BEING NEIGHBORSMost of the people who work at Northside Hospital-Cherokee live in Cherokee. They’re not just your doctors or nurses, they’re your neighbors.

CONTRIBUTINGWe contribute to Cherokee County schools and support local venues and community activity centers.

VOLUNTEERINGOur employees and physicians have volunteered more than 10,000 hours to Cherokee County schools and organizations.

INVESTINGWe’ve invested more than $100 million to bring the best the medical world has to offer right here to Cherokee.

NORTHSIDE HOSPITAL-CHEROKEE IS WORKING TO KEEP CHEROKEE GREAT. BECAUSE, IT’S OUR HOME, TOO.

Cherokee’s community hospital.Northside.com

Northside Hospital-Cherokee has served the residents of this county for many years. And our commitment to bring you the very best possible care goes well beyond our walls.

Dear Readers,

Miss the winter weather we just left behind? Neither do we.

There was Storm Jam ’14. Then the ice follies of a winter storm called PAX - which ironically is Latin for Peace, which was somewhat of a misnomer. It really wasn’t peaceful or pleasant for anyone; especially those forced to drive those treacherous highways or getting outside at all for that matter. Then there was that problem about keeping the kids occupied and inside while on the unplanned school break!

In the spirit of ENJOY! CHEROKEE, we hope you found ways to do just that. Perhaps movies, athletic competitions, games, food and laughter helped. Perhaps you took some mental notes about things you want to get accomplished this spring - that’s where our thoughts were.

Spring! Warmer days, light breezes with bright colors of yellow, lavender, blue and pinks popping up in the garden. Your thoughts move to home improvement projects, perhaps adding on, or even a larger home. Planning is everything, and in Cherokee County there is much to discover that will be helpful in reaching your goals.

Builders, Interior and landscape designers, renovation experts and financial consultants are ready to consult and advise you on your projects, no matter the size. Inside our pages, you’ll discover some of the best resources to share and discuss your ideas and plans for change and growth.

Its spring...thankfully!

Enjoy!

The Editors

PS...Turn the pages of previous issues at www.enjoycherokee.com.

Welcome

CHEROKEE

20

10

4

CHEROKEE

1 Welcome

4 Bring on Spring

6 New Home Fever!

8 Take It Outside 10 Classrooms to Condos

16 Beyond the Numbers

20 The Latest and Greatest Generation

26 Creating the Scene That Sells

30 Creating A Place of Their Own

32 Herbalicious

34 HomeMade Clean

36 Hooked on Hummers

40 Artistic Expression Thrives

42 Events Calendar

enjoy! cherokee TM magazine is published by Advertising Dynamics, Inc. in partnership with Tri-State Communications.

706.290.0202 · info@adigeorgia.com · www.adigeorgia.comFor Advertising, contact: 678.454.9350 or sales@enjoycherokee.com

enjoy! cherokee magazine 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! cherokee magazine is published in partnership with Tri-State Communications and Advertising Dynamics, Inc.,

© Copyright 2014 by Advertising Dynamics, Inc. All rights reserved.

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He specializes in using old classics in fresh new ways; she combines natural and vintage European elements to create a little je ne sais quoi. These two local Woodstock designers, Jeff Mansfield and Laurie Prentice, share their tips for dispelling your winter blues and enlivening your home’s décor for spring.

Bringon

5

Jeff Mansfield’s sweet spot is transitional design—artfully combining traditional and contemporary furniture, finishes and fabrics to create classic timeless design. He says to give your home a fresh look for spring, you should start with your entry and make a statement. “A home’s entry is the first impression you make, so make a statement. Paint the door a bold color, add a monogrammed doormat and flank the door with a reclaimed wood, or galvanized metal container. My plant of choice would be a boxwood topiary,” he suggests.

Laurie Hollis Prentice’s style is eclectic with a European countryside flair—like her shop, Linden, on Main Street in Woodstock. She likes to combine old and new elements in new exciting ways. She says your home’s entry should reflect what lies behind the door. “When you stand on the front steps you should get a feel for what is on the inside. A welcoming door, a pair of urns topped with metal orbs laced with plants is a warm greeting—or planters of boxwoods, and seasonal flowers.” Just as the outside of your home should reflect what’s on the inside, the inside should include elements from outside. Prentice finds her inspiration for decorating in nature and believes that bringing in natural elements is one of the best ways to infuse your home with springtime warmth. “What things make a house a home? Anything fresh! I love white Phalaenopis orchids mixed with maidenhair fern and moss planted in an antique urn. Or you can take an old glass vessel, and make it into a terrarium by planting some small plants in it,” she suggests.

“Take your grandmother’s prized vase off the shelf and fill it with flowering quince or curly willow branches. A bowl of flowers gives

a room temporary color that can change with your mood. I love to nestle a bird’s nest with eggs on top of a book on a shelf and use twigs and branches everywhere,” she adds. “Because we love the outdoors so much, we have so many fresh and vibrant plantings inside. Bring the outside in!”

Mansfield, co-owner of Creative Interiors and Consignment in Woodstock, also likes to bring elements of nature inside. “Update your living area for spring with nature—bring in a jute rug and replace lamp shades with burlap or linen. Purchase some new pillows with a botanical theme or frame some botanical prints.” And he agrees it’s best to keep floral arrangements simple. “A bouquet of fresh flowers or a bundle of fronds from a fern in a clear vase are all you need.”

Another easy and dramatic way to freshen up your décor for spring is to paint. For a crisp spring feel, he suggests keeping walls light and neutral. “Introduce color with textiles and décor,” Mansfield says.

…And she agrees. “Start with a neutral base and infuse color so that your eye will flow from one side of the room to the other. A room needs balance, and color is a perfect way to achieve it. Shades of indigo, navy and cobalt will be strong colors this year. These colors blend well with other hues. Copper is a great metal color to add in the home. A great way to start preparing a room is by compiling a mixture of fabrics swatches, wood tones, metal tones, and layers of texture for depth. Find something that gives you inspiration,” Prentice advises.

(continued on page 15)

6

(Hoot continued from page 5)

Finding Your Dream Home Builder

new home

7

Love earned an Architectural Engineering degree from Southern Polytechnic State University in 1992 then worked for two of the largest local home building companies in the Metro-Atlanta area. Since 1996, he has built more than 350 homes in the Atlanta area, ranging in price from $125,000 to more than $1 million.

1. Inspect the builder’s work carefully. Make plans to tour a home built by each of the builders you are considering. “It can be a furnished and decorated model home that’s open to the public, or it can be a home the builder constructed for a past client that they arrange for you to visit by appointment. In either case, pay careful attention to the look, feel and quality of the home,” says Love, who is currently building in Bradshaw Glen in southeast Cherokee County. A few specific things he suggests you look for are: •Paint:Lookforgoodevencoveragewithnobleed-throughsorruns. •Craftsmanship:Whenexaminingahome,lookatthequalityoftheconstruction.Inspectthe

cabinetry, carpeting, trim-work. Does the woodwork—crown molding, baseboards, door and window frames— all fit together well? Do the cabinets fit flush against the kitchen walls?

•Products:Lookforqualityname-brandappliancesratherthanno-nameinexpensiveappliances.Look out for substandard lighting and plumbing fixtures. Also pay attention to the countertops and look for quality solid-surface composites or granite.

On the exterior, note what kind of siding and soffits the builder uses. Cement board siding has a definite edge in durability. This product will typically come with a 30 to 50 year warranty. It is much less susceptible to weather damage and will withstand the impact of wind-blown debris much better than vinyl. Unlike wood or vinyl, cement board doesn’t change much over time. It doesn’t become brittle or lose strength and is one of the more dependable home solutions for siding options on the market today.

If you’re in the market for a new home, you should shop for your builder as carefully as you shop for your home. In addition to considering the location, square footage and features, you need to know that you are buying a good quality home from a reputable builder. Here are a few tips from a veteran local home builder, Eric Love, to help you choose a builder you’ll be happy with.

(continued on page 14)

8

In the midst of a bitter winter, it’s sometimes hard to remember that in just a few weeks, the days will begin growing longer and warmer...it will be spring. And there are few places more glorious than Georgia in the springtime. Crisp sunny days and a landscape awash in waves of flowering trees, beds of erupting daffodils, colorful azaleas, and early perennials will soon lift your spirits and lure you back outside. Being outdoors can help anyone feel instantly better, but it turns out that there are actual short-term and long-term physical and mental health benefits, including increased immune activity and decreased depression. Numerous studies have shown that access to trees and green spaces calm us and help to alleviate stress.

Instead of plopping down in a folding chair on your back deck or patio, make plans now to create a cozy sitting nook outside where you can unplug, retreat, immerse yourself in nature, and bask in the wonders of the season. Late winter is a great time for outdoor projects—you can get the hardscape in place before it gets too hot, prepare beds, and plant some shrubs in time for spring enjoyment.

Six Tips for Creating the

Ultimate Outdoor Nook for Spring

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Not sure how to get started? We asked veteran landscape expert Eric Hill of Autumn Hill Nursery, a longtime Cherokee favorite, for a few pointers on creating the ultimate peaceful outdoor sitting nook.

1. Be mindful of all your senses when selecting a location for your nook. Not only should the nook be lovely, you want to make sure there are no distracting views nearby. Studies show that just looking at a natural scene activates parts of the brain associated with balance and happiness. Give your eyes a rest by positioning your sitting nook so that you are not facing your neighbor’s home, swing sets or traffic. “If necessary, use a screen or create a screen from evergreen plants to create a visual barrier,” Hill advises.

A couple of other ways to sooth the senses are to include pleasing fragrances and soft gentle movements. “There are plenty of plants that produce fragrant smells, while ornamental grasses and perennials such as gaura sway with the slightest of breezes.”

2. Reduce Noise. Give your ears a rest by avoiding or reducing irritating racket like traffic, playgrounds and clamoring air conditioners. “Dense-growing plants like arborvitae and hollies will help block noise,” Hill says. “Or you can use fence panels to provide a more immediate noise barrier while your shrubs are growing.”

Another way to reduce unwanted noise is to mask it with a more soothing sound. “Installing a pleasant water feature like a pond with a waterfall or even a small fountain near your nook can block unwanted noise,” he notes. Wind chimes can also provide a melodic feature that will take your focus away from the noise.

3. Keep it simple and cool. When planning your plantings, avoid a cluttered hodge-podge of this and that. “Large sweeps of the same plants allow your eyes to relax. Imagine a forest floor covered with soft ferns as opposed to a busy mix of different perennials and groundcovers,” Hill explains. Also, when you are selecting plants, use cool colors such as whites, blues, purples and some pinks. Colors to avoid are reds, yellows and oranges—hot colors.

4. Nestle. Whenever possible integrate your nook into the surrounding landscape. Nestle your seat (bench, chair, swing) down in the landscape rather than up above it. “A short wall behind your seat can help make you feel like you are in the garden as opposed to peering over it from above,” Hill says.

5. Seek shade or create some. If you have a shady spot beneath a canopy of trees, you can enjoy your nook well into summer. If not, add some shade. Build an arbor, or plant a tree or two to create shade. At least, consider adding an umbrella to provide some shade as temperatures rise in the summer.

6. Invite nature to your nook. Nature is a wonderful antidote to the stresses of our fast-paced digital lives. It can be relaxing and calming to sit still and watch the birds, bees and butterflies do their thing, and listen to authentic tweeting—not the digital kind. “Invite nature with bird feeders, birdbaths, a pond, and of course, flowering plants,” Hill urges. “Unplug—leave your cell phone inside—sit back and just enjoy.”

10

(continued on page 12)

new school thinking

Brown bought the school from the city of Ball Ground last year and immediately started remodeling sections of it for his prospering, high-end T-shirt design and production business. (His clients include the Grand Ole Opry, Toby Keith, George Strait and Coca Cola’s Retail division.) Another section of the building is slated for condominiums. “I figured it would be a shame for this old historic building to be leveled or become a dilapidated eyesore. Instead, I plan on transforming the building into a vibrant location for my business and for residents looking for an alternative housing opportunity,” Brown affirms.

They say one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Like hundreds of other commuters, Brown drove pass the vacant old school many times without giving the plain flat-roof building a glance or second thought. When Brown realized the building was for sale, he began to see the potential in the dated structure and his creative designer’s mind started churning. “We started by removing the general ugliness and getting rid of the drop ceilings,” says Brown, who tends to take a resourceful approach to construction and find new ways to use old materials. Brown, a longtime clothing designer, says he got the “fever” when he designed and built his own custom home a few years ago. “Design is design, and I discovered I really enjoy creating great living spaces.”

Ball Ground has a wonderful new elementary school on Valley Street...

and the old school building on Old Canton Road has a new tenant. The school house will be repurposed instead of razed, thanks to the vision of the Ball Ground City Council and T. Y. Brown, a local business owner.

11

“I figured it would be a shame for this old historic building to be leveled or become a dilapidated eyesore. Instead, I plan on transforming the building into a vibrant location for my business and for residents looking for an alternative housing opportunity,”T.Y. Brown

12

In his home he used vintage woods salvaged from a factory in Chicago, and he is now finding innovative ways to use materials salvaged from around the school building—the countertops in the staff break room were formerly doors, the prestressed concrete beams behind those drop ceilings were faux painted to look like massive wooden beams. He plans on using the windows to make rice-paper-style screen walls.

Brown plans on building a gable on the front of the school to add some architectural appeal to the existing flat roof. In the spring he will begin construction on a model condo and will eventually build 10-12 custom condos within the building. “Each one will be different, customized for the individual owners. They’ll mostly be between 1,200 and 1,600 square feet, and most of them will be one story. I’ll likely have room for a couple of two-story units when I build the gable on the front. Each one will be a unique, one-of-a-kind home.” With Brown’s creative vision, going back to school could be really cool.

(Back to School continued from page 11)

The school dates back to the early 1900s. The school population in 1907 was likely around 160 students. In 1922, the school building burned and classes were held elsewhere until a new school was built in 1926-27. The community added four new classrooms in 1947-48 and then added the present day gym in 1948-49. The auditorium and several classrooms burned in 1968. In 1971-72, the most recent addition that includes the library and principal’s office was built. The gym is still owned by the city and used by the parks and recreation department.

14

2. Look for an experienced builder who warranties their work. You may be tempted to go with a new builder offering you a deal, but you’ll never go wrong with an established builder who has weathered challenging economic cycles. “There are many fly-by-nights in any business, but especially in the home-building industry, so be careful,” Love warns. Unexpected problems can cost you time and money, so going with an experienced builder can be the best value in the long run.

Problems happen, even under the best of circumstances. The difference between a good builder and a not-so-good builder is that a good builder takes care of the problem. There will always be things that come up during construction, as well as adjustments after completion. However, you’ll quickly find you have no problems—the builder takes care of it—if he or she warranties their work.

3. Choose a builder who is accessible and communicates well. If a builder won’t answer your phone calls, that’s not a good sign, Love notes. You should always have someone to go to for answers to questions or concerns. “I like to get to know my customers on a personal level. They can call me on my cell phone anytime.” You should also have clear-cut guidelines communicated to you from the start. “I spend a lot of time up front in the planning stages making sure that everyone understands what is going where before

the project starts,” adds Love, currently a partner with Spencer Love Homes.

4. Check out the builder’s reputation.The best way to find a good builder is a word-of-mouth referral from a satisfied customer. Love says that the county building inspector can also be a good source of information. “They know who is doing good work, although they might be reluctant to say outright. But they will likely let you know if there’s a problem.”

5. Look for a builder who is looking out for you. A home is a big investment, and a good builder makes sure that you get the best value for your dollar. “I am always willing to do what it takes to help people get their dream home built within their budget and ensure that they don’t make costly mistakes that will result in loss of capital,” Love explains. “I look at myself as an investment advisor—I make sure that the home gets built the most efficient way—with no waste of time or resources.”

Are you concerned about choosing the wrong paint colors or fixtures? When building a custom home, good builders usually have a designer available to customers to advise them on their lighting, fixture, flooring and paint selections. This way, homeowners can tastefully customize their new home’s interior to suit their individual style with choices they can live with and enjoy for years to come.

(New Home Fever continued from page 7)

(continued on page 38)

Perhaps your inspiration comes from something unusual that you enjoy collecting. “One-of-a-kind pieces, or what I refer to as OOAK, give your home a unique flavor, because it isn’t mass produced. It will leave your friends wanting,” Prentice explains. She likes to use intaglios framed in a shadow box mingled with 19th century calligraphy documents in gilt frames. “I love to create small vignettes of favorite things, like a collection of antique mercury glass, French books, rosary beads and gilt finials under a cloche,

(Bring On Spring continued from page 5)

16

If you have been waiting for the local housing market to improve so that you can sell your home and get on with your life—move into a smaller/bigger house, move closer to/further from town or move into an older/newer home—2014 is looking like a good year to make that life change, whatever it may be. Local realtors are reporting that 2013 was the best year in a long time with housing prices rising 15 percent and approaching pre-recession values. Double-digit price improvement also means that homeowners who have been upside-down in recent years should now consider cleaning out their closets, packing up knick-knacks and listing their house.

if you havebeen waiting for the local housing market to improve, 2014 is looking like a good year to make that life change.

A N O v E R v I E w O f C H E R O K E E ’ S H O u S I N g M A R K E T

Beyond the numBers

(continued on page 18)

18

“The residential real estate market in Cherokee County continues to rebound at healthy levels,” David Moody, broker at ERA Sunrise Realty in Canton, affirms. “The median sale price numbers indicate a 15 percent increase year over year countywide. “This includes all single-family residential properties on the market or sold in the past year regardless of location, style, size, etc. Inventory levels have increased in 2013, but still trail current buying activity, reflecting 4.7 months of inventory in the county as of December 2013 per FMLS.”

Moody, a 26-year real estate veteran, expects this trend will continue into and throughout this year though perhaps not as robustly. “Median sale price growth may slow to the high single digits as sellers decide it’s time to get off the fence, and more inventory continues to come onboard. New construction, which also saw strong gains in 2013, may also continue to push inventory upwards and moderate rising prices somewhat.”

In 2013, in addition to a more stable economy and low interest rates, investor purchases factored into the market by reducing the inventory. Local realtors cite 2013 as the year of the investor, having observed significant numbers of cash purchases by investors

and hedge funds. The belief is that 2014 will be the year of the regular buyer – the pent up demand to make a move to a new home is strong. The year is already starting off significantly stronger that 2013 for sales. Aside from the changes in the numbers, statistics and equations, there seems to be a fundamental change appearing in the housing market. Realtors note the biggest difference in today’s real estate growth vs. pre-recession growth is why people are moving.

Lifestyle considerations are now driving the decision process more than the bigger-and-better mindset that was prevalent in the consumption-era economy.

The desire for a quality living experience that de-emphasizes square footage is driving housing decisions nationally as well as locally. People are discovering they want more than boutique bedrooms and cavernous kitchens – they want a quality lifestyle. And this bodes well for Cherokee County. From a pure numbers standpoint, Cherokee is thriving as one of the better performing bedroom communities around Atlanta. The area has excellent neighborhoods, award-winning schools, wonderful parks, low tax rates, and great access to job opportunities. Local experts note a

(Beyond the Numbers continued from page 16)

19

AdvICE FOr FIrST-TIME HOME BuyErS If you are a first-time home buyer and want to buy a house while there are still some great deals, here are some tips to consider from Dawn Sams, realtor at ERA Sunrise Realty, who has helped many first timers find their dream home.

1. Saving for the down payment is a must! A lot of times the agent can negotiate the closing cost in as part of the deal, but not

always. So it’s better to have saved more money than you need.

2. Pay down debts. Paying down debts helps to reduce your debt-to-income ratios, and gives you more spending power on a house.

3. Talk to a lender and get pre-qualified. If you don’t know who to use, a realtor can help with that, too. Most agents work closely

with lenders that they know can be on top of getting the loan done and check on it along the way. Knowing what price range to look in is important so they don’t find their dream house and then realize it’s just out of their budget. A lender will pull your credit, so you don’t need to do it separately.

4. Find a realtor who you can work well with. work with a realtor that understands you will need to ask a lot of questions and has

experience and patience. Buying a house can be exciting and stressful. It’s important to pick an agent that can help you understand what is involved in buying your dream home - an agent that can help explain the small details and handle the important negotiations.

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flurry of new home activity, and certain pockets near the downtown of each city is taking advantage of the cultural shift that values living in a community hub. Downtown Woodstock serves as a great example of a thriving and desirable community lifestyle. Other cities - including Ball Ground, Holly Springs and Canton – have great projects in the works to bring more of a community lifestyle to their city centers. Also, homes with unique settings – like acreage, lake and golf properties – are regaining their strength, which is helping overall property values.

While buyers have enjoyed being in the driver’s seat in recent years, the seller’s market is likely to continue improving, according to those in the business. The belief is that homeowners who have not been able to sell for the past few years who list their home in 2014 will be especially pleased with their results. The market is completely different now...and for the better.

20

New Homes for Today’s New Multigenerational Families

(continued on page 22)

The Latest And Greatest Generation

Local home builder Tony Perry has seen a lot of changes in Cherokee County since he first started building here in 1989. “I was one of the first builder’s in Eagle Watch when Towne Lake was just getting started,” Perry notes. Since then, Cherokee has experienced tremendous growth, and he’s built hundreds of homes here, garnering some top honors along the way. From

being recognized as Atlanta’s “Builder of the Year” to serving as a Life Director on the Board of Directors for the Georgia Home Builders Association, Perry has enjoyed a career that he loves. “I just fell in love with building homes from the start. A home is where you live your life, and I enjoy creating special spaces that maximize a family’s enjoyment and look and function beautifully.”

21

Washed in sunlight, this reading nook overlooks a beautiful courtyard and sits just outside a spare room perfect for an “overnight with the grands” or a retreat for the lady of the house.

Fill the shelves with first

editions or your favorite “object d’art”

22

(The Latest and Greatest continued from page 20)

The pinnacle of Perry’s career was being featured on ABC’s television show “Extreme Makeover,” the Home Edition with the build of Cherokee County’s own Tipton–Smith Family Home in 2007. Now, with the local housing market heating up, Perry is proud to be back building and welcomes home buyers to come check out what he calls his best work ever—a European-inspired, courtyard-style ranch designed to comfortably accommodate multiple generations of a family. “I think we have raised the bar with this home—it’s unique and worth checking out.”

Throughout his career, Perry, currently a builder for The Greenstone Group, has exhibited a knack for knowing what people want in a home. In each community in which he builds, he brings a wealth of experience, creativity and market insight. According to a Pew Research Center analysis of the latest U.S. Census Bureau data, 16.7 percent of the population lives in a house with at least two adult generations under one roof. Perry is paying attention. His latest creation, the Village at Towne Lake in Woodstock, offers a separate, private space where boomerang adult children, aging parents, in-laws or a caregiver can live comfortably. “The private suite has its own small kitchen, living area and sleeping alcove. We created these plans to allow for dual living situations without sacrificing comfort and privacy,” he says. The Greenstone Group is one of the first builders to offer multigenerational homes in the Atlanta area. “The trend of extended family living together under one roof is growing, and it’s nice for people to have a comfortable, workable option built-in. People really don’t want to leave their homes, and this one-level design offers homeowners the flexibility to accommodate current or future situations,” Perry affirms. The private room is easily accessible and can also be used as an additional bedroom.

This model home Perry has built at 310 Gray Shingle Lane also has other features that are a marked departure from the homes Perry built nearby in the early 90s and more accommodating to the way we live today. First of all, the home is not huge, only 2,300 square feet, but it has living space where

(continued on page 24)

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24

it is needed and appreciated. The formal living room and dining room are gone, and instead the home includes a small shelf-lined library nook, a large open kitchen and living area with plenty of room for dining and entertaining. It also has a designated office space conveniently located right off of the kitchen rather than in a hall bedroom. The lot is small, but the home includes a secluded courtyard sanctuary where you can enjoy al fresco dining, relaxing or even swimming in a plunge pool. Each of the homes in this gated up-scale community feature hardwood floors, granite counter tops, coffered ceilings, premium cabinetry and a 40-inch dual-fuel oven. “Our model home has a cook’s kitchen—an electric convection oven with a gas cooktop and a large island. People who like to cook and entertain love it,” Perry adds.

Perry says he has created a unique home that people should come out and see. He likes the community so much that he is planning on moving to The Villages. “It has cobblestone sidewalks and driveways, maintenance-free landscaping, and custom parks located throughout. And the clubhouse is wonderful—it has two kitchens, a fitness room, a meeting room, two stone fireplaces, and an oversized pool.” Perry, who has lived in Cherokee since 1990, says one of the biggest benefits of living in The Village is its proximity to Woodstock’s vibrant historical downtown area. “It’s just a fun place to be. I think it’s one of the best places in metro Atlanta to spend an evening. And it’s only going to get better.”

The location is hard to beat—Towne Lake, Downtown Woodstock, and Metro Atlanta’s premier outlet mall are just a mile away. And homeowners here have easy access to I-575 and recreational opportunities at Lake Allatoona and Rope Mill Park.

“I’ve built in most of the counties in Metro Atlanta, but I love Cherokee County,” Perry adds. “The place, the people have a special place in my heart. We’ve made it our home and there’s no place we’d rather be.”

(The Latest and Greatest continued from page 22)

TM

26

creatingthe scene

thatsells

How to Sell Your House Quickly If the quickening pulse of Cherokee’s housing market has you wanting to go ahead and list your home for sale, you should consider making your home presentable so that it’s best features are highlighted—rather than buried under clutter—and it doesn’t look like you are trying to unload a “handyman’s special” with a long list of honey-dos that never got done.

Staging is a recommended practice for homeowners in today’s real estate market who want to get the best price for their home. According to local resident Jeanne Westmoreland, the owner of Classic Staging LLC and an Accredited Staging Professional Master®, staging involves first seeing your home as a product and then packaging it in a way that highlights all of your home’s best features and benefits so that potential buyers can readily see the true value of your home. “Chances are, your competition is staging their home, so you should too,” she advises. “You only get one opportunity for a first impression. The majority of buyers view and eliminate properties online before even setting foot in them. So you have to present your house at its best in photographs and in person. The online listing and photos will put your house on the go-see list. Your curb appeal and inside presentation will keep a buyer interested.”

Staging is Westmoreland’s passion. She had a successful residential design business for more than 14 years and has been staging full-time for more than eight years. Her work has been seen on several episodes of A&E’s Flip This House Atlanta. Although most people benefit from the services of a professional stager, Westmoreland happily offers a few basic tips to get you started.

The first thing you have to do is get rid of the clutter. You are moving soon, so now is the time to pack. “If there is too much stuff in a room, it is difficult to see the potential of the space. Too many books, too much furniture, too much art on the wall, even small scatter rugs appear as distracting clutter in a photograph of the room,” she says. Most owners arrange their furniture and stuff to accommodate how they live. But when you stage a home, how it looks to a potential buyer is the top priority.

Although you may have the cutest kids on the planet or the most awesome pottery collection, these kinds of personal items

can make it hard for some potential buyers to imagine themselves living in your home. Westmoreland says while you are packing up the clutter, you should also pack up your personal photos and collections and neutralize wall colors. “You want potential buyers to effortlessly visualize themselves living in your home.”

Chances are if your home is in need of repair, it will take a lot of imagination for someone to envision living happily in it. So, it’s important for you to imagine that you are a buyer and look at your house with a critical eye. “Does your house have current finishes, or is it the same as when you moved in 25 years ago? Are there needed repairs that you haven’t gotten around to? It is easy to ignore minor repairs for years; but when you sell, these have to be fixed,” Westmoreland advises. You won’t get top dollar for a fixer-upper. Remember, there will be an inspection, so you may as well

27

get your house in top shape before potential buyers see it.

That means getting it super clean as well. “Clean your house from top to bottom, inside and out...and then clean it some more. The house must be Q-Tip clean—that means windows, floors and fixtures need to be spotless. And don’t forget the yard and the outside of the house. Everything should be move-in ready,” she emphasizes.

Westmoreland notes that after her team professionally stages a home, many homeowners

Clean your house from top to bottom, inside and out...and then clean it some more.

(continued on page 28)

bankofnorthgeorgia.com

Bank of North Georgia is a division of Synovus Bank. Synovus Bank, Member FDIC, is chartered in the state of Georgia and operates under multiple trade names across the Southeast. Divisions of Synovus Bank are not separately FDIC-insured banks. The FDIC coverage extended to deposit customers is that of one insured bank.

Back: Adam Smith, Commercial Banker; Cory Wilson, Manager Retail Banking; Lewis Cline, Community ExecutiveFront: Cindy Brooks , Canton Office Manager; Dana Callan, Woodstock Office Manager; Debra Williams, Business Banker

Woodstock Office200 Parkway 575Woodstock, GA 30188770.591.6462

Canton Office300 East Main Street Canton, GA 30114770.479.5546

Invested in our community.

We know you have a choice when it comes to choosing a bank. At Bank of North Georgia, our team members are your friends and neighbors. Our children are classmates. We make decisions locally and understand your unique needs. And, as a division of Synovus Bank, we have the experience and resources to deliver the financial products and services to meet those needs. Let us help you realize your dreams.

Your dreams are our business.

say they wished they had done it earlier. “They can’t believe it’s even the same house. So I also offer staging services to homeowners who are not selling their homes right away but want to showcase it and make it more attractive. The process is very similar to staging a home for sale with personalization. We come in and help pick paint colors, give tips for furniture placement and can even help with purchases or plan future improvements.”

If you decide to leave it to the professionals, make sure your stager is accredited, licensed, and bound by a set of professional standards and business ethics. A typical consultation takes about two hours. “When we are finished you will have an action plan that will include suggestions for furniture placement, reducing clutter, and even repairs and changes such as wall paper removal and painting. We can even assess your yard to make sure that you have fantastic curb appeal, to go with your beautifully staged interior,” Westmoreland explains. “You’ll set up the timeline with your realtor to implement the changes and bring your property to market. And don’t worry! We’ll do a final walk through together to make sure everything is looking its best.”

People buy homes for a variety of reasons, but the biggest factor by far is an emotional connection. You want people to walk into your home and begin thinking about how they would place their furniture. With great staging in place, prospective buyers will look around and quickly start pondering where their Christmas tree will go.

(Scene continued from page 27)

Northside Cherokee Pediatrics provides compassionate, comprehensive medical care for patients

from birth to 18 years of age. Dr. Jamie Rollins and Dr. Shalini Shah offer the quality one-on-one

care you demand to keep your child happy and healthy including, short wait times, same-day

appointments and personalized care at a location convenient for your busy lifestyle.

Northside Pediatrics offers:

•Board-certified in Pediatrics. Northside Cherokee Pediatrics provides attentive,

complete care to children in every stage of development from infancy to adolescence.

•Timely Access. For sick patients who require immediate attention, we offer same-day

appointments whenever possible.

•Efficient Follow-up. We are committed to providing timely feedback and reports to

our patients. Exams are completed in our office and tests results are usually available

the next day.

684 Sixes Road, Suite 220,

Holly Springs, GA 30115

I-575, Exit 11

Quality Pediatric Care, Close to Home

Call us today for an appointment (678) 388-5485

OB-GYN Offices Located in Towne Lake, Canton and Roswell

James Haley, MD; Mike Litrel, MD; Barbara Oess, NP; Susan Griggs, CNM;Pearl Hwang, DO; Peahen Gandhi, MD; Kathryn Providence, MD

Woodstock / Canton / Roswell 770.720.7733 cherokeewomenshealth.com/ /

30

Higher home prices make current homeowners, mortgage lenders and real estate professionals happy, but not everyone is relishing the news. With home prices in Cherokee expected to continue rising, economic difficulties lingering, and record student loan debt accumulating, most local 20-somethings, also referred to as Millennials, probably won’t be shopping for a home this year. In fact a third of them nationwide aren’t even planning on moving out from their parents’ homes anytime soon.

Candice Yoder and Ryan Schell are the exceptions. The soon-to-be-married, 20-somethings bought a three-bedroom/two-bathroom ranch home in June of 2012 in Magnolia Walk in Woodstock, a neighborhood developed in the 1980s. “Most of our friends still live at home or in apartments they share with roommates. We bought a house we could afford and locked in a 3.5 percent interest rate. It doesn’t have everything we wanted—the closets and the master bath are small, and it needed a little fixing up. The previous owners were smokers, so we had to repaint the whole inside of the house. We are working on updating the master bath now—getting rid of the floral wallpaper and gold fixture. It’s not perfect, but it has most of what we need—lots of space, an acre lot, a big yard for our dog, a two-car garage, a partial basement for Ryan’s projects and stuff, and it’s in a safe area with great schools,” Yoder says. “We’ll probably move into something larger eventually, but it’s great for now.”

Having watched as their parents became encumbered with houses they couldn’t sell, many 20-somethings say they prefer not to be tied down to a house or even a specific locale in case they need to relocate for their career or a relationship. The high school sweethearts (Etowah class of 2009) say they never considered living anywhere else but Cherokee. “I grew up in the Victoria area and Ryan grew in the Kellogg Creek area. Our families

BeFore

AFTer

BeFore AFTer

are here. We decided to buy a house here because we think Cherokee County is a great place for us to raise our future children.”

They also appreciate that Cherokee is convenient for their jobs. Schell, a union electrician in his third-year of an apprenticeship, has projects all over metro Atlanta, usually within an hour’s drive. Yoder, who works in Cherokee now, has a job lined up at a mid-size accounting firm in nearby Cobb County after she completes her Masters of Accounting degree at Kennesaw State University in July. “It’s about a 30-minute commute. I wish it was closer, but it’s hard to find an accounting job in Cherokee County,” she explains.

Unlike many recent college graduates, Yoder and Schell say they were financially able to buy a home because they made different choices than many of their friends. They attended college locally while still living at home, and they learned early how to manage money and save. “I’ve worked full-time while going to school since I was 16. We didn’t have the fun college campus life that a lot of our friends had, but on the upside, we aren’t saddled with student loans.”

The couple will be married in May at the Wheeler House, a special events venue in nearby Ball Ground. “We’re paying for that ourselves, too,” Yoder adds.

Two convenient locations. Call us today for an appointment (770) 924-5095.

Northside Cherokee Cardiology is a full-service cardiology practice offering complete heart and blood vessel care. Dr. Sanjay Lall and Dr. Gregory Petro are board certifi ed in cardiovascular disease and cardiology and have more than 20 years of experience.

Northside Cherokee Cardiology offers:

• Expertise. In partnership with Northside Hospital, patients have access to comprehensive cardiology services.

• Timely access. We’ll schedule same-day appointments whenever possible.

• Effi cient Followup. We are committed to clear and timely communication about your progress.

NorthsideCherokeeCardiology.com

Sanjay Lall, M.D.

Gregory Petro, M.D.900 Towne Lake Parkway, Suite 400Woodstock, GA 30189

(Near I-575, on Towne Lake Parkway)

210 Oakside Lane, Suite 210-BCanton, GA 30114

(Exit 20, off Riverstone Parkway)

32

Growing herbs in our southern gardens is simple and very rewarding. Herbs provide delicious compliments to our favorite recipes, pleasant fragrances and interest to our landscape. A wide variety of herbs grow well in our region with its hot, humid summers and fluctuating winter temperatures. Herbs do well in average soil and like many garden plants, prefer a well-drained, loamy to sandy soil that is well tilled. A pH range of about 6 to 7.5 is appropriate for most herbs, though some such as rosemary and lavender, actually prefer slightly more alkaline soil (7.5). Southern soils may require the addition of dolomitic lime (10-20 lbs. per 100 sq. ft) for herbs to grow well. Herbs require only moderate fertilizing. Herbs such as basil, chives, and parsley require more fertilization because they are heavily harvested. Because many herbs are perennials, prepare the soil well before initial planting by tilling in well-rotted manure and compost. Before planting your herb garden, work the soil to a depth of 1 foot or more, break up the clods and add organic matter if the soil is heavy clay or sandy. Like most vegetables, herbs generally require at least six hours of sunlight but some herbs grow under other conditions, as noted here:

Semi- Shade - bay, comfrey, costmary, lemon balm, mints, parsley, sweet woodruff

Moist Soil - monarda, comfrey, mints, parsley

Dry Soil - artemisia, borage, fennel, scented geraniums, germander, sage, santolina, winter savory, soapwort, thyme, yarrow

Herb gardeners generally agree that raised beds help herbs to flourish by providing good drainage and warmer soil temperatures. They also give the gardener workable options for poor soil or difficult landscaping problems. Raised beds can be contained in rock walls, landscape timbers, railroad ties or other borders. However, if properly prepared and diligently tended, an in ground bed of lush, fragrant herbs can be a welcome and beautiful addition to your landscape. Small specimens also do well in pots. Just be sure that once the plant fills the container, it should be repotted into a larger container or transferred to an new in ground home to thrive.

Because they have such distinct flavors and fragrances, most are not plagued by insects. If they do have a “buggy visitor,” it is highly recommended that you use an organic form of pest control such as an insecticidal soap to control them. Remember, chemical insect killers don’t just kill the bad ones, they can also kill the good guys such as the now endangered honey bee. Mulching is a must in the hot, dry summer of the Deep South. Consider a mulch of shredded bark, wood chips, or pine straw to discourage weeds and retain moisture.

Some folks find it confusing... is it an herb or is it a spice? Perhaps this simple explanation will help to clear the air of any confusion. The essential difference between an herb and a spice is where it is obtained on a plant. Herbs usually come from the leafy part of a plant, and are usually dried. However, some herbs can be used fresh. Spices can be obtained from seeds, fruits, roots, bark, or some other vegetative substance.

(continued on page 48)

GLaSS CLeaNeR•emptygallonjug•½cupammonia•16oz.100%alcohol(maysubstitutevodka)•1tspblueDawndishdetergent•1gallonwaterFill jug half full with water. Add the remaining ingredients, adding the Dawn last. Finish filling the jug with water. Gently shake thoroughly to mix ingredients. Transfer to spray bottle as needed.

aLL-PuRPoSe CLeaNeR•emptyspraybottle•½cupwhitevinegar•½cupbakingsoda•½gallonwaterMix ingredients together. Transfer to spray bottle. Use to clean hard surfaces. Note: do not use on granite due to the acid content in vinegar.

CItRuS DuStING SPRay•emptyspraybottle•1cupwater•¼cupvinegar•2tspoliveoil•10-15droplemonessentialoilCombine ingredients in spray bottle shake to mix. The oil and water will separate, so shake well before each use. Spray lightly on clean cloth and dust furniture.

Soft SCRuB CLeaNSeR•emptybottlewithsqueezetop•¾cupbakingsoda•¼cupcastilesoap•1tspwater•1tspwhitevinegarIn a medium sized bowl, combine the baking soda and castile soap. Add the water and stir with a fork. After the first 3 ingredients are well combined, SLOWLY add the vinegar. The mixture will bubble up because of the chemical reaction between the baking soda and vinegar. Stir until you achieve a paste-like consistency. Note: you may need to add more baking soda to achieve the perfect creamy consistency. Transfer to squeeze bottle.

tuB aND ShoweR CLeaNeR•24ozspraybottle•12ozDawndishsoap•12ozwhitevinegarMix the vinegar and soap together in the bottle shake well. Spray the tub or shower and let sit approximately 10 minutes. Clean with a cloth or sponge, rinse well.

Do not be deceived by the simplicity of these cleaners. Here is a list of some of the benefits of the ingredients:•Vinegar–killsmostgerms,mold,andbacteria.Thestrongsmelldissipatesas itdriesbecoming odorless.•Bakingsoda–agreatdeodorizerandwhenusedasamildabrasivecleaneritwillnotscratch delicate surfaces.•100%alcohol–potentdisinfectantandkillsharmfulbacteria•Oliveoil–whilenotacleaner,itprotectsandshineswoodsurfaces

As you use home created cleaning solutions, you will want to incorporate more and more into your cleaning arsenal. No matter the task, there are numerous resources to help you accomplish the job. Happy cleaning!

Sources used: The Pantry Cleaner: Chemical Free Cleaning by Mysti Reutlinger. www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com

34

As spring arrives we turn our thoughts to freshening

up our homes. Many are now turning to the pantry

to create cleaning solutions which are non-toxic as well

as very economical. A basic supply list includes distilled

vinegar, lemon or lime juice, baking soda, 100% alcohol, olive oil, hydrogen peroxide

(3% solution), original Dawn dish soap, club soda,

cornstarch, and salt. Here are some recipes to

help you get started.

HomeMade

CLEAN

36

It’s a typical spring scene: You’re busy concentrating on finishing up your new flowerbed when you hear that buzzing sound just inches above your head. Your impulse is to duck—you’ve obviously found yourself in the path of a very angry bee. Then you catch a glimpse of the culprit causing your heart palpitations—without a stinger in sight. It’s a Ruby-throated hummingbird.

It’s easy to mistake the sight and sound of this busy dive-bomber for a disgruntled bumblebee. In all of her tiny splendor, she’s busy zipping and darting about, moving at lightning speed or suddenly suspended mid-air on translucent wings. The petite bird is back again, eager to visit all the pinks and reds and tasty nectar to be found in your flowering plants. If you can wrangle a closer look, you’ll spot the distinctive needle-like bill of the smallest bird in the bird family. She may look delicate, but don’t let her diminutive size fool you. The hummingbird has much to boast about among her feathered relatives.

Hummingbirds’ wings flap at an astonishing 40-90 times per second and can rotate as well, allowing them to be the smallest bird in Georgia capable of flying both sideways and backwards. Weighing a mere two to five grams, hummingbirds often consume more than their body weight in a day. If you watch a hummingbird drink from a flower or feeder you assume its bill serves as a straw to suck up the sweet liquid; but, instead, the hummingbird’s tongue flicks 10-15 times a second to trap nectar, their primary energy food source.

Crafty homemakers Hummingbird nests are so small that they can be easily mistaken for a knot on a tree limb. Carefully chosen nesting spots are selected by females to withstand wind and heavy rains. She forms her nest from the softest materials she can find including moss, tufts of cotton or dryer lint–all held together with strands of meticulously tucked spider webs.

The first year of life for a hummingbird is especially difficult and mortality rates are high, with less than a 20% chance of survival.Female hummingbirds are actually single parents and are the sole caretakers of their young while preparing a second nest to lay more eggs. Hummingbird predators include cats, snakes, lizards, as well as large insects such as the praying mantis. It’s important to know that if by any chance you discover a hummingbird’s nest, it’s best not to touch. A human’s smell will draw predators directly to the nest.

Georgia Natives and winter Visitors Among the dozens of hummingbird species, the only hummer known to breed east of the Mississippi River is the Ruby-throated. (The males of this group earning the name from the bright crimson feathers on their necks.) If you have been fortunate enough to have a hummingbird guest at your home between March and October, chances are it’s a Ruby-throated.

Over 11 types of hummingbirds visit Georgia over the wintering months of November through March. Among those species is the Rufous hummingbird, which stops by the neighborhood during an incredible 3,000-mile migration path to southern Mexico and Panama.

Nature’s GPS For years, Georgia hummingbird enthusiasts have removed their feeders in late summer or early fall for fear that an easy food source would prevent the birds from migrating. Research has shown that this

Once you have enjoyed the antics and flying

acrobatics of a hummingbird...you’re hooked.

Hooked onHummers

is not true. Although no one has proven how it works exactly, the hummingbird migration cues begin with the shortening of days.

Hummingbirds such as the Ruby-throated navigate with an internal system that utilizes the earth’s magnetic fields, star fields and topography. Pretty amazing when you combine that innate ability with the fact that their mothers provide no flight training before their 500-mile journey across the Gulf of Mexico!

welcome South, y’all! It was once believed that hummingbird sightings in the Southeast were “mistakes”-birds blown off course by heavy winds during migration. Research has proven this untrue. Georgia’s first resident licensed to band hummingbirds, Terry Johnson, spent 30 years as the Manager of the Non-Game Program of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Johnson is skilled in the process of banding hummingbirds by placing mesh-like ring on the bird’s legs, each encoded with a unique tracking number. This system has allowed the tracking of hummingbirds for several years and is increasing our knowledge of the lifespan and migratory habits of these animals while dispelling the idea that they are not visitors by default.

“We have tracked birds from Georgia, to Ohio, and on to Kentucky. One hummingbird we tracked was 11 years old—an age record.” Because our wildlife is protected by state and federal laws, Johnson cautions against attempting to touch or capture a hummingbird. “It takes a long time to learn the proper technique to catch, band and release a hummingbird without causing harm to the animal and it requires a special permit. There are currently only two dozen people licensed to band these birds in the Southeast.”

Through the banding process, non-game wildlife experts like Johnson are able to determine the gender and age of hummingbirds by examining bill and feather length. Female wings are larger than males. Young hummingbirds have slightly wrinkled bills, while older birds have bills with smooth surfaces.

Southern hospitality Once you have enjoyed the antics and flying acrobatics of a hummingbird while sipping your morning coffee, you’re hooked. It is easy to fall for this spirited feathered friend and want to create ways to keep her around throughout season, or better yet, welcome a repeat visitor next year.

If you decide to hang a feeder, pick a spot that you can view from a nearby window, but not so close that hummingbirds could fly into the window and cause injury. You might fare better if you have some of their favorite trumpet shaped flowers, sage or salvia planted nearby.

An enticing feeder with a red base or flowers is all they need to be first attracted to your yard. It is better to buy or make your own hummingbird nectar that doesn’t contain food coloring—an ingredient that is now considered unhealthy for birds.

It’s easy to make your own nectar at home by combining one part sugar to four parts water. Simply boil until sugar dissolves, cool and pour into the feeder’s dispenser. Always keep your feeder clean and refill once or twice weekly. Plan to keep your feeder maintained all year and you can welcome Georgia hummers back home each spring—and, if you’re lucky, a few winter visitors passing through.

Special thanks to Todd Schneider, Dept. of Natural Resources, for his assistance.

or a collection of vintage sterling candlesticks—these give a room a little je ne sais quoi!”

…And he agrees. Mansfield suggests displaying a collection in your office to create an inviting work space. “Use a shelf or two on your bookcases or built-in cabinets to display collected objects that reflect your personality and interest.”

He also recommends updating your kitchen by displaying glassware and dinnerware collections on open shelves. “A home’s kitchen has become the heart of the home in everyday living and for entertaining. If a remodel is not in the budget this spring, you can make a few simple changes that can dramatically update the look. Remove a bank of upper cabinets and replace with wood shelving to display your collections of glasses or dishes. Stay with a common theme and color for your countertop décor to create a clean uncluttered look.”

For more inspiration, visit Linden at 8722 Main St. in Woodstock, and Creative Interiors and Consignment at 1428 Towne Lake Parkway, Suite 100 in Woodstock.

(Bring On Spring continued from page 15)

*J. ThompsonRoss Investments is not a tax or legal advisor. J. ThompsonRoss Investments and Judy T. Ross offer investment products and services through Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC (WFAFN), Member SIPC. J.ThompsonRoss

Investments is a separate entity from WFAFN. CAR-0214-01560

Life Planning.Clarify And Prioritize.

131 Village Centre West, Suite 120 • Woodstock, GA 30188

770.345.8008www.jtrinvestments.com

P L A N • I N V E S T • M O N I TO R

Let Us Partner With You.

The J.ThompsonRoss Investment team. As seen in Forbes magazine.*

We can help you identify your highest – priority goals and develop an investment plan with those goals in mind. As your life constantly evolves, so do your in-vestment needs. Are you sure your strategy is correct?

321 East Main Street • Canton, GA 30114 (Appointment only)

It’s Not Your Grandfather’s Retirement Anymore It used to be relatively simple to plan for retirement: You’d just circle the date on the calendar when your pension was set to kick in and have your co-workers start planning your send-off party. But that was then. These days, retirement planning is a lot more complex. The number of corporate pension plans has fallen dramatically over the past two decades — from about 92,000 single-employer defined benefit plans in 1990 to 29,000 in 2009, according to the U.S. Government Accountability Office.* With the burden of paying for retirement shifting to individuals, personal savings and investments are becoming the primary source of retirement income. In the old days, Grandpa knew how much his pension would pay him for the rest of his life. Now the big question is, ‘How much income will your savings generate from month to month during your retirement?’”So what can individuals do to better prepare for today’s retirement landscape? The answer is to plan ahead. Start building a stronger foundation for your retirement with two important steps.

Step up your Savings “How much should I save?” is a common question among those planningforretirement.Theruleof thumbis tosaveat least10%ofyour salary each year, but that’s if you started saving early in your career. If you’re 40 or 50 and haven’t started socking away money in your 401(k)orIRA,youmayfindthata10%savingsratewon’tbeenoughtohelp you reach your retirement goals. Your first step should be to meet with your Financial Advisor to assess your current nest egg and savings rate and estimate how much annual income you’re likely to need during retirement. A good planning process can help you stress-test various retirement scenarios and identify areas of your plan that need adjusting. For instance, you may find that boosting your savings rate by a few percentage points a year will get you closer to your long-term financial goals. The more you save, the better off you’ll be. Even a small step-up in savings can make a big difference.

Rethink your Retirement Budget For many years, experts recommended aiming to replace roughly 80%ofyourannualpreretirementincomeduringretirement.Theideawas that living expenses typically decreased in retirement. But that advice assumed that you were going to spend your retirement in a rocking chair on the front porch. These days, retirees are likely to be very active. And that means higher costs to keep up with a more expensive lifestyle. It’s important to look at your planned retirement budget realistically. Map out essential costs, such as housing and food, and discretionary expenses, such as travel and entertainment. That exercise can help you set credible long-term savings goals based on your expected income needs during retirement.

Revising your Plan Evaluating your retirement savings goals is essential whether retirement is imminent or 30 years away. By considering your savings goals and income needs, you may find that your current plan is likely to leave you short when it comes time to stop working. The good news is that you have options, such as working a bit longer than you initially planned. The fact is, delaying retirement by working just a few extra years can keep you from having to dip into your savings, meaning more of your money can continue to benefit from the tax-favored compounding in plans such as 401(k)s and IRAs. You may also find additional funds — in the form of an inheritance or the proceeds from the sale of a family business — to help you move closer to your financial goals. Your Financial Advisor can help you review and adjust your current retirement savings plan to factor in such windfalls. Develop a plan and stress-test it with your advisor. The results can help you understand what’s possible, and also what may be out of reach.

* Government Accountability Administration, “Survey Results of the Nation’s Largest Private Defined Benefit Plan Sponsors,” http://www.gao.gov/assets/290/288087.pdf.

J. Thompson Ross Investments:

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Respect for artistic endeavor in all its’ many forms is evidence of a higher quality of life within a community. That respect is truly seen in the many outlets of artists and artistic expression that exist in Cherokee County.

One such example is The falany Center for the Performing arts at Reinhardt university in Waleska, Georgia. Opened in 2001, The Floyd A. Falany and Fay W. Falany Performing Arts Center stands as the perfect setting for academic pursuit and learning, while furnishing a state-of-the-art concert and performance hall to showcase the educational, musical, cultural and social traditions of North Georgia. The impressive Concert Hall has seating for 350 people. Other areas designed to educate, include television studios; classrooms; administration offices and rehearsal rooms and a keyboard museum. The museum features special humidity control systems to house antique instruments and historic papers. The system was designed to clearly address the humid North Georgia environment where the collections of this type are rare. The Falany venue overlooks Lake Mullinex on Reinhardt University campus in Waleska, Georgia. Since its first year in the performing arts, guests have praised their wonderful experiences with the convenient free parking, meet-and-greet with artists, and intimate performances.

The Falany Performing Arts Center has hosted a variety of events, from theatrical productions, chamber groups, student

ArtisticExpression THrives IN CHErOkEE COuNTy

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productions and recitals, and popular ensembles such as the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. The main attraction of this concert hall is its state-of-the-art acoustic and rotating stage. Known as one of the best concert halls in the Southeast, musicians, theatre groups, and guest speakers have enjoyed the quality sound the concert hall provides.

Another shining and active outlet for expression is The elm Street Cultural arts Village in Woodstock, Georgia. Formerly known as the Towne Lake Arts Center, Elm Street was founded in 2002 by Executive and Artistic Director G. Lora Grooms. Its’ founding created a growing and vibrant community theater right here in Cherokee County.

From the beginning, it has grown into a first-rate outlet for theater and arts education for residents of Cherokee County and surrounding communities. The center offers productions in Children’s Theater and Evening Theater as well as Drama Classes and Camps, Teen Arts Nights and a variety of other arts-oriented programs.

Governed by a working board of directors, Elm Street is a member of the Cherokee Chamber of Commerce, Atlanta

Coalition for the Performing Arts, American Association of Community Theaters and the Woodstock Main Street Association. The Elm Street Cultural Arts Village is dedicated to professional quality live theatre to Cherokee County residents and the surrounding communities with a dedication to artistic integrity and family values assuring that you will have an enjoyable experience.

The Cherokee arts Center of Canton, Georgia celebrates the arts and artists of this region. Artists and art patrons alike will certainly find something of interest and inspiration. The arts are very much alive at the Cherokee Arts Center!

The Cherokee Arts Center is housed in what was originally Canton Methodist Church. The building is listed on the National Historic Registry as well as the GA Historic Registry.

The center offers a wide array of activities for adults and children. It hosts exhibits annually that celebrate local and regional artists and crafts people as well as a special showcase of Cherokee County school students. The Cherokee Arts Center also annually hosts the Canton Festival of the Arts in May as well as the annual Arts Ball in the fall. In summer 2010 Disney Studios filmed scenes from the movie The Odd Life of Timothy Green at the center.

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CHEROKEE

marchmarch 6Kim Bates – Digital Photography Class(4 weeks) Thursdays6:30pm-8:30pm12 years and upBring 2-3 recently taken photos, your camera and it’s instructions. No digital camera? You can even use your cell phone. $90Cherokee Arts Center march 6John Horne’s - Adult Drawing(4 weeks) Thursdays 11:00am-1:00pmLearn to see, understand, compose and dynamically render the human portrait on paper. $90 (model fees may apply)Cherokee Arts Center

march 13Jennifer Stumm, Viola 7:30pmInternationally recognized as an innovator and dynamic advocate for the viola. Through a unique mixture of talk and performance, Ms. Strumm presents the vast emotional range of her instrument.Adults $25, Seniors (55+) and Students $20 and Children (12 and under) $10.Falany Performing Arts CenterReinhardt University

march 14-16, 21-23Treasure Island or Who’s Got the Map? A comic re-telling of the Robert Louis Stevenson adventure pitting young Jim Hawkins and his friends against Long John Silver and some wacky pirates. Great fun for the entire family! All seats $10 in advance online (for ages 2 and up) $12 at the door. Presented by Elm Street Cultural Arts Village.March 14 at 7:30 pm and 15 & 16 at 2:00 pm March 21 at 7:30 pm and 22 & 23 at 2:00 pmCity Center AuditoriumWoodstock

march 15Social Media Workshops presented by Camille Ronay: The Next Step for the Entrepreneur1:00pm-3:00pmThe Next Step helps businesses decide what social media outlets work best to get their message out to their market. Must register at least one week in advance.$25 members/$35 non-membersCherokee Arts Center

march 16Mallory Lewis & Lamb Chop3:00pmThe daughter of beloved Shari Lewis, Mallory and Lamb Chop’s performance resonates with the entire audience from toddlers

to seniors. Adults $25, Seniors (55+) and Students $20 and Children (12 and under) $10Falany Performing Arts CenterReinhardt University

march 20DSB-America’s Favorite Tribute to Journey7:30pmThe #1 Journey tribute band hailed by fans as the “next best thing” by remaining true to Journey’s legacy while delivering a nostalgic performance. Adults $35, Seniors (55+) and Students $30 and Children (12 and under) $20.Falany Performing Arts CenterReinhardt University

march 23White Ghosts Shivers3:00pmThis eight piece ensemble creates a musical amalgam of Hokum Blues, Hill-billy swing, Country and Hot Jazz. Destroying stereotypes and making it look easy! Adults $35, Seniors (55+) and Students $30 and Children (12 and under) $20.Falany Performing Arts CenterReinhardt University

march 28Cherokee County Georgia Grown Agriculture Expo 4:00-7:00pm

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Visit over 20 Agriculture booths to learn about Agriculture in Cherokee County and how it plays and important part it plays in your everyday life. There will be refreshment and a petting zoo. Sponsored by the Cherokee County Farm Bureau, Cherokee County Extension Office, Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce and the City of Woodstock.Woodstock Recreation Center7475 Main St., Woodstock

march 29 (7:30pm) march 30 (3:00pm)Reinhardt University OperaPlease contact for more information 770-720-9167 or box office@reinhardt.edu. All seats $10.Falany Performing Arts CenterReinhardt University

aprilapril 1Reinhardt University Jazz Band7:30pmPlease contact for more information 770-720-9167 or box office@reinhardt.edu. All seats $10.Falany Performing Arts CenterReinhardt University

april 2, 3 & 4“Techniques and Tools for Growth and Success” with Elly

Hobgood: Firm Foundation9:00am-4:30pmThis class is designed for adults including serious beginners and those wanting to increase their results in the medium of Watercolor. Includes daily demos, individual guidance, door prizes, samples and much more. You do not need skill in drawing to succeed in this class. This is a prerequisite to Elly’s “Watercolor Florals Workshop”. Must register at least one week in advance.$225 + $65 supply fee, $50 non-refundable deposit.Cherokee Arts Center

april 4 & 5 (7:30pm)april 6 (3:00pm)Reinhardt University Music TheatrePlease contact for more information 770-720-9167 or box office@reinhardt.edu. All seats $10.Falany Performing Arts CenterReinhardt University

april 10Reinhardt University Concert Choir7:30pmPlease contact for more information 770-720-9167 or box office@reinhardt.edu. All seats $10.Falany Performing Arts CenterReinhardt University

april 15Reinhardt University Symphonic Winds 7:30pmPlease contact for more information 770-720-9167 or box office@reinhardt.edu. All seats $10.Falany Performing Arts CenterReinhardt University

april 18, 29 (7:30pm)april 20 (2:00pm) april 25, 26 (7:30pm)april 27 (2:00pm)GodspellBased on the Gospel According to St. Matthew, and featuring a sparkling score by Stephen Schwartz, Godspell boasts a string of well-loved songs such as “Day by Day”, “All for the Best” and “All Good Gifts”. This is a unique reflection on the life of Jesus, with a message of kindness, tolerance and love. Adults $12, Seniors/Students $11 and $10 Children 3 – 12 years old in advance online. Tickets at the door are available for $15, $13, and $12. Presented by Elm Street Cultural Arts Village.City Center AuditoriumWoodstock

april 21Reinhardt University Symphony Orchestra7:30pm

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Calendar(continued from page 44)

Please contact for more information 770-720-9167 or box office@reinhardt.edu. All seats $10.Falany Performing Arts CenterReinhardt University

maymay 526th Annual Dave Henritze Scholarship Golf ClassicSupports work/study programs and scholarships for Reinhardt University students. Register online at www.reinhardt.edu/golfsvp. $500 per player, for more information contact Barbara Manous at 770-720-5506. Hawks Ridge Golf Course, Ball Ground

may 8The Artie Shaw Orchestra7:30pmUnder the direction of Matt Koza, The Orchestra continues to bring wonderful music to jazz fans who want to enjoy an exciting night of swing. Adults $35, Seniors (55+) and Students $30 and Children (12 and under) $20.Falany Performing Arts CenterReinhardt University

may 10Garden Club of Ellijay Plant Sale8:30am-12:30pm

Choose from a large selection of perennials, shrubs, herbs, and container gardens for your yard or find a great Mother’s Day Gift. Win a raffle item or get informed gardening advice from members that are Master Gardeners. A wonderful way to meet other gardeners. Event held rain or shine. Lions Club Pavillion1179 S. Main St., Ellijay

may 11Atlantic Coast Theatre “Rumpelstiltskin”3:00pmAdapted from the classic Brothers Grimm tale featuring elaborate masks and audience participation. Adults $15, Seniors (55+) and Students $10 and Children (12 and under) $5.Falany Performing Arts CenterReinhardt University

may 16 & 17, 23 & 24 Whose Line is it, Woodstock?7:30pmThe iThink Improv Troupe brings their special brand of crazy yet family friendly humor to the Elm Street stage. With suggestions from you – the audience – they create a variety of scenes right there on the spot. All seats $10 in advance online (ages 2 and up) $12 at the door. Presented by Elm Street Cultural Arts Village.City Center AuditoriumWoodstock

may 17 & 18Canton Festival of the Arts10:00am-5:00pmA juried show for fine arts and crafts featuring over 60 artists from nine states. Featuring Serenity Gardens, Interactive Children’s Experience, food concessions and beer and wine garden. Historic Downtown Canton

may 17Louis Armstrong Society Jazz Band7:30pmEnjoy the music of a legend and the energy of New Orleans. Adults $35, Seniors (55+) and Students $30 and Children (12 and under) $20.Falany Performing Arts CenterReinhardt University

may 2121st Annual United Methodist Scholarship Golf OutingEvery dollar raised goes directly to student scholarships. Register online at www.reinhardt.edu/golfsvp. $125 per player, for more information contact Barbara Manous at 770-720-5506. Bent Tree Golf Course, Jasper.

To be considered in future enjoy! calendars, submit your event date, time,

location and contact information to: info@adigeorgia.com

Event listings are subject to space limitations.

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Here Is a list of the most popular culinary herbs along with the foods that they best compliment:

Basil (ocimum basilicum)Basil goes great with tomatoes, soups, salads, pizza, salad dressings, chicken dishes, egg dishes, salmon, tuna, spaghetti, meatloaf, dips, herb sandwiches, green beans, wax beans, cauliflower, and corn.

Bay leaves (Laurus nobilis)Bay leaves are exceptional with meats, stews, steamed fish, sauces, soups, pickling, casseroles, stocks, syrups, garnish, pâté and terrines.

Chervil (anthriscus cerefolium)Use chervil with eggs, salads, vegetables, soups, chicken, fish, herb butter, and cottage cheese.

Chives (allium schoenoprasum)Try chives in dips, sauces, spreads, garnish, cold chicken, barbecued meats, baked and mashed potatoes, egg dishes, cheese soufflés, salads, carrots, soups, vichyssoise, and herb sandwiches.

Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum)Cilantro was made for salads, guacamole, soups, stews, salsas, chutneys, dips, beans, soups, used in Asian, Mexican, Indian, Tex Mex, Caribbean, and North African cuisines.

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum)Coriander can often be found in ginger cookies, curry, Indian dishes, Greek dishes, Asian cooking, pickles, veal, fish, fruit puddings, tea cakes, and apple crumble recipes.

Dill weed (anethum graveolens)Dill weed is yummy in with shellfish, salads, herb butter, dips, sauces, soups, vegetable stews, fish dishes, vinegars and oils, breads and sandwiches, egg and cheese dishes, green beans, wax beans, and cabbage. Dill seeds are used in pickling, coleslaw, cakes, breads, and teas.

fennel (foeniculum vulgare)Fennel goes well with salads, fish, duck, pork, veal, sauces, stuffings / dressings, mayonnaise, flavored butters, and salad dressings. Fennel seeds are used in breads.

Lemon grass / Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)Lemongrass is used in soups, sauces, stirfry, chicken, tomatoes, fish, seafood, beef, and Caribbean and Asian dishes (Thai and Vietnamese).

Mint (Mentha)Mint goes with carrots, lamb sauce, pea soup, soft cheeses, herb sandwiches, egg dishes, vegetables such as buttered peas, mashed potatoes, mint ice, cold drinks, mint juleps, mint jelly, sauces, tea, garnish, and desserts (mmm mint ice cream).

oregano (origanum vulgare)Oregano can be commonly found in meat sauces, tomato sauces, breads, Italian dishes, pizza, casseroles, soups (tomato, pea), pates and poultry dishes, and goes great with veal, egg dishes, salads, beans, rice, and vegetables including cabbage.

Parsley (Petroselinum crispum )Parsley is a natural in fish and meat sauces, salads, soups (vegetable, tomato, fish), dips, vegetables, omelettes and other egg dishes, breads and sandwiches, sausage, stuffing, hamburgers, tuna loaf, potatoes, salad dressings, and, of course, garnishes.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)Rosemary is delectable in lamb, chicken and poultry sauces, beef and mutton stock, vegetables in particular cauliflower, breads and scones, dumplings, liver pâté, stews, and dressings.

Sage (Salvia officinalis)Look for ways to use sage with stuffing / dressing, soups (Minestrone, chicken), sauces, pork, meatballs, meatloaf, Welsh rabbit, pizza, fish, goose, duck, sausage, casseroles, omelettes, vegetarian stews, salads, and with Brussels sprouts.

Savory (Satureja)Try savory with vegetables, dried bean dishes, soups, lentils, eggs, stuffings / dressings, condiments, hamburger, and to add more flavor to gravy.

Sorrel (Rumex scutatus)Sorrel is spectacular in cold soups and in white and cream sauces, as well as with salads, vegetables, fish, eggs, poultry, white meats, and goat cheese.

Sweet Marjoram (origanum majorana)Sweet marjoram sings in dishes with peas, stuffings/dressings, soups, salads, sauces, egg and cheese dishes, stews, and fruit salads.

tarragon (artemisia dracunculus)Tarragon brings flavor to chicken/poultry, fish sauces and soups, tarragon tartare sauce (tartar sauce), mushrooms, meats, liver, pâté, seafoods, egg dishes, green salads, mayonnaise, cream and butter sauces, salad dressings, vinegars and oils, vegetables (green beans and cauliflower in particular), butter, and cottage cheese.

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)Thyme is terrific in chowders, cheeses, salads, chicken and fish marinades, beef broth, soups (vegetable, chicken), liver, pâté, meatballs, meatloaf, braised rabbit, chicken, stuffing, egg dishes, broccoli, beans, lentil stew, tomatoes, butters, cottage cheese, vinegars and oils.

Don’t be afraid! Herbs, for the most part, are an inexpensive and tasty addition to your landscape and kitchen table. The prolific bloomers provide color, fragrance and needed nectar for hummingbirds, butterflies and the plant’s best pal, the honey bee. Herbs are relatively easy to maintain, some even thrive on neglect, and will provide you with the satisfaction of knowing that you too are “herbalicious.”

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