🌱 Seedling Giveaway For Arbor Day + The WPD Reports On Their 2022

Hi all. I'm back in your inbox this morning with your fresh edition of the Woodstock-Towne Lake Patch newsletter. Let's get this day started off right, with a quick guide to everything you need to know about what's happening around town. Today we have these stories and more...

• Would you like a seedling for Arbor Day?
• The WPD has their 2022 Year End Report for you.
• Read on for school reassignment and registration dates.

Today's newsletter is sponsored by Leslie Spennato of Berkshire Hathaway Home Services

How do you take advantage of the most complex real estate market in years?

Barely a year ago, the real estate market in the Woodstock area was straightforward. If you were selling, you priced your home at an all-time high and let the buyers compete. If you were buying, you took advantage of historically low interest rates, made an offer above asking, then crossed your fingers that the seller would accept. Oh yeah – and everyone was suddenly a real estate agent.

Today’s market is more complex. Interest rates went up — but are now coming back down. Inventory went down — but now new homes are coming on the market. In these rapidly fluctuating conditions, deep knowledge of our market and the best financing strategies is at premium. And as for part-time realtors — well, would you go to a part-time doctor?

Leslie Spennato has been in real estate in our area for over 22 years. She’s in the top 2% of producers nationwide for Berkshire Hathaway because she’s extremely good at what she does: getting transactions done for clients, no matter how challenging the market. That’s why she has dozens of 5-star reviews, like this one:

"Leslie is by far the most professional agent we've ever worked with. Accessible, informed, experienced and quick to respond…Highly recommended."

Whether buying or exploring a sale, in a complex market, you need an experienced professional you can trust. Visit Leslie today to see her listings and to learn more.

Now, today's weather:

Cooler with a little rain. High: 56 Low: 43.

Are you a business owner or marketer in Woodstock-Towne Lake who wants to build awareness, connect with customers and increase sales? If that's you, then I invite you to see how our newsletter sponsorships combine our local audience reach with your expertise to attract new customers. Click here to learn more.

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

1. The first event on the new city of Woodstock event calendar is coming up soon! The 2023 Arbor Day Tree Seedling Giveaway will take place at three different locations, and there will be 730 Flowering Dogwood, Eastern Redbud, Bald Cypress, Persimmon and Crepe Myrtle seedlings handed out to Woodstock residents. There are also booklets available online here that outline tree care, pruning and water restriction information. A tree will also be planted in celebration of two city employees that are celebrating 20 years of service with the city, Assistant Chief of Police Mark C. Hand and Fire Department Sergeant Benjamin Daniel. Please click the link to see seedling pick-up locations and times. (Downtown Woodstock via Facebook)
2. The Woodstock Police Department (WPD) released their 2022 Year End Report this week. The department's dedication to keeping career development and ongoing training top of mind is reflected in the city's 12th place ranking in SafeWise's 2022 Safest Cities in Georgia list, their CALEA accreditation held since 2017 and their Stage of Georgia certification. The department's Year End Report discusses promotions, new hires, a review of awards received, important statistics and much more. Two substantial points: the crime rate in the city went down 12.5% since 2021 and the WPD came in well above the national average for percentage of crimes solved - the WPD's average is 40.7%, while the national average is 40.7%. You can read the entire Year End Report here. Thank you for the transparency, WPD! (Woodstock Police Department via Facebook)
3. If you're a parent of children that will be attending school in the Cherokee County School District (CCSD), be sure to prepare for the upcoming reassignment and registration deadlines and important dates. The county allows any CCSD child to attend any other school in the district with capacity. The deadline for reassignment is March 1 at 4 p.m. for the 2023 - 24 school year, and for those applying to enter the i-Grad Virtual Academy in grades 9 - 12, your deadline is March 1 as well. Registration for kindergarten students or new students in any grade will open up on March 7, and the Pre-K lottery entry period is going to run from March 20 - 31. It's time to get any needed physicals and immunizations taken care of and necessary forms and documentation gathered, you can find the CCSD page for Forms & Updates to Student Information here. (CCSD 2023-24 School Choice)

Today in Woodstock-Towne Lake:

• Garden Club: work with the city community garden to develop and implement plans for planting and maintenance around the Senior Center, the club meets at the William G. Long Senior Center, 223 Arnold Mill Road. (10 - 11 a.m.)
• Valentine's Crafts with Ms. Lara: for all ages, though children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult. Create paper baskets and heart sun catchers at the R.T. Jones Memorial Library, 116 Brown Industrial Parkway in Canton. You can register here, but the registration page states that you must contact the library via their Facebook page if you're signing up within 24 hours of the event. (10:30 a.m. - noon)
• Canon Tyler: the artist is playing live in The Listening Room at Rootstock, 8558 Main Street. (7 - 10 p.m.)
• Murder on the Orient Express: catch the performance at the Woodstock Arts Theatre, 8534 Main Street. (7:30 p.m.)
• Karaoke Night: at Reformation Brewery, 105 Elm Street. (8 - 10 p.m.)
• DJ Karaoke: every Friday at Guston's Grille, 12195 Highway 92, Suite 156. (9:30 p.m. - 1:30 a.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.)
• MadLife Grill Patio Stage - free shows, no ticket needed
  • The Shetlands (5 - 8 p.m.)
  • River Springs (8 - 11 p.m.)
• MadLife Stage & Studios
  • Big Bam Boom - Hall & Oates Tribute (7 p.m.)
  • Back N Black - AC/DC Tribute (10 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Woodstock Arts has some amazing events scheduled through the end of February, here are the ones that require tickets or registration in advance:
  • February 18: Creative Corner, It's Crystal Clear - for teens and adults, explore the use of crystals in the current exhibit by Corrina Sephora and create a watercolor painting of crystals afterwards. The creative session will be held at the Reeves House Visual Arts Center, 734 Reeves Street. (10:30 a.m.)
  • February 18 - 20: Woodstock Arts Film Festival, Filming Period - The prompts that must be used in your film will be sent out at noon on February 18. The teams then must create their film within 48 hours. Further details, including the requirements and necessary paperwork, can be found online here. If you have any questions, please reach out to brian@woodstockarts.org. (Woodstock Arts)
  • February 19: The Legend of Georgia McBride In-person Auditions - please click the link for important preparation requirements and more information. Video submissions will be accepted until February 20 at 8:30 p.m. (6 - 9 p.m.)
  • February 26: Paint on the Patio, Inside Edition - all supplies will be provided, and there's an option for bottomless mimosas during the painting session at the Reeves House Visual Arts Center, 734 Reeves Street. (2 - 4:30 p.m.)
• Have you ever wanted to learn log rolling? If so, Cherokee Recreation & Parks has just the right class for you! You can learn the skill with certified trainers on February 21 and 23, from 5 - 7 p.m. at the Aquatic Center. It's great for balance and coordination and a fun alternative cardio option. The class is for ages 6 and up, you can register here. (Cherokee Recreation & Parks)
• The first Dive In Movie of the season is coming up on February 24 at the Aquatic Center, from 6 - 8 p.m. Watch "Moana" on the inflatable screen while you relax in the water. You can bring your own float, but it must have a diameter of 40 inches or less. Everyone must be able to swim, and children in life jackets must be with arm's reach of a parent. For more information, call 678-880-4760. You can register here. (Cherokee Recreation & Parks)
• Downtown Woodstock: "Join the The Daily Draft Sports, Food, & Beer On Demand for their Super Bowl Watch Party! The Daily Draft will be showing epic touchdowns on all screens so you don’t have to miss a second of it. Grab a seat, grab a beer and root for your favorite team!" (Downtown Woodstock via Instagram)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Mantra HHC-Metaphysical Shop and Holistic Hea — (Visit website)
• Queen Custom Couture www.Queencustomcouture.com — (Visit Website)
• Add your business here

Featured events:

• Cherokee County Republican Precinct Caucus (February 11)
• Warehouse Sale! (February 11)
• Home Buyer Workshop - This is for ANY Buyer - Your First Home or Your Forever Home! (February 11)
• Playhouse Family Show! (February 11)
• Add your event

You're officially in the loop for today! I'll see you soon.

— Nina Lightcap

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