Heather Stevens

Get Fired Up!

Classes at the Kish Center Explore Working With Clay

BY HEATHER STEVENS

We are excited to welcome the Kish Center for Pottery and Ceramics to downtown Woodstock! The Kish Center is the clay division of Woodstock Arts, which offers opportunities for the community to explore working with clay. Woodstock Arts, formerly known as Elm Street Cultural Arts Village, is bringing a vibrant art scene to Woodstock. While it is, perhaps, best known for its performing arts program, Woodstock Arts also offers so much to the visual arts community.

The Kish Center is an expressive addition to downtown. It is housed in the gray building located behind the Woodstock Arts Event Green, and it has been renovated into a full clay studio, including pottery wheels, space for hand building and a kiln. When you are exploring downtown, stop by and peek in the window at the new studio, the only one of its kind in the area.

Classes are offered on the wheel, sculptural projects and functional pottery, weekly for children, teens and adults in all skill levels. Regardless of what type of ceramics project you are drawn to, there is an opportunity for everyone. The next session of classes begins the week of Nov. 8. Check out www.woodstockarts.org to keep up with new opportunities.

Sculptural Classes with Betsy begin Nov. 8. Figurative Sculpture will be 10 a.m.-noon Mondays and 6:30-8 p.m. Tuesdays. Teen Figurative Sculpture takes place 4:30-6 p.m. Tuesdays.

Wheel Classes with Don begin Nov. 8. Clay for All is offered 7-8:30 p.m. Mondays and 9:30-11 a.m., 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., and 1-2:30 p.m Tuesdays.

Functional Pottery Classes with Heather

begin Nov. 10. Teen and Adult Functional Pottery will be 10-11:30 a.m. Wednesdays and 7-8:30 p.m. Thursdays. Create with Clay for Students, ages 6 and older, is offered 4-5 p.m. Thursdays.

Heather Stevens is a photographer, owner of Joyful Day Photography, and studio manager at the Kish Center. www.joyfuldayphoto.com.

Photo by Keith Barnes.

Sheriff’s JeepFest

Sheriff’s JeepFest, Crawl for the Kids, is a three-day event, filled with Jeep rides, obstacles, trails, mud and more, that takes place in Pickens County each fall. This year, Sheriff Donnie Craig and the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office celebrated the event’s 10th anniversary, Sept. 2-5. Volunteers, locals, Jeepers from across the country, vendors and Jeep clubs come together to ride and socialize during this family-friendly fundraiser for kids. Charities supported include Georgia Sheriffs’ Youth Homes, the Joy House, Special Olympics for Pickens County, the Boys and Girls Club, and the Jasper Youth Sports Association. For more information, visit www.sheriffsjeepfest.com/cause.

Photo by Justin Mattingly.

Cherokee County Jeepers Speak Out

“My first introduction to the Jeep culture was in 2011 when I took a job at a dealership in Chattanooga. Fast forward 10 years, I’ve been back home and have been able to be involved in the local Jeep world. The Jeep community is about giving back. That’s what Jeepfest symbolizes to me. It’s a nationally known Jeep event, but it’s all for the kids, and we love it.” — John Little, Woodstock

“What I love about Jeepfest is that it’s three days with no TV and no internet, just riding through the beautiful north Georgia mountains, listening to music and enjoying God’s creation. On the night ride this year, I looked up at all the stars in the sky, and I just thought, God is good! JeepFest is about everyone having a good time, helping each other on the trails. It’s just a bunch of Jeepers enjoying time outside, camping, eating and laughing.” — Keith Barnes, Canton

“I really like the way Jeepfest is so welcoming to the whole family. I love taking my teenage kids out on the trails! We need events like this to bring families together for real, quality time with each other.” — Bella Monica Roberson, Canton

“To me, Jeepfest has a lot of things going for it. Like many my age, I grew up in a time where the playground was hundreds of acres around the old homestead. Riding trails in my Jeep is a lot like going back in time, to the trails and dirt roads I spent so much time on as a kid. But, it’s much more than that. I get to spend time with people I consider close friends, doing something I enjoy. When you add in the fact that all the proceeds go to children in the area, it’s a win-win.” — Ronald Massey, Holly Springs

Oliver Caldwell. Photo by Michael Caldwell.

Weather with Ollie

Introducing Woodstock to the Area’s Youngest Weather(kid)

Honestly, I actually don’t remember! I think when I was 5 … actually, no. I never wanted my own channel, actually. I’ve always wanted to be a storm chaser. Right now, I’m just doing my channel because it’s the closest thing I was allowed to do. At 6 years old, I still have a long way to 18 when I can storm chase.

What’s your favorite part about being a local weather forecaster?

By getting to stand out in big weather, and seeing all the followers I get is amazing, too!

Were you ever scared of thunder and lightning when you were younger? Do you have any tips for anyone who is scared?

Not really. Only if it’s really, really loud … then, I am scared. I don’t have any tips. Actually, plug their ears when the thunder starts.

How would you describe covering your first tropical storm, Fred, from Woodstock?

Honestly, it was just really stormy. And I loved it!

How does it feel knowing your fans call you one of the most trusted sources for weather reporting in Woodstock?

Really amazing. And good! Honestly, I didn’t know that I was that!

What is your favorite type of weather?

Stormy, especially natural disasters. Tornadoes!

Would you rather live someplace hot or someplace cold?

Hot, definitely. What’s your favorite type of cloud?

Ones with rain in them. Actually, no, a wall cloud!

Can you tell us about your plans for this channel?

I want to grow the following this year. If we get to 300, we might have a surprise. Can you tell other people about my channel?

Oliver Caldwell is 6 years old and crazy about all things weather. In August, his parents “finally” let him have his own social media channel, a parentally managed Instagram account where he shares daily hyperlocal weather forecasts from their home in downtown Woodstock. Each day, Ollie’s followers tune in for the Woodstock weather forecast and a current update outdoors, followed by his signature sign off, “That was the weather. My name is Ollie. Bye.” We enlisted the help of his parents, Michael and Katie, to get to know more about the rising star.

If you’re interested in hyperlocal weather forecasts delivered by a 6-year-old, follow @weatherwithollie on Instagram.

Ollie’s Fans Speak Out

“So glad we have an honorable local weather team.” “News worth watching.” “This is my new favorite weather channel.” “His refreshing accuracy coupled with his relentless brevity is genius!” “Best weather in town.”