10 minute read
Downtown Events
IN town Woodstock
Woodstock's Holiday Preview Sip and Shop. Photo courtesy of Stacy Brown.
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WOODSTOCK ARTS
www.woodstockarts.org Through Dec. 2
“Small Town: Small Works,” is back at the Reeves House, featuring artworks 15 inches or smaller, by artists who live in a 15-mile radius of Woodstock.
Nov. 4
The Woodstock Arts Improv Troupe is ready to get its audiences rolling down the aisles with laughter. Recommended for ages 10-plus (content). Nov. 5
The Lasting Laugh is a comedy series that brings in Atlanta-based comedians monthly, with Jessica It's All Good as the host. Recommended for ages 12-plus (content). Nov. 11-20
“Charlotte’s Web” is a family favorite, and all the enchanting characters are here: Wilbur, Fern, Templeton and Charlotte. Recommended for all ages. Nov. 18
Beginning at 6 p.m. at the Reeves House, local artists will create a piece of art on the spot that will be raffled off at the end of the night. Nov. 26
On the last Friday of each month, sit under the stars and enjoy live music at Jazz Night. Tables and chairs are provided; the outdoor bar will be stocked, and music will be playing, 6-9 p.m., on the back porch at the Reeves House. 05 The Woodstock Farm Fresh Market is 8:30 a.m.-noon, Saturdays through Dec. 17. The market is located downtown, on Market Street and in Reformation Brewery’s backyard. Details available at www.visitwoodstockga.com. 13 Shop locally made goods at Maker’s Mash, a pop-up shop featuring local artisans, the second Sunday of the month, 1-6 p.m., at Reformation Brewery in Woodstock. https://visitwoodstockga.com/events. 17 The Holiday Preview Sip and Shop will be in downtown Woodstock, 5-9 p.m. Your favorite shops will have special deals and provide light bites and festive beverages. Tickets are $10 per person. At the start of the event, pick up your tote bag at the Woodstock Visitors Center. https://bit.ly/3CbTzlH. 19 Join Woodstock’s Recycling and Paper Shredding Event, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., in the Woodstock Elementary School parking lot. Visit www.woodstockparksandrec.com for a list of accepted items.
DECEMBER
03 The 26th annual city of Woodstock Christmas Jubilee and Parade of Lights starts at Woodstock Elementary School on Rope Mill Road, 5:30 p.m., and travels down Main Street to Sam’s Club on Highway 92. After the parade, walk over to the Park at City Center to visit Santa, participate in kids activities, check out holiday and food vendors, and more, 6:30-9:30 p.m. https://bit.ly/3imwC66.
RECREATION
Woodstock Parks and Recreation
woodstockparksandrec.com // 770-592-6000, Ext. 1955 Registration is required for all programs. Nov. 2, 16
Discovering Pickleball gets you ready to play pickleball — and you will, by the end of the session. Equipment is provided. The class is taught at 6:30 p.m. at the Dupree Park pickleball courts. Fee: $5. Nov. 13
Discovering Disc Golf participants will learn a basic level of the sport, 2 p.m., at Dupree Park Prodigy Par 2 disc golf course. Equipment for the class is provided. Cost is $5. Nov. 28-Dec. 11
Santa Mail is back! If your children or you would like to send a letter to Santa Claus, just drop it in the Santa mailbox in the Gazebo at the Park at City Center. Word has it that you may get a letter back, so be sure to include your return address! Dec. 1
Tis the Season: Rocks is a series where folks gather to paint river rocks and distribute them throughout the city. Supplies are provided for the free event.
STRONGER TOGETHER
Through Networking
Aroundabout Local Media’s mission statement is to “help local businesses grow and prosper by offering affordable advertising opportunities in a quality publication that provides positive, relevant information to our readers.”
Using this as a plumb line for all that we do, on the advertising and editorial sides of our company, we wanted to let you know what it looks like when the entrepreneurs in our community gather to exchange ideas and information, and develop relationships by supporting and encouraging one another while opening doors to new opportunities.
WBCN members Lori Baker with Next Step Ministries and Lynne Saunders of Encompass Ministries.
Woodstock Christian Business Network was founded in 2016, purposed to connect Christians in business who are committed to building profitable spiritual and business relationships.
Woodstock has several networking opportunities:
Woodstock Business Club
Meets at 8:30 a.m. Thursdays at Reformation Brewery. Officers are Darin Hunter, president; Stacie Ballard, vice president; Dawn Garza, treasurer; Dianna Hornes, social media; Rudy Garza and Garrett Holcombe, membership committee. On Facebook, Instagram. https://woodstockbusinessclub.com.
Woodstock Christian Business Network
Meets 7:30-9 a.m. Wednesdays at First Baptist Woodstock. Officers are: Jeff Nevison, president; Elizabeth Pease, vice president; James Corell, director - people; Mark Carver, director - events, and Katie Joy Pease, director - MarCom. On Facebook. On Instagram, wcbn_woodstock. www.woodstock christianbusinessnetwork.com.
IN WDSTK
IN WDSTK provides support and guidance for new or relocating businesses to engage in the community through YPOW (Young Professionals of Woodstock) meetings at 7:30 a.m. Thursdays and Morning INfluence gatherings, held at 8 a.m. on the last Friday of each month at the Chambers at City Center. https://inwdstk.org. Also partners with Fresh Start Cherokee, https://circuitwoodstock.com/ events.
Other business associations in Woodstock are invited to send photos from their monthly meetings to edit@aroundaboutmagazines. com. Please include the names of everyone in each photo, along with the date, time and location of your meetings, as well as the president’s name and employer.
Celina Meador, Realtor with Century 21 and Aroundabout Local Media advertising ambassador; ALM Vice President Jennifer Coleman; Giselle Williams, co-owner of Staffordshire Home Advisors; and Wendy Cone, marketing closer at Lingerfelt & Associates, at a Woodstock Business Club meeting.
From left, Marcus Porch, LGE Towne Lake branch manager; Katie Joy and Elizabeth Pease of Intentional Legacy; Janet Ponichtera, Nelson Elder Care Law community connections specialist; Jordan Pease of Intentional Legacy; and Dr. Steven Gage, owner of Evolve Chiropractic, enjoy breakfast at the September IN WDSTK Morning INfluence event.
11-Year-Old Describes a Day With His Friend Dansby Swanson
Parker Grantham, 11, was nominated by Hobgood Park for the WellStar Positive Athlete of the Year Award recently and was chosen to participate in a tour of Truist Park and a meeting with Atlanta Braves shortstop Dansby Swanson. The tour took place on Sept. 16 and ended with Parker meeting the star player just a few hours before the Braves faced the Philadelphia Phillies. Parker attends Dean Rusk Middle School, and was one of eight young people chosen from Cherokee and Cobb youth leagues to meet Swanson.
The day I met Dansby Swanson was the best day of my life. When I entered Truist Park for the tour, I saw the coolest Lego figurine of a tomahawk. Then, we explored the stadium, and it was awesome to see. My favorite part was Chipper’s Corner. After the tour, we got to sit behind home plate, and that’s when Dansby Swanson came out! I got to ask him, “What is it like to play under the big lights?” When I got to go into the dugout with him, it was the greatest day of my life! I asked him to sign my Swanson jersey, and he said, “I have never signed a jersey before.” I thought it was so cool I have the first jersey he has ever signed! After we all got to sit with him individually, he let us sit in the dugout and talk baseball with him. He told us to “play hard, play to win and love the game.” That day was a day I will never forget, and I will always remember what he told us, especially that we can tell everyone he is our friend! Dansby Swanson is really easy to talk to, and he is a role model to me, because I want to play shortstop just like him. — Parker Grantham
Mom’s Point of View
From a parent’s perspective, watching my son be able to meet and talk to one of his idols was an incredible experience. I loved watching his face light up and beam with joy. I could see the awe in his eyes. Dansby Swanson talked to the boys like they were truly his friends; because of this, I don’t think Parker realized how big of a deal it was to be able to sit down and talk with him. For a player of his caliber to take time out of his day, especially hours before a game, it showed how kind of a person Dansby is. He was so humble and gave all of the boys such great baseball advice. I am sure they will all carry what he told them with them through their many years of playing baseball. Parker continues to talk about his day at Truist Park and meeting Dansby Swanson, and says it was the best day of his entire life. — Morgan Grantham
Recipes to Fall in Love With
As the weather gets cooler, cravings for warm, comforting foods grow stronger. Here are some recipes — sweet, savory and perfectly spiced — to help tide you over until Thanksgiving.
Ponche Mexicano de Mi Abuela
BY TRACY GARCIA, 7 TEQUILAS
Ponche is a traditional Mexican hot drink, made in most Hispanic countries. It has been passed down from generation to generation, and I got this holiday recipe from my mom. Ponche is mostly served in October through February, for all festivities.
Some of these ingredients are not easy to find; try your local Latino store for the best outcome. Fresh ingredients always are preferred, but for hard-to-find ingredients like sugar cane sticks, tejocotes and guava, frozen or canned ingredients are just as tasty. Don’t stress yourself out; it will be delicious either way.
Ingredients
• 4 liters distilled water • 1 large piloncillo cone (also known as penole) • 3 sugar canes • 3-4 cinnamon sticks • 12 tejocotes (stone fruit) • 12 guavas • 2 apples • 2 pears • ¾ cup of chopped prunes • ½ cup raisins • 1 cup hibiscus flowers
Directions
Clean produce thoroughly. Chop your apples, pears and prunes. Put fruit to the side. In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add piloncillo, cinnamon sticks and sugar canes. Let it boil for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the piloncillo has dissolved.
Add all fresh or frozen fruit: guavas, apples, tejocotes and pears. If you have canned guavas and/or tejocotes, add them after 20 minutes, or after your fresh fruit has tenderized. Place a lid on your pot, set heat to low and simmer for 40 minutes.
Add raisins, prunes and hibiscus flowers. Simmer on low for 15 minutes, and turn off heat. Remove pot from stove. Let sit for 20 minutes. (If you leave the hibiscus flowers simmering for too long, it will make the punch sour.) If you prefer your ponche cold, let it sit out for 2 hours so the fruit reaches 70 degrees fahrenheit. Pour into a pitcher with a lid, and refrigerate for 4 hours for the coolest fruit punch. Note: For a citrus flavor, add 1 large orange, sliced in fourths, and 6 peeled tamarindos when you add fruit to the pot. Serve with fruit in the cup for added flavor and a yummy snack.
7 Tequilas 21-plus Tip: Whether you drink it hot or cold, add a shot of cinnamon rum or tequila to your cup for a delicious cocktail.
Reeves House Pumpkin Spice Syrup BY WOODSTOCK ARTS
Ingredients
• 1½ cups dark brown sugar • 3 cups granulated sugar • 4½ cups water • 1 can pumpkin puree • 12 cinnamon sticks • 1½ teaspoons ground ginger • 1½ teaspoons ground cloves
Directions
In a large pot, combine dark brown sugar, granulated sugar and water. In a medium bowl, combine pumpkin puree, cinnamon sticks, ground ginger and ground cloves. Bring water and sugars to a boil, and stir until the sugars are fully dissolved. Add your bowl of pumpkin and spices to the pot. Stir to combine, and reduce heat to medium-low. Let simmer for 2030 minutes, stirring constantly, and don’t let it boil! Once the syrup has thickened, turn off the heat, and let it rest on the burner while it cools for 25 minutes. Strain through a fine mesh sieve, and transfer to the bottle of your choice.
