Around Woodstock

Letter From the Editor

This might be the year I get that tattoo I’ve been wanting. There’s no real reason other than I'm not getting any younger. My birthday is this month, but it’s not a big one. Glenn and I are celebrating our 35th anniversary this year, but because this isn’t the kind of ink my journalist husband will affirm, I won’t mark that milestone this way. In fact, there’s much opposition to a tattoo, mostly from my three adult children. I’d think they’d want their mom to be even more hip and cool! (I know. Because I used those terms, I’ve proven I am neither of those things.) And, my mother-in-law? Bless her. I know she’s shaking her head as she’s reading this. Love you, Grandma!

My tattoo dream comes to mind — stay with me — because of the overriding theme of this month’s issue: service. While I hate that 9/11 happened at all, much less on my birthday, I love that it has become a National Day of Service. Each month, you’ll find plenty of articles about people helping others in our magazines. This month is no exception, starting with Rebecca Johnston’s chronology of the Service League of Cherokee County, a volunteer group of women who’ve made more of a difference in our county than we possibly could know. Take a trip down memory lane with her on Pages 36-38.

Beginning on Page 40, you’ll find a series of service-related articles. You’ll discover plenty of chances to serve after reading the Susan Schulz profile of Hope2Africa (Pages 40-41), the roundup of nonprofits on Page 43 and the opportunities to make a difference in the lives of some very special furry friends (Page 44).

Now, hopefully, you’ll make the tattoo/service connection with me. My idea is to get a tattoo of a starfish, with the words: Make a difference. That comes from this inspirational story:

One day, a man was walking along the beach, when he noticed a boy hurriedly picking up and gently throwing things into the ocean. Approaching the boy, he asked, “Young man, what are you doing?” The boy replied, “Throwing starfish back into the ocean. The surf is up, and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them back, they’ll die.” The man laughed to himself and said, “Don’t you realize there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You can’t make any difference!”

After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish and threw it into the surf. Then, smiling at the man, he said,

“I made a difference to that one.”

There is no effort too small to make a difference. If you want to be my tattoo sister or brother, let me know!

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 BEST FOR Bridal

2023

Do you want to take part in an online poll to find the best wedding service providers in Northwest Georgia? Get ready to say, I do! Our poll will be ready for you to vote Oct. 1-31 at www.aroundaboutlocalmedia.com. Results will be posted Jan. 1 and will be included in Around Woodstock.

What’s Closed

At press time, owners of the Copper Coin announced plans to close its doors Sept. 3: “We are heartbroken, but rising food costs and changing customer spending habits mean we simply cannot sign another five-year lease on this space. We have loved every minute of serving you, our customers and friends.”

Cherokee Chamber Ribbon Cutting

The Innovation Spot expansion

233 Arnold Mill Road, Building 110, Woodstock 770-262-3668. www.theinnovationspot.com.

IN WDSTK Ribbon Cutting

Jéa Salon and Spa

10971 Highway 92, Suite D, Woodstock, GA 30188 www.jeahairstudio.com

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Publisher Aroundabout Local Media, Inc. www.aroundaboutlocalmedia.com

President Kim Dahnke 770-778-5314 kim@aroundaboutmagazines.com Vice President Jennifer Coleman 678-279-5502 jen@aroundaboutmagazines.com

Executive Editor Candi Hannigan 770-615-3309 candi@aroundaboutmagazines.com

Managing Editor Donna Harris 770-852-8481 donna@aroundaboutmagazines.com Content Editor Jessica Forrester 770-615-3318 jessica@aroundaboutmagazines.com Production Manager Michelle McCulloch 770-615-3307 michelle@aroundaboutmagazines.com Page Designer Laura Latchford laura@aroundaboutmagazines.com

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Market & Advertising Specialist Michelle Smith michelle.smith@aroundaboutmagazines.com Copy Editors Bill King, Eliza Somers

Around Woodstock, a publication of Aroundabout Local Media, Inc., is a community magazine with 17,000 free copies distributed monthly. Approximately 16,600 are direct mailed to homes and businesses and an additional 400 are placed in racks in the community. Around Woodstock welcomes your comments, stories, and advertisements. Editorial deadline is the first and advertising deadline is the fifth of the previous month.

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