🌱 Pain Clinic Kickbacks + Saturday Lake Drowning + Cars For The Band

Hello, neighbors! It's me, Nina, your host of the Woodstock-Towne Lake Patch newsletter. Here's all the local news you need to know right now. Today's issue includes:

• Local doctor and clinic to pay in Anti-Kickback Statute.
• A drowning at Lake Allatoona on Saturday evening.
• Sweet rides at the Woodstock HS fundraiser.

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Now, today's weather:

Variable clouds with a shower. High: 78 Low: 65.

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

1. A local doctor and pain management clinic will pay a fee of $625,000 to resolve accusations against them of violating the False Claims Act. James Ellner, M.D., Georgia Pain Management P.C. and Samson Pain Center are accused of filing improper claims to Medicare and TRICARE between May 1, 2015, and Dec. 31, 2019. The alleged fraud violates the Anti-Kickback Statute in that the lab paid the salary of a person working at Georgia Pain in exchange for urine drug test referrals that were at least in part unnecessary. (WSB-TV)
2. A drowning incident on Lake Allatoona Saturday evening took the life of a 44-year-old male. Game Wardens and the Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services were called out to search for Dehaven Prillerman after he did not resurface while out with friends on the lake. Witnesses stated that he may have jumped into the lake to retrieve his sunglasses and that they heard a splash, but no one actually saw him enter the water. The body of the male was found under a nearby dock later Saturday evening. (WSB-TV)
3. There's a Car Community Connection fundraiser going on this Saturday to benefit the Woodstock High School band. The show will run from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta and will feature all kinds of vehicles, from exotic and classic cars, to bikes and hot rods. There will be coffee and bagels available for purchase as well. You can sign up to show your own car or become a member of Car Community Connection on the official website here. (Visit Woodstock)
4. There's more fun out of The Outlet Shoppes this week, the Summer Music Series is starting Saturday with Audiovault. The shows in the series will take place on the Center Court stage, a perfect accompaniment to a day of shopping. Stop and listen for a while, the music will be happening from 1 to 3 p.m. Next up on July 2 is Wyatt Band. The Outlet Shoppes are located at 915 Ridgewalk Parkway. (Visit Woodstock)
5. The American Red Cross is holding two blood drives today in Woodstock. If you are eligible and are considering a donation, the drives today are from 1-6 p.m. at Woodstock City Church, at 150 Ridgewalk Parkway, and Hope Church, located at 6576 Commerce Parkway. As a bonus, donors will receive a $10 gift card. You can make an appointment for either drive at the link. (American Red Cross)

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Today in Woodstock-Towne Lake:

Tuesday, June 13

• Regal Summer Movie Express: Bring the family over for the first screening of the day and $2 tickets at Regal Cherokee to watch "Sing" or "The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water," the theater address is 355 Cinema View. (10 a.m.)
• Medicare Info Session: For seniors, those nearing 65 years old, caregivers and all others with Medicare. Head over to the Woodstock Library today for a free educational session to help answer questions about Medicare. The library is located at 7735 Main St. (11 a.m. - noon)
• Storytime at the Park: The special story time today will be held on the Event Green downtown, located at 111 Elm St. The event will feature stories, songs and fun. Children must be accompanied by an adult. (11 a.m. - noon)
• Mario Kart Tournament: All ages welcome, prizes for first, second and third place at The Blue Ghost Arcade, 164 Towne Lake Parkway. (8 - 10:30 p.m.)
• RPG Night: New players welcome, please make a reservation on the arcade's Meetup page to ensure your spot. The admission fee includes unlimited gaming until midnight, The Blue Ghost Arcade is at 164 Towne Lake Parkway. (8 - 11 p.m.)
• MadLife Grill Patio Stage - free shows, no ticket needed
  • Open Mic Night - You can sign up for a spot here. (6 - 9 p.m.)
• MadLife Stage & Studios
  • Undiscovered Artist Showcase - A Monthly Spotlight on 6-8 Rising Musicians (7:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• There was another bear sighting around town, this one at Firestone on Highway 92. A resident saw the bear in a dumpster at the shop, and as with previous sightings, the GA DNR has advised that we remove birdfeeders, trash, pet food and grills from outdoor areas and allow the bears to pass through the area. (WSB-TV)
• This Wednesday at The Blue Ghost Arcade, the Darkridge Reunion Murder Mystery Night returns. You'll be back in high school with an assigned persona, tasked with figuring out who in the group has each persona and who the murderer is. The event is for ages 18 and up and limited to the first 12 people that sign up at the front desk. The arcade is at 164 Towne Lake Parkway. (The Blue Ghost Arcade)
• Have you found yourself looking at the same houses over and over online? Check out these 5 houses for sale in the Woodstock-Towne Lake area. (Woodstock-Towne Lake Patch)

Here are some events coming up this week that require a ticket purchase or registration in advance, be sure to check the venues' official calendars for their full schedules.

• MadLife Stage & Studios, 8722 Main St.
  • Wednesday: Billy Bob Thornton and The Boxmasters (7:30 p.m.)
  • Thursday: Michelle Malone's Canyonland - 70s California Country Rock (7:30 p.m.)
  • Friday: The Wildflowers - Tom Petty Tribute (7 p.m. and 9:55 p.m.)
  • Saturday: Abacab - The Music of Genesis (7 p.m.)
  • Saturday: Rock The 90s - 90s Supergroup Tribute (10 p.m.)
• Rootstock, 8558 Main St.
  • Sunday: Hand Up Stand Up Comedy Night - Enjoy a night of comedy in The Listening Room. (7 - 9 p.m.)
• Leaning Ladder, 105 E. Main St.
  • Wednesday: Summer Lovin' Plants with Chef Megan - The menu includes strawberry arugula salad, cumin spiced lentil burgers and orange rhubarb granita. (7 - 9 p.m.)
• The Gifted Ferret, 1910 Eagle Drive, Unit 400
  
  • Saturday: Artisan Wine Tasting Chill Out Party (5 - 7 p.m.)
• Made Mercantile, 8636 Main St.
  
  • Saturday: Hand Paint Your Own Earrings with Broken Ankles - Create two pairs of clay earrings, the clay, tools, brunch snacks and drinks will be provided. (11 a.m. - noon)
• Woodstock Arts
  • Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday: "A Year with Frog and Toad" - For all ages, this play sends a message of friendship to kids. Performances are at the Woodstock Arts Theatre, 8534 Main St. (Various Times)
  • Thursday: Artist Talk, Jeff Wilcox & Sara Schindel - Hear about the creation of and inspiration behind some of the art on display in the Reeves House Gallery at tonight's free event at the Reeves House, 734 Reeves St. (6:30 - 7:30 p.m.)
  • Friday, Saturday & Sunday: "Ordinary Days" - The musical tells the story of young adults looking for fulfillment, happiness, love and taxi cabs. The performances are best for ages 14 and up, due to adult themes and language, and will be held at the Woodstock Arts Theatre, 8534 Main St. (Various Times)
  • Saturday: Laila Biali - The artist is playing as part of the Lantern Series on the Event Green downtown. The musical sound is described as "swinging jazz," you can check out the music here. (7:30 p.m.)
• IN WDSTK - Open to non-members
  • Wednesday: IN WDSTK LunchIN', Is There a Place for Artificial Intelligence in Your Business? – A learning discussion with a subject matter expert on topics for business leaders in the Chattahoochee Tech Board Room, 1 Innovation Way. (11:30 - 12:30 p.m.)
  • 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.)
• Woodstock Parks and Recreation
  • Tuesday and Thursday: +55 Trail Walkers - For those 55 and up that can walk a minimum of one mile on a paved trail. Head out to socialize and get some exercise every Tuesday and Thursday, the walking will alternate between the Noonday Creek, Rubes Creek, Towne Lake Pass and Trestle Rock trails. (9 - 10 a.m.)
  • Tuesday and Thursday: Big Stage Yoga - The class will be meeting every Tuesday and Thursday this month on the stage of the Amphitheater downtown. (6:30 - 7:30 p.m.)
  • Saturday: AMPED in the Park with Onelife Fitness - For all fitness levels. The workout is free, and it's held on the Amphitheater stage downtown. (9 - 10 a.m.)
  • Saturday: Discovering Gold Panning - An introduction to panning with longtime gold panner Rob Kelly and the Allatoona Gold Panners Association. (10 a.m. - noon)
  • Saturday: Dad ROCKS! - The painting event is free, you'll paint river rocks honoring fatherhood to hide around town. The event will be held on the Amphitheater stage. (11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.)
• Cherokee Recreation & Parks
  
  • Friday: Parent's Night Out - Bring the kids over to the Cherokee Aquatic Center, at 1200 WellStar Way in Canton, they'll have a great time swimming, eating, making crafts, playing games and watching a movie while you get some "you time." (5:15 - 10 p.m.)
• Sequoyah Regional Library System
  • Thursday: Daddy & Me Art Night - For ages 6 and up, bring the dad in your life over to the library to paint a Father's Day-themed painting session. Children must be accompanied by an adult, the event will be at the Woodstock Library, 7735 Main St. You can register here. (5 - 6:30 p.m.)
  • Friday: Pokémon Club - For ages 6-13, bring your Pokémon cards and your game to play, socialize with friends and have lots of fun at the Rose Creek Library, 4476 Towne Lake Parkway. Children must be accompanied by an adult. You can register here. (3:30 - 4:30 p.m.)
  • Saturday: Beau the Reading Dog - For children 6 and up, sign up here for a 15-minute spot for your child to read to Beau the Reading Dog at the Woodstock Library, 7735 Main Street. (10 - 11 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, Painters' Club, Book Lover's Club
  • Wednesday: Walking Club, Fit Over 50
  • Thursday: Line Dancing, Adult Coloring Club, Nimble Fingers Sewing Club, Duplicate Bridge
  • Friday: Fit Over 50
• Other
  • Wednesday: Darkridge Reunion Murder Mystery Night - For ages 18 and up, sign up at the front desk when you arrive. You'll be back in high school with an assigned persona. Figure out who in the group has each persona and who the murderer is. The fun is limited to the first 12 people that sign up, so arrive early, The Blue Ghost Arcade is at 164 Towne Lake Parkway. (8 p.m.)
  • Thursday: Community Preparedness 101 - Hosted by Cherokee Office of Emergency Management and Cherokee E 9-1-1, learn how to protect your property in cases of severe weather and other disaster situations and get a look into how the E 9-1-1 Center works and how calls are handled. The class will be held in The Bluffs Business Center Conference Room, 1130 Bluffs Parkway in Canton. (6 - 7:30 p.m.)

In partnership with T-Mobile:

Do you know a Woodstock-Towne Lake dad whose texts make you smile? This Father’s Day, celebrate him with a shoutout on Patch. Just fill out this simple form and we’ll do the rest!

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Featured events:

• The Daily Draft Presents "Birthday Bash Weekend: Stienholding Challenge w/ Jesse Tuggle (June 16)
• The Daily Draft Presents" Birthday Bash Weekend: SEC Spicy Wing Challenge, Tanteo Tastings and More" (June 17)
• Add your event

Featured gigs & services:

• Pickleball Instruction (Details)
• Add your gig or service

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Tuesday. 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