🌱 CCFES Earns International Accreditation + Upcoming Community Events

Hey, Canton-Sixes! I'm here in your inbox this morning to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on in town. Today you'll read about these stories and more:

• CCFES achieved international status.
• It's time to apply for a Community Impact Grant.
• Let's "Get Cherokee Reading!" - how to read as a family.

But first, today's weather:

Cloudy with showers around. High: 67 Low: 63.

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Here are the top five stories in Canton-Sixes today:

1. Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services (CCFES) is now an Accredited Agency through the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI) "voluntary self-assessment and accreditation program," and they're one of only about 300 in the world to achieve this international status. CCFES joins 12 other CFAI accredited agencies in Georgia, listing them among other agencies in the Department of Defense, career, volunteer and private sectors. Throughout the process of accreditation, CCFES has used it as a tool to learn, improve and plan for the future. (Subscription: Cherokee Tribune & Ledger-News and Free: CCFES News)
2. The Service League of Cherokee County is accepting applications for Community Impact Grants. The Service League is awarding $30,000 in total and is looking for other local organizations that "work to remove barriers and enable children to grow, learn, and prosper..." If your idea or project is something you believe will help our local children, you can reach out via the Service League's website here. The deadline for applications is March 17, and the winners will be notified by March 28. The Service League is also currently accepting applications for their Service League Scholarship program. The scholarships are for local high school seniors and are awarded based on need, achievement and recommendations. You can read more about the program here, the application window closes on March 31. (Service League of Cherokee County via Facebook)
3. The Cherokee County School District (CCSD) has embarked on their annual "Get Cherokee Reading" campaign. This year's theme is "Reading: A Sport for All Seasons" and there will be activities all month at area schools in celebration. There will be guest readers, sports-themed dress-up days and more. You can see the game sheet at the link, there are some very fun activities that would be great for the whole family, where you can read more about the state-level "Get Georgia Reading" campaign also. (CCSD News)
4. The Mill on Etowah will be hosting the brand new "'Pint'wood Derby Race" on March 11, from 2 - 5 p.m. The race will benefit Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and will feature music, the Care Mobile and the CHOA rehab car, that you'll be able to touch and walk through. Registration includes a derby car, two drink tickets for Reformation Brewery and a tax-deductible donation. You can register here, though spectators are welcome also. Be sure to check out sponsorship opportunities while you're looking around on their website. (The Mill on Etowah via Facebook)
5. A new batch of events has been released at History Cherokee, starting with "What's Up with Ms. Magnolia Thomas?" on March 22. You'll learn about Ms. Thomas and then head over to the Education Classroom to decorate a pencil case. The event is for ages 3 - 7, and each month, the "What's Up Wednesday" events will have a different theme. The events include the exploration of a museum artifact and a related story, activity or craft. Check out their website at the link to see the next few offerings and to register. (History Cherokee)

Today in Canton-Sixes:

• Fitness for Life: the class has a focus on balance, core strength, stabilization and total body strength for the active adult. Classes meet each Thursday and will run until March 30 at The Buzz, 7345 Cumming Highway. (9:30 - 10:30 a.m.)
• Open Gym: open to county residents at The Buzz, 7345 Cumming Highway. There is a nominal fee to play. (1 - 5:30 p.m.)
• 50+ Open Gym: open to county residents 50 and older at The Buzz, 7345 Cumming Highway. There is a nominal fee to play. (6:30 - 8:30 p.m.)
• Team Trivia: every Thursday at Sidelines Grille - Hickory Flat, 6199 Hickory Flat Highway in Canton. (7 p.m.)
• Trivia Night: head over for trivia with Lights Up! Entertainment at Reformation Brewery, 225 Reformation Parkway. Prizes for the top three winners. (7 - 9 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Cherokee Tribune & Ledger-News: "River Ridge continues its postseason march with a 61-43 win over Marist on Tuesday night. The Knights handed the War Eagles just their third loss of the season, rallying behind a lockdown defensive performance." (Cherokee Tribune & Ledger-News via Facebook)
• Cherokee County: "Have you filed your real estate exemptions? The deadline is April 1. Visit https://www.cherokeega.com/Tax... for more information. #Cherokeega #CherokeeCounty" (Cherokee County, Georgia via Facebook)
• YMCA of Cherokee County: "Take advantage of our current membership offer to pay the day in March! The day you join equals the amount you pay. The sooner you join, the more you save! Join now. ymcaatlanta.org/membership" (YMCA of Cherokee County via Facebook)
• Sequoyah Regional Library: "This year’s Together We Read title is "River Woman, River Demon" by Jennifer Givhan! Award-winning Mexican-American and Indigenous author Jennifer Givhan brings us an exquisitely written, spell-binding psychological thriller weaving together folk magick with personal and cultural empowerment..." (Sequoyah Regional Library via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Fresh Perks Every Week (March 7)
• "Luck of the Pickle" (March 18)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Thursday. I'll be in your inbox tomorrow morning with your next update!

— Nina Lightcap

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Canton-Sixes Patch newsletter? Contact me at Canton-GA@Patch.com