🌱 Missing Child Out Of Canton + Locals Sweep Technology Competition

Hello again, friends! It's me, Nina, your host of the Woodstock-Towne Lake Patch newsletter. Let's get this week started off right, with a quick review of the most important things going on in town. Today's briefing includes...

• Another child is missing, can you help find this one?
• More than 40 CCSD students won at a recent competition.
• A fire tore through a county home last week, injuring one.

But first, today's weather:

Sunny, pleasant and warmer. High: 63 Low: 36.

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

1. Another youth from Cherokee County has been listed as a missing person/runaway. To add to the mounting number of children going missing in the area, the Cherokee Sheriff's Office is asking for help in locating a 15-year-old female missing out of Canton. Erica Crister was last seen in the area of Sweetwater Creek Trail around 4 p.m. on Saturday. She is described as a white female, five-foot-three and 145 pounds. She has brown hair and blue eyes. She was last seen wearing a white t-shirt and white/grey sweatpants. The missing girl was reported to be in the company of three other females when she left. If you have any information on her location, please contact the Sheriff's Office at 770-928-0236 or 9-1-1. (Cherokee Sheriff's Office via Facebook)
2. More than 40 Cherokee County School District (CCSD) students were first-place winners at the recent Piedmont Regional Technology Competition. The students will now proceed to the state competition, which will be held in Forsyth County next month. There were 14 categories in the competition for students in grades 3 - 12, including Animation, Device Modification and Robotics, and children from around the county placed first in each. There were also second and third place winners out of CCSD, and those stars will receive awards for their accomplishments. Congratulations! (CCSD News)
3. A fire destroyed a home on Nations Drive last week. Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services (CCFES) was called out to the home located just north of Canton on Thursday morning, finding the home fully engulfed. The residents advised responding crews that there was no one inside the residence. One firefighter was injured during the call but was determined to be in stable condition at the hospital and released after treatment. The cause of the fire is still being investigated. (CCFES News)
4. Friday is Woodstock's Arbor Day celebration - tree seedling giveaway. The Tree Seedling Giveaway will take place at three different locations, and there will be 730 seedlings of varying types handed out to Woodstock residents. There are booklets available online here that outline tree care, pruning and water restriction information. A tree will also be planted in celebration of two city employees that are celebrating 20 years of service with the city. Please click the link to see seedling pick-up locations and times. (Downtown Woodstock via Facebook)
5. If you love making art and films, Saturday is the beginning of the first Woodstock Arts Film Festival. The new-to-Woodstock festival will feature films made by local teams, using a list of items, words or themes provided by Woodstock Arts. The prompts that must be used in your film will consist of a line of dialogue, a prop and a theme and they will be sent out at noon on Saturday. The teams must also create their film within a total of 48 hours. Further details, including the requirements and necessary paperwork, can be found online here. If you have any questions, please reach out to brian@woodstockarts.org. (Woodstock Arts)
6. It's almost time for the Woodstock Pub Crawl Series! Up first is the Mardi Gras Pub Crawl Saturday, from 2 - 6 p.m. The Downtown Woodstock area will host the party, and there'll be amazing food and drink specials at many spots. You'll pick up your entry form at the first restaurant you visit, then as you visit participating locations downtown, you'll collect stamps to turn in towards event prizes. A few of the spots participating are The Blue Ghost Arcade, Pure Taqueria, Prime 120, the Reeves House and Partners II Pizza. Check out the full listing of restaurants and their offerings at the link. (Visit Woodstock)

Today in Woodstock-Towne Lake:

• Reeves House Book Swap: this event will take place today through Friday. You can drop off your gently used books during normal business hours, Monday through Wednesday, and the browsing and book pick-up portion of the event will be on Thursday and Friday from 4 - 7 p.m. Please check the hours of operation before heading over, their hours vary throughout the week - today, they're open until 3 p.m. (8 a.m. - 3 p.m.)
• Community Yoga: the free class is open to all fitness levels, please bring your own mat. You can sign up here for the class being held 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.)
• Adult Eclectic Book Club: meet to discuss "Open Season" by C.J. Box at the R.T. Jones Memorial Library, 116 Brown Industrial Parkway. (6 - 7:30 p.m.)
• Galentine's Day Party: the release of new silicone cups and a pink Reformation t-shirt, local vendors, new cocktails and specials and more at Reformation Brewery, 105 Elm Street. (6 - 10 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.)
• 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.)
• Trivia Night with Lights Up! Entertainment: every Monday at Truck & Tap, 8640 Main Street. (7:30 - 10 p.m.)
• Netflix & Chill Trivia: tonight's trivia will be all about Netflix originals. Compete alone or with a group 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:

• The Guns & Hoses 5K brought out so many neighbors this past weekend! It was a really fun event, and the winner was Team Hoses! Their chosen charity was The Goshen Valley Boys Ranch. (Cherokee Recreation and Parks via Facebook)
• Find your own piece of real estate in Woodstock! If you've been renting, and you think it may be time for ownership, check out these homes that recently hit the Woodstock-Towne Lake area market. (Woodstock-Towne Lake Patch)
• Downtown Woodstock: "So many beautiful pieces of jewelry at Holly Springs Jewelers that would make a great gift for Valentines. Stop by the store on Chambers St in Downtown Woodstock to browse their wonderful selection of jewelry. @holly.springs.jewelers" (Downtown Woodstock via Instagram)

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

• MadLife Stage & Studios, 8722 Main Street
  • Tuesday: Celebrate Valentine's Day with The Purple Madness - Prince Tribute (7:30 p.m.)
  • Wednesday: Undiscovered Artist Showcase - A Monthly Spotlight on Rising Musicians (7 p.m.)
  • Thursday: Morgan Myles from NBC's "The Voice" 2022 - Full Band Performance (7:30 p.m.)
  • Friday: All My Rowdy Friends - Hank Williams Jr. Tribute (7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.)
  • Saturday: Bad Moon Riders - Creedence Clearwater Revival Tribute (7 p.m.)
  • Saturday: Mad Margritt - The Ultimate 80's Arena Rock Show (10 p.m.)
  • Sunday: Bad Moon Riders - Creedence Clearwater Revival Tribute (4 p.m.)
• Rootstock, 8558 Main Street
  
  • Sunday: Ben Kimbrell - playing live in The Listening Room (6 - 8:30 p.m.)
• The Gifted Ferret, 1910 Eagle Drive, Suite 400
  
  • Tuesday: Valentine's Day Chocolate Truffle Wine Pairing (6 p.m. and 8 p.m.)
  • Saturday: Annual Mardi Gras Ball & Cajun Cook Off (5 p.m.)
• Woodstock Parks and Recreation
  
  • Wednesday: Discovering Pickleball - for all skill levels, all equipment will be provided. Learn to play the sport by the end of the session at the Dupree Park Pickleball Courts, 513 Neese Road. (6:30 - 8 p.m.)
  • Friday: Arbor Day Celebration - Tree Seedling Giveaway (8 a.m. - 5 p.m.)
• Cherokee Parks & Recreation
  • Friday: Parent's Night Out at the Cherokee Aquatic Center - drop the kids off for a bit, and while you are out and about, the kids will be enjoying a swim, dinner, crafts, games and a movie. You can read more about the event and register here. (5:30 - 10 p.m.)
• Woodstock Arts
  
  • Friday, Saturday and Sunday: Murder on the Orient Express - catch the performance at the Woodstock Arts Theatre, 8534 Main Street. (Various Times)
  • Saturday: Creative Corner, It's Crystal Clear - for teens and adults, explore the use of crystals in the current exhibit by Corrina Sephora and create a watercolor painting of crystals afterwards at the Reeves House Visual Arts Center, 734 Reeves Street. (10:30 a.m.)
  • Saturday - Monday: Woodstock Arts Film Festival, Filming Period - The prompts that must be used in your film will be sent out at noon on Saturday. (noon)
  • Saturday: The Legend of Georgia McBride In-person Auditions - please click the link for important preparation requirements and more information. Video submissions will be accepted until February 20 at 8:30 p.m. (6 - 9 p.m.)
• Sequoyah Regional Library System
  
  • Tuesday: Toddler Sensory Hour - for children 4 and under. You can register here for the Valentine's Day-themed play group at the Rose Creek Library, 4476 Towne Lake Parkway. (10:30 - 11:30 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.)
  • Saturday: Dungeons & Dragons - for ages 12 and up, no experience required, please register here for the new campaign at the R.T. Jones Memorial Library, 116 Brown Industrial Parkway in Canton. (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.)
  • Friday: Morning INfluence with Woodstock's Assistant City Manager Coty Thigpen - learn about future plans for the city. Breakfast will be served at the networking event being held at the Woodstock Chambers at City Center Building, 8534 Main Street. (8 - 9 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.)
  • Wednesday: Nutrition 2023 - every Wednesday at the William G. Long Senior Center. (10:30 - 11:30 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.)
• Other
  • Tuesday: Valentine's Day for Two: enjoy a Valentine's menu for two at Pure Taqueria, 405 Chambers Street. (11 a.m. - 9 p.m.)
  • Tuesday: Valentine's Day Murder Mystery Party - it's a murder mystery at The Blue Ghost Arcade. The limited seating is full, but there's a waitlist you can join here. Awards for best costume and acting, the arcade is at 164 Towne Lake Parkway. (7 p.m.)
  • Thursday: Deborah Goodrich Royce In-person Event: You can pre-order a hand-signed copy of the author's book "Reef Road" online here and you can either have it mailed out or pick it up in person. The meet and greet itself is free and will be held at FoxTale Book Shoppe, 105 E. Main Street, Suite 138. (6:30 - 7:30 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: Mardi Gras Pub Crawl - the opener of the Woodstock Pub Crawl Series, head downtown for food and drink specials at participating restaurants and bars. (2 - 6 p.m.)
• Here are the next few classes at Leaning Ladder with tickets still available:
  
  • February 21: French Quarter Favorites with Chef Kyle - demonstration class (7 - 9:30 p.m.)
  • February 28: Bavarian Winter Feast with Chef Kyle - demonstration class (7 - 9:30 p.m.)
  • March 3: Southern Comforts with Executive Chef Daniel - demonstration class (7 - 9:30 p.m.)
• Here are the next few classes at Made Mercantile with tickets still available:
  • February 13: Mixology Moments with Moments with B. - for ages 21 and up, create a custom mocktail or cocktail and go home with a five-recipe book and a metal jigger. (6:30 - 7:40 p.m.)
  • February 15: Jewelry 101 with bamabelle - for ages 12 and up, learn basic wire wrapping skills and create two pairs of earrings. Participants will go home with a six-piece jeweler tool set, jeweler's mat and a take-home project. (9:30 - 11:30 a.m.)
  • February 17: Bracelets, Beads & Bevvies with bamabelle - for ages 12 and up, create three bracelets. (7 - 9 p.m.)

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• Mantra HHC-Metaphysical Shop and Holistic Hea — (Visit website)
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Featured events:

• BJ's Wholesale Club Pre-opening Limited-time Offer (February 23)
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You're officially in the loop 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