🌱 BOC Talks CATS Fares + Paddleboard Class + Openings At Safety Town

Hello again, hello! It's me, Nina, your host of the Woodstock-Towne Lake Patch newsletter. Here's everything you need to know about what's happening these days in town, including...

• Be heard on the CATS fare increase tonight.
• Learn to paddleboard with Woodstock Parks and Rec.
• "Golfing Fore! the Children" registration ends Wednesday.

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Now, today's weather:

A thunderstorm around in the evening. High: 88 Low: 65.

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

1. The bus fare increase proposed for the Cherokee Area Transportation System (CATS) is going before the Board of Commissioners tonight. There is a public hearing scheduled during the meeting, where citizens can voice their opinion on the suggested increase to $3 per person for 0 - 5 miles and $4 for anything over 5 miles for the general public — seniors and veterans will have discounted fares, and children under 15 ride free. The meeting will be held at 1130 Bluffs Parkway in Canton at 6 p.m., and you can find the agenda here and rules of procedure here on page 12. (Cherokee Tribune & Ledger-News)
2. If you've ever thought about learning to paddleboard, Woodstock Parks and Recreation has a class for you. The "Discovering Paddleboarding" class on Saturday morning will equip you with the basics in a two-hour session headed up by Michael Murphy and staff from Murph's Surf. There are several dates for the class through August, you can register for any of the dates at the link. The class will be held in Lake Allatoona, and there is a minimum age of 13 with a consenting adult and a required weight of 85 pounds or more. (Woodstock Parks and Recreation)
3. There's one day left to register for the Service League's "Golfing Fore! The Children" charity golf tournament. Registration closes on Wednesday, and the tournament is on June 16 at the Fairways of Canton. The day starts at 7:30 a.m. with registration and breakfast, and you'll also get a goodie bag and have time to purchase mulligans and raffle tickets before the shotgun start at 9 a.m. You can read more about the event and sign up at the link. (The Service League of Cherokee County)
4. The Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services (CCFES) Training Center has renamed the EMS Wing in honor of Dr. Jill Mabley, who served the county for over 20 years. The Jill Ann Mabley, M.D., FACEP EMS Wing was dedicated last week with a crowd that included many that the honoree influenced directly during her career. Mabley has served as medical director for CCFES, implemented the Narcan program with law enforcement and has earned many distinctions throughout her career, including a National Professional Qualification as a firefighter and the Dr. Paul Nassour Lifetime Achievement Award. (CCFES News)
5. There is still time for participants and volunteers to sign up for the upcoming Safety Town, hosted by Safe Kids Cherokee County and Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services. The camp for rising kindergarteners will be held June 19-23, and the camp for rising first-grade students will run from June 26-30, and the kids will hear from organizations like the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Cherokee Sheriff's Office and the Cherokee County Animal Shelter and learn about poison dangers, stranger dangers, water and bus safety and more. You can find out more and register here. (CCFES via Facebook)

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Today in Woodstock-Towne Lake:

• American Red Cross Community Blood Drive: You can make an appointment at the link for the blood drive at Hillside United Methodist Church, 4474 Towne Lake Parkway. Donors will receive a $10 gift card. (1 - 6 p.m.)
• Summer Discovery Kick-Off with Jeffini the Great: For all ages, children must be accompanied by an adult. Ushering in the "Summer Discovery 2023: All Together Now" campaign, the library system is holding a magic show today at the Rose Creek Library, 4476 Towne Lake Parkway. (2 - 3 p.m.)
• Biodiversity in Your Backyard: For all ages, children must be accompanied by an adult. Learn about the native and invasive animals and plants in our area and embark on the library's BioBlitz challenge at the Woodstock Library, 7735 Main St. (3 - 4 p.m.)
• DJ Bingo: A fun, family-friendly music bingo night every Tuesday at Guston's Grille, at 12195 Highway 92. (8 - 10 p.m.)
• MadLife Grill Patio Stage - free shows, no ticket needed
  • Open Mic Night - You can sign up for a spot here. (6 - 9 p.m.)
• MadLife Stage & Studios
  • Country Dance Night, featuring The Honky Tonkers - The evening begins with dance lessons. (6:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• The Regal Summer Movie Express has started back up with $2 family movies on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at Regal Cherokee. To take advantage, bring the family over to the first screening of the day, the movies in this year's series include "Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie," "Clifford the Big Red Dog," "Shrek" and "The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie." (Regal)
• Downtown Woodstock: "It's almost time for Rick Springfield at the Woodstock Summer Concert Series. Concert is this Saturday, June 10th and starts at 7:30pm at the Northside Hospital-Cherokee Amphitheater in Downtown Woodstock. Full details at woodstockconcertseries.com" (Downtown Woodstock via Instagram)

Here are some events coming up this week that require a ticket purchase or registration in advance, be sure to check the venues' official calendars for their full schedules.

• MadLife Stage & Studios, 8722 Main St.
  • Wednesday: Songwriters & Storytellers, A Night of Songwriters in the Round - Featuring Maria Deirisarri, Carly Glisson Lyon, Ashley Carson and Greg Drews (7:30 p.m.)
  • Thursday: Laugh-Lines & Stretch-Marks - Comedy for Women, Moms and Couples! (8 p.m.)
  • Friday: '84 - A Van Halen Tribute (7 p.m.)
  • Friday: Moby Dick - Party Rock Cover Band (10 p.m.)
  • Saturday: Vegas McGraw - Tim McGraw Tribute (7 p.m. and 9:55 p.m.)
• Rootstock, 8558 Main St.
  • Wednesday: Monthly Wine Tasting, Exploring Southern France - Taste 5 wines and learn about varietal, growing region and tasting notes. (6:30 - 8:30 p.m.)
• The Gifted Ferret, 1910 Eagle Drive, Unit 400
  • Friday: Wine Tasting Bingo Night (7 - 9:30 p.m.)
  • Saturday: Artisan Wine Tasting Chill Out Party (5 - 7 p.m.)
• Made Mercantile, 8636 Main St.
  • Sunday: Maker Bar, Kids - Bring the kids over any time during the Maker Bar to create a project in 30 minutes or less. At this week's event, the kids will create a key chain for Father's Day with Silvia Draws. You'll need to reserve a spot for this one, you can do so at the link. (3 - 7 p.m.)
• Woodstock Arts
  • Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday: "A Year with Frog and Toad" - For all ages, this play sends a message of friendship to kids. There is a sensory friendly performance this Saturday, performances are at the Woodstock Arts Theatre, 8534 Main St. (Various Times)
  • Friday: Woodstock Arts Improv Troupe, WIT! - The laughs are best for ages 10 and up at the Woodstock Arts Theatre, 8534 Main Street. (7:30 p.m.)
  • Saturday: The Lasting Laugh - For ages 12 and up, clean comedy hosted by Jessica It's All Good at the Woodstock Arts Theatre, 8534 Main St. (7:30 p.m.)
  • Sunday: Screen on the Green, "Sonic The Hedgehog 2" - The movie will be showing on the screen on The Green downtown, 113 Elm St. Bring along folding chairs or blankets to get nice and comfy. (3 p.m.)
  • Sunday: Woodstock Arts Video Game Tournament, Animal Crossing New Horizons Island Judging Competition - If you'd like to play, you can save your spot at the link. Spectators are free. The event will be held on The Green downtown, so be sure to bring a folding chair. Please bring your Switch, it will be docked to explore your island. For Switch Lite users, please have a dream code ready. (5:30 p.m.)
• IN WDSTK - Open to non-members
  • Thursday: YPOW AM - Join the Young Professionals of Woodstock every Thursday morning for coffee, networking and an informal chat with a local leader at The Circuit, 1 Innovation Way. (7:30 - 8:30 a.m.)
  • Thursday: mINgle with Movement Mortgage - Join other local professionals in an after-hours networking event with food, drinks and music. The event will be held at Movement Mortgage, 9860 Highway 92. (5:30 - 7:30 p.m.)
• Woodstock Parks and Recreation
  • Tuesday and Thursday: +55 Trail Walkers - For those 55 and up that can walk a minimum of one mile on a paved trail. Head out to socialize and get some exercise every Tuesday and Thursday, the walking will alternate between the Noonday Creek, Rubes Creek, Towne Lake Pass and Trestle Rock trails. (9 - 10 a.m.)
  • Tuesday and Thursday: Big Stage Yoga - The class will be meeting every Tuesday and Thursday this month on the stage of the Amphitheater downtown. (6:30 - 7:30 p.m.)
  • Thursday: SKILLS, Automotive - Learn the basic skills needed to handle mechanical issues while on the road. You'll learn to check tire pressure, jump a battery and change a tire, as well as the correct way to handle a roadside emergency. (6:30 - 8 p.m.)
• Cherokee Recreation & Parks
  • Friday: Parent's Night Out - Bring the kids over to the Cherokee Aquatic Center, at 1200 WellStar Way in Canton, they'll have a great time swimming, eating, making crafts, playing games and watching a movie while you get some "you time." You can read more about the event and register here. (5:15 - 10 p.m.)
• Senior Center Programs - Most classes and events are held at the William G. Long Senior Center (WGLSC), 223 Arnold Mill Road
  • Tuesday: Woodcarving Club, Painters' Club, Mahjong Instruction
  • Wednesday: Walking Club, Fit Over 50, BUNCO
  • Thursday: Line Dancing, Adult Coloring Club, Nimble Fingers Sewing Club, Duplicate Bridge
  • Friday: Fit Over 50, Garden Club
• Other
  • Wednesday: Fresh Start Mornings, Presented by the Cherokee Office of Economic Development (COED) - Give and receive feedback, learn and make connections with other local entrepreneurs. The meeting is free and open to the public at The Circuit, 1 Innovation Way. (9 - 10 a.m.)
  • Wednesday: June Sip and Paint Class - Enjoy a painting session with Madison O'Brien Art, food and drink is available for purchase at the Tavern at Towne Lake, 1003 Towne Lake Hills East. (7 - 9 p.m.)

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Featured events:

• Juneteenth Pickleball Tournament (June 17)
• Add your event

Thanks for following along and staying informed! I'll see you around.

— Nina Lightcap

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