🌱 Freezing Temps Again + Mental Health Crisis Help + Upcoming Events

Hey, hello! It's me, Nina, your host of the Patch newsletter. Let's get this day started off right with a quick dive into everything you need to know about what's happening around town, including updates on:

• The freeze warning extends through the overnight.
• Call 988 when you're in a mental health crisis.
• The last Sequoyah-Con event is this weekend.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and cool. High: 50 Low: 27.

Here's to the wonderful local business who sponsors this newsletter. Check out what they can do for you:

Looking for a meaningful volunteer opportunity in Canton? The Children’s Haven is excited to announce their next training opportunity to become a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA). Next training will begin April 12 - May 10, Wednesday sessions from 9am-4pm. CASA volunteers advocate on behalf of children in foster care, ensuring their best interests are always at the forefront. Visit The Children’s Haven to learn more, or email Mandy here for more information and complete training details.

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

1. As of this writing, the overnight freeze warning is in effect until 11 a.m. this morning for Cherokee County. With wind adding to the cold, the overnight hours were predicted to see lows around 28 degrees. The forecast says that the chill will likely return tonight, and a freeze watch has already been issued from 11 p.m. tonight until 11 a.m. on Wednesday. It's been a while since we've had to think about freezing weather, so make sure you leave faucets dripping, cover or wrap outdoor faucets and keep cabinets open if they house plumbing, especially if they are on an exterior wall. Also, please bring your pets inside until it warms up considerably. (Subscription: Cherokee Tribune & Ledger-News)
2. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis and needs support, please remember that 988 is a new number for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, and they're available any time of day or night to help callers in any area of the country. Trained counselors at the other end of the line can help when you find yourself having suicidal thoughts, a substance abuse crisis, concerns about your mental health or any other kind of emotional distress. You can call or text 988 for yourself or on behalf of someone else, and there's also an option of online contact via chat at 988lifeline.org. (Canton Police Department via Facebook)
3. The mini-convention series "Sequoya-Con" is back in town this weekend at the Woodstock Library. The theme for this weekend's event is "cryptids," and there will be a poster contest, a Bigfoot Storytime, "X-Files" trivia, cryptozoology trivia, crafting for all ages and more. Author Delilah S. Dawson will be on hand for a Q&A session, and Georgia Paranormal Investigations will be there to talk about ghost hunting, the paranormal and the tools of the trade. Your kids can make some slime, and there's even a special Storywalk taking place upstairs in the youth department. There's so much going on, it's going to be a blast! Please note, some of the events require registration, so be sure to sign up for those soon. (Sequoyah Regional Library System)
4. The deadline to file real property exemptions for the current tax year is Monday, April 3. The usual deadline of April 1 has been shifted because that would be a Saturday. There are a few types of exemptions that homeowners in the county can take advantage of this year. The standard homestead exemption is for all homeowners. There's a senior school tax exemption for those over 62. There are exemptions for those that are disabled and more. You can find a full listing of real property exemptions and necessary documentation here. (Cherokee County Communications Division)
5. Did you know that there's a published book that covers the history of the county's public school system? The book, "Public Education in Cherokee County," was published in 1982 and includes data about the system's inception and through the publish date. Much in need of an update, the Cherokee Retired Educators Association has re-released the book digitally, bringing it up to current-day standards and bridging the 40-year gap in historical detail. Lots of interested parties had a hand in the updates, including current and former CCSD staff and students, the CCSD Office of Technology and Information Services and the CCSD Office of Communications. Now with new pictures, new facts and the inclusion of the newer-built schools in the area, the digitized book is available through History Cherokee here and at the Cherokee County History Center in downtown Canton. As a bonus, a portion of each sale will go to the Cherokee Retired Educators Association fund to be awarded as scholarships for CCSD graduates that are moving into a Reinhardt University program for future educators. (Subscription: Cherokee Tribune & Ledger-News)

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Today in Canton-Sixes:

• Open Pickleball Play: open to county residents at The Buzz, 7345 Cumming Highway. There is a nominal fee to play. (9 a.m. - 1 p.m.)
• Family Storytime: for children of all ages, but children must be accompanied by an adult. The little ones will have fun with stories, singing, dancing, crafts and lots of fun at the R.T. Jones Memorial Library, 116 Brown Industrial Parkway. (10:30 - 11:30 a.m.)
• The i's of March, iPhones and iPods: learn how to perform some basic functions and about popular apps, there will also be a Q&A session. You can register here for the event at the Rose Creek Library, 4476 Towne Lake Parkway in Woodstock. (10:45 - 11:45 a.m.)
• Open Gym: open to county residents at The Buzz, 7345 Cumming Highway. There is a nominal fee to play. (1 - 8 p.m.)
• Pi Day Party: for children of all ages, though all children must be accompanied by an adult. Head over to the Woodstock Library to learn about the numerical value of Pi, have some fun and enjoy a math-themed activity. The library is at 7735 Main Street in Woodstock. (3 - 4 p.m.)
• Community Yoga: the free class is open to all fitness levels and takes place every Monday morning and Tuesday evening until May 29. 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.)
• Music Bingo: join the fun with Lights Up! Entertainment at Reformation Brewery, 225 Reformation Parkway. (7 - 9 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• The Cherokee County Animal Shelter says that only 15% of the animals that end up at the shelter are microchipped. Good news, the shelter offers completely free microchips for the pets of county residents. You can head over to either of their Canton locations, 1015 Univeter Road or 131 Chattin Drive, anytime during normal business hours, Tuesday - Saturday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. You don't need an appointment, but please secure your pet in a carrier or on a leash. (Cherokee County Animal Shelter via Facebook)
• Cherokee Recreation & Parks has camp for the kids! Registration is open for their April 3 - 7 Spring Into Action Camp, and it's offered at their Canton and Woodstock locations. The day camp runs from 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. each weekday at The WREC, located at 7545 Main Street in Woodstock, and The Buzz, located at 7345 Cumming Highway in Canton. (Cherokee Recreation & Parks via Facebook)
• Reminder: The History Cherokee event "What's Up Wednesday: What's Up with Ms. Magnolia Thomas?" is on March 22, from 11 a.m. - noon. You'll learn about Ms. Thomas, take a tour of Gallery Three and then head over to the Education Classroom to decorate a pencil case. The event series is designed for children ages 3 - 7, and each month, the "What's Up Wednesday" event will have a different theme and will include the exploration of a museum artifact and a related story, activity or craft. You can register at the link. (History Cherokee)
• Avery Elementary School: "Congratulations to our Teacher of the Month for February: Jen Blakey! She is committed to our students - not only for literacy, but also for her phenomenal work with Seussical Kids!! Thank you Mrs. Blakey for all you do for Avery kids!..." (Avery Elementary School via Facebook)
• Cherokee County, Georgia: "#ICYMI: At the March 7 commission meeting, Commissioners memorialized the county’s objections to two pieces of legislation dealing with development regulations and stripping local control from governing boards. Read more at https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u..." (Cherokee County, Georgia 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.)
• Sequoyah Regional Library System
  • Wednesday: Reading Dogs with Teddy Puppies - for children of all ages. Sign up here for a 15-minute spot for your child to read to the Reading Dog at the R.T. Jones Memorial Library, 116 Brown Industrial Parkway. (10:30 - 11:30 a.m.)
• Horizon Healing Center, 182 North Street
  • Sunday: Moon Yoga - "harness the powerful energies of the new moon to change things up or start something new in your life." Learn some astrology and enjoy gentle yoga poses, a sound experience, meditation and some discussion. Please bring water, a journal and a light snack to share. (3 - 4:30 p.m.)
• Canton Theatre, 171 East Main Street
  • Friday, Saturday and Sunday: "Once Upon a Mattress" - catch Lolek's Storytellers' production of the comedy musical based on the fairytale "The Princess and the Pea." Performances will be at the Canton Theatre, 171 E. Main Street. (Various Times)
• The Mill on Etowah, 225 Reformation Parkway
  • Saturday: Goat Yoga - enjoy yoga on The Green with Hidden Acres Animal Santuary. There are still tickets available as of now, you can grab yours here. (11 a.m. - noon)
  • Saturday: Orange Wine, Saturday Tasting - learn about five orange wines at Fermented Wine Boutique. (4 p.m., 5 p.m., 6 p.m.)
• re-PURPOSE-ful, 5101 Old Highway 5 #2
  • Friday: Project Night, Mug Boards - create a coffee mug display board. (7 - 9 p.m.)
  • Sunday: Class, Brush Selection & Techniques - learn about different brushes and what they do. (2 - 4 p.m.)
• Other
  • Wednesday: The Cherokee Office of Economic Development (COED) Presents Fresh Start Mornings - receive feedback, learn and make connections with other locals. Networking starts at 9 a.m., and the program begins at 9:15 a.m. The meeting is free and open to the public at Reformation Brewery, 255 Reformation Brewery, Suite 500. (9 - 10 a.m.)
  • Saturday: Seed Starting Class - learn how to start your vegetable and flower seeds and hear tips on soil, the needs of the seeds and moving the seedlings to the garden. You can choose seeds to plant and take home. The class is at Pleasant Union Farm, 1994 Pleasant Union Road. (10 - 11:30 a.m.)
  • Saturday: St. Patrick's Murder Mystery Dinner Party - at Paula's Zzerts, 140 Keith Drive. (7 p.m.)

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Featured events:

• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Get Delighted Every Week (March 14)
• Last Day to Register for Golf2Grow, Inc Golf Tournament (March 15)
• Homebuyer Blueprint Live Webinar (March 16)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Tuesday! I'll see you around.

— Nina Lightcap

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