Around Canton Letter From the Editor
Each month, we find so much to celebrate in our community that sometimes it’s hard to fit it all in. I can’t imagine living — or working — anywhere else! Cherokee County is the perfect location, fulfilling the slogan, Where Metro Meets the Mountains. We are close enough for a drive to the Gulf Coast and even closer to the Blue Ridge mountains. In the spirit of celebration, we have lots to share with you this month, starting with our ALM team. We are celebrating 26 years of bringing readers uplifting, hyperlocal content. It all began in June 1996, when the founders launched that first issue, making us the longest running community magazine in Cherokee County. That’s an honor and privilege we don’t take lightly. As we continue in the celebratory mode, we are thankful for one of our most cherished writers, Margaret Miller, who brings us up to date on a Juneteenth celebration in our backyard (Page 12). Our comprehensive list of parks in the county will guide you as you celebrate the beginning of summer with family and friends (Pages 24-26). A few years ago, our family celebrated our son Drew’s graduation from the Georgia Fire Academy. He’s currently a firefighter in Catoosa County, and loves what he does. On his off days, he uses his education degree to tutor students or fill in as a substitute teacher. This mama couldn’t be more proud of our son! There’s another family who recently celebrated a similar graduation in Cherokee County, one that boasts three generations of firefighters (Pages 16-17). Maybe one day I’ll have grandchildren who’ll continue the tradition in the Hannigan family? Consider that a prayer request. Thanks to Canton city officials, we continue our Roadmap series with a look at creating great neighborhoods (Pages 14-15). City officials also are asking for community feedback on the city’s transportation master plan. Check it out at https://wikimapping.com/Canton-TransportationMaster-Plan.html. The Summer Family Movie Series is back at the Canton Theatre, where a film will be shown at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. each Thursday through July 28. Check Page 8 for more details on this and other Canton events. See you around town!
Candi Hannigan, executive editor of Aroundabout Local Media, with her son Drew at his August 2019 graduation from the Georgia Fire Academy.
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AROUND CANTON | June 2022
Kudos!
The Arbor at BridgeMill recently was featured as one of the best memory care communities in the area by memorycare.com, after 12 months were spent analyzing key care-quality metrics, such as resident satisfaction ratings, facility features, affordability and, most importantly, first-hand reviews from families. The data highlighted that The Arbor at BridgeMill provides residents with a level of care that far exceeds generally accepted care standards.
Cherokee Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cuttings
Kragor Orthodontics
305 Lark Lane, Suite 102, Canton 770-485-8827. https://kragorortho.com.
Michael J. Leach, DDS — Pediatric Dentistry 305 Lark Lane, Suite 100, Canton 770-663-3848. www.thekidstoothdoc.com.
What’s New
Jersey Mike’s Subs has opened at 2249 Cumming Highway. Franchise owner John McDonald donated proceeds from the grand opening fundraiser to Northside Hospital Foundation. Contact the store at 470-863-1177. www.jerseymikes.com.
What’s Coming
Dive Southern Coastal Kitchen — Canton, a family restaurant serving Southern coastal recipes, will open at 135 Reinhardt College Parkway. The menu includes Southern-style seafood entrees, including shrimp and grits, and Lowcountry boil. On Facebook. www.divesoutherncoastalkitchen.com.
The Cherokee County Board of Commissioners recently voted to purchase 40.7 acres on East Cherokee Drive to develop a new park in Hickory Flat. The planning process could start as early as this summer and includes hiring a consultant with expertise in master planning, engineering and landscape architecture. The public will have a chance to offer input. County officials believe construction could start in about two years.
