🌱 Public Hearing On Millage Rate + School Start Dates Are Closing In

Hi all. I'm back in your inbox this warm morning with your fresh copy of the Woodstock-Towne Lake Patch newsletter. Let's get this day started off right, with a quick dive into the most important things happening these days in town. Today you'll read about...

• Hearing on the millage rate tonight.
• School starts very soon here in town.
• Pirate Party and Lantern Series dates.

But first, today's weather: Hot with plenty of sunshine. High: 95 Low: 71.

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

1. The Cherokee County Board of Commissioners has a public hearing scheduled this evening to take in our thoughts on the 2023 millage rate. If you'd like to address the board, the official Rules of Procedure are here — you can find the specific rules and standards for public comment on page 12. The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at the Cherokee County Admin Complex, 1130 Bluffs Parkway in Canton. You can find the agenda here, and there's a PowerPoint presentation prepared for tonight's meeting here. (Cherokee County Calendar)
2. I don't want to have to say this, so I'll whisper — it's almost time for school in Cherokee County. The school district sent out the July CCSD Connections Newsletter this week, and it's full of first day information, forms, bus information, schedules, open house dates and school supply lists. School starts on Aug. 1, so be sure to get those forms turned in, start grabbing up school supplies and fill up the kids' lunch accounts in the new LINQ Connect system before the first day. (CCSD Newsletter)
3. There's a Pirate Pool Party at the Cherokee County Aquatic Center this Friday, and everyone's invited! The party will run from 6 to 9 p.m. and will feature a Captain Jack Sparrow character, arts and crafts, dancing, pictures and more. The movie "Peter Pan" will be shown during the evening, pirate outfits are welcome. Please see the link for more information and to register. (Cherokee Recreation & Parks)
4. There is much more music coming to us by way of the Woodstock Arts Lantern Series, and this Saturday, Canadian folk/pop artist Ian Sherwood will bring their tunes to the Woodstock Arts Event Green. You can give his music a listen here. The next show in the series is on Aug. 5, and the group Penny & Sparrow will be on the Green with their indie folk sound. You can hear their music here. Please see the official Lantern Series page at the link for further venue and ticket information. (Woodstock Arts Lantern Series)

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Today in Woodstock-Towne Lake:

Tuesday, July 18

• Pop-Up Storytime: There's a special story time today in the playground pavilion at J.B. Owens Park, 2749 Hickory Road in Canton. The kids will love the books, songs and fingerplays, and there will be a chance to get a new library card, return borrowed books or grab some new reading at the Pop-Up Library afterwards. (10 a.m. - noon)
• Summer Discovery Finale with Wildlife Wonders: For all ages with an accompanying adult. Learn about social and pack animals and meet some as well at the Rose Creek Library, 4476 Towne Lake Parkway. (2 - 3 p.m.)
• Crafters Club: Whether you crochet, knit, embroider or craft, bring your current project over to the Woodstock Library for some socialization and light bites. The address is 7735 Main St. (2 - 4 p.m.)
• 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
  • Country Dance Night, featuring The Honky Tonkers - The evening begins with dance lessons. (6:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Here's this week's Regal Summer Movie Express news, bring the family over to Regal Cherokee on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for the first screening of the day and $2 tickets. The movies this week are "The Bad Guys" and "Playing with Fire," the theater address is 355 Cinema View. (10 a.m.)
• Downtown Woodstock: "Family Fun Night 'Return To Hogwarts' is this Thursday, July 20, 5-9 p.m. in Downtown Woodstock! Will be a magical night for sure with 'Return To Hogwarts.' Harry Potter fans are sure to enjoy this theme!" (Downtown Woodstock via Instagram)
• Cherokee County Animal Shelter: "When the temps heat up, so do the streets, sidewalks, and even the grassy areas. #Becarefuloutthere #protecttheirpaws 🥵🐾🌞" (Cherokee County Animal Shelter via Instagram)

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: Gypsy Outfit - Americana (7:30 p.m.)
  • Thursday: On the Border - Eagles Tribute (7:30 p.m. and 9:55 p.m.)
  • Friday: On the Border - Eagles Tribute (7:30 p.m. and 9:55 p.m.)
  • Saturday: Gravity - A Tribute to John Mayer (7 p.m. and 9:55 p.m.)
  • Sunday: School of Rock - Woodstock Summer Show (11:30 a.m.)
• Rootstock, 8558 Main St.
  • Thursday: Anna Shinholster Listening Room Session (6:30 - 8:30 p.m.)
  • Saturday: Paul Childers Band Listening Room Session (7:30 - 10:30 p.m.)
• The Gifted Ferret, 1910 Eagle Drive, Unit 400
  • Saturday: Artisan Wine Tasting Summer Chill Out Party (5 - 7 p.m.)
  • Sunday: Wine Tasting Bingo Afternoon (3 - 5:30 p.m.)
• IN WDSTK - Open to non-members
  • Wednesday: Ribbon Cutting, The Board and Box Charcuterie - The shop isn't new to town, but they're opening their new location at 9058 Main St., Suite 108. (4 - 5 p.m.)
  • Thursday: YPOW AM - At The Circuit (7:30 - 8:30 a.m.)
  • Friday: Ribbon Cutting, The Manual - The men's clothing store is opening at 9058 Main St., Unit D-112. (3 - 3:30 p.m.)
• Woodstock Arts
  • Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday: "Matilda" at the Woodstock Arts Theatre, 8534 Main St. (Various Times)
  • Thursday: The Lasting Laugh - For ages 12 and up, enjoy clean comedy with host Jessica It's All Good at the Woodstock Arts Theatre, 8534 Main St. (7:30 p.m.)
  • Sunday: Woodstock Arts Video Game Tournament, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate - The tournament will be held on the Green, 113 Elm St. (5:30 p.m.)
• Sequoyah Regional Library System
  • Wednesday: Preschool Library Playdate - Rose Creek Library, 4476 Towne Lake Parkway (10:30 a.m. - noon)
  • Thursday: Adult Junk Journals - Rose Creek Library (11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.)
• Woodstock Parks and Recreation
  • Thursday: SKILLS, Gun Safety - William G. Long Senior Center, 223 Arnold Mill Road (6:30 - 7:45 p.m.)
  • Saturday: Discovering Paddleboarding - Murph's Surf, 6993 Bells Ferry Road in Canton (10 - 11:30 a.m.)
  • Sunday: Discovering Pickleball for Kids - Dupree Park Pickleball Courts 1 & 2 (6 - 7:15 p.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, Mahjong Instruction, Gospel Music Hour
  • Wednesday: Walking Club, Fit over 50
  • Thursday: Adult Coloring Club, Nimble Fingers Sewing Club, Duplicate Bridge
  • Friday: Fit over 50
• Other
  • Wednesday: Fresh Start Mornings, presented by the Cherokee Office of Economic Development (COED) - Give and receive feedback, learn and make connections with other local entrepreneurs. This time around, you'll hear from Acutely Aware Firearms Instruction. All are welcome, the meeting will be held at Reformation Brewery Canton, at 225 Reformation Parkway in Canton. (9 - 10 a.m.)

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Featured events:

• Cherokee Sheriff's Office Hiring Event (July 22)
• Rugs, Pillows, ottomans direct from wholesaler up to 80% off - 3 Days only (July 22)
• Family Summer Social: Back-to-School Bash (July 22)
• Add your event

You're all caught up 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