Around Towne

Letter From the Content Editor

My family usually starts putting up Christmas decorations the week of Thanksgiving. But, this year, we decided to put our decorations up on Sept. 23, bypassing Halloween and Thanksgiving. I’m joking, but that is when I first noticed the garden section in Walmart had been completely transformed with Christmas trees and decorations. As content editor, I work on planning and editing articles, as well as compiling events for the calendars, a few months in advance — but September? — that’s still too early for me to be in the Christmas spirit!

Even if Christmas wasn’t getting earlier and earlier each year, Thanksgiving has looked different for me (and my husband) the past few years. The pandemic certainly disrupted many family gatherings — including our wedding! — but getting married has brought our Thanksgiving events to a total of four. Sure, most of us wear stretchy pants each year, but we go from one parents’ house to another for back-to-back meals on Thanksgiving Day, as well as get together with 30-plus people on my mom and dad’s sides the weekends before and after. Skinny jeans are NOT an option …

I’ve never doubted that my husband loves me. Going to three of my family’s Thanksgiving gatherings (and the same at Christmas) says it all. Yes, I know. It sounds like a lot. But, I’m a Cherokee County native, and 90% of my family lives in a 40-mile radius, so it’s not as crazy as it seems.

This year, on the other side of the pandemic, I’ll be shaking things up again in Lima, Peru, with my husband and his family on Thanksgiving. I’m excited to see the city his mom was born in, and I’m looking forward to celebrating and making new memories, even if we aren’t eating turkey and dressing. To read about our city and county leaders’ Thanksgiving traditions, flip to Pages 30-31.

We may not make it to all four Thanksgiving gatherings this year, but I’m sure we’ll squeeze in at least two. I’m thankful to have grown up with my family so close by. My grandparents passed away before I started kindergarten, but my aunts and uncles filled a huge role in my life growing up. Family is important, no matter what form it comes. On Pages 56-57, meet Kaitlin Morgan and Skyler Mize, a couple who adopted a pair of siblings from the Cherokee County foster care system.

I’m also thankful for each of my family members who served our country, as well as all of the veterans in our community and the organizations that serve them (Page 14). If you’re interested in volunteering or donating to nonprofits serving our families and neighbors in need this season, turn to Pages 20-23, for a list of ways to lend a helping hand.

No matter where you are, or how you celebrate, I hope you have a wonderful holiday season!

Jessica Forrester

Jessica Forrester is the content editor of TowneLaker, Around Woodstock and Around Canton magazines. She grew up in Cherokee County and graduated from Sequoyah High School.

Bridal BEST FOR 2023

Do you want to take part in an online poll to find the best wedding service providers in Northwest Georgia? Get ready to say, I do! Our poll is open through Nov. 15 at www.aroundaboutlocalmedia.com. Results will be posted Jan. 1 and will be included in the January TowneLaker.

Kudos!

Mayor Michael Caldwell, co-founder and managing partner at Black Airplane; Kyle Bennett, tourism manager for the city of Woodstock and Visit Woodstock GA; and Marcie Smith, executive director of The Children's Haven, have been named to Georgia Trend Magazine’s 40 Under 40 class of 2022.

What’s New

D’Floridian Cuban Cuisine and Bar has opened at 6242 Old Highway 5, Suite A3. www.dfloridian.com.

The Butchers Block is back at 1025 Rose Creek Drive, Suite 140. The original owner, Kellie Block, and previous owner, Mike Puchner, have joined together to reopen the shop. https://thebutchersblock.net.

What’s Coming

City Barbecue, a national chain based in Ohio, has submitted plans to the city of Woodstock to open a location along Highway 92, near the intersection of Fitchburg Drive.

At press time, the opening date for the Cherokee County History Center at 221 E. Marietta St., in Canton, was Nov. 5. Hours of operation will be 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesdays-Saturdays and noon-5 p.m. Sundays. The center will be closed Mondays and Tuesdays. https://historycherokee.org.

Every fall since 2011, Towne Lake resident Eric Siegel has hosted a free open house for his large O-Scale model railroad. This year's event is set for 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 19 at 640 Overhill Drive, Woodstock, GA 30189. www.youtube.com/ericstrains. 404-400-2993.

Forgive Our Error

In a story we ran in October about the Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services honoring the legacy of Justin and Amber Hicks, who were tragically killed, their son Jacob Hicks was found unharmed.

IN WDSTK Ribbon Cutting

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915 Ridgewalk Parkway, Suite 220, Woodstock Located in the Outlet Shoppes of Atlanta.

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TowneLaker, a publication of Aroundabout Local Media, Inc., is a community magazine with 16,400 free copies distributed monthly. Approximately 15,800 are direct mailed to homes and businesses and an additional 600 are placed in racks in the community.

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