Around Woodstock Letter From the Editor
Part of our mission is to provide positive and relevant information in each issue. That’s not hard to do in Cherokee County. You don’t have to look far or wait long to find an example of someone acting kind, generous or selfless. I may be wired to notice such things. I took a spiritual gifts inventory at least 15 years ago, as part of a class at Hillside UMC with about eight or 10 others. At the end of the study, we went around the room and revealed our strongest gift. My friend Lucy and I were the only ones whose top gift was compassion. The others tested highest in administration, exhortation, teaching, and a few more. During this discussion, one class member was leaning back in her chair, went a little too far and fell to the ground. Lucy and I - the most compassionate in the room - immediately jumped up to help. But when we realized we were the only ones who reacted that way, we started laughing so hard that we left our friend to fend for herself. It was the perfect way to end the class, and gave us insight into why we do the things we do. On pages 1619, you’ll meet two generous women who volunteered for major surgery in order to donate kidneys. I don’t believe we need a test to know they are filled with compassion. And the recipients are filled with gratitude for having a second chance at life. In honor of Women’s History Month, Ashley Velez introduces us to some inspirational women who are making an impact (Page 22). In fact, there were so many to meet, we decided to conclude this feature in the April edition. What we don’t specify in our mission statement is that we hope you are inspired by what you read on these pages each month. This issue is no exception, with story after story of kind and compassionate people. Our response? Here’s an idea from our Kindness Challenge.
March
Make a Joyful Noise. Find a way to share your musical gifts (or even the lack thereof !) with neighbors and friends. Share a song through a text or Spotify. Have your kids form a band and march through your neighborhood, or serenade from the sidewalk if you feel bold!
Cherokee Chamber Ribbon Cutting
Agave Azul Mexican Kitchen & Tequila Bar
915 Ridgewalk Parkway, Suite F-650, Woodstock 770-635-8707. On Facebook.
What’s Open
AlignLife of Woodstock, at 10917 Highway 92, Suite 160,
is a chiropractic and natural health center with a focus on health and wellness. Licensed chiropractor Taylor Hoskins has experience with all ages. 678-385-9333. www.alignlife.com/woodstock. Fans of the prepared foods available at BeesKnees in Towne Lake will be happy to know they can pick up their favorite frozen entrees, breads and snacks at Cupcakelicious, at 8654 Main St. Visit www.preparedfoodsbybk.com for more information. Limitless Disability Services, at 260 Parkway 575, offers a special needs day program that gives those with disabilities a safe and loving space to grow independently. For more information, contact Paige Reid at paige@limitlessdisabilityservices.com. Renewal Pain Relief LLC, at 1001 Weatherstone Parkway, Suite 410, treats chronic pain conditions caused by whiplash/motor vehicle accidents, frozen shoulder, plantar fasciitis, sciatica, headaches/ migraines, and more. 678-557-1733. www.renewalpainrelief.com. Also on Facebook.
What’s Coming
The Blue Ghost Arcade will open at 150 Towne Lake Parkway,
Suite 164, with a full bar, plus 40 retro arcade games, pinball machines and console games. Targeted opening date is sometime this spring. www.theBlueGhostArcade.com. According to City Manager Jeff Moon, we can look forward to the following businesses opening in Woodstock: Big Dan’s Car Wash will open on Ridgewalk Parkway; Woodstock Beer Market is targeting a late March/early April opening at 260 Chambers St., and Pelican’s Snoballs is going in at 8099 Main St.
What’s Closing
Dr. Michael F. Pratt, owner/physician at Woodstock Ear, Nose and Throat since 2001, is retiring this month and closing the practice, which is at 281 Heritage Walk in Woodstock. 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 | March 2021
With Sympathy
Our condolences to the family of Don Kyle, who passed away recently. He was co-founder of the TowneLaker, the flagship publication of Aroundabout Local Media.