Around Canton Letter From the Editor
Readers, it’s all about YOU this month! OK, it really is all about you every month, because we try our best to create content you’ll enjoy. But this month, what you think is doubly important as we launch Readers’ Choice 2022. Please take time to go to the Readers’ Choice link at www.aroundcantonmagazine.com, and write in your favorites in the categories listed there. If you nominate 25 or more, you’ll be entered to win a $500 Visa gift card. The top five nominees in each category will move on to the voting round that begins May 1. The winners will be announced in the July issue, and a list of the winners and finalists will stay on each of our websites, giving you a perfect resource whenever you need a recommendation for a service, restaurant or physician. Each winner will be in your area, so you can be assured they are local. Keeping things hyperlocal is the standard by which we measure our editorial content each month. With this goal in mind, you’ll notice the return of the downtown Canton calendar this month. I remember before the COVID-19 shutdowns, we were getting close to five pages of calendar events each month. As our community springs back to life, we’re going to zero in on the downtown events, listing them all on one page, while also giving you a comprehensive community calendar in each issue. We’re excited to see more events taking place in our community. If we’ve learned anything through this, it’s to not take anything for granted, and to embrace each moment. Last weekend, a charitable group of folks embraced the 1980s by dressing up and attending an ’80s-style prom event to raise money for the Children’s Haven. Flip to Pages 18-19 for a trip back in time. Allatoona Lake campgrounds are opening (Page 34), and there are opportunities to adopt a local stream through the Upper Etowah River Alliance and a state program (Page 16). We always marvel at the lengths someone will go to to help a loved one … including donating a kidney to a stranger. Turn to Page 26 to meet Mallory and Alex Woodward. If you’re a regular reader of this magazine, you’ll recognize that examples of charity, care and a servant’s heart are recurring scenarios in Cherokee County, arguably one of the strongest, most united counties in Georgia. I’m proud to work, live and play in such a loving, caring and supportive community.
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 CANTON | March 2022
READERS’
CHOICE Award 2022
Time to Nominate Your Favorites!
March 1-31
See Page 56 for more information.
www.aroundcantonmagazine.com
Welcome!
Donna Harris has joined Aroundabout Local Media
as managing editor. We’re excited to welcome Donna, who has worked in this community and has considerable journalism experience. However, we are sad to say goodbye to former managing editor Katie Beall. We wish her well in her future endeavors!
What’s Open
Ashley Outlet has opened at 1750 Marietta
Highway, Suite 95, in the Canton Corners shopping center. The outlet concept is part of Ashley Furniture Industries. 470-761-2102.
What’s Closing
American Bodyworks Gym in Woodstock, at 5947 Holly Springs Parkway, closed in February, after 13 years in business. The owner cited changes in how people reach their fitness goals as the challenge that forced the closing.
What’s Coming
Cherokee Social House is planned for Sixes Road,
between Waffle House and Guthrie’s near BridgeMill. The beer, burger, taco and pizza tavern will be two stories, and feature 10 garage doors that will lead to a patio. Owners Mark Ferrara and Marc Loreti live in Bridgemill. Follow the progress on Facebook.
Kudos!
Canton has been given the Visionary City Award for the city’s Roadmap for Success initiative. The award celebrates cities that have created positive community change through effective engagement and collaboration, and is given to nine cities annually, three from each population size group: less than 4,999, 5,000-24,999, and more than 25,000. More information on Page 8. At press time, Mark A. Roberts was to have been installed as Reinhardt University’s 21st president during a Feb. 25 ceremony. Roberts came to Reinhardt in 2013 as the vice president for academic affairs and dean of faculty. He also has served as provost, executive vice president and interim president, in addition to being writing center director and a professor.
