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Featured in this issue:

• Publisher’s Note
  Last year meant many things to different people, but I doubt you made it through without becoming closer to those around you. Going it alone is not very effective when things become difficult.

  In the little town of Greenville, Georgia where I grew up (population 1500+/-), it was impossible to remain unknown. This was not always a good thing — until you really needed something and it was there without even having to ask. Why? Because we knew each other. When times are difficult, we need to know each other, and I hope 2011 becomes a year in which AroundAbout Community Magazine contributes to that good, life-filled way of knowing and being known.

  It is Knowing what is going to happen before it happens in AroundAbout; Knowing the trends that shape our experiences locally through AroundAbout so that you have a voice in what is happening; and Knowing about the extraordinary stories that form the life that drew you to the rich and vibrant Woodstock community in Around About. These are local stories filled with adventure, meaning and humor. And as always, we will be bringing you the voices of Woodstock through our local community writers who pour themselves into your lives on a range of subjects from heating and air-conditioning to words of faith.

  This knowing includes knowing the journey of small businesses owned and operated by your neighbors. Pinnacle Orthopaedics began in a small office several years ago and recently moved into a new state-of-the-art medical facility on Towne Lake Pkwy. This new building, at just over 33,000 square feet, houses the Pinnacle physicians’ offices, Pinnacle Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy, and Pinnacle Imaging Center, including MRI. There are also plans for an Outpatient Surgery Center is scheduled to open in spring 2011. “We have been looking forward to this new office to better serve our patients with better space, equipment and technology,” says Dr. Michael Kuczmanski, managing partner – Woodstock. “This is a great asset to our patients.” See Pinnacle’s journey on pages 16-17.

  This month you have an opportunity to voice your positive opinion for the small businesses that have impressed you with their products and services by participating in our Readers’ Choice Awards. You get to pick the Best of the Best small businesses in the Woodstock community. Take a few minutes to fill out and mail our ballot on pages 32-33 or, for much less effort, go to www.aroundwoodstock.com and complete our online ballot.

  It is hard to know your neighbors. Like I wrote seven years ago in the first issue of AroundAbout Woodstock, “Life is chaotic; it has become more difficult for simple conversations, the kind that reveal what is happening around us and the kind that celebrate the successes and meaning of life. That is why each month we hope you will grab a cup of coffee and pick up your copy of AroundAbout Woodstock and get to know your neighbors.”

  ~Herb Sims, Publisher

• Around Town

  OPEN HOUSE

  Dr. Hugo Ribot and Dr. Malcolm Barfield recently hosted an open house at the Georgia Advanced Surgery Center for Women, in Cartersville. The open house offered an opportunity to tour the new facility that specializes in laparoscopic and other highly advanced, minimally invasive surgical techniques that spare women costly hospitalization, unsightly incisions and lengthy recoveries for hysterectomies, incontinence procedures and numerous other surgeries. For more information, visit www.GA-AdvancedSurgeryCenter.

  LOCAL TEACHER FASHIONS NEW INVENTION

  Paul McClendon, a social studies teacher at Woodstock High School, was on a modeling job when he discovered the idea that led him to invent the ShurtClip. “During a shoot, my stylist noticed my shirt was too baggy, so she grabbed a binder clip — the same kind I use at school. While it did the trick in making my shirt more fitted, the back was a mess,” said Paul. After much thought and a few sleepless nights, Paul created the fashion accessory, which allows people to customize their clothing without the cost of professional tailoring. It works very simply by folding the extra material of a shirt toward the back, sliding the clip over the fold, and then tucking it in, making it invisible. The clip sits on the beltline anywhere you like underneath the belt, and it’s so small you can hardly feel it.

  DAVISVISION

  Towne Lake Eye Associates is now a provider for DavisVision. This plan provides eye care benefits for employees of many large businesses including Comcast, Delta, Fed Ex and GE.
  For more informations, call 770-926-2858.

  DERMATOLOGY IN THE HOME
  Lori Shackleford has recently partnered with Dr. Katie Rodan and Dr. Kathy Fields, the doctors who created Proactive Solution. Rodan + Fields Dermatologist is offering dermatology in the home at affordable prices. For more information contact Lori at 404-502-7129, or visit www.Lorishack.myrandf.biz, www.bestspentminute.com.

  DRESS DRIVE
  Lindsey Haas, founder of Fairy Tale Endings, a non-profit organization that provides girls with dresses and accessories for formal dances, will host a dress drive January 24-29. The Sixes real estate agent said the idea came to her while watching an episode of “The Ellen Degeneres Show.” It featured a woman looking for a recipient for old formal dresses, and Mrs. Haas was faced with the same dilemma. “Plus, I was looking for something to do for charity,” she said, adding the nonprofit gives her the opportunity to work around her busy schedule. Lindsey is currently storing the dresses in her basement but hopes someone will donate retail space so the girls can experience a boutique-like atmosphere. Drop-off locations are Body Plex Fitness, 8811 Hwy 92, The Shake Place, 5947 Holly Springs Pkwy, and the Remax Town & Country in Bridgemill, 3760 Sixes Road.

  BREAKING LAND
  Construction recently began on the new, locally-owned and operated Lakeside Funeral Home located on Claremore Drive near Hwy 92. Lakeside Funeral Home is being developed by Cherokee Funeral Home, LLC, a company owned by Kyle Standridge, Gary Standridge and Stanley Townsend. The new facility is scheduled to open in June 2011. The new 14,000 square foot traditional brick funeral home will sit on a pristine wooded site adjacent to Lake Claremore. Designed by Mark Robillard Architects of Canton, the funeral home will feature a chapel with 280 seats, a covered entryway, ample parking, a memorial fountain, and scenic views of the lake with access to a private dock for moments of reflection. “We felt the tranquil and serene site was the perfect location for our funeral home because the views of the lake and woods provide an excellent backdrop for commemorating loved ones,” said Kyle Standridge. For more information about Lakeside Funeral Home, contact Kyle at 404-354-5953 or visit www.lakesidefuneralservices.com.

  LOCAL TOWN HALL MEETINGS
  Senate Majority Leader Chip Rogers, R-Woodstock, announced local Town Hall meetings. Senator Rogers will listen to constituents on issues facing Georgia, as well as update constituents on the upcoming legislative session. Since 2002 Senator Rogers has held more than 120 Town Hall meetings throughout Cherokee.

  January 20th — 6:30 –7:30 p.m., Woodstock Library, 7735 Main Street, Woodstock, GA 30188
  January 27th — 6:30 –7:30 p.m., Hickory Flat Library 2740 E. Cherokee Drive, Canton, GA 30115

• PINNACLE ORTHOPAEDICS – New Facility Offers Hope for the Hurting
  Hope for an active life can be hard to realize when you have just suffered a painful injury. But the physicians and staff at Pinnacle Orthopaedics in Woodstock have been restoring hope in the midst of pain for over 10 years.

  You can see that hope in the story of Dick Travis who was injured in a snowmobile accident while visiting his daughter in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. His wife, Tiss Travis, wrote to Pinnacle, “When we got home, the pain became so unbearable that we decided to contact a friend that worked for Pinnacle Orthopaedics, and luckily we were able to see Dr. Kuczmanski the very same day. After the examination, Dr. K — as everyone so fondly calls him — told us that Dick had a torn rotator cuff. Surgery was scheduled in April and the rotator cuff — along with a tear in his bicep — was expertly repaired; by August, Dick had recovered completely. We feel the key to his successful recovery was the excellent therapist, staff, and the surgical skills of Dr. Kuczmanski. Thank you so much for giving my husband his life back,” says Tiss Travis.

  Recently Pinnacle relocated to its new-state-of-the-art facility in Woodstock. The new Pinnacle Building is at 1505 Stone Bridge Parkway next to Walgreens at Towne Lake Parkway and I-575. “We have seen the area grow and we have grown with it,” states senior Pinnacle physician, Dr. Paul Payne. Originally in an upstairs office on Hwy 92, Dr. Payne relates, “We outgrew that office and have been growing ever since.” The new building, at just over 33,000 square feet, houses the Pinnacle physicians’ offices, Pinnacle Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy, and Pinnacle Imaging Center, including MRI. There are also plans for an Outpatient Surgery Center to open in spring 2011. “We have been looking forward to this new office to better serve our patients with better space, equipment and technology,” says Dr. Michael Kuczmanski, managing partner — Woodstock. “This is a great asset to our patients.”

  Dr. Kuczmanski comments, “Our desire for opening new offices in the area is to offer more convenient and comprehensive care to our local community. We will be offering care for all orthopaedic issues from head to toe and for children to the elderly. We now have on-site MRI and complete rehabilitation services right in the office, so we have everything a patient needs under one roof.”

  Beyond the expertise of multiple specialties, years of experience and education, and the convenience of a local facility with all needs covered, what does a patient most look for when injured or in pain? Hope for full recovery. Recently, a local high school football player was injured in the last game of his senior year. Dr. K relates the story: “He came in with a torn ACL, a pretty serious injury, and we quickly concluded he wouldn’t be playing basketball after the football season, which was a big disappointment for him and his family. But, with surgery, rehab, and some time, I was able to give him hope that he would go on to play college football,” says Dr. K. Knowing your doctor believes in what he does, and having the ability to impart that hope to you, can make all the difference in the recovery process, regardless of the type of injury or illness.

  Being a part of the community as long as Pinnacle has, has made it possible to see multiple generations of families treated at the practice. One local family experienced the care of the doctors at Pinnacle through three members — grandfather, son and grandson — all needing surgical treatment for shoulder injuries. “They happened years apart and for various reasons, but I operated on all three of them and they all came through it able to return to their respective active lifestyles,” says Dr. Payne. That’s what the Woodstock community has gained through Pinnacle’s investment in our community – long-term expert medical relationships and the hope of an active and full life.

  When asked what makes him most fulfilled in being an orthopaedic surgeon, Dr. K shares, “Watching patients go through the process and come out healthy on the other side makes it fulfilling and keeps me going. Being injured is tough, but coming through it healthy is what’s important.”

  If you find yourself in need of orthopaedic care, Pinnacle Orthopaedics is here to serve you and your family, right in your own neighborhood. You can find the practice on the Web at www.pinnacle-ortho.com or call the office at 770-926-9112.

• Christmas through the Eyes of Russian Orphans
  
  Every year since 1998 The Evangelistic Association of Russia has conducted the Fantasies to Faith art contest, which is open to all children between the ages of 10-16 in orphanages throughout Russia.

  Designed to introduce Russian youth to the story of the birth of Jesus Christ, Fantasies to Faith requires that participants read the Christmas story from the Bible and create an original art piece — painting, needlework or photography — depicting their understanding of the true meaning of Christmas.

  In addition to their work of art, the children must answer several short essay questions designed to spur thoughts of how the Bible can be applied to their own lives.

  The annual contest receives 30,000 to 50,000 entries every year, from all 11 time zones in Russia. From the thousands of entries, 150 semi-finalists’ pieces are displayed in the Children’s International Art Museum in Moscow. These 150 pieces will be on display at First Baptist Church Woodstock’s 13th annual Fantasies to Faith winners program, art display, and auction on April 1, 2011. Ten winners from the Moscow exhibit will receive a trip to America where they will spend almost two weeks in the homes of volunteer host families and perform at the annual winners program on-stage in traditional Russian folk attire.

  While in America the 10 Fantasies to Faith winners participate in the many activities the Atlanta area has to offer including local attractions, worship services, sporting events, shopping malls, etc. In 2008, the young Russian guests were treated to a personal tour of the governor’s mansion by Georgia’s first lady, Mary Perdue. During the winners’ visit, local optometrists and dentists will volunteer their time and services to offer optical and dental exams and free correctional procedures as necessary.

  The public is invited to attend the annual free program and event of cultural exchange, with the 10 Fantasies to Faith winners on Friday, April 1, 2011 at 7 p.m. at First Baptist Church Woodstock. During the evening’s live auction of the children’s art segment, the highest bidder will be allowed to take home their choice of the 150 semi-finalists’ pieces of original art.

  For more information on T.E.A.R.’s Fantasies to Faith winners program, art display and auction, email reevesvo@hotmail.com, 770-592-5689.

  T.E.A.R. is a non-profit, 5013c, Christian organization that organizes short-term mission trips to Russia for the purpose of sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ and strengthening and encouraging local churches.

• A SPECIAL VALENTINE’S DAY -
  Escape to Barnsley Gardens Resort
  Barnsley Gardens Resort’s fairytale setting and stunning scenery make it the ultimate romantic vacation this Valentine’s Day weekend. This Valentine’s Day, couples can escape to Barnsley Gardens Resort for an unforgettable weekend featuring exclusive experiences not found at other resorts.

  FAIRY GODMOTHER
  The resort is home to its very own Fairy Godmother whose sole job is to create once-in-a-lifetime romantic experiences via her Love Spells. Barnsley’s Fairy Godmother has a magical touch that can make wishes come true during a stay at the resort as she spreads joy and kindness to each and every guest. From unforgettable meals in intimate hideaways throughout the property to an exceptionally romantic in-room experience, the Fairy Godmother creates an event perfect for each guest. As an expert in helping arrange proposals, the Fairy Godmother works with couples to create the perfect setting for this life-changing question.

  FIRESIDE PRIVATE DINNERS
  Built on the basis of love, Barnsley Gardens Resort is no stranger to romance. During Valentine’s Day weekend, couples can arrange private fireside dinners in their luxury cottages. These intimate dinners provide the perfect opportunity for couples to reconnect while enjoying a cozy gourmet meal.
  Couples who would like a more traditional dining experience can visit the Rice House, the resort’s fine dining restaurant housed in an historic Civil War-era building. On February 12-13, the Rice House will be featuring a special Valentine’s menu and live music by Keenan Blount and Friends.

  CARRIAGE RIDES
  After dinner, couples are invited on a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride beginning at the Rice House and traveling through Barnsley Gardens’ historic ruins from 6-10 p.m. A perfect opportunity for love birds to snuggle under a blanket while taking in the property’s breath-taking scenery and watching the night’s stars twinkle.

  SPA AT BARNSLEY GARDENS RESORT
  A complete relaxation and signature spa treatment will create a most blissful state as sweethearts spend an afternoon at the spa at Barnsley Gardens Resort. Couples can opt for a couples massage or an in-room massage to enter into a blissful state of relaxation. This European spa blends modern and ancient techniques with the purest products and is known for its signature treatments, including the Barnsley Rose body treatment. The body treatment uses organically grown, old-fashioned roses to revitalize the face and body, similar to the ones found in Barnsley Resort’s many gardens.

  WINE DINNER
  This unique gift is for the couple who already has Valentine’s weekend plans. Barnsley Gardens Resort offers the perfect gift for wine-lovers. On Saturday, February 26 at 7 p.m., the resort will host a wine dinner featuring vintage wines by Hess Family Vineyards that will be expertly paired with creations from executive chef Charles Vosburgh. To add some mystery to the evening, the wine pairings won’t be announced until the day of the dinner.

  To take your special Valentine on a spectacular weekend visit www.barnsleyresort.com.

WOODSTOCK, GA – Senate Majority Leader Chip Rogers (R-Woodstock) today announced 16 local Town Hall meetings. Senator Rogers will listen to constituents on issues facing Georgia, as well as update constituents on the upcoming legislative session. Since 2002 Senator Rogers has held more than 120 “Town Hall” meetings throughout Cherokee & Cobb Counties.

Meeting dates, locations, and times:

December 2010

• Dec. 16th, 6 – 7  p.m.:
  Woodstock Library, 7735 Main Street, Woodstock, GA 30188

January 2011

• January 13th, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.:
  Aquatic Center, 2650 Gordy Parkway, Marietta, GA 30066
• January 20th, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.:
  Woodstock Library, 7735 Main Street, Woodstock, GA 30188
• January 27th, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.:
  Hickory Flat Library 2740 E. Cherokee Drive, Canton, GA 30115

February 2011

• February 3rd, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.:
  Rose Creek Library, 4476 Towne Lake Pkwy, Woodstock, GA 30189
• February 10th, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.:
  Mountain View Library, 3320 Sandy Plains Road, Marietta, GA 30066
• February 17th, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.:
  Woodstock Library, 7735 Main Street, Woodstock, GA 30188
• February 24th, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.:
  Hickory Flat Library 2740 E. Cherokee Drive, Canton, GA 30115

March 2011

• March 3rd, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.:
  Rose Creek Library, 4476 Towne Lake Pkwy, Woodstock, GA 30189
• March 10th, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.:
  Mountain View Library, 3320 Sandy Plains Road, Marietta, GA 30066
• March 17th, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.:
  Woodstock Library, 7735 Main Street, Woodstock, GA 30188
• March 24th, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.:
  Hickory Flat Library 2740 E. Cherokee Drive, Canton, GA 30115

April 2011

• April 7th, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.:
  Rose Creek Library, 4476 Towne Lake Pkwy, Woodstock, GA 30189
• April 14th, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.:
  Mountain View Library, 3320 Sandy Plains Road, Marietta, GA 30066
• April 21st, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.:
  Woodstock Library, 7735 Main Street, Woodstock, GA 30188
• April 28th, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.:
  Hickory Flat Library 2740 E. Cherokee Drive, Canton, GA 30115

For any additional information concerning the town hall meetings, please feel free to contact Sen. Rogers’ legislative office at 404-463-1378.

Sen. Chip Rogers serves as Senate Majority Leader. He represents the 21st Senate District which includes portions of Cherokee and Cobb counties. He can be reached at his office at 404.463.1378 or by email at chip.rogers@senate.ga.gov.

Molly Maid Customers donate over $600 and 2,100 personal care & non-perishable food items to Cherokee Family Violence Center during fifth annual Making a Difference Drive

L-R: Greg Flegle, Owner; Simone Freitas, Heather Poulson, Erica Hartline, Magdalena Castaneda, Ginger McCall, Jennifer Hendon, Lisa Rinas, Gabriela Frausto, Heather Shelton, Deborah Henson, Marcia Fowler, Laura Hicks; Michelle Fey, Customer Service Manager; June Weldy.

12/2/10 – Woodstock, Ga. – In response to the growing number of victims of domestic violence, Molly Maid of Cherokee County, Kennesaw & Acworth, their Customers and the Ms. Molly Foundation have donated over $700 and over 2,100 personal care & non-perishable food items to the Cherokee Family Violence Center in Canton, GA. This represents a 10% increase in customer donations over 2009. It shows that people are more generous in tough economic times when they know that others needing a helping hand.

During the month of October, also known as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Molly Maid of Cherokee County, Kennesaw & Acworth sponsored their fourth annual Making a Difference Drive, collecting goods and monies from caring customers and friends and donating a portion of every Molly Maid service clean to the Cherokee Family Violence Center.

“We are so grateful to all our customers and friends who helped us raise these funds and collect these needed goods for the Cherokee Family Violence Center,” says Greg Flegle, owner of Molly Maid of Cherokee County, Kennesaw & Acworth. “We know domestic violence is a persistent problem that often goes unnoticed and we are thankful to our community for helping us get out the message that these victims of abuse need our help.”

Since the establishment of Molly Maid’s non-profit organization, the Ms. Molly Foundation, which is focused on promoting education on domestic violence-related issues, Molly Maid has raised over a $725,000 for shelters all over North America. Nationally, the Ms. Molly Foundation saw a 15% increase in donations in 2009. This is fantastic when many other charities are reporting declines of 30%.

The American Medical Association estimates that over 4 million women are victims of assaults by boyfriends and husbands each year. It is estimated that one in 4 women will be abused by a partner in her lifetime. While in 85 percent of cases the victims are female, men can also be victims of domestic violence – as are the children and other family members who are affected by it. “These statistics are appalling,” says Betty Flegle, owner “and we are proud to do our part to raise awareness of this important issue.”

Please join the MOLLY MAID family in Making a Difference for those who are in need. For more information on how to participate or to make a tax-deductible contribution to the Foundation, visit www.mollymaid.com/foundation.

We have an easy way for you to sample some super restaurants and help an area high school band program all at once! Join us for the 2nd Annual Taste of Woodstock event held in the Woodstock High School cafeteria (good food and a warm place to eat it!) on Saturday, December 11th, from 1-5pm, and try out some wonderful restaurants and a tremendous array of culinary.

Pay just $10 and sample several restaurant menus, from Izumi Asian Bistro to Zucca to La Parilla or Canyon’s Burger Company. There will also be food from other restaurants, including Bogey’s, Bid Daddy Q’s, Chili’s Grill, O’Charley’s, Moe’s Southwest Grill, Johnny’s Pizza, Kani House, Smoothie King, Quizno’s, Shane’s Rib Shack, and Rita’s.

The Woodstock High School Winter Guard and Indoor Percussion Ensemble are hosting the event as a fundraiser this Saturday, December 11, from 1-5pm. Adult tickets are $10 for samples from every restaurant. Tickets for children (10 and under) are $5 and get samples from five restaurants. Drinks are additional. Children three and under are free.

Email onehappylanding@aol.com for more information or call 770-693-8983 for tickets… and bring an empty belly!

Feel free to follow this event on Facebook!

NBC’s AMERICA’S GOT TALENT is coming to Atlanta and we want to see YOUR talent!!! Auditions are being held January 29th-30th at the Atlanta America’s Mart.

What can YOU do in 90 seconds???
ANY TALENT AND ANY AGE GOES. We want to see anything and everything.

Don’t miss your chance to show America YOUR talent and compete for the opportunity of a lifetime at winning the Grand Prize of $1 MILLION DOLLARS.

To pre-register for an Audition and for more information on AGT, please log onto www.agtauditions.com.

Synergist Fitness in Woodstock will be hosting a free Diabetes Class December 8th at 12:30pm; Sensory Changes as We Age Class on December 9th at 1pm; and has now started the TOPS weight-loss program on Wednesdays at 4pm. For more info call Julie Warbington at 770-516-1661.

View Full Issue

Featured in this issue:
Publisher’s Note
Around Town
Woodstock Family Practice & Urgent Care
Lend a Helping Hand This Holiday Season
Holiday Events and Services
Santa Sightings

ATLANTA – Leading active adult courtyard home builder, Windsong Properties was recognized for the best 50+ Community of the Year for its Somerset community in Woodstock during the 30th Annual OBIE Awards Ceremony held Nov. 13 at the Intercontinental Hotel in Buckhead. Windsong was also honored with four OBIES for their achievement in building.

Since opening in 2007, Somerset has sold 50 EarthCraft certified homes. Currently only seven opportunities remain. Somerset is a gated community located in a quiet, rural setting, yet is only minutes from numerous shopping and dining options. A community clubhouse with garden retreat provides residents a place to meet and socialize. Each home features no-step access, wide doorways, lever handles, and other amenities that facilitate changing life situations.

In addition to Somerset being named Community of the Year, Windsong Properties’ other achievements included:

• Gold Award Winner for Windsong at Seven Hills for Best Building Design (detached home) for all builders ($299,000 and under)
• Gold Award Winner for Somerset Best Building Design (detached home) for all builders ($300,000 to $399,999)
• Silver Award Winner for Windsong at Seven Hills for single-family builder that builds 1-99 homes per year ($290,000 to $349,999)
• Silver Award Winner for Somerset Best Building Design (detached home) for all builders ($300,000 to $399,999)

The Sales and Marketing Council of the Home Builders Association presents its annual OBIE Awards every November. The OBIE Awards, which began in 1980, have grown consistently and now feature more than 100 building, remodeling, marketing and personal achievement categories in which one can enter. The awards are the highest honor given in the Atlanta housing industry.

Despite a challenging year, Windsong Properties ended up with a 450 percent increase in closings in the first half of this year compared to 2009. Their ability to increase their effectiveness came as a result of controlling costs (both overhead and construction) and their ability to re-position their product, which in turn also helped them reduce overall costs.

For the year, Windsong is projecting 36 closings, a level they have not reached since 2007. “We really learned to listen to our customer’s one at a time, focusing on them and their needs,” said Steve Romeyn, managing partner at Windsong Properties. “We really slowed down to speed up, managing risk with smart decisions. I think our ability to adjust in difficult times has really paid off for us in terms of sales.”

Every home that Windsong Properties builds meets the EasyLiving Homes® standards – step free access, extra wide doorways, lever handles, and other amenities that facilitate changing life situations.

Like Somerset, Windsong at Seven Hills has also experienced great success having sold seven homes in October of this year alone. Due to customer demand, Windsong recently released 16 new lots for homebuyers to choose from.

Situated on top of Seven Hills in Paulding County, this community priced from $180,000, features four innovative, two and three-bedroom ranch courtyard floorplans for homebuyers to choose from. Residents enjoy a 13-acre amenity park including tennis courts, walking trails, year-round gardens, playground, sports courts, an aquatic center offering a water park and a zero entry pool, and much more. In addition, homeowners have a decorated clubhouse for social activities and a fitness room with state-of-the-art equipment and any time access.

Locally owned, Windsong Properties was founded by Mark Carruth and Managing Partner Steve Romeyn. The two bring more than 50 years of local building experience to Windsong Properties, ‘Where Life’s a Breeze.’ As empty nesters themselves, Mark and Steve have first hand knowledge of the desires of active adults and are passionate about creating communities and homes for empty nesters. Every decision made at Windsong Properties from the design of the community and its amenities, to the floorplans, and the unique customer service approach is targeted to the 50-plus, empty-nester group.

Windsong Properties was awarded four OBIE awards in 2008 from the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association and earned the highest honor from the Certified Professional Home Builders association when it was awarded the Customer Satisfaction Award for 2007.

Windsong Properties invites you to visit one of its communities to see for yourself just how easy living the Windsong Lifestyle can be.

For more information, call 770-516-3409 or visit www.windsonglife.com.

Cartersville, Ga. (Nov. 22, 2010) — Recently, Dr. Hugo Ribot and Dr. Malcolm Barfield hosted an open house at the Georgia Advanced Surgery Center for Women, in Cartersville—Georgia’s first fully accredited surgical center for performing all major and minor gynecological surgeries in a true outpatient setting.

Attended by 75 healthcare-related professionals (providers, vendors/suppliers, administrators, etc.) and catered by Flavorful Events, the open house offered an opportunity to tour the new facility that specializes in laparoscopic and other highly advanced, minimally invasive surgical techniques that spare women costly hospitalization, unsightly incisions and lengthy recoveries for hysterectomies, incontinence procedures and numerous other surgeries.

For more information, visit www.GA-AdvancedSurgeryCenter.com.

by Carrie Roeger

Front, from left: LtCol James Hammond, GySgt Robert MacFarland, Capt. Eugene Darling, MSgt Rodney Beauchamp. Back, from left: Marine Corps League Commandant John Newport, Marine Corps League Member and Warriors' Watch Rider Ralph Roeger, and Warriors' Watch Rider Georgia State Coordinator Al Minella

The Forgotten War: Korea, 1950 to 1953, may be fading into our past, but is as real today as it was then for those veterans who were there.  Four Veterans of the Korean War were honored Saturday by the Warriors’ Watch Riders and the Woodstock detachment of the Marine Corps League in Woodstock.

Lieutenant Colonel James Hammond, Captain Eugene Darling, Master Sergeant Rodney Beauchamp, and Gunnery Sergeant Robert McFarland, all retired U.S. Marines, were honored in a ceremony at the Woodstock Community Center.

“Many of the veterans of our earlier wars were not provided the honor and recognition they deserve,” said Al Minella, Georgia State Coordinator of the Warrior Watch Riders organization. “We want to take every opportunity we can to publicly say ‘thank you’ to these true American Heroes.”

Each of the men were presented a certificate from both the Marine Corps League and the Warriors’ Watch Riders, as well as an honor coin imprinted with the military, police and fire logos and the Warriors’ Watch Riders mission statement.

Captain Eugene Darling and MSgt Rodney Beauchamp were both in Gulf Battery, 11th Marines in Korea. The morning of the ceremony, the two realized that they were in same unit in Korea; in fact, Gene had been looking for Rodney for a unit reunion. They shared memories with one another and with the members of the Marine Corps League. Gene had with him a photo of Rodney, taken by Gene in 1952 in Korea.

Photo of Rodney Beauchamp holding a dog - "Smokey" - in Korea. Photo taken by Capt. Eugene Darling in 1952.

Interestingly, Rodney Beauchamp started his military career by enlisting in the Army National Guard at the age of 14. He had risen to the rank of Sergeant and had served three years before the Army realized he was underage and discharged him. He then went on to enlist in the Marine Corps and received five Purple Hearts for being wounded in combat. Gene continued is military career, serving in Vietnam from 1965 to 1967 and retired in 1970.

Lieutenant Colonel James Hammond, also a veteran of World War II, participated in the historic landing at Inchon as well as the ‘Frozen Chosin’ battle of the Chosin Reservoir. LTCol Hammond was wounded in 1951 and awarded his second Purple Heart. His first was from being wounded in WWII.

Gunnery Sergeant Robert McFarland was a member of the Marine Fighter Squadron-231 as a “Flying Sergeant” – the only time enlisted military members were commissioned to fly planes and helicopters. Robert was assigned to duty aboard the aircraft carrier USS Princeton and was with a unit in Seoul, South Korea.

“Our nations heroes live in our local community,” said John Newport, Commandant of the Woodstock Detachment of the Marine Corps League. “We want to know who they are and be sure that they are honored and recognized just as we have done for these men.”

Al Minella, of the Warriors’ Watch Riders states, said, “It’s a great honor for us to participate in these ceremonies. The vision of our organization is that one day all of our nations veterans and their families, past and present, will feel appreciated, honored, respected and loved by the citizens they risk their lives to protect.”

For information on the Warriors’ Watch Riders or to request an honor ceremony, please contact Al (Hippie) Minella at wwrhippie@att.net.

Learn more…

Warriors’ Watch Riders: www.warriorswatch.org.
Marine Corps League: www.mclwoodstock.com.