🌱 Union Hill Paving Project Continues + Free Shelter Adoptions Today

Good morning, everybody! It's Saturday in Woodstock-Towne Lake and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on the most important things happening in the community. In today's issue, we'll cover these stories and more:

• Union Hill paving work updates.
• Free adoptions at the shelter.
• Fresh produce for student meals.

But first, your local weather:

• Saturday: An afternoon thunderstorm. High: 94 Low: 73.
• Sunday: A thundershower in spots. High: 96 Low: 71.

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

1. The Cherokee Sheriff's Office has sent out a traffic alert regarding the ongoing work on Union Hill and Lower Union Hill. Work will be continuing today as the crews mill and pave the intersection, and there will be flaggers. You can expect delays and stop and go traffic as cars are filtered through. It would be best to avoid the area if you can, it is suggested that we use East Cherokee Drive and Highway 140 if possible. The work is expected to be finished by the first day of school on Monday. (Cherokee Sheriff's Office via Facebook)
2. There's a special adoption event this morning at The Cherokee County Animal Shelter in celebration of the kids going back to school. All of the available pets are free to adopt today, you can see them online here. I'm just loving the names of these precious pups! There are lots of kitties looking for families as well, there are instructions at the link for getting into the shelter's "virtual line." Adoption hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and the shelter is located at 1015 Univeter Road in Canton. (Cherokee County Animal Shelter via Facebook)
3. The Cherokee County School District (CCSD) is boosting its food offerings with more fresh, local produce after being chosen for the Georgia Local Food for Schools program. The new program created by the Georgia Department of Education will help connect schools with local farmers to use fresh and healthy ingredients in the menus. The Georgia Local Food for Schools program will be a wonderful addition to the already enhanced breakfast and lunch offerings within the CCSD through the existing Farm to School program. (CCSD via Facebook)

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Today and tomorrow in Woodstock-Towne Lake:

Saturday, July 29

• 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)
• Yoga on Tap: The class is great for beginners and includes a pint or coffee afterwards. You'll pay for the class at the door, please bring a mat and water with you to Reformation Brewery, 105 Elm St. (10 - 11:30 a.m.)
• Themed Book Club: For adult readers, read a book with this month's theme, family sagas, and meet up to share your thoughts. You can also find the group on Beanstack, the meeting will be held at the Woodstock Library, 7735 Main St. (10:30 a.m. - noon)
• Duck Race Raffle: Head to the Oasis at the Cherokee County Aquatic Center for a rubber duck race. The first around the lazy river is the winner, there are lots of great prizes. The purchase window is still open, the Aquatic Center is located at 1200 WellStar Way in Canton. (Noon - 12:30 p.m.)
• "Matilda": Enjoy the musical at the Woodstock Arts Theatre, 8534 Main St. (2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.)
• The Trouble Tones Blues Band: Enjoy the live music and great food at Rootstock, 8558 Main St. (7 - 10 p.m.)
• MadLife Grill Patio Stage - free shows, no ticket needed
  • Serpent & Dove (11 a.m. - 2 p.m.)
  • Dana Beigay (2 - 5 p.m.)
  • Blackfoot Daisy (5 - 8 p.m.)
  • Mother Legacy (8 - 11 p.m.)
• MadLife Stage & Studios
  • Grand Paradise - A Tribute to the Music of Styx (7 p.m.)
  • Lovesong - The Cure Tribute (10 p.m.)

Sunday, July 30

• Jazzy Sunday Brunch with Rich on Sax: Catch the live jazz and a delicious brunch at Rootstock, 8558 Main St. (11 a.m. - 2 p.m.)
• Paint on the Patio: Bring the crew over to the patio of the Reeves House for a fun painting session. If you'd like, you can add bottomless Mimosas to your ticket when you register. The Reeves House Visual Arts Center is located at 734 Reeves St. (2 - 4:30 p.m.)
• Country Sunday with Cody Bolden and the Road Hands: Head to Reformation Brewery's backyard for something cold to drink and live country music, 105 Elm St. (2 - 5 p.m.)
• "Matilda": This is the last performance of the musical at the Woodstock Arts Theatre, 8534 Main St. (2:30 p.m.)
• Beginner D&D Night: The Blue Ghost Arcade hosts the beginners' evening on the last Sunday of each month, you'll get help creating your character and learning the game. Admission includes unlimited gaming all night, the arcade is located at 164 Towne Lake Parkway. (4 - 8 p.m.)
• Chess Club: For all ages and skill levels, The Blue Ghost Arcade's Chess Club will meet every other Sunday. Chess boards are available to use, but if you have your own board, you can bring it in if you'd like. The arcade is at 164 Towne Lake Parkway. (4 - 8 p.m.)
• MadLife Grill Patio Stage - free shows, no ticket needed
  • Jake Hughes (11 a.m. - 2 p.m.)
  • Greg & Spenser (2 - 5 p.m.)
  • Wild Irish Rose (5 - 8 p.m.)
• MadLife Stage & Studios
  • School of Rock - West Cobb Summer Show (12:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Today's the day for the Reformation Rodeo! The Shane Byous Band will be playing at 2 p.m.; a mechanical bull will be set up in the alley from 4-7 p.m.; line dancing with Geneva Bjerklie will be happening from 5-6 p.m.; and Chad Patterson will be playing at 7 p.m. The brewery will also be releasing their Shotgun Light Lager, the brewery is at 105 Elm St. (Reformation Brewery)
• The Summer Music Series at The Outlet Shoppes is a must, and this weekend, it's Nu Wave ATL. The music will play from the center court stage on Sunday from 4 to 6 p.m., you can enjoy it while you're getting that last-minute school shopping done. The Outlet Shoppes can be found at 915 Ridgewalk Parkway. (Visit Woodstock)
• Truck & Tap has Monday Night Trivia with Lights Up! Entertainment! It's so much fun to play, and there's even a prize for the winner. The fun goes from 7:30 to 10 p.m., and Truck & Tap can be found at 8640 Main St. Make sure to take a look at their food truck offerings each week, the truck parks around back. (Truck & Tap)
• Downtown Woodstock: "Shop Back to School at Findlay Rowe Designs - Gift Shop & Boutique. Lunch boxes, water bottles, diffusers for the dorm and so much more! @findlayrowe #woodstockga #woodstockgeorgia #downtownwoodstock" (Downtown Woodstock via Instagram)
• Downtown Woodstock: "In the mood for sushi? Then you need to make plans to visit TEN Sushi Lounge in Downtown Woodstock! For more info check out www.tensushilounge.com @tensushilounge" (Downtown Woodstock via Instagram)
• Downtown Woodstock: "Big End of Summer Sale at Apricot Lane Boutique! The heat won't stop this sale!! Apricot Lane is having a HUGE indoor sidewalk sale this Friday and Saturday, July 28 & 29 HUGE sales on Good American jeans and clothing." (Downtown Woodstock via Instagram)

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Featured events:

• Schoolhouse Brewing Adult Back to School Party (July 29)
• We CARE Veterans Fair (August 4)
• Add your event

Thanks for following along and staying informed! 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