Community News

Local News

From left, Fire Chief Tim Prather, Assistant Fire Chief Eddie Robinson and Field Operations Chief Shane West with Raymond Gunnin, seated.

Gunnin Retires From County Commission

Raymond Gunnin has retired from his position on the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners, representing District 2. In honor of his service, the commissioners surprised Gunnin with a resolution naming Cherokee County Fire Station No. 7 on Barnes Road in his honor.

Gunnin started his service to Cherokee County in November 1977, volunteering with the Little River Fire Department. After volunteering for three years, he became part of the paid fire service and earned ranks over the years from sergeant to lieutenant, captain, battalion chief and operations chief. He retired after leading Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services as fire chief for six years.

“I was able to work a job I truly loved. We answered calls and were able to help people in what might have been the worst day of their lives,” Gunnin said. “Some of my best memories in the fire service include the other firefighters I became lifelong friends with, and the things we did together, along with the training and what I was able to learn over the years.”

Gunnin hung up his fire hat after more than 30 years of service in 2011, and ran for office in 2012. He was sworn in as the District 2 county commissioner in January 2013.

“Raymond has been a faithful soldier and leader for Cherokee County for 40 years,” said Chairman Harry Johnston. “He’s been part of a lot of change in the Fire Department and the county as a whole. Nobody loves our county more than Raymond. I’m proud to call him my friend.”

Richard Weatherby was sworn in last month to take over the District 2 seat. www.cherokeega.com.

Make a Difference, Plant a Tree

Woodstock residents can take advantage of an Arbor Day seedling giveaway on Feb. 19 to enhance their landscapes. The plan is to distribute 700 dogwood, redbud and bald cypress tree seedlings. A free booklet with important tree care information, including how to care for, plant and prune trees, as well as current water restrictions, is available online at www. woodstockparksandrec.com.

Seniors at the William G. Long Senior Center assembled the seedling packages, which can be picked up at the following locations: • City Hall Annex 12453 Highway 92 8 a.m.-5 p.m. • Woodstock Visitors Center at Dean’s Store, 8588 Main St. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. • The senior center 223 Arnold Mill Road 9 a.m.- 4p.m.

A tree also will be planted in the name of Woodstock staff celebrating 20 years of employment with the city. Congratulations to Police Lt. Michael Decocq, Community Development Administrative Coordinator Venis Ponce, Fire Lt. Daniel Allen and Fire Administrative Coordinator Sherry “Faye” Doss.

Local News

County Employees Earn Parks and Recreation Credentials

Six Cherokee Recreation and Parks employees recently earned their Certified Parks and Recreation Professional credentials, a national standard for parks and recreation professionals.

Athletics Coordinator Camille Thomas, Parks Division Director Jordan Wood, Recreation Division Director Frankie Sanders, Athletics Division Director Shawn Schumacher, Aquatics Director Kim Whatley and Parks Manager Stephen Shrout completed the rigorous program, and passed the 125-question exam that assesses the core knowledge of job-related tasks.

“I challenged our recreation and parks leadership team to pursue certification, and we now have 100% of our leadership team, plus several more, who have achieved this goal,” said Cherokee Recreation and Parks Director Jay Worley. “I am proud that each of them has joined myself and Bryan (Reynolds, Community Services Agency director) in the ranks of being certified professionals. Being in a leadership role in our community, it is important for us to show our citizens that we are committed to the highest level of professionalism and service.”

Attaining the designation shows that those individuals have met education and experience qualifications, and have shown commitment to the profession, as well as the knowledge and understanding of key concepts within the field. The certification process is coordinated through the National Recreation and Parks Association, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of public parks and recreational opportunities.

Cherokee Recreation and Parks employees pictured, bottom row, from left: Jay Worley, Camille Thomas, Jordan Wood, Frankie Sanders, Shawn Schumacher and Bryan Reynolds. Top row, from left: Steve Pressley, advisory board member; Jason Nelms, advisory board chairman; Mark Preetorius, advisory board member; and Terry Meier, advisory board member. Stephen Shrout and Kim Whatley are not pictured.

It’s Almost Time for Readers’ Choice 2021

Aroundabout Local Media’s annual Readers’ Choice always is a great time to show support for your favorite local businesses. However, now, more than ever, we want to thank those business owners who operate restaurants where we can grab a delicious meal (or pick up curbside), service centers that keep our cars in tune, individuals who help educate our children and care for our pets, and medical facilities who’ve faced an inordinate number of challenges over the past year.

Polling opens at 9 a.m. March 1, and ends at 5 p.m. March 31. Visit www.aroundwoodstockmagazine.com and, with a click of your mouse, you will be directed to the voting site. Follow the prompts and cast your vote for your favorite small businesses. Make sure your vote counts by following these guidelines. 1. Spell the business name correctly. 2. Include the address, including ZIP code, of the business you are nominating. 3. Make sure you vote for a business in the 30188 ZIP code. 4. Vote in as few or as many categories as you’d like. There isn’t a minimum number of votes required for your votes to count. 5. No more than five votes per category will be accepted from each IP address.

Let’s keep the focus of Readers’ Choice on local small businesses and celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit. Winners will be announced in the May issue. Businesses will not be notified ahead of time. Everyone will find out at the same time.

Happy voting!

Love?What Is

Peyton, age 8

1. Valentine's Day is a day that you dance and give gifts. 2. You know someone loves you by hugs. 3. A good Valentine's gift is candy and toys to give.

Parker, age 3

Valentine’s Day Through The Eyes of a Child.

As we get older, we can find ourselves running out of ideas to celebrate those we love. To get a fresh perspective, we asked for advice from some well-known experts in our community - your kids!

If you’re struggling with what to buy that special person in your life, or you’re not even sure they feel the same way you do, we hope the answers to the following questions will be helpful. 1. What is Valentine’s Day? 2. How do you know if someone loves you? 3. What’s a good Valentine’s Day gift? 1. Heart. Two ones. 2. Mommy loves me. And, Daddy loves me. 3. Hearts and a bath bomb.

Brady, age 9

1. You get gifts for everyone you know and love. 2. They look out for me. 3. Heart shaped candies

Gwennie, age 6

1. Valentine’s Day is where you have love and family over for food. 2. You know someone loves you if they give you a heart sign. 3. The best Valentine present is shoes with hearts on them.

1. What is Valentine’s Day? 2. How do you know if someone loves you? 3. What’s a good Valentine’s Day gift?

Kylie, age 6

1. Love. 2. They hug you. 3. A dog and a cat.

Michael Gage, age 7

1. A day to celebrate something … I don’t know. Oh yeah.

To love each other. 2. You ask! 3. Candy?? And love.

M.J., age 9

1. Valentine's Day is not a legal holiday where the government closes schools, but it’s where you give small gifts or letters or candy to give love to others. 2. I know someone loves me if they tell me and hug and kiss for no reason. 3. The best Valentine presents are cards and chocolate candy.

Sara, age 9

1. A day for loving your family and your friends. 2. If you’re nice to them and they’re nice to you. 3. Put a nice card with maybe some candy and say that you appreciate them.

Nathan, age 6

1. The day of love. 2. They say "I Love You" and give you a gift. 3. A Card and CANDY!

Amelia, age 7

1. A holiday to celebrate love and kindness. 2. They can give you a card. 3. Chocolate.

Raleigh, age 6

1. To celebrate Valens…? 2. Because they say I love you and they share things. 3. Love.

Addison, age 6

1. Love. 2. Because they act nice. 3. A card or a fairy bookmark, but not a plain one − a fancy one.

Anslee, age 7

1. A day of being nice, giving cards, being kind, helping and giving hugs. 2. Hugs and kisses. 3. A card, stickers and healthy good treats.

Austin, age 11

1. It's something for your mother. 2. Because they kiss you. 3. A heart and candy.

Inman, age 11

1. A day you get lots of chocolate! 2. When they think of you before themselves. 3. A dog!

Kate, age 4

1. That means when you get cards. 2. Because they love you forever. 3. Giving out cards.