🌱 Towne Hall News Published + Tornado In Town + New Drinks Downtown

Hi all! Nina here with your Monday edition of the Woodstock-Towne Lake Patch newsletter, full of everything you need to know about what's going on locally. Including updates on...

• The Towne Hall News is here!
• Woodstock had a tornado on Saturday. Did you get it near you?
• There are alcohol-free treats for us in the downtown area.

But first, today's weather:

Cooler with a shower or two. High: 63 Low: 56.

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

1. The City of Woodstock has published the spring edition of the Towne Hall News. Inside, you'll find city events, news on the city's development, information and updates on public safety and more. In this edition, we learn that the Reeves House won the 2023 Travelblazers Award from Georgia Trend. There were five projects in total selected for the award, highlighting and celebrating development projects using creative community collaboration and are innovative and unique. The July issue of Georgia Trend will include the Reeves House, The Market at Visit Statesboro, Gainesville Kayak Vending Machine, Atlanta Dream and Arches Brewing's Collaboration Dream Empire and Macon's Christmas Lights Extravaganza. Inside the newsletter, you'll also see city events coming up through May, job postings and much more. (City of Woodstock Towne Hall News)
2. Woodstock had a tornado touch down on Saturday. The storm first hit the northern edge of Dreamcatcher Drive and brought down a few trees. Continuing east, it moved through a wooded area, taking trees down behind homes on Pine Bluff Court. Crossing I-575 next, a car was caught in the twisting wind and signs were blown over. The tornado crossed Olde Rope Mill Park Road and traveled through Loraine Parkway, Bell Park Drive, Bell Court and the South Cherokee Recreational Complex, taking the roof off of a dugout there. There were no reported injuries, but in light of the close call, the Cherokee Sheriff's Office would like to give us a refresher on what to do in case a tornado comes to our city again. If you have a basement, go to an interior room with no windows. If you do have a basement, bring your emergency supply kit to the area of the basement least exposed on the exterior wall. Please remember, the floors at the top of your house won't protect you, exterior rooms or rooms with windows also leave you vulnerable, and there is nowhere outside that is considered safe during a tornado. (Cherokee Sheriff's Office via Facebook and Cherokee County Emergency Management via Facebook)
3. Not everyone drinks alcohol, and not everyone drinks often. Sometimes there's another drink we'd prefer. I mean, who here loves sparkling water? We all know that water is essential to our wellbeing, and we all know that Reformation Brewery has some of the best beer around. But did you know that Reformation Brewery offers sparkling water on tap and in 12 packs? Grab yours today! And on the caffeine front, Woodstock Beer Market will be a great option for coffee soon. You'll be able to grab your morning coffee starting on April 7 at the Woodstock Beer Market, located at 240 Chambers Street. The coffee shop, Stout Brothers Coffee Co., will be ready to serve you Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. - 3 p.m. They'll be open on weekends from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. (Reformation Brewery via Facebook and Downtown Woodstock via Facebook)

Today in Woodstock-Towne Lake:

• Community Yoga: the free class is open to all fitness levels and takes place every Monday morning and Tuesday evening. Please bring your own mat. You can sign up at the link for the class at The WREC, 7545 Main Street, Building 200. (10 - 11 a.m.)
• Dragonfly Storytime with CCWSA: today's storytime is super special, as we welcome the Cherokee County Water and Sewerage Authority. Learn about the lifecycle of the dragonfly, hear a story and enjoy a fun craft. After the story, the group will explore the park to see where dragonflies live. Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult to the storytime in the R.T. Jones Memorial Library Community Room, 116 Brown Industrial Parkway in Canton. (10:30 - 11:30 a.m.)
• Farm Bureau Storytime, Pollinators in Your Garden: celebrate pollinators with the Farm Bureau. Children must be accompanied by an adult to the storytime at the Rose Creek Library, 4476 Towne Lake Parkway. (11 a.m. - noon)
• Hot Vinyasa: all levels are welcome, though some prior experience is helpful to the class held at Ember Hot Yoga, 330 Chambers Street. (6:30 - 7:45 p.m.)
• Open Gym: open to county residents at The Buzz, 7345 Cumming Highway in Canton. There is a nominal fee to play. (6:30 - 8:30 p.m.)
• Trivia Night with Lights Up! Entertainment: every Monday at Truck & Tap, 8640 Main Street. (7:30 - 10 p.m.)
• DJ Trivia: the top three teams win cash prizes, every Monday at Guston's Grille, 12195 Highway 92, Suite 156. (7:30 - 10:30 p.m.)
• "The Last of Us" Trivia: it's a themed trivia night tonight, and admission includes unlimited gaming until midnight. Prizes awarded for the top three at The Blue Ghost Arcade, 164 Towne Lake Parkway. (8 p.m.)
• Senior Center Programs - most classes and events are held at the William G. Long Senior Center (WGLSC), 223 Arnold Mill Road
  • Walking Club - every Monday and Wednesday at the Dupree Park walking/running track, 513 Neese Road. (8 - 9 a.m.)
  • Beginner Bridge Instruction - every Monday in the WGLSC Multi-Purpose & Meeting Room. (9 - 10 a.m.)
  • Line Dancing - every Monday and Thursday at the WGLSC Activity Center Expansion. (9:30 - 11:30 a.m.)
  • Adult Coloring Club - every Monday and Thursday at the WGLSC Activity Center Expansion. (11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.)
  • Nimble Fingers Sewing Club - for all skill levels, learn to knit, crochet or cross-stitch every Monday and Thursday at the WGLSC Activity Center Expansion. (11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Don't forget to avoid Towne Lake Parkway, Mill Street and Main Street this week. There will be paving going on in the area through Thursday, and there will likely be delays and detours in the area. You can read more about the ongoing Hub Transformation Project here. (City of Woodstock via Facebook)
• Downtown Woodstock: "Counting down the days til the start of the Woodstock Farm Fresh Market!!! This year The Woodstock Farm Fresh Market will be celebrating the 15 yr anniversary of the market! In 2023 the market will be open every Saturday, April 22nd– Dec 30th..." (Downtown Woodstock via Instagram)
• Cherokee County Animal Shelter: "April is #NationalHeartWormAwarenessMonth #getthemtested #preventionallyear #cheapertopreventthentreat #hearthealthypets Please be sure to keep your pets on year round prevention! ❤️🐾 It can take just one missed dose for your pet to be infected..." (Cherokee County Animal Shelter via Instagram)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Williamsburg: "LOST DOG - last seen this evening at home near cross streets: High way 92 and concord Lane. Please call 303-770-1014 if found!" (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Allatoona Shores: "Looking for a helper good pay. Experience with ladders. Call Vinny at Critter Stoppers. (770) 880-1851" (Nextdoor)

Here are some events coming up this week that require a ticket purchase or registration in advance:

• MadLife Stage & Studios, 8722 Main Street
  • Tuesday: Country Dance Night, featuring The Honky Tonkers - the evening begins with dance lessons. (6 p.m.)
  • Wednesday: Songwriters & Storytellers, A Night of Songwriters in the Round - featuring Scott Puckett, Greg Shaddix, Ben Kimbrell, Sterling Barrett and Roger Brainard (7:30 p.m.)
  • Thursday: Legends of Rock - Six Tributes, One Band - AC/DC, Tesla, Metallica and Van Halen (8 p.m.)
  • Friday: The Purple Madness - Prince Tribute (7 p.m. and 9:55 p.m.)
  • Saturday: Cougar Town - John Mellencamp Tribute (7 p.m.)
  • Saturday: Dueling Pianos with The Andrews Brothers (10 p.m.)
• The Gifted Ferret, 1910 Eagle Drive, Suite 400
  • Saturday: Bunny Ball - it's an Easter wine tasting party honoring the Great Easter Bunny. Enjoy themed games, activities and prizes. (5 - 7 p.m.)
• Rootstock, 8558 Main Street
  • Wednesday: Monthly Wine Tasting - In Vino Veritas, Italian Wines - taste 5 wines and enjoy pairing suggestions. (6:30 - 8:30 p.m.)
• Woodstock Parks and Recreation
  • Tuesday: Chalk in the Walk, Spring - for all ages, get together with other neighbors and create chalk art inspired by spring at the Northside Hospital-Cherokee Amphitheater, 101 Arnold Mill Road. (10:30 a.m. - noon)
  • Tuesday and Thursday: +55 Trail Walkers - head out to socialize and get some exercise every Tuesday and Thursday, the walking will alternate between the Noonday Creek, Rubes Creek, Towne Lake Pass and Trestle Rock trails. For those 55 and up that can walk a minimum of one mile on a paved trail. This Tuesday the group will meet at the Noonday Creek Trail, and on Thursday, the meetup spot will be the Rubes Creek Trail. (9 - 10 a.m.)
  • Wednesday: Discovering Pickleball - for adults, learn the basics of the game at the Dupree Park Pickleball courts. All equipment will be provided. (7:30 - 8:45 p.m.)
  • Thursday: Spring Cleanup at Olde Rope Mill Park - help the community out and head over for a fun community service day. Garbage bags will be provided for the cleanup day, but please wear shoes that can get wet and muddy and bring a pair of gloves. The event is free, but please register at the link. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult, the park is at 690 Olde Rope Mill Park Road. (6 - 8 p.m.)
  • Thursday: Mother Earth Rocks! - paint smooth river rocks with happy, encouraging and positive pictures or messages and hide them where others will find them. It's a free event, and it really brings a smile to people's faces. This event in the series will be held at The Rock Pavilion at Olde Rope Mill Park. (6:30 - 7:30 p.m.)
  • Saturday: Essential Gardening, Kitchen Garden - join the Cherokee County Master Gardeners and Cherokee County UGA Extension Office for an herb gardening class. The class is open to all Woodstock residents and will be held at the William G. Long Senior Center (WGLSC), at 223 Arnold Mill Road. Participants will go home with a plant or seeds for their own herb garden. (10 - 11:30 a.m.)
• Cherokee Recreation & Parks
  • Tuesday: KeyLog Logrolling Class - for ages 6 and up, learn about logrolling. Registration for this class closes out Monday, April 3, at noon. The class will meet at the Cherokee County Aquatic Center, located at 1200 WellStar Way in Canton. If you have any questions, you can contact Amanda Lane at aclane@cherokeega.com. (5 - 7 p.m.)
  • Tuesday: Community Yoga - the free class is open to all fitness levels and takes place every Monday morning and Tuesday evening. Please bring your own mat. You can sign up at the link for the class at The WREC, 7545 Main Street, Building 200. (5:30 - 6:30 p.m.)
  • Thursday: KeyLog Logrolling Class - for ages 6 and up, learn about logrolling. Registration for this class closes out Wednesday, April 5, at 9 p.m. The class will meet at the Cherokee County Aquatic Center, located at 1200 WellStar Way in Canton. If you have any questions, you can contact Amanda Lane at aclane@cherokeega.com. (5 - 7 p.m.)
  • Saturday: Eggs-traordinary Extravaganza - there will be an egg hunt for ages 0 - 3 outside at the Aquatic Center, and there are several time slots for the Underwater Egg Hunt for ages 4 - 12. The Sensory Friendly Egg Hunt will be taking place first, starting at 12:45 p.m., and it's for all ages. On top of all the egg hunting fun, there will also be inflatables, face painting, crafts, prizes and a visit from the Easter Bunny. Registration for the event closes on April 7 at 5 p.m. (Various Times)
• Woodstock Arts
  • Tuesday: Tie-in Talk, The Dawn of Microscopic Imagery and its Influence on Art - hear from Lindsay Lutes with Woodstock Arts about capturing microscopic images without a camera and the correlation between art, science, medicine and the birth of the microscope. The event is free and will be held in the Gallery or on the Front Porch of the Reeves House (weather depending) at 734 Reeves Street. Please RSVP at the link. (6:30 - 7:30 p.m.)
  • Wednesday and Friday: RepTouR - the shows are for all ages, but children must be accompanied by an adult. Build your own story before the performance starts and see it brought to life by the actors on stage at the Woodstock Arts Theatre, 8534 Main Street. Please arrive early to write your story, and you can find a RepTouR Play Guide here. (10 a.m.)
• Sequoyah Regional Library System
  • Saturday: Art + Science, Teen Time at the Gallery - calling all teens! Head over to the Reeves House Gallery on Saturday for a special event. You'll make your own scientific creation after exploring the Gallery at 734 Reeves Street. Registration isn't required, but it is suggested. You can sign up here. (3:30 - 4:30 p.m.)
• IN WDSTK - open to non-members
  • Thursday: YPOW AM - join the Young Professionals of Woodstock every Thursday morning for coffee, networking and an informal chat with a local leader at The Circuit, 1 Innovation Way. (7:30 - 8:30 a.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 - every Tuesday in the WGLSC Multi-Purpose & Meeting Room. (9 - 10 a.m.)
  • Wednesday: BUNCO - socialize and make some new friends during the fun game of BUNCO in the WGLSC Activity Center Expansion. (1:30 - 4 p.m.)
  • Wednesday and Friday: 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.)
  • Thursday: Duplicate Bridge - every Thursday in the WGLSC Multi-Purpose & Meeting Room. (12:30 - 3:30 p.m.)
• Other
  • Tuesday: RPG Night - new players are welcome. Please make a reservation on their Meetup page to ensure your spot. Mason and Noah will lead the evening, and the admission fee includes unlimited gaming until midnight at The Blue Ghost Arcade, 164 Towne Lake Parkway. (8 - 11 p.m.)
  • Wednesday: American Red Cross Community Blood Drive - donors will receive an exclusive Red Cross and Peanuts Joe Cool t-shirt while supplies last. You can make an appointment at the link for the blood drive at the G. Cecil Pruett Community Center YMCA, 151 Waleska Street in Canton. (10 a.m. - 3 p.m.)
  • Wednesday: April Sip and Paint Class - join Madison O'Brien Art at the Tavern at Towne Lake for a sip and paint at 1003 Towne Lake Hills East. (7 - 9 p.m.)
  • Friday: American Red Cross Community Blood Drive - donors will receive an exclusive Red Cross and Peanuts Joe Cool t-shirt while supplies last. You can make an appointment at the link for the blood drive at Sixes United Methodist Church, 8385 Bells Ferry Road in Canton. (10 a.m. - 3 p.m.)
  • Friday: Sally Hepworth & Emily Giffin In-person Event - the meet and greet itself is free and doesn't require a registration, but a book order is required to attend. You can get a copy of Sally Hepworth's book "The Soulmate" and Emily Giffin's book "Meant to Be"online here. The event will be held at FoxTale Book Shoppe, 105 E. Main Street, Suite 138. (6:30 - 8 p.m.)
  • Saturday: Mia Tsai In-person Event - the meet and greet itself is free and doesn't require a registration, but a book order is required to attend. You can get a copy of the author's book "Bitter Medicine"online here. The event will be held at FoxTale Book Shoppe, 105 E. Main Street, Suite 138. (6:30 - 8 p.m.)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Monday off right. I'll see you around!

— Nina Lightcap

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