Woodstock Arts Announces 2024-2025 Season of Wonder Wonder stems from the feeling of surprise, from the unexpected, the unfamiliar, and the beautiful. This 2024-2025 season at Woodstock Arts will explore all the possibilities of magic, mystery, admiration, and heartbreak that we experience in our lives. You’re invited to explore the desire to know and learn more about yourself and the world around you through these music, theatre, and visual arts offerings.Lantern Music Series• August 3, 2024, Sounds of Georgia• August 17, 2024, Royal Wood• September 28, 2024, The Arcadian Wild• October 19, 2024, Alexander Star• March 22, 2025, Carolina Sound• April 12, 2025, Las Guaracheras• May 17, 2025, Jumaan Smith• June 7, 2025, Luciane Dom• July 19, 2025, Collision of Rhythm Theatre • August 16-September 1, 2024, Dial M for Murder• September 20-21, 2024, Woodstock Arts Cabaret Series• October 4-20, 2024, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street• November 8-17, 2024, Youth Spotlight: The Many Disguises of Robin Hood• December 6-24, 2024, A Christmas Carol• January 17-26, 2025, Teen Spotlight: Twelfth Night the Musical• February 7-23, 2025, Pride and Prejudice• March 7-23, 2025, Constellations• May 2-18, 2025, Once on This Island• June 4-18, 2025, How I Became a Pirate• July 9-23, 2025, Digging Up Dessa• July 11-27, 2025, Rock of AgesVisual Arts• August 15-October 19, 2024, Cabinet of Curiosities • October 24-December 21, 2024, small town: small works 24• March 13-May 10, 2025, Mended• May 15-July 12, 2025, All the Fixins 2025• July 17-September 14, 2025, Critical Mass: Comics/Toys/Pop Culture
Cherokee County School District Announcements New Class of Educators Inducted Into Hall of FameThe 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. Superintendent Davis Begins Her New RoleDr. 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. New Class of Educators Inducted Into Hall of FameThe 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.
Cherokee County Purchases Former Buffington School Site The Cherokee County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved purchasing the former Buffington ES site from the Cherokee County School District for $1.2 million. The 9.8-acre site paired with the adjacent nearly 3.2-acre site the county already owns is slated to house a replacement for Fire Station 29 and possibly a future site for the Fire Safety and Education Village and Fire & Emergency Services Headquarters.During a work session discussion, Chairman Harry Johnston confirmed with fire officials that the county’s intention is to preserve the original building and its historic look.
Resurfacing To Begin on I-575 in Cherokee Interstate 575 is about to get a major makeover. The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) recently awarded C.W. Matthews, Inc. a $56 million contract to resurface approximately 20 miles of I-575 from I-75 in Cobb County to the Etowah River in Cherokee County.Resurfacing is expected to get started in the next few months. Along with the highway, all the on- and off-ramps will also be resurfaced. Motorists can expect lane closures during the project. However, there will be no lane closures between 6:00am and 6:00pm. The resurfacing is slated to be completed by December 31, 2024.
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 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 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 micro-transit, 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.
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 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 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.
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.
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 Children’s Haven. Chad and Rachel Davis and Gregg and Heather Shelton were also on the prom court for providing much-appreciated 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.
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 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.
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."