🌱 Gang Members Sentenced + GA Burn Ban Is Here + Adopt A Pet Today

Good morning, everybody. It's Saturday in Woodstock-Towne Lake and I'm back in your inbox with everything that's fit to print about what's happening locally. Today we have these stories and more:

• Gang crime has reached our beautiful Woodstock.
• The burn ban goes into effect on Monday.
• The Cherokee County Animal Shelter has an adoption event.

But first, your local weather:

• Saturday: Beautiful with clouds and sun. High: 79 Low: 58.
• Sunday: Not as warm; a morning shower. High: 70 Low: 44.

This great local business sponsors the Woodstock-Towne Lake Patch newsletter. We love what they do, and we think you will, too:

Attention music lovers! Don't miss out on The Roswell Music Festival, a one-day, ticketed event on Saturday May 20th. This exciting festival will take place in Historic Downtown Roswell, featuring six amazing bands, tent vendors, and local businesses serving up delicious food and drinks. You won’t want to miss original and tribute bands covering classic rock, soul, funk, country and blues music — including the incredible talents of GRAMMY®-nominated powerhouse Southern Avenue, End of the Line, Funk You, Frankly Scarlet, The Highwaymen Show, and TROY. Tickets are on sale now!

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

1. Two men involved in armed robberies in Woodstock and Cobb County have now been sentenced. The crimes took place in 2019, one in the parking lot of the Woodstock Chattahoochee Technical College. Dante Woods and Jahlen Merrit, both 22, were handed jail sentences of 25 years and 20 years respectively, Merrit was sentenced back in July 2022. The two men are said to be members of the Bloods street gang. Woods' sentence will be served without parole due to his charge of violating the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act. (Fox 5 News)
2. The Georgia burn ban will be in effect starting Monday. The ban is observed in 54 counties around the state, including Cherokee County. The ban runs until September 30. It was put in place to reduce the pollutants we release into the air around the metro area during the summer. Generally speaking, we aren't allowed to burn sticks, branches or leaves during the ban from May 1 - September 30. If you plan on burning debris this weekend, be sure to check the conditions on the day you will be burning, you can do so here or by calling the Georgia Forestry Commission at 877-652-2876. (GA Environmental Protection Division and Atlanta News First)
3. The Cherokee County Animal Shelter is holding its regular adoption event today. The available animals can be seen online here. Head over to the shelter when you can. A QR code posted on the front door will become active at a randomly selected time between 5:30 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. on Saturday. Please scan the QR code to enter the "virtual line." The shelter adopts on a first come, first served basis, and animals can't be put on hold. The adoption fee includes the spay or neuter, heartworm and leukemia testing, initial vaccinations, deworming, flea preventative, microchipping and more. The shelter is located at 1015 Univeter Road in Canton. (Cherokee County Animal Shelter via Facebook)

Today and tomorrow in Woodstock-Towne Lake:

Today

• Open Pickleball Play: open to county residents at The Buzz, 7345 Cumming Highway in Canton. (8 a.m. - 1 p.m.)
• CCSD Student Art Show: the show features art by local elementary, middle and high schoolers and will be on display both in a tent behind the Reeves House and on The Green. The art show is free to attend. (8 a.m. - 9 p.m.)
• Farm. Fresh. Market. - this is the last event listed for the celebration of Georgia Cities Week, created to recognize what role our city holds in our history, economy and culture. Head downtown to Market Street for a great place to find locally grown and created products. (8:30 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. (10 a.m. - 5 p.m.)
• Open Gym: open to county residents at The Buzz in Canton. (10 a.m. - 5 p.m.)
• Themed Book Club: for adult readers, read a book with this month's theme, books about books, and meet up to share your thoughts. You can also find the group on Beanstack, and the meeting will be held at the Woodstock Library, 7735 Main Street. (10:30 a.m. - noon)
• Healthy Kids Day: free fun for the whole family! Check out the healthy activities, services and programs offered at the Y. There will be a live DJ, family yoga demos, kids obstacle courses and inflatables, healthy snacks and drinks, water and swimming safety demos, YMCA program demos and activities at the G. Cecil Pruett Family YMCA, located at 151 Waleska Street. A registration is required to attend the event, you can do so here. (11 a.m. - 2 p.m.)
• Collage Day Class Showcase: a showcase for friends and family, performed by students from the Acting Discoveries, Broadway Bootcamp, Youth Improv, Teen Improv and Acting for Stage classes at Woodstock Arts. The showcase will be held at the Woodstock Arts Theatre. (11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.)
• Dawn Major in Conversation with Ann Hite: the in-person event itself is free and doesn't require a registration, and you can order a copy of Dawn Major's debut novel "The Bystanders" on her website here. The event will be held at FoxTale Book Shoppe, 105 E. Main Street, Suite 138. (1 - 3 p.m.)
• Bee Hive Maintenance: learn how to manage your beehive in this once-a-month class headed up by Woodstock Community Garden Beekeeper Shannon Sorescu. The class for all skill levels will be held at the Woodstock Community Garden, 311 Arnold Mill Road. (3 - 4:30 p.m.)
• Adult First Aid CPR / AED Instructor Led Class: learn how to handle adult first aid, breathing and cardiac emergencies. The class will earn you a 2-year certification that satisfies OSHA, workplace and other regulatory requirements. The class will be held at the Black Rifle Coffee Company, 10971 Highway 92. (4 p.m.)
• Artisan Wine Tasting Chill Out Party: enjoy an evening of wine tasting, there are options to add items like gourmet charcuterie boards, grand chocolate truffles, cakes or sundaes at The Gifted Ferret, 1910 Eagle Drive, Suite 400. (5 - 7 p.m.)
• DJ Kizzy Rock: catch the music up on the rooftop at PURE Taqueria, weather permitting, at 405 Chambers Street. (7 - 11 p.m.)
• Huu Bac Quintet: the artist and his backing team of Montreal jazz musicians are playing as part of the Lantern Series on the Event Green downtown. Their sound is described as "Vietnamese jazz," you can check out their music here. (7:30 p.m.)
• The Legend of Georgia McBride: recommended for those 16 and older, catch the performance at the Woodstock Arts Theatre, 8534 Main Street. (7:30 p.m.)
• Sterling Barrett: Enjoy live music tonight at Keegan's Public House, 1085 Buckhead Crossing, Suite 140. (7:30 - 11 p.m.)
• Chas Crawford: the artist will be playing live at Donovan's Irish Cobbler, 1025 Rose Creek Drive. (9 p.m. - 1 a.m.)
• Heartbreaker: the band will be performing tonight at Guston's Grille, 12195 Highway 92, Suite 156. (9:30 p.m.)
• Shadowplay: The Blue Ghost Arcade, at 164 Towne Lake Parkway, is going back in time with a night of classic goth, industrial and new wave music. The arcade has a full bar, and admission includes unlimited gaming all night. (10 p.m. - 2 a.m.)
• MadLife Grill Patio Stage - free shows, no ticket needed
  • Tabby Kirby (11 a.m. - 2 p.m.)
  • Will Tipton (2 - 5 p.m.)
  • Mother Legacy (5 - 8 p.m.)
  • Eric and Lisa (8 - 11 p.m.)
• MadLife Stage & Studios
  • Head Games - A Tribute to Foreigner (7 p.m. and 9:55 p.m.)

Tomorrow

• PaddleFit: for all skill levels, but you must have some prior SUP experience and know how to swim. The class offers interval training on a paddleboard and will meet at Cherokee Mills Park on Bells Ferry Road. (9 a.m.)
• CCSD Student Art Show: the show features art by local elementary, middle and high schoolers and will be on display both in a tent behind the Reeves House and on The Green. The art show is free to attend. (9 a.m. - 6 p.m.)
• SUP Yoga: for all skill levels, the class hosted by Hanalei SUO Yoga starts with a quick lesson on paddle boarding basics, followed by a yoga class on the board. The board rental is included in the ticket price, the yoga session will take place in Cherokee Mills Park on Bells Ferry Road. (10:30 a.m.)
• Jazzy Sunday Brunch with Rich on Sax: catch the music live on the Rooftop at Rootstock, 8558 Main Street. (11 a.m. - 2 p.m.)
• 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. (noon - 3 p.m.)
• Gregg Erwin: enjoy live music this afternoon at Keegan's Public House, 1085 Buckhead Crossing, Suite 140. (noon - 3 p.m.)
• Open Gym: open to county residents at The Buzz in Canton. (12:30 - 3:30 p.m.)
• Open Pickleball Play: open to county residents at The Buzz in Canton. (12:30 - 3:30 p.m.)
• Wicks and Sips with Woodstock Candle Co: create a custom candle, decorate your own fire starter and enjoy some snacks, drinks and music. (2 - 3 p.m.)
• Paint on the Patio: for all skill levels, join a guided painting session at the Reeves House Education Studio. All supplies will be provided, and there's an option for bottomless mimosas. The Reeves House is located at 734 Reeves Street. (2 - 4:30 p.m.)
• Country Sunday with Cody Bolden and The Road Hands: enjoy the music out on The Green at Reformation Brewery, 105 Elm Street. (2 - 5 p.m.)
• The Legend of Georgia McBride: recommended for those 16 and older, catch the performance at the Woodstock Arts Theatre, 8534 Main Street. (2:30 p.m.)
• Wine Tasting Bingo Afternoon: play some bingo and taste some delicious wines between games at The Gifted Ferret, 1910 Eagle Drive, Suite 400. (3 - 5 p.m.)
• Healthy Kids Running Series: for children in Pre-K through 8th grade to help promote an active and healthy lifestyle. You can sign up for the series still, the last race is on May 21. You can register your child or make a donation to help support the cause here. The races are run at Dupree Park, 513 Neese Road. (4 p.m.)
• Chess Club: for all ages and skill levels, The Blue Ghost Arcade's new Chess Club will meet every other Sunday. Chess boards are available to use, but if you have your own board, you can bring it in if you'd like. The staff is also ready to help beginners learn the basics. The arcade is at 164 Towne Lake Parkway. (4 - 6 p.m.)
• Family D&D Night: for all ages, "learn how to build a character and participate in a one-shot adventure from an experienced dungeon master" at The Blue Ghost Arcade, 164 Towne Lake Parkway. (4 - 8 p.m.)
• Chip Jones: the artist is playing live on the rooftop at PURE Taqueria, weather permitting, at 405 Chambers Street. (5 - 9 p.m.)
• Singer Songwriter Night: every Sunday at Guston's Grille, 12195 Highway 92, Suite 156. If you're interested in playing or hosting, please reach out to the restaurant via email at gustonssingersongwriter@gmail.com (6 p.m.)
• Music Bingo: every Sunday at Sidelines Grille - Woodstock, 300 Village Center Drive. (6 p.m.)
• Jacob Johnson: the artist will be performing live in The Listening Room at Rootstock, 8558 Main Street. (6 - 8 p.m.)
• MadLife Grill Patio Stage - free shows, no ticket needed
  • Roger Wilson (11 a.m. - 2 p.m.)
  • Ryan LittleEagle (2 - 5 p.m.)
  • Greg Drews & The Truth (5 - 8 p.m.)
• MadLife Stage & Studios
  
  • Big Band Jazz - Performing Iconic Film & Television Jazz Favorites (4 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• It's Independent Bookstore Day today! Today's a great day to show your support of Downtown Woodstock's bookstores. There are two shops downtown, The Sweet Read is located at 8990 Main Street, they're open today from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., and the FoxTale Book Shoppe is located at 105 E. Main Street, they're open today from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Enjoy! (American Booksellers Association)
• Downtown Woodstock: "Celebrate Seis de Mayo in Downtown Woodstock with your Amigos for the next Downtown Woodstock pub crawl! On Saturday, May 6th, 2pm -6pm Visit Woodstock GA will celebrate Seis de Mayo in Downtown Woodstock..." (Downtown Woodstock via Instagram)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Wyngate at Towne Lake: "Lost dog this afternoon around 124 powers ferry rd Marietta ,his name is Gabe, if you find please contact me 678-237-6668 thanks so much, please share" (Nextdoor)

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• Veteran Block Party! Veterans eat free! (May 20)
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• Moving Sale!! (Details)
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Alrighty, you're all caught up for today! I'll see you back in your inbox soon with another update.

— Nina Lightcap

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