🌱 Southern Living Woodstock Feature + CCSD Leader Retiring In May

Good morning, friends. Nina here with your weekend edition of the Woodstock-Towne Lake Patch newsletter. Keep reading to find out all the most important things happening in town these days, including updates on...

• A Southern Living article featuring Woodstock.
• The CCSD superintendent's upcoming retirement.
• A stabbing at The Place on Parkside Lane.

But first, your local weather:

• Saturday: Partly sunny and pleasant. High: 85 Low: 61.
• Sunday: Mostly sunny and warm. High: 89 Low: 64.

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

1. Woodstock was the subject of an article in Southern Living this week, highlighting some of what makes our beautiful city truly worth a visit. We love hiking here, and it shows in all the trails and locations we have to offer, including Olde Rope Mill Park and Gibbs Gardens, and we've got a multitude of biking trails for both leisure and sport. There are some great ideas for a nice little staycation here in town, check out the article in full to find your next local adventure. (Southern Living)
2. A letter was sent out yesterday from the Cherokee County School District (CCSD) announcing the upcoming retirement of the Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower. With a long career in the public school system, Hightower has spent the better part of 38 years in the field, with 8 years as our superintendent. The retirement goes into effect on May 31, 2024, and in his letter, Hightower praised the entire school system, students and the community for our roles in the building of a bright future within our children and county. Thank you, Dr. Hightower, for everything you've done and continue to do for our county and our children. (CCSD News)
3. A fight outside The Place on Parkside Lane last Saturday ended with a stabbing and three men in handcuffs. The incident took place at the bar just after midnight, when an unidentified male was escorted outside for unruly behavior. A fight broke out between the victim, a bar employee and two bar patrons, at which point Woodstock resident and bar employee Eric Armstrong reportedly stabbed the victim. Armstrong remains at the detention center without bond, but the two other men involved in the fight were arrested, given bond and released. No further information has been released about the victim. (Fox 5 Atlanta)

Interested in reaching our local readers with targeted messaging that drives traffic to your business? I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. If that's you, then I invite you to learn more and secure your spot now.

Today and tomorrow in Woodstock-Towne Lake:

Saturday, September 2

• Farm. Fresh. Market.: Every Saturday morning through Dec. 30, Market Street transforms into an open-air market, full of local vendors offering locally grown and created products. (8:30 a.m. - noon)
• Practice Yoga with Tommasina: You can pay for the beginners' yoga session at the door, and it comes with a free pint or coffee at Reformation Brewery, 105 Elm St. (10 - 11 a.m.)
• "Airness": Performances of the comedic play are held at the Woodstock Arts Theatre, 8534 Main St. (7:30 p.m.)
• Damaged Poets: Take in the live music tonight at Truck & Tap and grab a bite from the C'est Tout Bon 2 Eat food truck while you're there, 8640 Main St. (9 - 11 p.m.)
• MadLife Grill Patio Stage - free shows, no ticket needed
  • Greg Shaddix (11 a.m. - 2 p.m.)
  • Spenser Scott Smith (2 - 5 p.m.)
  • Britt Nix, Featuring Carl and The Floorwalkers (5 - 8 p.m.)
  • Layne Denton Band (8 - 11 p.m.)
• MadLife Stage & Studios
  • Cougar Town - John Mellencamp Tribute (7 p.m.)
  • Mad Margritt - The Ultimate 80s Arena Rock Show (10 p.m.)

Sunday, September 3

• Jazzy Sunday Brunch with Laurie Ann Jazzwine: Enjoy music and brunch at Rootstock, 8558 Main St. (noon - 3 p.m.)
• "Airness": Performances of the comedic play are held at the Woodstock Arts Theatre, 8534 Main St. (2:30 p.m.)
• The Mixtape Vibe - Songwriters in the Round: The evening features Miles Landrum, Ethan Senger, Keefe Klug and Trevor Startt at Rootstock, 8558 Main St. (6 - 8:30 p.m.)
• MadLife Grill Patio Stage - free shows, no ticket needed
  • Elephants Gerald (11 a.m. - 2 p.m.)
  • Layne Denton (2 - 5 p.m.)
  • Levi Ransom (5 - 8 p.m.)
• MadLife Stage & Studios
  • Harvest Moon - The Music of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young (5 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• The Cherokee County Animal Shelter is holding its regular adoption event today, the available animals can be seen online here. A QR code on the shelter's front door will become active at a random time around 10 a.m., please scan the QR code to enter the "virtual line." The shelter is at 1015 Univeter Road in Canton. (Cherokee County Animal Shelter via Facebook)
• If your kids would like to attend the "Kids Corner: Ojo de Dios" crafting event this morning, there are still some spots available. The kids will check out the current "LatinX Voices" exhibit at the Reeves House and then create their own Ojo de Dios. The morning starts at 10:30 a.m., and the venue is located at 734 Reeves St. (Woodstock Arts)
• Hot Wheels Skate Center is offering free admission this weekend for active-duty military, first responders and school employees. You'll need to bring along a current, official ID, and the deal is only for the ID holder. The skate center can be found at 228 Farm Ridge Drive NE. (Hot Wheels Skate Center via Facebook)
• Reformation Brewery is hosting a Veterans Meetup on Monday from 6 to 8 p.m. The evenings take place regularly, every first Monday at 105 Elm St. (Reformation Brewery)
• Monday nights at Truck & Tap are filled with great neighbors, friends, food and trivia. Hosted by Lights Up! Entertainment, Monday Night Trivia happens from 7:30 to 10 p.m. each week at 8640 Main St. (Truck & Tap)
• Trivia Night at The Blue Ghost Arcade is on Mondays at 8 p.m., and next week, it's all about Adult Swim. Bring your friends and cartoon knowledge over to 164 Towne Lake Parkway for one of the best trivia nights in town. (The Blue Ghost Arcade via Facebook)

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Saturday! See you all soon for your next update.

— Nina Lightcap

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