🌱 County CTP Approved + Bus Stop Laws + Donate For Some Bunny Special

Hello, everybody. I'm here right on time with your fresh copy of the Canton-Sixes Patch newsletter, filled with all the things you need to know about what's going on in town. In today's issue, you'll learn about:

• The Board of Commissioners approved the CTP.
• It's time for school! Learn when to stop for busses.
• It's donation time for the Some Bunny Special program.

But first, today's weather:

Increasingly windy. High: 72 Low: 52.

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

1. The Board of Commissioners met last week and approved the proposed Comprehensive Transportation Plan (CTP). The plan includes the vision, goals and objectives for county transportation projects and also updates the Trails Master Plan and Transit Services Assessment. After the county asked for the public's thoughts on the plan, over 2,400 surveys were completed by residents. The plan was also discussed with the public during in-person meetings organized to receive feedback. The CTP includes projects through 2037 and later - the first phase, labeled as Tier 0, consists of 40 projects through 2024 and includes a shared-use path along Bells Ferry Road and improvements to GA 140, East Cherokee Drive and Bells Ferry intersections. Tier 1 has over 100 projects listed through 2029, which include much needed improvements along Arnold Mill Road, GA 108, Holly Springs Parkway, GA 369 and GA 20. You can find the full list of projects here, and you can read about other items that were discussed in the meeting at the link. (Cherokee GA Communications)
2. The kids are going back to school today, and the Canton Police Department would like to remind us all of the importance of knowing the law pertaining to school busses. First, please remember that on a two-lane road, both sides of the road must stop fully for a bus dropping off or picking up children. Second, when that flashing stop sign is extended on the bus and you're driving on a "multi-lane paved across" (a road with a turn lane in the middle of the travel lanes), both sides of the road must stop fully. And finally, for a divided highway, a road with an unpaved median between the travel lanes, the vehicles behind the bus must stop fully. Those traveling in the opposite direction don't have to stop, but they do have to use caution. Let's keep our kids safe and sound - slow down in school zones, use caution in the mornings and afternoons when school lets out and regularly review the stop laws with your kids and the drivers in your family. (Canton PD via Facebook)
3. The Some Bunny Special program out of Cherokee Recreation & Parks is a wonderful opportunity to help those less fortunate celebrate Easter this year. According to the Georgia Family Connection Partnership, over 2,000 children in Cherokee County live at or below poverty levels, and it can be very difficult for families to provide treats when bills are at the forefront. You can help by bringing fully stocked Easter baskets, be it homemade or purchased, over to one of three collection locations. Starting this Wednesday and until April 7, you can bring your donations to the Aquatic Center or The Buzz in Canton or to the WREC in Woodstock. You can see some great basket content suggestions at the link, along with drop-off location addresses. (Cherokee Recreation & Parks)
4. James Kilgore, a retired Lake Arrowhead Chapel minister, Canton marriage and family counselor and columnist with the Cherokee Tribune & Ledger-News, recently released his 16th book. The book deals with anxiety and ways to think and live positively through faith and thought changes, it's called "Escaping Anxiety: Power Ideas for Positive Living" and you can purchase it on Amazon in hardcover, paperback and digital options. Kilgore is currently working on his next book, which should be released by early 2025, and teaching a Bible study class at Canton First United Methodist Church. (Subscription: Cherokee Tribune & Ledger-News)

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Today in Canton-Sixes:

• Community Yoga: the free class is open to all fitness levels and takes place every Monday morning and Thursday evening, courtesy of Cherokee Recreation & Parks. Please bring your own mat. You can sign up here for the class at The WREC, 7545 Main Street, Building 200 in Woodstock. (10 - 11 a.m.)
• American Red Cross Community Blood Drive: donors will receive a $10 Amazon gift card and will be entered to win a trip to Florida for two. You can enter your ZIP code here to make an appointment for the blood drive today at Cherokee Presbyterian Church, 1498 Johnson Brady Road. (10 a.m. - 3 p.m.)
• Music Bingo: every Monday at Sidelines Grille - Canton, 147 Reinhardt College Parkway. (7 p.m.)
• Line Dancing: the evening begins with lessons and the dancing goes all night every Monday at Canton Icehouse, 150 Keith Drive. (7 p.m.)
• Veterans Park Cleanup Day: join Clean Canton at Veterans Park today to help clean the area. They are aiming to hold this event twice a month, and they'll list upcoming dates on their website. If you have a garbage grabber and gloves, please bring them. You can sign up for tonight's cleanup here, Veterans Park is located at 7345 Cumming Highway. (7 - 8:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• The Farmers Market at River Church is set to open up for the season on March 28. The market will feature artists and fresh produce and it'll be at River Church, at 2335 Sixes Road, every Tuesday from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. (Farmers Market at River Church via Facebook)
• History Cherokee has a new exhibition coming up in March. The temporary exhibit, "Life's a Stitch," will feature handmade goods by historic and current artisans, including things like quilts, clothing, booklets and tools. Further details will be released closer to opening date, you can find updates here. (Downtown Canton via Facebook)
• If you're in the market for a new place to call home, there are some really nice homes for sale right now. Check out these five homes that recently hit the market in the Canton-Sixes area. (Canton-Sixes Patch)
• Cherokee County Animal Shelter: "Believe it or not, since Jan 1, more than 150 animals have been surrendered to the shelter by their owner. If you are considering surrendering your pet, Adopt A Pet has a way for you to rehome your pet privately without it having to enter the shelter. We also have other resources that may help you keep your pet at home." (Cherokee County Animal Shelter via Instagram)
• Cherokee County Animal Shelter: "Spring has sprung! So unfortunately that means mother nature will be providing a windfall of puppies and kittens before we know it. #SpayandNeuter your pets before it is too late. Check out the following for information on low cost options: SpayGeorgia, Pet Vet Inc, Planned PEThood of GA, Spay Neuter Vets." (Cherokee County Animal Shelter via Facebook)

Here are some events coming up this week that require a ticket purchase or registration in advance:

• Cherokee Recreation & Parks
  • Thursday: 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.)
  • Thursday: Community Yoga - the free class is open to all fitness levels and takes place every Monday morning and Thursday evening. Please bring your own mat. You can sign up here for the class at The WREC, 7545 Main Street, Building 200 in Woodstock. (5:30 - 6:30 p.m.)
• Sequoyah Regional Library System
  • Tuesday: Tween Book Club - for ages 10 and up or those at a 5th grade reading level, those under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. This month, the group will go over "Maniac Magee" by Jerry Spinelli using discussion, games and more. You can register here. The group meets on the last Tuesday of every month at the R.T. Jones Memorial Library, 116 Brown Industrial Parkway. (4:45 - 5:45 p.m.)
  • Tuesday: Dungeon Explorers Roleplaying Adventure! - for those in 3rd grade and up, though children 9 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Enjoy a "simplified, rules-light adventure" at the Rose Creek Library, 4476 Towne Lake Parkway in Woodstock. You can register here, pre-generated characters, supplies and snacks will be provided. (5 - 6 p.m.)
  • Wednesday: Reading Dog - for children ages 6 and up, sign up for a 15-minute spot for your child to read to Zoey, the Reading Dog at the Rose Creek Library, located at 4476 Towne Lake Parkway in Woodstock. You can sign up here. (4:30 - 5:30 p.m.)
• Other
  • Wednesday: American Red Cross Community Blood Drive - You can enter your zip code here to make an appointment for the blood drive at ERA Sunrise Realty, 157 Reinhardt College Parkway, Suite 100. (10 a.m. - 3 p.m.)
  • Wednesday: Joy of Breathing - learn the Joy of Breathing technique and enjoy a Pranayama class with Soul Dimension. The free class will take place via Zoom meeting. Please see the listing for more information. (noon - 1:15 p.m.)
  • Friday: Goddess Rising Women's Circle, Green Tara with Katy McManus - head over to Horizon Healing Center, 182 North Street, for a discussion on Green Tara and embrace "the Goddess within us all." Please bring a mat, water, a journal and a snack to share. (7 - 8:30 p.m.)
  • Saturday: Cherokee County School District (CCSD) Certified Job Fair - the job fair will be held at River Ridge High School, you can register here. The district is looking for certified, full-time teachers. (9 a.m. - noon)

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Thanks for following along and staying informed. I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow 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