Around Woodstock

Letter From the Editor

Our pups have taught me a new technique to relieve stress. If you have dogs, have you ever noticed how they stop and shake their bodies when they are playing? Thanks to Google, I’ve learned it’s a technique to release tense muscles and wound-up emotions. Hmmmm. I know that’s what we say to our kids on the sports field, or after they take a tumble, but the doggies? They’re smarter than I thought. Except, they’re still munching on things they have no business eating. Three pairs of shoes, a sofa pillow, and don’t get me started on the poor chipmunks.

That trick may come in handy as we head into the holiday season and are consumed with the busyness of cooking, decorating, shopping and entertaining. We’re always here to help, so turn to Page 51 for an easy-to-follow guide to local shops and restaurants here to serve you this season.

There are so many things to be thankful for this month, among them the veterans who pay no mind to their own safety to valiantly protect us. On Page 24, Susan Schulz introduces us to one group that knows just how to help the veterans who are having a difficult time. We’ve also included a list of Cherokee County organizations that exist solely to come alongside these heroes.

Other heroes we’re thankful for are the folks at Next Step Ministries, who work to change the lives of individuals with cognitive and physical challenges through programs that reinforce their inclusive place in society. Fun photos from their eighth annual Run, Walk or Roll 5K can be found on Pages 22-23.

We love to introduce you to our bravest neighbors, who find themselves in health battles that threaten their lives. While we’re thankful for innovative treatments, we’re also inspired by their positive attitudes. Meet Madison Rhodes on Page 18 and Elizabeth O’Connor on Page 32.

Remember what we’ve learned from our canine friends. Shake off the stress, and enjoy the holidays. Only, you might want to go in a room by yourself to do that, or you’ll be the topic of conversation on Aunt Reba and Uncle Melvin’s drive home.

Kindness Challenge of the Month

Give Blood. This might be the most important gift you can give someone any time of the year. Visit www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/find-drive to find a blood drive near you.

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. Kim Dahnke has joined Aroundabout Local Media as senior director of operations, and sales for Around Acworth and Around Kennesaw.

What’s Open

Woodstock Beer Market by the Stout

Brothers, at 240 Chambers St., is a craft beer growler store with local produce, meats, dairy and other locally sourced groceries. The family friendly store has nonalcoholic beverages, snacks and free video games. www.thestoutbrothers.com/woodstock-ga-beer-market.

What’s Coming

Restaurant group Succulent Hospitality, which includes Prime 120, plans to open Oishii, a Japanese sushi bar, next summer in Adair Park. The menu will feature traditional sushi rolls, sashimi, creative takes on nigiri and “fun and exciting” ramen dishes.

Biscuit Belly, a fast, casual breakfast and brunch chain, has announced plans to open a new location in Woodstock. The menu will feature biscuit sandwiches, breakfast cocktails and other southern breakfast fare. On Facebook.

Kudos

Cherokee Recreation and Parks is now a nationally accredited agency, having earned accreditation through the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies and the National Recreation and Park Association.

IN WDSTK Ribbon Cuttings

Cultured Brilliance

8744 Main Street, Suite 103, Woodstock, GA 30188 855-522-3663, www.culturedbrilliance.com.

Honey Bee Salon & Spa

9539 Highway 92, Suite 160, Woodstock, GA 30188 678-818-8221, www.honeybee-salon.com

Around Acworth | Around Canton | Around Kennesaw Around Woodstock | TowneLaker

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ALM President Patty Ponder 770-615-3322 Patty@AroundaboutMagazines.com Sr. Director of Operations and Sales Kim Dahnke 770-615-2779 Kim@AroundaboutMagazines.com

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Around Woodstock, a publication of Aroundabout Local Media, Inc., is a monthly community magazine. The magazine’s mission is helping local businesses grow and prosper by offering affordable advertising opportunities in a quality publication that provides positive, relevant information to our readers. It distributes a total of 17,000 free copies. Approximately 16,600 are direct mailed to homes and businesses and an additional 400 are placed in racks around the community. Around Woodstock also has many digital viewers of the magazine online each month.

Around Woodstock welcomes your comments, stories, and advertisements. The deadline is the 10th of the previous month.

Subscriptions are available for $24 per year. Send check or money order to: Around Woodstock, 1025 Rose Creek Drive, PMB 380, Suite 620, Woodstock, GA 30189.

The viewpoints of the advertisers, columnists and submissions are not necessarily those of the editor/publisher and the publisher makes no claims as to the validity of any charitable organizations mentioned. Around Woodstock is not responsible for errors or omissions. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the publisher. All rights reserved. Copyright 2021.