Enjoy Cherokee Magazine - Nov/Dec 2021

COVER

MAYBERRY ACRES

SETS YOU UP FOR PHOTO SUCCESS page 8

GIVING HOPE:

MUST MINISTRIES &

ANNA CRAWFORD CENTER

pages 30 & 18

MAULDIN'S

CHRISTMAS PETE

DRIVES CHRISTMAS HOME

page 141 [www.EnjoyCherokee.com]

GEORGIA’S LARGEST COMMUNITY CANCER NETWORK is in Your Neighborhood

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Visit builttobeatcancer.com to learn more.

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J. Thompson Ross Investments:

Ransomware—Protect Your Digital Information

On May 7, 2021, the Colonial Pipeline, which carries almost half of the East Coast’s fuel supply from Texas to New Jersey, shut down operations in response to ransomware. The Department of Justice recovered most of the ransom, and the syndicate behind the attack, DarkSide, announced it was shutting down operations.

On a broad level, the incident increased focus on government initiatives to strengthen the nation’s cybersecurity and create a global coalition to hold countries that shelter cybercriminals accountable.

Malicious Code

Ransomware is malicious code (malware) that infects the victim’s computer system allowing the perpetrator to lock the files and demand a ransom in return for a digital key to restore access.

Some attackers may also threaten to reveal sensitive data. There were an estimated 305 million ransomware attacks globally in 2020, a 62% increase over 2019. More than 200 million of them were in the United States.

The recent surge in high-profile ransomware attacks represents a shift by cybercriminal syndicates from stealing data from “datarich” targets such as retailers, insurers, and financial companies to locking data of businesses and other organizations that are essential to public welfare. A week after the Colonial Pipeline attack, JBS USA Holdings, which processes one-fifth of the U.S. meat supply, paid an $11 million ransom. Health-care systems, which spend relatively little on cybersecurity, are a prime target, jeopardizing patient care. Other common targets include state and local governments, school systems, and private companies of all sizes.

Protecting Your Data

While major ransomware syndicates focus on more lucrative targets, plenty of cybercriminals prey on individual consumers.

Here are some tips to help make your data more secure.

Use strong passwords. One technique is to use a passphrase that you can remember and adapt. For example, “Jack and Jill went up the hill to fetch a pail of water” could be J&jwuth!!2faPow. Consider a password manager program that generates random passwords which you can access through a strong master password.

No easy answers. When establishing security questions used for password recovery, use fictional answers. If a criminal can guess your answer through available information (such as an online profile), they can reset your password and gain access to your account.

Take two steps. Two-step authentication, typically a text or email code sent to your mobile device, provides a second line of defense even if a hacker has access to your password.

Think before you click. Ransomware is often transferred to the infected computer by tricking the reader into clicking on a link.

Never click on a link in an email or text unless you know the sender and clearly know where the link will take you.

Install security software. Install antivirus software, a firewall, and an email filter — and keep them updated. Old antivirus software won’t stop new viruses.

Back up your data. Back up regularly to an external hard drive.

For added security, disconnect the drive between backups.

Keep your system up-to-date. Use the most current operating system that can run on your computer and download security updates. Most ransomware attacks target vulnerable operating systems and applications.

Judy T. Ross is a Financial Advisor with Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. located at 3201 S. Cherokee Lane, Suite 340, Woodstock, Georgia 30188. She can be contacted at 770/345-8008 judy@jtrinvestments.com. Content Prepared by Broadridge Investor Communication Solutions, Inc., Copyright 2019.

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[table of contents]

Contents

Mayberry Acres

Great photographs can capture a moment or create a legacy.

Mayberry Acres offers photoready locations and sets for all seasons and occasions. The venues create beautiful scenes of all kinds, making it easy to capture the perfect shot.

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Mauldin’s Christmas Pete

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Anna Crawford Center

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Wreaths Across America

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When the owners of Mauldin Body Shop in Canton take to the streets during the holiday season with their wrecker affectionally known as Christmas Pete, a crowd is sure to follow. Catching a glimpse of the wrecker is a beloved Christmas tradition for young and old alike.

In Cherokee County the Anna Crawford Children’s Center has a mission to reclaim abused children and bring them out of their darkness. Armed with education and compassion, the staff walks into a darkness that has no rival: child abuse.

Each Christmas season Wreaths Across America honors our veterans in national cemeteries by placing wreaths on each headstone. The Georgia National Cemetery seeks donations to ensure all our local veterans are honored on December 18.

Cover photo courtesy of Victoria Nielson Photography, taken at a Mayberry Acres set.

Contact Victoria Nielson at VictoriaNielsonPhotography.com or call 404-558-5279.

[Advertisers Index] Atlanta Adoption & Family Law . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Bananas and Beehives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Bonnie Dobbs Agency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Senator Brandon Beach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Chattahoochee Tech . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Cherokee FOCUS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Darby Funeral Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Debranski & Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Falany Performing Arts Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Fundraiser Made Easy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Georgia Medical Treatment Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Goshen Homes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 History Cherokee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Holiday Lights at Veterans Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Homewatch CareGivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 J. Thompson Ross . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Key’s Jewelry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Kitchen Tune Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Magnetize Me . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Mileshko . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Mill on Etowah, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . outside back cover Mountain Education Charter High School . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Northside Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . inside front cover Northside Hospital Ask the Doctor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26-27 Page Relocation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Phoenix Senior Living . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Pritchard Injury Firm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Tellus Science Museum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Tutton Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Woodstock Funeral Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Wreaths Across America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29,41 Your Pie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

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[feature articles]

Features

MUST Ministries

As MUST Ministries celebrates fifty years of service to the communities of north metro Atlanta, the charity exemplifies the compassionate helping hand that must always be extended to those in need year-round.

Lake Lanier Islands

Only a little more than hour away from Cherokee County, Lake Lanier Islands has unique winter festivities for the whole family. Lakeside Lights Spectacular, License to Chill Snow Island, and holidaythemed accommodations make for a true holiday destination.

Christmas in North Georgia

Immerse yourself in the joys of the holiday season by visiting the many Christmas experiences in our area. Whether it’s a light show, train ride, or visits with Santa, North Georgia has it all. Make this Christmas season the best yet and visit some of the area’s best holiday happenings.

Bookmark

Each edition of Enjoy Cherokee Magazine spotlights three books by members of our community. In this issue find holiday stories in the Your Favorite Bookmark section.

Holiday Lights at Veterans Park

Cherokee County’s Holiday Lights at Veterans Park is celebrating five magical years of Christmas joy. Many cherished memories are made each year as families enjoy the light displays in northern Cherokee County.

Since its beginning in 2016, the Holiday Lights show has grown by leaps and bounds, with several new displays and trees being added for the fifth anniversary.

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[special feature]

44 45

Holiday Recipes

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Calendar of Events

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Thanksgiving and Christmas are marked by gatherings around delicious dishes.

In the recipes section, find new recipes to share with family and friends.

Looking for things to do this holiday season around Cherokee? Enjoy Cherokee Magazine’s Calendar of Events lists local happenings for all ages.

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PHOTOGRAPHY

By Shannon Sickmon, Woodstock Resident

Great photographs can capture a moment or create a legacy.

Most of us have high-quality photography equipment in our pockets— our cell phones—so sally forth and create beautiful images. Two people in Cherokee County have created venues that set the scene for you.

M

eghan Gardner and Jake Washer own Mayberry Acres, which offers several photographic venues with multiple stages that help you discover your inner Ansel Adams and capture gorgeous pictures, even if you don’t know a lens from a light bulb.

Mayberry Acres offers photo-ready locations and sets on the family’s seven acres in suburban Canton.

Mayberry at the Mill is a photo depot in downtown Canton. While both sites are open to the general public, The Loft at Mayberry is open only to professionals. All the locations are artistic and creative playgrounds for professionals. For the rest of us, the photo venues offer a chance to record family memories and tell our stories. Meghan and Jake have created a series of sets that are like Disney for photographers and their subjects.

Interestingly, neither Meghan nor Jake came from an artistic photography background. Meghan owned a children’s boutique, and Jake worked as a remodeler and carpenter. Jake needed a workshop and lovingly recreated a general store on their property. That store is still in use today in their outdoor photo sets. The two owners were also avid antique collectors, which translated to furnishing their barns and general store, and the results are stunning.

While working at the boutique, Meghan built a relationship with a few photographers, so on a whim Meghan contacted one to see if he’d like to use their home for a professional shoot. That year four

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photographers heard the buzz about the beautiful property and came out to make their photographic images too.

In the second year, more than one hundred photographers came out. Today the pair can boast more than 1,400 photographers on its VIP page, with numbers growing every day. Meghan says the two properties have photographers coming from all over north Georgia as well as Alabama and even Tennessee.

The sites feature quite a few indoor and outdoor sets, many of which change with the seasons. Meghan and Jake even provide realistic snow for Christmas shoots when Georgia weather isn’t cooperative.

Meghan, a petite blonde with a bubbly personality, has an unerring eye for detail. Her artistic sensibility and sense of whimsy inspire every set. Her partner and companion, Jake, is slender and quiet. Using his carpentry skills, Jake singlehandedly constructs every set in the space according to Meghan’s exacting standards, and the sets are flawless.

The venue at their home focuses on rustic outdoor sets, but with the same movie-ready eye for detail. Meghan describes it this way: “At the house I try to keep it realistic. I don’t want models to feel like they’re just up against a backdrop. I want them to feel like they are actually a part of the scene. When we set up trees, we layer them, so models and photographers can walk through the trees. The snow is falling and they feel like they are caught in that moment.” uuu All photos courtesy of Mayberry Acres

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Spring shoots might include photos at the potting shed or garden.

Local Santa Tim Cavender is pictured above in a whimiscal Christmas shot.

Family portraits feel genuine, candid, and magical in the various holiday settings.

Meghan’s creativity in building the holiday sets is astounding.

Photo courtesy of Victoria Nielson Photography.

Family and friends can cozy up on the outdoor swing for gorgeous autumn portraits.

The retro spaces at Mayberry at the Mill in Canton are nostalgic, cool, and super fun for kids. [www.EnjoyCherokee.com]

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The sets are picture perfect.

When you arrive, all there is to do is smile and have fun.

uuu Meghan says, “The feedback from the photographers has been

phenomenal. They were having to tote props and come up with the setups on their own for sessions, but we take that stress off them.

Now they can show up one minute before their session and know that everything will be ready to go and the way they want it.”

The couple expresses the fact that they have been blessed to be able to do what they love, and it has given them the opportunity to be involved in some exciting experiences. Meghan recounts the event that literally changed their lives. She and Jake were asked to create sets for a Christian music video filmed at their outdoor location.

The video featured prominent Christian artists Danny Gokey, Evan Craft, and Redimi2. Meghan says that being involved in that video was the catalyst that inspired them to open their newest location at The Mill on Etowah.

When you first step into the bright, airy space that is The Photo Depot at Mayberry, the first thing you feel is a marked sense of reverie. Meghan and Jake have created a location that evokes your memories of every great moment from your childhood, travels, and lighthearted fun. Their space creates new memories too, and lets you direct them.

Meghan has created scenes such as a bakery and café, complete with tile floors, pastel decor, and delicious-looking treats on display.

Another site offers a handcrafted flower wall. She has recreated a 1980s-era roller rink, complete with Day-Glo paint and arcade games. The 1950s beauty parlor looks like it came off the I Love Lucy set. You’ll find a vintage 1960s-era kitchen with a bubblegumpink refrigerator and period-authentic tile, table, and chairs.

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It’s easy to capture genuine smiles on these bright and fun sets.

You can choose settings such as a beach cabana, record room, or the colorful Froot Loops set, a cereal-themed dream.

The upstairs loft in the indoor location is reserved for professionals and is suffused with natural light. There Meghan and Jake created quiet, homey sets. The loft, Meghan notes, is most popular for lifestyle sessions.

Both sites offer great rates for small or large groups, and all packages include goodie bags. You can add custom themes, colors, and even banners for your group event. The Mayberry photo venue has been an instant hit, and it’s easy to understand why: Meghan and Jake made the art of photography accessible to everyone, and they made it fun.

Meghan’s eyes sparkle when she talks about the clients having fun on shoots.

We had a senior living facility come in here . . . a group of ten, all with walkers or in wheelchairs.

They were great. For the photos there was an elderly man throwing around money and jumping on the motorcycle. The participants were all hooting and hollering. It was the first time they’d been out in many months. They had a great uuu time, and that is definitely why we do this.

“ Mayberry has created a snowy woodland wonderland as a perfect backdrop for winter photos.

”

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Bright spaces and props at the Mill location are unique and eclectic.

Meghan and Jake have loved crafting spaces like the potting shed.

Visitors take great photos and create joyous memories.

uuu Meghan and Jake also hope they can use their space to change

the community for the better. Meghan states that their faith has always inspired them to give back, and in this regard she and Jake have gone beyond the call of duty. As she says, “None of this would be worth anything if we couldn’t do something with it to help others.” In the few years they have been open, they have set up multiple fundraisers and charity drives.

Last year they took donations for Thanksgiving dinners and managed to feed twenty families in the area with a full dinner, including a turkey or a ham. They initiated a toy drive for children at Christmas and got enough toys to make hundreds of needy children happy. This year they will provide a Christmas Tree Walk

at the outdoor location. More than fifty local photographers will create and set up themed trees, and the public can vote on their favorites. The photographer with the most votes gets five hundred dollars’ worth of studio time at the venue, and all proceeds will go to the Thanksgiving food-box drive this year.

Mayberry Acres is more than a business to Meghan and Jake. It is a labor of love, and it is apparent when you talk to them.

For more information visit MayberryAcres.com or contact Meghan and Jake on Facebook @MayberryAcres.

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CHRISTMAS PETE

By Rebecca Johnston, Canton Resident

When the owners of Mauldin Body Shop in Canton take to the streets during the holiday season with their wrecker affectionally known as Christmas Pete, a crowd is sure to follow.

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The whole Mauldin family gets involved when taking out Christmas Pete each season.

W

John Weaver and Debbie Mauldin Weaver aim to share joy with their community through Christmas Pete.

Uh-oh! Looks like Santa’s sleigh broke down and needs a tow from Christmas Pete.

hile the wrecker might be used most months of the year to help stranded motorists or tow a wrecked vehicle, during the Christmas season the tow truck spreads holiday joy.

Decked out with more than thirty thousand lights and playing holiday music, Christmas Pete is hard to miss, and catching a glimpse of the wrecker is a beloved Christmas tradition for young and old alike.

John Weaver and wife Debbie Mauldin Weaver love driving the wrecker through downtown Canton and along city streets, but stopping at one of the local shopping centers is the most rewarding part. The minute Christmas Pete comes to a stop, people rush over to get a photo with the decked-out tow truck.

“We look forward to it all year round, because it does bring joy. It has become our real Christmas,” John describes of the experience. “That truck has come to be something almost unbelievable to us. Everyone loves it. It doesn’t matter if they are children or adults, they just brighten up when they see it.”

What is now an annual tradition started more than a decade ago when the couple decided to put a few lights on their Peterbilt wrecker and drive it in the local Christmas parade in downtown Canton. Each year more lights were added.

“After about two or three years of parades, I got the bright idea of building a frame out of PVC and put net lighting on it. After the end of the season I took it off and hung it up in the barn,” John explains with a chuckle.

“Now we have about thirty thousand lights and music with five-thousand-watt speakers on it. We love to take it through town. We have a good time.”John grew up in downtown Canton in a large house where the Salty Mule restaurant is located today and remembers the lovely lights in the city that were so much a part of the holidays. John’s mother ran a boarding house in the old home.

Where to Find Christmas Pete See Christmas Pete in the Ball Ground and Canton Christmas parades on December 3 and 4, respectively. John and Debbie Mauldin hope to visit Northside Hospital Cherokee again this year, though no official date has been set. Christmas Pete can also be seen driving around Belk at Riverstone in Canton or Target at Canton Marketplace at various times throughout the season.

Without charging the public, the Mauldins’ say their mission for Christmas Pete is to “spread joy, excitement, and thanksgiving for the reason we celebrate Christmas.”

Do your best to spot Christmas Pete out and about this holiday season.

“I lived there until I was eleven years old, and they tore the house down to build the Colonial Store. Back then Canton really decorated for the holidays. There was a fountain in the square, and it had lights shining on it that would turn from green to red. We could look up the street and see them,” he reminisces. uuu

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uuu “All the stores had beautifully decorated windows and the lights

were so pretty. It was a special time of year. Being there in town growing up with stores and decorations, I really enjoyed that and wanted to capture that feeling again,” he explains.

Just like at the body shop, which is now run by the couple’s daughter Angela Weaver Mayhue, decorating and taking out Christmas Pete is a family affair.

“We pull up to Belk or Target or wherever, and people just congregate. We just beam and enjoy how much people enjoy the experience,” John shares of the family’s nightly holiday outings.

“We are so thankful to the city officials and the businesses.

They don’t complain and seem grateful to us.”

WINE-BOTTLE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS Empty your wine bottles (easy!), and fill them with mini Christmas lights, leaving out a length of cord and the plug. Plug it in and enjoy the soft glow your wine-bottle lights bring to a dinner table or kitchen.

Getting the tow truck ready to roll takes about a month, he says.

FAUX FIRE If you have an empty space in a fireplace or TV stand, fill it with a faux fire. Some birchwood logs from a home décor store and white lights provide a homey sparkle that’s perfect for the holiday season.

Last year John and Debbie drove the decorated tow truck for an evening to the International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum in Chattanooga, where the sight of Christmas Pete drew a constant crowd.

RUSTIC CHRISTMAS STAR All you’ll need are five yardsticks, a can of spray paint (whichever color is your favorite), hot glue, and Christmas lights. Secure the yardsticks together in the shape of a star and wrap lights around each edge. Hang the star on your front door, porch, or fence for neighbors to envy.

“God has blessed me so well. The year I was inducted was the onehundredth year of towing. When they introduced me, Debbie was walking me up. They always give each inductee a number. Mine was John 316, and that held such a special meaning for me,” he relates of the experience.

STRING-LIGHT CHRISTMAS TREE Living in a small apartment or want a lowmaintenance tree in one room of your home?

String up some lights against a piece of pine wood to create a minimalist light tree. It’s perfect for small spaces and avoids the cleanup of a real tree.

LIGHTED WREATH Pick up a plain wire wreath from your local craft store and wrap your old Christmas lights around it. Secure a holiday bow on top with floral wire, and voilà!

FAIRY LIGHT MASON JARS Have Mason jars lying around? Turn them into holiday décor. Fill them with fairy lights, plug them in, and place them amid garlands or burlap for a cozy holiday aesthetic.

“We start decorating around November 1 and have it completely ready to go on Thanksgiving night. We hit the road and make the rounds. We try to go out every night, unless there is a bad rain. But even if it is raining some, people come out to see it and get their pictures,” he says with a smile.

In 2016 John was inducted into the Hall of Fame there and is now on the museum’s board of directors.

Debbie’s father, Herbert Maudlin, founded the body shop and wrecker service in 1961 that still bears his name. In 1964 John and Debbie met in ninth grade at Cherokee High School, and before long they were a couple. John says that he and Debbie were sweethearts before they were allowed to date. Soon he was riding in the wrecker on evening emergency calls with his future father-in-law.

“I would be at her house, and her dad would get a call for a wrecker, and Debbie would punch me and whisper, ‘Tell him you want to go along.’ So I would ask if I could go on the call with him,” John shares.

“Before long I would just go get in the truck when he got a call, and that is how it all started. I guess you could say I married into it.”

In 1970 the couple was married, just before John got out of the U.S. Army. John worked at WCHK radio station in Canton doing on-air news and sports from the time he was in the ninth grade until 1973.

He remembers he would be at the Canton radio station at five a.m. and be on air at six a.m.

Shortly after leaving the radio station in the early 1970s, John took over the towing operation for Mauldin, and Debbie joined the business in the body shop.

While John enjoys looking back at the years of towing and working emergencies in Cherokee County and the surrounding area, these days he looks most forward to the holidays.

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He says people come from as far away as Blue Ridge to see Christmas Pete. People call the wrecker dispatch to see where the tow truck will be each night between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

When asked what keeps him and his family motivated to spend the holidays out on the wrecker, he says it is the joy they see in others.

“I think it is the fact that so many families will bring their kids and want to have a photo made with it. One woman called us and said her son had a disability and that he wanted to see it. He was about eight or ten. He had difficulty walking and had recently fallen and had a broken arm. He had his arm in a sling,” John remembers. John had recently hurt his arm and had his arm in a sling as well. The experience that night brought him to tears.

Compassionate Home Care with a Personal Touch

“We have video of him dancing and going up to the lights with such joy. I cried so much that night. It was so special. He came over and hugged me, with both of us with our arms in our slings. I was balling.

That was Christmas,” John emphasizes.

Christmas Pete does not have a theme, but each year the family adds more lights and decorations. John particularly likes the addition of a Christmas tree on the back of the truck and the way the boom is now wrapped in blue lights, which he says offers an inspirational message.

“When you wrap it and put the tree on it, there appears to be a cross behind the Christmas tree, and it just pops out that we could not have Christmas if we didn’t have a cross. It is an empty cross for our hope, and that should be our joy for Christmas.

This is strictly for the joy of Christmas.”

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HOPE

For most people childhood is a time of sweet innocence, when they are blissfully unaware of some of the darker parts of life. For those people the curtain of reality is gently pulled back as they grow older.

From all walks of life, however, some

By Leana Conway, Woodstock Resident children have their childhood ripped away and are plunged into darkness by physical and sexual abuse. Thank goodness there is help, hope, and healing. In Cherokee County the Anna Crawford Children’s Center has a mission to reclaim abused children and bring them out of their darkness.

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DARKNESS TO LIGHT The Anna Crawford Children’s Center offers the Darkness to Light: Stewards of Children prevention workshop.

The program educates adults on how to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse. To better protect children, the free workshop empowers participants with awareness, education, and choice. For more information about Darkness to Light, visit CherokeeChildAdvocates.org/ Darkness-to-Light/

Madison was a typical happy, bubbly little girl. She had a splash of freckles across her nose and cheeks, wavy auburn hair, and chocolate-brown eyes. Madison skipped more than walked and seemed utterly carefree. She loved socializing and had lots of sleepovers with her friends.

When Madison was nine her parents noticed she had gotten quieter and spent most of her time in her room alone with the family dog, no longer wanting to visit her friends’ houses.

Madison was either at her grandparents’ house or at home.

She had always been very close to her grandmother.

Madison’s parents tried to understand why their daughter had changed and asked her repeatedly if something was wrong. Sometimes Madison broke down and cried when her parents expressed concern, but she always said everything was fine. The horrible truth that eventually came to light revealed that Madison was being molested by her grandfather.

Madison was living a nightmare. For the first eight years of her life, her grandfather had been a source of comfort and love, but now their relationship made her feel sad, uncomfortable, and anxious.

Madison’s grandfather found ways to create time alone when she was visiting, and nobody suspected anything. An excellent manipulator, the adult persuaded her not to tell anyone about the touching. He convinced her that if she told anyone, he would get in trouble and it would make Madison’s grandmother sad. Madison loved her grandmother very much

and worried about making her unhappy. If Madison were to end her visits with her grandma and grandpa, it would upset everyone too. Being a good girl of only nine years old, Madison tried her best to keep everyone happy.

For two awful years, Madison kept her secret. The secret was destroying her life, though. It stole her feelings of safety and well-being and confused her about what love and trust were.

Finally unable to bear the burden of her secret anymore, Madison revealed the truth to a sympathetic older cousin, who insisted that her parents be told. After the truth was out, Madison felt concerned about her grandfather and what would happen to him. She also worried that her grandmother would be heartbroken or might no longer love her. Because Madison thought she had caused the unrest in her family, she struggled with feelings of guilt, and a heavy weight of responsibility landed on her young shoulders.

Law enforcement became involved and enlisted the services of the Anna Crawford Children’s Center. At the Anna Crawford Center, Madison was given a forensic interview while a detective and caseworker observed from another room. The center also taped the interview. The record of Madison’s interview eliminated her having to retell her painful and embarrassing story up to fifteen times, which was typical before the advocacy center existed. The Anna Crawford Center was committed to helping Madison and her family pick up the pieces and move forward. uuu [www.EnjoyCherokee.com]

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uuu Following the forensic interview, law enforcement continued

the criminal investigation, and Madison’s grandfather was arrested and charged. While the criminal case continued through the justice system, the entire family came to the Anna Crawford Children’s Center for therapy every week for more than a year. Madison joined a support group for girls her age who had suffered similar abuse.

Her parents also joined a group for non-offending caregivers to learn how to communicate effectively with their children about traumatic experiences. Madison’s parents needed a great deal of support dealing with overwhelming feelings of guilt about what had happened to Madison and fear for her future.

The year 2021 marks the tenth year of the Holiday Lights of Hope event at Hobgood Park in Woodstock. From December 2 to December 23 the park will be transformed to show off more than two million lights in a variety of Christmas displays.

The walk-through event allows you to experience the season like walking through a Hallmark movie. Images of sugar plums will dance in your head as you stroll along, hot cocoa in hand, through a magical display of lights.

The light show at Hobgood Park benefits the Anna Crawford Center and the difficult, compassionate support it gives to children suffering from abuse. Event proceeds add to federal grants and help the center operate, provide trained personnel, and meet its mission.

Several board members came together in 2011 to formulate the idea for a family-friendly event that would support the center. Their goal was to create a fundraiser that was unique and an asset to children and families in the community. As a result of brainstorming sessions, the holiday lights spectacular was born. Originally the event covered only two fields at Hobgood Park. Today Holiday Lights of Hope includes all four fields as well as additional areas. The event includes photographs with Santa, taken with your own camera or phone, and concessions of hot cocoa, candy, and more.

Community members can get involved too.

The event always needs volunteers and sponsors to help the event run smoothly.

Light displays are sponsored by many local businesses, families, and organizations in the community. Sponsorship opportunities are still available.

If you are able to give only your time, visit HolidayLightsOfHope.com/ Volunteer to register to volunteer during the event. If you would like to sponsor the Holiday Lights of Hope event or donate to the Anna Crawford Children’s Center, visit HolidayLightsofHope.com and choose Sponsor/Donate at the top of the page.

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The executive director of the Anna Crawford Center is Amy Economopoulos, MS, LPC, CPCS, NCC. Amy says the best chance of a positive outcome in a child abuse case is when the child has adequate support from the non-offending caregiver or caregivers.

During the investigation of Madison’s grandfather, two other adult relatives came forward to testify that they too had been molested by him. Madison’s grandfather was sentenced to twenty-five years in prison. It took one brave voice to bring forth more victims. For years the grandfather had been grooming young girls and then molesting them, always convincing them to keep their abuse a secret.

Madison worked diligently to reclaim what her grandfather tried to take from her, understanding that the burden and shame she felt were never hers to carry. Madison has now graduated from college and has a fulfilling career in a helping profession.

The Anna Crawford Center was pivotal in helping Madison break the cycle of abuse and partnered with her to turn her pain into purpose. The center opened its doors in 1990 because community members and psychologist Anna Crawford recognized the need to advocate for children who were the victims of abuse.

Amy and ten other staff members are mental health therapists, forensic interviewers, family advocates, parent mentors, and educators. Staff members go behind the curtain and deal with things most of us would rather not even speak about. Armed with education and compassion, they walk into a darkness that has no rival: child abuse.

The Anna Crawford Children’s Center staff works tirelessly to provide a safe and caring environment for the children who visit them.

Amy says, “I cannot say enough about the dedication of the staff here. This agency creates a presence in our community that says we support families and combat child abuse. We are here to work with other local agencies, like law enforcement, child protective services, and the district attorney’s office, among others, to intervene in cases of abuse and put children and families on a path to healing. It takes a team of professionals to protect children. We care deeply about this community and about the future of our children.”

Compassion Value

Have you been a victim of child sexual or physical abuse?

Contact counselingreferral@livesaferesources.org for information about support groups.

&

go hand-in-hand to meet your family’s needs.

The therapy rooms at the Anna Crawford Center are full of toys and materials for children of all ages.

When you enter the Anna Crawford Center, the attention to detail conveys the level of compassion of the staff and its many supporters.

A warm and friendly environment permeates the building. The space, appropriate for any age, is decorated in soothing colors and calming artwork. The therapists’ rooms are full of paints, craft materials, books, and collections of animal and toy miniatures that invite all ages into the room for closer inspection and play. uuu

WOODSTOCK FUNERAL HOME • CREMATIONS 8855 South Main Street, Woodstock

770-926-3107 WoodstockFuneralHome.com

Cherokee Youth Works

Drug Free Cherokee

600+

YOUTH SERVED

Cherokee Youth Works is helping

Cherokee County young people ages 16-24, successfully transition to adulthood by supporting them with: • Personalized GED instruction • Opportunities for career exploration • Work training credentials • Paid internships

Suicide Prevention

• Work readiness and life skills • Assistance with college application, financial aid, and course selection • Community resources for housing, food assistance, and mental health services.

Cherokee Youth Council

Visit the website to see how you can help youth in our community get IN FOCUS for their future.

Cherokee Collaborative

5 INITIATIVES • 1 FOCUS

CherokeeFOCUS.org

“People, Partnerships, and Possibilities.”

Resource Guide [www.EnjoyCherokee.com]

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Play therapy and support groups are available, but the primary type of therapy the center offers is trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy, an evidence-based psychotherapy or counseling that addresses the needs of children and adolescents with post-traumatic stress disorder and other difficulties related to traumatic life events.

What does Amy tell victims of abuse who feel they are so broken they will never be whole again? She answers without hesitation, “You are not broken. Something happened to you that no child is equipped to handle. You survived and did the best you could.

Now with many people who want to support you, you can heal and be whole again.”

Examination rooms are catered to children’s comfort so as to make the patients feel as at ease as possible.

uuu A year ago the Anna Crawford Center partnered with

Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and now offers onsite forensic medical exams whenever possible. Onsite exams create a bit of ease on an already distressed caregiver and eliminate the need for a child to go to another unknown location for such a private procedure.

Stacked neatly in the shelves of the exam room are cheerful handmade pillowcases stitched by compassionate volunteers. Every child gets to choose which pillowcase they want to use to lie down for their exam. Kermit the Frog, with his friendly familiar face and bendy legs and arms, is available for a child to hold and demonstrate the position the child would be comfortable in during the exam.

Children can choose to have their nails painted while being examined or have a book read to them. Small acts of kindness and empowerment distract from the embarrassment and anxiety the child might experience.

Next to the yoga mats in the staff room at the center is a board full of affirmations written on sticky notes. One note reads, “Often it’s the deepest pain which empowers you to grow into your highest self.

–Karen Salmansohn.”

Although the days are dark for any child arriving at the Anna Crawford Center, the staff that believes strongly in the resiliency of the human spirit offers hope for a brighter future.

Note: some names have been changed to protect the privacy of individuals in this story.

If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, the Anna Crawford Children’s Center encourages you to report it to the Division of Family and Children’s Services by calling Centralized Intake at 1-855-GA-CHILD (855-422-4453). This helpline operates twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.

DEBRANSKI & ASSOCIATES Accessible • Personal • Professional

Wills Trusts Malpractice Probate Cases Personal Injury Estate Planning Wrongf u l D e a th Business Representation

770-926-1957 Ron Debranski II Attorney

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321 Creekstone Ridge, Woodstock, GA 30188 770-926-1957 ext. 306 | Debranski.com

We You Joy Wish to the World a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Shuntel & Senator Brandon Beach District Address: 3100 Brierfield Road, Alpharetta, GA 30004 Capitol Address: 303-B Coverdell Legislative Office Bldg., Atlanta, GA 30334 Office: (404) 463-1378 | Email: Brandon.Beach@senate.ga.gov

[www.EnjoyCherokee.com]

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Mountain Education Charter High School

SPOTLIGHT

In September 2020 Mountain Education Charter High School (MECHS) opened its Cherokee County campus, the newest of eighteen across seven counties in north Georgia. www.MyMEC.org

M

ountain Education Charter High Schoolis an excellent option for students who prefer flexibility, smaller classes, and individual attention.

Students determine their own schedules and move through an online, self-paced, Pearson-owned curriculum, with the assistance of nearby teachers and mentors.

Mountain Education also offers credit recovery and dual enrollment options.

The school meets a distinct need with its mission of being “first choice for a second chance” at earning an accredited high school diploma.

Mountain Education provides a positive, encouraging environment for students, with incentives for students as they increase their literacy levels or move from one module to the next. At the Cherokee site, dinner is available to students as well. Many local restaurants recognize the value of an adaptive learning experience and partner with the school to provide evening meals free to students. On the Braggin’ Wagon, a food truck, members of the district office come to the campuses and cook for the

students, as a way of recognizing their progress. To promote career readiness, “Career Chats” are also hosted periodically for students to hear from community members about potential paths.

In September 2020, Mountain Education Charter High School opened its Cherokee County campus, the newest of seventeen.

The Cherokee site opened with virtual learning in September of last year, starting with around thirty students. The campus has grown rapidly and now serves more than 415 students. For the 2020-21 school year, MECHS celebrated 360 graduates, with its first graduate of the Cherokee campus in January of last year.

As an accredited public high school, MECHS grants accredited Georgia high school diplomas. The school serves full-time students as well as part-time students, in which case MECHS transfers completed credits to the high schools where students are also enrolled. Students work until they pass, taking as much or as little time as they need.

YOU’RE NEVER LATE FOR CLASS NO FAILURE CARING TEACHERS

To hear from a Mountain Ed student, point your camera here.

Jared Cole

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Will Cooper

While on vacation in Costa Rica, Kayla suffered a tragic accident that left her using a wheelchair for months. Facing mountains of homework and absentee days, Kayla chose to enroll at MECHS. Here she was able to work at her own pace during her recovery schedule.

Kayla Gray

Valedictorian, 2019

Kayla also took advantage of the Dual Enrollment program and began earning credits at the University of North Georgia.

Kayla graduated a semester early and at the top of her class.

She holds a SACS accredited high school diploma and college credits.

When she learned that she was going to have a family of her own, Micayla Puffer felt even more academically motivated. She needed a school that would help her embrace her dreams through flexible scheduling, evening classes, career counseling, and a positive faculty. MECHS was the perfect fit. Micayla benefited from a self-paced curriculum and individualized feedback. In 2021, Micayla Puffer Micayla Puffer graduated as the High Honor Graduate, 2021 Site High Honor Graduate with Forsyth Site the highest GPA in her class, and won the 2021 AJC Cup award.

Make Your

Holiday Brighter 16’ x 20’ American Flag

❅ STOP N O ❅N

s a m t s i r Ch usic M Open Daily | Nov. 21–Dec. 31 Sunday ‑­Thursday, 6:00 - 9:00 pm Friday - Saturday, 6:00 - 10:00 pm $20/Car Load or $50/Season Pass ­—Rain or Shine—

This fundraiser benefits Papa’s Pantry/ Encompass Ministries, Skills USA, the Cherokee Parks and Recreation Agency’s Pay It Forward Foundation, and various local veteran charities.

❅ NEW LIGHT DISPLAYS & TREES! ❅ Two-miles of breath-taking Holiday Lights. ❅ Longer drive-through tunnels. ❅ Animated Christmas displays.

7345 Cumming Highway, Canton, Georgia | Brought to you by 112 Events

Annually, more than

100,000 people from about 45 states drive through the exhibit.

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[www.EnjoyCherokee.com]

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HONORING

Paying Homage to the Price of FREEDOM

By James Walters

During my life I have been involved with many religious, civic, and veterans’ organizations, providing thousands of volunteer hours for various events and activities. Two such occurrences I will never forget. Both involved the Wreaths Across America program, a nonprofit group founded more than twenty years ago by Morrill Worcester of the Worcester Wreath Company in Maine.

My first memory took place in December 2009 when I joined a pilgrimage of friends and relatives from Atlanta to Arlington National Cemetery. There we united with more than four thousand other volunteers to assist in placing fifteen thousand holiday wreaths on graves that overlooked our nation’s capital.

My eyes welled with tears as I observed thousands of citizens with a united purpose listen to a Gold Star mother profess her profound gratitude that fellow citizens would assemble each December to remember the sacrifice of her son and those like him. Through tears of sadness, I gave thanks to God for the privilege of being an American.

The second significant event occurred in 2011 when my wife of fifty-two years, Jeannie, and I had the opportunity to expose two of our grandchildren to the burial of a young U.S. Marine in Canton, Georgia. In December of that year, all four of our grandchildren placed wreaths in veterans’ cemeteries.

My career as a funeral director has afforded me the honor of assisting hundreds of veteran families who lay to rest heroes, including those who made the supreme sacrifice for our freedoms.

However, the burial of a U.S. Marine Corps lance corporal killed in Afghanistan in January 2011 would be different.

The funeral home where I was employed coordinated particulars for the service. Arrangements included evening visitation with the family at the funeral home and church service the following morning, followed by burial at Georgia National Cemetery in Canton. A few days earlier, the weather brought a rare but beautiful eight-inch snowfall to the area, much of which was still on the ground in the cemetery.

After much consideration, my wife and I decided that two of our grandchildren would join us at Georgia National Cemetery for the burial. We hoped the children would grasp a sense of

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patriotism and a degree of sacrifice as they experienced how U.S. Marines give a final farewell to a warrior who had given his all.

A friend and fellow funeral director from Canton, David Dunlap, and his young son agreed to join us on this meaningful occasion. Arriving after we did, the Dunlaps described Rockwell-like scenes of the funeral procession slowly passing through Canton and roadways approaching the cemetery. The hearse carrying the flag-draped casket of the fallen Marine displayed Marine Corps emblems on each side of the vehicle with American flags on each fender. The hero’s one hundred vehicle procession was escorted by Georgia State Patrol and other police vehicles from various jurisdictions. Near the cemetery, many citizens were holding American flags. Homemade signs with heartfelt condolences were displayed by many, including those my son and his wife created for our grandchildren to hold.

The procession made its way through the gates of this most hallowed place. As the fallen soldier’s family arrived at the committal shelter, scores of Patriot Guard riders stood at attention alongside former and active duty Marine Corps members. The Marine Corps Honor Guard performed each move of the ceremony with absolute precision, including “Taps” and the ceremonial folding and presentation of the burial flag. Many tears fell.

After the committal service, an uncle of the fallen Marine approached our grandchildren and Dunlap’s son. The gentleman thanked the children for attending the ceremony and for holding the signs. The uncle explained how touched his family was by the gestures of the children. At that, my nine-year-old granddaughter asked the man if the family would like to keep the signs. The uncle promptly escorted our grandchildren to meet the father of the fallen Marine. The family graciously accepted the signs.

DECEMBER 17 & 18

WREATH PLACEMENT

James’s grandchildren, left to right, Tyler Dunlap and Bailey and Matthew Walters at Georgia National Cemetery

The Georgia National Cemetery Advisory Council works to ensure our veterans are honored properly.

©James Walters, GNCAC Volunteer

The goal to have my grandchildren grasp a sense of patriotism and a degree of sacrifice by a fallen soldier had come to fruition.

As we made our way to the car, we observed a most beautiful sight.

Looking across the white marble in this garden of stones, we could see the beauty of holiday wreaths and snow that continued to adorn the grounds since mid-December. To me the wreaths were like green and red sentinels nestled in the snow, keeping watch over every headstone.

I took a photograph with my camera, but the image will be engraved in my mind forever.

The following year, I purchased a children’s wreath kit from Wreaths Across America for each of our four grandchildren and Dunlap’s son.

Each gift box from Maine contained a coloring book with the story of the wreath program, a red sock hat with a Wreaths Across America pin, and a certificate denoting a green wreath with a red bow would be sent to a veterans’ cemetery in their area.

When the second Saturday in December finally arrived, the children and their parents made the journey to their respective cemeteries for a short ceremony followed by the wreath-laying. Unfortunately I could not be with the grandchildren that day. Through the captured expressions of a camera lens, I could see the solemn, almost reverent, emotion of my grandchildren as they paid homage to a veteran with a simple wreath.

These children made the world a better place and perhaps obtained some satisfaction in knowing that being a part of something bigger than themselves is the best work of life.

A version of this article was originally printed in The Director, a publication of the National Funeral Directors Association Services, Inc. An amateur photographer and U.S. Navy veteran, James Walters received the 1991 George Washington Honor Medal for Community Service from the Freedoms Foundation, Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. Walters is a 1972 graduate of Gupton-Jones College and a former funeral director at A.S. Turner & Sons Funeral Home and Crematory in Decatur, Georgia. For those desiring to make a donation or volunteer to assist with the placement of wreaths each December, contact the nonprofit group, Georgia National Cemetery Advisory Council, Inc, at: GAnationalcemetery.org

Assist Georgia National Cemetery Advisory Council in decorating all graves and cremation niches at Georgia National Cemetery this holiday season.

Memorializing nearly 18,000 patriots with a fresh wreath will cost $200,000.

DONATE TODAY

A $100 sponsorship provides 10 wreaths for national heroes.

A $30 sponsorship provides three wreaths for three heros.

A $15 sponsorship provides one wreath for one national hero.

GANationalCemetery.org

Kindly send your name, address, and email with your tax-deductible donation to [www.EnjoyCherokee.com] GNC Advisory Council, P.O. Box 5476, Canton,29 GA 30114

HELPING

HELPING IS A

Although the letters in the MUST name stand for Ministries United in Service and Training, the must in MUST Ministries is much more than a clever acronym. It is an obligation, a commitment to servant leadership. In the truest sense it is a moral imperative. As MUST Ministries celebrates fifty years of service to the communities of north metro Atlanta, the charity exemplifies the compassionate helping hand that must always be extended to those in need.

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By Michael Mullet, Ball Ground Resident

When Reverend Wayne Williams started MUST Ministries in 1971, the Marietta-based ministry offered three services—a grocery-bus ministry for the elderly, a youth-tutoring program, and outreach to disaffected young people in need of guidance and community.

MUST opened its first office in Cherokee County in 1988 in the basement of Canton First United Methodist Church.

As demand for services escalated, so did the need for more space. Over the years the ever-growing ministry moved into two different Canton locations until building its own facility in 2013 on Brown Industrial Parkway, across the street from the library, where it is located today.

The ministry lacked a formal mission statement then, but helping those in need was always the overarching goal, the simple vision that has driven MUST Ministries and everything it does for the past five decades. Since its meager beginnings, it has expanded the number of its locations, added to the services it offers, and increased the volume of people it helps. The MUST Ministries location in Cherokee County offers all its services.

“

“People sometimes see our building in Canton and think that’s all there is to MUST Ministries,” says Kendall Jones, MUST’s community liaison for Cherokee County. “But that’s actually our Cherokee service center. We have two more service centers in Cobb County—one in Marietta and one in Smyrna—plus a thrift store, a healthcare center, an emergency shelter, and more. Really, MUST Ministries is a network of programs with a regional footprint.”

That commitment to helping led to an array of services that likely would have been hard to imagine in 1971. Kendall lists some of them, demonstrating the breadth of MUST Ministries programs and how the charity has consistently evolved to meet needs and gaps in its communities. Kids are a priority for MUST, and more than half the people who receive services are under eighteen. uuu

We accept people from anywhere at our Cherokee service center,” adds Kendall.

“Whether it’s Pickens County or Bartow or Gilmer, if someone comes to us and needs help, we are going to help.

”

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uuu “One of our signature programs is our summer lunch

Latisha Lewis fled an abusive marriage with her three children, one with Down Syndrome. A newly single mother, Latisha worked three part-time jobs to keep up with financial demands. In November 2016, she suddenly lost her place to live. Reaching the end of her rope, Latisha visited MUST Ministries in Cherokee County.

She was thrilled to receive food for her family and a thirty-day hotel stay from an Emergency Shelter Grant. Equally important, she received concern, compassion, and encouragement.

“Some people look down on the homeless,” she says. “They think you must have done something wrong to cause it. That’s just not my story.” She prayed for a long-term solution, and by May 2017 she was able to end her homelessness and enter her own apartment thanks to a Woodstock City Church grant to MUST Ministries. She also got a job at the Department of Family and Children’s Services in Cherokee.

“She is the model for what we hope will happen when a client comes to MUST,” according to Kendall Jones, MUST Ministry’s community liaison for Cherokee County. “Not only is her life stable, but she also feeds the homeless at Hurt Park and helps at a soup kitchen. She’s giving back and teaching her children about generosity.”

Latisha and her children are doing well. The rental she found through MUST has been the family’s home for the past four years. With stable housing and income, Latisha has been able to save money and build credit—credit that got her preapproved for a loan to purchase her own home. “MUST was lifesaving and life changing for my children and me. At almost forty years old, I can now buy my first home for my family—a dream come true,” Latisha gratefully shares.

The relationships forged by the MUST Ministries team and Kendall, in particular, are special and long-lasting. Latisha says, “I call Mr. Kendall my God-dad, because he prayed with me and encouraged me during my search for housing, which helped give me strength in my time of need. I am forever grateful to him and MUST Ministries for all they have done.”

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This past summer MUST served more than 537,000 meals a week to about 5,200 kids in seven counties, including Cherokee, for all nine weeks of summer vacation.

“In 2020,” Kendall says, “we had to change our model a little bit—how we prepare food and where we get it. But we adapted, because the bottom line is we don’t want kids to go hungry in the summer.”

Neighborhood pantries complement the lunch program. With sites in seven Cherokee schools, the pantries provide core food items as well as non-food items such as laundry detergent, cleaning supplies, and hygiene items—household essentials not covered by food stamps.

“The school counselors identify kids and families in need. They can come to a pantry once a month and get what they need,” Kendall says. “There is no cost to families for anything, and it is great partnership with Cherokee County schools.”

Food remains an essential part of MUST’s ministry. In 2020 the charity distributed more than 2.4 million pounds across the region, its highest total ever and a greater than 700 percent increase over 2019.

In Cherokee County, MUST distributed more than 285,000 pounds of food between July 2020 and June 2021, according to MUST Marketing Coordinator Justin Deece. The organization served more than 3,400 Cherokee residents in the same period with food and many other types of assistance.

MUST provides a range of services for those in need: emergency shelter, permanent supportive housing, employment assistance, clothing, and more, all of which saw substantial increases in demand during the pandemic.

▼

LOCAL FAMILY FINDS STABILITY

program across seven counties,” Kendall explains. “We know that kids who are on free and reduced-cost lunch during the school year may not get lunch during the summer, so about twenty-five years ago a MUST volunteer in Marietta wanted to do something about that. She got some local churches to make lunches and give them to kids who needed it, and the program has grown larger every year since.”

Volunteers with MUST Ministries work hard to sort clothes and other donations in order to distribute to families in need.

One of the most critical services MUST offers—again through vital community partnerships—is healthcare. “In Cherokee County we have a partnership with Bethesda Community Clinic,” Kendall explains. “It has a mobile unit it brings to our Cherokee location the first Friday of every month.” The mobile unit provides free primary care on a walk-in basis and can make referrals as needed to other low-cost programs and providers. “When Bethesda is here, our Cherokee center becomes a one-stop shop,” Kendall says. “People can come and get food, clothing, help finding a job, and healthcare.”

▼ Many runners of the annual Gobble Jog go out of their way to make it fun by dressing up in costume.

Although partnerships and corporate grants are critical to many of the services MUST provides, individual donations and fundraising ensures the ministry is ready at a moment’s notice, day or night, to help any local family facing a housing or food emergency. MUST’s annual Gobble Jog, held appropriately enough on Thanksgiving Day, is its largest yearly fundraiser. uuu

Review your

Volunteer with MUST Ministries

▼ If you would like to get involved with the many programs MUST Ministries offers in Cherokee County, contact Madi Tilley, volunteer coordinator– Cherokee at 770-721-2927 or mtilley@mustministries.org.

Volunteer opportunities can also be found on the MUST Ministries website under the “I Am Here To…” tab and clicking “Volunteer.”

ASK THE

EXPERT Never a Fee for Services. EVER!

MEDICARE PLAN

by DecEMBER 7 Bonnie Dobbs

Is your current Medicare plan the best choice for you NOW? Confused about those Medicare TV commercials? CALL YOUR LOCAL EXPERT!

770-373-7541

There is never a fee for services. The Bonnie Dobbs Agency is an independent agency not affiliated with the United States government, any state government, or the federal Medicare program.

[www.EnjoyCherokee.com]

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uuu “The Gobble Jog takes place Thanksgiving morning

on Marietta Square, and we are really looking forward to having it in person again this year,” says Kendall. “We have a timed and untimed 5K, a timed 10K, a 1K, and a Tot Trot for the little ones. It is truly a community event and fun family atmosphere.”

Kendall shares, “If you want to be what we call a phantom runner, you can sleep in and still get a T-shirt, or you can come and run the race in person, and still be home in time for Thanksgiving dinner. Either way, you are helping your neighbors, local families in need. You are helping your community.”

MUST ultimately thrives at the center of a circle of mutual aid, Kendall says. MUST helps the community, and the community helps MUST. The community makes MUST Ministries possible, as it always has.

“When people say to me, ‘Thank you for what MUST does,’ I have to say that we couldn’t do it without our community,” Kendall asserts. “We are MUST Ministries, but we are the community. We don’t exist without it, so we are blessed and we are grateful, because we couldn’t do what we do without the support of our community.”

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▼

After starting nearly twenty years ago, the Gobble Jog has become one of the biggest 10k events in the U.S., with more than ten thousand virtual and in-person participants expected this year. Like many such events, participants can form teams and get friends, neighbors, and others to sponsor them.

Participation in the Gobble Jog is not only fun but also impactful. ▼ People of all ages and abilities are welcome to join the fun.

MUST Gobble Jog

▼

The nineteenth annual MUST Ministries Gobble Jog on Thanksgiving morning, November 25, includes options for all skill levels, including timed 10K and 5K runs and untimed 5K, 1K, and Tot Trot. Being the largest fundraising event for MUST, the Gobble Jog helps provide food and many services to needy community members through various initiatives.

Register today at Must.Enmotive.com and start your personal fundraising page.

▼ A special Tot Trot is hosted for little ones and younger kids, in addition to the 5K, 10K, and 1K routes.

[www.EnjoyCherokee.com]

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LANIER ISLANDS

It’s a magical experience to walk through the thousands of lights in the Lakeside Lights Spectacular.

Kid’s will love gliding around Frosty’s ice rink all afternoon.

It’s perfect for beginners, experts, kids, and adults.

Amusement rides at License to Chill Snow Island include carousel, bumper cars, Ferris wheel, rollercoaster, and more.

Gorgeous Christmas trees and decorations around the resort make Lanier Islands feel like a Christmas wonderland.

Kids at the resort will be excited to build and decorate their own gingerbread house to take home.

The ultimate Santa package includes a breakfast buffet and visit with Santa, plus lots of goodies.

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Enjoy a New-Fashioned Holiday at

Lake Lanier Islands

By Shannon Sickmon, Woodstock Resident

If you need some diversion after a hectic year or want a new way to celebrate the Christmas season or New Year’s Eve, Lake Lanier Islands is a great option. The fun begins in late November and runs through early January.

Lake Lanier Islands, only a little more than an hour away from Cherokee County, has a wide variety of unique winter festivities that appeal to the whole family. For example, last year the venue unveiled its walk-through Lakeside Lights Spectacular.

Public Relations Director Missy Burgess states, “We have it all at Lanier Islands—world-class accommodations, casual and fine dining, and a wealth of activities— all self-contained within our 1,500-acre resort. The winter theme park, License to Chill Snow Island, and the opportunity to ring in the New Year lakeside offer a winning combination for a truly magical holiday season.”

Whether you want to go for an evening or spend a few nights, the resort offers holiday-themed accommodation packages.

If you have children, be sure to try the Ultimate Santa Package or the Elf Tuck-In Package. Guests get cookies and milk and a storybook delivered to their room, and an elf reads the kids a story. The Elf PJ Story Time Package involves a breakfast buffet with Santa and a pajama party with the elves in one of the ballrooms.

For an easy daytime activity, rent a resort cart and take part in a holiday-themed scavenger hunt. The Christmas Day Buffet is spectacular, but sells out quickly, so if you’re interested, be sure to get tickets now.

You can also customize your package any way you like, to ensure that you have an unforgettable winter vacation. As always, guests can play golf at an impeccable lakeside course or walk off a gourmet meal on the miles of walking trails. uuu

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uuu If you don’t want to stay overnight, you can just spend

a day—or evening—enjoying one of the other activities.

If you miss playing in the snow, head up to the resort’s License to Chill Snow Island. You’ll feel as though you’ve taken a trip to Vermont without the pricey plane ticket. Snow tubing on Parrot Mountain slide, one of the longest and steepest snow-tube hills in North America, is exhilarating. The slide measures 575 feet long and is eight stories high. You can ice skate and play in the snow while pelting your loved ones with snowballs. If Jack Frost is nibbling at your nose, sit at one of the fire pits and enjoy hot drinks and s’mores. If snow tubing isn’t enough adrenaline for you, you can also get your thrills with the various carnival rides. Santa will also be around, so tell the kids to behave!

Day passes include access to all parts of the winter-themed park. The lines get long on weekends, but you can also visit on a weeknight. Prices are also lower in the afternoons and weekdays too.

If holiday lights signal the perfect Christmas activity for you, you’ll be thrilled to know the resort has revamped its light display. The three-quarter-mile walk is interactive and includes a colorful family-friendly light display. In glorious double-vision, the reflection of the lights shimmer on the lake water. Along the way you can enjoy cocktails, hot chocolate, and snacks. The younger crowd can stop

for selfies, while the older folks can lag behind and enjoy the light extravaganza at their own pace. The entire route is wheelchair- and stroller-accessible. Tickets for the light show start at one price for adults, but discounted tickets are available for seniors, children under seven, and active and retired military. Children under two get free admission.

The light show features traditional holiday displays and music interspersed with high-tech images and unique exhibitions with a Margaritaville theme. The three-story light wall, illuminated tunnel, and giant sixty-five-foot Christmas tree made entirely of lights are all must-see sights. The main portion of the beach also features a fifteen-minute light show, with modern and traditional Christmas music throughout.

Grier Todd, chief operating officer at Lake Lanier Islands, says, “Featuring state-of-the art light technology that truly showcases the lake, the all-new, open-air Lakeside Lights Spectacular allows visitors to travel at their own pace and snap selfies all along the way. Best of all, it is central to many of the other holiday attractions at the resort for a seasonal one-stop-shop experience that will be a new favorite holiday tradition for many.”

The fun at Lake Lanier Islands doesn’t stop when Christmas is over. The location has a big New Year’s Eve celebration as well. This year guests can watch a live band in the Grand Ballroom while ringing in the new year. The party includes a gourmet buffet and an open bar. The celebration works great

770-479-2193 Canton, Georgia DarbyFuneralHome.com

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for families, because adults can sip their drinks on one end of the resort, while at the other end the kids enjoy crafts, games, movies, dinner, and their own balloon drop, all under the mindful supervision of a Legacy Kids’ Club counselor. This package includes overnight accommodations, party reservations for two, buffet dinner for two, a champagne toast at midnight, and brunch for two on New Year’s Day. Lake Lanier has long been a summer vacation destination for people in North Georgia, but Lake Lanier Islands’ holiday attractions and themed resort packages make it a fantastic port of call for families seeking the ultimate Christmas or New Year’s experience. Contact the resort at 770-945-8787 or visit LanierIslands.com for tickets and more information.

Visit Lakeside Lights Spectacular Lakeside Lights opens on the weekend of November 12–14.

The lights will be on display again from November 19 through January 5, 2022. Lakeside Lights will then continue only on weekends through February 27, 2022.

For tickets to see the Lakeside Lights Spectacular, scan the QR code to the right.

[www.EnjoyCherokee.com]

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EVENTS

8th Annual March of the Toys Parade for Toys for Tots December 3 • 7:00 p.m.

One of the largest parades in North Georgia, the March of the Toys Parade provides a wholesome event for the whole family. Attendees are asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy for the Toys for Tots campaign.

Collection boxes will be available at City Park and along the parade route on Main Street.

Gilmer Ferry Road, Ball Ground, Georgia MarchoftheToysParade.com

Holiday Lights at Veterans Park November 23 – December 31 Open nightly at 6:00 p.m.

Cherokee County’s Holiday Lights at Veterans Park celebrates five magical years of Christmas joy. Many cherished memories are made each year as families enjoy the light displays in northern Cherokee County. From November 21 to December 31 two million lights will illuminate the park along a route just under two miles in length at Cherokee’s Veterans Park.

Cherokee Veterans Park 7345 Cumming Hwy., Canton, Georgia @HolidayLightsatVeterans on Facebook

Garden Lights, Holiday Nights

November 13 – January 15 Open nightly at 5:00 p.m. Tickets are required.

Christmas at the Mill

November 26 – 28 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

The second annual Christmas at the Mill is a weekend event for the entire family. The Holiday Market will take place inside the historic Mill building, perfect for completing all your holiday shopping. The Mill tree lighting, pictures with Santa, ice skating, and more will all take place over the course of the weekend.

Kick off the holiday season at The Mill on Etowah.

The Mill on Etowah 225 Reformation Pkwy, Canton, Georgia 678-762-9950 • EtowahMill.com/Events

Tate House Open House, Holiday Boutique, and Christmas Tour

November 30 – December 22

Built in 1921, the Southern romantic Tate House mansion was constructed using the pink Etowah marble of Lumpkin County.

This historical beauty offers Christmas luncheon and dinner tours. Each room of the home will be decorated differently featuring art deco, eighteen Christmas trees, and a pink Cadillac convertible centerpiece for the dining table, complete with Mr. and Mrs. Claus.

For times and event details, visit the website.

The Tate House 61 Georgia Marble Road, Tate, Georgia TateHouse.com/Christmas-Tour-Reservations 770-735-3122

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The annual Garden Lights celebration brightens the Atlanta Botanical Garden’s thirty acres with millions of colorful LED lights. The pathways will be lit up and the gardens will feature some of the most iconic light displays, including the Ice Goddess, the Tunnel of Light, and the glowing Orchestral Orbs. Take a walk through the season’s magic at Atlanta Botanical Gardens.

Atlanta Botanical Gardens 1345 Piedmont Avenue, Atlanta, Georgia 404-876-5859

Stone Mountain Christmas November 14 – January 3

Share heartwarming moments with your family while you discover what makes Stone Mountain Christmas one of Atlanta’s favorite holiday celebrations. The new World’s Largest Christmas Light Show features twenty minutes of unique videos and holiday songs with a fireworks finale.

Plus catch Santa’s Big Flight as Santa flies overhead in his sleigh each night during the Enchanted Tree Lighting Ceremony.

Stone Mountain Park 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd., Stone Mountain, Georgia 800-401-2407

Holiday Lights of Hope December 2 – 23

The annual event in Hobgood Park features a large walk-through Christmas light display with more than two million lights. There are concessions, photos with Santa, and much more. This event is a Christmas tradition for kids of all ages and benefits the Anna Crawford Children’s Center in Woodstock.

Hobgood Park 6688 Bells Ferry Rd., Woodstock, Georgia HolidayLightsofHope.com

A Country Christmas at Pettit Creek Farms

DECEMBER 17 & 18

November 25 – December 30 Open nightly except Mondays from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.

WREATH PLACEMENT

Experience the warmth and charm of a Southern family Christmas at Pettit Creek Farms this season. Drive through more than a mile of beautiful Christmas lights or travel through on a hayride for added fun.

Once you’re finished, capture holiday memories and visit Santa and his reindeer at Santa’s cottage. Bring your camera, of course.

Pettit Creek Farms 337 Cassville Rd., Cartersville, GA 30120 PettitCreekFarms.com/A-Country-Christmas-Final/ 770-386–8688

©James Walters, GNCAC Volunteer

Woodstock Christmas Jubilee and Parade of Lights December 4 • 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.

The City of Woodstock welcomes you to the twenty-fifth annual Christmas Jubilee and Parade of Lights. The parade starts at Woodstock Elementary School and travels down Main Street to Sam’s Club on Highway 92. Following the parade will be a festival with Santa, Christmas tree lighting, and food and craft vendors. Celebrate the magic of the Christmas season in Downtown Woodstock.

Woodstock Parks and Recreation 105 East Main Street, Suite 142, Woodstock, Georgia 770-592-6000 ext. 1952 • WoodstockParksandRec.com

Holly Springs Christmas Parade December 4 • 1:30 p.m.

The Holly Springs Christmas Parade will celebrate the holiday season along with local businesses, civic organizations, sports teams, faith organizations, and more. The parade begins on Holly Springs Parkway and works its way around the city to make a loop.

City of Holly Springs 3237 Holly Springs Pkwy., Holly Springs, Georgia 770-345–5536 • HollySpringsGA.us

Christmas at Reinhardt

December 2 – 5 • Various times

The annual Christmas at Reinhardt performance includes the School of Performing Arts finest large ensembles: the Reinhardt University Concert Choir, the Reinhardt Chorale, and the University Wind Ensemble.

These grand musical performances will spark your holiday spirit as the perfect way to welcome the Christmas season.

Assist Georgia National Cemetery Advisory Council in decorating all graves and cremation niches at Georgia National Cemetery this holiday season.

Memorializing nearly 18,000 patriots with a fresh wreath will cost $200,000.

DONATE TODAY GANationalCemetery.org Kindly send your name, address, and email with your tax-deductible donation to GNC Advisory Council, P.O. Box 5476, Canton, GA 30114

t h g i r B d n a y n i h S

Falany Performing Arts Center 7300 Reinhardt Cir., Waleska, Georgia 770-720–9167 • Reinhardt.edu/Falany/Tickets

Christmas in Canton

December 10 • 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Celebrate the Christmas season with Christmas in Canton. Visit with Santa, watch The Polar Express, and enjoy trainrides, a petting zoo, inflatables, s’mores, and more. The downtown shops will be open extended hours for Christmas shopping.

Downtown Canton 130 E. Main Street, Canton, Georgia 770-704-1500 DowntownCantonGA.com uuu [www.EnjoyCherokee.com]

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uuu

Blue Ridge Holiday Express November 26 – December 23 Various dates and times

Take a festive train ride on the Holiday Express with the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. Listen to holiday music, hear the story of ‘‘The Night Before Christmas,’’ and enjoy hot chocolate and other holiday snacks available for sale in the concessions car. Children will receive a Blue Ridge Scenic Railway jingle bell, candy cane, and an activity packet while on board.

Blue Ridge Scenic Railway 241 Depot Street, Blue Ridge, Georgia 877-413-8724 BRScenic.com/Tickets

World of Illumination: Rockin’ Christmas

November 12 – January 2 • 6:00 – 10:00 p.m.

Turn up the holiday spirit with World of Illumination’s Rockin’ Christmas in Marietta. This show is a mile-long symphony of sight and sound. You’ll see everything from life-sized musical notes to retro Santa spinning it old school. Featuring millions of colorful lights and hundreds of animated displays, this animated drive-through light show is sure to rock your holidays.

World of Illumination Six Flags White Water 250 Cobb Pkwy. N., Marietta, Georgia WorldOfIllumination.com

Mountain Country Christmas in Lights November 25 – December 23 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Thursday & Friday; 4:00 – 9:00 p.m. Saturday

Mountain Country Christmas in Lights is a holiday treat for the entire family at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds in Hiawassee.

The fairgrounds will be transformed into a spectacular, magical holiday light show complete with Christmas music, art and craft vendors, holiday food, hot chocolate, and Santa.

Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds 1311 Music Hall Rd., Hiawassee, Georgia 706-896-4191

Lights on the Lake Christmas Boat Parade December 4 • 6:00 p.m.

The Lake Allatoona Association brings you the fifth annual Lights on the Lake, a magical Christmas boat parade. If you don’t have a boat to enter, view the parade from Gatewood Park and walk to the shore for the best view. The parade features boats of all shapes and sizes decorated from bow to stern.

Lake Allatoona Association 272 Bartow Beach Rd. SE, Cartersville, Georgia

Lakeside Lights Spectacular

November 12 – February 27 • Nightly at 5:00 p.m.

The Margaritaville Lakeside Lights Spectacular starts your holiday season with nostalgic wintry fun. A magical walk through a dazzling lights extravaganza with festival seasonal music will leave you breathless. Enjoy Santa’s Tiki Bar, the Tipsy Elf, and Rudolph’s landing for drinks, sweets, and snacks along the route.

Lanier Islands 7650 Lanier Islands Pkwy., Buford, Georgia 470-323-3440 MargaritavilleResorts.com/Margaritaville-At-Lanier-Islands

Dahlonega’s Old-Fashioned Christmas

November 26 – December 31 Various events and times throughout the season

Dahlonega’s Old-Fashioned Christmas is a month-long celebration held the day after Thanksgiving through the end of the year. It begins with the Lighting of the Square, followed by festive events throughout the holiday season. Visits with Santa, a Holiday Market, carriage rides, Christmas music events, a parade, and the Festival of Trees are just a few of the events occurring through the month of December.

City of Dahlonega 1 Public Square N., Dahlonega, Georgia info@DahlonegaChristmas.com DahlonegaChristmas.com [www.EnjoyCherokee.com]

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Your Favorite

LOCAL AUTHORS

Recollections of My Life as Santa Claus

Reindeer Magic

A captivating collection of stories, Recollections of My Life as Santa Claus explains how our neighbor Tim Cavender came to don the red suit and bring joy to generations of children. The book reveals where Tim’s love of Christmas began as he recounts his early years of growing up in Cherokee County.

In a snowcovered house in the mountains of Montana, Amy Johansen stares out the window of her new home. Amy and her older brother, Josh, are spending their first Christmas away from their native country of Denmark. As she writes her letter to Santa, she worries that Santa Claus won’t be able to find her in their new home in Montana’s forest.

by Tim Cavender

Tim also writes about his encounters with some of the most famous figures associated with the Christmas season.

For example, he met the daughter of Boris Karloff, the voice of Dr. Seuss's animated character, the Grinch.

Tim shares alluring information about the history of professional Santa Claus work, his personal code of ethics, and the official “Santa Claus Oath.”

Tim Cavender grew up in Ball Ground, Georgia, and graduated from Cherokee High School in 1976. Tim has been a professional Santa Claus since a young age. In December 2014, Tim was inducted into the International Santa Claus Hall of Fame.

by Dr. Charles Cooley Illustrated by: Brenda Lyons

There has to be something that she and Josh can do to make sure the reindeer team doesn’t fly past them this Christmas Eve. Luckily when the big guy receives Amy’s letter, he knows just how to reassure these children. Santa sends Amy a special mix of Reindeer Magic that will lead Santa’s reindeer straight to her door.

Dr. Charles Cooley moved to Canton in 1992. He is married with two grown children ages twenty-six and twenty-seven.

Charles’s inspiration for the book comes from his mother, Ruth Thomas, who made every effort to ensure that Christmas was fun for her family.

Purchase a Reindeer magic kit, complete with the storybook, your adopted reindeer, and a bag of reindeer magic of your own at ReindeerMagic.com.

Interested in submitting recommendations for Your Favorite Bookmark? Local authors are encouraged to submit a book summary, personal photo, and book cover image.

Contact Katie@EnjoyCherokee.com for more information.

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The Christmas Closet and Other Works

by Kathi Harper Hill Illustrated by: David L. Hill

Is your Bible group looking for a light, thought-provoking, Christmas book?

The Christmas Closet and Other Works is a collection of heartfelt stories sure to spur conversation.

The lead story, “The Christmas Closet,” is reminiscent of the classic movie, A Christmas Story, which was based on Jean Shepherd’s 1966 book In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash. It takes place in midcentury small-town America and revolves around a young boy as he anticipates Santa’s visit. “The Arrival” is a charming narrative of Mary and Joseph’s arrival in Bethlehem from the perspective of the innkeepers, and “Watching from Above” takes the reader into the realm of angels with a bird’s-eye view of the greatest gift.

Although the cover illustration suggests the book might be for children, it is not.

The opening tale may spoil a child’s magical image of Kris Kringle, and the final story leaves tears in the eyes of grown adults. Savor this book with friends and family.

Kathi Harper Hill is an award-winning author born and raised in the North Georgia mountains.

“We love it! We loaded up all the cousins with bags of popcorn and M&M’s and drove through the lights two times!”

–Amber L. Myers

“My kids love going through the tunnel and they get to help me drive.” –Charle Cable

solutely “Our family ab ay so enjoy Holid loved it. We al od go ob H at e Lights of Hop d by the same te en es pr , rk Pa rystal Mays company.” –C

Cherokee County’s Holiday

Lights at Veterans Park is celebrating five magical years of Christmas joy. Many cherished memories are made each year as families enjoy the light displays in northern Cherokee County. Since its beginning in 2016, the Holiday Lights show has grown by leaps and bounds, with several new displays and trees being added for the fifth anniversary.

From November 21 to December 31, two million lights will illuminate the park along a route just under two miles in length. Families from Cherokee County and all over have made the Holiday Lights at Veteran’s Park an annual tradition.

Children and adults will be in awe of the lights and music throughout the drive.

Mark Lallathin and David Pitts of 112 Events jumped into the holiday lighting business by volunteering to handle the Holiday Lights of Hope in Hobgood Park as a fundraiser. With no experience, “My mom had three strokes they learned the ins and outs of creating last year. We have a wheelchair van and drove her through the lights designs and finding the best lighting more than once. The music and the vendors. When approached by Cherokee lights are wonderful. She absolutely County to organize a lights show for the northern part of the county, the two loved it. You can pull over if you men accepted enthusiastically. Working need to too.” –Pippo King closely with the county and Cherokee Recreation and Parks, they crafted a drive-through concept that would allow a continuous flow of visitors. Although the “The last couple years, we light event is holiday-centered, Mark and went to get hot chocolate and a David always keep in mind that it takes donut before we rode through.” place in Veterans Park, so they weave in –Meleina Cabana patriotic light displays as well. One of the highlights is a sixteen-by-twenty-foot American flag. ing emory is go “My favorite m ht tunnel in a through the lig great show.” minivan. It’s a –Eric S. Rein

In 2019 more than 100,000 people from forty-five states drove through the exhibit.

Open Daily | Nov. 21–Dec. 31 Sunday ‑­Thursday, 6:00 - 9:00 pm Friday - Saturday, 6:00 - 10:00 pm $20/Car Load or $50/Season Pass ­—Rain or Shine—

This year will be bigger and better, with more lights, several new displays, and longer tunnels.

Mark and David spend all year planning.

They look for new ideas and get feedback from the community too. Proud citizens of Cherokee County, they love how the exhibit has grown and that families create holiday traditions revolving around the exhibit. Mark shares, “I’m glad we can continue this huge light show in Cherokee County from year to year. We are looking forward to the fifth year of the event.”

All the while riders drive through the exhibit and witness the beautiful lights, they can tune into WLJA radio 101.1 FM for uninterrupted Christmas music.

WLJA is a popular gospel and classic country music station covering local news, weather, and sports. It broadcasts high school football every Friday night and follows the Atlanta Braves from opening day through post season. WLJA is an award-winning community-service station and a proud sponsor of Holiday Lights at Veterans Park. Mark and David report that many of the visitors they speak to heard about the display from listening to WLJA.

One ticket pays for a carload of happy holiday riders and gives back to the Cherokee County community.

Holiday Lights at Veterans Park benefits organizations such as Encompass Ministries, Cherokee Recreation and Parks, Skills USA, and various veterans’ charities throughout the community.

WLJA 101.1 FM is a sister company to Enjoy Media. Both companies are among the sponsors of the Holiday Lights display at the Cherokee County Veterans Park.

-STOP

❅ NEW LIGHT DISPLAYS & TREES! ❅ Two-miles of breath-taking Holiday Lights. ❅ Longer drive-through tunnels. ❅ Animated Christmas displays.

7345 Cumming Highway, Canton, Georgia | Brought to you by 112 Events

❅ NON

❅

s a m t s i r Ch usic M

Holiday Recipes Apple Herb Turkey Roulade

Gruyère Scalloped Potatoes

Cranberry Goat Cheese Crostini

Ingredients

Ingredients

Ingredients

1½ 3 2 ¼ ½ 1/3 ¼

3 1 4 1 1 1 2 1½

30 8 1 8 ¼ ½

pound turkey breast slices bread, torn into small crumbs tablespoons pine nuts onion, finely diced tablespoon thyme leaves apple, diced small cup melted butter Salt and pepper

pounds potatoes, thinly sliced head garlic, peeled and crushed tablespoons butter, thinly sliced teaspoon salt teaspoon pepper teaspoon fresh thyme cups Gruyère cheese, shredded cups half and half or whipping cream

Begin the Fun

Begin the Fun

1. Place torn breadcrumbs in a medium bowl.

2. Add pine nuts to a dry frying pan and heat until fragrant. Stir to prevent burning. Remove from pan and add to breadcrumbs.

3. Add some olive oil to the pan and sauté the onions a few minutes until they are translucent.

4. Add the onions, thyme, sage, and apple to the bowl with the breadcrumbs. Season and pour melted butter over all.

5. Mix well. Dressing should just stick together but not be pasty. If it seems a touch dry, add water by the teaspoon until it just sticks together.

6. To prepare the turkey breast, using a sharp knife, slice it almost in half starting at the right side. Be careful not to cut it all the way through and to keep the knife level, so the top and bottom are of equal thickness. Open the turkey breast and use a meat hammer to pound into an equal thickness all over.

7. Season with salt and pepper.

8. Pre-heat oven to 375º Fahrenheit.

9. Place stuffing on top of the breast and press it in.

10. Beginning at the short end, roll the turkey up.

Secure it in even rounds with cooking string.

11. Add more oil to the pan you used for the onions and sear the turkey roll on all sides, seasoning as you sear.

12. Place in a roaster or Dutch oven, cover, and bake for an hour or until turkey reaches 165º Fahrenheit.

13. Allow to stand five minutes, remove the string, and slice in rounds. Enjoy!

1. Preheat oven to 375º Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish, round baking dish, or large cast iron pan.

2. Layer butter at bottom of pan. Spread about 1/3 of the potato slices on top of the butter.

3. Top with 1/3 of the crushed garlic and 1/3 of the cheese.

4. Repeat two times with the remaining potatoes, garlic, and cheese.

5. Season the entire dish with salt and pepper.

6. Pour half and half or cream over the top layer.

7. Cover with foil and bake for thirty minutes.

8. Remove foil and bake for an additional twenty to thirty minutes or until potatoes are tender and top is golden.

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toasted crostini ounces goat cheese tablespoon fresh rosemary ounces fresh cranberries cup De Nigris balsamic vinegar cup honey, divided Salt and pepper to taste

Begin the Fun 1. Preheat oven to 400º Fahrenheit.

2. Crumble and mix goat cheese, salt, pepper, and ½ tablespoon rosemary.

3. Combine cranberries, balsamic vinegar, and ¼ cup honey in a small saucepan.

4. Heat over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until cranberries start to burst. Turn to low and simmer for ten to fifteen minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. Remove from heat and stir in the remaining ¼ cup of honey.

6. Spread goat cheese mixture on each crostini and place on a baking sheet. Save a couple tablespoons of goat cheese mixture for garnish.

7. Place in the oven for four to six minutes until cheese spread is warm.

8. Top each crostini with cranberry mixture. Sprinkle remaining goat cheese mixture and rosemary over top.

Serve and enjoy.

Holiday Antipasto Wreath

Ingredients 35 1 1 1 1 1

4-inch wooden skewers 6-ounce package thin-sliced salami pint cherry tomatoes 15-ounce jar quartered artichoke hearts (in water) 16-ounce jar sweet cherry peppers, drained, seeded, and halved 8-ounce container fresh mozzarella Pepperoncini Pitted olives, Kalamata or black Fresh basil Fresh rosemary sprigs Balsamic glaze for serving

S ho

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fo you r all of r Swe Holida et Tr y eats !

Pecan Pie Squares Ingredients Shortbread Crust 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour ¾ cup butter, unsalted, cold ½ cup sugar, granulated ¼ teaspoon salt

Begin the Fun

Filling 1/3 cup all-purpose flour ½ cup brown sugar, packed ½ teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon lemon zest 1 ½ cups dark corn syrup 4 large eggs 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 2 cups pecans, chopped

1. Preheat oven to 350º Fahrenheit. Spray a 9x13-inch baking pan with cooking spray and then line with parchment paper, but leave extra parchment paper hanging off the sides for easy lifting out.

Crust

2. Add all the crust ingredients to a large bowl, blend everything together until it resembles a dry, coarse meal. You can also use a food processor.

3. Transfer the crumb mixture to the prepared baking dish and press it down evenly into the bottom.

4. Place the pan into the oven and bake for about twenty minutes, until crust is set and dry on top, but isn’t yet browned. Let the crust cool completely before adding the filling.

Filling

5. In a large bowl, add the flour, brown sugar, and salt and whisk everything together to ensure there will be no lumps.

6. Add the lemon zest and whisk. Add the corn syrup, eggs, vanilla, and whisk until well combined.

7. Fold in the chopped pecans. Let mixture rest while the crust bakes and cools. During this time the mixture will thicken slightly.

8. When crust is cool, pour the pecan filling over the prepared crust and if needed, use a spatula to spread the pecans evenly.

9. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 40 to 50 minutes or until filling is set. To check if the filling is set, shake the pan. If the center is not wobbly, it is done.

10. Cool completely at room temperature and then place the pan in the fridge for several hours or overnight before cutting.

11. The next day use the parchment paper to lift the mixture from the pan and then cut into squares. Makes 24 pieces, depending on the size of the squares.

Begin the Fun 1. Arrange the ingredients in bowls.

2. Mix and match, threading a few onto skewers.

3. Place the skewers on a round platter in the shape of a wreath, layering two to three times.

4. Use small springs of rosemary and randomly tuck it into spots in the wreath for an elegant, real look.

Bananas + Beehives

Owner, Laurie Sutton

LAURIE'S PECAN PIE CAKE is four delectable layers of butter pecan cake with rich pecan pie filling spread evenly between each. The pecans give each bite a crunch that complements the sweetness of the fluffy cake. The cake is topped with butter pie crust in the shape of fall leaves and acorns, made of pie crust wrapped around pecans.

Where did you get the idea for this cake?

"My mom gave me this recipe years ago for Thanksgiving. We were trying to think of something a little different," Laurie shares. "I've kept it all these years since then and hope to share it with Cherokee County."

What is your favorite thing about owning a bakery?

"I get in my own little world when I bake. I love experimenting with what I make and learning the science behind baking," Laurie says. "It also used to be getting to eat the fails" she says. "But now I can't do that anymore." As far as owning a bakery, Laurie says she loves being a part of the community and making connections with people.

Do you have a favorite holiday memory?

Laurie reminisces on Christmases spent with family in her hometown in Louisiana. "We would get together and it was always loud, with lots of sangria flowing. Men would be in the living room watching the game, while the women sat around the table chatting for hours. It was always just good to spend time with family," Laurie says.

Laurie plans to offer charcuterie type boxes filled with various sweet treats for customers this holiday season. Given that the bakery makes many kinds of pastries, cookies, cakes, and more, Laurie wants to give people a taste of all their favorites. They will also offer cookie packages that customers can buy for businesses or as gifts.

Visit Bananas

+Beehives for your holiday sweet treats!

186 North Street, Downtown Canton | (770) 213-4586

Wednesday–Saturday, 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

[calendar of events]

November 2021

Photo courtesy of Mayberry Acres.

2

The Market at the Mill

3

Thanksgiving Food Drive Unwind Wednesday MUST Ministries 111 Brown Industrial Pkwy., Canton Weekdays 8:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

MUSTMinistries.org

Cherokee Recreation & Parks 7345 Cumming Hwy, Canton 5:30 – 8:00 p.m. | FREE PlayCherokee.org

First Wednesday

Storytime in the Park

Trivia

Drop off donations at November 4–January 2 Small Town: Small Works Cherokee Rec & Parks 7545 Main St., Ste 200, WDSTK Woodstock Arts

Tuesday Read the story on page 30!

Wednesday

4

Thursday

The Mill on Etowah 225 Reformation Pkwy, Canton 5:30 – 8:00 p.m. | FREE EtowahMill.com/TheMarket

Ball Ground Public Library 435 Old Canton Rd., Ball Ground 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | FREE SequoyahRegionalLibrary.org

5

Nov. 5, 6, 7, and 12, 13, 14

6

Nov. 6 and 7

Friday

Dog fight

Woodstock Arts 8534 Main St., WDSTK Various Times | $15.75 online, $20 at door WoodstockArts.org/Classes

Hugs in a Blanket

FoxTale Book Shoppe 105 E. Main St., Ste 138, WDSTK 6:30 p.m. | $35 FoxTaleBookShoppe.com

WDSTK Beer Market 240 Chambers St., WDSTK 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. | FREE VisitWoodstockGA.com/Events

Canton First Friday Downtown Canton 130 E Main St., Canton 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. | FREE CantonGA.gov

Taste & Brews Country Fest Mixtape Concert

Liberty Hill UMC 225 Reformation Pkwy., Canton 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. | FREE EtowahMill.com/Events

Donate Nov. 1 – Dec. 15

Parent's Night Out

Ink and Drink

Live Music at the Mill

The Band of Kelleys

Liberty Hill UMC 225 Reformation Pkwy, Canton 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. | $10/child EtowahMill.com/Events

Canton Theatre 171 E. Main St., Canton 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. | $28–$38 CantonGA.gov/Events

Board Game Night

The Market at the Mill

10

Bubbles and Bubbly

Kayaking for Veterans

11

Veterans Day Ceremony

12

Spring Garden Prep

13

Rope Mill Dirty Duathlon 'Tis the Season to be Green Storytime Live!

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Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

Saturday

Woodstock Public Library 7735 Main St., WDSTK 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. | FREE SequoyahRegionalLibrary.org Made Mercantile 8636 Main St., WDSTK 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. | $60/person MadeMercantile.com

Sunday

The Mill on Etowah 225 Reformation Pkwy, Canton 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. | FREE EtowahMill.com/Events

Master Gardeners 116 Brown Industrial Pkwy., Canton 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | FREE SequoyahRegionalLibrary.org

FoxTale Book Shoppe 105 E. Main St., Ste 138, WDSTK 6:30 p.m. | Purchase of book FoxTaleBookShoppe.com LIVE

Falany Performing Arts Center 7300 Reinhardt College Pkwy, Waleska 7:30 p.m. | $12.50 Reinhardt.edu/Falany/Tickets

Friday, Nov 12 Saturday, Nov 13 Sunday, Nov 14 Friday, Nov 19 Saturday, Nov 20 Sunday, Nov 21 Reinhardt.edu/Falany

Anything Goes

Falany Performing Arts Center 7300 Reinhardt College Pkwy, Waleska 3:00 & 7:30 p.m. | $12.50 Reinhardt.edu/Falany/Tickets City of WDSTK 230 Rope Mill Rd., WDSTK 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. | FREE VisitWoodstockGA.com/Events

Gallery Sessions

Georgia Players Guild Concert

Discovering Disc Golf

Friendsgiving

[www.EnjoyCherokee.com]

Falany Performing Arts Center 7300 Reinhardt College Pkwy, Waleska 7:30 p.m. | $25–$30 Reinhardt.edu/Falany/Tickets

PERFORMANCE

Cherokee County Aquatic Center 1200 Wellstar Way, Canton 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. | FREE PlayCherokee.org

SORBA Woodstock 690 Old Rope Mill Park Rd., WDSTK 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Entry fee varies SORBAWoodstock.org/Calendar

WDSTK Parks and Rec 105 E. Main St., WDSTK 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. | FREE WoodstockParksandRec.com

Made Mercantile 8636 Main St., WDSTK 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. | $50/person MadeMercantile.com

Leslie Hooten & Colleen Oakley University Jazz Ensemble

City of Woodstock 101 Arnold Mill Rd., WDSTK 7:00 p.m. | FREE VisitWoodstockGA.com/Events

Menagerie on Main 351 W. Main Street, Canton 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. | FREE MenagerieonMain.com

14

The Mill on Etowah 225 Reformation Pkwy, Canton 5:30 – 8:00 p.m. | FREE EtowahMill.com/TheMarket

As the weather gets chilly, let's remember those that need warm hugs the most. Residents of Cherokee County nursing centers will be all aglow when they receive new blankets and socks to help them snuggle through the winter.

734 Reeves St., WDSTK Open during business hours | FREE WoodstockArts.org/Events

City of Canton 600 Brown Industrial Pkwy, Canton 12:00 – 7:00 p.m. & 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

TasteandBrews.com

Saturday

48

Author Visit: Karen White

Glowball Golf Tournament Live Music at the Mill Towne Lake Rotary Club Foundation 1003 Towne Lake Hills E., WDSTK 5:00 – 10:00 p.m. | Tickets Available TowneLakeRotary.org WDSTK Parks & Recreation 101 Arnold Mill Rd., WDSTK 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | FREE WoodstockParksandRec.com

The Mill on Etowah 225 Reformation Pkwy, Canton 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. | FREE EtowahMill.com/Events

Local Author Expo

Sequoyah Regional Library 7735 Main St., WDSTK 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. | FREE SequoyahRegionalLibrary.org

Canton Theatre 171 East Main St., Canton 8:30 – 10:30 p.m. | $28–$39 GeorgiaPlayersGuild.com/Tour-Dates

Leaning Ladder Olive Oil 105 E. Main St., Suite 126, WDSTK 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. | $35/person LeaningLadderOliveOil.com

Canton's Got Talent

Local Church Canton 225 Reformation Pkwy, Canton 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. | FREE EtowahMill.com/Events

15: November for t n e Enrollme is OPEN ar ic Med

16

The Market at the Mill

17

Turkey Time Cooking Class Canton Tree Lighting

Tuesday

The Mill on Etowah 225 Reformation Pkwy, Canton 5:30 – 8:00 p.m. | FREE EtowahMill.com/TheMarket

WDSTK Through the Years Rose Creek Public Library 4476 Towne Lake Pkwy., WDSTK 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. | FREE SequoyahRegionalLibrary.org

Santa's Letters

Accepting letters to Santa from Nov. 1 to Dec. 6

Santa's return letters arrive on December 13.

Drop off letters at the Recreation Center: 7545 Main St., Building 200, WDSTK

Cherokee Rec & Parks 7545 Main St. Ste 200, WDSTK Ages 5–10: 4:15 – 5:30 p.m.; Ages 8–14: 6:00 – 7:15 p.m. | $35 PlayCherokee.org

City of Canton 130 E. Main St., Canton 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. | FREE CantonGA.gov

Holiday Sip + Shop

Festival of Trees

19

Parent’s Night Out

Wicks and Sips

Live Music at the Mill

iThink Improv Troupe

20

Christmas Market

Holiday Lights 5K

Live Music at the Mill

The Lasting Laugh

22

Veterans Meetup

Charlie Brown Thanksgiving

Wednesday Call theDobbs Agency Bonnie edicare! about M

18

Thursday Friday

Saturday

Monday

Downtown Woodstock Main St.,WDSTK 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. | $10/person VisitWoodstockGA.com Cherokee County Aquatic Center 1200 Wellstar Way, Canton 5:30 – 10:00 p.m. | $15/child PlayCherokee.org The Corner District 330 Gilmer Ferry Rd., Ball Ground 11:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. | FREE

Reformation Brewery Woodstock 105 Elm Street, WDSTK 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. | FREE ReformationBrewery.com

25

Saturday

The Mill on Etowah 225 Reformation Pkwy, Canton 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. | FREE EtowahMill.com/Events

Woodstock Arts 8534 Main St., WDSTK 8:00 p.m. | $8 online, $12 at door WoodstockArts.org/Events Woodstock Arts 8534 Main St., WDSTK 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. | $10 online, $14 at door WoodstockArts.org/Events

Woodstock Public Library 7735 Main St., WDSTK 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. | Teens in 6th–12th grade SequoyahRegionalLibrary.org

Canton Theatre 171 E. Main St., Canton 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. | FREE CantonGA.gov/Events

28 29

Santa Mail

Monday

Holiday Lights at Veterans Park 7345 Cumming Hwy, Canton 5:00 p.m. | $30–$35/runner FiveStarNTP.com/Main-Race-Calendar

The Mill on Etowah 225 Reformation Pkwy, Canton 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. | FREE EtowahMill.com/Events

White Christmas (Singalong)

Outdoor Worship

Sunday

Woodstock Candle Company 8636 Main St., WDSTK 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. | $60/person MadeMercantile.com

THANKSGIVING

Thursday

27

Sequoyah Regional Library 116 Brown Industrial Pkwy., Canton Open during library hours. | FREE SequoyahRegionalLibrary.org

REAL ICE SKATING at the MILL Nov. 26–Jan. 1 FRIDAY

NOVEMBER 26 Santa & Mrs. Claus “The Grinch” Movie

Liberty Hill UMC 225 Reformation Pkwy, Canton 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | FREE EtowahMill.com/Events WDSTK Parks & Recreation 105 E. Main St., WDSTK November 29 – December 12 | FREE WoodstockParksAndRec.com

2–6 pm 6:30 pm

SATURDAY

NOVEMBER 27

The Holiday Market 10 am–6 pm Santa & Mrs. Claus 5–9 pm Tree Lighting 7 pm

Woodstock Walkers Woodstock Parks & Rec 513 Neese Rd., WDSTK 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. | FREE WoodstockParksandRec.com

[www.EnjoyCherokee.com]

49

[calendar of events]

December 2021

Photo courtesy of Mayberry Acres.

1

Wednesday

December 2 – 23

Benefitting the Anna Crawford Children's Center 6688 Bells Ferry Rd., WDSTK 6:00 p.m. | $10 per person, ages 14+ HolidayLightsofHope.com

3

Parent’s Night Out

Christmas Carol March of the Toys for Tots A Woodstock Arts

4

Christmas Craft Fair

5

Holiday in the Park

Sunday

Cherokee Rec & Parks 7545 Main St., Ste 200, WDSTK 6:00 – 8:30 p.m. | $25 PlayCherokee.org Cherokee County Aquatic Center 1200 Wellstar Way, Canton 5:30 – 10:00 p.m. | $15/child PlayCherokee.org Timothy Lutheran Church 556 Arnold Mill Rd., WDSTK 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. | FREE @TLCWoodstock on Facebook Cherokee Rec & Parks 7345 Cumming Hwy., Canton 12:00 – 4:00 p.m. | Cost TBA PlayCherokee.org

Falany Performing Arts Center 7300 Reinhardt College Pkwy, Waleska 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. | Runs Dec. 2 – 5 Reinhardt.edu/Falany/Tickets City of Ball Ground Gilmer Ferry Rd., Ball Ground 7:00 p.m. | FREE MarchoftheToysParade.com

8534 Main St., WDSTK Runs Dec. 3 – 24 | 7:30 p.m.

Tickets $15.75 online, $20 at door WoodstockArts.org/Events

Christmas Parade

City of Holly Springs Holly Springs Pkwy., Holly Springs 1:30 p.m. | Free HollySpringsGA.us/About-Us/Events

Lights on the

Lake

Christmas Jubilee & Parade of Lights

Main St., WDSTK 5:30 p.m. | FREE VisitWoodstockGA.com/Events

10

A Christmas Carol

11

Woodstock Arts 8534 Main St., WDSTK Runs Dec. 3 – 24 | 7:30 p.m.

Tickets $15.75 online, $20 at door WoodstockArts.org/Events

Holiday DJ Party

Swim with the Grinch

Santa in the Gazebo

12

Parent’s Afternoon Out

Santa at the Falany PAC

The Polar Express

13

Santa's Letters

15

Santa's Calling

16

Holiday Cookie Crafting

iThink Improv Troupe

Trivia

17

Wreaths Across America

Parent’s Night Out

Santa in the Gazebo

Saturday Sunday Monday Wednesday Thursday Friday

Cherokee County Aquatic Center 1200 Wellstar Way, Canton 12:00 – 4:30 p.m. | $15/child PlayCherokee.org

Cherokee County Aquatic Center 1200 Wellstar Way, Canton 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | FREE PlayCherokee.org

Falany Performing Arts Center 7300 Reinhardt College Pkwy, Waleska 1:00 p.m. | FREE @FalanyPerformingArtsCenter on FB

Downtown Canton 130 E. Main St., Canton 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. | FREE CantonGA.gov/Events

Cherokee Rec & Parks 7545 Main St., Ste 200, WDSTK 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. | $55/person PlayCherokee.org

Georgia National Cemetery 1080 Veterans Cemetery Rd., Canton 9:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. | FREE GANationalCemetery.org

A Christmas Carol

Cherokee Theatre Company 171 E. Main St., Canton Dec. 4–5, 10–12, and 17–19 | Various Times CherokeeTheatre.org

Gallery Sessions

Menagerie on Main 351 W. Main Street, Canton 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. | Tickets available MenagerieOnMain.com

Falany Performing Arts Center 7300 Reinhardt College Pkwy, Waleska 1:00 p.m. | FREE @FalanyPerformingArtsCenter on FB DECEMBER 17 & 18

WREATH PLACEMENT

Cherokee Rec & Parks 7545 Main St., Ste 200, WDSTK Accepted Nov. 1 – Dec. 6 | FREE PlayCherokee.org Cherokee Rec & Parks 7545 Main St., Ste 200, WDSTK 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. | FREE PlayCherokee.org

First Baptist Woodstock 11905 Highway 92, WDSTK 6:00 p.m. | Ticket Cost Varies FBCWoodstock.com

This Christmas light show on the water will benefit the Calvary Children's Home in Cobb County for 2021. Viewers can observe the magical holiday parade at Gatewood Park or Cooper Branch #1 Boat Ramp in Cartersville. With lights from bow to stern on a variety of boats, this is unlike any other parade you've seen!

Downtown Canton Main St., Canton 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. | FREE CantonGA.gov

Tellus Science Museum 100 Tellus Dr., Cartersville 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Members FREE TellusMuseum.org

Gaither Christmas Tour

Saturday, December 4

Christmas in Canton

Friday

see pages 25 & 45

Holiday Lights of Hope

Christmas at Reinhardt

Saturday

Nov. 21-Dec. 31

t!

Don' t forgiee Dobbs n Call the Bon Agency.

Photos with Santa

Friday

Holiday Lights of Hope at Veteran’s Park

Liberty Hill UMC 225 Reformation Pkwy., Canton 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. | FREE EtowahMill.com/Events

2

Thursday

nrollment Medicareesdeay, Dec, 7! ends Tu

First Wednesday

Holiday Cookie Crafting Cherokee Rec & Parks 7545 Main St., Ste 200, WDSTK 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. | $55/person PlayCherokee.org

Woodstock Arts 8534 Main St., WDSTK 8:00 p.m. | $8 online, $12 at door WoodstockArts.org/Events Cherokee County Aquatic Center 1200 Wellstar Way, Canton 5:30 – 10:00 p.m. | $15/child PlayCherokee.org

©James Walters, GNCAC Volunteer

Woodstock Beer Market 240 Chambers St., WDSTK 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. | FREE @WoodstockBeerMarket on Facebook Downtown Canton 130 E. Main St., Canton 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. | FREE CantonGA.gov/Events

Assist Georgia National Cemetery Advisory Council in decorating all graves and cremation niches at Georgia National Cemetery this holiday season.

Memorializing nearly 18,000 patriots with a fresh wreath will cost $200,000.

DONATE TODAY

A $100 sponsorship provides 10 wreaths for national heroes.

50 [www.EnjoyCherokee.com]

A $30 sponsorship provides three wreaths for three heros.

A $15 sponsorship provides one wreath for one national hero.

GANationalCemetery.org Kindly send your name, address, and email with your tax-deductible donation to

Photo courtesy of Mayberry Acres.

18

Farm. Fresh. Market

Hiking Scavenger Hunt

22

Parent’s Afternoon Out

Kayaking for Veterans

23

Parent’s Afternoon Out

Trivia

27

Veterans Meetup

Saturday Wednesday Thursday

Monday

31

Friday

Downtown WDSTK Market St., WDSTK 8:30 a.m. – Noon (Every Sat.) | FREE VisitWoodstockGA.com Cherokee County Aquatic Center 1200 Wellstar Way, Canton 12:00 – 4:30 p.m. | $15/child PlayCherokee.org Cherokee County Aquatic Center 1200 Wellstar Way, Canton 12:00 – 4:30 p.m. | $15/child PlayCherokee.org

Cherokee County Parks & Rec 4466 E Bells Ferry Rd., Canton 10:00 a.m. | $10/participant PlayCherokee.org

Cherokee County Aquatic Center 1200 Wellstar Way, Canton 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. | FREE PlayCherokee.org

Woodstock Beer Market 240 Chambers St., WDSTK 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. | FREE @WoodstockBeerMarket on Facebook

Parent’s Afternoon Out Cherokee County Aquatic Center 1200 Wellstar Way, Canton 12:00 – 4:30 p.m. | $15/child PlayCherokee.org

Santa in the Gazebo Downtown Canton 130 E. Main St., Canton 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. | FREE CantonGA.gov/Events

Happy Holidays

Reformation Brewery Woodstock 105 Elm Street, WDSTK 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. | FREE ReformationBrewery.com

Happy New Year!

[www.EnjoyCherokee.com] 51

E TOWAH M ILL.COM FRIDAY

2–6 pm 6:30 pm SATURDAY

52

[www.EnjoyCherokee.com]

10 am–6 pm 5–9 pm 7 pm