Around Towne

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 24-25.

It seems our list of holiday events is back, with prepandemic gusto. Grab your calendars and check out December’s special events on Pages 12-14, and the best places to take your family to see festive Christmas lights (Pages 26-27). 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 a project started by a high schooler in 2019 to help his peers has turned into a larger project that helps students at multiple schools in our county. Meet Michael Garcia and his sister Alisa on Pages 30-31. 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.

We’re also excited to share photos from a special event in our county: the Think Pink Cherokee 2022 Breast Cancer Awareness Walk (Pages 36-37). Aren’t we fortunate to have such special neighbors here in Cherokee County?

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 and published in the January issue of TowneLaker.

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.”

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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

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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Volume 27, Issue 7

America’s Community Magazine