🌱 Downtown Concert At Noon + Tuesday Morning Closing + CATS Rate Hike

Hey, everybody. It's Thursday in Woodstock-Towne Lake and I'm back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what's happening in the community today. In today's issue, you'll find:

• The Brown Bag Concert Series starts today.
• The Tuesday Morning store in Woodstock is closing.
• Your input is wanted for the proposed CATS fare update.

But first, today's weather: Sunshine and nice. High: 72 Low: 49.

Our local sponsor has some great stuff to offer:

Looking for a meaningful volunteer opportunity in Woodstock? 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 9 a.m.-4 p.m. 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 three stories today in Woodstock-Towne Lake:

1. The Brown Bag Concert Series is back, and the first show is today. Danielle McLean will be appearing on the Gazebo in the Park at City Center at noon for a live, acoustic performance. The show will run for about an hour, and it's a really nice way to take a break from the day. Pack your lunch, grab a blanket or folding chair and enjoy the music. The next show in the series is coming up on May 11, when Mark Miller will take the stage. (Woodstock Parks and Recreation)
2. The Woodstock location of the Tuesday Morning retail chain will be gone before we know it. Soon after announcing the closure of all stores, the chain started sales to liquidate their in-store stock. There are six stores in Georgia that will be affected, including their location at 1430 Towne Lake Parkway. The stores carry a bit of everything but be sure to head over soon for the huge price cuts on home décor, toys, pet supplies, crafting items and more. If you have gift cards, you have until May 13 to use them. (Atlanta News First)
3. The Cherokee Area Transportation System (CATS) is exploring a plan to increase fares for the first time since 2007. The plan includes annual increases, landing on $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. You are invited to provide your feedback on the proposed increases by calling 770-345-6238, going in person to CATS headquarters, located at 884 Univeter Rd. in Canton or emailing Greg Powell at mgpowell@cherokeega.com. There will also be a public hearing on June 6. (Cherokee County Communications Division)

Today in Woodstock-Towne Lake:

• YPOW AM: Open to non-members, 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.)
• "Off the Wall" Opening Reception: Pieces in the new exhibit are made with unconventional materials, and though they are hung on the wall, they exist in the third dimension with the viewer. The opening reception is free and offers a chance to see the exhibit, meet the artists and enjoy a drink at the Reeves House Visual Arts Center, 734 Reeves St. (6 p.m.)
• Michael Farris Smith In-person Event: The meet and greet itself is free, but you can order a signed copy of the author's book "Salvage This World" online here to be picked up at the shop or shipped to you. The event will be held at FoxTale Book Shoppe, 105 E. Main St., Suite 138. (6:30 p.m.)
• Pop Up Wine Tasting with Schweiger Family Vineyards and Guest Winemaker Andy Schweiger: Taste three wines, paired with a selection of cheese chosen by Chef AJ at Rootstock, 8558 Main St. (6:30 - 8 p.m.)
• Beef Stir Fry with Chef Sunisa (hands-on class): The menu includes Thai basil roll with shrimp and peanut sauce, beef stir fry and sweet pumpkin soup at Leaning Ladder, 105 E. Main St. (7 - 9 p.m.)
• DJ Trivia: The top three teams win cash every Thursday at Guston's Grille, 12195 Hwy 92, Suite 156. (8 - 11 p.m.)
• MadLife Grill Patio Stage - free shows, no ticket needed
  • The Shetlands (5:30 - 9 p.m.)
• MadLife Stage & Studios
  • Buddy Jewell - No. 1 Charting Nashville Star, with Opener Caleb Wilkie & The Privateers (7:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Downtown Traffic Reminders: Mill Street is now a two-way road. There is no longer a left turn from Main Street onto Towne Lake Parkway. There is a new turn lane on Towne Lake Parkway. There is signage in the area, but please be cautious as we all adjust to the change. (Downtown Woodstock via Facebook)
• It's "Star Wars" Day, and there are some super fun events going on. Nobody said you can't dress up and celebrate, so grab your friends and join the party at these local spots:
  • "Star Wars" Nerf Night: Bring your Nerf equipment to the library for a night of games, target practice and more. The evening is for children 6 and up, and they must be accompanied by an adult. You can register here for the event at the Woodstock Library, 7735 Main St. (5:30 - 7:30 p.m.)
  • May the Fourth be with Brew: Reformation Brewery will be offering a special tap list and more at 105 Elm St. They're also offering a nice deal for anyone in a "Star Wars" costume. (6 - 10 p.m.)
  • Slay the Arcade: There's a "Star Wars" themed drag show tonight at The Blue Ghost Arcade, located at 164 Towne Lake Parkway. The evening is for those 18 and up, and admission will be accepted at the door. (8 p.m.)
• The Judeo-Christian observance of the National Day of Prayer is today. Assigned an official date when President Reagan was in office, the moment of communal prayer for our country and leaders falls on the first Thursday in May. There is a planned Cherokee and Cobb County meet-up at The Park at City Center, 101 Arnold Mill Road. If you'd like, bring a folding chair or a blanket to keep comfy. There is time set aside for fellowship from 6 - 6:20 p.m., and the event runs from 6:30 - 8 p.m. (Subscription: Cherokee Tribune & Ledger-News)
• Downtown Woodstock: "The Seis de Mayo Pub Crawl is Saturday, May 6, 2-6 p.m., in Downtown Woodstock. For the pub crawl Woodstock Beer Market will be featuring tacos by Jose's Birria Local. Will also be featuring $5 pours and Dry County Cantarito Cocktail, Wild Leap Mojito Cocktail, Mexican Lime Lager, Mexican Lager, and Frozen Bargarita." (Downtown Woodstock via Instagram)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Eagle Watch: "Need a room for rent. I’ll hardly ever be there. Needs to be an alcohol & drug free environment. ((Cause I am alcohol & drug free)) I’m a Christian, Marine Corps. Veteran I have no pets. It will only be me. Rebuilding myself. I need very little.
  Open to bartering work/labor for room. Thank you. God Bless. Call/text me: 470-898-3965" (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Spring Creek Place: "Help! I am in dire need of someone who can cut down and oak stump that is about 5 feet tall and 2.5 feet across and haul it away. Then what is left including some large roots have to be ground. If you know such a person please text the information to me at 903-242-1452." (Nextdoor)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Making Waves Salon & Brazilian Wax — (Visit website)
• Phoenix Flooring and More — (Visit Website)
• Add your business here

Featured events:

• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (May 5)
• May Market at Rose Lawn (May 6)
• Here Comes the Sun: Music of the Beatles (May 12)
• CHRIS WILLIS a Jazzy Mother's Day, BRUNCH and SHOW, Sunday, May 14th (May 14)
• Veteran Block Party! Veterans eat free! (May 20)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Thursday! I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow morning with another update.

— Nina Lightcap

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