🌱 State Of Cherokee County Address + The New Rec Center Opens Soon

Good morning, neighbors! It's me, Nina, your host of the Daily. Here's all the local news you need to know right now. In today's issue, you'll learn about:

• The State of Cherokee County address will be given today.
• The L.B. "Buzz" Ahrens Jr. Recreation Center hosts its grand opening.
• The Woodstock Police Department's award banquet was last week.

But first, today's weather:

Some rain and a thunderstorm. High: 61 Low: 37.

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

1. The Council for Quality Growth, the Cherokee County government and the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce are hosting the "State of Cherokee County Address 2023" today at the Cherokee County Conference Center, starting at 11:30 a.m. At the meeting, leaders from our county will discuss how we fared throughout the county departments in 2022 and what's coming up for 2023. Scheduled speakers include CCSD Superintendent Brian Hightower, Cherokee Office of Economic Development President and CEO Misti Martin and Cherokee County Commission Chairman Harry Johnston. There is no option to view the event online and ticket options for both council/chamber members and non-members are sold out, but there is an option to be added to the wait list. You can read more about the event and put yourself on the wait list here. (Cherokee County Events)
2. It's almost time for the grand opening of the L.B. "Buzz" Ahrens Jr. Recreation Center in Canton. The project has been underway since September 2021, and is now complete and ready for us to take it all in. The new 33,000 square foot center can be found at 7345 Cumming Highway in Canton and it contains two basketball courts, a cardio/fitness area, several classrooms, a dance studio, a banquet hall with a kitchen, a rock climbing wall and administrative offices. On February 3 at 10 a.m., there is a grand opening event planned where you'll be able to tour the facility, climb the rock wall, play some basketball, participate in raffles and more. Head down with the family, I'll see you there! (Cherokee Recreation & Parks via Facebook)
3. A residential fire in Canton caused heavy damage to a home on Cherokee Street Monday morning. Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services was called out around 10:30 a.m., and the first responders were able to extinguish the fire and get the area cleaned up by 12:30 p.m. Cherokee Street was closed during their efforts. All residents were accounted for and out of the home by the time firefighters arrived. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. (Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services News)
4. The Woodstock Police Department held its annual awards banquet last week, recognizing employees for their service last year. Many fine employees and officers were recognized for their achievements in 2022, broken down into several award categories, here are some of the highlights. Receiving a Departmental Commendation were Officer JoAn Willingham, Amberly Robinette, Mary Ogg, Art Ogg and Detective Marsha Allen. The Distinguished Service Award was given to Lieutenant Mike deCocq, Sergeant Ron Hughes, Corporal Madeline Brown, Officer Ledarrion Poole and Officer Yvonne Letzin. The Legacy Award went to Calvin W. Moss, the Chief of Police from 2012 - 2022. Congratulations, all, and thank you for your service! (Woodstock Police Department via Facebook)
5. If you'd like to have your art on display and for purchase in the upcoming Spring on the Green 2023, you have some time to apply to be a vendor. The event will be on May 13 and 14. All art needs to be handmade or designed by the artist. All applications will be reviewed by a committee to determine acceptance. All artists will need to provide their own tents, weights for the tents, tables, chairs and a point-of-sale system. If you would like more information or have questions, please reach out via email to harmony@woodstockarts.org. (Woodstock Arts)

Today in Woodstock-Towne Lake:

• Family Storytime: for children of all ages, but children must be accompanied by an adult. The little ones will have fun with stories, songs and lots of fun at the Woodstock Library, 7735 Main Street. (10:30 - 11:30 a.m.)
• Toddler Snow Ball: what child wouldn't love a snow-themed dance party? Bring them over dressed to impress for music, dancing, snacks and a craft. Children must be accompanied by an adult to the ball at the Rose Creek Library, 4476 Towne Lake Parkway. (10:30 - 11:30 a.m.)
• Teen Writing Group: for teen creatives, ages 12 - 18. Meet up with other teen writers, help each other with your work and get some writing done in a nice, peaceful environment. For this first meeting of the group, you don't need to have anything prepared, and registration is not required. The meeting will be held at the Woodstock Library, 7735 Main Street. (4:30 - 6 p.m.)
• Ladies Night, Live Music: enjoy live music every Wednesday, The Radio Show starts playing at 7:30 p.m. at Guston's Grille, 12195 Highway 92, Suite 156. (5 p.m. - 1 a.m.)
• Lyre's Mocktail 5-Course Pairing Dinner: enjoy a pairing dinner with paired mocktails tonight at Rootstock. The menu includes a Brussels sprout salad, confit rabbit taco, salmon gravlax, lamb three ways and affogato. Rootstock is located at 8558 Main Street. (7 - 9 p.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.)
• The Lasting Laugh: for ages 12 and up, clean comedy hosted by Jessica It's All Good at the Woodstock Arts Theatre, 8534 Main Street. (7:30 p.m.)
• Fight Club Wednesdays: the top three winners in tonight's Tekken 7 tournament will win prizes at The Blue Ghost Arcade, 164 Towne Lake Parkway. (8 - 10:30 p.m.)
• Senior Center Programs:
  • Walking Club - every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Note: there is no location listed online. (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.)
  • Nutrition 2023 - every Wednesday at the William G. Long Senior Center. (10:30 - 11:30 a.m.)
• MadLife Grill Patio Stage (free shows, no ticket needed):
  • Top Artists Extended Sets (6 - 9 p.m.)
• MadLife Stage & Studios:
  • David Michael Band - 90s Country Cover Band with Opener Tracielynn (7:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Head over to the Reeves House Gallery tomorrow evening for the scheduled Artist Talk with Corrina Sephora. You'll hear about the creation of and inspiration behind the works currently on exhibit. The free event starts at 6:30 p.m., an RSVP is required. (Woodstock Arts)
• The next Red Cross Adult & Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED class at the Cherokee County Aquatic Center is coming up on January 29, from 1 - 3 p.m. The class is for ages 15 and up and includes an online portion to be completed prior to the in-person class meeting. Registration closes on January 27 at 5 p.m. (Cherokee Recreation & Parks)
• It's a great time to get yourself into a new home, you could be relaxing on your new porch by spring! Take a look at these homes in the Woodstock-Towne Lake area. (Woodstock-Towne Lake Patch)
• Downtown Woodstock: "Be sure to visit Jekyll Brewing if you haven't checked out the newest addition to Downtown Woodstock yet. For more info on Jekyll and to see the restaurant menu visit www.jekyllbrewing.com @jekyllbrewing" (Downtown Woodstock via Instagram)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Tomahawk: "If anyone needs help with work around the house, or even just a helping hand with jobs around Woodstock, I am willing and happy to help. I have experience working at two moving companies, as well as junk removal. I learn quick, and I work hard. I'll work for $20/hour or whatever you are willing to pay! reach me at my number: 470-825-8470" (Nextdoor)
• Here are the next few events at Leaning Ladder with tickets still available:
  • January 28: Olive Oil and Vinegar 101 Class with Joanna Scott - demonstration class (11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.)
  • January 31: Desserts 101 with Chef Michelle - hands-on class (6:30 - 9:30 p.m.)
  • February 2: Super Bowl Party Bakes with Chef Michelle - hands-on class (6:30 - 9:30 p.m.)
• Here are the next few events at Made Mercantile with tickets still available:
  • January 29: Dirty Date Night Design with Dirty Unicorn - create a custom candle and enjoy a live demonstration from Chef Stoney on how to make a romantic dinner. Wine and snacks will be provided. (6 - 7 p.m.)
  • February 5: Planner Party with Moments with B - create a bound, one-month planner with lots of options for customization. You can bring your own drinks, but snacks will be provided. (2 - 3 p.m.)
  • February 11: Wicks and Sips with Woodstock Candle Co. - create a custom candle, decorate your own fire starter and enjoy some snacks, drinks and music. (7 - 8 p.m.)

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Events:

• No Cost Boot Camp 4 Divorcing Women Workshop (January 28)
• OOH-RAH HA HA Comedy Night with Derrick Tennant! (January 28)
• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (January 30)
• Intuitive Painting Classes - Ignite the Healing Power of Your Creative Process (January 30)
• Home Buyer Workshop - This is for ANY Buyer - Your First Home or Your Forever Home! (February 11)
• Crossing Over With Psychic Medium John Edward (Live)! (February 23)
• Add your event

You're officially in the loop for today. See you all tomorrow morning for another update!

— Nina Lightcap

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