🌱 Artist Wants Your Scrap Metal + It's Time For Project Valentine!

Hello all. It's me, Nina, your host of the Woodstock-Towne Lake Daily — here to explain all the most important things happening in town these days. Including news on...

• Reeves House exhibit artist would like your scrap metal.
• Donation opportunity to benefit Project Valentine.
• CCFES collected over 8,100 items for charity.

Today's newsletter is sponsored by Leslie Spennato of Berkshire Hathaway

What’s really happening in the local real estate market?

If you listen to some, you might think the current real estate market is in free fall.

The picture is more complex. Compared to last year, in the second week of October:

• Pending sales are down 43%
• Closings are down 22%
• Prices are up 10%, and up 14% year-to-date on tight inventory, as homeowners stay put

These changes present opportunities for both buyers and sellers. Sellers can offer their homes with less competition. Buyers have more flexibility to negotiate prices. And with the right guidance, buyers have options to lower their interest rates as well. But to take advantage of these opportunities you need a trusted advisor with deep experience in our market and at getting deals done.

To get a trusted advisor on your side, visit or call Leslie today: 770-330-0291.

Now, today's weather:

A severe afternoon t-storm. High: 68 Low: 62.

Business owners and marketers in Woodstock-Towne Lake: Do you want to build awareness with local customers? I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. Click here to learn more.

Here are the top three stories three today in Woodstock-Towne Lake:

1. The exhibit Echoes of Ecology, featuring art by Corrina Sephora, is set to open this Friday at the Reeves House Visual Arts Center. The full sensory exhibit includes mixed media boat sculptures and the sounds and smells associated with the elements of earth, air, water and fire. As part of her visit, Sephora will be creating a collaborative community sculpture using scrap metal donated by Woodstock residents. If you're interested in participating, you can put your piece of solid steel, copper, brass or bronze into the wheelbarrow in front of the Reeves House from January 6 - 26. Cast iron and contributions that are plated, painted, grease covered, zinc inclusive or galvanized cannot be accepted. The completed sculpture will be unveiled on February 26, during the closing reception for the exhibit. (Subscription: Cherokee Tribune & Ledger-News and Woodstock Arts)
2. Cherokee Recreation & Parks has a donation opportunity for you! The department is collecting donations to be put into goody bags for Empower Cherokee's Project Valentine. The items requested are lip balm, lotion, sticky notes, pens, markers, word searches, art and music activities and pre-packaged treats. You can drop items off during regular business hours from January 9 to February 8 at The WREC, located at 7545 Main Street. If you'd like more information, please reach out to Jessica Hallman by calling 770-924-7768 or by emailing jshallman@cherokeega.com. Empower Cherokee is a local organization that helps "empower people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live life as they define it." (Cherokee Recreation & Parks)
3. Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services (CCFES) collected over 8,000 toys and 100 bicycles during the 2022 holiday season toy drive. The toys and bicycles were given to local charity organizations, including the Marine Corps Toys for Tots program and MUST Ministries' Toy Shops. The parents of over 5,000 children in Cherokee and Cobb counties shop at one of the local MUST Toy Shops each year for toys, blankets, hats, scarves, gloves, underwear, socks and a family game for their children. (Cherokee County Fire & Rescue)

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Today in Woodstock-Towne Lake:

• Drop-in STEM, Snowman Science: stop by for a quick winter-themed STEM activity at the Rose Creek Library, 4476 Towne Lake Parkway. (4 - 5 p.m.)
• Family Bingo Tuesday: each game wins cash every Tuesday at Guston's Grille, 12195 Highway 92. (6:30 - 8 p.m.)
• Mario Kart Tournament: all ages welcome, prizes for first, second and third place every Tuesday at The Blue Ghost Arcade, 164 Towne Lake Parkway. (8 - 10:30 p.m.)
• RPG Night: Mason and Noah will lead the evening, and the admission fee includes unlimited gaming until midnight at The Blue Ghost Arcade. (8 - 11 p.m.)
• Senior Center Programs:
  • Painter's Club - receive professional instruction and share ideas every Tuesday at the WGLSC Activity Center Expansion. (11 a.m. - 1 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• There's a new business coming to Woodstock this week! Theory Salon's ribbon cutting ceremony is being held Thursday at 10 a.m. and they're located at 12926 Highway 92, Suite 400. Welcome to Woodstock! (IN WDSTK)
• Maker's Mash is happening this Sunday at Reformation Brewery. The collection of pop-up shops comes around on the second Sunday of each month and features local artisans and their creations, giving them a chance to show and sell their work and giving you a great opportunity to shop locally. The event will run from 1 - 6 p.m. at the brewery, located at 105 Elm Street. (Visit Woodstock)
• There's a Discovering Beekeeping class coming up soon. Sign up for the January 12 class to learn about beekeeping with the Community Garden Beekeper Shannon Sorescu. The class will be held at the WGLSC Activity Center Expansion, 223 Arnold Mill Road, from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. (Woodstock Parks and Recreation)
• Woodstock Parks and Rec is also offering an Essential Gardening, Planning a Successful Garden class this month, and this class will also be held at the WGLSC Activity Expansion. UGA Cherokee County Extension Agent Josh Fuder and the Cherokee Master Gardeners are hosting the session on January 14 to help you plan your own garden. The class will run from 10 - 11:30 a.m., and all participants will receive a garden planning journal. (Woodstock Parks and Recreation)

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

• MadLife Stage & Studios, 8722 Main Street
  • Friday: Cash Unchained - A Johnny Cash Tribute (7 p.m.)
  • Friday: '84 - A Van Halen Tribute (10 p.m.)
  • Saturday: Cash Unchained - A Johnny Cash Tribute (7 p.m.)
  • Saturday: Spiderwebs - A Tribute to No Doubt & Gwen Stefani (10 p.m.)
  • Sunday: End of the Line - An Allman Brothers Tribute & CD Release Party (7 p.m.)
• The Gifted Ferret, 1910 Eagle Drive, Suite 400
  • Saturday: Artisan Wine Tasting (5 - 7 p.m.)
• Woodstock Arts
  • Friday, Saturday and Sunday: Every Brilliant Thing at the Woodstock Arts Theatre, 8534 Main Street. (various showtimes)
  • Saturday: Kids Corner, What A Relief! - the kids will explore the Queen of the Forge exhibit at the gallery, and then they'll create a low-relief sculpture using foil. (10:30 a.m.)
• IN WDSTK (open to non-members)
  • Thursday: YPOW AM - Join the Young Professionals of Woodstock for coffee, networking and an informal chat with a local leader at The Circuit, 1 Innovation Way. (7:30 - 8:30 a.m.)
• Here are the next few Leaning Ladder events with tickets still available:
  • January 11: Plant Power with Chef Megan - demonstration class (7 - 9 p.m.)
  • January 12: Daytime Lunch with Joanna Scott - demonstration class, hands-on at times (11 a.m. - 1 p.m.)
  • January 13: Korean Traditional Food with Chef Sunisa - demonstration class (7 - 9 p.m.)
• Here are the next few Made Mercantile events with tickets still available:
  • January 12: Pick & Pour - Pick Your Vessel, Pour Your Candle (7 - 9 p.m.)
  • January 15: Wicks and Sips with Woodstock Candle Co. (2 - 4 p.m.)
  • January 15: Dirty Date Night Design with Dirty Unicorn (6 - 7 p.m.)
• Cherokee County Animal Shelter: "Don't forget that even in 2023 #WeChipCherokee4FREE Free pet microchips for Cherokee Residents Tuesday through Saturday, 10am-4pm, 1015 Univeter Rd. or 131 Chattin Dr. NO APPOINTMENTS - WALK INs WELCOME. Please ensure pets are on a leash or in a secure carrier." (Cherokee County Animal Shelter via Instagram)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Arnold Mill Rd: "I would like to thank the young man who helped me rescue an injured hawk from the middle of Cherokee Dr. this afternoon. He was behind me when I stopped and he got out of his car, took off his jacket to put over the hawk and helped me put it into my back seat." (Nextdoor)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Mantra HHC-Metaphysical Shop and Holistic Hea — (Visit website)
• Queen Custom Couture — (Visit Website)
• Add your business here

Events:

• Intuitive Painting Classes - Ignite the Healing Power of Your Creative Process (January 3)
• Aura Reading & Chakra Balancing (January 7)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Tuesday. I'll see you soon!

— Nina Lightcap

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Woodstock-Towne Lake Daily? Contact me at Woodstock@Patch.com