Around Woodstock 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 Juneteenth traditions (Page 10). Our comprehensive list of parks in the county will guide you as you celebrate the beginning of summer with family and friends (Pages 20-22.) 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 her son! There’s another family who recently celebrated a similar graduation in Cherokee County, one that boasts three generations of firefighters (Pages 24-25). Maybe one day I’ll have grandchildren who’ll continue the tradition in the Hannigan family? Consider that a prayer request. There’s always something in Woodstock to celebrate. At a recent IN WDSTK gathering, Content Editor Jessica Forrester learned that a goal of the city’s sustainability efforts is to have a household hazardous waste disposal (HWD) drop-off event in the next few months, in addition to a potential permanent HWD center for city residents. Keep an eye out for more details! And — get ready for some entertaining evenings downtown — family fun nights are planned for the third Thursdays of June and July. For details, turn to Page 45.
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 WOODSTOCK | June 2022
What's New?
Peach State Games has opened at 10010 Highway 92, Suite 110, next to Stars and Strikes. The gaming store hosts events and has a focus on collectable card games and tabletop gaming, such as Magic: The Gathering, Pokemon, Yugioh and more. 470-446-3225. www.peachstategames.com. Black Rifle Coffee Co. is a premium coffee business founded to support veterans, active-duty military and first responders; it has opened at 10971 Highway 92. www.blackriflecoffee.com/pages/woodstock-retail. Features include a full espresso bar, grab-and-go menu with breakfast, sweets and lunch options, outdoor seating/dog park, and more.
What's Changed
Midwife Susan Griggs is retiring from Cherokee Women's Health Specialists after 15 years. She has built the midwifery program to include a team of midwives who care for women at both Canton and Woodstock locations, as well as Northside Hospital Cherokee. www.cherokeewomenshealth.com.
Dr. Haiden Nunn has left North Georgia Audiology & Hearing Aid Center. Dr. Hannah Jones has joined the staff. The Woodstock office is at 280 Heritage Walk, Suite 300. www.yourhearinglink.com. In preparation for the Woodstock City Center development, Morris & Fellows has sold several blocks of its historic retail holdings in downtown Woodstock, between Fowler Street and Wheeler Street, to Burroughs & Chapin.
What's Closing
At press time, Christine’s Creations in Woodstock, at 8838 Main St., had plans to close at the end of May. The owner is retiring and is excited about spending more time with family.
IN WDSTK Ribbon Cutting
Big Dan’s Car Wash
305 Ridgewalk Parkway, Woodstock www.bigdanscarwash.com.
