🌱 Local Substitute Arrested + Hwy 20 Project Update + Upcoming Events

Good morning, friends! It's me, Nina, your host of the Woodstock-Towne Lake Patch newsletter — here to tell you everything that's fit to print about what's happening in town. Today you'll find news about these stories and more:

• A local substitute was arrested last week.
• An update on the Highway 20 widening project.
• Easter events around town to sign up for.

But first, today's weather:

Warmer; breezy in the morning. High: 57 Low: 32.

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

1. A Woodstock woman was arrested last week for her alleged year-long relationship with a minor student. The woman, Brittany Stetson, has been a substitute teacher at several area schools. The district advised that she was in the teaching pool as a substitute teacher from the end of September 2021 to the beginning of December 2021, during the time some of the alleged incidents occurred. Stetson has been held in the Cherokee County jail without bond since March 7. The current charges against her include child molestation, aggravated child molestation and sexual assault by a teacher. (Subscription: Cherokee Tribune & Ledger-News)
2. Highway 20 travel between Canton and Cumming will be a rolling construction zone for the next several years. During a Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce meeting last week, a Georgia DOT representative advised that the section of road from I-575 to Scott Road is projected to be completed around May 25, widening the road to a comfortable six lanes, complete with a raised median and sidewalks near the interstate side. Next up will be the stretch from Scott Road to Union Hill Road, and that one has a December 2024 completion goal. (Subscription: Cherokee Tribune & Ledger-News)
3. Don't forget to sign up for a spot in these upcoming Easter events through Cherokee Recreation & Parks. The Some Bunny Special program is going on until April 7, you can donate a filled Easter basket and bring a smile to a little one's face. There will be an Easter Hiking Scavenger Hunt on March 29, a Flashlight Egg Hunt on March 31 and the EGGS-traordinary Spring Extravaganza will be on April 8. Children of all ages are invited to the Outdoor Egg Hunt and there are several time slots for an Underwater Egg Hunt. (Cherokee Recreation & Parks)
4. The next event in the Downtown Woodstock Pub Crawl Series is the Shamrock Pub Crawl this Saturday, from 2 - 6 p.m. There will be food and drink specials at restaurants in the downtown area, prizes, live music and much more. You can see the full list of participating places here, the menus look amazing! Grab your entry form at the first place you stop, and be sure to get stamps from each place thereafter. Once you get five stamps, hand in your entry form at any participating restaurant for a chance to win prizes. (Visit Woodstock)

Today in Woodstock-Towne Lake:

• 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 here for the class at The WREC, 7545 Main Street, Building 200. (10 - 11 a.m.)
• Homeschool Meet Up: for homeschool kids of all ages, learn and interact with other homeschool families in the area. Enjoy a story time, group meeting and age-appropriate breakout sessions at the Woodstock Library, 7735 Main Street. (10:30 a.m. - noon & 2 - 3 p.m.)
• March Sip and Paint Class: for all ages. You can purchase tickets here for the paint & sip at Tavern at Towne Lake, 1003 Towne Lake Hills East. (6 p.m.)
• Adult Eclectic Book Club: meet to discuss "Hill Women: Finding Family and a Way Forward in the Appalachian Mountains" by Cassie Chambers at the R.T. Jones Memorial Library, 116 Brown Industrial Parkway in Canton. (6 - 7:30 p.m.)
• Hot Vinyasa: all levels are welcome, though some prior experience is helpful to the class held at Ember Hot Yoga, 330 Chambers Street. (6:30 - 7:45 p.m.)
• Trivia Night with Lights Up! Entertainment: every Monday at Truck & Tap, 8640 Main Street. (7:30 - 10 p.m.)
• DJ Trivia: the top three teams win cash prizes, every Monday at Guston's Grille, 12195 Highway 92, Suite 156. (7:30 - 10:30 p.m.)
• "Game of Thrones" Trivia: compete for prizes alone or with a team, admission includes unlimited games until midnight at The Blue Ghost Arcade, 164 Towne Lake Parkway. (8 p.m.)
• Senior Center Programs - most classes and events are held at the William G. Long Senior Center (WGLSC), 223 Arnold Mill Road
  • Walking Club - every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at the Dupree Park walking/running track, 513 Neese Road. (8 - 9 a.m.)
  • Beginner Bridge Instruction - every Monday in the WGLSC Multi-Purpose & Meeting Room. (9 - 10 a.m.)
  • Line Dancing - every Monday and Thursday at the WGLSC Activity Center Expansion. (9:30 - 11:30 a.m.)
  • Adult Coloring Club - every Monday and Thursday at the WGLSC Activity Center Expansion. (11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.)
  • 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.)

From my notebook:

• I'm a super fan of the Woodstock Parks and Recreation event series, "ROCKS!" Around certain holidays and seasons, people gather together to paint smooth river rocks with happy, encouraging and positive pictures or messages and hide them where others will find them. It really brings a smile to people's faces. Next up is "Mother Earth ROCKS!" on April 6 at 6:30 p.m., you can sign up for the free event at the link. (Woodstock Parks and Recreation)
• The YMCA of Cherokee County, located at 151 Waleska Street in Canton, has advised that their indoor pool is closed for repairs. There is no ETA for completion, but their post states that the hot tub is open. (YMCA of Cherokee County via Facebook)
• The Cherokee County Animal Shelter has a timely and important reminder for us. With Easter just a few weeks away, please remember that Easter Lilies are poisonous to cats. It's best to not bring them into your home if you have a cat, as even small amounts of pollen and less than one leaf or flower can cause deadly kidney failure. (Cherokee County Animal Shelter via Facebook)
• Looking for some new digs? Check out these five homes that recently hit the Woodstock-Towne Lake market. (Woodstock-Towne Lake Patch)
• Reminder: Grab your tickets for Downtown Woodstock's Spring Sip + Shop on March 16. There will be special deals all over the area from 5 - 9 p.m. and light bites and beverages offered as you travel shop to shop. A tote bag and a directory of participating stops will be ready for you when you arrive at the Woodstock Visitors Center and you'll have a chance to register for raffle prizes at the same time. You can grab your tickets here. (Woodstock Visitors Center via Facebook)

Here are some events coming up this week that require a ticket purchase or registration in advance:

• MadLife Stage & Studios, 8722 Main Street
  • Tuesday: Undiscovered Artist Showcase - A Monthly Spotlight on 6-8 Rising Musicians (7 p.m.)
  • Wednesday: Takiya Mason & The Band of Angels with Special Guest, The Steven Brooks Band (7:30 p.m.)
  • Thursday: Rae and the Ragdolls with Special Guest, Garrett Wheeler - Eclectic Rock (7:30 p.m.)
  • Friday: The Troubadour Project - 70's Revival, Queen, Zeppelin, Bowie & More (7 p.m.)
  • Friday: Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with Elevation - The U2 Tribute (10 p.m.)
  • Saturday: Electric Avenue - The 80's MTV Experience (7 p.m. and 9:55 p.m.)
  • Sunday: Illegal Smile - The Songs of John Prine (4 p.m.)
• Rootstock, 8558 Main Street
  • Wednesday: For the Love of St. Patrick's Day, Irish Whiskey Pairing Dinner - a 5-course dinner with 1-ounce Irish whiskey pairings. (7 - 9:30 p.m.)
  • Thursday: Hand Up Stand Up Comedy Night - enjoy a night of comedy in The Listening Room. (7 - 9 p.m.)
  • Saturday: Paul Childers Listening Room Session (8 p.m.)
• Leaning Ladder, 105 East Main Street
  • Wednesday: Daytime Lunch with Joanna Scott - demonstration class, hands-on at times (11 a.m. - 1 p.m.)
  • Thursday: Luck of the Irish with Executive Chef Daniel - demonstration class (7 - 9:30 p.m.)
  • Saturday: Rise 'N Shine Farm to Table - demonstration class (1:30 - 3 p.m.)
  • Sunday: Bread Making for Beginners with Chef Michelle - hands-on class (noon - 3 p.m.)
• Made Mercantile, 8636 Main Street
  • Saturday: Crafted Moments, Craft a Mixology Recipe Book or Kid's Activity Book - snacks and drinks will be provided. (5 - 7 p.m.)
• The Gifted Ferret, 1910 Eagle Drive, Suite 400
  • Saturday: St. Patrick's Day Wine Tasting Party - learn about green wine and enjoy a themed cocktail. (5 - 7 p.m.)
  • Sunday: Spring Wine Therapy's Sip & Paint - enjoy some nice wine while you paint either an oversized wine glass or a recycled frosted wine bottle lamp. A bottle of wine is also included with your ticket. (3 - 5 p.m.)
• Woodstock Parks and Recreation
  • Saturday: Discovering Pickleball for Kids - for ages 8 - 17, learn the basics of the game at the Dupree Park Pickleball courts. All equipment will be provided. (3 - 4:30 p.m.)
• Cherokee Recreation & Parks
  • Tuesday: 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 here for the class at The WREC, 7545 Main Street, Building 200. (5:30 - 6:30 p.m.)
• Woodstock Arts
  • Friday, Saturday and Sunday: "Company" - catch a performance of the play at the Woodstock Arts Theatre, 8534 Main Street. (Various Times)
  • Saturday: Creative Corner, Galaxy Art - for teens and adults, take a look at the latest exhibit at the Reeves House Studio, "Through the Looking Glass," and then create your own galaxy art. All materials will be provided, the address is 734 Reeves Street. (10:30 - 11:30 a.m.)
• Sequoyah Regional Library System
  • Tuesday: 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.)
  • Wednesday: Reading Dogs with Teddy Puppies - for children of all ages. Sign up here for a 15-minute spot for your child to read to the Reading Dog at the R.T. Jones Memorial Library, 116 Brown Industrial Parkway in Canton. (10:30 - 11:30 a.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.)
• Senior Center Programs - most classes and events are held at the William G. Long Senior Center (WGLSC), 223 Arnold Mill Road
  • Tuesday: Woodcarving Club - every Tuesday in the WGLSC Multi-Purpose & Meeting Room. (9 - 10 a.m.)
  • Tuesday: Book Lover's Club - every 2nd Tuesday of the month in the WGLSC Multi-Purpose & Meeting Room. (10 - 11 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: Duplicate Bridge - every Thursday in the WGLSC Multi-Purpose & Meeting Room. (12:30 - 3:30 p.m.)
  • Friday: Nutrition 2023 - every Friday at the William G. Long Senior Center. (10:30 - 11:30 a.m.)
• Other
  • Tuesday: American Red Cross Community Blood Drive - donors will receive a $10 prepaid Visa card and will be entered to win a $3,000 prepaid Visa card. You can make an appointment at the link for the blood drive at WellStar Cherokee Health Park - Holly Springs, 1120 WellStar Way in Canton. (10 a.m. - 3 p.m.)
  • Tuesday: Pi Day at Pie Bar - special Pi Day menu featuring a new flavor. Pre-orders are being accepted online, reserve your slice, half pie or whole pie at Pie Bar, 8720 Main Street, Suite 130. (11 a.m. - 7 p.m.)
  • Tuesday: 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, 164 Towne Lake Parkway. (8 - 11 p.m.)
  • Wednesday: The Cherokee Office of Economic Development (COED) Presents Fresh Start Mornings - receive feedback, learn and make connections with other locals. Networking starts at 9 a.m., and the program begins at 9:15 a.m. The meeting is free and open to the public at Reformation Brewery, 255 Reformation Brewery, Suite 500 in Canton. (9 - 10 a.m.)
  • Thursday: Downtown WDSTK Sip + Shop - this event in the series is themed "Spring Fashion." Shop around Downtown Woodstock and enjoy specials, food and beverages from your favorite stores. Grab your tote bag and directory from the Visitors Center, at 8588 Main Street, when you get there. (5 - 9 p.m.)
  • Saturday: Paint and Chat Professional Art Classes - for all skill levels, all supplies will be provided for the painting class at Tranquility Fine Arts, 9194 Main Street. (2 - 4 p.m.)
  • Saturday: Battle of the Brews, featuring lagers - take part in a blind tasting of lagers this Saturday, rank your favorites and enjoy some great food at The Daily Draft, 8594 Main Street. Guess the brewery of each tasted beer to be entered to win a grand prize. (2 - 4 p.m.)

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Featured businesses:

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

Featured events:

• Aura Reading & Chakra Balancing (March 16)
• Homebuyer Blueprint Live Webinar (March 16)
• Irish Song and Dance (March 17)
• Add your event

Alrighty, you're all caught up for today. I'll see you around!

— Nina Lightcap

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