Woodstock Family Life | April 2024

Woodstock’s Citizen-First Culture

By Mayor Michael Caldwell

Recently, I was asked to answer a question for an award that Woodstock was nominated for regarding how City staff and Woodstock’s elected officials prioritize listening to the community. Throughout my time as an elected public servant, I’ve held more open town hall meetings than any other elected official in Georgia, so this question felt near and dear to my heart.

As I endeavored to answer the question, I was happy to discover the many ways that our City officials and staff engage with the public, but I was most excited to rediscover the central role that collaboration plays in Woodstock’s ethos.

I’m often asked who we should credit for Woodstock’s outlier success. There is no shortage of great leaders past and present, but the truth is that our city is a communitydriven effort. It’s a bold, authentic, and collaborative venture between elected officials, business owners, citizens, and City staff to create a place that reflects the lives and passion of the incredible people who call Woodstock theirs.

Our leaders are focused on being public voices in Woodstock, and that only happens because listening is prioritized. The City of Woodstock’s 220 employees are stakeholder focused. I’m consistently amazed by the level of effort they put into serving and spending time with the public to better understand the vision that stakeholders have for the Woodstock of tomorrow.

Our Community Development Department has won myriad awards for planning efforts like the Livable Centers Initiative, Smart City planning efforts with Georgia Tech, and achieving platinum status with the Atlanta Regional Commission’s Green Communities program. The Department’s work to develop these plans always begins with public input — prioritizing in-person contact with constituents through organized events — and by spending time in venues throughout the city to solicit feedback.

Our police department has held a monthly “Coffee with a Cop” event for years, which is hosted by coffee shops throughout Woodstock, so residents can sip coffee with officers, ask questions, and share feedback. This informal opportunity allows citizens to get to know Woodstock’s officers and provides time for them to engage in important dialogue about the relationship between public safety and the public that isn’t driven by national headlines or social media feeds.

However, opportunities for the public to provide feedback are only productive if they have access to information. Woodstock’s GIS department answered this call by developing interactive mapping tools through which citizens can access information on all major transportation and development projects happening in the city. Gone are the days of

driving by a project site and wondering what it will become. The information is now just a few clicks away on WoodstockGa.gov.

Among the highest responsibilities of Woodstock’s government is the proper budgeting and stewarding of public finances. Unfortunately, government budgets are rarely intuitive or easily understood. So, every year, I leverage my monthly column in Woodstock Family Life to share a plain English summary of the budget, so everyone can see what is prioritized in Woodstock’s checkbook.

Each of these initiatives, and so many more, is evidence of a city focused on driving toward a community vision. Woodstock has become a vibrant regional destination and a national example of downtown revitalization while remaining organic and authentic. That’s because the city we see today is a product of the dreams and visions of its stakeholders. As long as our community makes collaboration a priority, tomorrow’s Woodstock is sure to be just as bright and vibrant.

Michael Caldwell is the mayor of the City of Woodstock. 678-523-8570. WoodstockGa.gov

Can You Stand the Rain?

Julie

If you’re a fan of ‘80s and ‘90s R&B music, you probably recognize the above lyrics, which were made famous in a song first recorded by New Edition in 1988 and again by Boys II Men in 1997. And since most of us have heard the saying, “April showers bring May flowers,” it seems like a fitting time to explore the metaphoric meaning of “rain/showers” in these instances.

While flowers certainly need rain to grow from seeds into beautiful blooms, if we equate rain with adversity, hard times, or uncomfortable situations, the same could be said for human beings. And though we must overcome difficult things to learn necessary lessons, it’s often our perspective during tough situations that can help or hinder the process of weathering life’s storms.

A friend of mine recently lost his dog of 14 years. During the last two years of his dog’s life, she went from being a 50 lb. lively animal that loved to go on long hikes, swim at the lake, and chase squirrels to eventually losing the use of one of her back legs and needing to be picked up and carried from place to place.

Though caring for his beloved dog became more demanding in the end, and losing her broke his heart, my friend said that the immeasurable amount of joy she brought to his life was “worth every challenge and every tear.”

When we choose to see the blessings in difficult times, it helps to shift our focus from pain or displeasure to gratitude. And, on a brighter note, we should also remember that flowers need plenty of sunshine to help them grow, too. So, may this spring bring lots of warm rays during the extended daylight hours, with just enough rain to help everything (and everyone) grow.

On a perfect day, I know that I can count on you When that’s not possible Tell me, can you weather the storm? Julie Senger, Editor-in-Chief

Steven

Calendar

APRIL

1-27

11th Annual Discover Woodstock Scavenger Hunt

Participants team up to gather photographic evidence of their journey through 100 different venues in Woodstock. FREE! Clue sheets can be downloaded online or picked up from the Woodstock Visitors Center. Downtown Woodstock. 770-924-0406. VisitWoodstockGa.com

1-5/26

Serving Up History

This exhibit illustrates historic foodways in Cherokee County and the broader South through cookbooks, recipes, kitchen implements, and food cultivation practices. 10:00am-5:00pm WednesdaysSaturdays and 12:00-5:00pm Sundays, Cherokee County History Center, 221 E. Marietta Street, Canton. 770-345-3288. HistoryCherokee.org

1-6/2

Exhibition: Life In Miniature — This exhibit is devoted to the tiny yet vast world of miniature art. These works occupy only a few inches of space, some of which are so tiny they can only be seen through a magnifying glass or microscope. Admission is FREE. Regular gallery hours, Reeves House Visual Arts Center, 734 Reeves Street, Woodstock. 678-494-4251. WoodstockArts.org

Woodstock Farm Fresh Market

Saturdays, 4/20-12/28, enjoy your hometown farmers market, featuring occasional chef demos from local restaurants. 8:30am-12:00pm, Market Street and Reformation Brewery’s backyard, Woodstock. 770-924-0406. VisitWoodstockGa.com

American Legion Post 316 South Cherokee County Meeting — Third Thursday of each month, 7:00pm, William G. Long Senior Center, 223 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock. 706-726-2754. ALPost316Ga.org

6 Woodstock Arts Lantern Series: Akropolis Reed Quintet

This band of five reed players and entrepreneurs is united by a shared passion: to make music that sparks joy and wonder. Tickets are $12-$200. 7:30pm, Woodstock Arts Event Green, 113 Elm Street, Woodstock. 678-494-4251. WoodstockArts.org

6, 27, & 5/4

Cherokee Master Gardeners Programs Vegetable and Fruit Gardening (4/6); Cut Flower Gardening (4/27); and Herbs, An Aromatic and Savory Harvest (5/4). $5.00 per person/class. 10:00am-12:00pm, Veterans Park, 7345 Cumming Highway, Canton. CherokeeMasterGardeners.com

12 WIT! – The Woodstock Arts Improv Troupe will have the audience rolling down the aisle with laughter! Tickets are $10-$14. 7:30pm, Woodstock Arts Theatre, 8534 Main Street, Woodstock. 678-494-4251. WoodstockArts.org

13 Homeland Security Stop the Bleed Course — Learn advanced first aid skills to help someone stop bleeding in the event of an emergency at this Homeland Security public course. FREE (donations accepted, $45 value). 1:30-3:00pm, Cherokee County Fire Station #23, 7625 Vaughn Road, Canton. 770-406-6657. V7.HFVA.org

14 Sensory Friendly Sunday

Designed for visitors with autism spectrum disorders and sensory sensitivities, museum-goers will experience the museum in a more sensory friendly way. 12:00-5:00pm, Cherokee County History Center, 221 E. Marietta Street, Canton. 770-345-3288. HistoryCherokee.org

14 Artist Meetup — Amateur and professional artists gather to discuss upcoming opportunities for artists at local galleries and art centers, share their work, ask for feedback, or just hang out. 2:00-4:00pm, Reeves House Gallery, 734 Reeves Street, Woodstock. 678-494-4251. WoodstockArts.org

13 AHA First Aid Course

Learn basic first aid skills to help someone in the event of an emergency at this American Heart Association certified First Aid course. FREE (donations accepted, $75 value). 9:00am-1:00pm, Cherokee County Fire Station #23, 7625 Vaughn Road, Canton. 770-406-6657. V7.HFVA.org

ONGOING

Marine Corps League Detachment 1311 Meeting — Third Saturday of each month, 9:30am, Rally Point Grille, 9770 Main Street, Woodstock. 561-213-5699. Harry123130@gmail.com

Cherokee Veterans Community Monthly Meeting — First Thursday of each month, 6:30-8:00pm, First Baptist Church Woodstock (“A” Building/ Chapel Building, Room A250), 11905 Highway 92, Woodstock. 678-570-5828. CherokeeVeteransCommunity.org

16 Hear, Here! Georgia Textile Trail — Join Heather Rodriguez and Jarrett Craft of the University of West Georgia’s Georgia Textile Heritage Trail to explore its path from Columbus to Canton’s own Roosterville and beyond. 7:00pm, 221 E. Marietta Street, Canton. 770-345-3288. HistoryCherokee.org

MilVet Meetup — First Monday of each month, 6:00-8:00pm, Reformation Brewery, 105 Elm Street, Woodstock. MilVetCommunity.com

Adults With Aging Parents Seminar

Third Thursday of each month, participants will learn about the array of senior services and resources available in the local community. FREE! 6:30pm, Covenant Presbyterian Church (Kapperman-Williams Hall), 2881 Canton Road, Marietta. CobbCherokee@acapcommunity.org, ACAPCcommunity.org/events

17

After Hours Spring Fling

Seniors are invited to enjoy music, games, a bonfire, and snacks! Membership is required, $5 sign-up fee. 4:00-6:00pm, William G. Long Senior Center, 223 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock. 678-445-6518. WoodstockParksAndRec.com

17 & 5/1 Fresh Start Mornings

This program features entrepreneurshipgeared educational discussions along with presentations from startups seeking crowd-sourced feedback on challenges they are facing as new business owners. FREE! 9:00am networking and 9:15am program begins; (4/17) Reformation Brewery, 225 Reformation Parkway, Suite 500, Canton; (5/1) The Circuit, 1 Innovation Way, Woodstock. 770-345-0600. CherokeeGa.org

19 Earth Day Recycling Event

Paper documents to be shredded, electronics, gardening containers, children’s car seats, athletic shoes, and aluminum cans will be collected for recycling. Visit the Chamber’s website for a complete list of recyclable items. Nominal fees will be charged for computer monitors and televisions. 1:00-4:00pm, Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce, 3605 Marietta Highway, Canton. 770-345-0400.

CherokeeChamber.com

13 Relay For Life of Cherokee County Community members take turns walking around a track in this fundraising event that benefits The American Cancer Society. 4:00-8:30pm, Etowah River Park, 600 Brown Industrial Parkway, Canton. ExploreCantonGa.com/events/relay-for-life-cherokee-county

19 Stand Up For Seniors Volunteer Aging Council’s (VAC) Fundraising Luncheon — Support VAC programs and get a delicious lunch for $10. All proceeds support local seniors and senior veterans.

11:30am-1:00pm, Cedarhurst of Canton, 3100 Hidden Valley Drive, Canton. VAC-CherokeeGa.org

20 AMPED in the Park With Strongside — This FREE monthly fitness series features a class taught by a local fitness expert. All workouts are fitness friendly (meaning you don’t have to be super fit to participate). Participants must register. 9:00am, Northside Hospital Cherokee Amphitheater, 103 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock. 770-592-6000 x1955. WoodstockParksAndRec.com

20 Greenstock Day Recycling & Paper Shredding Event — Let the Spring cleaning begin! FREE, but there is a cash-only fee for TV and monitor recycling. 9:00am-1:00pm, Woodstock ES, 230 Rope Mill Road, Woodstock. 770-517-6788. WoodstockParksAndRec.com

20 Storytime Live With Bluey

Enjoy a story, photos, and more! FREE! 11:00am, The Park at City Center gazebo, 101 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock. 770-592-6000 x1955. WoodstockParksAndRec.com

20 Woodstock Arts Lantern Series: The Lone Bellow — This Nashvillebased trio will perform their new album Love Songs for Losers. Tickets are $23-$400. 7:30pm, Woodstock Arts Event Green, 113 Elm Street, Woodstock. 678-494-4251. WoodstockArts.org

20 The Lasting Laugh — Hosted by Jessica It’s All Good, this comedy event features Atlanta’s favorite comics for a family friendly show. Tickets are $10-$14. 7:30pm, Woodstock Arts Theatre, 8534 Main Street, Woodstock. 678-494-4251. WoodstockArts.org

Community Yoga Classes

Mondays, 10:00-11:00am, The WREC, 7545 Main Street, Building 200, Woodstock. PlayCherokee.org

Local’s Night — First Friday of each month, 6:00-9:00pm, The Reeves House, 734 Reeves Street, Woodstock. 678-494-4251. WoodstockArts.org

YPOW AM — Thursdays, 7:00-8:30am, The Circuit, 1 Innovation Way, Woodstock. 770-592-6056. InWdstk.org

Second and fourth Thursdays of each month, 10:30am, Hickory Flat United Methodist Church, 4056 East Cherokee Drive, Canton. 770-345-5969.

Second Thursday of each month, 11:00am1:00pm, Little River United Methodist Church, 12455 Highway 92, Woodstock. 615-293-1670.

[continued on page 8]

The G.O.D. Squad (Grandparents On Duty)

Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group

LIBRARY EVENTS

LIBRARY EVENTS Calendar

SequoyahRegionalLibrary.org

ROSE CREEK

4476 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock 770-591-1491

WOODSTOCK

7735 Main Street, Woodstock 770-926-5859

VEGETABLE GARDENING SUCCESS

April 9, 6:00pm, Woodstock

Receive the best tips and tricks on successful vegetable gardening in the spring and fall from Master Gardener Stacy Ellis. Adults only, please.

YOGA AT THE LIBRARY

April 13, 11:00am, Woodstock

Yoga instructor Michael Wakefield will guide you to a state of total relaxation in this free, hour-long Vinyasa yoga session. Please bring your own mat and any equipment you need (blankets, blocks, etc.). Adults only, please.

STORYTIME WITH A GARDENER

April 17, 10:30am, Rose Creek

Rebekah Gibson from SEEd, LLC, will read an agriculturethemed book and provide a fun activity. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

AFTERNOON AT THE GALLERY

April 23, 1:00pm, Reeves House Visual Art Center (734 Reeves Street, Woodstock)

Join library staff at the Reeves House Visual Art Center for a unique, art-filled afternoon. Adults only, registration is required.

FARM BUREAU VISIT

April 24, 10:30am, Rose Creek

Join a Farm Bureau representative for storytime and a craft. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

continued from

20-21 Citywide Yard Sale Reuse, repurpose, recycle, rethink, reduce! Spring clean the environmental way! Have your sale advertised for free; visit the website for details. Times will vary by participating home/business. 770-517-6788. WoodstockParksAndRec.com

24

Downtown Woodstock Walking Tour — On the last Thursday of the month, April through October, guided tours will be offered, and each month’s walk will cover a unique topic such as the history of the area, public art, or weird and unusual downtown facts. $5 per person. 6:00-7:30pm (a new tour starts every half hour), Woodstock Visitors Center, 8588 Main Street, Woodstock. 770-924-0406. VisitWoodstockGa.com

24

What’s Up Wednesdays

This monthly program is designed for children between the ages of 3-7. 11:00am, Cherokee County History Center, 221 E. Marietta Street, Canton. 770-345-3288. HistoryCherokee.org

26

Jazz Night — Sway to some live Jazz music and unwind for the weekend with a glass of wine in hand. 6:00-9:00pm, The Reeves House Garden, 734 Reeves Street, Woodstock. 678-494-4251. WoodstockArts.org

WOODSTOCK BOOK CLUB

April 27, 10:30am, Reformation Brewery (105 Elm Street, Woodstock)

Discover new books and meet new friends!

This month’s book is Leave the World Behind by Rumaan Alam. All adult readers are welcome.

26

Cornhole Under the Lights

Enjoy cornhole under the lights with friends, $25 per person to enter. 6:00pm boards down and 7:00pm bags fly, American Legion Post 45, 160 McClure Street, Canton. 678-689-8149.

Facebook.com/LegionPost45Canton

26-5/12

One Man

Two Guvnors

Fired from his skiffle band, Francis Henshall becomes assistant to Roscoe Crabbe, a small-time East End hood, now in Brighton to collect £6,000 from the dad of his fiancée. Tickets are $19-$23. 7:30pm Fridays/Saturdays and 2:30pm Sundays, Woodstock Arts Theatre, 8534 Main Street, Woodstock. 678-494-4251. WoodstockArts.org

27 AHA CPR/AED Course

Learn the basic lifesaving skills of CPR and how to use an AED to help someone in the event of an emergency at this American Heart Association-certified course. FREE (donations accepted, $75 value). 9:00am-1:00pm, Cherokee County Fire Station #23, 7625 Vaughn Road, Canton. 770-406-6657. V7.HFVA.org

21-27

National Crime Victims’ Rights Week — This week-long event is a call to action to offer support, services, and hope to those who are victimized by crime. During the week, communities across the country honor crime victims and survivors, recognize individuals who provide services, and raise awareness about crime victims’ rights. The 2024 theme is “How would you help?” OJP.gov

28-30

Peaberry Film Festival — This event replaces the former Etowah Film Festival and will screen national and international films, connecting filmmakers and audiences. The festival will also connect filmmakers to the government resources available to them, specifically as it pertains to location scouting. Tickets are $20-$50. Please visit the website for event times. Canton Theatre, 171 E. Main Street, Canton. PeaberryFest.org

30

Tuesdays in the Park — Enjoy an evening in the park. The Children’s Entrepreneur Market will also be at the event selling crafts and goodies. 5:00-8:00pm, JJ Biello Park (the valley playground), 175 Brooke Boulevard, Woodstock. 770-924-7768. PlayCherokee.org

MAY

2 Get Down and Derby Gala — Enjoy dinner, drinks, live music, a silent auction, and a Derby “Lineup” competition at this Stand Up for Seniors fundraising event. $75 per person. 6:00-9:00pm, Timbers on Etowah, 225 Reformation Parkway, Suite 202, Canton. VAC-CherokeeGa.org

2-30

Brown Bag Concert Series — Each Thursday in May, a local musician or musicians will play an hour-long FREE concert to enjoy during your lunch break. 12:00pm, The Park at City Center gazebo, 101 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock. 770-592-6000 x1955. WoodstockParksAndRec.com

4 Storytime Live With Darth Vader Enjoy a story, photos, and more! FREE! 11:00am, The Park at City Center gazebo, 101 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock. 770-592-6000 x1955. WoodstockParksAndRec.com

4 Quatro de Mayo Pub Crawl — Celebrate Cinco de Mayo a day early with a festive, fun-filled pub crawl throughout downtown Woodstock. 2:00-6:00pm, downtown Woodstock. 770-924-0406. VisitWoodstockGa.com

4 21st Annual Kentucky Derby Day — Enjoy History Cherokee’s signature fundraising event, supporting all historic preservation and education programs for the society. Gather to watch the race, sip mint juleps, and dine on gourmet food. Ladies are encouraged to wear their finest chapeaux to qualify for entry in the Hat Contest. There will also be a pony pull and a silent auction. Visit the website for tickets. 4:30-7:30pm, The Mill on Etowah, 225 Reformation Parkway, Canton. 770-345-3288. HistoryCherokee.org

Woodstock City Council Adopts New Mission, Vision, and Values

Following an annual retreat held in Greenville, South Carolina, Woodstock's elected officials recently approved a resolution to formally adopt a mission and vision statement for the City of Woodstock.

Deputy City Manager Coty Thigpen said, "When Woodstock Chief Information Officer Katy Leggett and I led City leaders in a strategic planning process at our recent retreat, our goal was to come out of those sessions with a mission and vision statement as well as core values that we all agreed upon. We accomplished that in a very collaborative way, which is true to the values of our organization."

The mission statement for the City of Woodstock is “Building a city that feels like home.” The vision is “Boldly pursuing what's next to build a thriving community.” The core values are “Bold, Collaborative, and Authentic.”

The motion passed four to zero with Council Members Brian Wolfe and Rob Usher absent from the meeting.

Upon approval of the resolution, Mayor Michael Caldwell said, "Congratulations to the whole City of Woodstock team. We have a brand new mission and vision, and I'm excited for what's next."

Commissioners Approve Concept Plan for Future Hickory Flat Park

In April 2022, Cherokee County purchased about 40 acres for a future park in Hickory Flat and engaged Lose Design to prepare a concept plan. County officials and Lose Design held three public input meetings and online public engagement during the process, yielding feedback from area residents.

The concept for the park, located on East Cherokee Drive in the heart of Hickory Flat, shows plans for an open lawn area, recreation center, concessions and restroom building, a multi-purpose field complex, paved trail network, dog park, playground, interactive fountain, community garden, and 12 pickleball courts with spectator seating. Plans for the recreation center show a gymnasium, indoor walking track, fitness center, classrooms, meeting rooms, and administrative offices.

The Children’s Haven Raises Funds at 70s Prom Event

The Children’s Haven recently held their 3rd Annual Adult Prom fundraising event, and this year’s theme was a throwback to the 70s. Nearly 200 guests attended, dressed in groovy costumes from hippie to glam prom wear. The event raises much-needed funds for the nonprofit’s support and prevention programs for children in foster care and families facing challenges in our community.

The evening included dancing, a silent auction, a live auction, and a wine pull. Chris and Amber Harden were crowned this year’s Prom King and Queen for helping to raise funds and awareness for the needs and the work of The

The dog park is expected to feature shaded structures, bench seating, and a water fountain with a dog water bowl. The open lawn is a place for families and friends to gather for picnics and enjoy each other’s company. It will also feature a playground, pavilions, splash pad, ADA loop trail, and a restroom building.

The multi-purpose field complex is expected to feature two 300-foot baseball diamonds, four 215-foot baseball diamonds, two rectangular sports fields, pavilions, and restrooms.

The project will be phased in in three segments with a total expected cost of $43.3 million. The first phase is estimated at $15.9 million, the second phase at $9.7 million, and the third phase at $17.8 million. The next steps for the project include identifying funding and establishing a development timeline.

Children’s Haven. Chad and Rachel Davis and Gregg and Heather Shelton were also on the prom court for providing muchappreciated support.

Funds from this year’s event will support these specific Children’s Haven programs: Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), the WellStar Family Visitation Center, Prevent Child Abuse Cherokee, and the Chin Up mentorship program.

To learn more about The Children’s Haven or to get involved, please visit CherokeeChildrensHaven.org.

Cherokee County School District Announcements

New Class of Educators Inducted Into Hall of Fame

The CCSD Educators Hall of Fame recognizes retired educators who made significant contributions during their careers in CCSD and left lasting positive impacts on the lives of students, colleagues, and the community. The Class of 2024 inductees are Letitia Cline, Marguerite Cline, Jackie Hopkins, Pete Jones, and the late Lee R. Tippens.

Woodstock Fire Department Deploys New AEDs

The Woodstock Fire Department (WFD) has deployed five additional automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in each of the fire department staff vehicles. With the addition of the five new devices, every vehicle in the WFD’s fleet is now equipped with an AED.

The devices were purchased with funds received from a national opioid settlement. The State of Georgia opted into national opioid settlements in 2022. Local governments also had an opportunity to join in to help address the effects of the opioid crisis.

“When every vehicle in our fleet is equipped with this lifesaving device, the Woodstock Fire Department’s ability to provide crucial Basic Life Support (BSL) to those experiencing cardiac emergencies in our city will be greatly enhanced,” said Woodstock Fire Chief Shane Dobson.

In 2023, WFD responded to 6,817 calls for service. Woodstock firefighter/EMTs provide standby emergency medical services for events in the community such as the Woodstock Summer Concert Series, high school sporting events, and community 5Ks.

For more information about the WFD and its services, visit WoodstockGa.com/fire. To learn more about WFD job opportunities, visit WoodstockGa.gov/jobs.

Superintendent Davis Begins Her New Role

Dr. Mary Elizabeth Davis, CCSD’s freshly hired superintendent of schools started her new role last month by visiting schools and meeting students, teachers and staff, families, and community partners.

“My commitment to education extends beyond a career choice — it is a profound dedication to creating environments where students thrive, educators are empowered, leaders excel, support staff make significant impacts, and families confidently invest their trust,” said Davis in her statement to the community upon accepting the position.

Members of the Woodstock Fire Department hold the newly deployed AEDs.

Education Gala Fundraising Success and Alumni of the Year Winners Announced

This year’s 70s-themed Cherokee County Education Foundation (CCEF) black tie event drew a record crowd of more than 400 attendees and raised just over $200,000 for Classroom Impact Grants, which benefit students, classrooms, teachers, and staff in the Cherokee County School District (CCSD).

The community supported the CCEF through the purchase of tables to attend the event as well as donations for the silent auction, which featured sports memorabilia, jewelry, travel opportunities, and original works of art.

The evening began with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres as well as performances by local musicians Ethan Senger and Kurt Lee

CATS Launches

Micro-Transit, Rebrands

Cherokee Area Transit Service (CATS) has undergone changes including a more efficient service for riders, a new look, and an updated name. Previously, CATS offered Fixed Route and Demand Response services. Fixed Route ran on a standard schedule, while Demand Response allowed riders to schedule their transportation ahead of time.

“The traditional fixed route system is being replaced with micro-transit, which translates to shorter wait times and a larger service area for our riders. While this is a pilot program to replace the former fixed route system in Canton, the plan is to further expand micro-transit to other areas of the county in the future,” said Transit Director Greg Powell.

The current micro-transit service area expanded on the area previously served by the former Canton fixed routes. It is generally in the Canton area with the northernmost point being the Chattahoochee Tech campus on Bluffs Parkway extending south to the Holly

Wheeler. Guests were then treated to dinner and a concert by Beatles tribute band the Liverpool Legends.

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the 2024 Alumni of the Year awards to businessman and philanthropist Ken White, Cherokee High School class of 1959, and Dr. Susan Padgett-Harrison, Cherokee High School class of 1970. Both

Springs Walmart at Exit 14. It stretches from the Canton Marketplace shopping center to Knox Elementary on Highway 20 west of Canton. The service area includes downtown Canton, the Laurel Canyon Village shopping center on Reinhardt College Parkway, the Riverstone Parkway area, Northside Hospital Cherokee, Empower Cherokee, the Cherokee County Senior Center, the Cherokee County Health Department, and the Cherokee County DFCS office on Univeter Road.

Fares will remain unchanged from the October 2023 update. General fare is $2 per person for 0-5 miles and an additional $1 for more than 5 miles. Reduced fares, which apply to seniors ages 60 and older, veterans, and Medicare/Medicaid cardholders, are $1 per person per trip for up to 5 miles and an additional $1 for anything over 5 miles. Children ages 15 and younger ride free.

Cherokee County partnered with Ecolane USA last September to purchase the software for both micro-transit and Demand Response, which services all of Cherokee County. The CATS micro-transit app operates much like private rideshare company models but for public transit systems. The Board of Commissioners approved the purchase, totaling $487,058 over five years. The Federal Transit Authority pays 80%, and the county pays

winners have made significant contributions to the Cherokee County community, making it a better place for all to live, work, and play.

Retiring Cherokee County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower was also honored.

For more information, visit CherokeeeCountyEducationalFoundation.org.

20% for the first year. For the following four years, the cost is split 50-50.

Micro-transit not only streamlines the process for riders, but it also gives them access to the GPS location of their bus, so they will be less likely to miss their ride. Additionally, trip reminder notifications will provide a friendly nudge for people to cancel their rides if they no longer need them, and residents can schedule their rides even if the CATS dispatch office is closed for the day.

Residents can download the app from the App Store and Google Play store. Simply search “Cherokee Area Transit Service.”

In addition to the launch of microtransit, CATS is getting a new look and an updated name to better reflect the operation. Over the next several months, riders will begin to see the new look on the CATS fleet and signage.

For more information, call (770) 345-6238 Monday-Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm.

DON’T JUGGLE OR STRUGGLE

Neighborly Home Service Companies Provide a One-Stop-Shop This Spring

By Jennifer Paire

Springtime is “go time” when it comes to updating and refreshing homes.

It’s enough to give any homeowner spring fever: excitement for renewed living spaces and anxiety over making repairs, scheduling maintenance, and enhancing living spaces.

Enter locally owned and operated companies Molly Maid, Mr. Handyman, and Five Star Painting, all part of Neighborly, the world’s largest home service organization known for connecting consumers with local experts and backing their work with the Neighborly

Done Right Promise — “If the job’s not done right, we’ll make it right.”

Supported by an app that streamlines searches for providers, Neighborly’s network includes more than 30 brands and 5,000 franchises that serve more than 12 million customers in six countries. From top to bottom, Neighborly company employees are vetted with background checks and drug tests.

Living out Neighborly’s motto, “Your Hub for Home Services,” owners Jim Lang, David Thompson, and Dan McMillan have teamed up locally to fix, maintain, and refresh homes throughout Cherokee County.

FIVE STAR PAINTING

This award-winning painting franchise is creating a stir among clients locally and peers nationally.

Five Star Painting of Woodstock and Kennesaw was voted “Best Painting” company in Family Life Magazine’s Best of Life 2024 contest for the fourth year in a row. The honor comes on the heels of top recognition by the franchise. Owner Dan McMillan was named 2023’s Franchise of the Year out of more than 220 territories in the United States and Canada.

“The main value our clients get from Five Star Painting is a positive experience from the time they engage for an appointment all the way through payment,” said McMillan, citing the company’s satisfaction guarantee. “If we encounter a challenge, we work hard to find a way to make things right for the customer. We feel this is a true differentiator for us versus our competition.”

Five Star’s services include repainting interiors, exteriors, decks, fences, and kitchen cabinets for both residential and commercial properties. If the area is scoped for painting, the company repairs any damaged or rotten wood and offers a two-year written warranty on workmanship.

“The first step in evaluating a painting project is to have our estimator measure the structure and utilize a proprietary software system to generate an on-site quote. Once complete, our estimator will review the quote with the customer and answer questions. During this review, we explain techniques, coating options, and maintenance strategies, which can extend the life of the painting job,” said McMillan."

Once a job is scheduled, clients receive an introduction to their project manager whose daily oversight ensures a five-star experience.

“Having project managers is a big differentiator for us,” McMillan said. “We don’t ask for any deposits up front,

(L-R) James Lang, owner of Molly Maid; David Thompson, owner of Mr. Handyman; and Dan McMillan, owner of Five Star Painting

we just ask for prompt payment at the end of the job when the project manager has walked the job with the customer to ensure satisfaction.”

Five Star Painting is fully insured and uses premium coating products manufactured by Sherwin Williams, Benjamin Moore, and PPG.

Five Star can be found in commercial projects as well including fire stations, churches, offices, and schools. The company recently painted the City Hall in Acworth and the Apple Store Break Room at Cumberland Mall in Atlanta.

MOLLY MAID

Molly Maid of Cherokee County, Kennesaw, and Marietta offers a family friendly culture for customers and employees alike. Some of Molly Maid’s cleaning teams have served the same families for more than 15 years in all phases of life.

“We work very hard at consistency in staffing, and we treat people well,” said owner Jim Lang. “Several of our employees have been with our company greater than 10 years, and when we gather and hear staff talk about their customers, you know it’s genuine and not fake. What impresses me most is how personal these relationships become.”

Molly Maid offers free in-home quotes for services, and often it is Lang who goes into homes to determine which customized services are needed. Both recurring cleanings and occasional or one-time cleanings are options. He anticipates

Five Star Painting believes strongly in supporting the community and contributes to Must Ministries. Specifically, they offer a $50 discount to customers who donate new socks and/or underwear to Must during their painting projects.

Whether homeowners are planning to list their homes this spring or not, a fresh coat of paint breathes new life into any space.

Please call Five Star Painting to schedule an estimate or for more information.

404-969-4602 • FiveStarPainting.com

an uptick in move-in and move-out cleanings, as homeowners plan to list homes for sale when school ends in May.

“Most will need service on a biweekly basis and want the entire house cleaned. However, when the kids get older and go off to college, needs change,” Lang explained. Molly Maid excels at customizing a cleaning plan for individual households. “Maybe a homeowner wants their main floor cleaned regularly, but every other time they want the upstairs cleaned. Everyone is different, and customization is where we are able to add additional value and develop longterm relationships.”

The importance of the relationships between Molly Maid staff and customers cannot be underestimated.

“Our cleaners become part of their customers’ families. They see children entering the world, being raised, along with all the family milestones,” said Lang.

Once on the schedule, cleaning reminders are automated and notify customers two days before their scheduled cleaning. Molly Maid’s more than 24 full-time employees work weekday hours, arriving in uniforms and the company’s well-known Molly Maid cars, which are fully stocked with cleaning supplies.

“Our teams focus on coming in and doing quality work,” Lang said. “Along with cleaning, we are a big help to our

customers. As the population ages, we find people rely on us. We become a ‘have-to-have’ service versus a ‘niceto-have service.’ There are some things they cannot do, and I think people truly appreciate the efforts of our cleaning teams. They go above and beyond.”

As part of Neighborly’s “Done Right Promise,” Molly Maid offers a 24-hour warranty on all services. If a homeowner is not satisfied, they can call within 24 hours and have the affected area cleaned again.

“We want to make it right,” Lang assured.

A portion of each cleaning fee is donated to the Cherokee Family Violence Center through the Ms. Molly Foundation. In addition to aiding the Cherokee Family Violence Center, Molly Maid also backs cancer support programs through the local nonprofit Gathering of Friends.

“Unfortunately, I run into this so much out in the field,” Lang shared. “I mention these organizations, and it’s heartbreaking to hear, ‘I was a victim, thank you so much for doing that,’ and it makes you feel very good. Who doesn’t know someone who has been affected by cancer?”

For more information or to schedule a free in-home quote, please give Molly Maid a call.

770-926-0036 • MollyMaid.com

MR. HANDYMAN

As March weather breaks up winter’s dreary hold on Cherokee County, homeowners dream about spending warmer days in their outdoor spaces.

“That’s when people start thinking about their decks and getting ready for summertime,” said David Thompson, a veteran and owner of Mr. Handyman of Canton and Woodstock. “And people are thinking about anything that has occurred or that they’ve noticed over the winter that needs fixing.”

Thompson’s team of five technicians, each with at least 10 years of experience and cumulatively a whopping 100-plus years helping homeowners, are prepared to help.

“We can pressure wash, get decks stained, and get them fixed,” added Thompson, noting Mr. Handyman will get lots of calls for interior services, too, such as repairing water leaks, updating bathroom and kitchen fixtures, installing or painting cabinets, and hanging new televisions.

Mr. Handyman offers its services to local homeowners and businesses alike — the company recently changed about 70 light bulbs for the Books-A-Million store in Canton. The lion’s share of requests come from homeowners looking for anything from furniture assembly and minor home repairs to exterior and interior remodeling. Services are vast and include carpentry, painting, window and door repairs, drywall repairs and finishing, stair installations, plumbing repairs, and caulking services.

“In the handyman industry, you will get requests all over the place, especially here in the Woodstock and Canton areas,” Thompson said. “A lot of homes — mostly in Towne Lake, Eagle Watch, BridgeMill, River Green, Great Sky, Laurel Canyon, and Harmony on the Lakes — those communities are 20 and 30 years old, and they are starting to need some TLC.

We get a lot of requests for wood siding, and many times it needs replacing.”

“Also, I recently received the Senior Home Safety Specialist certification and became a Grab Bar Training graduate,” Thompson added. “This training is focused on those seniors who want to safely stay in their own home for as long as possible.”

A logistics consultant to large corporations by trade, Thompson says he has learned many things as a Mr. Handyman franchise owner. More than half of his customers are women, making Mr. Handyman’s commitment to transparency and safety more relevant than ever.

“Everything we do is paperless and contactless with the use of a smartphone and iPads,” he explained. “When we schedule a technician, the customer receives a message confirming the appointment with a photo of the technician. We want to make sure they have a warm and fuzzy feeling from a safety perspective, that the person coming to their door is a trustworthy individual.”

Mr. Handyman’s techs are full-time employees, and the company does not subcontract. Like those of other Neighborly companies, employees must pass background checks and drug screenings and have proven driving records before they are hired.

Depending on the scope of work, Mr. Handyman’s friendly office staff typically offers quotes over the phone. When on-site quotes are necessary, the handymen come equipped with an iPad to take measurements and calculate costs in person. Mr. Handyman employees wear uniforms and drive company trucks equipped to handle 99% of any client’s needs, and they bring along Neighborly’s satisfaction guarantee.

“One project we’ve been getting a lot of positive feedback on is wainscoting or shadow boxing in homes,” Thompson said, referring to a combination of decorative boards or panels and molding that extend partway up a wall’s face. “It’s decorative and it looks very nice.”

For more information or to obtain a quote, please call Mr. Handyman. 404-301-8848

Get Your Smile Ready To Welcome Your New Baby

By Steven Anderson, DMD

[Healthy Life] Preparation for good oral health during pregnancy starts with a dental exam. Many dentists are experienced in treating pregnant patients. Extra precautions are employed to help mom feel comfortable and to protect the unborn baby.

If you have not seen your dentist prior to getting pregnant, a routine checkup and cleaning should be scheduled during pregnancy. If possible, tooth decay and other oral diseases should be treated immediately. Active oral disease will progress during this time, so resolving any problems quickly will help avoid extensive and potentially painful treatments once your newborn arrives.

With the advances of modern digital technology, necessary dental X-rays are considered safe because the radiation is so low, and the focus is the tooth or jaw – not the uterus. Your dentist can also provide a lead apron to further protect the abdominal area and ease your concern.

A good time to schedule your dental visit is during your second trimester. In the second trimester, the baby has moved beyond the critical early organ development stages and into body development. Often, nausea or other discomforts have passed, and mothers are more physically prepared to receive dental work. Review and consider necessary treatments only. Listen closely to your trusted dentist and make decisions together.

Drugs, Dentistry, and Pregnancy

Some medications can affect the developing baby. In dentistry, there are very few routinely used drugs that could potentially be harmful. Overdoses or chronic use are the primary concerns. Antibiotics, pain medicine, and anesthetics are carefully considered when needed. Your dentist should take precautions and discuss any specific drug concerns with you and/or your obstetrician.

Having a child is one of life’s most rewarding experiences, and keeping your teeth healthy before, during, and after pregnancy allows you to truly enjoy this wonderful time. After all, great dentistry is all about you, so you can be better prepared to care for your newborn. L

UPCOMING ELECTIONS Voting Information

By State Senator Kay Kirkpatrick, MD

By the time you read this, the legislative session will be over for this year. We are accomplishing some great things related to taxes, education, healthcare, child welfare, and many other important topics. I am particularly proud of the work we are doing on behalf of kids in the foster care system.

Many state representatives, senators, and congressional representatives who want to hold onto their seats are running for reelection this year, so they are currently busy campaigning. Since this is also a presidential election year, you can expect to be bombarded with campaign ads.

Here are some important dates to mark on your calendar:

• May 21 — Primary Election

• June 18 — Primary Runoff

• November 5 — General Election

• December 3 — General Election Runoff

Early voting is typically three weeks before the actual election date (two weeks before runoff elections).

To be eligible to vote in all these upcoming elections, you must register to vote now. In-person voting, early in-person voting, and absentee ballot voting are all available options in Georgia. If you choose not to vote, you are giving up your most important way to influence policy decisions at all levels.

Most people running for public office are doing it as an opportunity to serve. Even in primary elections, where things can get contentious within the same party, I am hopeful that candidates and supporters will follow the Golden Rule, treating others the way they want to be treated.

Cherokee is an amazing county that has been blessed with quality leadership for many years. As the population grows, there will be headwinds related to traffic, crime, development, and quality of life. This has happened in other counties, and it has changed the politics as well as the priorities. Thoughtful and effective leadership will become even more important, as we rise to meet the challenges that could impact Cherokee over the next few years.

For more complete information on voting in Georgia, please visit MVP.SOS.Ga.gov. Meanwhile, your elected officials are still working, even while we are not under the Gold Dome. For assistance or more information, please contact me at Kay.Kirkpatrick@senate.ga.gov or call 404-656-3932.

Kay Kirkpatrick, MD, represents District 32, which includes Canton and Woodstock. 404-656-3932. SenatorKayKirkpatrick.com

Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake

Public Safety

NATIONAL CRIME VICTIMS’ RIGHTS WEEK: Meet Parker

By District Attorney Susan K. Treadaway

Providing a multitude of services to crime victims is the core of any effective prosecution unit. That’s why when I first learned of courthouse canines, I knew that someday I wanted one for our team.

“Someday” came last fall when we were introduced to Parker, a puppy at Tails of Hope, a nonprofit organization that provides training and support for service dogs. Parker was perfect for our team and pretty much hired on the spot. Parker has the unique ability to quietly listen, provide a calm presence, and console someone who is going through a traumatic experience.

Many people who come to our office are dealing with trouble beyond human understanding, and a sensitive, welltrained staff member like Parker knows just how to comfort them.

Parker and his handler, Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney Rachel Ashe of the Domestic Violence Unit, have attended ongoing classes on everything from advanced obedience to specific tasks typically performed by service animals. In October 2023, Parker obtained the AKC Good Citizen certification. In January, he completed a twopart training class on advanced obedience.

He has mastered deep pressure therapy and is now working on behavior interruptions for anxiety. These skills are important since many individuals experience anxiety and stress while navigating the criminal justice system.

Every day, Parker works with our entire staff to deliver support and comfort, relieve stress, and bring joy wherever his four legs take him. He has also become quite popular with courthouse personnel including the Cherokee Sheriff’s Office deputies, bailiffs, defense attorneys, judges, staff in other departments, visitors, and pretty much anyone else he encounters.

While Parker travels through the courthouse, he occasionally stops to interact with children and families, allowing a pet and offering a paw. He brings happiness to people who are likely dealing with incredibly stressful situations.

His main purpose, however, is to serve vulnerable individuals victimized by felony crimes in Cherokee County.

In the past few months, Parker has demonstrated a propensity for understanding exactly what a victim needs. He recently sat with a traumatized young woman when the jury returned its verdict. Afterward, she tearfully hugged Parker and said, “Thank you, Parker. You are exactly what I needed today.” During another trial, he comforted individuals who had to testify, using behavior interruptions for anxiety, and ending their day with a good, solid Parker lean that provided the support they needed.

Another very special thing about Parker is that he has a canine brother named Reggie who also serves our community. In fact, Reggie paved the way for Parker to join the team. After Reggie became part of the Marshal’s Office last summer, I spoke to Chief Marshal Jamie Gianfala who shared his agency’s success story with Tails of Hope. Reggie was an amazing addition to the Marshal’s Office, so I knew that his brother would be perfect for us.

We are so excited to have Parker on our team. He is already making a difference!

Get a $1,500 Bonus To Work Closer to Home

By Cherokee Office of Economic Development

[StrategicLife] Coaching your child’s soccer team, catching up on your favorite show, taking a stroll with your dog through the park — these are all things you could be doing instead of sitting in five o’clock traffic. Why listen to your radio play the same three songs when the Cherokee Office of Economic Development (COED) is helping you forget the commute with its Work in Cherokee initiative?

As part of the Work in Cherokee initiative, aimed at giving residents their time back, COED is offering a $1,500 hiring bonus to those who are new to the Cherokee County workforce – whether you are a fresh graduate, currently commuting to work outside the county, or are reentering the workforce after being unemployed.

Visit COED’s “Find a Job” page (CherokeeGa.org/jobs) to browse open positions in Cherokee County and apply today.

To qualify for the hiring bonus, you must find a Cherokee County job on COED’s Find a Job page, make an hourly wage of $17.25 or more, be a full-time employee, and be a new hire to the Cherokee workforce. Get hired no later than June 21 and work for 120 or more days to apply.

Cherokee County residents, on average, spend more than an hour a day commuting to and from work. You could get $1,500 to get a job closer to home and enjoy sleeping in, relaxing after work, extra time with family, or other hobbies and interests – the possibilities are limitless when you have more hours in your day.

The heart of COED’s Work in Cherokee campaign is allowing residents to find fulfilling employment close to home, so they can spend less time commuting and more time on the things that matter. Learn more about the hiring bonus and the Work in Cherokee initiative at CherokeeGa.org/hiringbonus. L

The Cherokee Office of Economic Development, One Innovation Way, Woodstock. 770-345-0600. CherokeeGa.org

Begin Your Genealogy Journey No-Cost Library Resources

By Sarah Childers and Lisa Fowler

Researching your heritage can be a wonderful hobby to help better understand your family’s story. Have you ever wondered what life was like for your great-grandparents? What about their great-grandparents? Genealogy research can help you connect to your ancestors and feel closer to your family. The Sequoyah Regional Library System (SRLS) has a variety of no-cost tools available that can help you begin your genealogy journey.

Types of Genealogy Resources

Digital Resources

Available at SRLS:

Community members can visit any SRLS library to use Ancestry.comLibrary Edition. While this resource can only be accessed on site at the library branches, it provides many of the same experiences and features as a premium Ancestry website account.

At home, community members can access HeritageQuest.com with an SRLS library card. Like Ancestry.com, this resource offers access to the United States Federal Census Collection, the United States Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty-Land Warrant Application Files 18001900, Family History Books and Directories, the Canadian Census Collection, and the United States Freedman’s Bank Records 1865-1874

Additional digital resources available to you at home through SRLS include the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade Database, which has introductory maps, 3D video reconstructions, timelines, and timelapses as well as many other databases to help you trace your ancestors. The Digital Library of Georgia includes multiple collections on various subjects including the Vanishing Georgia collection, which focuses on photography throughout the state over the years. Another digital database that can assist you in your research is Georgia Historic Newspapers, which allows you to search through the content of select newspapers in Georgia including some newspapers dating back to the 1800s.

Other Library Resources

Georgia Room Special Collections

SRLS has Georgia Room Special Collections at three of its branches: R.T. Jones Memorial Library in Canton, Pickens County Library in Jasper, and Gilmer County Library in Ellijay. These collections include genealogy and Georgia history as well as some resources from neighboring states.

One of the most popular resources in the Georgia Rooms is the Heritage Books, which include details, information, and pictures about local families that were written and provided by members of the community. Other Georgia Room resources include microfilm readers, annotated obituaries, neighboring state histories, maps, and other documents.

Handbooks and Manuals

Some books available for checkout that can help you become more comfortable with genealogy research include Organize Your Genealogy: Strategies and Solutions for Every Researcher by Drew Smith, A Genealogist’s Guide to Discovering Your African-American Ancestors: How to Find and Record Your Unique Heritage by Franklin Carter Smith, and The Family Tree Problem Solver: Tried-and-True Tactics for Tracing Elusive Ancestors by Marsha Hoffman Rising.

“Ask Us!” Sessions

These sessions allow community members to get genealogy help from a library staff member. To book an “Ask Us!” session, visit the “Contact Us” form that is available at SequoyahRegionalLibrary.org. From there, select “Ask Us!” as the topic of your question. Once you complete the form, a staff member will contact you to provide further assistance.

The Sequoyah Regional Library System is your dynamic destination for discovery. To access these resources and more, visit one of the SRLS branches to sign up for a library card, which is available at no cost to anyone with a valid ID who resides or owns property in Cherokee, Pickens, and/or Gilmer counties.

To learn more about all the no-cost services and programs available at SRLS branches, please visit SequoyahRegionalLibrary.org.

Genealogists Wear Many Hats:

• Researcher – Researching your ancestors requires looking through many resources to find information about your family’s history.

• Historian – When you’ve discovered an ancestor that lived before you were born, you learn more about what the world was like during that family member’s lifetime.

• Translator – Occasionally, documents can be written in a foreign language, requiring further research to translate them into your native tongue.

• Cartographer – Studying maps of the places where your ancestors lived can help you understand more about their lives.

• Archivists – Many documents can help tell the story of your family, so it’s important to collect and organize them for future reference.

• Storyteller – Discovering information about your family and ancestry helps you tell and preserve your family’s history for generations to come.

Sarah Childers is the marketing manager for Sequoyah Regional Library System, and Lisa Fowler is the branch manager at R.T. Jones Memorial Library

God Our Helper

By Pastor Jeremy Morton

[InGoodFaith] In 1758, Pastor Robert Robinson wrote lyrics for what became the influential hymn, “Come Thou Fount.” While he was going through difficulties in his early 20s, Robinson was inspired by the Bible story from I Samuel 7, where Samuel places a stone of remembrance and names it Ebenezer, or “stone of help,” to commemorate how God protected the people of Israel.

Here’s a portion of the hymn:

Here I raise my Ebenezer

Here by Thy great help I’ve come

And I hope by Thy good pleasure

Safely to arrive at home

Jesus sought me when a stranger

Wandering from the fold of God

He to rescue me from danger

Bought me with His precious blood

After 20 years of heartache while under Philistine control, the Bible says the

Israelites began to experience a time of revival. They threw away their idols and turned their hearts to the Lord. Samuel called the people to fast, confess their sins, and ask God to help them. As the Israelites gathered to follow Samuel’s instructions, the Philistines thought, “We’ve got ‘em! They’re cornered in the valley. They’re distracted because of their worship. Let’s finish them off!”

As the Israelites prayed, the Philistines charged in to kill them, but the Bible says the spirit of the Lord confused the Philistines. God thundered upon them with his presence, and they ran away in terror. It was a miracle! God saved Israel, and all they had to do was to pray and obey.

Samuel set up the stone he named Ebenezer, saying, “the Lord has helped us to this point.” So, the Philistines were subdued, and they would not invade Israel again. Ebenezer symbolized that God

had helped them, protected them, and provided for them.

I don’t know what you’re going through, but maybe you need to pray 1 Samuel 7:12 or sing Robinson’s great hymn: “Here I raise my Ebenezer. Here by Thy great help I’ve come. And I hope by Thy good pleasure, safely to arrive at home.” Thank you, God, for helping us and meeting all our needs. In Jesus’ name, Amen! L

Jeremy Morton is the lead pastor of First Baptist Church Woodstock. 770-926-4428. FBCW.org

Laurie Litke Seeing With the Eyes of an Artist

Ifyou’ve been in your favorite local coffee shop on a Saturday morning and spotted a woman sketching, it may have been Laurie Litke.

From the time she was a small child, Litke has loved to sketch.

“It might be buildings, or people, or animals,” she said. “I really try to carve out my time to just draw.”

Seeing with the eyes of an artist, she uses pencils or sometimes watercolor to capture whatever catches her attention. Even as she drives to work, she looks at the scenes she passes and thinks about what she wants to depict in her art.

With a degree in graphic design, Litke has designed works for the Atlanta Braves, Atlanta Falcons, and the 1996 Summer Olympic Games in Atlanta. She also worked as a graphic artist for Family Life Publications for several years. Now, Litke sketches and paints for herself, sometimes doing commissioned work. She finds pet portraits especially fulfilling because they allow the animals to be remembered by their owners.

Litke doesn’t aim to create a specific message in her sketches and paintings. She is open to what intrigues her.

“I see a beautiful bouquet, and I try to paint what I feel,” she said. “I paint whatever moves me.”

For example, she has been inspired by water towers and barbershops, and once, while on a drive, she spied an old Coca-Cola machine, so she stopped and took photos of it. She later painted a close-up of the machine that depicts only a small bit of the faded red metal and the much-used buttons, yet it immediately evokes memories of hot summer days and cool, refreshing sodas.

Artist Profile

BY ELLEN SAMSELL SALAS

Just as her subjects are “all over the place,” Litke’s palettes also vary, though she usually opts for rich hues. Admiring the work of Maxfield Parrish, she has tried to emulate the energy created through his interplay of hot and cold tones. She prefers to work in oils because although oils demand more time, their rewards are robust colors and the ability to blend as well

as depict details. She relies on brush strokes to create movement and texture that evoke emotion.

A people person, Litke also teaches a Sunday afternoon class at Woodstock Arts.

“There’s no pressure — just having fun,” she said. “Art doesn’t have to be perfect — it just has to make you feel something.”

To see more of Laurie Litke’s art, follow her on Instagram @LaurieLitke.