Around Woodstock Letter From the Editor
It may come as no surprise that this February issue is filled with love. After all, you know we love (there I go again!) themes, and this is the month to celebrate Valentine’s Day. However, there are more subtle references to love that you’ll see in these pages. Yes, we do have a cute feature with the youngest members of our community sharing their views of Valentine’s Day (Page 12) and a mouth-watering collection of pie recipes, in honor of Great American Pie Month starting on Page 32. With baking tips from everyone’s favorite Goddess of Pie, Lauren Bolden, your family and friends will be so happy with your mad piebaking skills! Yet, there are other less tangible ways that love is expressed throughout our county. That’s something I hope you can see in each issue of Around Woodstock - not just February - even if you have to squint hard to read between the lines. February is Black History Month, a time we pay tribute to those who loved their fellow man and their county enough to make advancements and help others. Chuck McGhee gives back year after year through the golf fundraiser he hosts to raise scholarship money to help Black youth attend college. (Page 18) The idea to celebrate Black History Month began in 1915 by historian Carter G. Woodston and other prominent African American figures of his day. Read more at www.history.com. And to learn more about our African American ancestors, and their achievements in Cherokee County, see Page 20. We’re grateful to Stefanie Joyner and her staff at History Cherokee for sharing such an important aspect of our county’s history. It’s clear that Diane and Glenn Keen have tremendous love for parents and their children with unique needs, including their son Haden. The Keens founded Circle of Friends, a community that creates connection and purpose for individuals with disabilities. Read about their nonprofit on Page 44, and be sure to visit the new Circuit Cafe at The Circuit in Woodstock, staffed by the Circle of Friends. Now that you’re feeling all lovey-dovey, here is your February challenge. Remember our mission to share kindness? This works well during the Month of Love.
Kindness Challenge of the Month
Bake and Take. Bake a pie (duh!), cookies, brownies, treats, etc. for a neighbor, elderly person, the local fire or police station. Be sure to wear a mask and gloves while you’re baking, and call ahead to make sure treats from an outside source are welcome.
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.
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AROUND WOODSTOCK | February 2021
Voting begins March 1!
Read more about Readers' Choice 2021 on Page 10.
What’s Coming
Woodstock City Manager Jeff Moon reports that final tenant build-outs are finishing up in the strip center on Ridgewalk Parkway, across from Costco. Those businesses are:
Your Pie: Building 285, Suite 100 Nothing Bundt Cakes: Building 285, Suite 104 Tropical Smoothie Café: Building 289, Suite 100 Bedzzz: Building 289, Suite 108 Xfinity: Building 289, Suite 112 According to the website, Kilwins will open at
450 Chambers St., where they’ll serve original recipe ice cream, chocolate and fudge. We weren’t able to reach anyone for a timeline for the opening. www.kilwins.com/stores/kilwins-woodstock.
IN WDSTK Ribbon Cutting
Tranquility Fine Arts Gallery
9194 S. Main St., Suite 1B East, Woodstock 30188 www.tranquilityfinearts.com
Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting
The Innovation Spot
233 Arnold Mill Road, Suite 300, Woodstock 30188 770-262-3668 www.theinnovationspot.com
