🌱 More Black Bears + Dangerous Heat Hits Town + Exhibit Opens Tonight

Hello, hello! 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 these days. Including news on...

• Black bear sightings around town.
• Avoiding heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
• Opening night reception at the Reeves House.

But first, today's weather: Hot with plenty of sunshine. High: 94 Low: 70.

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

1. After several black bear sightings in the Woodstock area earlier this month, there have been more reported to Cherokee County E 9-1-1 in the last few days. This time around, bears were spotted in the area of Stringer Road in Hickory Flat and near Highway 92. The Department of Natural Resources asks that county residents remove birdfeeders, trash, grills and pet food bowls from outdoor areas while the bear are presumably moving through the county. You can read more about bear safety and deterrents here. Do not approach the bear and keep a watchful eye on pets and children while they're outside. (Cherokee County E 9-1-1 via Facebook)
2. Temperatures are rising in our area, and it's time to think about the dangers of and precautions against heat exhaustion and heat stroke. For today and tomorrow, there's a potential of 105-degree temps or higher, with the heat index. It's important for people and pets to hydrate and cool down often, and always check, then double check, backseats and trunk areas for children or pets before walking away from a car. Heat exhaustion symptoms include dizziness, nausea and weakness, while confusion, headaches and the loss of consciousness are signs of heat stroke. If you suspect either, reach out for medical help. (Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services via Facebook)
3. Tonight is the opening night reception for the new, juried show at the Reeves House Visual Arts Center. The exhibit, "All the Fixins: Artists from the South," includes paintings, drawings, mixed-media creations, sculptures and photographs from 32 southern artists to be voted on by two jurors. The three winners will be announced at the event tonight, and the public will also have a chance to cast their vote, with the People's Choice Award winner being revealed around the Aug. 6 end of the exhibition. Tonight's reception is free and starts at 6 p.m. at 734 Reeves St. (Woodstock Arts)
4. If you're looking for something to do with the kids today, it'd be a good time to check out the TrailStory installation along the Towne Lake Pass Trail. The TrailStory program was created by Woodstock Parks and Recreation and the Sequoyah Regional Library System and is geared towards school-aged children. Take a walk down the trail to see signs posted with pages from "Daniel's Good Day," by Micha Archer. You'll also see QR codes on the signs that, when scanned with your smartphone, lead to questions about the book. The next iteration in August will feature "My Papi Has A Motorcycle," by Isabel Quintero, along the Rubes Creek Trail. (Woodstock Parks and Recreation)
5. Members of the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners and school board, Cherokee County Chief Appraiser Steve Swindell and Woodstock Mayor Michael Caldwell will be speaking on the county's taxes at a scheduled July 13 meeting. The meeting will be held at the Chambers at City Center, located at 8534 Main St. There is time set aside in the meeting agenda for citizens to be heard. (Subscription: Cherokee Tribune & Ledger-News)

Shoutout to our premier local sponsor:

Looking to save money on a Disney vacation this summer? How about 4-day theme park tickets from just over $400 per person? Let Emily Williams at The Magic For Less Travel plan your entire Disney experience and save you money — just pack your bags and go. The Magic for Less Travel is dedicated to making your vacation dreams a reality, and Emily has 20 years of experience customizing unique Disney vacation experiences! Visit here to learn more.

Click here to get your business featured in this spot.

Today in Woodstock-Towne Lake:

Thursday, June 29

• 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.)
• All Together Now Pour Painting: For ages 14 and up, have fun creating a pour painting at the Rose Creek Library, 4476 Towne Lake Parkway. You can register here. (11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. and 5 - 6 p.m.)
• LEGO Lab: All ages are welcome with an accompanying adult at the Woodstock Library, 7735 Main St. (4:30 - 6 p.m.)
• Tabletop RPG: All ages are welcome, but the game may be too advanced for the younger kids. You can register here for the campaign at the Woodstock Library, 7735 Main St. (6 - 8 p.m.)
• Fresh and Vibrant Georgia Summer with Chef Kyle: The menu includes grilled watermelon salad with shaved collards, pickled shallots, cucumber and feta; Sweetwater beer-battered catfish; butterbeans with butter, mint and lime; and blueberry buttermilk coffee cake with vanilla ice cream at Leaning Ladder, 105 E. Main St. (7 - 9 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
  • Rae & The Ragdolls (5:30 - 9 p.m.)
• MadLife Stage & Studios
  • Lace Larrabee & Friends - Comedy Night at MadLife (8 p.m.)

In partnership with T-Mobile:

Father's Day has come and gone, but that doesn't mean we have to stop celebrating rad dads, past and present. Patch partnered with T-Mobile to shine a light on exceptional fathers in communities like Woodstock-Towne Lake. Click here to meet 13 awesome dads and learn more about the legacies they're leaving behind.

From my notebook:

• This Friday, Jazz Night is back at the Reeves House Garden with international jazz saxophonist Peter Ponzol. There's no charge to attend, but seating is first come, first served, so plan to arrive early or bring along your own chairs. Drinks and snacks will be available to purchase. Please take a look at the official website for more information. (Woodstock Arts)
• A new Kids Corner is coming up Saturday morning at the Reeves House Studio, and the crafting session, "Kids Corner: Firework Fun," is great for all ages. You'll create art inspired by fireworks at the 10:30 a.m. event, you can even bring the whole family for a fun weekend activity, you can sign up at the link. (Woodstock Arts)
• There are still some spots available for Sunday's "Paint on the Patio" over at the Reeves House Education Studio. Everything you need will be provided, and there's an option to add bottomless mimosas to your ticket. The painting fun will run from 2-4:30 p.m. (Woodstock Arts)
• The City of Woodstock shared a holiday announcement from Waste Management regarding garbage and recycling routes. Waste Management will run on the normal schedule next week with no delays planned. Please set out your bins as usual. (City of Woodstock via Facebook)
• Did you know that Cherokee Recreation & Parks offers dance classes? The July and August ballroom dancing classes are currently open for registration here, the July session will focus on the samba, rumba and tango, and the August session will include the mambo, merengue and waltz. You can check out the full Recreation & Parks catalog here. (Cherokee Recreation & Parks via Facebook)
• If you've been looking for your dream home, take a look at these beautiful homes for sale in the Woodstock-Towne Lake area. (Woodstock-Towne Lake Patch)
• Cherokee County, Georgia: "#ICYMI: A partial rollback of the millage rate will be advertised as the board of commissioners considers a rate to set over the next five weeks. At its June 20 regular meeting, the board approved advertising a reduced millage rate of 4.985 mills as the 2023 county maintenance & operations millage rate — this is the highest rate that can be considered for adoption. The current M&O rate is 4.995 mills. Read more at https://bit.ly/3pmLSGU" (Cherokee County, Georgia via Facebook)

Thanks for following along and staying informed! I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow morning with a new update.

— Nina Lightcap

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