Around Towne Letter From the Editor
I’m happy to say that the staff at Aroundabout Local Media is busier than ever, uniting the communities we serve. That number has risen to five, with the addition of Around Kennesaw! Starting this month, 17,000 copies of this hyperlocal publication will be distributed by mail and in racks throughout that historic city. It’s become clear as we’ve prepared the first issue that Kennesaw residents and business owners are happy to hear we’ve come to their town. I’ve enjoyed learning more about the city in this process. Did you know it was called Big Shanty from the time it was established on a railroad line in the 1830s until it was incorporated as the city of Kennesaw in 1887? I’ll be sure to wave that premier issue at those who declare print is dead. I’m here to say it isn’t! Aroundabout Local Media has created a successful model of bringing positive and relevant information to our readers, while helping our local businesses prosper and grow. It began with the first issue of the TowneLaker, published 25 years ago. The longevity of this publication and its parent company, with new magazines added throughout the years, shows that our readers still love to get a sleek, glossy product in their mailboxes, absorb it from cover to cover, and keep it on the coffee table to refer to throughout the month. In a small way, I feel like we’ve become a part of your family. We often hear from our readers, and we love sharing their news with you. A perfect example is this month’s pickleball feature. Mike Walls reached out a few months ago to tell us about his teammate Linda Mummert’s efforts in making pickleball more accessible. Turn to Page 14 to find out how the country’s fastest growing sport is holding court in Cherokee County. I haven’t attended all the July 4 parades in Woodstock, but I’m guessing this year’s crowd was one of the largest the city has seen in recent years. See the highlights on Pages 20-21. With these glimpses into our community, I hope we continue to enhance the local culture and foster a sense of pride in our special county. I know that after 42 (GULP) years in the business of print media, I could not be more proud to be a part of this industry. And yes, I started when I was 10, in case you were wondering.
Kindness Challenge of the Month
Sweeten Someone’s Day. When checking out at the grocery store, ask your cashier what their favorite candy bar is, and buy it for them. A sweet treat is almost always welcomed!
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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TOWNELAKER | August 2021
Graphic designer
Welcome!
Savannah Winn has joined
the Aroundabout Local Media staff. The Georgia native graduated from Kennesaw State University in 2020 with a bachelor’s of fine arts in graphic communications and a minor in marketing. When she is not working, Savannah enjoys other artistic pursuits, including ceramics and painting. She also loves swing dancing, and enjoys local events and traveling across the country.
What’s New
Woodstock Hopebridge Autism Therapy Center has opened at 3338 Trickum Road. The center
offers an innovative mix of multidisciplinary services closer to home for Georgia’s children. www.hopebridge.com/centers/woodstock-ga.
Holbrook of Woodstock recently celebrated its grand opening at 13682 Highway 92. The residential community for active adults, offers independent living, assisted living and memory care. 404-476-8520. www.holbrooklife.com. Findlay Rowe Designs Gift Shop & Boutique, at 102 Fowler St., Woodstock, offers unique gifts, apparel, jewelry, monogrammed items, frames, candles, baby and collegiate items. On Facebook. Perimeter Orthopaedics has opened a new location in Woodstock at 281 Heritage Walk, featuring comprehensive surgical, non-surgical, regenerative and diagnostic services. www.perimterortho.com.
Kudos
A raffle held by the Woodstock Public Safety Foundation raised more than $10,000 for the family
of Officer Joe Burson, the Holly Springs policeman killed recently while on duty. Foundation board member Tori Hand had the idea to hold a raffle and announce the winners at the July concert in downtown Woodstock. Prizes were AirPod Pros, donated by the Woodstock Public Safety Foundation, four Falcons tickets donated by the Echelon Group of Woodstock, and a Yeti backpack cooler purchased by LGE Community Credit Union.
