A Message From the

Over the past two months, during our City Council meetings, I had the opportunity to honor several Boy Scouts from Troop 625 and Girl Scouts from Troop 14665 for earning the illustrious President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA). Established in 2003 by the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation, the PVSA was created to recognize the outstanding contributions of volunteers who go above and beyond to make a difference in their communities. Over the years, this remarkable award has honored countless Americans of all ages, shining a light on the selfless acts of service that truly embody the spirit of Woodstock and our great nation.

These young Scouts, through their hard work and commitment to making Woodstock a better place, exemplify the values we hold dear as a community. It is through their tireless efforts, and those of countless other volunteers, that our city continues to thrive and grow. The importance of volunteerism in shaping the health and well-being of a community cannot be overstated.

Volunteers play a vital role in building strong communities by fostering connections, offering support and promoting civic engagement. In Woodstock, we are fortunate to have a diverse range of volunteer opportunities that cater to different interests, passions and skill sets. From working with local arts nonprofits and supporting our senior citizens to beautifying our parks and organizing community events, every act of service, big or small, contributes to the greater good.

The impact of volunteerism is not limited to the direct benefits it provides to the individuals and organizations served. It creates a ripple effect that extends beyond the initial act of service, influencing so many others in the community. By witnessing the selflessness and dedication of our local volunteers, we inspire others to become more involved.

For the Scouts of Troop 625 and Troop 14665, earning the PVSA is not only a testament to their individual achievements, but also an affirmation of the values of teamwork, leadership and perseverance, which they’ve developed along the way. These young individuals have chosen to invest their time and energy in bettering the lives of others. In doing so, they have set a powerful example for their peers and future generations.

As we celebrate the accomplishments of these young volunteers, let us also take a moment to appreciate the countless others who give their time, skills and passion to serve our community. Woodstock is a shining example of what can be achieved when we come together with a shared purpose and a commitment to lifting up one another. It is through the spirit of volunteerism that we ensure our city remains a vibrant and welcoming place for all who call Woodstock home.

— Mayor Michael Caldwell

Troops Honored for Volunteer Service

During recent City Council meetings, Mayor Michael Caldwell honored Boy Scouts from Troop 625 and Girl Scouts from Troop 14665 for earning the President’s Volunteer Service Award. (Learn more about the award in his article on Page 10.)

Troop 625 is a 56-year-old Boy Scout Troop from Little River Methodist Church. Under the leadership of Scoutmaster Scott Martin, the troop has performed more than 1,400 hours of service this year, with 10 Scouts and 11 adult leaders receiving the award.

The Girl Scouts in Troop 14665, led by Michele Samuel, also meet at Little River Methodist Church and strive to complete monthly service projects. In recent years, they have raised 1 ton of food for a local food pantry and 4,000 books for local schools and libraries. Their innovative “contactless cookie booth” led them to be featured on WSB-TV and the “Today Show.”

Free Throws for Logan Raises $27,000

In our April issues, ALM featured Jackie Arnold, who took on shooting 1,000 free throws in five hours to benefit the MowatWilson Syndrome (MWS) Foundation and Woodstock Middle School’s Special Education Department: https://townelaker.com/ archives.

Jackie updated us after the April 15 event: “It was an incredible success! Not only did we spread awareness about MWS throughout our community, and even the country, we were able to raise more than $27,000! I still can’t believe it.”

Jackie’s son Logan was diagnosed with MWS, a rare genetic disorder, in 2010; he will attend Woodstock Middle in the fall. “We were so grateful for (Woodstock Middle’s) support and all of the local businesses who donated gift cards and prizes. It was amazing,” she said.

Around 75 people stopped by the Woodstock Middle gym during the event. “All of that energy definitely helped me get to 1,000 made shots,” Jackie said. “It took 1,324 attempts (more than I would’ve liked!), but it was so worth every one.”

Knights of Columbus Holds Disability Drive

Over the past eight months, the Knights of Columbus from St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Woodstock collected money to help support people in Cherokee County with disabilities. One Saturday each month, from August through March, they walked the intersections of Interstate 575 at Towne Lake Parkway and Highway 92 at Trickum Road.

On May 1, the Knights of Columbus presented Jonathan Francher, executive director of Empower Cherokee, with a check for more than $14,000. The group is led by Past Grand Knight Rick Highers. This is the second year that $14,000 has been donated to Empower Cherokee. The organization’s members will start collecting again in August.