are the next generationof community leaders, and becausethey will be impacting your future,the Cherokee County Chamber ofCommerce, in partnership with enjoy!

CherokeeMagazine, is spotlighting 10up and coming young professionalsthat you will want to keep an eye onover the next 10 years.


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Te op 10 in 10 initiative was created as a means o identiying,showcasing, and cultivating exceptional Cherokee County youngproessionals, says Pam Carnes, chamber president and CEO.Te chamber anticipates this years honorees to make signicantcontributions to their proessions as well as the community.

Chris Bishop could not resist coming back

to the community where he grew up. Whenhe was resh out o law school, he was initiallyattracted by the lure o becoming a big citylawyer. I considered working at a big rmin Atlanta, he says, but it just made sense tocome back and work here. Bishop notes howast Cherokee County is growing and howthat growth is aecting the local court system.

Cherokee has grown so ast, he says, that I oresee anothersuperior and state court judge or the county in the next 10 years.

I an extra state court judge seat is added, Bishop eels like itwould be a good opportunity to increase the impact he can have

in his community. Im thinking about throwing my name in thehat or that, he admits. Bishop said he is eyeing the state courtseat because it aords a judge the opportunity to have a positiveimpact in peoples lives, adding that the state court judge canintervene ater someone has made a small mistake in hopes thatthey will not make a bigger mistake later. Bishop, 35, lives in theSixes community. He has a nance degree rom the University o

Georgia and a law degree rom John Marshall Law School.

Being recognized as one o his communitysrising leaders makes Neil Blackman o

Woodstocks Wetland and EcologicalConsultants reect a little on his lie andbackground. I was surprised when I heardabout the recognition, he says. But I guess Ishouldnt be surprised. I have been blessed tobe surrounded my whole lie by great leaders.Blackman says that being surrounded by great


Chris BishopAttorney, Law Firm of

Barry Bishop, PC

Erika Neldner

Managing Editor,Cherokee-Ledger-News

Neil BlackmanPrincipal, Wetland &

Ecological Consultants

Jason Nelms

Founding Partner,Everlast Synthetic Products, LLC

Greta FollPresident,

Golden Home Services

Billy Peppers

Director, Economic DevelopmentServices, City of Woodstock

Mark GoddardManager-Commercial Marketing,

Cobb EMC

Jeff Rusbridge

Partner,Dyer & Rusbridge, PC

Alison HigginsCommunity Relations Coordinator

Northside Hospital-Cherokee

Jeremy Swafford

CFO,Southeast Restoration Group


12/52

(op en continued from page 9)

leaders has shown him the way to lead in his community: It seemsnatural to lead by example and try to get the best out o the peoplearound you. Tis recognition challenges me to nd the things thatI do best and make sure I do them more oten.

Trough his work coaching youth sports and serving on the eenLeadership Cherokee steering committee, Blackman has had many

opportunities to work with young people. I want my communityinvolvement to continue to be youth ocused, he says. Blackmanalso would like to take his talents to the board o the countys ofceo economic development. He thinks the tools he has honed in hisproessional career make him a good candidate. It is a goal o mineto be on that board, he says. Blackman, 36, lives in Holly Springs

with his wie, Rachel, and children Jack and Jesse. He earned adegree rom the University o Georgia in orest resources.

Greta Foll said she sometimes likes toslide under the radar when working in thecommunity. However, staying under the radarmay not be easy, especially now that she has

been recognized as an emerging county leader.Since moving to Canton a ew years ago, shehas started Golden Home Services, a home andpersonal care company. I was in the corporate

world and wanted to do something where Icould lay my head on my pillow at night and eel better aboutit, she says. aking a more active leadership role in the county is

already on her mind. She said being rom a small town in Indianataught her to have deep roots wherever she lived.I denitely wantto strengthen my community roots through my career or churchor even through running or political ofce, she explains. I am atype A personality. I dont like to stop.

Foll, who lived in Kennesaw beore making Cherokee her home,said this community is a good place in which to be a leader. Wemoved to Canton rom Kennesaw and we love that it is a little

more laid back. Foll lives in Canton with her husband, Curt. Sheis a graduate o Indiana University.

Mark Goddarddoes not eel any pressure as aresult o being named one o Cherokee Countysrising leaders but acknowledges there is someresponsibility that comes with the recognition.Tere is a responsibility to help lead thecommunity in the right direction, he concedes.It is humbling and an honor to be part o thisgroup. Goddard is a native o Cherokee Countyand hopes to see uture generations prosper. It

is the place I have chosen to raise my children, so I want it to continue

to prosper, he says. Goddard, manager o commercial marketing orCobb EMC, is a past chairman o the Cherokee County Chambero Commerce Board o Directors, promoting existing businesses andrecruiting new businesses to the county.

He believes that Cherokee County oers an ideal environmentor business. We have a great quality o lie, he adds. We have


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exceptional schools. We have a variety o recreational opportunitiesor adults and youth. We have a lot o people leaving the county or

work, but, in the uture, people are going to want to be employedcloser to home. Goddard lives in Canton with his wie, Jennier,and children Billy and Caroline. He holds a marketing andproessional sales degree rom Kennesaw State University.

Cherokee County has made an investment inAlison Higginsand she hopes she is paying it

back with interest. For my entire lie, I haveproudly called Cherokee County my home,she says. I was educated here rom elementaryschool through college, and I have been blessedto be able to work here, attend church hereand raise my amily here, she says with pride.Tis award helps prove that the investment

this community has made in me is being returned to them.

Having that kind o amiliarity with her community serves herwell in her volunteer duties, as well as her proessional duties.Higgins works at Northside Hospital-Cherokee as communityrelations coordinator.I eel that because o my ties to the

community I have been able to better serve my employer as wellas the civic organizations in which I am proud to serve, she adds.Higgins plans to continue her proessional growth through careeradvancement and continued education over the next 10 years. Shealso plans to stay involved in the civic lie, with a ocus on servingchildren. Higgins lives in Hickory Flat with her husband, Chris,and son Jackson. She received an associates degree rom ReinhardtCollege and a bachelors degree rom the University o Georgia.

One o the countys uture leaders, ErikaNeldner, will be keeping her eye on Cherokeesdecision makers. As editor o the Cherokee

Ledger-News, Neldner is helping thecommunity keep up with what is happeninglocally.o me, it is about doing good things,doing the right thing and holding the spenderso taxpayer dollars accountable, she notes.

While we can get all the news we need throughdigital media, one o Neldners priorities over the next ew years isto reach out to the children in our community to ensure that print

journalism truly means something to them. She and her sta givetours to children to show them how the newspaper is put together.

I would also like to keep the newspaper involved in the communityand not just reporting on the community, she adds. She grew up

visiting grandparents in the Macedonia community and spent hersummers here, so moving to Canton was a perect t.Living and

working in the county gives me even more reason to be involved, todonate my ree time when I have it and to ensure that our countyevolves in a way in which we are proud to leave it or our childrenand their children, she explains. Neldner lives in Canton with herhusband, Michael, and son Jack. She graduated rom KennesawState University with a degree in communications.



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It should be easy to watch Jason Nelmsover the next several years. He can be oundon the rst and third uesday each month atthe county commission podium, representingPost 4. Nelms says that he is humbled bythe recognition but knows that there is aresponsibility now to live up to it: Imortunate to be in a position o leadership. Ihave an opportunity to serve people and do

good things. I am ready to bear that responsibility and do all I canto make this county the best that it can be. In 10 years, Nelmshopes to continue to be in a leadership position in the privatesector as well. He started his company, Everlast Synthetic Products,a leading manuacturer o vinyl sheet piling or sea walls, retaining

walls and lake walls, in 2005.

Im a lucky man, he said. I have a great business that I

started in the county. en years rom now, I hope I am still inthe position o being a business owner and in a position to servepeople.Nelms, 39, lives in Woodstock with his wie, Christa,and sons ate and Cooper. He studied wildlie and orestry at

Abraham Baldwin College prior to obtaining an undergraduatedegree as well as an MBA rom Kennesaw State University.

Billy Peppers, director o economic servicesor the city o Woodstock and presidento the Georgia Downtown Association, anon-prot group that promotes economicredevelopment o Georgias downtowns,appreciates being recognized as one othe people to keep an eye on in CherokeeCounty. However, he preers to see the endresult o his eorts receive the majority o the

spotlight.In economic development, we stay in the backgroundas much as possible, he explains. We want the projects to get thespotlight. Te number one thing or us is to make the communitylook good.

Peppers said the Woodstock community has some primeeconomic development opportunities in the near uture,especially with a new outlet shopping mall expected to be openin the next two years at the Rope Mill interchange. We can doeven better at keeping money locally, he says. Te hospitalityand tourism industry can increase with the outlet shops, trailsand the aquatic center. We have a good opportunity to have a lot

o visitors.Peppers eels his community can grow even more andhas a vision o what can be done to improve Woodstock, such asbringing in more hotels and adding some conerence space in thesouth end o the county. Peppers, 30, lives in Canton with his

wie, Julie, and son urner. He graduated rom the University oGeorgia with a degree in political science.


15/52

Jef Rusbridgemay have a dierent job titlesoon. An attorney in Canton, Rusbridge hasset his sights on elected oice, qualiyingor the Cherokee County State Court seatbeing vacated by retiring Judge C.J. Gober.

As o late Apri l, Rusbridge had qualiiedand was unopposed. I have always wantedto be a judge in this county, he admits. Ihave the experience necessary to do the job.

I have handled all types o cases that are heard in state court.With that experience, I think I could do a good job. Rusbridgesaid Cherokees legal system stands out, and he wants a chanceto be one o its leaders. Weve got a good proessional courtsystem with a great number o very proessional attorneys intown, he acknowledges. He also praises the good job done bythe countys judges. Id like to do what I can to keep up thattradition, he adds.

Service in the community is something Rusbridge learned romhis ather, a Lions Club member. I grew up being taught to servethe community, he says. Ive always elt like it was my obligation.

Rusbridge also plans on having a leadership role outside o thecourthouse in the next ew years.I cant see mysel not heavilyinvolved in community and civic organizations, he said. Rusbridgelives in Canton with his wie, Ashley, and sons Luke and Will. Heearned a political science degree rom Furman University and a lawdegree rom the University o Georgia.



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Jeremy Swafordacknowledges that he, too,is grateul to be recognized as one CherokeeCountys rising leaders. I wouldnt have thoughto mysel in that category, he says. Swaord,chie nancial ofcer or Southeast RestorationGroup, says the recognition o being a leaderin his adopted hometown is an honor. Hehas lived in the county or approximately 10

years. I absolutely love Cherokee County, hesays. Tere is a vast array o things to do and see. Te geography isbreathtaking. You go to any corner o the county and see a mountainor a lake. Tat is hard to nd in many other counties.

Swaord sees his proessional leadership role increasing as SoutheastRestoration Group, a general contracting company that providesstructural repairs and emergency services in Cherokee County andnorth Georgia, grows. In the community, Swaord hopes to workon amily-ocused organizations and endeavors. I consider mysela servant leader, he explains. Swaord, 31, lives in the Bufngtoncommunity with his wie, Carrie and daughters Caroline, Catherineand Callianne. He received his undergraduate degree rom BerryCollege and MBA rom Kennesaw State University.

Whether they are Cherokee County natives or whether they haveadopted the county as home, and while they come rom diverse eldssuch as business and economic development, law and communityservice, they all have one common priority: making the countystrong and viable economically without sacricing quality o lie.

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770-720-5600 | reinhardt.edu


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18/526

As the termstarving artist

suggests, the lie oan artist is difcult

at the best otimes. In todaysrough economy,

many artists rom amateurs

to seasonedproessionals

are nding itdifcult to displaytheir work to the

public, muchless make a living

rom it.

Enter the BallGround Art

Gallery, which

oers displayspace and salesassistance to

artists rom everymedium and level

o achievement.Opened by

Kim Komendain 2010, the

gallery rents walland oor spaceto artists romaround North

Georgia and as araway as Florida.

For the love oF

the ball ground art galle


19/52

wo o the gallerys most popular artists are Henry Patton, a painterknown or his Blue Horses, and Leslie Ballew, who is a talentedphotographer, despite being only ourteen years old. Youll nd avariety o wall art, including photography, paintings, and sketches,as well as a wide assortment o hand-made jewelry, much o it madeusing rock rom the shops o the late Oscar Robertson, Ball Groundsso-called Rock Man. While ramed work and jewelry dominate,

many other oerings are available, such as pottery, collectable stones,and wind chimes, and more unctional items like clothing, wallhooks, and lotion.

A lielong artist, Kim ran her own photography business in highschool, taking photographs or weddings and proms. She went onto study photography at the University o Georgia. Kim and herhusband, Casey, ell in love with Ball Ground several years ago,

when they attended the heritage estival. Kim was looking or anew photography studio at the time, and one vacant building, aormer bakery, caught her eye. It was too big or a studio, but justright or a gallery.

Now Kim, Casey, and their son yler live above the gallery anduse the ormer bakerys kitchen as their own. While Kim no longertakes pictures proessionally, her work is still on display in the galleryand she is more than happy to recommend other photographyservices. Te gallery really is a amily aair; yler makes some othe jewelry that is available or purchase and the amily dog, a pugnamed Penelope, has become the shops ofcial mascot, with somecustomers stopping by just to see her.

In addition to the artwork or sale, the Ball Ground Art Galleryoers a revolving schedule o beginner art classes or all ages. Regularclasses include painting, photography, jewelry making, and pottery.

Small class sizes and a rotating aculty o teachers mean that lessons aretailored to your needs and its easy to nd a teacher with a style thatsuits you. Kim hersel teaches classes in pottery and jewelry making.

Te Ball Ground Art Gallery is open seven days a week: Mondaythrough Wednesday, 10 am to 6 pm, Tursday through Saturday, 10am to 8 pm, and Sunday, 12 pm to 6 pm. You can nd it on acebookand at http://theballgroundartgallery.com/, where you can see classschedules, rental inormation, and many pictures o the artwork.

Whether you come to take classes or browse the selection o one-o-a-kind artworks rom talented local artists, visiting the Ball Ground

Art Gallery is a great way to support your local art community.


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One question.Tat is how close Etowah High School

Senior yler Litrel came to perection.One more correct answer and yler wouldhave completely aced the Scholastic

Aptitude est (SA).

yler scored a 2,390 out o a possible2,400 on the test. Te SA combinesresults rom three dierent 800-pointsections. Tese sections measure astudents aptitude in mathematics, criticalreading and writing. His score is thehighest in Cherokee County history.

yler said he was reasonably condentater he nished the test, but admittedthat he was somewhat shocked when helearned just how well he perormed.

I was pretty surprised, he smiled. Ididnt think I did quite that well - there

was some luck involved.

Not only was yler named CherokeeCountys Student Teacher AchievementRecognition winner, but the 18-year oldsenior was also named Cherokee Countystop STARstudent.

o earn a SAR nomination, highschool seniors must have the highest score

on the SA through November o theirsenior year. Te student must also be inthe top 10 percent, or one o the top 10students in their class, based on grade-point average.

yler named Etowah High School mathteacher Veronica Lucking as his SARteacher saying the Cherokee school system

was extremely helpul in preparing him orthe exam, providing necessary academicrigor. I had some antastic teachers alongthe way. Etowah certainly prepares you orcollege, he said.

yler is now looking orward to his nextchallenge, college. He will attend GeorgiaInstitute o echnolgy in Atlanta where he

will work toward a business degree witha concentration on nance, and looksorward to the college experience.

yler is the son o Dr. and Mrs. MikeLitrel o Cherokee County.oNE

ANd TheN There WAS


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(Enjoy the Lakecontinued from page 7)

Lake Lanier. Novice boaters take note: Smiths marina, Little River,has a popular boat rental program, with a requent renter option.

Ashley Berryman, leasing agent at Victoria Harbor in Woodstock,said the day use areas are a good place to have a amily picnic withouthaving to pack up the amily and head out on a long trip. It is veminutes away but it eels like you are an hour away rom your house,she says. Some popular spots on the lake in Cherokee County

include Illinois Creek, which can attract between 50 and 75 boats inone weekend, and Cruisers Cove, which can attract as many as 150boats in a single weekend. Evans points out that another nice spotin the lake area that not many people know about is the waterallon Little River near Sixes Road. Berryman also notes that there areseveral big events held each year on the lake, such as the reworksdisplay on the Fourth o July. People take their boats into the covesand hang out all day, she says. Were becoming more event-drivenat Little River, Smith adds. raditionally, most people have goneto the Red op Mountain Area or the scenery and the activities, but

were beginning to see a lot more going on at our end o the lake.

A $4 acility use ee is charged at day use areas with beaches,

and a $3 boat-launching ee is charged at day use areas with boatlaunching ramps. An annual pass can be purchased or $30 and canbe used at Corps o Engineers properties nationwide. Tere are alsoa ew public parks that can be accessed rom the lake, includingCherokee Mills Park on the northeast end o the lake on BellsFerry Road in Cherokee County. Shoreline shing locations canbe ound all around Lake Allatoona without areas oering shing

jetties. Along with the native sh ound in the lake, shermen canreel in various types o bass, bream, gar and catsh. Te shinghas been great rom what I have been hearing, Evans says. Inthe spring and early summer, weve been above ull pool, and thatmakes the shing phenomenal, Smith adds.

Many groups o summer un seekers, Evans indicates, enjoytaking a boat out on the lake to nd a cove, drop anchor and hopin the water or a swim. Te 12,000 acres o water give boaters a lot

o room to take their crat out or a day on the Allatoona. Tere areboat launching ramps at 27 public recreation areas around the lake.Tere are eight privately operated marinas on the lake that provideuel, storage, boat repairs, rentals, supplies and any other needs aboaters might have.

Ater a ull day o boating, swimming or shing on the lake, theouting can be topped o with dinner on Allatoona with a viewoverlooking the lake. Spots such as the Sunset Grille on VictoriaLanding Drive and Little River Grill and Sports Bar on Bells FerryRoad allow the un on the lake to extend well into the evening.

At Little River, plans are underway to revamp their rental cabins.Teyll be ready next year, he says. For those who want to extend

their visit to more than a single aternoon this season, there areample opportunities to camp out around the lake. Campgroundscan be reserved as many as 180 days in advance. Campgrounds inCherokee County include Payne Campground o Kellogg CreekRoad, Sweetwater Campground o Highway 20 and the VictoriaCampground o Victoria Landing Drive. Reservations can bemade at www.recreation.gov.


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I youre part o Generation X the age cohortborn between the mid-1960s and the early 1980s youre probably in one o the busiest phases o your lie,

as youre well into your working years and, at the sametime, busy raising a amily. But just as youre multi-tasking in your lie, youll also need to address multiplenancial goals.

In seeking to accomplish your key objectives, youmay be asking yoursel a variety o questions, includingthe ollowing: Should I contribute as much as possible to myIRA and 401(k)? In a word, yes. Your earnings on atraditional Individual Retirement Account (IRA) anda 401(k) grow on a tax-deerred basis, so your moneycan accumulate aster than it would i placed in aninvestment on which you paid taxes every year. Plus,since you typically make 401(k) contributions withpretax dollars, the more you contribute, the lower yourtaxable income. And your traditional IRA contributionsmay be tax-deductible, depending on your income. Iyou meet income guidelines, you can contribute to aRoth IRA, which provides tax-ree earnings, providedyou meet certain conditions. Should I put away money for my kids collegeeducation? Its not easy to und your retirement accountsplus save money or your childrens college education.Still, college is expensive, so i you eel strongly abouthelping to pay or the high costs o higher education,

you may want to explore college unding vehicles, suchas a 529 plan, which oers tax advantages. ShouldI pay down mymortgageorinvest thoseunds? Most o us dream o reeing ourselves rom amortgage someday. So, as your career advances andyour income rises, you may wonder i you should makebigger mortgage payments. On one hand, theres nodenying the psychological benets youd receive rompaying o your mortgage. However, you may want toconsider putting any extra money into your investmentportolio to help as you work toward your retirementgoals. Work with your nancial advisor to determine

what may be most appropriate or your portolio. DoIhaveenoughinsuranceinplacetoprotectmyamily? You may hear that you need seven or eight timesyour annual income in lie insurance, but theres reallyno right gure or everyone. You may want to consult

with a nancial advisor to determine how much lieinsurance is appropriate or your needs. AmIfamiliarwithmyparentsnancialsituationand estate considerations? Now is the time tocommunicate with your parents about a variety oissues related to their nancial situation and estateplans. Te more you know, the better positioned youllbe to provide assistance and support i and when its

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Pling yu sucs f...

When the amily and riends gettogether in the backyard, nothing is moreun than a pool party. Whether yourthing is to dive in to cool o or dive intoentertaining poolside, the trick is not tostress out over the company or make auss over the are. Te idea is to have unand store away the memories o such

good times...had by all...topped withdelicious treats. With the great assortmento outdoor appliances, and sure-re grillson the market, you can look and cooklike a pro with little uss or muss.

BAc K yA rdfuN!


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Cooking out does come with a warning, however. It may cause extreme envywithin the barbeque crowd when they sample their rst tidbit grilled on yournew ovoid earthenware kamado cookerknown almost aectionately as the BigGreen Egg. I you are ortunate enough to own one, you may be an egghead,

with membership to an elite and devoted group o grillers. Mostly men, theycaress and pat the egg in the same ashion as they do the drooling lab sittinganxiously or a handout.

Te patio itsel is an expression o your own, whether you like it casual, ormal,

romantic or just un loving. Depending on your budget, style and taste your blahbackyard can transorm not only the landscape, but your amilys liestyle, too.

Outdoor urniture has also made the scene with modern and colorul splash. Goneare the plain old wrought iron pieces o yesterday; the aluminum old-ups that wouldold-up with you in them. Gone are the out-o-date beiges, the hunter greens, andthe orange stripes; gone are the moldy one-season canvas covers. odays outdoorurniture looks good enough to go inside and you can barely tell the dierence. A

wide assortment o colorul, treated abrics are available that are weather tolerant,requiring little care. Comortable and cozy, outdoor porch and patio urniture hasevolved, thankully. (Who misses being stuck to the old webbers?)

Te pool itsel can be a masterpiece. Te artisans o stone and rock blend and

create patterns that give natural tone to the terrain. Your avorite owers decorate theboundaries by day and lighting enhances the mood or glistening night swims. And,

with the warm climate we enjoy much o the year, the pool open sign stays up.

I the only pleasure you get rom your backyard is when youve nished cutting thegrass, maybe its time to re-think that unused space. New lie in the great outdoorsmay be waiting right in your own backyard. Go ahead. Jump in!


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Situated just at Cantons western doorstep on 775 acres omagnicently landscaped grounds sits the beautiul Georgia NationalCemetery. When visiting this place o honor, you are impressed withthe surrounding rolling hillsides where trees seemingly stand inattention to salute the military veterans who rest there. It is gracedby unparalleled views o Georgia mountains and valleys and therambling Etowah River can be seen along with a glimpse o thesmooth lake water o Allatoona.

Except or the occasional jet passing high overhead, the onlysounds here are the utter o busy wings, the chatter o squirrels anda ew unidentied sounds that belong within the natural habitat ithas been or centuries. I you are lucky, a clear day may entice one othe nesting Eagles rom Carters Lake to y over; and, as i on cue,syncs with the gentle waves o Old Glory easily within its sights.Gloriously, the large ag ies high over this sacred spot sharingmutual experiences o service to country with those buried here. Tisis a peaceul scene and a perect resting place or those who servedtheir country when their country needed them the most.

Not everyone resting here spent their military time in harms way,though many did. Colored ribbons and ashing medals let behindattest to the service they rendered to all Americans. In part, becausemany military amilies had no established rootsmoving rompost to post on call all around the worldour government saw ittting to provided burial or our honored military or those whoserved in uniorm and their loved ones. Only eight states do not

thE GEorGIA

NAtIoNAl cEMEtEry

A Quiet

Place ofHomage


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have a national cemeteryWyoming, Rhode Island, North Dakota,Nevada, New Hampshire, Montana, Delaware and Connecticut.Virginia has teen and Illinois, ten.

Te National Cemetery at Canton is relatively new. ScottHudgens, the late Atlanta World War II veteran, land developerand philanthropist, generously donated the property on which thecemetery rests. Ater much precise planning, the cemetery openedon April 24, 2006 and currently 2,000 people have been buried there

or various service types and requests.

Te cemetery is one o the most recent o the 131 sites under theauspices o Te Department o Veterans Aairs National CemeterySystem, which includes 33 Soldiers Lots and Monument Sites. TeCanton project was number 123 in the system and is the second orGeorgia. Te rst is the Marietta National Cemetery, established in1866. It holds approximately 20,000 gravesites that include manymen rom both sides o Civil War battles.

Virtually out o space and in the heart o the city, it no longeraccepts burials except under certain rare circumstances or amilies

with available space.

Facts about the cemetery are noteworthy. Te estimated time spanor uture burials in the Georgia National Cemetery is nearly tyyears. At maximum capacity, 330 acres o the site will be developedor burials; the remainder o the site is considered too steep to be used

or interments. In addition to an entrance area, an inormation center,administration and maintenance building, the grounds includepublic restrooms, ag plaza and shelters or committal services. Teproject includes a total o 33,000 gravesites, 3,000 in-ground sitesor cremation and 3,000 columbaria niches or cremation urns.

o make maximum use o space, a couple may be buried two-deep, with a lower casket and an upper casket. On a regular basis,graves are prepared so that no special pre-arrangements are needed,

and ceremonies are limited to 30 minutes to acilitate numerousunerals in a given day.

Graves within the cemetery attest to men and women who servedin Vietnam, Desert Storm and in recent years, Aghanistan. But most

will be rom the period author om Brokaw described as the greatestgeneration, encompassing the rst great depression, and service in

World War II.

Te people o Georgia especially North Georgia can beextremely proud o having this remarkable place on its map. I oneever needs to eel a special pride in a country and its people, a quickvisit to the Georgia National Cemetery near Canton allows you to

pay your tribute to those who served while enjoying the peaceulexperience o this quite place o homage. You are welcome to drivethroughout this truly beautiul cemetery. Te gates are open sunriseto sunset any day o the year.


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Having a YMCA in the community makes or stronger amilies andhealthier lives. Having two YMCAs in a community, an indoor and anoutdoor, is even better and double the un! In the summer, Y camps arethe highlight o the season or many young people, attracting thousands ocampers at both locations.

Te Cherokee Outdoor Family YMCA is located on the shores oLake Allatoona and was the site o the rst summer camp in 1992. Tis

Woodstock location o Bells Ferry Road is situated on 225 acres along thelake. Oten called the hidden jewel o Cherokee County, the outdoor Yis the outdoor camp o choice or many in the community, particularly oramilies in the Woodstock and south Cherokee areas. From the pool to the


Having a YMCA in the community makes or stronger amiliesand healthier lives.

t summ

Jump InIndoor AND Outdoor Activities Abound At The YMCA(s)


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(Jump In continuedfrom page 26)

waterront and rom theactivity eld to the hikingtrails, campers can expect aun lled day. Tis outdoorvenue oers campers ages5-15 appropriate activities

that entertain, as well as,build their leadership,teamwork skills, physicalskills, stamina and overallphysical condition.

Camps should be chosen based on a childs age at the start o thescheduled camp week: traditional day camps are available or ages5-6 (Chipmunk Den); ages 7-8 (FoxDen); ages 9-10 (Bobcat Den);and ages 11-13 (Bear Den). Specialty camps are also available.

Among the specialty camps are those that ocus on leadershiptraining, climbing, shing, martial arts, crats, horseback riding,outdoor adventures (camping), outdoor survival skills, mountain

biking, swimming and water sports.

Not all camps oer traditional are. Hip Hop dance campincorporates hip hop dance movements, and campers will work ona choreographed dance to perorm or their parents at the end o the

week. Te new skate board camp teaches campers skills and a ewnew tricks. Te camp is being taught by the Ys own Greyson Beal,the 2011 Under 12 National Champ in Street Skating who was alsovoted Best All Around Skater. Does your child like paint ball butyou hate the mess? I so, consider enrolling him or her in the laser tagcamp. Campers will play laser tag on the Large Field, where they willbe taught the undamentals o teamwork, communication, accuracy

and sel-control. Tere is no mess, no paint rom paint balls, and norunning out o ammobecause it is all electronic!

At the Ys science camp, youngsters ages 5-10 will meet a pettarantula, launch water rockets, identiy local plants, insects,animals and reptiles as well mine or minerals and gemstones anddig or ossils. In the summer o 2012, the new gold rush camp willoer opportunities or young people to learn about gold and to trypanning or it in local creeks and on the Y property. Also new isthe junior cake boss camp or ages 7-10. Campers will spend timeeach day preparing dierent baked goods, and they will learn theart o decorating. At the conclusion o the camp, parents will enjoya tasty treat at the junior cake boss show. For more inormation on

all camps, including dates, ees, and transportation arrangements,call 770.345.9622.

Te indoor Y, the G. Cecil Pruett Community Center FamilyYMCA, is centrally located at the intersection o Waleska Street andRiverstone Parkway, overlooking Heritage Park in Canton. Tebuilding eatures an indoor pool, set in an open layout lled withnatural light. Here, the Cherokee Y Camp Canton or 5-10-year-olds, which began in 2005, gives campers an opportunity to swimin the state-o-the-art pool with un water eatures. Campers willalso experience the indoor basketball court, arts and crats in theReinhardt Room, play eld games at Heritage Park and nd out

all about GaGa ball at the Y Courtyard.

At the indoor Y, like theoutdoor Y, traditional camps

with various activities areoered: ages 5-6 (DiscoveryCamp); ages 7-8 (ExplorersCamp); and ages 9-10(Pioneers Camp). Specialtycamps here include swimcamp, splash camp (no swim

lessonsjust un in thepool), hip hop dance campand the new laser tag camp.

In addition to the summercamps, programs at this

more traditional-style YMCA include youth sports, aquatics (swimlessons and summer swim team), teen leadership, wellness, groupexercise classes and amily events. In the second-oor tness center,tness center sta members are available to assist with training onthe equipment and or help with the FitLinxx system, which tracks

workouts. Each cardio machine has its own cable V and headphonejack, while the weight training area includes stability balls, resistance

bands and mats. Tere is a variety o adult group exercise classes romcycling to yoga as well as boot camp classes and gymnastics. Tis

YMCA is more than a traditional gym; its a true community centerwith classes o all kinds or children, teens and adults. Participationin any Y programs at the Canton Y requires a YMCA membership.Program membership is a $35 annual ee, while acility membershave ull acility access and receive discounts on programs. o ndout more about becoming a member, call 770-345-9622. Whateveryour summer tness needs, or your childrens, there is a YMCAacility in Cherokee with un, sae activities near you!

Serious swimmers and competition athletes will also enjoy the

Woodstock Aquatic Center, which was built as a pre-Olympic trainingcenter prior to the 1996 Summer Olympic Games in Atlanta. Nowowned by Chattahoochee Gold Swimming, the centerpiece o thecomplex is a competition pool with both 25-yard lanes and 50-meterlanes, as well as a lesson instruction pool. In 2004, the entire pool area

was enclosed in a new building with a retractable enclosure over the50-meter lanes. In April 2012, the center held a grand opening orits new, quarter-o-a-million dollar lesson pool. Te entire acility isdedicated to swim lessons, swim teams (it is home to the nationallyranked Chattahoochee Gold swim team) and the tness swimmingneeds o the community. Te center is located at 1038 Arnold MillRoad, next to the Woodstock Downtown Park.


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Te mantra practicemakes perect inspiresmany o the youngswimmers who train attheWoodstock Aquatic

Center, and three othese high perormanceathletes are on the earlypath to Olympic goldin the summer o 2012,having been invited tothe trials or the U.S.Olympic swim team,

which will be held inOmaha, Nebraska June25-July 2. It is unusualto have three swimmers

rom one area, and weeel very ortunate,says Mark Schilling, who serves as head coach along with PatMurphy, the owner o Chattahoochee Gold.

Schillings three protgs (shown above) are Lauren Case,Hannah Martin and Zach Bunner. Lauren is not even inhigh school yet, Schilling explains. She will be going into theeighth grade next year. She is, however, already a very talentedswimmer and is a state record-holder. At the trials in Omaha,Lauren will swim the 200-yard buttery. Hannah Martin, a

junior at Etowah High School, whom Schilling describes asa very good swimmer, will be participating in the 200-yard

backstroke. Rounding out the group is Zach Bunner, who livesin Cobb County, where he is a junior at Lassiter High School,but trains at the Woodstock Aquatic Center, who will swim the100-yard backstroke in the trials.

During the last Olympic training cycle, 2008, the swimtrials were in Omaha, and they are returning there this year,explains Schilling. Actually, it is a portable pool that is beinginstalled or the trials in the multi-purpose CenturyLink Centercomplex which seats about 40,000 spectators. Remember thatthis is not soccer or baseball. Swim meets are not, typically,highly attended, but the trials are sold out, so these swimmers

will have a huge audience.

With about 100 swimmers involved, the top two in eachevent, in a total o 14 races/events in the trials, will go on to be apart o the U.S. team. For the relay events, it is usually the topsix, but or the other events, it is the top two, Schilling adds.

Tese competitive swimmers have been training at the centerin Woodstock since they were six or seven years old, Schillingsays. Tey are very young, so we dont expect that they willmake the U.S. Olympic team this year, he adds. However, theyare taking a giant stepor strokeorward in realizing thatdream someday.

prc icemakes perfect


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Whether you like to take it slow andeasy and enjoy the scenery or whetheyou preer to eel an exhilarating rushon a downhill slope, Blankets CreekMountain Bike rail System has a traior you. Te network o trails, one othe top mountain biking spots in themetro area, is located on 280 acres oSixes Road.

One o the trail systems biggest drawsis the number and variety o trails, rombeginner to advanced riders.

Mosquito Flats is just thatatIt is a meandering single track traithat winds along the trails namesakeBlankets Creek, and through the

woods. Riders cross some small, abridges and one gentle hill, but thetrail is generally acknowledged to bea smooth and easy trail to ride. You

may even see some bikes out herewith training wheels!

Now, there is also the recently cutMosquito Flats Extension, which addan additional .5 mile option toMosquito Flats. While it is as at athe original Mosquito Flats, it doehave a ew more bridges and there aresome tighter turns and some roughetread. Mosquito Bite, however, oera little more challenge or the rider

Tere is a winding boardwalk, threeelevated bridges, a switchback turnand some small, short hills. Rider

will encounter a ew areas o rootand rocksa preview o the moredemanding trailsso that they canget comortable riding over thesenatural elements in the landscape.

Dwelling Loop is the most populaand most ridden trail. It is a truecontour-trail with rocks, roots andsome elevation changes. Tis is a as

trail with a number o log crossingand tight tree gates that add someinterest to the loop. Dwelling Loopis an excellent place or riders todevelop their tness level and tobegin difcult combinations likeriding over root-ledges during aclimb. Tere is a new advanced AltLine trail on Dwelling, an optionatrail, that has a ast berm turn, atabletop and three small jumps.

Blankets Creek Mountain Bike Trail System

Trailride


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South Loop is longer and more challenging, a hand-cut,technical trail that brings a backcountry eel to Blankets Creek.Tis trail is maintained as little as possible to keep it as naturalas possible. Tis is a avorite trail o more experienced riders.Climbs are longer and steeper than those on the Dwelling Loop,but the major eature on South Loop is the rocks: rock gardens,rock crossings and rocky switchbacks. Te trail also eaturesswitchbacks, creek crossings and a log ride. And then, theres theVan Michael rail, a longer trail with more challenging climbsand descents than Dwelling, a machine-cut trail that is relativelysmooth but sweeps up and down several peaks on the west side othe park. Switchback and berm turns are everywhere. echnicaleatures are limited primarily to some rocky sections near the

inamous Kevorkian Pass. Tere is also a nice log ride carvedout o a single allen tree.

Opened in 2011, Quehl Holler, a downhill trail, is the newesto all the trails. At 755 eet long, this trail is all downhill onhard-packed, smooth Georgia red clay. It is berm, drop, jump,berm, drop, tabletop down to the Wall Ride. It should be noted

that this is an expert trail and riders should scout out the trailcompletely because some o the gap jumps are deep and long. Itis recommended that those who want to seriously tackle QuehlHoller wear helmets and armor.

Te trails are well marked and well maintained by the Woodstockchapter o SORBA (Southern O-Road Bicycle Association).Because it is a popular trail system, it does get crowded, particularlyon weekends, so i you are a rst-timer consider o-peak times(week days). Jay Wilkes, president o the local SORBA chapter,says that Blankets Creek is one o the most popular trail systemsin the entire Southeast: Tere is not anything else like this in allo the northwest Atlanta area, he adds. Some people have moved

here just to be near it. Te great natural beauty o the area isanother reason the trails are so popular, says John Hicks, directoro the G.Cecil Pruett Community Center Family YMCA. Tis isan all wooded area surrounding Lake Allatoona. You can see deerand wild turkeys and other wildlie, he points out. Where elsecan you be so close to suburban homes and yet be in untouched100-year-old woods?


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coMING

When Mary andGordon Tompsonmoved to CherokeeCounty in 1979,they did so withplan and purpose.Leaving their homein Sandy Springs,the intentionwas to also give

the amily theopportunityor two o their avoritethingshorses and sailing.And yes, CherokeeCounty wouldconveniently oer

access to both. As activemembers in the AtlantaYacht Club, the Tompsonchildren caught the sailingever early in their liveswith talent and skills nowpassed down to grandchildren.


37/52

Tey wanted their three children to grow up in a communityand environment that would enhance their liestyle and interestsyet still provide them opportunities or educational and hometownadvantages. Te couple busied themselves with Dr. Tompsonsdental practice and community activities. He became a member othe planning and zoning board, and would serve as its chairman.

Mary would become involved with the Cherokee CleanCommission and become a Library trustee and was the rst recipiento the Lamar Hailey Community Service Award rom the CantonRotary Club. She also was an early environmentalist o the 80s,recognizing the importance and impact o recycling. Trough theyears, both parents continued to work within the community andserve in many leadership roles. Teir actions became inspiration ortheir children and instilled in them a lielong sense o community.

Te three children, nowgrown, have returned totheir roots. Polished andaccomplished, successul

in their careers. Ourparents set a precedent

or us to give back to our

community, says daughterDana, now an attorneyand managing partner at

Tompson, Meier & King.Tey are doing just that.

Te siblings have completed, or are in the process o completing,Leadership Cherokee, a program o the Cherokee Chamber oCommerce designed to enhance awareness o local issues, discernperspectives and open dialogue to involve and solve challenges.

Dana, her sister Judy and brother Alan have impressive resumesthat not only make their parents proud, but also the communitythey have chosen to re-claim and embrace.

Dana attended high school in Atlanta until the amilys moveback to Cherokee. She received her Bachelor o Arts in English,

with honors, rom Randolph-Macon Womens College in Virginiain 1983 and studied at the University o Reading, England. Shereceived her Juris Doctorate rom UGA, and clerked or the

(continued on page 36) Family photos courtesy of JSG Photography of Woodstock, GA


38/52

(Coming Homecontinued from page 35)

Georgia Court o Appeals. Ater admission to the Georgia Bar,she came back to Canton and joined the law rm o McVay andStubbs. In 1999, Dana established the rm Tompson, Meier &King, PC. She has been the City Attorney or the City o Waleskaand was selected to serve as a Special Assistant Attorney General, aposition she has held since being appointed in 1994.

Dana has been a Georgia registered mediator or both domesticand civil cases since 1995, one o the rst 100 registered in thestate. She has chaired the Canton Downtown Development

Authority and served on its board or ten years. As chairwomano the DDA, she was instrumental in the nancing, renovationand restoration o the Canton Teatre. She has chaired or servedon many important civic boards such as the Cherokee FamilyViolence Board, the DUI Court Steering Committee and theboard o the Cherokee County Friends o Recovery Foundation.She serves on the administrative council o the Fields ChapelUnited Methodist Church.

Dana loves spending time with husband, Jud Alden and herdaughter, Ally, whether its shing, traveling or weekends in theNorth Georgia Mountains honing her photography skills.

Judy Tompson Ross came home in 2001 to open the newAG Edwards ofce. She had received her degree in accountingrom Clemson University in South Carolina where she also

was a member o the Clemson Sailing eam. Ater college, shemoved to Atlanta to pursue her career, living in the Buckheadarea or a time. Judy later became a nancial advisor under theindependent brokerage arm o Wells Fargo Advisors FinancialNetwork. Her extraordinary accomplishments led her to

be named on the prestigious op 50 Independent WomenAdvisors in the February 2012 issue oRegistered Rep. magazine.Ross specializes in individualized asset management with assetstotaling $140,000,000.

In her acknowledgement o the honor, Judy didnt orget tomention her hometown, Canton. I am honored, she said, tobe included on such a prestigious list and proud that I am shininga light on Canton and Cherokee County. With the trust, supportand reerrals rom our clients, J. Tompson Ross Investments hasseen continued growth through the years. We eel truly blessedand grateul.

Judy has been a nancial advisor or nineteen years. She islicensed to practice in eighteen states and has earned her Accredited

Asset Management Specialist designation (AAMS). She ounded J.Tompson Ross Investments in 2009.

Ross is a member o the Cherokee County Chamber oCommerce, is a Reinhardt Ambassador and she and her amily aremembers o NorthStar Church, and loves riding on the same armshe grew up on.

Dana Tompson Alden

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Alan Tompson, the only son, chose an entirely dierent careerand direction than that o his sisters. Upon graduation romGeorgia Southern University in Statesboro, Georgia, he held hisdegree in Art with a minor in Journalism.

Moving to the media mecca o Atlanta, he worked with the

nationally acclaimed advertising agency, BBDO, long noted as oneo the top ad agencies in the world.

In 2002, Alan made the decision to move back to Cantonand open his own company, Mojo Productions. He brought

with him 21 years o large advertising agency experience romwhich to draw. A local marketing design group tucked in an alleyamong historic buildings in downtown Canton is now marking amilestone o 10 years in business, serving not just Cherokee butclients around the globe.

MOJO Productions oers a wide range o creative solutions andservices. Some o his clients have been with him since the company

began. Te strategic thinking and approach to each assignment is areection o two decades o experience. Tompson said he openedMOJO because he saw the opportunity to apply big-agencythinking, creativity and discipline to a smaller, more diverse groupo clients without the big-agency cost. I deal directly with thecompany president or marketing manager to arrive at a marketingsolution, instead o going through the various levels associated withan ad agency, Tompson said. Tis results in work done aster,more economically and usually with greater appreciation rom theclient. Tough budget is always a large actor with every project, thedriving orce o MOJOs work is quality. I take great pride in my

work and the positive light that puts my clients in. You dont have

to be a multi-million dollar company to look like one, Tompsonsaid. I truly want to help my clients grow and prosper with thehelp o great marketing materials, Tompson said. Because, imy clients look good, MOJO looks good. In 2007, the CherokeeChamber named Alan Tompson as the Entrepreneur o the Year.

Away rom all the art design and layouts, his pastime is devotedto the amily art and un o sailing. Alans two daughters, Amy andMarie grew up in the sport and now are experts. Both are Lasersailors, which means accomplished at sailing a 13-oot, single-person sailboat. Amy, 27, has sailed with him since she was ateenager beore deciding shed rather skipper than crew.

Marie, 24, has been his crew or many years. Well skilled, sheis in demand by other skippers, too. Tey have both competednationally as well an in the Bahamas. Alan, Judy and husband,Mike, have also been ranked nationally in various regattas over theyears. Amy has returned each summer or the past six years to bethe lead instructor at the week long sailing camp at the Atlanta

Yacht Club.

(continued on page 38) Judy Tompson Ross


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(Coming Homecontinued from page 37)

What I appreciate about sailing is that kids gain a lot o selcondence. In competing with adults on the same racecourse, theylearn how to converse with adults at a young age and can handlethemselves most any place they travel. For that reason, I am veryproud that my dad introduced me to sailing, says Alan. Now mygirls, too, enjoy the sport. Its always been something weve done as

a amily.

Alan says the proximity o Cherokee County has much appeal.My wie Brenda and I nd everything we need right here. Wevelived here almost the entire 32 years o our marriage. We both ownand operate small businesses and many o our clients are here in thearea. We dont leave the county or recreation very oten, because

we can spend time on Lake Allatoona on weekends more thanseven months out o the year.

Each o the three Tompson children are pleased to have madetheir decisions to come back home to work, enjoy and raise theirchildren in Cherokee County.

Dana, Judy and Alan giveall the credit or theirsuccesses to wise and

caring parents. It was theiroresight that paved the

path toward home again,and in so doing a warmwelcome waited in return.

Alan Tompson

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looKINGfor SoMEthING to do?

hs a gat plac t stat...


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a en aCHEROKEE

M-sepemberCanton Farmers MarketEvery Saturday until Septemberrom 8 am-Noon. Located inDowntown Canton, rain or shine.770-704-1500www.CantonHDL.com

M-OcoberWoodstock Farmers MarketEvery Saturday until October 27throm 8:30am-11:30 am. Publicparking lot on owne Lake Parkway.www.WoodstockGA.gov

June 9Woodstock Summer Concert Series

eaturing Blackberry SmokePut on your dancing shoes or the

best community concert series inthe state! Celebrating its 15th year,well be serving up a ree eclecticmusical brew o classic rock, currentcountry, oldies, and rhythm &blues in the lovely Park at CityCenter (ormerly City Park). Bringa blanket or lawn chair and comeearly; ood vendors, a moonwalk,and ace painting or the kids arestandards at every concert! Allconcerts start at 7:30pm. Freeadmission, no ticket necessary.103 Arnold Mill Road,Woodstock.

June 13-27Te Little MermaidA perky mermaid with abeautiul singing voice wantsto live on land to be with ahandsome prince in this musicaladaptation o the Hans ChristianAnderson airy tale. June 13-27Wednesdays at 10am, Saturdaysand Sundays at 2pm. All seats $9online in advance or $11 at thedoor. Held at City Center,8534 Main Street, Woodstock

www.elmstreetarts.org678-494-4251

June 16An Evening with Mark wainStarring National ouring ActorKurt H. Sutton. 7:30PM atTe Canton Teatre,171 East Main Street,Canton, GA, Adults: $12.00Students/Seniors (65+): $8.00ickets Only Availableat the Door. A BriandaleEntertainment Production.770-841-5330

JulFall Drama & Art ClassesA variety o classes or theentire amily whether you wantto be on stage or create workso art, Elm Street has a somethingor you! Instruction begins in

mid-August - registration beginsJuly 1st. For details and classdescriptions go towww.elmstreetarts.org orcall 678-494-4251Held at City Center,8534 Main St, Woodstock.

Jul 4City o Canton

4th o July CelebrationPatriotism and reworks at its nest.4-7pm. Doggie Parade at 4 pm.Doggie costume contest, bouncehouse, games & kids activities.Cannon Park, Downtown Canton.Parade in downtown Cantonbegins at 6pm, reworks display atRiverStone Shopping Plaza at dusk.770.704.1500.www.CantonHDL.com

Jul 4Freedom FestCity o Woodstocks annual cantmiss 4th o July event. July 4th.Early morning Woodstock FreedomRun 5k road race. Parade throughdowntown Woodstock at 10am,ollowed by booths, ood, un andgames or children in Woodstock

City Park. Spectacular ater-darkreworks display at I-575 &Highway 92. 770.517.6788.www.WoodstockGA.gov



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Jul 6een Arts NightSponsored by Elm Streets eenArts Guild (AG). Bring yourguitar, your karaoke cd, yourpoetry, your artwork, your shortstories to share with other creative,arts minded teens. $5 cash at thedoor provides a slice o pizza anda soda at intermission. Ages 13-15

will need to have a parent signthem in and out at the door. FridayJuly 6 rom 6-8pm at City Center,8534 Main Street, Woodstockwww.elmstreetarts.org678-494-4251

Jul 6iTink Improv roupeEnjoy the ood, music and un

o Woodstocks Friday Nite Livethen walk on over to City Centeror some amily riendly laughswith the iTink Improv roupe.Friday, July 6 at 9pm at CityCenter, 8534 Main Street,Woodstock, www.elmstreetarts.org678-494-4251

Jul 5 & 6Aladdin ea PartyEnjoy avorul teas and tasty treatsand meet Aladdin, his Princess andthe Genie! (bring your camera!)Tursday and Friday July 5 & 6at 4:30pm. $16.50 includes meal,

tax and gratuity. Be sure to call orreservations 770-516-2609. Heldat ea Leaves and Tyme 8990 S.Main St Woodstock, GA

Jul 6Friday Night Liveour de MainSpend the rst Friday o everymonth in Downtown Woodstock

and enjoy the many restaurants andstores that the area has to oer asthe Downtown Merchants stay openlate, 6pm-9pm, and celebrate with athemed downtown wide estival

For each Friday Night Live themeparticipating Downtown Merchantswill have activities going on attheir stores and throughout theDowntown area related to thetheme o the month. For July,its the 3rd annual our deMain eaturing a bicycle paradedown Main Street organized byOut Spokin Bicycles. For moreinormation: 770-924-0406

Jul 11-25Aladdin and the Magic LampPoor Aladdin meets the Genieo the Ring and the Genie o theLamp while trying to win the hando a princess. A comic telling othe amous airy tale. July 11-25Wednesdays at 10am, Saturdays and

Sundays at 2pm. All seats $9 onlinein advance or $11 at the door.Held at City Center, 8534 MainStreet, Woodstockwww.elmstreetarts.org678-494-4251

Jul 10 or 17AUDITIONSSnow White and the Magic Mirror

For Snow White and the MagicMirror - or ages 8-Adult. July 10or 17 rom 7-9:30pm. Call or anappointment time. Be prepared tosing one minute o a olk song orBroadway show tune that shows oyour voice. Cold readings rom thescript. Full schedule o rehearsalsand September perormances on thewebsite. Held at City Center,8534 Main Street, Woodstockwww.elmstreetarts.org678-494-4251

Jul 14Woodstock Summer Concert Series

eaturing A1-A (Jimmy Bufetribute Band)Put on your dancing shoes or thebest community concert series inthe state! Celebrating its 15th year,well be serving up a ree eclecticmusical brew o classic rock, currentcountry, oldies, and rhythm &blues in the lovely Park at CityCenter (ormerly City Park). Bring

a en ar(continued from page 45)


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a en aCHEROKEE

a blanket or lawn chair and comeearly; ood vendors, a moonwalk,and ace painting or the kids arestandards at every concert! Allconcerts start at 7:30pm. Freeadmission, no ticket necessary.103 Arnold Mill Road,Woodstock.

Jul 141st Annual Collins Dixon BendYour Knees 5K and 1 Mile FunRun/WalkCome celebrate the lie o CollinsDixon with us at the 1st AnnualCollins Dixon Bend Your Knees5K and 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk. Terace will start and nish at the FirstBaptist Church o Canton and willbe run on paved streets. Race dayregistration and packet pickup willbegin at 7AM. First Baptist ChurchCanton, One Mission Point,Canton, GA 30114

auguFall Drama & Art ClassesA variety o classes or theentire amily whether you wantto be on stage or create works

o art, Elm Street has a somethingor you! Instruction begins inmid-August - registration beginsJuly 1st. For details and classdescriptions go towww.elmstreetarts.org or

call 678-494-4251Held at City Center,8534 Main St, Woodstock.

augu 3een Arts NightSponsored by Elm Streets eenArts Guild (AG). Bring yourguitar, your karaoke cd, yourpoetry, your artwork, your shortstories to share with other creative,arts minded teens. $5 cash at thedoor provides a slice o pizza and asoda at intermission.Ages 13-15 will need to have aparent sign them in and out at thedoor. Friday, August 3, rom 6-8pmat City Center, 8534 Main Street,Woodstock. www.elmstreetarts.org678-494-4251

augu 3Friday Night LiveSummer o LoveDowntown WoodstockSpend the rst Friday o everymonth in Downtown Woodstockand enjoy the many restaurants andstores that the area has to oer asthe Downtown Merchants stay openlate, 6pm-9pm, and celebrate with a

themed downtown wide estivalFor each Friday Night Live themeparticipating Downtown Merchantswill have activities going on attheir stores and throughout theDowntown area related to the

theme o the month. For August,the Downtown Merchants celebratethe spirit o the 1969 WoodstockMusic Festival with Friday NightLive Summer o Love Everyonebe sure to wear your best hippieattire! For more inormation:770-924-0406

augu 7Woodstock Police DepartmentNational Night OutJoin us in Te Park at City Centeron uesday, August 7th rom6pm to 9pm at a location to bedetermined, as neighborhoodsthroughout the City o Woodstockare invited to join orces withthousands o communitiesnationwide or the 29th AnnualNational Night Out crimeand drug prevention event.National Night Out is designedto: (1) Heighten crime and drugprevention awareness; (2) Generatesupport or, and participationin, local anticrime eorts; (3)Strengthen neighborhood spirit andpolice community partnerships;and (4) Send a message to criminalsletting them know neighborhoods

are organized and ghting back.National Night Out is sponsoredby the National Association oown Watch, co-sponsored locallyby the City o Woodstock PoliceDepartment and is being supported



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8

in part by ARGE, a nationalcorporate sponsor. Please call 770-

592-6000 ext 1115 or more details.

augu 10-19NunsenseA variety o musical entertainmentBack by popular demand! TeLittle Sisters o Hoboken return toWoodstock to sing and dance theirway into your hearts as they try toraise unds or the convent. Make

plans now to see this hilarious show!August 10 at 7:30pm, August 12at 2pm, August 17, 18 at 7:30pmAugust 19 at 2pm. $9-11 in advanceonline, $11-14 at the door. Held

at City Center, 8534 Main Street,Woodstock, www.elmstreetarts.org

678-494-4251

augu 11Woodstock Summer Concert Series

eaturing Te Lovin SpoonulCelebrating its 15th year, well beserving up a ree eclectic musicalbrew o classic rock, currentcountry, oldies, and rhythm &blues in the lovely Park at City

Center (ormerly City Park). Bringa blanket or lawn chair and comeearly; ood vendors, a moonwalk,and ace painting or the kids arestandards at every concert! All

concerts start at 7:30pm. Freeadmission, no ticket necessary.

103 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock.

(continued from page 47)

o be considered in utureenjoy! calendars:

submit your event date, time,location, details, photos and

contact information at

[email protected].

Event listings are subject to space limitations.

For Advertising, contact:

678.454.9350 or

[email protected]


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