7 minute read
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.
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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.
Welcome!
Graphic designer 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.
Around Acworth | Around Canton | Around Kennesaw Around Woodstock | TowneLaker
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“Working with the TowneLaker magazine has been an excellent experience for our business. Their staff is extremely professional, and the quality of their work is top-tier. We received a substantial amount of new business as a result of being on the front cover of the magazine. I wholeheartedly recommend the TowneLaker's platform as an opportunity for businesses small and large to build your local reputation and to get the attention of new and existing customers!” — Tim McWhirter, Canton Termite & Pest Control, Inc.
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ALM President Patty Ponder 770-615-3322 Patty@AroundaboutMagazines.com
Executive Editor Candi Hannigan 770-615-3309 Candi@AroundaboutMagazines.com
Managing Editor Katie Beall 770-852-8481 Katie@AroundaboutMagazines.com Assistant Editor Jessica Forrester 770-615-3318 Jessica@AroundaboutMagazines.com Art Director Michelle McCulloch 770-615-3307 Michelle@AroundaboutMagazines.com Page Designer Laura Latchford Laura@AroundaboutMagazines.com
Graphic Designer Savannah Winn Savannah@AroundaboutMagazines.com Controller Denise Griffin 770-615-3315 Denise@AroundaboutMagazines.com
Social Media Manager Kathryn Holt Kat@AroundaboutMagazines.com
Market & Advertising Specialist Michelle Smith Michelle.Smith@AroundaboutMagazines.com Copy Editors Bill King, Eliza Somers
TowneLaker, a publication of Aroundabout Local Media, Inc., is a monthly community magazine. The magazine’s goal is to help local businesses grow and prosper by offering affordable advertising opportunities in a quality publication that provides positive, relevant information to our readers. It distributes a total of 16,400 free copies. Approximately 15,800 are direct mailed to homes and businesses and an additional 600 are placed in racks in the community.
TowneLaker welcomes your comments, stories, and advertisements. Editorial deadline is the 1st and advertising deadline is the 5th of the previous month.
Subscriptions are available for $24 per year. Send check or money order to the address below.
The viewpoints of the advertisers, columnists and submissions are not necessarily those of the Editor/Publisher and the Publisher makes no claims as to the validity of any charitable organizations mentioned. TowneLaker is not responsible for errors or omissions. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the Publisher. All rights reserved. Copyright 2021.
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Volume 26, Issue 3
Russell Vaudrey, daughter Sharon Volk and great grandson Dennis Volk, stand behind the wooden flag made especially for the veteran. Officers are, from left: Shane Bonebrake, Martin Kiefer and JoAn Willingham of Woodstock Police.
WWII Veteran Enjoys Birthday Surprise Befitting a Hero
Above, Vaudrey in a photo from 1943. Below, family and neighbors gathered on the veteran’s front lawn to greet the officers.
World War II veteran Russell Vaudrey received a rather noisy surprise to help him celebrate his 99th birthday on July 10. Woodstock Police Officer Shane Bonebrake organized a caravan of 15 police and fire vehicles - with lights flashing and sirens blaring - to visit the veteran at his Towne Lake home.
Bonebrake met Vaudrey, who served in WWII as a master sergeant in the U.S. Army Air Corps, at LongHorn Steakhouse. Vaudrey was wearing a WWII veteran hat, and when Bonebrake went over to thank him for his service, he learned the veteran was about to celebrate his 99th birthday. After a bit of planning with Vaudrey’s daughter and members of area public service agencies, Bonebrake organized a drive-in birthday party.
“When I met this guy, I immediately saw my grandpa in him. I thought that I wanted to honor him for his birthday,” Bonebrake said. “My grandpa was a WWII veteran; he was one of my heroes.”
Vaudrey’s daughter, Sharon, and other family members, were with him in the front yard, taking birthday photos, when representatives of the Woodstock, Canton and Holly Springs police departments, Cherokee County Sheriff’s Department and Marshal’s Office, Woodstock Fire and Cherokee County Fire/EMS arrived.
“We have a living hero in Woodstock, so we were going to celebrate him,” Bonebrake said. “We were going to make some noise.”
Bonebrake presented Vaudrey with his favorite cake from Alpine Bakery, a gift certificate to LongHorn steakhouse, and a wooden flag made by fireman David Sargenski and signed by public service personnel from around Cherokee County.
Stay tuned. Plans for the 100th birthday celebration are underway, but don’t tell Mr. Vaudrey! It’s going to be a surprise that Bonebrake promises will be unforgettable.
