Around Canton Letter From the Editor
I’m thankful to have a job that allows me to work remotely. With cooler weather approaching, you’ll find me working from our backyard patio more often. It’s easier to manage the puppies outside, except when they keep trying to eat acorns and pine cones. No matter how many bones or toys we give them, nothing beats the nutty taste of potentially toxic treasures that have fallen in the backyard. GEEZ! And don’t get me started on eating the bark off the pine trees. You’d think we never feed them. That’s right, Glenn and I are the proud parents of Bertie Ruth and Ellie Mae, 7-month-old, Australian shepherd/blue heeler mix pups. Since we have no grandchildren (yet), we figured dogs would be a good substitute! They are such a blessing to us, and they keep us on our toes, for sure. I’m thankful for the cooler weather, which makes it easier to enjoy the outdoors with our girls. I’m also looking forward to attending fall festivals and outdoor events, but we may have to leave the pups at home. Bertie tends to lose her lunch if we drive more than 2 miles. Hoping she outgrows that! Be sure to hop in your car, with or without your puppies, and explore the local activities, listed on Pages 18-19. We take a look at Canton’s Riverview Cemetery, where the city’s history can be traced through the names and dates on the tombstones. You also can find information on area ghost tours. See Pages 14-15. It wouldn’t be October if we didn’t bring awareness to the valiant warriors facing breast cancer. One local mom encourages all women to stay diligent in keeping up with their regular examinations – cancer doesn’t stop for a pandemic. See Tami’s story on Page 24. Local Jeepers didn’t wait until cooler weather to gather for an outdoor festival. Who can beat a weekend of trails, mud, food and raising money for area nonprofits? Words and pictures on Pages 16-17. October also is national fire prevention month, so we’ve prepared a list of ways to keep your home safe from fire, found on Page 26. We’re thankful for our first responders, but we’d rather not have them make a house call. Unless it’s my 31-year-old firefighter son coming home for a visit, not driving a ladder truck. That’s acceptable!
Kudos!
Jim Lindenmayer, director of the
Cherokee County Homeless Veterans Program, has been appointed by Gov. Brian Kemp to the State Housing Trust Fund for the Homeless Commission, which supports organizations that provide housing and services for individuals and families looking for a solution to homelessness.
What’s Coming
A smoothie and juice bar, Freedom Nutrition, is expected to open later this month at 8020 Cumming Highway, Suite 405, in the Macedonia community. The menu will include a variety of teas, smoothies, shakes and coffee to promote healthy living. See updates on Facebook. SchmoozaPalooza is planned for 4-7 p.m. Oct. 12 at Woodstock City Church. The networking event, sponsored by the Cherokee Chamber of Commerce, features exhibitors with tabletop displays that promote their businesses. Attendees can register for door prizes, food and fun while previewing the latest products and services in Cherokee County. The Cherokee County Board of Commissioners has approved a construction agreement to renovate the historic Hickory Flat gym. The goal will be to maintain a historic feel in the community center, which will offer basketball, fitness and senior programs, summer camps and special events.
New Census Data
The city of Canton has a new 2020 Census population of 32,973. The city is the 34th largest in Georgia, and is the ninth largest growing city with 10,015 new residents since 2010. Of the top 10 largest growing cities, Canton had the third fastest growth rate (44%) behind Chamblee (204%) and Woodstock (47%). If it were a county, Canton would be the 58th largest county in Georgia, bigger than Gilmer and Dawson counties, and only 243 residents smaller than Pickens County. There are 537 cities in Georgia, with 237 of those cities losing population in 2020.
Cherokee Chamber Groundbreaking
Kindness Challenge of the Month
Thank an Essential Worker. Show your appreciation for your mail carrier and/or garbage pick-up employees, and first responders, with a note and a treat. Groundbreaking was held recently on the L.B. Ahrens
Candi Hannigan is the executive editor of Aroundabout Local Media. She has lived in Cherokee County since 1987. Send your comments or questions to Candi@AroundaboutMagazines.com.
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AROUND CANTON | October 2021
“The Buzz” Recreation Center at Cherokee Veterans
Park, which will include a double gym, open fitness area, climbing wall, two classrooms, aerobics/dance studio, meeting hall with catering kitchen and office suite. Anticipated opening is late 2022.
