🌱 Cold Weather Warning + Health Inspection News + Exemption Deadline

Welcome back, Woodstock-Towne Lake. I'm here in your inbox today to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on in town, including news about:

• It's cold outside, prepare for freezing weather.
• A local restaurant raised its health inspection score.
• The deadline to file for real property exemptions is coming up.

But first, today's weather:

Breezy in the afternoon. High: 51 Low: 28.

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Here are the top five stories in Woodstock-Towne Lake 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. After failing their health inspection in late February with a 57-U (Unsatisfactory), Peking and Tokyo, located at 200 Park Brooke Drive, managed a steep rise to a 93-A on its March 10 reinspection. The inspection report from February lists several items that are a known risk factor for foodborne illness, including violations for bare-hand contact with ready-to-eat foods, improper eating, tasting, drinking or tobacco use and the lack of adequate handwashing facilities. The March 10 inspection shows all but one item rectified. It was again found in violation for not exhibiting proper eating, tasting, drinking or tobacco use. One new concern for personal cleanliness was listed. It is worth noting, though, the restaurant's scores published on the North Georgia Health District website are all As and Bs prior to the failing inspection in February. (Subscription: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and North Georgia Health District)
3. 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)
4. 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)
5. If you haven't had a chance to check out the latest art at the Reeves House Visual Arts Center, this week is the perfect chance. The exhibit "Through the Looking Glass: Art + Science" features work by several artists exploring objects on the earth and in space as seen through microscopes and telescopes. It's free to see the exhibit. Beverages are available for purchase, including wine, beer, cider and coffee. If you're bringing your children, the gallery has very thoughtful exhibit guides - one for elementary school aged children, and one for those middle and high school aged. The guides include reflection questions, facts about the exhibit and the gallery itself, a discussion on art, a craft, suggested reading and more. The gallery is located at 734 Reeves Street. (Woodstock Arts)

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Today in Woodstock-Towne Lake:

• Open Pickleball Play: open to county residents at The Buzz, 7345 Cumming Highway in Canton. 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 in Canton. (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. (10:45 - 11:45 a.m.)
• Pi Day at Pie Bar: special Pi Day menu featuring a new flavor at Pie Bar, 8720 Main Street, Suite 130. (11 a.m. - 7 p.m.)
• Open Gym: open to county residents at The Buzz, 7345 Cumming Highway in Canton. 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. (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. (5:30 - 6:30 p.m.)
• DJ Bingo: fun, family-friendly music bingo that pays out cash every Tuesday at Guston's Grille, 12195 Highway 92. (7 - 9 p.m.)
• Music Bingo: hosted by DJ CaseyD every Tuesday at Truck & Tap, 8640 Main Street. (7:30 - 10 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: new players are welcome. Please make a reservation on their Meetup page to ensure your spot. 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 - most classes and events are held at the William G. Long Senior Center (WGLSC), 223 Arnold Mill Road
  • Woodcarving Club - every Tuesday in the WGLSC Multi-Purpose & Meeting Room. (9 - 10 a.m.)
  • Book Lover's Club - every 2nd Tuesday of the month in the WGLSC Multi-Purpose & Meeting Room. (10 - 11 a.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
  • Undiscovered Artist Showcase - A Monthly Spotlight on 6-8 Rising Musicians (7 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! 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: As of yesterday, the City of Woodstock's Utility Billing/Property Tax/Water Department is closed every day from noon - 1 p.m. If you plan on paying a bill or conducting business, please be aware of the change in their operating hours. (City of Woodstock via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• Last Day to Register for Golf2Grow, Inc Golf Tournament (March 15)
• Aura Reading & Chakra Balancing (March 16)
• Homebuyer Blueprint Live Webinar (March 16)
• Irish Song and Dance (March 17)
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You're all caught up for today. I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow morning with your next update!

— Nina Lightcap

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