Around Woodstock

Letter From the Editor

As I sit here finishing off the Halloween candy, I realize it’s no wonder I stay confused (about the date! Duh. No comments, please.) so much of the time. Even before we donned our costumes and headed out for treats (which I love; my mom was prophetic when she named me), your favorite editors were busy planning the December issues, editing copy and sorting through photos.

Since the holidays almost merge in my world, I learned long ago to buy non-Halloween candy, so the leftovers can be used at Christmas. You’re welcome for the tip. We’re also pretty accomplished at planning ahead for future issues. So good, in fact, that last December we gathered photos and the stories for this month’s gingerbread feature, after realizing if we tried to find someone putting together gingerbread houses in September or October, we’d be out of luck. For inspiration for your build, or to start a new tradition in your family, turn to Pages 36-37.

It seems our list of holiday events is back, with pre-pandemic gusto. Grab your calendars and check out Holiday Happenings starting on Page 12, and the best places to take your family to see festive Christmas lights (Pages 32-33). See, I referenced a paper calendar there. Is there any other!? Spoken like a true magazine editor.

In fact, according to an article in Forbes magazine, neuroscience research shows that “paper-based content and ads offer special advantages in connecting with our brains.” Deep down, we’ve always known this to be the case. It’s good to see proof in studies that track eye movement, EEG brain wave measurements and memory tests. (https://bit.ly/3A4Q1Bs.)

But, I digress! Restore your faith in humanity by reading how Vingenzo’s chef Michael Bologna is continuing a meal giveaway that he started during the pandemic, with the help of more of your Woodstock neighbors. Learn more about this generous gesture on Page 8. And, if his story motivates you to volunteer, we have plenty of ideas for you to help those in need during this holiday season. See our Helping Hands feature that begins on Page 20.

Wishing you a peaceful and blessed holiday season!

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

Planning a wedding next year? Look for the results from our Best for Bridal 2023 online poll to be posted Jan. 1 to www.aroundaboutlocalmedia.com and in the January issue of Around Woodstock.

What’s Moved

Woodstock Optometry has opened at 5947 Holly Springs Parkway, Suite 305. Optometrist and owner David Chao moved his practice to the new location in Woodstock from the Lenscrafters store. Services are available for adults and children. 470-995-2020. www.woodstockoptometry. com.

IN WDSTK Ribbon Cuttings

Payton Jean Marie Urban Fashion & Art Station has opened at 9550 Main St., Suite 100, next to Habanero’s Taqueria. The custom denim design company also features the works of local artists and holds various events and shows. https://4472dipped.wixsite.com/paytonjeandenimdesig.

USA Health Insurance, in the South on Main Development, at 9236 Main St., Suite 1C, offers customized individual/family, group and Medicare plans, as well as free advice and quotes from a certified financial planner and a public accountant. https://usa-healthplans.com.

Cherokee Chamber Ribbon Cutting

Cherokee County History Center 221 E. Marietta St., Canton 770-345-3288. www.historycherokee.org.

Cherokee County is using the first propane-powered public transit buses in Georgia. Cherokee Area Transportation Service (CATS) purchased three propane-powered buses from Coach and Equipment Bus Sales Inc. in February to replace aging buses in the fleet that provide service for the fixed-route service.

“We are excited to bring in three new vehicles that use a cleaner fuel source and have expected lower maintenance costs,” Community Services Agency Director Bryan Reynolds said. “With the purchase, we were able to secure increased federal transportation support and a Federal Transit Authority fuel subsidy, saving our taxpayers money.”

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

Our Mission

Helping local businesses grow and prosper by offering affordable advertising opportunities in a quality publication that provides positive, relevant information to our readers.

Get Results With Us

“We enjoyed every aspect of working with the magazine – from contracting, to photo shoot, to follow-up purchase of photos and advertorial reprint for marketing purposes.”

— Patty O’Toole, Director of Client Services, Gary Alpert Financial Strategies

Advertise With Us

For sales inquiries, contact Jennifer Coleman, Vice President of Sales 678-279-5502 | jen@aroundaboutmagazines.com

Kim Dahnke, President 770-778-5314 | kim@aroundaboutmagazines.com

Get Social With Us!

E Q

@AroundWoodstockMagazine @around_woodstock

← Subscribe to our newsletter!

Publisher Aroundabout Local Media, Inc. www.aroundaboutlocalmedia.com

President Kim Dahnke 770-778-5314 kim@aroundaboutmagazines.com

Vice President of Sales Jennifer Coleman 678-279-5502 jen@aroundaboutmagazines.com Executive Editor Candi Hannigan 770-615-3309 candi@aroundaboutmagazines.com

Managing Editor Donna Harris 770-852-8481 donna@aroundaboutmagazines.com Content Editor Jessica Forrester 770-615-3318 jessica@aroundaboutmagazines.com Production Manager Michelle McCulloch 770-615-3307 michelle@aroundaboutmagazines.com Page Designer Laura Latchford laura@aroundaboutmagazines.com

Graphic Designer Savannah Winn savannah@aroundaboutmagazines.com Controller Denise Griffin 770-615-3315 denise@aroundaboutmagazines.com

Social Media Manager Kathryn Holt kat@aroundaboutmagazines.com

Market & Advertising Specialist Michelle Smith 770-615-3324 michelle.smith@aroundaboutmagazines.com Copy Editors Bill King, Eliza Somers

Around Woodstock, a publication of Aroundabout Local Media, Inc., is a community magazine with 17,000 free copies distributed monthly. Approximately 16,600 are direct mailed to homes and businesses and an additional 400 are placed in racks in the community. Around Woodstock welcomes your comments, stories and advertisements. Editorial deadline is the first, and the advertising deadline is the 10th of the month prior to publication.

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, writers and other submissions do not necessarily reflect those of the editor/publisher. And the publisher makes no claims to the validity of any opinions expressed by charitable, business or civic organizations mentioned, or statements made within the editorial content. The cover and inside related article, and other editorial-type submissions labeled SPONSORED CONTENT, are paid content. The publisher neither guarantees nor supports any product or service mentioned in this magazine, nor does it guarantee any assertions made by the manufacturers or providers of such products or services, or claims regarding the status of such businesses.

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 2022.