Noteworthy

Chris Bundrick, the shop’s owner, is standing next to the car’s recipient, Jevon Wheeler. Behind them are a mix of mechanics and Together for Families volunteers wearing pink shirts.

Struggling Mom Gets Free Car

A mother of five who was struggling to get to and from work is now the proud owner of a refurbished 2009 Chrysler 300. Chris Bundrick, owner of Christian Brothers Automotive in Towne Lake, partnered with Together for Families to give Jevon Wheeler the car.

Together for Families is an organization that helps those grappling with basic needs like housing, food or transportation. The group receives donated cars that can be refurbished and given back to people needing transportation.

Bundrick and employees of the automotive shop, along with representatives of the nonprofit, held a small ceremony recently, when they presented Wheeler with the keys.

Here’s a Way to Honor Our Veterans

Wreaths Across America is looking for volunteers to help place 22,000 wreaths on the graves at the Georgia National Cemetery (GNC) on Dec. 17. This volunteer opportunity is perfect for families, Scout troops or JROTC groups from area high schools.

Cherokee County resident Sally Curtis, an annual supporter of the program, tells why involvement in this program is personal. "My father is resting peacefully at GNC. Even before he passed, I loved the idea of placing wreaths on the gravesites of our service men and women,” she said. “Little did I know then how much it would mean to me personally when my father received his own wreath. It's such a comfort knowing that others respect the brave men and women who served our country. Our heroes deserve no less."

Russ Seltenright asks that prospective volunteers contact him as soon as possible, to ensure proper training for the event. He can be reached at 678-852-4591 or salty31@hotmail.com.

Chamber Announces Latest Leadership Grads

The Cherokee Chamber of Commerce recently graduated its 33rd Leadership Academy class. With the completion of this year's class, the alumni count is more than 690 graduates.

Two members of the Class of 2022 were chosen by their peers to receive special recognition. The Cristal Stancil Leadership Award honoree, Jennifer Reynolds with the Cherokee County School District, was chosen as the group's outstanding leader. The Bob Frongillo “Magic Spark Plug” Award was given to Jud Waites with Waites Law Firm, for his high-spirited attitude and best all-around member.

The mission of the Cherokee County Chamber, a Georgia Certified Chamber of Commerce, is to promote business and the community while expanding the economy and enhancing the quality of life.

Members of the Leadership Cherokee Class of 2022 include, front row, from left: Shawn Schumacher, Cherokee Recreation & Parks; Ashley Witcher, UGA Extension-Cherokee County; Susan Treadaway, Cherokee County District Attorney’s Office; Donna Sanders, city of Holly Springs; Marcie Smith, The Children’s Haven, Inc.; Amanda Sutter, Cherokee Office of Economic Development; Emily Mack, Northside Hospital Cherokee; Brooke Schmidt, city of Canton; Tori O’Bryant, Northside Primary Care Associates; Geri Lanning, J Thompson Ross Investments; Mark Hand, city of Woodstock. Second row, from left: Melissa Grubbs, Universal Alloy Corporation; Ryan Sarks, Cherokee County Water & Sewerage Authority; Charlie Lanz, Calco Engineering, LLC; Jennifer Reynolds, Cherokee County School District; Mindy Nobis, city of Woodstock; Chris Saxon, Cherokee County School District. Back row, from left: Rajpal Sagoo, MDD Holdings; Ashton Banks, The Jason T. Dickerson Family Foundation; Jud Waites, Waites Law Firm, and Chris Luly, city of Ball Ground.