🌱 Free Diabetes Test + Uptick In Bear Sightings + July Health Clinics

Hi all. I'm back in your inbox this morning with all the most important things happening these days in town. In today's issue of the Woodstock-Towne Lake Patch newsletter, we have these stories and more...

• Free diabetes testing today in Canton.
• Bear sightings in the I-575/Highway 92 area.
• Back-to-school health clinics next month.

But first, today's weather:

Clouds and sun with a thunderstorm. High: 81 Low: 55.

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

1. In a joint partnership, Kroger, the American Diabetes Association and the MUST Ministries Mobile Pantry are offering free diabetes testing and risk assessment in neighboring Canton. The screenings are being held in Canton and Marietta, with Canton's happening today. You can get your screening at Action Church, located at 271 Marietta Road, from 3:30-5:30 p.m., and you can find lots of diabetes-friendly recipes and resources on the American Diabetes Association website here. (Atlanta News First)
2. A sub-adult male black bear has been spotted near I-575 in Woodstock, around Ridgewalk Parkway and Highway 92, by the Noonday Creek Trail and near Hubbard Road. The Department of Natural Resources has reported several sightings and has asked that people living in Cherokee County remove birdfeeders, trash, grills and pet food bowls from outdoor areas for the next week or so while the bear moves through the county. You can read more about bear safety and deterrents here, and of course, do not approach any bear and keep a watchful eye on pets and children while they're outside. (Cherokee County via Facebook)
3. It seems a bit early to talk about back-to-school activities, but coming up on July 18 is the first of three Back to School Health Clinics being offered by the Cherokee County Health Department. The clinics will be held at both the Woodstock and Canton health centers on July 18, July 25 and Aug. 8, from 1-6 p.m. each day. The $60 screening fee includes the required hearing, dental and vision screenings, as well as a BMI/nutritional screening. Low-cost immunizations for school-aged children will be offered for uninsured and underinsured families, though most health insurance is accepted. The Woodstock Health Center is located at 7545 N. Main St., for more information, please call 770-928-0133. (Subscription: Cherokee Tribune & Ledger-News and Free: North Georgia Health District)
4. A home off Victoria Road was extensively damaged in a fire last Saturday, displacing a family of four. The fire destroyed much of the DiGiacomo family's personal belongings, and their cat has been missing since the fire. The investigation into the cause is ongoing, but the fire is suspected to be accidental. Neighbors organized a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for the family, bringing in just over $16,000 so far. (Subscription: Cherokee Tribune & Ledger-News)
5. The Cherokee County Board of Commissioners approved a bus fare increase for the Cherokee Area Transportation System (CATS). The approved increase will take place over a two-year period, beginning on Oct. 1 with an increase for the general public to $2 per person up to five miles, with an additional $1 per person per trip for anything over 5 miles. The discount fares for seniors and veterans will be $1 per person up to five miles, with an additional $1 per person for anything over. Children under 15 ride free. The next fare increase will take place on Oct. 1, 2024. (Subscription: Cherokee Tribune & Ledger-News)

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Today in Woodstock-Towne Lake:

Thursday, June 8

• 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.)
• 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 Woodstock Library, 7735 Main St. There are two chances to attend, the shows will be identical. (10:30 a.m. and noon)
• Drop-In STEM - DIY Chalk Paint: For all ages, but children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Drop in anytime during the event at the Rose Creek Library, 4476 Towne Lake Parkway. (4:30 - 5:30 p.m.)
• 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.)
• Dark Star Brothers: The band will be live tonight at Woodstock Beer Market, 240 Chambers St. (6 - 8 p.m.)
• Artist Talk - Casey McGuire: Hear about the creation of and inspiration behind the large wood and Styrofoam piece currently on exhibit at tonight's free event inside the gallery at the Reeves House, 734 Reeves St. (6:30 - 7:30 p.m.)
• Marty Manous: The artist is playing live tonight at Rootstock, 8558 Main St. (6:30 - 9:30 p.m.)
• Live Music Thursdays: Enjoy a food truck, craft beer and live music every Thursday at Truck & Tap, 8640 Main St. (7 - 10 p.m.)
• DJ Trivia: Join the fun tonight at Guston's Grille, 12195 Highway 92. (8 p.m.)
• Super Smash Bros. Tournament: A double-elimination tournament with prizes for the top three winners. The entry fee includes access to all arcade, pinball and board games at The Blue Ghost Arcade, 164 Towne Lake Parkway. Registration starts at 7 p.m. (8 - 10:30 p.m.)
• MadLife Grill Patio Stage - free shows, no ticket needed
  • Canon Tyler (5:30 - 9 p.m.)
• MadLife Stage & Studios
  • Laugh-Lines & Stretch-Marks - Comedy for Women, Moms and Couples! (8 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Please know that there's help for mental health, especially when it's urgent. If you have thoughts of suicide, are experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis or are in emotional distress, there are trained counselors waiting on the other end of the line at 988. You can call or text the number 988 for yourself or someone else, they're available 24/7, and there's also help online at 988lifeline.org. (Canton PD via Facebook)
• Don't forget to sign up for Parent's Night Out at the Cherokee Aquatic Center. This Friday, bring the kids over to the Cherokee Aquatic Center, at 1200 WellStar Way in Canton, and they'll have a great time swimming, eating, making crafts, playing games and watching a movie while you take a well deserved break. You can register here, you have until 5 p.m. today to sign up. (Cherokee Recreation & Parks)
• The next Car-B-Que at the 'Flat is happening this Sunday. The car show is free, and you can bring your own sweet ride to show if you'd like. For information, updates and pictures of the events, the official Facebook page is at the link. The show is scheduled for 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Old Country Place BBQ, 6764 Hickory Flat Highway. (Car-B-Que at the 'Flat)
• The Blue Ghost Arcade is bringing the Darkridge Reunion Murder Mystery Night back next Wednesday. For the evening, you'll find yourself back in high school with an assigned persona. Your job is to figure out who in the group has each persona and who the murderer is. The event starts at 8 p.m. and is for those 18 and up, you'll sign up at the front desk when you arrive. The fun is limited to the first 12 people that sign up, so arrive early, the arcade is at 164 Towne Lake Parkway. (The Blue Ghost Arcade via Facebook)
• The library system has launched the "Summer Discovery: All Together Now" campaign, and it runs until July 31. There are lots of free programs scheduled, and the fun is for all ages, from toddler to adult. You can sign up for the Summer Discovery Beanstack challenge and learn more about the campaign at the link. (Sequoyah Regional Library System)
• Downtown Woodstock: "Take advantage of the free shuttles being offered, Saturday June 10th for the Rick Springfield concert in the Woodstock Summer Concert Series. For more info check out https://www.woodstockconcertse...Shuttles run from 5 pm until the last run at 11:45 pm. For all the info on the Woodstock Summer Concert Series check out https://www.woodstockconcertse..." (Downtown Woodstock via Instagram)

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• Juneteenth Pickleball Tournament (June 17)
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• Village Montessori School is hiring! (Details)
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Alrighty, you're all good for today! See you tomorrow for 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