Cherokee Ledger Monthly - October 2025

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Savoring the season

Welcome to the October issue of the Cherokee Ledger Monthly. October is beautiful here in North Georgia, with fall foliage in full swing and perfect temperatures for being outside. It’s a good time to venture out into nature for a hike, or just down the street to your closest farmers market. And, it’s the season for pumpkin everything.

As I write this, it’s still September, but there are already signs that Halloween is around the corner.

Cherokee County commissioner and the state Senate, check out our election coverage on our website, www.tribuneledgernews.com.

You can also find updates on the Holly Springs Town Center, a new land bank in Cherokee County for redeveloping blighted properties, population growth in Cherokee and more.

The jack-o-lantern shaped Reese’s on the shelves at the grocery store are calling my name. Kids will be embarking on the time-honored tradition of trick-or-treating. And they’re not the only ones who might wear a costume on Halloween. So whether you’re a superhero, a prince or princess, a famous singer, a dinosaur or a favorite character from a book or a movie, I hope you have a safe and fun holiday.

October is also Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and in this issue’s cover story you’ll hear from Velinda Hardy, Canton’s downtown development manager who is also a breast cancer survivor. She is the founder of Think Pink Cherokee, an annual awareness walk that also raises money for mammograms, set this year for Oct. 25.

Also in this issue, you can learn about a proposed 1% sales tax for transportation that Cherokee County voters will decide on in November, and what else is on the ballot. For more about the Sept. 23 runoffs for

In Dining, read about the future of Rootstock, and see Pie Bar’s recent celebration of 10 years in downtown Woodstock.

In Sports, we’re sharing the local players who have been selected to represent Cherokee on national teams for USA Baseball, Sequoyah High School football coach James Teter breaking the record for all-time wins in Cherokee County, and more.

Besides Think Pink Cherokee, October is jam-packed with things to do in Cherokee County, and we’ve shared just some of the many community events going on in our calendar: fall festivals, barbecue, 5Ks and more.

As always, for more local news, you can check out the Cherokee Tribune, our website www.tribuneledgernews.com, and the Cherokee Tribune-Ledger Podcast. Shannon Ballew Managing Editor

Community News

♦ Holly Springs breaks ground on Town Center amphitheater, 4

♦ T-SPLOST headed for the ballot in Cherokee County, 6

♦ A Roundup of the news in Cherokee County, 7

♦ Early voting slate set for Nov. 4 elections in Cherokee, 16

♦ Holly Springs annexation halted by judge amid lawsuit from county, 25

Cover Story

♦ Survivor spreads awareness about

breast cancer, 8

THE CHEROKEE

Publisher Lee b g Arrett

Managing Editor ShAnnOn bALLeW

VP of Content Jk MUrPhy

Writers

JOSePh bennett grIFFIn cALLAghAn ethAn JOhnSOn rebeccA JOhnStOn dr nOkUthULA MSIMAng A

VP of Advertising bOb MccrAy

Circulation Director dAVe gOSSett

VP of Production dOUg crOW

Photographers

JAcky cheng cecIL cOPeLAnd AngIe MArtIn

greg SPeLL AnthOny StALcUP

Layout & Design

JUStIn grIFFIn, JennIFer brOWn, PhILIP cLeMentS

On the Cover

Jack tuszynski photographed canton downtown development Manager Velinda hardy, founder of think Pink cherokee.

Volume 2, Issue 10

Opinion

♦ Perspectives, 11

♦ Letters to the Editor, 12

♦ Soapbox, 13

Dining

♦ Pie Bar celebrates a decade in Woodstock, 14

Entertainment & Community Events

♦ Red, White and Blue BBQ supports Cherokee veterans’ mental health, 17

♦ Event Calendar, 18

Sports

♦ Two Etowah players chosen to represent Team USA, 21

♦ Teter, Chiefs cruise to record-breaking win, 22

♦ Two-time champ Roberson commits to Samford, 23

♦ Reinhardt University celebrates with RESPY awards, 24

Health

♦ Northside Hospital opens high-risk cancer clinic, 26

♦ Power of Prevention, 27

Cherokee Social Scene

♦ Taste of Woodstock, 29

♦ Art on Main, 30

♦ Woodstock Farm Fresh Market, 31

Gardening

♦ Don’t blame the goldenrod, 32

Puzzles

♦ Crossword and Sudoku, 33

Business

♦ Service Directory, 34

Ballew

Holly Springs breaks ground on Town Center amphitheater

By Ethan Johnson ejohnson@ledgernews.com

HOLLY SPRINGS — Holly Springs elected officials, city staff, members of the Cherokee Chamber of Commerce, and Reeves Young and Stonecrest Homes representatives broke ground on the city’s new amphitheater Sept. 3.

The amphitheater will sit near the railroad tracks on the western portion of the Holly Springs Town Center, and will host a variety of community events and concerts including the Holly Springs Harmonies summer concert series.

The amphitheater is expected to be built over a nine-month span.

“This is a day that’s been a long time coming. Today we aren’t just breaking ground on a building, we are creating a new chapter for our city and taking a big step forward for the community,” Holly Springs Mayor Ryan Shirley said during the ceremony. “This will be a place where music, culture and community can thrive together. We will have beautiful summer concerts showcasing talents, as well as festivals, events and more. This space will be where we come together year after year and create lifelong memories.”

Cherokee Chamber of Commerce Board Chair Neil Blackman, talking about the

progress of the Holly Springs Town Center, said, “it’s cool to be here” and “it’s exciting to be part of a community that’s growing.”

The Holly Springs City Council awarded a $2,388,675 pre-construction and construction services contract to Reeves, Young, LLC in May to build the amphitheater.

Joe Taylor, senior superintendent with Reeves Young, thanked the city for partnering with the company in creating the amphitheater.

“We understand the importance of a project like this — it isn’t just another project, this is the beginning of something beautiful that will be here for years to come,” he said.

When it’s complete, the Town Center will include the amphitheater, restaurants, shops, a new city hall, townhomes and single-family detached “city homes,” two and three bedroom “flats,” and public and residential parking. Last year, the city held a toppingout ceremony to mark completion of vertical construction on the parking deck for the Town Center, with 323 spaces.

For more information and updates on the Holly Springs Town Center, visit hollyspringstowncenter.com/explore or follow @HollySpringsTownCenter on Instagram and Facebook.

T-SPLOST headed for the ballot in Cherokee County

By Ethan Johnson ejohnson@ledgernews.com

Cherokee County voters will be asked in November whether to approve a new 1% sales tax to fund road improvements throughout the county.

The Cherokee County Board of Commissioners voted Sept. 2 to approve a resolution to place a referendum on whether to implement the T-SPLOST on the Nov. 4 ballot.

The county government and cities have approved intergovernmental agreements that provide for how the funds will be distributed if voters approve the proposed six-year Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax, or T-SPLOST. The agreements also show what road projects will be advertised to be completed with the sales tax revenue. Cherokee County approved the agreement Sept. 2; the cities of Ball Ground, Canton, Holly Springs, Waleska, Woodstock, Nelson and Mountain Park approved agreements in August. If approved by voters, the T-SPLOST will commence on April 1, 2026, and continue through March 31, 2032.

Per the IGA, the proceeds would be distributed as follows — Cherokee County: 61.8753%; Ball Ground: 1.2355%; Canton: 13.6585%; Holly Springs: 7.7566%; Nelson: 0.3485%; Waleska 0.3803%; Woodstock: 14.7452%; and for Mountain Park, a one-time disbursement of $15,000 from the first collection tax proceeds.

The county reports that if approved, the T-SPLOST is expected to bring in up to $445,152,292 in net proceeds over the six years.

“We all want to catch up and keep up on our roads — we need better roads, and roads cost a lot of money,”

Cherokee County Commission Chair Harry Johnston said Sept. 2. “This T-SPLOST would more than double our road improvement budget and allow very substantial and noticeable catch up on our roads. If we want to catch up on roads, it’s going to take another form of taxation besides property taxes. This is the best option we’ve got.”

Commissioner Richard Weatherby added that “about 30% of revenue that would come in from this tax would be from people who don’t live in Cherokee County that use our roads and buy things here.”

Officials from the county and its cities began discussions at a “T-SPLOST Kickoff” meeting in June to discuss this potential sales tax, transportation projects to be included and distribution.

CHEROKEE COUNTY

Cherokee County Communications Director Erika Neldner told the Tribune that, if voters pass the T-SPLOST, the county estimates it will receive $290,550,901

in net proceeds from sales tax revenue over six years.

Proposed Cherokee County projects, which are expected to cost a total of $285,057,979, include:

♦ Intersection improvements at the Arnold Mill corridor; East Cherokee Drive corridor; Bells Ferry Road corridor; Highway 140 corridor; Towne Lake Parkway at Interstate 575; and traffic signal upgrades and improvements.

♦ Road widening projects along Old Highway 5/Main Street/Holly Springs Parkway, Butterworth Road and Marietta Highway.

♦ Annual resurfacing projects.

♦ Funding for the Ball Ground Bypass in downtown Ball Ground.

♦ Funding for Technology Ridge Parkway in Canton.

♦ Sidewalk and multi-use trail projects along Towne Lake Parkway, Sixes Road and Bells Ferry Road.

♦ Roadway reconstruction projects on McCurley Road, Stell Road, Byrd Mountain Road and Pope Circle.

♦ Bridge replacements at Woodstock Road over Kellogg Creek Bridge and Tripp Road over Mill Creek Bridge.

BALL GROUND

Ball Ground City Manager Eric Wilmarth said that, through the IGA, the estimated net proceeds that the city will receive is $5,935,384.

The list of proposed Ball Ground projects, which are expected to cost a total of $5,935,384, includes:

♦ Civic Drive One Way Parking Study and Mound Street One Way Parking Study.

♦ Maintenance and resurfacing to include Georgia Department of Transportation partnership on Ball Ground Highway (State Route 5).

♦ Intersection improvements at Valley Street and Ball Ground Elementary School, Gilmer Ferry Road and Northridge Road, and Gilmer Ferry Road and Old Canton Road.

♦ Funding for work on the Ball Ground Bypass♦

♦ Multi-use trails and sidewalks at Northridge Road to Cherokee Village Drive via SR 372; Old Dawsonville Road to Church Street via Groover Street; Sage Hill to Howell Bridge Road via Ball Ground Highway; Roberts Lake Trail extension.

♦ Establish pedestrian connection from Lantern Walk Drive to downtown area.

♦ Additional roadway construction and widening.

CANTON

Under the agreement, if voters approve the T-SPLOST, the city of Canton expects to receive $60,801,126 in net proceeds over six years, City Manager Billy Peppers said.

The list of proposed Canton projects, which are expected to cost $89,605,000 includes:

♦ An off-road multi-use trail connecting The Mill on Etowah to Harmon Park.

♦ Multi-use trail improvements along

Riverstone Parkway from Highway 140 to Interstate-575.

♦ Multi-use trail improvements along the road to connect neighborhoods south of Cumming Highway and Hasty Elementary School to Etowah River Park and the trail system. Includes trail crossing on Cumming Highway to connect to multiuse trail under Interstate-575.

♦ Off-road multi-use trail beginning at East Main Street through Northside Hospital vacant property on the southwest quadrant of Interstate-575, under Interstate-575 using and expanding the existing culvert of Canton Creek to Northside Hospital.

♦ Replacement of the Waleska Street bridge.

♦ Marietta Highway Corridor intersection improvements and widening.

♦ Realignment and widening of Marietta Road from Hickory Flat Highway to West Marietta Street, including replacement of Canton Creek vehicular bridge.

♦ Install a single lane roundabout at the intersection of Marietta Highway and Univeter/Butterworth Road. Fifty percent of construction costs for this project would be assumed to be provided by Cherokee County.

♦ Install a single-lane roundabout at the North Street and East Main Street intersection.

♦ Signalization of the intersection of Waleska Street at Railroad Street with detection to coordinate with railroad signal.

♦ Operation improvement to Highway 140 from Riverstone Parkway to Mary Lane.

♦ Replace the “signal T-intersection” at Highway 140 at Reinhardt College Parkway with a multi-lane roundabout.

♦ Provide signal upgrades and widening to the intersection of Marietta Road at Marietta Highway.

HOLLY SPRINGS

Holly Springs expects to receive $34,543,818 in net proceeds from the TSPLOST if it’s approved by voters, City Manager Rob Logan said.

Proposed Holly Springs projects, which are expected to cost a total of $34,714,106, include:

♦ Phase One of the Hickory Road widening project from the Town Center roundabout to Red Bud Lane.

♦ Bridge culvert replacement on Palm Street from Toonigh Creek to Palm Ridge Trace.

♦ Hickory Springs Industrial realignment from Hickory Road to existing Hickory Springs Industrial Drive.

♦ Phase one of Hickory Springs Parkway from Hickory Road to P. Rickman Industrial Drive.

♦ Palm Street realignment from Palm Street to Holly Springs Parkway.

♦ Holly Springs Parkway widening from Sixes Road to East Cherokee Drive, and from East Cherokee Drive to Ridgewalk Parkway.

♦ Sixes Road realignment from Sixes Road to Holly Springs Parkway.

WOODSTOCK

If voters approve the T-SPLOST, the city of Woodstock is expected to get an estimated $65,638,596 in net proceeds through its agreement with the county, Woodstock City Manager Jeff Moon said.

Proposed Woodstock projects, which are expected to cost a total of $65,379,686, include:

♦ Road repair and resurfacing projects.

♦ Sidewalk pedestrian connections.

♦ Elm Street conversion to a pedestrian plaza.

♦ Ridgewalk Parkway/I-575 interchange diverging diamond interchange.

♦ Barnsdale at Main Street improvements.

♦ Dupree at Main Street improvements.

♦ Dobbs at Arnold Mill Road improvements.

♦ Dobbs at Main Street improvements.

♦ Haney Road extension — connection of Main Street to Rope Mill Road.

♦ Lincoln Street extension.

♦ Reeves to Mill Street extension.

♦ Paden to Goshen extension.

♦ Oakbridge Road extension — connection of Gunnin Road to Neese Road.

♦ Woodstock Parkway extension concept.

♦ Grid street connections.

♦ Wildcat implementation.

♦ Arnold Mill at Neese Road roundabout.

WALESKA

The city of Waleska estimates that if approved by voters, the T-SPLOST could bring $1,693,095 in net revenue for the city over the six-year period, Waleska City Clerk/Manager Kim Kirsch said. Proposed T-SPLOST projects for Waleska include curb, gutter, sidewalk and streetlight improvements, as well as a public walking trail. These projects are expected to cost $1,692,914.

NELSON

If the T-SPLOST passes, the city of Nelson could receive $1.5 million to $1.8 million over six years, depending on the growth rate, City Clerk Kelsey Riehl said.

Proposed projects in Nelson, which is partially in Cherokee and partially in Pickens County, include:

♦ Paving at the Nelson Public Works Facility, Laurel Lake (at Cypress Cove, Hickory Lane, Laurel Cove and Laurel Lake Drive), Nelson Ridge (at Nelson Ridge Drive, Pink Marble Way, White Marble Way), Pickens Street/Old Nelson Road, Dogwood Pass, School Street, Church Street and Reavis Mountain Road.

♦ Study, engineering and construction of Old Nelson Road access/exit to Canton Road.

♦ Various sidewalk improvement projects including Pickens Street South, as well as walking trail resurfacing.

Projects are expected to cost $1,674,146.

MOUNTAIN PARK

In Mountain Park, which is partially in Cherokee and partially in Fulton County, proposed T-SPLOST projects include streets and drainage projects.

Harry Johnston

Richard Weatherby

NEWS AROUND CHEROKEE COUNTY

WHO’S RUNNING FOR OFFICE IN CHEROKEE COUNTY CITIES

Candidates have officially signed up to be on the ballot in municipal elections for Cherokee County cities this fall.

Cities held qualifying Aug. 18-20.

Municipal elections will be held Nov. 4.

Here’s who has signed up to run for office:

BALL GROUND

Mayor:

Dan Homiller

Dennis Nelson

City Council Post 4:

Greg Edgar

Kristine Rogers (incumbent)

City Council Post 5:

Tony Stancil

CANTON

City Council Ward 1:

Darrell Rice

City Council Ward 2:

Bryan Roach (incumbent)

Pennie Clopton

City Council Ward 3:

Dwayne Waterman (incumbent)

Todd Smith

WOODSTOCK

Mayor:

Michael Caldwell (incumbent)

Martha Jean Schindler

City Council Ward 1:

D. Warren Johnson (incumbent)

Trent Harrison Council

City Council Ward 3:

Colin Ake (incumbent)

City Council Ward 5:

Brian Wolfe (incumbent)

Gopi Govindaraj

WALESKA

In Waleska, two city council incumbents qualified without opposition:

Michael Greene

Kristi Bosch

A special election will be held next year for the council seat held by Logan Patrick, whose term expires at the end of 2025 and did not run for re-election.

NELSON

Mayor:

Sylvia Green (incumbent)

City council:

Matt Malone

India Riehl

(In Nelson, city council members are elected at large; there are two city council seats open and only two candidates qualified, so Green, Malone and Riehl will be sworn in in January.)

MOUNTAIN PARK

In Mountain Park, three councilmember seats are up for election in November, and four candidates have signed up to run: Robin Auerbach (incumbent)

Lloyd Hendricks

Mark Murphy (incumbent)

Emily Myers (incumbent)

In this October 2024 photo, a voter shows their “I’m a Georgia Voter” sticker after casting a ballot on the first day of early voting in Woodstock.

CANTON OKS CONTRACT TO BUILD NEW PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE

Canton leaders have approved a contract to build a new pedestrian bridge next to Marietta Road.

On Sept. 4, the Canton City Council unanimously voted to award a $1,034,700 contract to Excellere Construction, LLC, for the Canton Creek pedestrian bridge and sidewalk improvement project.

This project includes installing a 160foot prefabricated pedestrian bridge and adjoining pedestrian improvements across Canton Creek in the city’s Sunnyside community. It will be parallel to a new Marietta Road bridge.

The project also includes new concrete sidewalk, signage, pavement markings and a rectangular rapid flashing beacon across Marietta Road.

This pedestrian bridge project, expected to be completed in about 330 days, is part of the larger Hickory Flat Highway Gateway Concept Plan, which the city council approved Aug. 21.

This pedestrian bridge and other proposed projects in the gateway plan are part of the city’s Transportation Master Plan, adopted in early 2023.

The costs to build the bridge will be covered by a state grant the city received in 2023, City Engineer Bethany Watson said.

ARC: CHEROKEE TIED FOR FASTEST GROWTH IN METRO ATLANTA

Cherokee County was tied with Forsyth County for the fastest growth rate in the 11-county metro Atlanta region between 2024 and 2025, new numbers from the Atlanta Regional Commission show.

According to the ARC’s recent population estimates for the region, Cherokee added 7,100 residents between April 2024 and April 2025, bringing the county’s population to 299,460.

Cherokee and Forsyth posted the fastest growth rate in metro Atlanta in 2024-25 at about 2.4%.

In the same period during the previous year, Cherokee grew by 1.9%.

Cherokee has been one of the region’s fastest-growing counties over the past few decades. The county’s population has more than doubled since 2000.

Cherokee also had the third highest numeric increase among the 11 ARC counties. Fulton County (including the city of Atlanta) added 18,800 residents, the largest numeric increase in the region, followed by Gwinnett (15,200), Cherokee (7,100), Forsyth (6,700), and Henry (4,600). The City of Atlanta added an estimated 10,600 from April 2024 to April 2025.

According to the ARC, the population estimates are developed using a range of data points, with an emphasis on the number of housing permits issued.

The 11-county Atlanta region added 64,400 residents between April 2024 and April 2025, bringing the total population to 5,285,474, according to ARC’s population estimates. The 11-county region’s growth represents a slight uptick compared to 2023-34, when the region added 62,700 people.

Cherokee’s growth is part of a larger trend in which the region is growing faster in the outer suburbs and the inner core.

Cherokee and Forsyth’s growth rates were followed by the city of Atlanta at 2%, then Henry County at 1.75%.

According to the ARC, metro Atlanta’s job employment base has increased 8% since the pandemic began in early 2020. That’s the seventh-highest rate in the nation among major metro areas, behind only Austin, Orlando, Dallas, Las Vegas, Houston and Miami.

“The Atlanta region remains one of the nation’s most vibrant and dynamic regions,”

said ARC Executive Director & CEO Anna Roach. “Businesses continue to choose metro Atlanta as a place to grow and thrive, from global corporations to nimble start-ups. This keeps our economy moving and our population growing.”

For more information, visit https://atlantaregional.org/what-we-do/research-anddata/atlanta-region-population-estimates.

CHEROKEE COUNTY CREATES LAND BANK TO REDEVELOP PROPERTIES

A land bank is being formed in Cherokee County.

Cherokee County and Canton have approved an agreement to create the Cherokee Regional Land Bank, which will look to redevelop blighted and delinquent properties for new purposes.

On Aug. 19, the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved an intergovernmental contract to create the Cherokee Regional Land Bank.

The Canton City Council approved the agreement Aug. 7. The Holly Springs City Council and Woodstock City Council will consider the contract at dates to be determined.

Land banks require a county and at least one city to agree to form the entity; all municipalities within the county are eligible to participate.

With BOC approval, the Cherokee Regional Land Bank will be established, with board member appointments occurring over the following 90 days, according to county documents.

Holly Springs and Woodstock may adopt the IGA at any time and also seek to appoint respective board members.

A land bank is a legal entity that retains ownership of land, often to facilitate redevelopment of blighted or abandoned properties. The land bank will neither possess nor exercise the power of eminent domain, according to the contract.

The Cherokee Regional Land Bank would be a public entity, governed by the board of directors appointed by the member jurisdictions.

Cherokee County and Canton representatives have said that the land bank can be used to create affordable housing and to support economic development goals.

Cherokee County Commission Chair Harry Johnston said that the land bank cannot force development on the county or cities that the local government doesn’t want; properties will still have to comply with local rules and regulations.

ELECTION DAY IS SEPT. 23

Election Day is Sept. 23 for the runoffs for Georgia Senate District 21 and Cherokee County District 1 commissioner.

For election coverage and updates, visit www.tribuneledgernews.com/ local_news/election.

File/Anthony Stalcup

ethan Johnson

A pedestrian crossing bridge is planned to be built over Canton Creek, parallel to the Marietta Road bridge.

Strength Together

Breast cancer survivor thinks pink to help others

By Rebecca Johnston

For the Cherokee Ledger

For many people Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a reminder of a disease that changed their lives forever. For others October is a call to action to bring awareness to the cancer that affects more than 2.3 million women annually.

For Canton Downtown Development Manager Velinda Hardy October is both.

Hardy is a survivor who was diagnosed 27 years ago at the age of 36 with an aggressive form of breast cancer. She is also the founder of Think Pink Cherokee, an annual event she started in downtown Canton in 2021 to bring awareness about the disease to the community and to offer hope to others. This year’s event is set for Oct. 25 at Cannon Park.

“Being diagnosed at 36, with no family history and three young children, was a bit of a mind-blowing moment. My mindset was breast cancer is for

old people. That theory went right out the window on July 24, 1998, as I sat on an examination table and heard the words, ‘You have breast cancer’,” Hardy recalled of her diagnosis.

As a young mother who had to face surgery and chemotherapy on her way to healing, the journey was arduous,

Jack Tuszynski Canton Downtown Development Manager Velinda Hardy is the founder of Think Pink Cherokee. She is also a breast cancer survivor.

Jacky Cheng/City of Canton

In this 2023 photo, community members walk in Think Pink Cherokee in downtown Canton.

Jacky Cheng/City of Canton

Think Pink Cherokee honors those who have survived breast cancer. The event is held every year in October during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

PINK

From 8

but that did not stop her from immediately wanting to educate and help others who face the same disease.

“After you’ve been through a life-changing moment, your friends, family, and even strangers want to help. Their thoughtfulness is appreciated and honestly, is what gets you through some of the tough moments. Your overwhelming sense to give back to others takes over and to this day is still top of mind with me,” Hardy explained.

At this year’s Think Pink Cherokee event, survivors, caregivers, along with friends and families of those who lost their battle to breast cancer will gather in Cannon Park to reflect, lift each other up, hug, and share stories, she said. Proceeds from Think Pink Cherokee are given to Northside Hospital to assist with mammograms.

The event will feature a one-mile informational walk through Downtown Canton, breast cancer awareness information, a walkers’ reception for all participants, and more.

The walk and check-in will begin in Cannon Park. Check-in starts at 9 a.m. followed by the walk at 10:30 a.m.

Hardy wants to raise awareness and make sure women take proactive steps in monitoring their breast health and seeking regular screenings.

“There was no family history of the disease, and at the time, my children were 13, 9, and 10 months old. I discovered a lump myself after showering. I was drying my hair when I clearly saw it in the mirror. I was in total shock and denial,” she remembered.

“After getting dressed, I went to church where I was volunteering, trying to put it out of my mind. Once I returned home, I checked again, and the lump was still there.”

For those at average risk, recommendations are to have a mammogram every year starting at age 40. If any signs of breast cancer are discovered, finding it early and treating it early may save lives, according to the Susan G. Komen organization.

When Hardy discovered the lump she immediately made a doctor’s appointment and started on her path to healing.

After an attempt to drain the lump and a subsequent needle biopsy, the diagnosis was confirmed. One week later, Hardy was admitted to East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika, Alabama, for a mastectomy. Her surgeon encouraged immediate reconstruction following the mastectomy.

See PINK, 10

Bil on Business

Practical guidance on investing, retirement planning, insurance, and taxes—brought to you by the financial experts at Henssler Financial. Share your questions or topic suggestions at comments@henssler.com.

William G. Lako Jr., CFP®

PRINCIPAL AND MANAGING DIRECTOR

Making the Escrow Decision: Weighing Control Against Convenience

Let’s be honest—few people read every single word of their mortgage contract. Buried within those documents is an agreement that your lender will establish an escrow account to cover your homeowners insurance, property taxes, and, if applicable, mortgage insurance or specialty coverage such as flood insurance. Each month, a portion of your mortgage payment is deposited into this account, while the rest goes toward your principal and interest.

Should you let your lender manage an escrow account for your property taxes and homeowners insurance—or are you better off handling those payments yourself? Each option has its pros and cons, and the right choice depends primarily on your financial habits and comfort level.

Escrow offers convenience and peace of mind. For many homeowners, escrow acts as a built-in budgeting tool, as the lender sets aside money gradually. Escrow also protects the lender, ensuring there are no tax liens on the property and that the home remains insured against damage that could reduce its value.

Most lenders set up escrow accounts as part of the mortgage process, holding funds in a non–interest bearing account and disbursing them when bills are due. While federal law does not require lenders to pay interest on escrow balances, in some states it is mandated. Additionally, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s Regulation X requires lenders to refund any surplus escrow funds of $50 or more to borrowers within 30 days.

The downside is that escrow payments can adjust. Estimates are usually based on the prior year’s bills; however, as property values change and local governments seek additional funding for schools and services, property taxes can rise significantly as can your homeowners insurance premiums. To

protect against shortfalls, lenders typically require at least two months’ worth of estimated escrow payments as a buffer. If your annual tax or insurance bill exceeds the funds in your escrow account, your lender will still pay the bill in full, then usually adjust your future monthly payments going forward to cover the higher amount.

Some homeowners may qualify to waive escrow and manage their own property tax and insurance payments. Instead of sending extra funds to your lender each month, you can keep those dollars in a highyield savings or money market account, potentially earning interest until the bills are due, providing more control over your finances, reducing prepaid escrow reserve closing costs, and keeping your monthly mortgage payment for principal and interest fixed for the life of the loan.

However, waiving escrow requires discipline. You’ll need to set aside enough money throughout the year to cover these large bills when they arrive. Missing a due date could result in penalties, lapses in coverage, or even legal trouble. Some lenders may charge a fee or impose stricter requirements, such as a larger down payment or higher credit score, if you want to opt out. Certain loans, such as Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans, require escrow for all borrowers.

There’s no universal “right” or “wrong” answer—it depends on your financial habits. Either way, it’s worth asking your lender about the options available for your loan type and weighing the trade-offs against your budget and financial goals.

William G. Lako, Jr., CFP®, is a principal at Henssler Financial and a co-host on “Money Talks”—your trusted resource for your money, your future, your life— available on your favorite podcast platform or at HensslerMoneyTalks.com.

Mr. Lako is a Certified Financial Planner™ professional.

Jacky cheng/city of canton

Velinda Hardy speaks at a Think Pink Cherokee event.

Jacky cheng/city of canton

Breast cancer survivors share a hug at the 2023 Think Pink Cherokee.

From 9

“Once I was strong enough and had healed from surgery, chemotherapy began in August. I was told I was a model patient. I knew I needed to follow all the ‘rules’ to stay on schedule with my treatments, because I wanted to feel like the old me for my kids by Christmas,” Hardy said. “As it would be for most young mothers, my biggest fear was not being there for my children — not being there to watch them grow up.”

As Hardy recovered from her battle with breast cancer, she asked the doctors at the Cancer Center of EAMC what she could do for Breast Cancer Awareness Month?

Their answer immediately was, “What do you have in mind?” Weeks later, the first Think Pink Walk was born and held in Downtown Opelika.

“My plan and vision were to raise awareness, but attendees kept handing us money and saying, ‘please help someone,’” she said.

A foundation was created to offer mammograms to anyone that was underserved or had no insurance.

“We immediately got into the life-saving business! I’m proud to say the Think Pink Walk in Opelika will be celebrating its 21st year this October, and I know lives have been saved,” she said.

After she moved to Canton to accept her position with the city, she wanted to do the same for Canton and Cherokee County and immediately began plans for a similar event.

When asked what breast cancer has taught her, Hardy’s answer is simple.

“You don’t ask ‘Why me?’ I could have sat and felt sorry for myself, which would have been understandable, but instead, I thought, ‘Why not me?’ I choose to believe God

In this 2023 photo, people participate in the one-mile Think Pink Cherokee breast

Canton.

gives you what you can handle and makes you stronger. He also provides an opportunity to witness to others,” Hardy said.

“I’ve never been a shy person, and I never miss a moment to share my story. If telling my story can help just one person, or prepare them for future possibilities, then it was all worth it.”

Her best advice for women is to be vigilant and listen to your body.

“Know your body and listen to it. When I saw that

lump, I could have easily told myself that once I got the kids in school and settled, I would go to the doctor and take care of this. We all get busy, and moms are the first ones to put themselves on the back burner. I was told later after the surgery that if I had waited, because it was an aggressive, fast-growing cancer, I would not still be here,” she said. “Know your body and take care of yourself so you can continue to take care of the ones you love.”

When Stroke Strikes, Your ER is Ready

Jacky Cheng/City of Canton

cancer awareness walk in downtown

Remembering 9/11 and praying for our country

September 11, 2001. It’s a date which is seared into the minds of those old enough to remember. This column is being written on Thursday, September 11, 2025. Exactly twenty-four years after the terrorist attack on our nation. I hope something in my words resonates with you. It’s going to be a struggle to write. Not fun at all. But with faith and prayer, God will turn it toward Him before the end. In the days, weeks, and months, following the attack on our nation, it is practically all anyone talked about. Our differences seemed to take a back seat during that time. We were Americans. Americans who were fighting a common enemy, terrorists. We were a proud nation of Republicans and Democrats. The aisle between the two parties was just that in those days. It was an aisle. Today it is more of a gulf. Over time, Americans got bored. We get bored so easily it’s scary. There is no longer a shock factor when we hear of bad things happening on the twentyfour hour news. When we see and hear of these horrific crimes all over our country, we stop for a brief second to recognize how terrible things are. Then

we forget it and move on with our social schedule. We should be ashamed for being so desensitized.

It would be ignorant for anyone to say there are no longer Republicans and Democrats. There are. Unfortunately, they aren’t the ones making the most noise. It’s the few far left liberals and few far right conservatives who make the noise. They’re the ones who have more interest in tearing each other down than building America up. And to be completely honest, the real Democrats and Republicans don’t even like them. Why? Because they use the terms Democrat and Republican to mask hate.

This week, America has been rocked with some heinous murders. Crimes which would have been a horror movie when I was a kid growing up in the Keithburg Community in North Georgia. I was just a child when the Manson murders happened in California. Somehow, I sneaked and watched the movie based on the crimes called “Helter Skelter.” Watching it scared me. I didn’t sleep well for nights afterward.

Today, those crimes in California might get a thirty-second slot on the twentyfour hour news. But today’s news isn’t really news. It’s entertainment. The far right would probably be calling for

more guns and hangings on the town square. The far left would probably be talking about the terrible upbringing of the killers and even possibly how the victims deserved it.

Yesterday, a young man named Charlie Kirk was shot and killed on a college campus in Utah. He was a Christian youth activist who traveled the country speaking and listening to others talk about the problems and issues facing our nation.

Here’s the kicker. We have people in our nation who laughed and mocked his death.

There were news anchors who found themselves in hot water after blaming the victim for what they referred to as hate speech. Reactions like these are sick and evil.

We should be able to disagree on any subject and not let the disagreement turn to violence. And there will be many for the next few days who will spout their idea for a remedy for our problems. For entertainment purposes, turn on the news and you will be able to listen to people argue and raise their voices at one another discussing this crime. All for ratings. None of it is for a solution.

There is only one solution to all of the problems we face as a nation. Even

if you disagree, no one has anything to offer me which would cause me to waste my time arguing my point. In 2 Chronicles 7:14 it reads like this. “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” Yep. That’s it. If we want our nation healed, it will be done on our knees. Both literally and figuratively.

I believe most normal people are sick and tired of the place our country has gotten itself into. It seems everyone if offended by something. People are tired of defending every action and every word, none of which has intent to be offensive. Sometimes we just need to do as our parents taught us years ago and grow up.

I pray God has mercy on our nation. That has to start with each individual. Therefore, I pray forgiveness for my sins and guidance of the Holy Spirit. Regardless of your politics, religion, gender, or color of your skin, I pray God’s blessings on you. That’s how I’d hope you’d treat me. God bless you all.

COLUMNIST|LYNN GENDUSA

The three R’s I’m referring to are not Reading, wRiting, or aRithmetic, nor are they Reduce, Reuse, or Recycle. Most of us have encountered Resentment, Rage, and Revenge at some point in our lives. The question is: do we choose to hold on to them or let them go? It can be challenging to release feelings that we feel entitled to. It’s often difficult to “get over” the hurt that someone has caused us or the damage that life can inflict.

However, if we become attached to the three R’s, we will continue to experience pain and suffering. I have known a few who clung to their resentment for so long that it became detrimental to their well-being.

I learned many years ago, albeit the hard way, that resentment, rage, and revenge are ways of keeping oneself miserable. Blaming others and seeking retribution only fuel the fire that turns joy into smoke. Since misery loves company, I believe that evil must be lonely.

I only have one suggestion that works for ridding ourselves of any of the three R’s: give them away. It’s so simple, it’s ridiculous, but the trick is to believe it works.

Many years ago, I was consumed by self-

The Three R’s

pity. I felt depressed, angry, and, for the first time, I wanted retribution. I didn’t like those feelings. I had been hurt many times before, but I had never wished to bring revenge on anyone. I was raised to forgive others, but all the pain I had endured began to take a toll on me. I couldn’t sleep, and I struggled to think clearly.

The Chattahoochee River flowed over huge rocks and deep crevices near my home.

It was a cloudy, cool day that mirrored my stormy spirit as I took a walk along its banks. I watched as the water surged over the boulders and rushed downstream.

Having said many prayers in my life, I have never experienced one answered so quickly. I discovered with absolute certainty that the only way to rid oneself of a negative “R” is to give it to the only one capable of tossing it into the river.

I began to pick up pebbles and throw them into the waves, watching them disappear. Then I grabbed a large rock and said aloud, “God, you said revenge is yours. Please take this heavy weight of torment away from me. Wash away the revenge, resentment, and rage, because, Lord, I’m tired.”

I threw the stone as far as I could into the river, as if it contained all my despair. The moment it hit the water and started to drift downstream, all the burdens that began with the letter “R” vanished.

Forgiveness is a big word. It is not a word one can just casually say; truly forgiving someone requires effort and prayer. While God can forgive us instantly when we ask, we often hold on to our distress instead. How frequently do we encounter individuals who have become isolated and alone due to the deep pain of losing a loved one? Do we often blame others for the suffering we have endured? Are there many who hold God accountable for our sorrow?.

How many of us are not so smart?

In the old days, my Tennessee relatives would describe an “R” person as “sour”

“Mama, why is that lady so mean?” I asked about a neighbor.

“Honey, she’s not mean, she’s just sour.”

It took a while before I could understand that the neighbor just saw the world through a fog of bitterness. Negativity, sourness, complaining, grumpiness, and unhappiness are

rooted in the three R’s.

We may experience hurt, wrath, and sorrow, but ultimately, we must learn to let go of these feelings to embrace the light of the sun and the joy of each new day. The three R’s — revenge, resentment, and rage — should not dominate our lives, preventing us from seeing the world clearly or instilling fear of what tomorrow may bring.

The one thing I recall when I was consumed with the R’s was to constantly sing this refrain, “Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so.” If God loves me, then He does not want me to be unhappy. If you love your children, do you not wish them joy?

If any of you are currently dealing with one of the three R’s, remember that there is a place where you can let go of those burdens. Imagine throwing them in the water and watching as God washes them away. He’s powerful enough to do it, and it can be that simple.

Lynn Gendusa’s latest book is “Southern Comfort: Stories of Family, Friendship, Fiery Trials, and Faith.” She can be reached at www. lynngendusa.com.

Gendusa

Chris Collett is a lifelong resident of Cherokee County.

LOCAL COLUMNIST|CHRIS COLLETT

Collett

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Questioning prayer

DEAR EDITOR:

Liberal media pundits stated in response to the Annunciation Parish that “prayer is not freaking enough”, “I’m so beyond (thoughts and prayers), that nonsense, the lie of that”. We can attribute such comments to anger and liberal gun control ideology, but the insensitivity toward those of faith is appalling. Prayer might not be enough, but I would suggest that no one use “freaking” to describe prayer. Prayer is not nonsense, just because you don’t either believe in or understand it. If we are honest, most believers, at one time or another, question whether God is listening. Why did my friend die “early”? Where is God in the pain? Why does God permit the disease, the natural disaster? These are all reasons for prayer.

Christian teaching tells us that pain and suffering exist due to Adam’s original sin — disobedience to God (The Fall). For atheists and agnostics, that doesn’t resonate at all. Even for many believers, The Fall is an insufficient argument that seems much too simple for the complicated problem. But if there is a more complete answer, can finite mankind understand it? Perhaps to some

degree, but not likely without reading the Bible and praying. Even for many that don’t consider themselves religious, they know that there must be a creator, and they “hope and pray” that God is good and cares about them. The Bible tells us that is so. Scripture also tells us that God wants us to pray. Not that God needs us to, but He wants a relationship with us, and prayer is essential to that relationship.

The secular media doesn’t report the miracles that are answers to prayer. We don’t know why some miracles are provided, but not others. In all cases God wants us to come to Him. Perhaps the most poignant comment in the aftermath of Annunciation Parish was a radio caller that reminded us that God is the creator of both the seen and the unseen — and there is more unseen than seen. May God bless those that are suffering. May God touch the hearts of non-believers and believers alike, that all might know the power of prayer — even when they don’t always see or feel the impact in this seen world.

Bruce Purvis Hickory Flat

Falling trees are a deadly problem in our city

DEAR EDITOR:

I am deeply concerned about the growing danger posed by falling trees and large branches along Canton’s roads. In the past few years, three people in our community have tragically lost their lives, two in Canton and one on Hickory Flat Highway in Cherokee County, after falling limbs struck their vehicles.

Just last year, my own son was hit by a falling tree while driving. He could have been killed. Thankfully, he survived, but it made painfully clear how real and immediate this danger is for everyone on our roads.

I have witnessed large branches come down along Butterworth Road onto the roadway multiple times. While the city is quick to clear debris after it falls, there seems to be little proactive maintenance to prevent these hazards from endangering drivers in the first place. A reactive approach is not

enough. How many more lives must be lost before action is taken?

From what I’ve learned, responsibility for tree safety is often passed between property owners, neighborhood associations, the city, and the county. In reality, this means that no one is consistently inspecting or maintaining roadside trees that could fall onto cars. This lack of accountability leaves drivers and residents at constant risk.

I urge our city leaders and public works officials to take this issue seriously — not just by responding after tragedies, but by creating a proactive program to identify and remove hazardous trees before they fall onto vehicles.

Canton deserves better, and our families deserve to feel safe driving on our roads and living in our neighborhoods.

Dan Tamburrino Canton

Spam calls

DEAR

EDITOR:

I can only assume that what is happening to me is also happening to you or someone you care for. I get between 30 and 40 calls a day from Artificial Intelligence female scammers wanting to help me with my funeral expenses but more often as not about helping me with Medicare benefits.

For a while it was Sabrina calling about 10 times a day but now it is other AI female names. They do not respond to questions and always want to send you to a specialist scammer waiting nearby.

Strangely enough I also get similar calls from males that are real people. However I am amazed that these men with names

like Donald or Mark or Micheal have such strong Indonesian accents like they were really Hassein Wat calling from New Delhi. You can hear 5 or 6 “Hasseins” talking in the background but the most amazing thing is that their “Bosses” think a U.S. Citizen by god from the great state of Georgia is going to fall for this bunkum. I have gone to an AT&T office to complain but am told there is nothing they can do. I do not believe that or that our Senators and Reps have not done something to correct this. THIS IS JUST NOT RIGHT. Please complain to someone about this.

Paul Sorrells Canton

A coup in slow motion

DEAR EDITOR:

Many Trump supporters say they don’t want Democrats in power because they will turn us into a Communist country. But what exactly is Communism?

Think Communist China: One-party rule by a leader who would have personal control over every facet of life — business, politics, religion, education, policing, the

military, individual speech, elections, the press, and the courts; and the rule of law subject to the whims of that leader, with no accountability to the citizens. Does anybody not see that Trump is putting into place all those things? Is that what you want?

Tell Cherokee what you think

Letters to the editor may be submitted by email to editor@ledgernews.com, or by mail to 521 e. Main St., Canton, g A 30114. All letters must be typed and include a phone number to verify authenticity. We reserve the right to reject publication. We reserve the right to edit for libel and brevity. The editor and publisher reserve the right to publish a sampling of letters that reflect an accurate representation of those submitted on the same subject. The content and accuracy of all information contained in a letter to the editor is the responsibility of the letter-writer. Letters must not exceed 450 words.

Jenny Sutton Woodstock

♦ The Neese Road project is taking way too much time. Should have been completed months ago. Driving that stretch at night when it is raining is treacherous. Also shakes your teeth out, it is so bumpy! I use that road often and hardly ever see at most 5 workers. What gives?

♦ What happened to courtesy?

♦ Just remember a vote for Debra Shigley is a vote for Stacey Abrams.

♦ For the individual stating in Soapbox that the MAGA State Senate candidates, blindly supporting the Trump agenda, would run the county “straight off a cliff and into the ground”. If you really thought Biden did a good job and that Harris could have accomplished one-tenth of what Trump accomplished, you might request an additional session with your shrink. Were you really better off under the previous administration? If so, you were probably in a nonessential government job.

♦ Do you wonder what happened to the historic Barrett store on the corner of Palm Street and Hickory Road in Holly Springs? The government destroyed it. Do you wonder what’s happening to your taxes and quality of life right now in Holly Springs? The government is destroying it again. Vote them out every chance you get!

♦ We need at least one or two more lanes northbound and southbound on I-575. The traffic has gotten ridiculous. You can’t safely navigate through this mess any longer. Get rid of the middle pay-per-use lane and turn it into the interstate that it was designed for.

♦ Will somebody that Trump listens to tell him there is only one way to get into Heaven!!

♦ Can someone tell me how the Cherokee County School Board can sell property to Cherokee County government without advertising that property for sale? That automatically assures you they didn’t get the highest price for the property. Instead, it was a sweetheart insider deal.

♦ If the state income tax is eliminated, here’s some ways to replace a big chunk of it. Legalize sports betting, casinos, and recreational marijuana. No need to raise property taxes.

♦ Boy, South Cherokee actually looks much better without all those trees!

♦ Our schools and parents are failing the younger generations. Many students come to college with the intelligence of a cheese burrito with NO knowledge of English or history or math. They can’t write cursive, have no vocabulary, and couldn’t find major countries or states on a map; and they couldn’t string together a grammatically correct sentence if their life depended upon it.

♦ Imagine if we had 1,700 National Guard troops with rifles on the steps of the Capitol on January 6. There would be no deaths, no fear in the hearts of our legislators and no damage to the Capitol. What we had on January 6 was a riot with legislators, both Democrat and Republican, fearing for their lives and enormous damage to the Capitol. To make it more insulting and dangerous,

Donald Trump pardoned everyone who was charged or convicted. Trump says he’s tough on crime. Trump is sending National Guard troops into Democratic cities and sent no troops to the Capitol on January 6. What a hypocrite.

♦ It is so sad to see so many fawns hit on the side of the road. Please slow down when you see deer crossing, there is almost always a group crossing together, or a baby fawn crossing after the mama. Please teach your teenagers and young drivers to slow down and look for more deer when you see one crossing, don’t speed through just because the one got across. There’s more coming very likely. Keep your eyes open.

♦ Can someone explain to me why the DOT or road departments always start road projects and paving the very first week of school starting? They’ve had three months to work on these.

♦ A new revenue generator: an impact fee on each person, adults and children, moving into Georgia.

♦ Read with interest the report from the Cherokee County School District Superintendent regarding our students’ improved test scores. Congratulations!! Now the rest of the story. We continue to compare our results with the remainder of Georgia, which we are in the upper percentile. However, Georgia’s Pre

K-12 performance ranks 22nd-32nd nationally, depending on the source. Would love to see “loftier” aspirations. Maybe we could compare our performance against the top 10% of states and strive for this goal. Let’s shoot for best practices and challenge our students to become the top performers.

♦ The street signs “stop here on red” and “no turn on red” are not the same. “Stop here on red” means stop, look, and then turn. You do not need to keep sitting there unless the sign says “no turn on red.”

♦ Down here on the Wade Green Speedway, just beyond the sign welcoming you to beautiful Cherokee county, trash fills the gutters and kudzu overgrows the

sidewalks. The medians haven’t been mowed in weeks. Question; who in the county Marshal’s office can I mail the ticket to?

♦ Where is all of our law enforcement, traffic enforcement money going to? Going down 575, I-75, I’ve never seen so many tail lights out, headlights out, tailgating, aggressive driving in my life.

♦ Yes, Donald Trump is a role model for our children and grandchildren. They need to be taught to use common sense, instead of the rediculous nonsense that has past for education in the public school system for years.

♦ It appears that Democrats’ favorite activity is gazing at their own hemorrhoids.

Editor’s note: the Soapbox is a forum for residents to sound off about topics of interest. All comments are those of the callers and do not reflect the views of the newspaper. We welcome the contributions of our readers and encourage respectful and lively debate. the Ledger-news reserves the right not to publish Soapbox items based on libel or other considerations the editor and publisher deem valid. comments may be edited for brevity. Please keep comments as brief as possible. Lengthy opinions should be addressed in a letter to the editor. to submit a Soapbox, call 770928-1055 or email editor@ledgernews.com.

Pie Bar celebrating 10 years in Woodstock

By Joseph Bennett

For the Cherokee Ledger

WOODSTOCK — Pie Bar is celebrating 10 years of success in downtown Woodstock and five years in Marietta.

The business threw itself birthday parties at its Woodstock and Marietta locations on Labor Day.

Owners Lauren and Cody Bolden have been serving up sweet and savory whole pies, slices, fresh coffee and other treats, as well as gift items and souvenirs since they quit their jobs to open the Woodstock location when both were just 25.

Woodstock.

“We were in jobs that we weren’t excited about, and I loved making pies. I saw how happy it made people when I gave them a pie,” Lauren says. “We were young; we didn’t have children then, and we decided to take a chance.”

After four banks turned them down, Cody’s father helped the couple get the loan they needed to launch their business.

The Woodstock and Marietta stores each offer eight sweet pie flavors daily, selected from about 100 recipes. Lauren Bolden says the most popular are apple strudel, key lime, peanut butter cream and the gluten-free brown sugar chess. Five flavors of whole savory pies are sold frozen as takeand-bake meals.

The Boldens recently opened a third location — Pie Bar Market — at their production kitchen in Kennesaw.

As part of the birthday celebrations, Pie Bar offered customers a special Birthday Flight with four sweet pie flavors. At the Woodstock location, Pie Bar hosted a customer bingo game, Music Bingo in the parking lot provided by Lights Up Entertainment, and nonalcoholic drinks from The Little Sober Bar.

Lauren Bolden says the Cherokee County business community, as well as her customers, have been supportive of her family’s enterprise.

Pie Bar’s Almond Joy pie.

“We’re really lucky to be here,” she said.

For more information about Pie Bar, visit: https://orderpiebar.com.

Rootstock in downtown Woodstock closing after 8 years

By Ethan Johnson ejohnson@ledgernews.com

Rootstock in downtown Woodstock has announced it’s closing after eight years of business in the city.

Rootstock, a restaurant and bar at 8558 Main St. at the corner of Towne Lake Parkway and Main Street, is set to close Sept. 28, its owners announced on Facebook.

Formerly known as Rootstock and Vine, Rootstock has called downtown Woodstock home since 2017.

The closure comes after the building was recently sold to a new owner.

Rootstock owners Sean and Anna Daily thanked the community for their support in a message on the restaurant’s Facebook page.

“It is with both a heavy heart and a deep sense of gratitude that we announce the closure of our beloved Rootstock on September 28th, 2025. As our journey comes to a close, it is only fitting that it coincides with our 8th anniversary — a milestone made possible by your unwavering support and shared passion for the experiences we’ve cultivated together.”

Rootstock is a tapas and wine restaurant

featuring a rooftop bar. It often hosts local musicians to perform live music.

In the Facebook post, the owners describe Rootstock as more than just a restaurant and bar.

“It has been a haven where love and quality have intertwined to create rooted moments that linger in our hearts. From the

clinking of glasses during our wine and whiskey tastings to the soulful notes of live music performances, each gathering has been a testament to the community we’ve built. Rootstock has truly been a place where friendships are created.”

The owners added: “Thank you for being an integral part of Rootstock’s story. Your

presence and support have been the heart of our journey, and we are eternally grateful.”

According to The Shumacher Group, the building has been sold to Mexican restaurant Rreal Tacos. The deal was brokered by Shumacher’s Steve Josovitz.

The building underwent renovations in 2021 to double in size.

The 5,600 square-foot space holds nearly 200 seats including rooftop dining and outdoor seating.

Rreal Tacos CEO Damian Otero Reggiori said that he is excited to open the restaurant at this location.

“We’ve been looking at Woodstock for a very long time, we just had to wait for the right location to open up while we saved enough money to be able to get into the city. This has always been a dream location,” he said.

“We love this market and are excited about the ample parking. We are hoping to open by sometime in March and are planning an event for the community around that time as well to celebrate the opening and get everyone familiar with our product. We are looking to employ over 100 local people.”

Pie bar

Pie Bar owner Lauren Bolden founded the shop with her husband, Cody.

Pie bar

Pie bar

Pie Bar’s brown sugar chess pie is a customer favorite.

Pie bar

Pie Bar in downtown

The Shumacher group — Atlanta

Rootstock in downtown Woodstock is closing Sept. 28.

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Early voting hours set for Nov. 4 elections in Cherokee

By Shannon Ballew sballew@ledgernews.com

Cherokee County voters casting a ballot in the Nov. 4 election will have three weeks to participate in early voting ahead of Election Day.

Cherokee County Elections and Voter Registration has announced its early voting schedule for the Ball Ground, Canton and Woodstock municipal elections, the statewide Public Service Commissioner election and countywide referendums on the Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax and an extension of the school senior property tax exemption to surviving spouses.

Early voting in Cherokee for these elections starts Oct. 14 and ends Oct. 31.

Cherokee County will hold advance voting for three weeks at two locations:

♦ Cherokee County Elections & Voter Registration Office, 193 Lamar Haley Parkway in Canton

♦ South Cherokee Annex/Recreation Center (drop box location), 7545 Main St. in Woodstock

Voting hours for these locations are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 1418 and Oct. 20-25, and from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Oct. 27-31.

Additionally, early voting will be held for one week at the Ball Ground Public Library, 435 Old Canton Road in Ball Ground. Voting hours will be 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Oct. 27-31.

The deadline to register to vote or update your registration for this election is Oct. 6.

Voters who want to vote absentee have until 11 days before the election to request an absentee ballot. For more about absentee voting in Cherokee or for an application, visit https://cherokeegavotes.com/absentee-voting.

Those voting on Election Day, Nov. 4, must go to their assigned polling precinct. To check your precinct location, registration and other voter information, go to mvp.sos.ga.gov.

The Cherokee County Elections & Voter Registration office.

Red, White and Blue BBQ supports Cherokee veterans’ mental health

Staff reports

The Cherokee County Homeless Veterans Program is hosting the annual Red, White and Blue BBQ event Oct. 10-11 to raise awareness and support for veterans’ mental health.

The event will take place at the American Legion Post 45 field, 160 McClure St. in Canton, the nonprofit announced.

The Red, White and Blue BBQ event will start at 6 p.m. Oct. 10 with a mystery cookoff competition pitting amateurs and professionals against each other.

On Oct. 11, the Georgia Barbecue Association will hold a sanctioned professional pitmaster competition, attracting competitors from across the region for $12,000 in prize money and trophies.

Over 40 judges will score the professional entries of pork ribs, loin and butt in search for the perfect score of 600. In each of the last three years, the competition has seen a 600 score from at least one entry.

The cook-off also includes an amateur backyard division for local pitmasters competing for trophies and bragging rights.

This year will include the “People’s Choice” award for pork butt.

In traditional Georgia Barbecue Association competitions, no one outside of the judges can taste any of the professional entries. Organizers have worked with the association to allow them to purchase another butt for them to smoke and provide to attendees to taste for free and vote for their favorite entry.

The entry with the most votes is awarded the trophy and proclaimed the “People’s Choice Champion.”

The event is for all ages and will also include live music and games.

Event hours on Saturday, Oct. 11 are 9 a.m. — 5 p.m. Admission is free.

All proceeds will directly benefit programs aimed at supporting local veterans and raising awareness about the challenges they face.

“We are thrilled to bring together our community for a weekend of camaraderie

and support for our local veterans,” said Jim Lindenmayer, president of Cherokee County Homeless Veterans Program and organizer of the event. “With over 18,000 veterans in Cherokee and Pickens counties, events like these are crucial to raise awareness and funds for issues affecting our veterans.”

Pork butts will also be sold at the event. Butts will be $40 for a seven to eightpound pre-smoked butt. Those interested can reach out for an order form by call-

ing 678-983-7590 or emailing jlindenmayer80@gmail.com.

According to the CCHVP, in 2022 there were six veteran suicides in the community. Through funds raised by this event, the program has been able to fund outreach into Cherokee and Pickens counties and no veteran suicides have been reported in the last three years, Lindenmayer said.

For more information about the Red, White and Blue BBQ, visit https://www. cherokeehomelessvets.com.

Jack tuszynski

In this 2024 photo, festivalgoers visit booths for veterans groups and vendors at the Red, White and Blue BBQ.

robin rayne

In this 2023 photo, Madaline Conklin, 6, from Woodstock, displays her balloon puppy she named ‘Pupster’ at the Red, White, and Blue BBQ.

Jack tuszynski

In this 2024 photo, Cherokee County Homeless Veterans Program Director Jim Lindenmayer speaks at Red, White and Blue BBQ.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

WHAT’S HAPPENING AROUND CHEROKEE

EXPRESS YOUR SUPERPOWER

The 11th Annual Express Your SuperPower 5K/10K, Fun Run, and Tot Trot will be held Oct. 4 at Etowah River Park and Heritage Park in Canton.

The event starts with registration opening at 7 a.m., followed by the Tot Trot at 8 a.m., Fun Run at 8:05 a.m. and the 5K and 10K at 8:30 a.m.

Event proceeds will benefit the MedMilk Project, nonprofit dedicated to providing pasteurized donor human milk to hospitalized infants in need.

Registration is $30 for the 5K and $35 for the 10K. Virtual registration is $30 for both races. Registration for the Fun Run is $15. Registration for the Tot Trot is $10 to receive a T-shirt, or free without a T-shirt.

To register online, sign up to volunteer, or for more information, visit https:// runsignup.com/Race/GA/Canton/ExpressYourSuperpower5K10KFunRunandTotTrot.

BALL GROUND ROCKS

The Ball Ground Rocks Festival will be back for its third year from noon to 8 p.m. Oct. 4 at City Park, 177 Old Dawsonville road in downtown Ball Ground.

The free-to-attend festival promises live music all day, 100+ retail vendors, food trucks, a kids zone, craft beer, and the Georgia game on a big screen.

This event is hosted by Black Sheep Promotions and Downtown Ball Ground.

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT

The Woodstock Police Department, in partnership with other local public safety agencies, will host the 42nd annual National Night Out from 5 to 8 p.m. Oct. 7 on the Woodstock Arts Event Green, 111 Elm St. in downtown Woodstock.

The event will feature K9 demonstrations, bounce houses, public safety equipment on display and more activities for children of all ages.

National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neigh-

Reformation Brewery celebrated its 11th birthday with live music, food, drinks and family-friendly activities at the 2024 Cadence Fair.

borhood camaraderie to make neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live.

RED, WHITE AND BLUE BBQ

The annual Red, White and Blue BBQ event is Oct. 10-11 at the American Legion Post 45 field, 160 McClure St. in Canton, raising awareness and support for veterans’ mental health.

The event is hosted by the Cherokee County Homeless Veterans Program, and proceeds will benefit programs for local veterans.

The weekend will start at 6 p.m. Oct. 10 with a mystery cookoff competition.

On Oct. 11 there will be a Georgia Barbecue Association-sanctioned pitmaster competition. The cook-off also includes an amateur backyard division for local pitmasters. Event hours on Saturday are

9 a.m. — 5 p.m. Admission is free.

The event is for all ages and will also include live music and games.

For more information, visit https:// www.cherokeehomelessvets.com.

THE GREAT PUMPKIN FEST

The Great Pumpkin Fest is back from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 11 at Cherokee Veterans Park, 7345 Cumming Highway near Canton.

This is Cherokee Recreation and Parks’ sixth annual fall festival with a DJ, craft vendors, food, hayrides, a pumpkin launcher, archery, a costume contest and more. Admission is free and all activities are free except the bounce houses. The costume contest will take place at noon.

In addition to the park, there will be parking available at Macedonia Elemen-

tary School and Revolution Church, with free shuttles to and from the park.

For more information visit https:// www.playcherokee.org/198/The-GreatPumpkin-Fest.

CANTON MULTICULTURAL FESTIVAL

The Canton Multicultural Festival returns from 4:30-8 p.m. Oct. 11 at Harmon Park, 226 Harmon Circle in Canton. The festival, hosted by the city of Canton and the Canton Police Department, is a free event created to celebrate and strengthen community relationships among the different cultures that co-exist in the city. Festialgoers can enjoy tastings of cultural foods from all over the world, as well as traditional live performances, music, and interactive demonstrations.

Also part of the event is the Mayor’s Cup soccer tournament on the Harmon Park soccer pitch. It’s free to enter and open to players 16 and up. Limited spots are available. For more information about the soccer tournament, email jacky.cheng@ cantonga.gov.

For more about the festival, visit https:// www.cantonga.gov/government/departments/police/canton-multicultural-festival-304.

DENIM FEST

The Mill on Etowah is hosting the annual Denim Fest 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Oct. 18 at 225 Reformation Parkway in Canton Held at the site of Canton Cotton Mill No. 1, this event celebrates the early prosperity brought to Cherokee County through the manufacture of denim. The familyfriendly event is free to attend.

There will be festive food, pop-up bars, shopping from local vendors, and SEC football on the big screen. New this year is a carnival experience; for $5 you can get a wristband to access rides, inflatables and nostalgic games.

For more information, visit https:// www.etowahmill.com/event/denimfest.

Cherokee recreation and Parks

In this 2023 photo, a family in “Men in Black” costumes joins the festivities at the Great Pumpkin Fest.

File/robin rayne

In this November 2024 photo, Eleanor Webaloswsky and Autumn Adel of Holly Springs play in bubbles at Denim Fest at the Mill on Etowah in Canton.

File/robin rayne

EVENTS

From 18

CADENCE FAIR

Cadence Fair, Reformation Brewery’s annual birthday celebration, returns to downtown Woodstock Oct. 24-26 at 105 Elm St.

The weekend festival features music, local makers, food, Reformation beer and cocktails, and more. Live music will be performed throughout the weekend; headlining the event on Saturday is Nicholas Jamerson & the Morning Jays.

This year’s event includes a familyfriendly carnival on Saturday.

For more information and updates, go to cadencefair.com or follow Reformation Brewery on social media.

LIVE LIKE LAKEN 5K

Cherokee Recreation and Parks is hosting the second annual Live Like Laken 5K Run/Walk at 8 a.m. Oct. 25, 2025, at Hobgood Park near Woodstock.

The purpose of this 5K is to raise money for The Laken Hope Foundation, Inc., founded in memory of Laken Hope Riley. The foundation supports existing organizations that promote safety awareness for women, aid, and tuition assistance for nursing students and children’s healthcare.

Organizers will hand out safety products and provide information on programs championing safety awareness.

The Live Like Laken 5K is a certified race for the AJC Peachtree Road Race.

For more about the event, visit https:// www.playcherokee.org/467/Live-LikeLaken-5k-RunWalk.

THINK PINK CHEROKEE

The City of Canton, Downtown Canton, and Northside Hospital Cherokee invite you to the fourth annual Think Pink Cherokee Breast Cancer Awareness Walk on Oct. 25.

The event will feature a one-mile informational walk through Downtown Canton, breast cancer awareness information, a walkers’ reception for all participants, and more.

The walk and check-in will begin in Cannon Park. Check-in starts at 9 a.m., followed by the walk at 10:30 a.m.

No prior registration is required. A $20 donation is suggested, and shirts will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. All proceeds from Think Pink Cherokee will help underserved and uninsured individuals receive mammograms.

A NIGHT UNDER THE BIG TOP

The Homeless Coalition of Cherokee County’s annual gala, “A Night Under the Big Top,” is set for 7-10 p.m. Oct. 25 at the Timbers on Etowah, 225 Reformation Parkway Suite 202 in Canton.

A Night Under The Big Top is a “Greatest Showman”-inspired gala, with 100% of proceeds benefitting the Homeless Coalition. The event promises live music, dancing, dinner, a silent auction and more. Before the main event there will be a VIP cocktail hour from 6-7 p.m. This event is presented by the Homeless Coalition and Goin’ Social Events.

Tickets start at $90 for single admission and $170 for two admissions, with VIP packages available.

To buy tickets or for more information, visit https://www.homelesscoalitioncherokee.org/gala.

TEA PARTY BENEFITTING HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

Habitat for Humanity — Cherokee County Women Build is hosting the Enchanted Garden Tea Party from 2-4 p.m. Oct. 11 at the Union Hill Community Center, 1780 A J Land Road near Canton. Children 8 and up are welcome. Proceeds will help

Habitat build a home in Canton for a veteran and his family.

Tickets are available online for $40. For tickets and more information, visit https://www.habitat-ncg.org/womenbuild-enchanted-garden-tea.

CHEROKEE MUSIC TEACHERS INVITED TO OCTOBER PROGRAM

The Cherokee Music Teachers Association will hold a meeting and program on Sat. Oct. 18th at 10 a.m. at the Falany Performing Arts Center on the Reinhardt University campus.

A short meeting will be followed by a program titled “Spice it Up! Incorporat-

ing Improvisation into the Classical Repertoire”, presented by Dr. Chenny Gan, associate professor of piano and collaborative Piano at Wesleyan College.

Guests are welcome, and the event is free. For more information on CMTA, please contact Linda Lokey at linda@lokey.net.

1985 CHEROKEE HIGH REUNION SCHEDULED FOR NOV. 8

The Cherokee High School Class of 1985’s 40th class reunion will be held Saturday, Nov. 8 from 6-9:30 p.m. at Reformation Brewery at The Mill on Etowah, 225 Reformation Parkway Suite 500 in Canton.

Anyone interested in information or registering for the reunion can check “CHS 1985 Class Reunion” on Facebook or call Kim Harmon Rousseau at 404971-3461.

Jacky cheng/city of canton

Think Pink Cherokee participants pose for a photo.

trueSpeed Photo

In this 2024 photo, runners participate in the inaugural Live Like Laken 5K at Hobgood Park.

Two Eagle players chosen to represent Team USA

By Griffin Callaghan gcallaghan@ledgernews.com

A pair of Etowah baseball standouts will be representing Cherokee County on an international stage.

Pitcher Matthew Sharman and infielder/outfielder Colin Anderson made USA Baseball’s 18U and 15U national teams, respectively, following their productive high school seasons.

Sharman and the 18U team will be competing in Okinawa, Japan, as part of the World Baseball Softball Confederation’s Baseball World Cup. The Georgia commit was one of 20 players to make it from Phase 2 of the tryouts to the national squad.

As the Cherokee County Player of the Year in 2025, Sharman led Etowah to the Class AAAAA state semifinals and the Region 6AAAAA championship. The Eagles went 34-4 overall as they followed up their 2024 state title run.

Sharman excelled as both a pitcher and hitter this past spring, register -

“Finalizing the roster was no easy task, but we’re confident that this group represents the best of what USA baseball stands for: talent, character and a team-first mentality. We’re looking forward to competing on the international stage and are fully committed to bringing a gold medal home to the United States.”

15U national team director Ben Kelley

ing a 13-1 record on the mound, paired with a team-best .467 batting average. He drew 31 walks and struck out just eight times — the fewest of any hitter on the team. He was near the top in almost every other statistical category, including 38 runs scored, 37 RBIs and six home runs.

Sharman stood out to manager Rick Eckstein through a loaded field of competitors to earn a roster spot.

“Going back to the middle of July at our first phase of training camp, the talent

level we have seen has been incredible,” Eckstein said after announcing the final roster. “It is always difficult to decide a final roster, and this year has been no different. We are confident that the twenty players we have selected to represent the United States are ready to compete for a gold medal next week in Japan.”

The U.S. cruised past Panama 9-0 to begin the World Cup on Sept. 5. It marked the Americans’ 10th straight World Cup opener win, dating back to 2008. Anderson is coming off a high school

season in which he was named to the allcounty second team and Class AAAAA all-state second team. He hit .377 with a team-best 47 RBIs and eight home runs.

Anderson is one of six 15U players to return from the 2022 12U national team, which won gold at the WBSC 12U World Cup. He is one of two 15U players from Georgia, along with Loganville native Xavier Rodriguez.

The 15U team participated in training in El Paso, Texas, from Sept. 8-12, before heading to Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, where competition began on Sept. 13.

“Our coaching staff and task force were consistently impressed by the players’ maturity, focus and high-level performance,” team director Ben Kelley said.

“Finalizing the roster was no easy task, but we’re confident that this group represents the best of what USA Baseball stands for: talent, character and a teamfirst mentality. We’re looking forward to competing on the international stage and are fully committed to bringing a gold medal home to the United States.”

Etowah pitcher Matthew Sharman was one of two Eagles selected to represent U.S. national teams.

SPORTS

HISTORY MADE

Teter, Chiefs cruise to record-breaking win

By Griffin Callaghan gcallaghan@ledgernews.com

CANTON — From the opening kickoff, there was no doubt James Teter would make history.

The Chiefs returned the kick for a touchdown in their record-setting game in Week 2. Though a penalty brought it back, it set the tone for their 61-0 win over Cherokee at Tommy Baker Field, as well as Teter’s entry into Cherokee County immortality. The win gave him 98 at Sequoyah, passing his predecessor, Sid Maxwell, for the county’s all-time record.

“It’s good, and I’m excited,” Teter said. “And when the season’s over, we’ll be able to sit down and kind of reflect on some of it, but really, it was just another game we had to try to win. I thought our kids really responded well. It was the opposite of the other night (against Denmark).”

Teter tied Maxwell at 97 following last week’s comeback victory over Denmark. After the Week 2 win over Cherokee, he pulled within two wins of 100 with Sequoyah, which he ultimately picked up two games later.

“We talked about a pregame, and I think it’s just really impressive because he’s always the one to set the standard,” quarterback Kolby Martin said. “Our standard is the best, and he’s always had that standard, every single day. It hasn’t changed for 17 years. He’s just an unbelievable leader.”

Teter and the Chiefs spoiled the final home opener at Tommy Baker Field as the Warriors celebrated their 70th football season. Cherokee also honored its lone undefeated team, the 1972 group, which played under coach Bobby Pate. On the field, it was all Sequoyah early on, despite the flag on the opening kickoff. The Chiefs

marched 72 yards in five plays, capped off by a six-yard rushing touchdown by the reigning Cherokee County Offensive Player of the Year, Will Rajecki.

It was a welcome drive after the Sequoyah offense came out flat in Week 1.

“We talked a lot on Monday about it, all summer people tell you how good you were,” Teter said. “We got hit in the mouth, and luckily, we woke up. We talked a lot (Friday) about that because we can’t do that every week. They responded, and I thought that’s what it was.”

The Chiefs were efficient all night, and Martin threw just one incompletion as he went 13for-14 through the air with 238 yards and two touchdowns. Jack Ripley hauled in four passes for a team-best 78 yards and both scores.

Sequoyah led 21-0 through one quarter and 55-0 at halftime as that efficiency led to every first-half drive ending in a touchdown.

“We needed to come out hot, and we were just able to execute,” Martin said. “I think that was the big thing. We struggled with some of the penalties that shot ourselves in the foot, so we can’t do that against teams in the future, but we found a way to execute almost 100% of our plays.”

Cherokee was unable to move the ball through the air effectively as quarterbacks Sawyer Ray and Zack Parker combined for just 5 completions on 12 attempts for 39 yards. The Warriors’ biggest play came on their opening drive, a 46yard run from Brandon Hamilton.

Although Teter achieved a career-defining milestone, he remains focused as Sequoyah eyes another deep postseason run.

“At the end of the year, we’ll worry more about that,” Teter said. “Right now, the next one is all that matters.”

greg Spell

James Teter, the Cherokee County all-time wins leader broke the record with his 98th win last Friday night against county rival, Cherokee.

greg Spell

Will Rajecki up the middle for the Chiefs’ touchdown

greg Spell Brooks Darling with extra yards after the reception

Special — greg Spell

Cherokee quarterback Sawyer Ray steps back for a pass against Sequoyah.

Anthony Stalcup

Sequoyah’s James Teter has become the winningest coach in Sequoyah program history.

Two-time champ Roberson commits to Samford

By Griffin Callaghan gcallaghan@ledgernews.com

River Ridge’s two-time state champion guard Makayla Roberson announced her commitment to Samford in early September, ensuring another one of Cherokee County’s top basketball prospects will play at the next level.

Roberson was a critical part of River Ridge’s state championship teams in both 2023 and 2025, earning her a spot on the 2024-24 All-Cherokee County first team. The senior guard averaged 12.2 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game last season.

Roberson was one of the Knights’ top defenders last year, averaging a block and a steal per game while guarding the opposing team’s best player. She shot 45% from the floor and 34% from behind the 3-point line as a junior.

During fall league play, Roberson has posted some big numbers and turned some heads. She tallied 15 points, six re -

bounds and six assists in a win over Christian Heritage.

Roberson’s future program, Samford, is coming off a 12-19 season, though it heads into the 2025-26 season with both a new and familiar face at head coach. Former assistant Matt Wise was introduced as the program’s new lead man back in April.

“I’ve gotten to be a part of championship teams everywhere I’ve been, and man, this place is all about it,” Wise said at his introductory press conference.

“I’ve been a part of really hard work everywhere I’ve been and at Samford, to me, nobody’s scared of a little hard work.”

Roberson will bring a championship pedigree to Samford following her senior year, where River Ridge is expected to be right back in the mix. Alongside Roberson, Finlay Parker, Kyla Cantey and Reagan Mulligan lead a talented returning unit.

The 2025-26 high school basketball season is scheduled to begin on Nov. 7.

Special/cecil copeland

River Ridge vs Milton (GHSA 5A Semifinal) — River Ridge’s Makayla Roberson scores against Milton during their 5A semifinal game played at Georgia State University.

SPORTS

Reinhardt athletes pose at the RESPY awards ceremony, where players and coaches were honored for their accomplishments from the 2024-25 academic year.

Reinhardt University celebrates with RESPY awards

By Griffin Callaghan gcallaghan@ledgernews.com

Reinhardt held its annual RESPY awards ceremony in late August, celebrating its top athletes, coaches and teams from the 2024-25 seasons, while inducting three former standouts to the school’s athletic hall of fame.

Bill Popp, the university’s former baseball coach and athletic director, headlined the first hall of fame class since 2019. Randi Wimpy (softball) and Tevin McCoy (football) rounded out the group, which was recognized midway through the ceremony.

“We can’t thank each of them enough for what they did for their specific programs and the athletic department as a whole,” athletic director Jonathan Burton said in a release prior to the induction. “Recognizing their success with our current student athletes will allow these student athletes to learn of the history behind these programs.”

Numerous awards were presented throughout the night, including Team of the Year, Coach of the Year and the Golden Eagle Awards, named after Popp and presented to one male and female athlete.

The Men’s Team of the Year award went to golf, which won the 2024-25 Appalachian Athletic Conference championship in April and earned an automatic qualification to the NAIA tournament. With a lineup of Trey Schmidt, Pride Dyer,

Zane May, MJ Hodge, Eli Howren, Tyler Frazee and Robbie Macmillan, the Eagles outscored second-place Columbia International by five strokes and third-place Tennessee Wesleyan by eight to secure the title.

The Reinhardt golf team is off to another hot start to the 2025-26 season, winning the Eagle Open for the second consecutive year. Dyer led the way, shooting 6-under for the threeround event.

Softball was named the Women’s Team of the Year after a historic campaign in which it made its first NAIA World Series appearance since 2014. The Eagles were regular-season conference champions, while winning AAC Player and Pitcher of the Year awards between Ansley Hight and Anslie Pettit, respectively.

Fittingly, softball coach Matthew Wright was named the school’s Coach of the Year.

The Coach Bill Popp Golden Eagle Award went to Pettit and men’s volleyball standout Alex Sanchez.

Pettit, a sophomore from Creekview High School, made 30 appearances last season and threw 153 1/3 innings as the Eagles finished 3212 overall. She pitched to a 20-4 record with a 1.14 ERA and 171 strikeouts. Pettit walked just nine batters all year.

Sanchez helped the Reinhardt volleyball team finish 22-6 overall with an 11-1 record in conference play. The Eagles made the AAC semifinals, and Sanchez tallied a team-best 367 digs.

FULL LIST OF AWARDS

Women’s Breakthrough Team of the Year: Track and field

Men’s Breakthrough Team of the Year: golf

Female Freshman of the Year: Silvia Aguado, softball

Male Freshman of the Year: Louis dion, baseball Fan of the Year: reinhardt FCA

Female Newcomer of the Year: Anslie Pettit, softball

Male Newcomer of the Year: robert Phelps, baseball

Assistant Coach of the Year: hayden Lee, wrestling

Highest Team GPA: golf

Faculty Mentor Award: dr. Joe Mullins

Women’s Silver Eagle Award: Jenna Smith, volleyball

Men’s Silver Eagle Award: Sam grayson James, track and field

Female Stat Stuffer Award: noelle Lavery, basketball

Male Stat Stuffer Award: Andrew herbert, baseball

Faithful Eagle: gabe Anderson

Women’s Championship Performance: Softball

Men’s Championship Performance: baseball

Female Comeback Player of the Year: Abigail Cruz, track and field

Male Comeback Player of the Year: Angel banda, wrestling

Head Coach of the Year: Matthew Wright, softball

Female Record-breaking Performance: Ashlyn barnes, volleyball

Male Record-breaking Performance: Andrew Paolozzi, track and field

Soar Award: russell Fletcher

Women’s Golden Eagle Award: Anslie Pettit, softball

Men’s Golden Eagle Award: Alex Sanchez, volleyball

Women’s Team of the Year: Softball

Men’s Team of the Year: golf

Hall of Fame Inductees: randi Wimpy (softball), Tevin McCoy (football), bill Popp (athletic director)

reinhardt Athletics

Holly Springs annexation halted by judge amid lawsuit from county

By Ethan Johnson ejohnson@ledgernews.com

A judge has ordered a pause on an annexation for property in Hickory Flat that was recently approved by Holly Springs council members, while a Cherokee County lawsuit against the city is ongoing.

On Sept. 4, the Superior Court of Cherokee County granted the county’s request for an “interlocutory injunctive relief,” effectively setting aside the annexation for 301 Lower Union Hill Road in Hickory Flat for the duration of the lawsuit, according to court documents.

Harry Johnston

Cherokee County Commission Chair Harry Johnston shared a brief update about the injunction being granted in a Sept. 6 post on his Facebook page.

“It doesn’t necessarily mean the county will win the suit, but it’s an essential step to preserve the site while the case is litigated,” he wrote.

Representatives of Holly Springs said that the city does not have any comments on the injunction at this time.

Before issuing the order, the court conducted a hearing on the county’s request. The injunction request was heard by visiting Judge Richard Winegarden in Cherokee County Superior Court Tuesday, Sept. 2.

Representatives of the county and the

A rendering shows what the townhomes in the development could look like.

city of Holly Springs were present. Both parties presented witnesses and arguments related to the city’s Aug. 18 unanimous approval of a request from Garrard Development, Inc. to annex about 20 acres at 301 Lower Union Hill Road in Hickory Flat behind the Publix shopping center to build a mix of 89 homes and commercial space at 301 Lower Union Hill Road in Hickory Flat. In addition to the annexation, the city council also approved Garrard Development, Inc.’s request to rezone the property from neighborhood commercial and general agriculture (county) to traditional neighborhood development and mixed-use development (city).

The development is planned to have 70 townhomes, 19 single-family detached homes and 57,800 square feet of commercial space with 609 parking spaces. The estimated starting price point for the

Senior property tax exemptions for surviving spouses on the ballot for Cherokee, Woodstock

Staff reports

Cherokee County voters who visit the polls in November will decide whether to extend the county’s senior homestead exemption for school property taxes to surviving spouses, in the event that the homestead recipient dies.

A similar measure in Woodstock will ask voters whether to extend the city’s senior property tax exemption to surviving spouses.

If Cherokee County voters say “yes” to the county’s referendum, the exemption will go into effect Jan. 1. The exemption will be available to every resident of the Cherokee County School District who is the surviving spouse of an individual who was previously granted the exemption.

CCSD’s senior homestead exemption is available to residents 62 and older who have lived in the district for at least five years. It also applies to eligible Cherokee County seniors who received the exemption in 2024, when the exemption was expanded and the five-year residency requirement was added.

In Woodstock, residents 62 and older who have lived in city limits for at least five years can qualify for the city’s senior homestead exemption. It provides an exemption from all ad valorem taxes for city purposes for the full value of the homestead after a two-year phase-in period.

If Woodstock’s referendum passes, surviving spouses will qualify for the senior exemption without regard to the five-year residency requirement.

homes is $500,000 to $650,000.

On Aug. 19, the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners voted to instruct law firm Jarrard & Davis to file a lawsuit against the city. Cherokee County filed the lawsuit on Aug. 22.

County representatives say the city failed to follow the annexation law to properly commence the process and failed to follow the city’s own zoning ordinance in its rezoning of the property.

Commissioners have also said that the

property is outside the growth boundary agreed on by city and county officials, although the agreement has been described by county leaders as a “handshake” and it’s not legally binding.

The order reads, in part: “The Court finds that there is substantial likelihood of success on the County’s declaratory judgment claim with respect to the deficiencies in the City’s compliance with O.C.G.A 36-36-111. … the Court finds that the public interest is served in protecting the status quo while the legal challenge to the City’s annexation of the Subject Property is resolved.”

The court enjoined the city from “exercising municipal authority over the Subject Property in reliance on the Annexation Approval or Rezoning Approval” and ordered the city, developer and the property owner to refrain from acting “inconsistent with the Subject Property remaining within the unincorporated areas of, and subject to the governance by, Cherokee County during the pendency of this lawsuit.”

Northside Hospital opens high-risk cancer clinic

Staff reports

Northside Hospital has expanded its program for patients at higher risk of cancer with four new clinics, including one in Cherokee County.

The new locations are:

♦ Northside Hospital Forsyth in Cumming

♦ Northside/Alpharetta Medical Campus

♦ Northside Gwinnett in Lawrenceville

♦ Northside Cherokee in Canton

Launched in 2022 at Northside Atlanta, the High Risk Program provides specialized care for people at increased risk of developing cancer.

Patients may be considered at higher risk due to a family history of cancer, mutations in hereditary cancer genes or previous abnormal cancer screenings or biopsies.

The program currently focuses on patients at high risk for breast cancer. Consultations are conducted at the clinics by advanced practice providers under the supervision of medical director Dr. Iqbal Garcha.

“I am excited to offer this service to our community,” Garcha said. “High-risk patients have been underserved. This dedicated program allows us to properly evaluate their risk, provide evidence-based options for reducing this risk and coordinate their follow-up care.”

According to Northside, the clinics have a multidisciplinary team including genetic counselors and dietitians, focusing on high-risk screening, cancer prevention, early detection and ongoing surveillance.

Each patient receives a personalized, evidence-based care plan that may include enhanced cancer screenings, genetic testing, lifestyle changes or regular follow-ups.

“I am proud of the hard work that has gone into making this program a reality

and look forward to the expansion that will allow more patients access to these services,” Garcha said.

Nurse practitioner Kiana Ohlson, clinical coordinator of the High Risk Program, emphasized the program’s goals.

“We aim to extend survival, improve the quality of life and reduce anxiety for high-

risk individuals through proper surveillance, early detection and prompt treatment,” she said.

For more about Northside’s High Risk Program and cancer care, visit https:// www.northside.com/services/cancerinstitute/support-and-survivorship/highrisk-program.

Physical therapy employee surprised with $20,000 scholarship

By Ethan Johnson ejohnson@ledgernews.com

HOLLY SPRINGS — Team Rehabilitation Physical Therapy recently surprised one of its employees with a $20,000 scholarship.

Vice President Tracy Smiles and Clinic Director David French presented the check on Aug. 15 to Ashley Caudell, a physical therapy technician and backup administrative coordinator at Team Rehabilitation Physical Therapy on Old Highway 5 in Holly Springs.

Caudell said this scholarship will help continue to pay for her education.

She graduated from Georgia Southern University in May 2023 and is enrolled in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Brenau University in Gainesville, Ga.

“I am very honored to get this scholarship — it means a lot because it will take some of the financial stress and weight off of me throughout these next three years,” Caudell said. This scholarship is awarded

annually to employees who have worked at least 1,200 hours and are accepted into a physical therapy or physical therapy assistance program. Winners are selected by a committee based on their contributions to patient satisfaction, teamwork and preparation for a career in physical therapy, French said.

Caudell is one of four employees in the company nationwide to win the 2025 Team Rehabilitation Employee Scholarship, and the first employee at this location, which opened in 2020, to win it. She competed against over 60 applicants.

“She’s a fantastic individual who is very humble, has a subtle sense of humor and is one of the most kind and compassionate people you will ever meet. She also has an unbelievable work ethic and constantly volunteers to help us out with anything that we need and is someone you can depend on for just about anything,” French said. “It’s a great benefit to her to be able to use this to go through physical therapy school.”

northside hospital Cherokee

Northside Hospital Cherokee

ethan Johnson

Clinic Director David French, Vice President Tracy Smiles and other Team Rehabilitation Physical Therapy staff members celebrate with Ashley Caudell, a physical therapy technician and backup administrative coordinator.

Preventive care is very important to me. I believe it’s the heart of medicine, because we can’t address what we don’t know. Growing up in a rural area in South Africa, I saw people go to the hospital only when they were very sick or dying. By then, it was often too late. That’s why I’m so passionate about empowering people with knowledge — so they can take charge of their health and help others do the same.

WHAT IS PREVENTIVE HEALTH?

Preventive health is the practice of taking steps to prevent illness or disease before it occurs. That includes regular screenings, vaccinations, dental check-ups and healthy lifestyle choices. The goal is to focus on long-term health outcomes, detect disease early and intervene before it becomes complicated and before the burden of disease affects your quality of life. Unfortunately, many people don’t get the preventive care they need due to cost, lack of access to a provider, distance or simply not knowing what’s recommended. If you’re 30 or 40, you may wonder: Should I be checking my cholesterol? What screenings do I need?

The power of preventive care

Those are important questions we should be asking.

THE IMPACT OF CHRONIC DISEASE

Chronic diseases like heart disease, cancer, diabetes and obesity are leading causes of death and disability in the U.S.

♦ More than 944,000 Americans die each year from heart disease or stroke — that’s more than 1 in 3 deaths.

♦ Over 1.7 million people are diagnosed with cancer annually, and more than 600,000 die from it.

♦ Diabetes affects 38 million Americans, and another 98 million have prediabetes.

♦ Obesity affects 20% of children and 42% of adults.

These are diseases we often have the power to prevent or manage — if we act early.

LIFESTYLE FACTORS MATTER

♦ Smoking causes disease, disability and death — and it costs our health system $240 billion each year.

♦ Physical inactivity and obesity raise the risk of cancer, type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

♦ Excessive alcohol use is responsible for 178,000 deaths annually and one in five deaths among adults ages 20 to 49. It also contributes to cancers, heart disease and accidents.

As primary care doctors, our role is to partner with patients — through regular checkups, tailored advice and monitoring health over time. We track your trends, help you achieve your goals and intervene when needed.

Preventive measures we often take in the office include blood pressure and cholesterol screenings, diabetes checks, vaccinations and cancer screenings. We also talk about lifestyle — regular activity, healthy eating, stress management and sleep.

CANCER SCREENINGS SAVE LIVES

Cancer screenings aim to detect disease before symptoms begin, when treatment is most effective. Here’s what I recommend based on national guidelines:

♦ Breast cancer: Mammograms starting at age 40 for most women; 3D mammography may be preferred for dense breast tissue

♦ Cervical cancer: Pap smears and HPV testing for women ages 21 to 65

♦ Colorectal cancer: Begin screening at age 45 with colonoscopy, stool tests or DNA tests like Cologuard

♦ Lung cancer: Annual low-dose CT for adults 50 to 80 with a significant smoking history

♦ Prostate cancer: PSA blood tests, with screening decisions personalized for those

with a family history of prostate cancer recommended earlier screenings given higher risk.

SMALL STEPS, BIG IMPACT

In the end, prevention is about making small, sustainable changes.

♦ Avoid tobacco.

♦ Be active.

♦ Maintain a healthy weight.

♦ Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and low in saturated fats and processed meats.

♦ Limit alcohol (zero is best).

♦ Protect against STDs.

♦ Use sunscreen and avoid tanning beds.

♦ Get regular screenings based on your history.

♦ Track your progress, whether it’s through apps, journals or follow-ups with your doctor.

What you do today matters. Even small goals can make a big difference 20 years from now. That’s the power of preventive care.

Dr. Nokuthula Msimanga is a board-certified physician in family medicine, geriatrics and palliative medicine at Medical Associates of North Georgia. She sees patients at the practice’s Riverstone office, at 145 Riverstone Terrace, Suite 100, Canton. Online: northside. com and medassoc.com.

Dr. Nokuthula Msimanga

Where To Find

THE CHEROKEE LEDGER MONTHLY

CANTON

h Texaco, 180 Butterworth Rd, Canton 30114

h Shell, 3550 Marietta Hwy, Canton 30114

h Chevron, 4129 Marietta Hwy, Canton, 30114

h Exxon, 2619 Holly Springs Pkwy, Canton, 30114

h Union 76, 900 Waleska Rd, Canton, 30114

h Marathon,14 Mill St, Canton, 30114

h Chevron, 111 Mountain Vista Blvd, Canton, 30114

h Johnny’s New York Style Pizza, 559 Riverstone Pkwy, Canton, 30114

h Cotton Mill Exchange, 225 Reformation Pkwy, Ste 100, Canton, 30114

h Bedoe’s Bar & Grille, 6115 Hickory Flat Hwy, Ste 101, Canton, 30115

h Kroger, 4045 Marietta Hwy, Canton, 30114

h Kroger, 6766 Hickory Flat Hwy, Canton, 30115

h Publix, 15 Laurel Canyon Village, Canton, 30114

h Publix, 1451 Riverstone Pkwy, Canton, 30114

h Publix, 6175 Hickory Flat Hwy, Canton, 30115

h YMCA, 151 Waleska St, Canton, 30114

h Bojangles, 1665 Ball Ground Hwy, Canton, 30114

h Georgian Hills Restaurant, 69 Waleska St, Canton, 30114

h Cherokee Courthouse, 90 North Street, Canton 30114

h Cherokee Tribune, 521 E Main St, Canton, 30114

h RT Jones Library, 116 Brown Industrial Pkwy, Canton, 30114

h Northside Hospital Women’s Center, 450 Northside Cherokee Blvd, Canton, 30114

h Northside Hospital Main Entrance, 450 Northside Cherokee Blvd, Canton, 30114

h Post Office, 2400 Riverstone Pkwy, Canton, 30114

WOODSTOCK

h JD’s Bar-B-Que, 6426 Bells Ferry Rd, Woodstock, 30189

h Family Tradition Restaurant, 4379 Towne Lake Pkwy, Woodstock, 30189

h Family Tradition Restaurant, 7830 Hickory Flatt Hwy, Woodstock, 30188

h Circle K, 12155 Hwy 92, Woodstock, 30188

Pick up your free copy of The Cherokee Ledger Monthly at these convenient locations:

h Family Tradition Restaurant, 4379 Towne Lake Pkwy, Woodstock, 30189

h Rose Creek Library, 4476 Towne Lake Pkwy, Woodstock, 30189

h Kroger, 12050 Hwy 92, Woodstock, 30188

h Citgo, 6790 Bells Ferry Rd, Woodstock, 30189

h Kia, 630 Olde Rope Mill Park Rd, Woodstock, 30188

h Texaco, 6790 Bells Ferry, Woodstock, 30189

h Texaco, 6511 Bells Ferry, Woodstock, 30189

h Village Burger, 9550 Main St, Woodstock, 30188

h Bizarre Coffee, 440 Chambers St, Woodstock, 30188

h Woodstock Library, 7735 Main Street, Woodstock, 30188

h Woodstock Visitors Center, 8588 Main St, Woodstock, 30188

HOLLY SPRINGS

h Hop In, 2204 Holly Springs Pkwy, Holly Springs, 30115

h Kroger, 5341 Old Hwy 5, Holly Springs, 30188

ACWORTH

h Food Depot, 5530 Bells Ferry Rd, Acworth, 30102

h Mapco, 1530 Kellogg Creek Rd, Acworth, 30102

Explore new luxury ranch homes available for quick move-in before the end of the year. Each thoughtfully designed home showcases Epcon’s features: private, garden courtyards, single-level living and a low-maintenance lifestyle, all carefully planned to help you live well every day. Limited-time savings are available, making this the ideal moment to secure the lifestyle you deserve, without the wait.

Taste of Woodstock serves up some of the city’s best bites

People gathered in downtown Woodstock Sept. 4 to sample some of the best flavors the city has to offer at the annual Taste of Woodstock.

Taste of Woodstock, hosted by Visit Woodstock GA, raises money for the Woodstock High School Band Boosters.

The judges awarded three restaurants prizes for Best Appetizer, Best Entree

and Best Dessert.

Best Appetizer: Paloma’s Tequila & Tacos

Best Entree: Prime 120

Best Dessert: Dulce Gelato

The People’s Choice Award, chosen by community members in attendance, went to Paloma’s Tequila & Tacos, which is opening soon at Adair Park.

Angie Martin

Paloma’s Tequila & Tacos, which is coming soon to Adair Park, was presented with the People’s Choice Award.

Angie Martin

James Mooney, from east Cobb, holds his 4-month-old grandson James at Taste of Woodstock.

Angie Martin

Gustock International Market owner Wendy Rincon exchanges tickets for food with a customer at Taste of Woodstock.

Angie Martin

Beignet Station Bistro Manager Melissa Rodriguez prepares beignets and sweet treats for customers at Taste of Woodstock.

Angie Martin Raj Patel at the Taste of Woodstock.

Angie Martin

Kate Meyer (left) pose and Woodstock High School junior Samantha Mutton pose with Scoopie, the Culver’s frozen custard mascot.

Art on Main celebrates North Georgia artists and makers

Promotions, showcased artists and makers from across the North Georgia region. Organizers reported over 100 artists participated. Some of the artists held demonstrations throughout the weekend.

Visitors to downtown Ball Ground during Art on Main Sept. 6-7 enjoyed art, live music, food and more at Art on Main. The second annual Art on Main, hosted by Menagerie on Main and Black Sheep

Anthony Stalcup

Jennifer Rogers and Richard Warren check out the pottery at Art on Main in Ball Ground Sept. 6.

Anthony Stalcup

Lynne Greco browses a booth at Art on Main in Ball Ground Sept. 6.

Anthony Stalcup

Local Color Studio fire glazed pots painted by fairgoers at Art on Main in Ball Ground Sept. 6.

Anthony Stalcup

Dan Webb grills outside Frankfurt Döner & Meats during Art on Main in Ball Ground Sept. 6.

Anthony Stalcup

Joe Catron, owner of Iron Rabbit Forge, hammers a design with a chisel at Art on Main in Ball Ground Sept. 6.

Anthony Stalcup

Meg Brunette glazes a pot at Art on Main in Ball Ground Sept. 6.

Woodstock Farm Fresh Market offers goods from local growers

amilies gathered in downtown Woodstock Aug. 30 to shop Georgia produce, jams and jellies, honey, flowers and more at the Woodstock Farm Fresh Market.

The Woodstock Farm Fresh Market is open 8:30 a.m. to noon every Saturday through Dec. 27 on Market Street, Ref-

ormation Brewery’s backyard and along Elm Street in downtown Woodstock. Participating vendors are required to grow at least 85% of the product they bring to the market. For more information about the market, including a vendor map, visit www. VisitWoodstockGA.com/market.

Anthony Stalcup

Rockin’ S Farm’s Tammy Heart helps Martha Murphy at Woodstock’s Farm Fresh Market Aug. 30.

Anthony Stalcup

Maying Ray and her daughter 8-year-old Lyanna look over the tomatoes at Woodstock’s Farm Fresh Market.

Anthony Stalcup

Early risers spent their morning at Woodstock’s Farm Fresh Market.

GARDENING

GARDENING WITH THE MASTERS|MARC

Don’t blame the goldenrod!

Iam sure that you noticed a widespread and attractive yellow flowering wildflower along Cherokee County roads and ditches this fall. Flowering in September through mid- October, Goldenrod (Solidago species) provides an attractive yellow color addition to landscapes. It is also a great pollinator plant for many different species of insects.

Unfortunately, Goldenrod is often wrongly accused of causing hay fever and allergic reactions. But it’s not its fault! The real culprit is usually Ragweed (Ambrosia species) whose wind-borne pollen from its flowers causes the runny noses and itchy eyes reactions that you may experience.

Goldenrods and Ragweed bloom at the same time but are much different plants. The Clemson University Home and Garden Center notes, “Both plants are members of the Asteraceae family, grow in roadside ditches and open fields, and bloom at the same time. Goldenrod flowers contain nectar to attract pollinating insects, and the large, heavy pollen grains attach to the insect bodies. It is an important nectar source for pollinators. The bright goldenrod flowers are

attractive to numerous pollen-gathering insects, such as bees, butterflies, wasps, and beetles.”

Ragweed flowers do not contain nectar, and the plants are dependent on the wind to transfer the small, lightweight pollen. This pollen has the ability to blow for miles. A single ragweed plant is capable of producing over a billion pollen grains.

The number of Goldenrod species vary depending on the state that you are in and the specific geographic location. Different species of goldenrod are found in many different environments as well as soil conditions. The Clemson H & G Information Center comments “There are approximately 28 species of goldenrods (Solidago spp.) in South Carolina, and they all produce masses of bright, golden flowers, which light up old fields and the sides of our rural roads…Blooming typically begins in mid-to-late August and often lasts into early October.”

The NC State Extension “Garden Toolbox” mentions that “This plant is mostly native to North America; however, there are some species native to Central America, the Caribbean, South America, and Eurasia. They are often found in meadows, prairies, woodlands, thickets, and swamps.”

UGA Extension Publication Bulletin

987-3 “Wildflowers” lists 10 Goldenrod species native to the Southeast. Linda Chafin’s book Field Guide to Wildflowers of Georgia and Surrounding States lists seven different species of Goldenrod in Georgia. In addition, many new cultivars of goldenrods have appeared in the nursery trade, especially in Europe, each with even more showy golden blooms.

So, what is the difference between the two plants? First off, Goldenrods are perennials and Ragweed are annuals. Their plant shapes are different. Goldenrods are typically single-stemmed or somewhat branched near the top of the plant. Ragweeds are highly branched from the bottom upward.

Goldenrod leaves are simple, alternate on the stem, entire or serrate, smooth or hairy. Ragweed leaves are opposite on the lower stem and alternate on the upper stem and are deeply divided and scented when crushed. Goldenrod flowers display small, bright yellow flowers in wand-like dense clusters on top of tall stems and curve outward. They flower from August through October. Ragweeds have greenish flowers on tall spikes and are not showy for attracting pollinating insects.

Goldenrods were extensively used by the Cherokee. J. T. Garrett, in his book “The Cherokee Herbal: Native Plant Medicine

from the Four Directions, lists the use of — especially Sweet Goldenrod or Licorice Goldenrod (Solidago ordora)- for nerve tonics, and for sore throats and colds. Goldenrod tea, made from the leaves of the plant was used for intestinal gas — I guess the Cherokee version of Beano®. The roots were used as a poultice for toothaches and as an anti-inflammatory in combination with plantain — an “Indian Band-Aid.” The flowers treated bee stings and swelling. The Goldenrod flowers were extensively used as a yellow dye plant.

So, the next time you drive down the road and see Goldenrod, don’t fuss at it for giving you a runny nose or itchy eyes. Appreciate it for the beautiful fall yellow color accent that it gives to our Cherokee County landscapes and that it is a great flowering plant for the bees, wasps and other pollinators that are so important to our ecosystem. Happy Gardening!!

K. Marc Teffeau is one of many UGA Master Gardener Extension Volunteers of Cherokee County. For more information or questions contact the Cherokee County Extension Office at 770-721-7803 or for upcoming seminars follow us at www.facebook. com/cherokeemastergardeners or at cherokeemastergardeners.com.

TEFFEAU

Teffeau

Liz West via Wikimedia Commons

Goldenrod is a great flowering plant for the bees, wasps and other pollinators that are so important to our ecosystem.

CROSSWORD ANSWER

CROSSWORD