🌱 Our First Chief Information Officer + Wing Spot Fails Inspection

Hello all. I'm back with your new copy of the Woodstock-Towne Lake Patch newsletter, fresh off the presses. Follow along for everything you need to know about what's happening these days in town. Today you'll read about these stories and more...

• Introducing, Woodstock's first Chief Information Officer!
• Holly Wings Shack didn't fair well on their inspection.
• Empower Cherokee's Project Valentine ends today.

But first, today's weather:

Clouds giving way to some sun. High: 68 Low: 57.

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

1. The announced retirement in January of Woodstock's IT Director Jeff Smith opened the door to a restructuring of the department, creating a combined IT Department and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Division. Katy Leggett will hold the newly created position of Chief Information Officer (CIO), promoted from within the city's GIS Division, and Steve Onufrock will move upwards into the Deputy CIO role from his former position of Senior Systems Administrator. Leggett is a leader with many accomplishments during her time in the Woodstock government, and she has future goals of a more data-driven operational model with a plan to leverage "technology to improve the delivery of city services and enhance the overall quality of life for our residents." (Woodstock News Post)
2. Holly Wings Shack, located at 2210 Holly Springs Parkway, received a failing score on its January 25 health inspection. The restaurant received a 61-U (unsatisfactory), and the inspection report lists several items that are a known risk factor for foodborne illness. Included in the report are violations for food storage temperatures, food contact surface cleanliness and sanitization, date marking and disposition, personal cleanliness and the presence of insects, rodents or other animals. The foodborne illness risk factors include the lack of management knowledge, responsibilities or reporting and the lack of a person in charge present. The inspection prior was in late August of 2022, and it received a 76-C, with several of the same non-compliance issues listed. (Subscription: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and North Georgia Health District)
3. Today is the last day to donate to Empower Cherokee's Project Valentine! Cherokee Recreation & Parks is collecting items to be put into goody bags for the program. The items requested include candy, lip balm, lotion, sticky notes, pens, markers, word searches, art and music activities and pre-packaged treats. You can drop items off during regular business hours at The WREC, located at 7545 Main Street, or the Aquatic Center, located at 1200 Wellstar Way in Canton. If you'd like more information, please reach out to Jessica Hallman by calling 770-924-7768 or by emailing jshallman@cherokeega.com. Empower Cherokee is a local organization that helps "empower people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live life as they define it." (Cherokee Recreation & Parks)
4. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center and the Cherokee County Animal Shelter have released a great infographic ahead of Valentine's Day to warn pet owners of the possible dangers found in common holiday items. It's important to know that when ingested, strings and ribbons like those on balloons and around gifts can cause intestinal blockages requiring emergency surgery, wine can cause alcohol poisoning, chocolate is detrimental to the gastrointestinal tract, brain and heart and bath bombs can cause gastrointestinal issues and electrolyte imbalances. Candy that contains Xylitol, an artificial sweetener, can cause low blood sugar and liver problems in dogs and as gorgeous as lilies are, when ingested by cats, they can cause kidney failure. Keep those harmful human items safely away this Valentine's Day! If you ever have concerns about something your pet has ingested or gotten into, you can contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435. (Cherokee County Animal Shelter via Facebook and ASPCA)
5. Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services (CCFES) has two new fire engines, and they are holding a ceremony to celebrate. On February 16, CCFES will hold a "push-in" ceremony for the two new vehicles, a time-honored tradition going back to when horse-drawn pumps had to be pushed by hand into the station bays due to horses' inability to push fire equipment backwards into the station. The celebration for Engines 11 and 16 will start at 4:45 p.m. at Fire Station 16, located at 190 W. Main Street in Canton. As with most "push-in" ceremonies, this one's open to the public. (Subscription: Cherokee Tribune & Ledger-News)

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Today in Woodstock-Towne Lake:

• Family Storytime: for children of all ages, but children must be accompanied by an adult. The little ones will have fun with stories, singing, dancing, crafts and lots of fun at both the Woodstock Library, located at 7735 Main Street, and the Rose Creek Library, located at 4476 Towne Lake Parkway. (10:30 - 11:30 a.m.)
• Energize Yourself Financially: the presentation by Regions Bank will focus on personal finances, including savings plans and meeting your short- and long-term goals. The informational session will be held at the R.T. Jones Memorial Library, 116 Brown Industrial Parkway in Canton. (2 - 3 p.m.)
• Zoey the Reading Dog: for ages 6 and up, sign up for a 15-minute slot to read to Zoey the reading dog at the Rose Creek Library, 4476 Towne Lake Parkway. The form to sign up is here, but a note on the form states you will need to reach out to them via Facebook if less than 24 hours prior to the event. (4:30 - 5:30 p.m.)
• Ladies Night, Live Music: enjoy live music every Wednesday, The Radio Show starts playing at 7:30 p.m. at Guston's Grille, 12195 Highway 92, Suite 156. (5 p.m. - 1 a.m.)
• Hank Phillippi Ryan In-person Event: You can order a hand-signed copy of the author's book "The House Guest" online here. The meet and greet is free and will be held at FoxTale Book Shoppe, 105 E. Main Street, Suite 138. (6:30 - 7:30 p.m.)
• Trivia Night with Lights Up! Entertainment: prizes for first, second and third place teams every Wednesday at Reformation Brewery, 105 Elm Street. (7 - 9 p.m.)
• Fight Club Wednesdays: the top three winners in tonight's Tekken 7 tournament will win prizes at The Blue Ghost Arcade, 164 Towne Lake Parkway. (8 - 10:30 p.m.)
• Senior Center Programs - most 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.)
  • 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.)
  • Nutrition 2023 - join the Nutrition & Weight Management Group to discuss recipe ideas, learn facts about nutrition and get weight management support every Wednesday at the William G. Long Senior Center. (10:30 - 11:30 a.m.)
• MadLife Grill Patio Stage - free shows, no ticket needed
  • Top Artists Extended Sets (6 - 9 p.m.)
• MadLife Stage & Studios
  • Tiger County Regulators - ATL Homegrown New Vintage Rock 'N' Roll (8 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Be sure to grab your tickets for this Saturday's Speakeasy at Reformation Brewery. The event runs from 10 p.m. - 1 a.m., and there'll be live music from Funk Cake, a cocktail bar and the release of Reformation's Orange Liqueur bottles. You can get your tickets here. For the Cupid-struck and those he missed alike, Reformation is holding a Galentine's Party on Monday that will feature local vendors, new cocktails, beer specials, new merchandise, frozen slushees and karaoke at 8 p.m. The party will be at the brewery from 6 - 10 p.m. at 105 Elm Street. (Reformation Brewery Events)
• Are you still trying to figure out what to do with the kids during the February break? Cherokee Recreation & Parks is holding a Non-Stop Action Camp from February 20 - 24. The camp is for ages 5 - 12, and since the camp day is from 7 a.m. - 6 p.m., all lunches will be provided. There are two locations to choose from, either The WREC in Woodstock or The Buzz in Canton. (Cherokee Recreation & Parks)
• Woodstock Arts has camps too! Their next camp will be from February 20 - 24, 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. daily. The camp is for ages 8 - 12, and the campers will draw, paint, sculpt, sing, dance, act and improv. (Woodstock Arts)
• Registration is officially open for Spring classes at Woodstock Arts. There are classes for all age groups and interests, including a Broadway Bootcamp for children in grades K - 2 and a Painting Out of the Box & Perfecting Your Style class for those 18 and up. You can see the full catalogue here. If you're interested, classes tend to fill up quickly, so be sure to reserve your spot now. (Reeves House at Woodstock Arts via Facebook)
• If you're starting to stock up for Easter already like I am, why not grab some extra goodies for the county's children in need while you're at it. The Some Bunny Special donation event out of Cherokee Recreation & Parks will help bring Easter treats to those less fortunate, in the form of fully loaded Easter baskets. If you'd like to donate a full basket, please see the posting online for a list of item ideas and further details on the event. You do have some time before donations will be accepted, the window opens on March 1. (Cherokee Recreation & Parks)
• Downtown Woodstock: "Be sure to get your flowers in time for Valentines at Brenda's House of Flowers in Downtown Woodstock Visit the store or check out their website for all their flower offerings www.brendashouseofflowers.com @brendashouseofflowers #woodstockga..." (Downtown Woodstock via Instagram)
• Downtown Woodstock: "Big Sale at the Woodstock Visitors Center! Long sleeve shirts on sale for $10 (was $20) Black Hooded Sweatshirt on sale for $20 (was $35) Take advantage of these great deals on the clearance rack" (Downtown Woodstock via Instagram)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Eagle Watch: "To all of those in the area who are aware of the Canton Bed, Bath and Beyond closing. Please note: UNLESS you are a Beyond + (credit card owner) or a Rewards + member, you will NOT to be able to use a coupon." (Nextdoor)

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Events:

• Cherokee County Republican Precinct Caucus (February 11)
• Home Buyer Workshop - This is for ANY Buyer - Your First Home or Your Forever Home! (February 11)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Wednesday off right. I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow morning with another update!

— Nina Lightcap

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