Local News
A Pause in The Action at Dixie Speedway
Races at Dixie Speedway have been paused temporarily, as the family focuses on caring for Martha Swims, who has cancer, according to a February post on Dixie Speedway Facebook page. “We have always done everything as a family, including racing. And now, we are blessed to come together and rally around Martha as she continues the fight,” the post reads. “With the exception of the end of last season, Mickey and Martha have been at every race together during their 50-plus years of racing. Since Martha will not attend races this season, Mickey feels his place is to be home with her.”
Sheriff Frank Reynolds, left, with Amy Turcotte and Marcie Smith of the Children’s Haven, and Chief Deputy Tommy Pinyon.
Frank Reynolds Charities Supports Children
Frank Reynolds Charities recently made donations to two local organizations, with proceeds from the annual charity golf tournament held in October 2021. The first donation of $15,000 was made to the Anna Crawford Children’s Center, which works to prevent child abuse and neglect. www. cherokeechildadvocates.org. The second $15,000 donation went to the Children’s Haven, which supports the health and happiness of children impacted by abuse. https:// cherokeechildrenshaven.org. “I want to thank everyone who helped organize and sponsor the golf tournament, as well as all the people who played in the annual event,” Sheriff Frank Reynolds said. “Your involvement helped us make a huge impact on these two wonderful organizations here in Cherokee County.”
2021 Donations Help Community Charities Credit Union of Georgia demonstrated its commitment to the community by donating more than $85,000 to local charities in 2021, thanks to various fundraisers. Credit union employees nominate and vote annually to select the charities to support, which includes donations of money and flood, clothing, toys and hygiene items, as well as time volunteering. The 2021 charities chosen were: Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta; MUST Ministries; Mostly Mutts Animal Rescue; the Children’s Haven and the Salvation Army. www.cuofga.org. 16
AROUND WOODSTOCK | April 2022
New Display Space for Local Artists Artists in North Georgia, metro Atlanta and beyond soon will have a new place to share their visions: Reinhardt University’s Falany Performing Arts Center (FPAC). Anticipated to open next fall, portions of the Ken White Atrium will be available for artists to rent and exhibit their creations. “There are so many wonderful artists in our area, but we don’t have an art gallery in Waleska for them to showcase their work. Opening this space for exhibits provides a great opportunity for artists,” FPAC Director Jessica Akers said. “The Falany welcomes over 15,000 visitors of all ages during a traditional performing arts season, enabling much exposure for artists.” Artists will be able to rent the entire gallery or a specified area. The space also will accommodate opening receptions. Most artwork displayed will be available for purchase, with opportunities to display paintings, pottery, sculptures, textiles and other works. Artists interested in exhibiting their work should email Akers at jca@reinhardt.edu. www.reinhardt.edu/falany-performing-artscenter-expands-to-visual-arts.
Auditions Coming Soon for Musicians, Vocalists
Musicians and vocalists are invited to take part in a talent search, showcasing contemporary Christian music, 1950s-60s rock and soul, Christmas music, Motown sounds, background singers, soprano, alto, tenor and bass vocalists (male and female), brass, woodwinds, strings and percussionists in the intermediate, advanced or expert levels. Anyone interested in auditioning is asked to submit a demo MP3 or MP4 file, in order to be assigned a time slot. The audition is set for 9 a.m.-4 p.m. April 23 at Bascomb United Methodist Church, 2295 Bascomb Carmel Road, Woodstock. Individuals who do not send a demo will be scheduled into the remaining time slots. Individuals age 16 and older with intermediate to expert skills are encouraged to audition. A full sound system will be available; those who audition don’t need to bring amplifiers. In-ear monitors are recommended. A Roland TD-17KV will be available for drummers. For more details, email timgrady01@gmail.com with a subject line of Auditions.
