🌱 Construction Work Starts + Area Farmers Markets + Feedback Meeting

Hello, neighbors! It's me, Nina, your host of the Patch newsletter. Let's get this Tuesday started off right with a quick review of the most important things going on around town, including updates on:

• The scheduled overhaul of Chambers Street has begun.
• Head out into the light and get some fine, fresh produce.
• Share your thoughts on the Comprehensive Plan draft tonight.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and nice. High: 73 Low: 43.

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

1. As of yesterday's groundbreaking, the construction project to extend Chambers Street in Downtown Woodstock is on track, full steam ahead. Phase I of the Woodstock City Center project will make room for two-way traffic on Chambers Street, eventually creating a street connection to Dupree Road. During this first phase of the project, the stretch of East Main Street from Arnold Mill Road to Wheeler Street will be closed to traffic, with the construction expected to tie up in September. Future work on the City Center project will see the redevelopment of around four acres on the corner of East Main Street and Arnold Mill Road and will include the creation of a hotel and conference center, shops, restaurants and a six-story parking deck. (Subscription: Cherokee Tribune & Ledger-News)
2. We could all use some nice, fresh, local produce in our lives, so it's a good thing it's farmers market season in Georgia! The Cherokee Tribune & Ledger-News put together a compilation of the markets around the area, and most are right here in our county. In neighboring Canton, the Farmers Market at River Church is open every Tuesday from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. at 2335 Sixes Road. The Mill on Etowah is holding its Tuesday Market at The Mill every Tuesday from 3 - 7 p.m. at 225 Reformation Parkway. The Canton Farmers Market, at 251 E. Marietta Street, is opening up on June 3, and it will be open Saturdays from 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. And of course, right here at home, we have the Farm. Fresh. Market. every Saturday from 8:30 a.m. - noon. The downtown market opens up on April 22 and will be held on Market Street each week. (Subscription: Cherokee Tribune & Ledger-News)
3. It's time to share your thoughts on the Comprehensive Plan update. Tonight, from 6 - 7 p.m., the county is holding a community meeting to receive our feedback on the document draft that was released yesterday. If you haven't had time to review yet, you can find the draft on the official Comprehensive Plan website until April 28. The plan outlines the county's future growth, development, investment and land use changes, and the final draft will be submitted to the Atlanta Regional Commission for review in May, with an expectation to receive word back after the summer. Tonight's meeting will be held at the Northside Cherokee Conference Center, located at 1130 Bluffs Parkway in Canton. (Free: Cherokee County Communications Department and Subscription: Cherokee Tribune & Ledger-News)
4. The third annual Plant 2 Plate sale is going on this Saturday at Trefoil Gardens. Teaming up with Wholesome Wave, the farm is offering half-price plant starts, a free growing kit and a guide for EBT customers, the CoOp Garden Commission will have a free seed library and the Cherokee Master Gardeners are holding a children's seed starting workshop. The sale includes over 50 varieties of tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, greens, herbs, fruit and nuts, which are all half-price for EBT customers. As a super bonus, Melanie Pineda will be offering community yoga. The farm is located at 120 Bascomb Drive, and the sale will run from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. (Visit Woodstock and Trefoil Gardens)

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Today in Woodstock-Towne Lake:

• Open Gym: open to county residents at The Buzz, 7345 Cumming Highway in Canton. There is a nominal fee to play. (8 a.m. - 8 p.m.)
• +55 Trail Walkers: head outside 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. The group is for those 55 and up that can walk a minimum of one mile on a paved trail. Today, the group will meet at the Towne Lake Pass Trail. (9 - 10 a.m.)
• 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, games, crafts and lots of fun at the R.T. Jones Memorial Library, 116 Brown Industrial Parkway in Canton. (10:30 - 11:30 a.m.)
• Storytime at the Park: the backyard of the Reeves House Visual Arts Center, located at 734 Reeves Street, is the place for today's special storytime, featuring stories, songs and fun. Children must be accompanied by an adult. (11 a.m. - noon)
• Rock Wall Climbing Zone: open to county residents ages 4 and up and 40-pounds and over at The Buzz, 7345 Cumming Highway in Canton. There is a nominal fee to climb. (5 - 8 p.m.)
• Community Yoga: the free class is open to all fitness levels and takes place every Monday morning and Tuesday evening. Please bring your own mat. You can sign up at the link 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 the arcade's 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.)
  • Painter's Club - receive professional instruction and share ideas every Tuesday in the WGLSC Multi-Purpose & Meeting Room. (11 a.m. - 1 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
  
  • Undiscovered Artist Showcase - A Monthly Spotlight on 6-8 Rising Musicians (7:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• If saving someone's life has been on your to-do list, this is your week! There are several American Red Cross Community Blood Drives this week, and donors will receive an exclusive Red Cross and Peanuts Joe Cool t-shirt while supplies last. You can make an appointment for any area Red Cross drive here.
  • Friday: Hickory Flat Fellowship Church, 5301 Hickory Flat Highway in Canton (11 a.m.)
  • Friday: WellStar Cherokee Health Park, 1120 WellStar Way in Canton (10 a.m.)
  • Friday: R.T. Jones Memorial Library, 116 Brown Industrial Parkway in Canton (11 a.m.)
  • Saturday: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 1208 Rose Creek Drive (8 a.m.)
• South on Main, the new(ish) subdivision at 9200 Main Street, is officially opening their own entertainment and gathering spot within the neighborhood boundaries. The Shed, their latest resident amenity, consists of a pavilion and amphitheater built towards the back of the neighborhood. If you'd like to take a look at the subdivision and The Shed, there is a ribbon cutting on Friday at noon. You'll find The Shed at the end of Brighton Boulevard. (IN WDSTK)
• The FoxTale Book Shoppe and Woodstock Parks and Recreation are hosting Storytime Live! with Mario on Saturday. The storytime featuring Nintendo's Mario will start at 11 a.m. and there will be photo opportunities and more. This is a free event to be held at the Gazebo in the Park at City Center on Main Street. (Visit Woodstock)
• Tennis lessons over at Cherokee Recreation & Parks start back up on Monday, April 17. There are lessons for all age groups and skill levels, and they will be held behind The Buzz at Cherokee Veterans Park, at 7345 Cumming Highway in Canton. You can click here to see class age groups, meeting dates and to sign up. Registration closes this Saturday at 8 p.m. (Cherokee Recreation & Parks)

It's a busy week here in town, here are some events coming up this week that require a ticket purchase or registration in advance:

• MadLife Stage & Studios, 8722 Main Street
  • Wednesday: Divided by 5 - Funk, Soul, Jazz, Rock and Blues (7:30 p.m.)
  • Thursday: Dale Jones "I'm Not Well" Comedy Tour - with Special Guest Jodi White (8 p.m.)
  • Friday: Departure - The Journey Tribute Band (7 p.m. and 9:55 p.m.)
  • Saturday: Sabbath Presents the 50 Years of Black Sabbath - Black Sabbath Tribute (7 p.m.)
  • Saturday: Will Tipton Band - Rockin' Country (10 p.m.)
  • Sunday: School of Rock, East Cobb (12:30 p.m.)
• The Gifted Ferret, 1910 Eagle Drive, Suite 400
  • Friday: Wine Tasting Bingo Night (7 - 9 p.m.)
  • Saturday: Artisan Wine Tasting Chill Out Party (5 - 7 p.m.)
• Leaning Ladder, 105 East Main Street
  • Wednesday: Introduction to Black Garlic Dinner with Chef Oakley - demonstration class (7 - 9 p.m.)
  • Saturday: Wine Lunch and Learn with Joanna Scott and Wine Expert Amber - demonstration class (11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.)
• Made Mercantile, 8636 Main Street
  • Saturday: Make & Munch Brunch with Sylvia Draws - for ages 12 and up, create two pieces of jewelry for yourself from pieces of Sylvia Draws jewelry items. Supplies, mimosas and snacks will be provided. (10 a.m. - noon)
• Rootstock, 8558 Main Street
  
  • Thursday: Rotary Club of Woodstock Fundraising Gala - proceeds will benefit the organization, and the evening will include a 3-course wine pairing meal, live music from The Trouble Tones and stories about the role and impact the Rotary Club has had on our community. There will also be a silent auction running during the event. (6:30 - 9 p.m.)
  • Sunday: Hand Up Stand Up Comedy Night - enjoy a night of comedy in The Listening Room. (7 - 9 p.m.)
• Cherokee Recreation & Parks
  • Saturday: Garland Mountain Day Hike - the hike will be at the Garland Mountain Horse and Hiking Trails, approximately 4 miles. All ages are welcome, though minors must be accompanied by an adult. Registration closes on Thursday at 5 p.m. (10 a.m. - noon)
• Woodstock Parks and Recreation
  • Thursday: +55 Trail Walkers - 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. For those 55 and up that can walk a minimum of one mile on a paved trail. On Thursday, the meetup spot will be the Trestle Rock Trail. (9 - 10 a.m.)
  • Thursday: SKILLS, Gun Safety - instructed by an officer from the Woodstock Police Department. Learn the essentials of gun safety, including how to store your guns, where to go for training and how and where you can carry your weapon. Participants will earn a certificate once the class is done, please do not bring your firearm to the class being held at the WGLSC Activity Center Expansion, 223 Arnold Mill Road. (6:30 - 7:30 p.m.)
  • Saturday: Discovering Fishing - for all ages, though children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Learn the basics of fishing, including the equipment, techniques and the best fishing times. Everything you need will be provided, the class will meet in the Pavilion 2 at Dupree Park, 513 Neese Road. (9 - 11 a.m.)
  • Sunday: Discovering Disc Golf - learn the basics of the sport and then play a fun round at the Prodigy Par 2 Disc Golf Course at Dupree Park. All equipment will be provided, and you'll even take home a disc. (2 - 3:30 p.m.)
• Woodstock Arts
  • Saturday: Seffarine - the musical group is playing as part of the Lantern Series on the Event Green downtown. Their sound is described as "Arabic Flamenco," you can check their music out here. (7:30 p.m.)
  • Sunday: Auditions, "Ordinary Days" and "Matilda" - auditions will be held on Sunday and Monday for those heading over in person, and video auditions will be accepted until April 17 at 9 p.m. - you can send those to zach@woodstockarts.org. Please see the listing for important audition and rehearsal schedule information. (6 - 10 p.m.)
• Sequoyah Regional Library System
  • Thursday: Throw and Grow, DIY Adult Seed Bombs - for ages 14 and up, learn about the library and create a seed bomb. You can register here for the event at the Rose Creek Library, 4476 Towne Lake Parkway. (11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.)
  • Thursday: Adult Art Night - for adults of all skill levels, paint a cherry blossom tree. All materials will be provided, you can register here for the event at the Woodstock Library, 7735 Main Street. (6 - 7:30 p.m.)
  • Saturday: Beau the Reading Dog - your child can read to Beau as part of the Caring Paws Reading Education Assistance Dogs program. You can register here for the event at the Woodstock Library. (10 - 11 a.m.)
  • Saturday: Dungeon & Dragons - the monthly, recurring Dungeons & Dragons campaign is for all ages and will be held at the R.T. Jones Memorial Library, 116 Brown Industrial Parkway in Canton. You can register here, but please note, the program may be too advanced for the younger set. (2 - 5 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: emPOWer @ The Hope Center - join IN WDSTK for a Young Professionals networking event. An RSVP is required, but the event is open to non-members and will be held at The Hope Center, 295 Molly Lane, Suite 120. (6 - 8 p.m.)
• Senior Center Programs - most classes and events are held at the William G. Long Senior Center (WGLSC), 223 Arnold Mill Road
  • Wednesday: Walking Club - every Monday and Wednesday at the Dupree Park walking/running track, 513 Neese Road. (8 - 9 a.m.)
  • Wednesday and Friday: Fit Over 50 - stretch and exercise with chair yoga, balance, bands, weights and core strength work every Wednesday and Friday at the WGLSC Activity Center Expansion. (9:30 - 10:30 a.m.)
  • Thursday: Line Dancing - every Monday and Thursday at the WGLSC Activity Center Expansion. (9:30 - 11:30 a.m.)
  • Thursday: Adult Coloring Club - every Monday and Thursday at the WGLSC Activity Center Expansion. (11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.)
  • Thursday: Nimble Fingers Sewing Club - for all skill levels, learn to knit, crochet or cross-stitch every Monday and Thursday at the WGLSC Activity Center Expansion. (11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.)
  • Thursday: Duplicate Bridge - every Thursday in the WGLSC Multi-Purpose & Meeting Room. (12:30 - 3:30 p.m.)
  • Friday: Garden Club - work with the city community garden to develop and implement plans for planting and maintenance around the Senior Center, the club meets at the WGLSC Activity Center Expansion. (10 - 11 a.m.)
• Other
  • Wednesday: Spring Wine Glass Painting Class - paint a spring flower wine glass, all materials will be provided. The Madison O'Brien class will be held at the Tavern at Towne Lake, 1003 Towne Lake Hills East. (7 p.m.)
  • Friday: Friday Flow Yoga - join instructor Melanie Pineda for an outdoor class at Trefoil Gardens, walk-ins are welcome. Proceeds go to food access initiatives in the community. The class will meet on the deck at the Kingsridge CoOp Meeting Space, 120 Bascomb Drive. (12:30 p.m.)

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Featured events:

• BridgeMill Farmers Market (April 12)
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• Wine Dinner at C'est la Vie - A French Restaurant (April 24)
• SUP Yoga Teacher Training Certification (May 5)
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You're all caught up for today. See you all tomorrow morning for another update!

— Nina Lightcap

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