🌱 Rental Assistance + Free Exams In Canton + Propane-Running CATS

Hey, everybody. It's Wednesday in Woodstock-Towne Lake, and I'm back in your inbox with everything that's fit to print about what's happening in the community. Today we'll cover these stories and more:

• 🚌 CATS and the future of fuel.
• 🧊 It's another cold day for Georgia.
• 🏞️ Volunteer opportunity down by the river!

But first, today's weather:

Plenty of sunshine. High: 58 Low: 31.

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I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our Woodstock-Towne Lake Daily readers to local businesses they need to know about. If that’s you, then I invite you to learn more and secure your spot now.

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

1. MUST Ministries is opening up the registration window for a new round of rental assistance on October 24. The second round of Emergency Rental Assistance funding is noted to have fewer restrictions for those applying, including the ability to use the funds for rent, rent arrears, utility and home energy costs and utility and home energy arrears. The funds can also be used to pay for other expenses related to housing and first and last month rent to use as a deposit for a new place to live. For more information, you can head over to the MUST Ministries website or contact them via phone at 770-479-5397. (Cherokee County Communications Division)
2. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the Canton Health Center is offering free clinical breast exams today for any woman aged 40 - 64 or any woman that has detected a change or symptom as listed on the Health District's website here. Appointments must be made for an exam by calling 770-345-7371. Exams will take place at the Canton Health Center at 1219 Univeter Road from 8 - 11:30 a.m., and again from 1 - 3:30 p.m. No insurance or payment is required. (North Georgia Health District)
3. The first two of three new propane-powered public transit vehicles were unveiled prior to the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners meeting on Tuesday. The three vehicles will replace older buses that currently service the Fixed Route Service run by the Cherokee Area Transportation Service (CATS). Propane fuel promises to be a cleaner burning alternative, better for the environment and county cost, and to make the fleet of transportation vehicles cheaper to maintain than their gas-powered counterparts. Purchased in February, the new buses were funded using SPLOST and a Federal Transportation Authority grant. (Cherokee County Communications Division)
4. Cherokee County is one of 17 counties participating in a pilot program in which voters fill out their absentee request form electronically, seemingly cutting out some of the confusion coming out of non-participating counties. Because an early vote in Georgia is classified the same as an absentee in-person vote, as both scenarios mean that the voter will not be physically present to vote on Election Day, those showing up for early voting in the counties not participating will be asked to sign a paper application for an in-person absentee ballot form. This doesn't mean that the voter will receive an absentee ballot by mail, though, it is simply due to the way the state defines the term "absentee." (Atlanta News First)
5. The county is under a Freeze Warning this morning, along with most other counties in central and north Georgia. It is expected to dip as low as 30 degrees overnight and into this morning. The Freeze Warning will likely go back up late tonight through Thursday morning. You know the drill: be sure to bring the pets and sensitive plants inside, bundle up the kiddos, and to help keep pipes from freezing, open the bathroom and kitchen cabinets that hold the plumbing and drip the faucets. (WSB-TV Atlanta)

Today in Woodstock-Towne Lake:

• Family Storytime: for children of all ages, though all children must be accompanied by an adult. Books, finger plays and songs at the Woodstock Library, 7735 Main Street. (10:30 - 11:30 a.m.)
• Pumpkin Party Storytime with the Farm Bureau: children of all ages and their required accompanying adult will enjoy today's special story time and pumpkin decorating craft at the Rose Creek Library, 4476 Towne Lake Parkway. (10:30 - 11:30 a.m.)
• Trivia Night with Lights Up! Entertainment: every Wednesday, prizes for first, second and third place teams each week at Reformation Brewery, 105 Elm Street. (7 - 9 p.m.)
• DJ Trivia: every Wednesday at Woodstock Beer Market, 240 Chambers Street. (7 - 9 p.m.)
• Plant Power with Chef Megan: demonstration class on creating plant-focused food at Leaning Ladder, 105 East Main Street (7 - 9:30 p.m.)
• Senior Center Programs:
  • Fit Over 50 - every Wednesday and Friday, have fun with chair yoga, balance, bands, weights and core strength exercises at the WGLSC Activity Center Expansion (9:30 - 10:30 a.m.)
• MadLife Grill Patio Stage (free shows):
  • Ryan Little Eagle (noon - 3 p.m.)
  • Music & Motorcycles - Cosmic Cowboys (6 - 9 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Saturday is the Little River Clean-up at Olde Rope Mill Park. Volunteers will be provided with breakfast and lunch, gloves and trash bags. If you'd like to volunteer, the clean-up will be from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. (City of Woodstock via Facebook)
• The Cherokee County Animal Shelter shared the best news on Tuesday, there were 30 adoptions during the Saturday adoption event! Those are some lucky people that got to bring home their new family member. Here's to years and years of love and cuddles. (Cherokee County Animal Shelter via Facebook)
• FoxTale Book Shoppe is holding an in-person event with bestselling authors James Patterson and Mike Lupica on January 13 at the Woodstock Arts Theatre. The two will discuss their new co-authored novel "The House of Wolves" and sit for meet and greets. Tickets to the event include a hand-signed hardcover book. Please see the ticket site here for important details. (Downtown Woodstock via Facebook)
• The theme for the Walking Tour Series on Thursday is "Public Art." If you'd like to join the tour to see some of the beautiful pieces around the downtown area, be sure to grab your ticket soon, they are selling out. Three tours will depart from the Reeves House starting at 6 p.m., and the tours will last around 45 minutes each. (WDSTK Brand Store)
• Looking for a low-impact, safe workout? Try water aerobics! Aqua Fit Water Aerobics classes at the Cherokee County Aquatic Center in Canton meet year-round, two mornings a week. The class helps improve joint stability, coordination, heart health and strength using water dumbbells and floatation belts. (Cherokee Recreation and Parks)
• Reminder: If you would like your child to receive a letter from Santa this holiday season, letters for Santa can be dropped off in the North Pole mailbox at The WREC, located at 7545 Main Street, Building 200, beginning on November 1. The deadline is December 5. Santa will begin mailing out his response letters on December 12. If you would like more information, please contact Jessica Hallman at jhallman@cherokeega.com or 770-924-7768. (Cherokee Recreation & Parks)
• Downtown Woodstock: "Cadence Fair is Saturday, Oct 22 at the Woodstock Arts Event Green. Join Reformation Brewery for its 9th Anniversary celebration in Woodstock! An annual tradition that combines local music, local makers, good eats and of course - beer." (Downtown Woodstock via Instagram)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Wednesday off right! I'll be in your inbox tomorrow with another update.

— Nina Lightcap

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