Enjoy Cherokee Magazine - May/Jun 2021 by Enjoy Cherokee Magazine

KEVIN WILLIAMS:

IR ATIONAL KINDNESS R

page 16

COFFEE WITH A PURPOSE page 22

CALIFINO TEQUILA

FINDS HOME IN CHEROKEE page 28

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[feature articles]

Features

CaliFino Takes Tequila Upscale

A family business brings luxury tequila to Cherokee County. With a distributorship in Canton, Jose Luna shares how his father’s recipe transformed homemade tequila into a high-end nationwide brand.

Georgia Special Olympics Standout

Canton resident Hunter Tice is the 2020 Georgia Special Olympics Male Athlete of the Year. Hunter’s big smile, passion for sports, and joyful attitude stand out as much as his athletic ability. Read what local folks have to say about Hunter.

RockSolid Brewing

Four couples are living their dream by starting a new brewery in Ball Ground. By offering craft beer, board games, and events most days of the week, RockSolid has become a hub where friends and families gather.

When God Laughs, by Marlan Yoder See article on page 12.

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[table of contents]

Contents

When God Laughs, by Marlan Yoder See article on page 12.

Irrational Kindness

Coffee With A Purpose

Marlan Yoder

Travel to Cartersville

The world knows Chick-fil-A by the employees’ pleasant demeanor and “My pleasure” slogan. Local franchise owner and entrepreneur Kevin Williams has taken Chick-fil-A’s infamous kindness to an irrational new level and encourages us all to live with irrational kindness.

The Circle Of Friends Coffee Shop in Woodstock serves coffee with a purpose. Community members have created a vital opportunity for folks with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Learn about the Circle Of Friends and its goals for helping others.

Local artist Marlan Yoder depicts the biblical Tree of Life in ways never seen. Viewers and collectors say his joyous, celebratory, and bright paintings move them in emotional ways. Marlan’s spiritual journey that led him to create the Tree of Life series will leave a smile on your face too. Whether for a fun-filled day trip or weekend stay, Cartersville should be at the top of your list. Only thirty minutes outside Cherokee County, historic downtown Cartersville, as well as surrounding Bartow County, offers a variety of shopping, dining, activities, and fun for the whole family.

[Advertisers Index] Bonnie Dobbs Agency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Booth Western Art Museum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Cartersville-Bartow Co. CVB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Chattahoochee Tech . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Chattahoochee Tech Foundation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Dalton Wholesale Floors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Darby Funeral Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Elite Landscape Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Falany Performing Arts Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Fundraiser Made Easy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Georgia Medical Treatment Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Goshen Valley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 History Cherokee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 J. Thompson Ross . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Magnetize Me . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Mileshko . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Northside Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . . inside front cover Northside Hospital Ask the Doctor . . . . . . . . . . . . 26-27 Olde Silos Art and Frame . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Page Relocation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Phoenix Senior Living . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Pivad Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Pritchard Injury Firm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Shottenkirk Hyundai Canton . . . . . . . 20 / back cover Singleton Marine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Tellus Science Museum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 The Mill on Etowah . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Your Pie Canton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 [www.EnjoyCherokee.com]

Brewing

RockSolid Brewing Lands Firmly in Ball Ground Michael Mullet, Ball Ground Resident

Four couples, one dream, and a hobby have combined to turn into a business. Despite the pandemic, RockSolid Brewing finds success with good beer, a family-friendly atmosphere, and a welcoming community.

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Front Row: Jim Gillum, Carmine Parisi, and Chris Nelson Back Row: Nick Alberga and Brian Crass

It’s

Thursday night, and owner Jim Gillum is looking at the customers filling the tap room at RockSolid Brewing in downtown Ball Ground. Despite it being a weeknight, every table is full, with couples, friends, and families enjoying themselves. “Right now we have only half our tables out,” says Jim, one of the eight people who own the craft brewery. “It’ll be interesting to see what happens when we can open at full capacity.” The pandemic added a whole layer of challenges to the many trials anyone faces when opening a new business. Nevertheless, the community’s response to RockSolid bodes well for success.

“

We couldn’t have picked a better place than Ball Ground,” Jim says between talking to customers whose names he already knows and who know his. “The day we opened, December 12, 2020, we had a line stretching from the bar right out the door for a good six hours. No one seemed to mind waiting. uuu

”

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At the most basic level, beers qualify as either lager or ale. The difference is in the fermentation process. Ales are made through top fermentation, a process wherein yeast ferments at warmer temperatures and settles at the top of the beer. Lagers take longer. They ferment under cooler temperatures, and the yeast settles at the bottom. Here is some more detailed information:

IPAs IPAs (India pale ales) get their flavor largely from hops and herbal, citrus, or fruity flavors. They can be bitter and contain high alcohol levels.

Pale Ales Pale ales are usually hoppy, malty, medium-bodied, and easy to drink.

A "before" photo of the back of the build ing, where you will now find all the equipment for brewing.

Pilsners Pilsners come in various styles. German pilsners have a pale gold color and crisp flavor, while Czech pilsners are darker, with higher bitterness.

Stouts Stouts are dark beers—think Guinness. Stouts carry sweetness from unfermented sugars. They often taste of coffee or dark chocolate.

Porters Traditional porters are dark, like stouts. Common ingredients include chocolate or other dark-roasted malts.

Wheat Beers Wheat beers have a light color and low to medium alcohol level. They tend to lack bitterness and are easily combined with fruits such as lemon or orange.

Sour beers Sour beers are highly tart and can carry a multitude of fruitful flavors. The addition of things such as cherries, raspberries, and peaches create a taste unlike other beers.

Beer Vocabulary Hops: the cone-shaped flowers used to create bitterness, flavors, and aromas in beer, often used as an adjective to describe a beer’s taste or aroma Imperial: a beer style with stronger than usual flavor and higher alcohol by volume, made by upping the amount of hops and malt used Malt: the grain used in the brewing process that contributes greatly to a beer’s color, sweetness, and mouth-feel Information comes from https://visittrivalley. com/2016/04/10-terms-to-boost -your-beer-vocabulary-2/ and https://time. com/5218581/types-of-beer-guide/.

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uuu Ball Ground, one of northern Cherokee County’s

most sought-after communities, was already home to a historic downtown with several notable shops and wellknown local food establishments. Frankfurt Döner & Meats deli market, Les Bon Temps Louisiana Kitchen, and the Ball Ground Burger Bus are among others. For all its charms, though, what seemed to be missing from downtown Ball Ground was a neighborhood pub. RockSolid has turned out to be the right business in the right place and at the right time.

“

It has been a wonderful experience, nothing we ever expected,” says Antonia Alberga-Parisi, another of the owners. “Cherokee County is enthusiastic about new business, and the people of Ball Ground have been welcoming. We did a lot of research and wanted to make sure we opened this business in the right spot. We couldn’t have picked a better place.

”

A sense of place is also behind the name RockSolid. Antonia explains, “One of Ball Ground’s most wellknown residents was Oscar Robertson, whom everyone called the Rock Man. He passed away in 2005, but he had a big rock shop downtown and also owned several other buildings. We wanted to honor that part of the city’s history.” The story of the company itself is no less interesting, especially because beer making had been only a hobby for a couple of the owners, and none of them had ever owned a business.

team first moved When the RockSolid uired a lot of into the space, it req unders and team remodeling. The fo rk themselves to did much of the wo me to life. They co m ea make their dr to make RockSolid have worked hard for their visitors. an enjoyable space

“Jim Gillum used to brew beer in his garage and invited my brother, Nick Alberga, to join him,” Antonia recounts. “When my husband, Carmine Parisi, and I moved down here from New York in 2013, Nick invited my husband to join them. Jim’s wife, Kate, worked with a woman named Chris Nelson, and she and her husband, Doug, were interested in investing. Add in Nick’s wife and Jim’s wife and me, and eight of us went in together to start this business.” uuu

remembering

A LIFE WELL LIVED...

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uuu While opening a business can be a challenge in the best

of times, RockSolid faced some once-in-a-century challenges. “The biggest surprise was COVID. The global pandemic threw a wrench in our plans,” Antonia says with understatement. “Not only were people not going out, but also most banks became wary of financing any business that thought opening during a pandemic represented a good business plan. We’d probably been working on the idea for about three years and were finally ready to move forward.”

In fact, the owners had gotten a building in Ball Ground in November 2019 and had planned to open in spring 2020. Antonia says, “Obviously that didn’t work out. Then we were going to try Black Friday, but we weren’t quite ready. We finally picked December twelfth—12/12—and it proved to be just right.” Six months later and with RockSolid filled with people every night, it can be easy to think the pub’s popularity is a function of people’s desire to go out and socialize again, something that likely hasn’t hurt the business. One of the most important things to know about RockSolid, though, is that it has really good beer.

“

The beer I used to make as a hobby was pretty good,” says Jim, “but when we started this venture, we hired a professional brewmaster, Brian Crass. He can take a vision for a specific type of beer, a flavor profile, and make it a reality. He is very talented and a big reason we are able to serve such high-quality beers.

C A. The Grand Opening of

RockSolid was a family affair. The founders, their spouses, and their children are all sporting their RockSolid shirts.

B. RockSolid plans to offer a large variety of beers. Always check back to see what's new on tap.

C. The taproom is a perfect space for friends and

family to spend time together. RockSolid offers board games, arcade games, and outside space for guests to enjoy as well.

D. The taproom features a Founder’s Wall with

various contribution levels for RockSolid lovers to support this growing brewery.

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”

Even though RockSolid has only ten craft brews on tap right now—a number bound to increase—it has something for every taste. The Big Hoppa double IPA appeals to those who like their hops strong and flavorful. The St. Cecilia Vanilla Coffee Stout offers a rich flavor profile in a robust stout. The 4th Planet is the brewery’s red ale. Linger Longer Lager is a Helles German-style brew, and the 12/12 Pale Ale commemorates opening day with a crisp taste and smooth finish. “Our beers are definitely something special,” adds Jim, “but look around. You see families here talking to each other, playing board games or cards, and enjoying themselves. RockSolid has turned out to be everything we hoped it would be. Ball Ground feels like home now, and we plan to be here for a long, long time.”

Artist

Leana Conway, Woodstock Resident

Because of Marlan Yoder’s distinguished look and kind smile, you might suppose he is an educator or scholar. He is an artist though, one who has found his passion and followed it to success. 12

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ou may make further assumptions about Marlan’s art. Surely a gentleman such as he would produce serene nature scenes or stately portraits in soft colors. In conversation, his faith quickly comes up, so you visualize religious paintings. Religious paintings are fine, but they aren’t Marlan’s style, or at least not blatantly. An artsy definition online of his painting style is “crossing the lines of surrealism and impressionism with his own brand of pointillism.” The best way to describe Marlan’s paintings is in terms of how they make people feel. Those who have viewed Marlan’s work often say, “Marlan’s work touches my heart.” Marlan, who dresses in colorless shades and doesn’t enjoy the limelight, paints like a blind man who has been given the gift of sight. His canvases are celebrations, portals to a world of fluffy cotton-candy trees. Multicolored confetti explodes on his canvases. Surreal blue skies move you. You feel many things, to the point of being overcome with emotion.

God's Workshop

Marlan first recognized he had artistic talent as a child when he corrected another child drawing a horse. Marlan continued to dabble in art, but his blue-collar religious environment viewed art as a frivolous pursuit. His perception of serving God was something that should be draining and hard work. Marlan also felt art was not something that could earn him a living. Marlan grew up and married. He went into graphic design as a compromise, with the idea that he would paint in his spare time. Soon it seemed like a conveyor belt brought baby boys to his and Cheryl’s house. He had no spare time. Marlan knew it was going to take boldness to live the true artist’s life, so in 1991 he made a deal with God. He drew a line in the ground and said, “Okay, God, when I cross over this line, I am committing myself to my art one hundred percent. No more playing.” He stepped over that symbolic line drawn in his gravel driveway in Hartville, Ohio. Marlan was moving forward to fulfill his dream and make full use of his gift.

Hope Abides

When Marlan told his mother of his new commitment to his art, his mother had worriedly asked, “But what about Jesus?” A woman of faith, she needed to know her son was following his Christian calling.

Marlan answered, “Mom, it was His idea.” In 1992 Marlan and Cheryl sought space and adventure, so they packed up their four boys and moved to Cherokee County. It was the first step for Marlan in saying yes to his art. The next thing that led to Marlan’s artistic freedom was a quote from the magical Sister Wendy Beckett in 1996, a most unlikely art critic on the show American Collection PBS. Sister Wendy said, “Never listen to what an artist has to say about what his work is about, because he doesn’t know.”

That's Amore

Marlan says a light went on. With that one sentence, he realized art had power, but the power came from outside of him. He puts it this way: “For the first time, I was free to paint. I didn’t have to answer what a painting was about.” In Marlan’s first year in Woodstock, he produced thirty-five paintings. During the economic crash of 2008, things were not going well. Marlan had to close his art gallery. He was depressed, his wife Cheryl was unhappy, and the couple’s marriage was in trouble. uuu [www.EnjoyCherokee.com]

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uuu Many women wish their husbands would speak of them the

way Marlan speaks of his wife. Marlan says he needs Cheryl and cherishes her. When he came close to losing her, he would have done anything to make things work, so he worked on himself. Simultaneously a separate piece of the puzzle was in process at the church Marlan and Cheryl attend, His Hands Church in Woodstock. Steve Craig, pastor at the time, says, “I felt God was telling me to share the message of the tree of life with the church. The tree of life is a connection with God. Out of it flows love, joy, freedom, and kindness. Jesus came, in part, to show us what those things look like.”

The message resonated deeply in Marlan and settled him. He embraced the idea of letting God do the heavy lifting in life and put all his trust in God. Marlan says his relationship with God changed. “I began to go to the tree of life, Jesus, to direct my life.” Marlan’s life, marriage, and art began to change. Out of a desire to serve God, Marlan painted his first Tree of Life painting called When God Laughs. The painting looks like a tree exhaling with happiness, sending multicolored bits of celebration into the world. Marlan’s pastor bought it, and it hangs in his house today. Steve says, “I loved it immediately and saw it as an expression of God radiating joy, love, and lightness. When I look at the painting, it makes me feel grateful and appreciate what God’s really like.” That painting was the beginning of the most productive and prolific creative time thus far in Marlan’s life.

then people from the church have come together on Wednesday nights to paint. Some work on their painting skills, and some discover they have skills at all. For others it’s more about the therapy, rather than the painting. Marlan is also involved in an annual fundraising event called Canvas that began in 2013. He loves it. He says, “Canvas has been wildly successful despite of me. It has blessed a lot of people.” People from the church and community pay to come together and paint the Tree of Life with Marlan leading them. The Art Group sets everything up and helps those who have questions. Over a seven-year period, Canvas has raised more than $200,000 for people in need. You can view Marlan’s work at Tranquility Fine Arts Gallery, Century House Restaurant, and His Hands Church as well as Marlan’s website, MarlanYoder.com. What if God tells Marlan to stop painting the Tree of Life? Marlan doesn’t seem concerned. “If God wants me to stop painting trees, then he will have something else for me.” Marlan says that as he has learned and grown, he has become more and more excited to be a Christian. “From this passion, I can share something real and honest.” No matter what path or forests Marlan navigates, Cherokee County is blessed to have him, his family, and his artistry rooted here.

Inspiration for the trees keep coming. Marlan has sold more Tree of Life paintings in the last ten years than all his paintings in the previous forty years. One year the church packed lunches for three hundred neighborhood kids in need and did it for five days a week for two months. Marlan painted an original tree on three hundred bags given out on the last day. In all, including gifts for volunteers and those lunch bags, Marlan has painted 760 trees, a small forest of Marlan Yoder trees. Reactions to Marlan’s work span the full spectrum of emotions. Some viewers cry, some feel great happiness, and several people have asked Marlan how he crawled into their soul. Marlan says, “I don’t have the power to do any of these things. I’m just a moron. I really am. It’s God working through me. I’m still learning to get out of His way.” The Tree of Life paintings have had an impact far beyond Marlan’s career and the walls of His Hands Church. In 2009 Marlan felt God was telling him to start an art group at His Hands. Marlan will freely tell you he was not excited about the request, but he was learning to surrender to God. Since [www.EnjoyCherokee.com]

kindness

The world knows Chick-fil-A by the employees’ pleasant demeanor and “My pleasure” slogan. It makes sense that you might associate Chick-fil-A with kindness. Kevin Williams, though, a local franchise owner and entrepreneur, has taken Chick-fil-A’s infamous kindness to an irrational new level.

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Katie Wheeler, Canton Resident

Kevin Williams is one of only a few Chick-fil-A triple franchisees, and all three restaurants are in Cherokee County. Early on, Kevin was inspired to work hard, treat people with respect, and let his dreams develop along the way. He attributes much of his success to the strong foundation laid through his faith and his family. In 1985 Kevin was a teenager in Tucker, Georgia, with high hopes for his neighborhood landscaping business when Truett Cathy, founder of Chick-fil-A, visited Kevin’s church to speak about entrepreneurship. Truett’s irrational and people-centered approach to business sparked a fire in Kevin. The fire grew slowly through Kevin’s various businesses and career paths, and eventually it spread throughout Cherokee County. uuu

Kevin William s is excited an d proud to share Irrati onal Kindnes s with Cherokee Cou nty.

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uuu Kevin has authored Irrational Kindness: The Crazy

KINDNESS PAUSE How can you practice Irrational Kindness with those around you today? What is one small way to start your day with an extra dose of kindness? What can you do to avoid being distracted? What distracts you from practicing Irrational Kindness?

Kevin's first Chick-fil-A store at Riverstone reopened in March of 2020 after a move to a more accessible location. Guests were thrilled to have it back.

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Pursuit of an Extraordinary Life, branded as part employee handbook, part operating manual for life. Each chapter contains one of Kevin’s stories related to one of his guiding principles for life. The anecdotes are followed by a “Kindness Pause” between chapters that encourages a moment of reflection on the life lesson just explained. The feel-good book includes a foreword by Bob Goff, New York Times bestselling author of Love Does and Everybody, Always.

Irrational Kindness is a perspective changer and a passionate project for Kevin, never straying from mentioning the roots of the Irrational Kindness movement right here in Canton, Georgia. Kevin got his start with Chick-fil-A after working at various locations and being persistent in getting his foot in the door as a franchisee. Truett Cathy was one of the first businessmen to design a franchise model that allowed investors with few assets to own their own business with very little upfront cost.

Kevin began his pursuit of owning his own restaurant with Chick-fil-A in 1991. After a two-year chase, in 1993 he received his first assignment—to turn around an unprofitable store in Midtown Atlanta. “It was a challenging store, and I had never been in the restaurant business, but I knew the business was all about people,” Kevin explains. In his book he recalls, “I worked as hard as I ever had to build relationships with every team member. I saw that building these relationships would be the driving force behind managing quality and cost.” Kevin’s people-first frame of mind carried on past his first Chick-fil-A and allowed him to move forward to opening the Canton Riverstone location in 1996. By 2009 Kevin was able to open his second location at the Canton Marketplace, and ten years after that, he opened a third in Hickory Flat. "Be Canton. Be Kind" is one of many encouraging mantras among the team members in Canton.

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Long before Kevin wrote Irrational Kindness, he made it a passion and priority to put kindness at the forefront of his business model. He says, “Kindness over Everything has always been the motto at our Canton stores.” This slogan was internally referred to as “irrational kindness,” hence the name of his book. The staff also wears sweatshirts encouraging, “Be Canton. Be Kind.” uuu

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uuu Irrational Kindness stemmed initially from Kevin’s

over-the-top commitment to “Coffee with Kevin,” a twentyfive-year tradition wherein he invites all newly hired team members to sit with him one-on-one. Kevin says, “I share principles that are important to me in life: the beauty of failure, persistence, how God created you original, and how wonderful you are the way He created you.” His goal with all new team members is to learn about their dreams and goals and help them reach those goals, even beyond their time with Chick-fil-A. What exactly does “irrational kindness” mean? In his book Kevin writes, “To us, irrational kindness is much more active. . . . It reminds us to stay kind, respectful, and courteous, even when we hear something we don’t agree with or understand, and the courage to stay, even when we don’t see progress.” He goes on to say, “It’s important to note this level of kindness does not mean selling out, giving in, or getting run over—it simply means being kind, even when it seems irrational.” Irrational kindness, he says, is more than random acts of kindness. The difference is in being kind despite fear of being wrong and despite the scales not balancing in your favor. This brand of kindness is not one we see often, but it is one we can find in Jesus’s teachings—something Kevin looks to constantly. Our world can seem overwhelmed with negativity, but it brings hope and joy to know there are people like Kevin and the Chick-fil-A team spreading irrational kindness through our community. Imagine if we all picked up a dose of irrational kindness to give to others.

At the center of The Farm is a 106-year-old house that has now been remodeled and will be used as a meeting space.

Kevin puts into play a tangible aspect of irrational kindness through his project called The Farm. It is a fifteen-acre lot in Cherokee County that Kevin envisioned as his team’s meeting spot. Kevin’s mind, though, teems with ideas for how The Farm can be used to benefit all members of our community and beyond. In his book Kevin calls it “a spot for community connection; a farm where relationships can grow.” He has hopes for the space to be used for anything and everything related to the community. The land could be a meeting place for events, ministry programs, counseling services, support groups, or creative retreats. Without designated programs to be held there, The Farm is to be used as the community needs it. It may seem irrational, but that’s Kevin’s style.

A rundown barn was transformed into a useful pavilion with a stage that can be used for a variety of community events.

Kevin and our local Chick-fil-A teams are passionate about spreading irrational kindness through Cherokee County and the world. Kevin urges our community to continue the conversation around kindness and how to transform our lives to center on kindness as a lifestyle. He explains the goodness that can result if we change our thoughts toward living a more intentional, irrationally kinder life. Kevin’s goal for the book is to make an impact through practicing irrational kindness. He does so by donating all book proceeds to benefit foster children, adopted children, and families in crisis. Kevin has made his career at Chick-fil-A about much more than chicken. His perspective is a great model for us all. We can all make our jobs and careers about something more. It’s an irrational way of thinking, and it can change the world. Kindness can domino around the globe. It seems irrational, but we can do it.

This wall located in the farmhouse was a vision board for Kevin's team. Its mission, inspirational quotes, and dreams for the space are all noted here.

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community

A warm smile accompanies every warm cup served at the Circle of Friends coffee shop. Team members love meeting new guests while crafting their order. The friendly faces at the Circle of Friends coffee shop will keep you coming back morning after morning.

Nestled on the edge of Woodstock’s Main Street lies Circle Of Friends Coffee Shop, a place where people of all abilities have joined together to tackle the needs of those in our community who have intellectual and developmental disabilities. Photos of the Circle of Friends Coffee Shop courtesy of Holcomb Creative Co.

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coffee

with a

Purpose Meghan Lindstrom Canton Resident

Coffee warms the body, and watching individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities working diligently warms the soul. On your arrival at Circle Of Friends Coffee Shop you will be greeted with smiling faces and the rich aroma of fresh-brewed lattes. The pure joy on each face makes you realize the employees have great talents and capabilities. The idea for the shop was born after a group of mothers got together to socialize their young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The parents knew, however, that socialization was not the only thing their offspring needed. After a town hall meeting in May 2019, the group formalized and called itself the Circle of Friends, a nonprofit with a goal to

create a stronger community for people with IDD. It focuses on socialization, supportive employment, and supportive-affordable living, needs rarely met by young adults with IDD. The coffee shop opened on February 22. “It’s bringing the awareness that’s going to change things in Cherokee County for people with disabilities,” explains Diane Keen, Circle Of Friends cofounder. uuu

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The Circuit, a Woodstock coworking space, was accepting proposals for potential businesses. Circle Of Friends was granted a space in December 2020. The new employees are thrilled to have a place where they can be successful while making new friends. These folks have a place to have fun while they learn new skills and become successful young adults. It is truly coffee with a purpose.

The Circle of Friends team celebrated the shop's grand opening in February 2021.

uuu In 2010 Diane and her husband, Glenn, dreamed of ways to

help Haden, their son with IDD. Being a nurse and researcher at Kennesaw State University, Diane possessed the knowledge she needed, but she and Glenn needed the community on their side. Circle Of Friends gave them the hope they needed to continue working toward their goals for Haden and those like him.

The members of Circle Of Friends wanted to give young adults with IDD the opportunity to thrive. In September 2020, their dreams started to become reality after one mother discovered something that could make a huge impact on young adults with IDD as well as the community. “We talked about opening a coffee shop. It would be a place of employment and also a place for socialization, so it would meet several needs,” Diane explains.

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“

Alex Bends, a crewmember at Circle Of Friends Coffee Shop, says, This job means the world to me. It means being able to pay rent and be a normal person. My favorite part about working here is getting to be a team player and helping my coworkers.

”

Employment at the coffee shop is the first job for some of the employees, and it’s obviously their favorite place to be. Crewmembers are always full of joy. You will never leave Circle Of Friends Coffee Shop without a smile on your face and a delicious cup of coffee in hand. “The interactions among the crew, the volunteers, and the customers are truly amazing,” says Diane.

The community has received the shop with open arms. To show support, some people have volunteered to help, and many visit to see their favorite crewmembers. Cafe Manager Jacci Holmberg says the job is her newfound passion. Formerly a teacher, Jacci accepted the position because she felt called to work with the people at Circle Of Friends. “My favorite part is getting to know the crewmembers individually and seeing all they have to offer. It’s jaw dropping just being with them,” says Jacci. “I have never met an organization and a group of people so passionate about what they’re doing. I am very happy to be a part of it. I’m able to be with them, give them supportive employment, and watch them take the next step—inclusive living. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of that?” The Circle Of Friends organization is expanding rapidly with more goals and meaningful purposes in mind. Its next design includes a supportive and affordable housing community where young adults with IDD can be successful on their own with the support from their beloved community of Cherokee County. “We hope we will all work toward inclusion,” declares Diane. “Our goal is to create a place where we can raise awareness so that people with disabilities are better included in the community,” Seeing happy people come together is well worth the visit, and the coffee is great too. To support Circle Of Friends and its coffee shop, visit circleoffriendsinc.org or grab a delicious coffee at 1 Innovation Way, Woodstock, Georgia.

The Circle of Friends Coffee Shop has a vast offering of drink choices to kickstart your morning.

Menu Coff ee D r in k s • Brewed coffee • Iced coffee • Latte • Iced latte • Americano • Cappuccino • Hot chocolate • Water

Teas • Chai tea latte • Iced chai tea latte • Hot tea • Iced tea of the day

Apply Now for Fall Semester 2021 Classes begin August 16

It’s the perfect time to take the next step. ChattahoocheeTech.edu I 770-528-4545 Many Students Qualify for Financial Aid

A Unit of the Technical College System of Georgia. Equal Opportunity Institution.

[www.EnjoyCherokee.com]

CAROTID ARTERY DISEASE Carotid artery disease is caused by a buildup of plaque in the arteries, causing the vessels to narrow and decrease the amount of oxygen delivered to the brain. This can lead to a stroke or a TIA, also known as a transient ischemic attack.

MEET THE DOCTOR

Many factors can lead to carotid artery disease including, smoking, a fatty diet, high blood pressure, or even just genetics.

Dr. Cheney Wilson Northside Vascular Surgery Dr. Cheney Fenn Wilson is a board-certified specialist in vascular surgery. After graduating

Depending on the severity of the disease, the treatment plan may vary. Learn more about vascular health at

from the Medical College of Georgia, Dr. Wilson

northside.com and find a specialist

attended the University of Arkansas for Medical

near you.

Sciences to complete her residency. In 2019, she joined Northside Vascular Surgery to specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of arterial disorders and venous diseases. Her extensive clinical experience includes open and endovascular repair of aortic disease and carotid disease, carotid angioplasty and stenting, and

Listen to

ASK THE DOCTOR on WLJA 101.1 FM First & Third Wednesday of each month at 5:15 pm

treatment of venous disorders. Dr. Wilson prioritizes building relationships with her patients and ensures they understand their vascular health issues and treatment plan. She believes in working closely with her patients so that together, they can create an optimal treatment plan for their goals. Dr. Wilson is welcoming new patients at our Canton location.

[www.EnjoyCherokee.com]

Northside Vascular Surgery - Canton 460 Northside Cherokee Boulevard, Suite 100 Canton, Georgia 30115 | (770) 292-3490

[www.EnjoyCherokee.com]

CaliFino

Michael Mullet, Ball Ground Resident

How do you make tequila—a liquor with a rowdy reputation—appeal to southerners who prefer bourbon and beer? Make a tequila unlike any other and introduce it in Cherokee County.

[www.EnjoyCherokee.com]

W Jose Luna is the representative of CaliFino's distributorship in Georgia. It is truly a family business. From left to right is Jose Luna, Tio Jose, Jose's brother, and Pepe Luna, Jose's nephew.

hat is it about tequila that makes people stereotype it? Any type of liquor can cause inebriation, yet tequila is rarely thought of in any other context. Folks certainly don’t see it as something you sip slowly after a nice dinner, and because of its strong and usually unappealing flavor, it’s not something easily mellowed with mixing. Many people regard tequila as the ultimate party liquor. It’s gulped from shot glasses at bachelor parties. It’s also the main ingredient in margaritas and other fruity intoxicants served at poolside bars.

“

A lot of people have tried tequila, but most of them have never tasted good tequila,” says Jose Luna. His father’s tequila recipe was the inspiration for the high-end tequilas made today by CaliFino Tequila. “Good tequila,” he says, “can make all the difference in the world.

( True Tequila

”

Jose knows a lot about tequila. He can tell you how good tequila—real tequila—is made and why some of the biggest mass-produced tequila brands aren’t even real tequila. He says it’s important for people to understand the difference. He can tell you the half-century history his family brings to making tequila and how one sip of CaliFino can change your perception of tequila for the better, for good.

Piñas, the round centers of the agave plant, are harvested by hand during the production process.

“In Mexico tequila is often sipped or served with a meal,” says Jose. “It actually pairs very well with food and can be an excellent digestif, or an aperitif. But it is rarely mixed with anything or drunk quickly from a shot glass. Tequila is meant to be savored and enjoyed.” If you haven’t savored and enjoyed tequila, you’re not alone. Jose suggests the issue may not be how you’re drinking it, but the type of tequila you are drinking. uuu

Above photo courtesy of Cool Girl Connection

[www.EnjoyCherokee.com]

( Creating a Company

Jose is pictured visiting the vast agave farms in Mexico.

uuu He says a true reposado is made exclusively from the

blue agave plant, a succulent native to the west central region of Mexico. It is then aged between sixty days to a year. The Jalisco region, especially, is renowned for the quality of the blue agave that grows there. When other types of agave are mixed with the blue agave, the resulting product can’t be called 100 percent blue agave tequila. In fact to be called tequila at all, the product must be made in Mexico, specifically in Jalisco or parts of Guanajuanto, Tamaulipas, Michoacan, or Nayarit, much like sparkling wines made outside the Champagne region of France can’t be called champagne.

How does a bootleg tequila made for friends and family become what CaliFino calls a luxury tequila for an older, affluent, and sophisticated demographic? That story is interesting too. “My nephew, Miguel Luna, played professional soccer for a team in San Diego, the San Diego Sockers,” recounts Jose. “He brought some of the family tequila to his coach and teammates, who loved it. His coach, Phil Savagio, who is also an entrepreneur, asked if we could make forty thousand bottles. That was in 2014. Phil and Miguel worked on it. It took a few years, and the CaliFino company was born in 2018,” Jose says proudly. “But it all started as a way to get more of our tequila to our friends and family in San Diego.”

Where can you try CaliFino tequila?

Tequila is a very time- and labor-intensive product to make,” says Jose. “The blue agave plants CaliFino uses are seven years old and must be harvested by hand. When mature, the plants’ long, spikey leaves are removed. The round center, called the pineapple, or piña, contains the sugars and fluid that are distilled into tequila. “My dad, Don Jose Luna, started making tequila, kind of bootleg style, you could say, around 1975 using local blue agave plants,” Jose recounts. “He bottled it in plastic jugs and shared it with his friends, who all agreed my father made very good tequila. My dad’s recipe, which was tested and tasted and refined over the years, is the basis for CaliFino tequila. When you drink our tequila, you become part of my family’s history.”

Scan the QR code below to find a location near you.

▼

Miguel Luna, left, and Phil Salvagio, right, began the CaliFino company using the Luna family recipe.

Photo courtesy of Tiffany Allen

Introducing the INNAUGURAL

2021 WALK THROUGH WOODSTOCK 0.4K Saturday June 12, 2021 in Downtown Woodstock

Join other hip slackers for a morning (or less) reveling in the peace and love of Woodstock. The Walk Through Woodstock 0.4K “race” is a “competition” like no other. Everyone is a winner especially the Chattahoochee Technical College students who need scholarships and grants to help them cross their finish line!

www.ChattahoocheeTech.edu/Walk-Through-Woodstock 30

[www.EnjoyCherokee.com]

CaliFino makes four premium tequilas, all from only blue agave distilled and aged in Mexico. While the company’s website provides more detail about the flavor profile of each, an overview of the products includes Blanco, a clear un-aged tequila; Reposado, a light amber tequila aged one year in oak barrels; and Añejo, a tequila aged in oak barrels three years. Añejo has a golden amber hue. The company’s top-of-the-line product is called the Extra Añejo, a dark wood-colored tequila that has been aged eight years— seven years in an oak barrel, and then one more year in a French cognac barrel. Jose says it is a tequila unlike any other. It even comes in its own wooden box that can be custom engraved. “The Extra Añejo has a flavor profile that is actually reminiscent of bourbon,” Jose notes. “People can’t believe it the first time they taste it. They end up drinking it as they would bourbon, neat or on the rocks, sipping and savoring it.”

( A Family Passion Jose Luna was born the eleventh of twelve children in Leon, Mexico, in the state of Guanajuato. When he was six he moved to California, like many of his immediate and extended family members. After college he began his career at a medical device manufacturer in Carlsbad. He has worked for the company for the past twenty-four years. He moved to Cherokee County in 2010 when his division was acquired by Caire, formerly Chart, in Ball Ground. He and his wife have four children. The older two were foster children they adopted.

From the CaliFino company in Mexico the tequilas are imported to the U.S. by FinoAgave, the San Diego-based company that Miguel Luna and Phil Savagio founded. That company then ships the products to state and local distributors, including the Canton-based AgaveFino, which distributes the CaliFino brand in Georgia.

“Of course I miss my family in California and Mexico. My father passed away in 2003. But we love living in Cherokee County, a great place to raise a family,” Jose says. “Just as good, this is the perfect place for introducing the Luna family’s tradition, our tequila, and I am thankful to the City of Canton; Grant Schmeelk, developer of the Mill on Etowah, where AgaveFino is located; and Cherokee County for making it possible to have a distributorship here.

“I am the ambassador,” Jose says with pride. “I represent the family, the tradition. I want to share this great tequila, share my family history, and make sure people understand what the brand represents.”

“A lot of people think tequila is a party liquor,” Jose continues, “but for me it is so much more. It is history, family, tradition, and good times with good friends. I invite everyone to try CaliFino and become part of my family.”

[www.EnjoyCherokee.com]

Athlete

Standout Special Olympics Athlete from Canton Takes

Top Honors Rebecca Johnston, Canton Resident

Ask Hunter Tice what sports he likes to play, and he immediately replies, “baseball, basketball, and volleyball.” He’s a natural athlete with a room full of medals, and baseball is his favorite.

Hunter shows off his 2020 Male Athlete of the Year Award from the Georgia Special Olympics.

Hunter,

a standout player nicknamed Big Dog by his coaches, is also known for cheering his teammates on, for always taking to the field with a positive attitude, and for his sportsmanlike conduct, win or lose. His accomplishments earned Hunter the Georgia Special Olympics Athlete of the Year Award for 2020, an honor given annually to one male and one female athlete. Hunter was chosen for the top honor in the state out of more than 26,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities who participate in more than 180 programs in 121 counties. Dave Martinez, who along with wife Amy Aenchbacher are the volunteer coordinators for Cherokee County Special Olympics, says, “This award recognizes the accomplishments, both on and off the playing field, of an athlete who embodies the spirit of Special Olympics through hard work, determination, and a positive attitude. We are absolutely overjoyed for Hunter to have been selected for this honor.” Dave and Amy are also adapted PE educators with the Cherokee County School District. As Hunter’s instructor, Dave helped him get involved in Special Olympics as an elementary student.

[www.EnjoyCherokee.com]

The Special Olympics motto is

“

Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.

Hunter has participated in countless Special Olympics events and is always looking forward to the next one.

Hunter has a rare genetic disorder known as unbalanced chromosome translocation. While cognitively delayed, he is physically able to do anything he wants to do. At thirty Hunter lives in the BridgeMill community of Canton along with parents Joe and Amy (yes, she’s also named Amy) and younger brother Bryan, twenty-four, who has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair.

“

Hunter basically loves life and gets the most out of every minute,” his mother says of her oldest son. “The one question many people ask about Hunter is does he ever have a bad day? Is he always so happy? He has always had high self-esteem and has confidence to try—always giving it his best shot. He loves to compete and win. “What he lacks in skills, he makes up for in enthusiasm. As another Special Olympics athlete puts it, ‘Hunter is our best cheerleader.’

”

Dave Martinez agrees that Hunter is known for his cheerful outlook on life. “I once had a

”

Look at that smile! Hunter brings joy to others with his ability to light up a room.

conversation with Joe about Hunter’s extraordinary optimism. Joe stated that Hunter eagerly wakes up every morning anticipating what adventure is in store for him that day. As a former adapted physical education teacher and long-time Special Olympics coach of Hunter’s, I can attest that this young man truly is the epitome of positivity. If you ever have the honor of meeting Hunter, you will agree. His optimism is contagious. In fact if you spend a prolonged period of time with Hunter, your face muscles will become sore from the constant smiling.” Amy describes her son as a strong athlete who always has a smile on his face. “His happiness is contagious to everyone around him. Hunter has earned many medals in softball, basketball, golf, volleyball, and soccer. Hunter is a true athlete with great sportsmanship. Win or lose he is happy knowing he tried his best. Not only does Hunter love to compete in sports, but he also especially enjoys the opening ceremonies at the state games. He is usually the first athlete celebrating by singing and dancing.” uuu

Amy Aenchbacher, left, and Dave Martinez, right, are the local coordinators of the Cherokee County Special Olympics. Both are educators for the Cherokee County School District and have worked with Hunter since he was in high school. They were part of Hunter's nomination for the Georgia Special Olympics Athlete of the Year Award, which recognizes the accomplishments, both on and off the playing field, of an athlete who embodies the spirit of Special Olympics through hard work, determination, and a positive attitude.

[www.EnjoyCherokee.com]

uuu When asked what he enjoys about Special Olympics,

Hunter says, “I enjoy baseball and dancing.” He adds that at baseball games, “I would tell the other players to go to the infield or outfield. I am a catcher and batter.”

special olympics Special Olympics is the world’s largest sports organization for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. The first International Special Olympics Summer Games were held at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois, on July 19 and 20, 1968. One thousand people with intellectual disabilities from twenty-six states and Canada competed in track and field and swimming.

Special Olympics offers more than thirty Olympic-type individual and team sports that provide meaningful training and competition opportunities for persons with intellectual disabilities.

There are local, national, and regional competitions in more than 150 countries worldwide. Three million athletes participate in Special Olympics around the world.

In June 1962, Eunice Kennedy Shriver started a summer camp for children and adults with intellectual disabilities at her home to explore their capabilities in a variety of sports and physical activities. Special Olympics is only one of two organizations authorized to use the name Olympics in the United States.

This information comes from Special Olympics Facts by KidsKonnect.com.

[www.EnjoyCherokee.com]

Mom Amy says that when the Cherokee County Special Olympics team arrives at weekend events, the opening ceremonies come first, with all the teams taking to the field to be introduced. That event is followed quickly by a dance mixer that everyone, and especially Hunter, enjoys. Cherokee County Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, Dave explains of the program. “Our goal is to help bring persons with intellectual disabilities into the larger society under conditions where they are accepted, respected, and given the chance to become useful and productive citizens. When we achieve this goal through our sports program, we demonstrate that Special Olympics has a unique value: to show the world that every person counts and that every person can be something good when we work together.” The coach recalls a couple of years ago at the Georgia Special Olympics State Games when Hunter’s volleyball team made it to the gold medal round. “Unfortunately his team did not win the match, but the first thing Hunter exclaimed following the game was, ‘Does this mean we won the silver medal? Awesome!’” Hunter and his family moved to Cherokee County in 1993. They first settled into the Towne Lake area of Woodstock. They then moved to Canton in 2001. Hunter started school in the pre-K program at Sixes Elementary. He also attended Chapman, Canton, and Carmel elementary schools. He then went to Woodstock middle and high schools. Joe says of his son in the early years, “Hunter started playing basketball soon after he was able to walk and has been playing on various teams ever since. He had a lot of fun on the Upward basketball and football teams at church. He also had a passion for golf early on and still loves to play. He participated in Challenger baseball—a special-needs baseball team with buddies.” Amy says that she and her husband always asked Hunter about getting involved in various sports. “Whenever we heard about an activity we thought he would like, both special needs and mainstream sports willing to include him, we asked him if he wanted to try it, and his answer was almost always an excited, ‘Yes!’” The family also enjoys sports together. Amy enjoyed various sports while she was growing up, such as swimming, track, tennis, and volleyball, and Joe played basketball. To this day Joe runs regularly, sometimes pushing Bryan in his wheelchair. Joe also participates in some races with Bryan. Hunter’s favorite thing to do now, he notes, is to golf with his dad. “Golf is my favorite sport, and Tiger Woods is my favorite golfer,” Hunter says. Hunter’s room prominently displays a photo of Hunter at a golf match, and Tiger is photobombing the picture. Before COVID, Hunter worked at the Towne Lake Chick-fil-A. Hunter attends the Empower Cherokee Day Program for now and hopes one day soon to get back to his old job.

Hunter worked in the dining room stocking the condiment bars, cleaning tables, and helping with other chores. Customers familiar with people with special needs are supportive of them in the workplace, Scott notes. “A lot of customers appreciated seeing him and talking with him.” At the restaurant Hunter often saw former teachers and fellow students, Amy says. Reconnecting with familiar faces was a positive aspect of his work at the restaurant. Hunter and his dad love spending afternoons on the golf course together.

Hunter looks forward to getting back to family vacations, such as trips to Disney World with his family, a definite favorite. Hunter says he likes the rides, especially the Rock and Roll Rollercoaster, that “goes really fast.” The trip is a favorite of Bryan’s as well.

Hunter worked at the Towne Lake Chick-fil-A sharing his smile with the customers.

Scott Hall, owner-operator of the Towne Lake Chick-fil-A restaurant, says it is a pleasure to have Hunter on the job at his location. “Hunter is a great kid. He always did a great job and has great manners. How fortunate we were to come across someone like that! He worked for a number of years, and the plan is for him to return when we reopen the dining room.” Scott hired Hunter after a friend of Amy’s approached him. Scott explains, “She asked if we could use him with small jobs around the restaurant, which would give him an opportunity and experience in the workplace. I have always been a proponent of giving those with special needs an opportunity. I know how important it is. I said definitely, and we got him started. I wanted to help him be productive and showcase what he could do and help him grow.”

Of course Hunter loves golf games with his dad, especially on the BridgeMill par three course. When pressed about who wins, Hunter says he does. Joe explains that regardless of who is winning on the first seventeen holes, when they get to the eighteenth hole, they let that hole decide the game. Whatever game Hunter is playing, winning or losing, being with his family and his friends puts the biggest smile on his face. Being named the Georgia Special Olympics Athlete of the Year gives him yet another reason to smile.

[www.EnjoyCherokee.com]

Cartersville

Carter Many visitors enjoy Booth's many presidential murals like this one depicting eighteenth and nineteenth century presidents. Ross R. Rossin is an artist known for his large-scale, realistic portraits of modern and historical figures. His work is featured here.

The twenty-first century presidential mural is ongoing and leaves space for future presidents to be added in years to come.

[www.EnjoyCherokee.com]

rSville

Caters to Tourists Tellus's National Astronomy Day includes hands-on exhibits for children to learn about astronomy.

Love dinosaurs? Tellus Science Museum features a forty-foot T-Rex that will leave you in awe.

Above photos courtesy of Tellus Science Museum.

If you and your family enjoy fun-filled day trips or weekend stays, Cartersville is the perfect place to visit. A quick thirty-minute trip from Cherokee County puts you in the heart of historic downtown Cartersville. When you’re eager to browse boutiques, treat the family to a fine dining experience, or enjoy an outdoor adventure, Cartersville has activities for every member of the family. Historic downtown Cartersville bursts with a multitude of locally owned shops and restaurants that will have you skipping down the sidewalks for hours. For example, Blue Sky Outfitter has the best outdoor gear for summertime adventures. Cartersville Antique Gallery has an assortment of unique items, including a vast collection of pottery by W. J. Gordy, a local resident. Local clothing stores like HayParker Boutique feature one-of-a-kind gifts, jewelry, and clothes. Olive Tree and Vine offers ultra-premium olive oils and balsamic vinegars, as well as wine tastings open to the public on the weekends. uuu

[www.EnjoyCherokee.com]

uuuThis summer the downtown district of Cartersville will also

host “Listening Hours” when two live musicians perform.

The Etowah Mounds State Historic Site is a hands-on experience of Native American history in the area.

New in 2021 is Cartersville’s Entertainment District, which allows visitors to shop while enjoying alcoholic beverages to go on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings. The Bartow History Museum is another top destination for visitors. Exhibits feature two hundred years of history, from Cherokee Indian artifacts from the early 1800s to current events. While you’re downtown, don’t forget to admire the Coca-Cola sign outside Young Brothers Pharmacy. Completed in 1894, it is the first CocaCola Company outdoor painted-wall advertisement.

Tellus Science Museum Rock Fest features gem, mineral, fossil, and jewelry dealers from across the country.

Pan for gems and keep your findings! Children love this exhibit at Tellus.

The Modern West gallery at the Booth Museum captures the nontraditional side of Western art.

The historic Coca-Cola wall advertisement is a must-see in downtown Cartersville. The Booth Museum features restored pieces such as this stagecoach featured in the American West gallery.

[www.EnjoyCherokee.com]

For lovers of the arts, Cartersville is home to the Booth Western Art Museum, the second largest art museum in Georgia, and a Smithsonian Institution Affiliate. Paintings and sculpture depict Western culture through the eyes of many nineteenth, twentieth, and twenty-first-century artists. Honoring our region’s close ties with Native American history, the Booth Western Art Museum also features more than two hundred Native American artifacts. The Presidential Gallery contains a photograph and original signed letter from all forty-three United States presidents as well. Exhibitions rotate at the Booth Western Art Museum all the time, so it is a must-see year-round. From May through September the Booth Museum will feature Ross Rossin’s Captivated: Rossin’s Southwest and Beyond. Another educational experience that appeals to children and adults alike is the Tellus Science Museum. A little outside of downtown Cartersville, the expansive science museum has many hands-on exhibits for all ages. Mineral and fossil galleries have fascinating artifacts, along with the Science in Motion gallery that highlights transportation technology. Interactive activities such as Gem Panning and Fossil Dig will be the highlight of your child’s visit. In June Tellus will host RockFest, featuring gem, mineral, fossil, and jewelry dealers with rare treasures you can purchase. It will also offer many presentations and activities for children. The Solar House is an outdoor exhibit created as part of the 2015 U. S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon. The house features interactive components for visitors to learn about energy-efficient technology and design. For an out-of-this-world experience, visit the Bentley Planetarium at Tellus Science Museum for an awe-inspiring journey through the galaxy. This May Tellus will host a National Astronomy Day event with stargazing, a movie showing, and other family activities. Upcoming in late 2021 a new sister museum to all three aforementioned Bartow County museums will spark the hearts of car junkies everywhere. The Savoy Automobile Museum will feature four exhibition galleries, a presentation theater, a thirty-thousandsquare-foot storage garage, and an outdoor pavilion for car shows, concerts, cruise-ins, and more. The museum will be dedicated to the history and diversity of automobiles. Educational experiences will interest all ages, and events will engage the community year-round. Once you’ve toured the shops, browsed the art, and panned for gems, there’s still much to do outdoors in and around Cartersville. Red Top Mountain State Park boasts fifteen miles of hiking trails, a sandy beach on Lake Allatoona, and picnic shelters, so you can stop for lunch. Lake Allatoona has many recreational facilities on its shores with campgrounds, parks, and fishing spots. uuu

THE SOUTHEAST’S FAVORITE ROCK SHOW!

BECAUSE SCIENCE MATTERS!

I-75 EXIT 293 100 TELLUS DR CARTERSVILLE GA 30120 | 770-606-5700

Not valid with any other discounts, coupons, offers, specials, or deals. Excludes programs and special ticketed events. Must present this coupon at the time of purchase.

OFFER EXPIRES 07/31/2021

OPEN DAILY 10AM – 5PM

tellusmuseum.org

Smithsonian Affiliate

uuu Lovers of watersports enjoy boat rentals on the lake and

paddling activities on Bartow’s stretch of the Etowah River. Pine Acres Retreat is Bartow’s newest property on Lake Allatoona. It offers space for group getaways, family reunions, church outings, corporate picnics, and more. Bartow County has a rich Native American history. You can immerse yourself in its culture by visiting the Etowah Mounds State Historic Site. You will see six earthen mounds, a plaza, a village site, borrow pits, and a defensive ditch, all home to several thousand Native Americans from 1000 A.D. to 1550 A.D., according to the Georgia State Parks website. To finish your day full of sightseeing, shopping, adventure, and museum hopping, you’ll want to enjoy one of Downtown Cartersville’s exceptional restaurants. Located in historic buildings around the square, these restaurants create an experience and ambiance you won’t find at chain eateries. For example, The City Cellar and Loft features southern classics such as fried green tomatoes, shrimp and grits, and brown sugar buttermilk pie. Yum! Named Most Charming Restaurant in Georgia by LoveFood.com, Appalachian Grill is another outstanding restaurant in historic downtown. It offers refined southern dishes as well as classic entrees. Menu items include Kentucky bourbon salmon, sea scallops arrabbiata, and crème brulee.

The interior of Ate Track Bar and Grill in downtown Cartersville displays vintage stereos, posters, albums, beer lights, and more.

Trip Advisor named Ate Track Bar and Grill a Traveler’s Choice in 2020. The quirky eatery in downtown charms folks with its rock and roll theme and vintage music collectables. Fill up on its specialty burgers, taqueria-style options, hearty sandwiches, and vegetarian offerings. Follow up dinner with family fun at Lakepoint Station. Whether you’re nine or ninety, you will enjoy the attractions at this destination. Bowling, miniature golf, laser tag, rock climbing, and an extensive arcade keeps the whole family entertained for hours. Lakepoint Station can be an all-day excursion of its own. It even offers educational field trips, special events, and parties. Cartersville and Bartow County overflow with places for every interest. Families, couples, adults, and children all find something to enjoy together in this charming city. Cherokee County’s close proximity allows for a short day trip to visit your favorite attraction or a prolonged stay to experience them all. The next time you lack plans for the weekend, consider the alluring attractions in our neighboring county. You will be thrilled.

[www.EnjoyCherokee.com]

Mountain Education Charter High School

Spotlight

In September 2020 Mountain Education Charter High School (MECHS) opened its Cherokee County campus, the newest of eighteen across seven counties in north Georgia.

MECHS

addresses the fact that an eight-hour school day with classes of up to thirty-five students isn’t the best arrangement for all young people. Various learning styles, unexpected life situations, and unavoidable responsibilities can leave some students struggling. MECHS campuses, however, boast a fourteen-toone student-teacher ratio, operate in the evenings, and give students the opportunity for credit recovery and dual enrollment. The school meets a distinct need and brings to the North Georgia region its mission: “To provide a second chance opportunity for students across North Georgia to earn an accredited high school diploma in a student-centered, self-paced, evening public high school.” Mountain Education provides an enjoyable environment for students, with games and prizes most nights. At the Cherokee campus and others, dinner is available to students as well. Many local restaurants recognize the value of an adaptive learning experience and partner with the school to provide evening meals free to students. On the Braggin’ Wagon, a food truck, members of the district office come to the campuses, cook for the students, and brag about them for their progress. To promote career readiness, Career Chats are also hosted periodically for students to hear from community members about potential paths.

www.MyMEC.org Each time students complete a course, they receive a letter and small prize mailed to their home as yet another way to celebrate their progress. For each course completed, students are entered to win a larger drawing at the end of the month. Students can win gift cards and larger prizes donated by local partners who support the MECHS mission.

A variety of circumstances can have a negative impact on a student’s journey, but none should impede students’ path to success. MECHS is an excellent opportunity for students who need an alternative route to daytime school. It can be students’ first choice for a second chance.

The Cherokee Campus opened with virtual learning in September of last year, starting with around thirty students. The campus has grown rapidly and now serves more than 340 students. MECHS celebrated 370 graduates in 2020, with its first graduate of the Cherokee campus in January of this year. Several more Cherokee students are only a handful of credits away from graduation. Students who have fallen behind, need to recover credits, or prefer a self-paced and individualized environment find that MECHS is the answer to their search for educational success. As an accredited public high school, MECHS grants regular Georgia high school diplomas. The school serves fulltime students as well as part-time students, in which case MECHS transfers completed credits to the high schools where students are also enrolled. Because students can work at their own pace to make up lost credits, this arrangement can be especially helpful for those who have failed a class in day school. Students work until they pass, taking as much or as little time as they need.

While on vacation in Costa Rica, Kayla suffered a tragic accident that left her using a wheelchair for months. Facing mountains of homework and absentee days, Kayla chose to enroll at MECHS. Here she was able to work at her own pace during her recovery schedule.

Kayla Gray

Kayla also took advantage of the Dual Enrollment program and began earning credits at the University of North Georgia.

Valedictorian, 2019

Kayla graduated a semester early and at the top of her class. She holds a SACS accredited high school diploma and college credits. You’re Never Late for Class No Failure Caring Teachers

To hear from a Mountain Ed student, point your camera here! Jared Cole

Will Cooper

[www.EnjoyCherokee.com]

Your Favorite

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LOCAL AUTHORS

The Summer of Lost and Found

A Token of Love

Flatline

The coming of spring usually means renewal, but for Linnea Rutledge, spring 2020 threatens stagnation. Linnea faces another layoff, this time from the aquarium she adores. Finances, emotions, and health teeter on the brink for her and her family. To complicate matters, her new love interest, Gordon, struggles to return to the Isle of Palms from England. Meanwhile, her old flame, John, turns up from California and is quarantining next door. She tries to ignore him, but when he sends her plaintive notes in the form of paper airplanes, old sparks ignite. When Gordon at last reaches the island, Linnea wonders, is it possible to love two men at the same time?

Amanda discovers a world of gravel roads and old crank telephones when she moves from Atlanta to North Dakota. Leaving principalship of an elementary school, she commits to teaching in a tworoom school. In the town of ninety-two people, she encounters unique characters and unusual experiences. As the year progresses, she develops a love for the community and her students, but she holds a secret of why she left the city. Mix in a rancher/horticulturalist, Bill, who spends several months elsewhere. After years of his mysterious departures, the town accepts his absence but is happy when he returns. Will Amanda and Bill reveal their secrets to each other?

Caroline Fontenot Beauregard’s blissful life as a newlywed and soon-to-be mother is shattered. A traumatic delivery sends her into a coma, stranding her in a realm between the living and the dead. The sinister spirit of George Callahan is waiting for her there, prepared to capture her soul and finally use it to fulfill his revenge in the generations-long feud between the Fontenots and Callahans.

by Mary Alice Monroe

Mary Alice Monroe is a New York Times Best Selling Author who combines her talent for writing with her passion for environmental fiction and conservation. She has won numerous awards for her writing and hosts a web show and podcast titled Friends and Fiction.

MEET THE AUTHOR! Mary Alice Monroe

will speak and sign books at FoxTale Book Shoppe on May 15 at 2:00 p.m. Follow this link to reserve your space.

[www.EnjoyCherokee.com]

by Delia Halverson

An older woman, Miss Emma, shares a knowledge of life and the world far beyond her education and travels. You will also meet others: the telephone operator who knows everyone's business, the bashful mail carrier, and more. Delia Halverson is a resident of Woodstock. She is a Christian education specialist, as well as veteran classroom and workshop leader. Delia has authored twenty-five nonfiction books in the area of religious education. A Token of Love is her first novel.

by Judy McDonough

Cade Beauregard is heartbroken but determined to save his wife from eternal enslavement, even if he must confront his own horrors and employ the despised dark arts of voodoo to set her free. Trevor Callahan knows his father is up to no good, and he’s certain it involves the woman he still loves. While New Orleans celebrates Mardi Gras, Caroline, Cade, and Trevor work together to stop the threats once and for all. Judy McDonough is originally from Arkansas and has a deep love for the South. After moving to various states with her family, she and her spouse settled in Cherokee County with their three sons. Judy is the author of The Bayou Secrets Saga, a collection of three paranormal romance novels. Lifeline is the second in The Bayou Secrets Saga.

Interested in submitting recommendations for Your Favorite Bookmark? Local authors are encouraged to submit a book summary, personal photo, and book cover image. Contact Katie@EnjoyCherokee.com for more information.

Things You Didn't Know Our Library Offers Saanvi, fourth grade student at Little River Elementary

Our Sequoyah Regional Library System has extensive collections and beneficial services. With the number of resources it provides, it has a vital impact on our Cherokee community.

ince my first step in the library as a two-year-old, I have been one of the regulars at the Woodstock branch. Over the years I have explored the books and participated in many of the library’s services.

◗ Technology Services The library also offers valuable

Over the years our library has expanded, providing not only books, CDs, and other rentals, but also many programs and activities for both kids and adults. Young people and teens can enjoy LEGO building, computer gaming, and other such programs, whereas adults have Sit and Stitch, yoga, and many other activities. Several services are for patrons of all ages, like computer access, free Wi-Fi, internet, games, headphones, a DVD collection, and take-andmake activities. Over the Christmas season, I really enjoy story time and The Polar Express movie, and lately the library has offered many virtual events as well.

Library of Things. It is composed of board games, microscopes, puzzles, sewing machines, musical instruments, and many other items. The collection is available for all ages, as it helps community members learn and engage with others.

◗ Experience Passes One of the most exciting services offered is experience passes. Library branches offer passes for free admission to local museums, parks, and other cultural institutions. For free admission to the Atlanta Zoo, for example, check out the Zoo Atlanta Library Pass DVD at your local library. When you return the DVD to your library, you receive a receipt that is required for free zoo admission. Similarly you can check out passes for museums, state parks, Atlanta Center for Puppetry Arts, and other programs. ◗ Beanstack Tracker One of my favorite programs

it offers is the Beanstack Tracker. You can log your reading, keep track of progress, and look back on books you’ve read. There are also themed reading challenges where you can earn badges and prizes.

services such as printing (wireless and 3D), faxing, and laminating, as well as genealogy and proctoring services at low prices.

◗ Library of Things Another one of my favorites is the

◗ Seed Libraries The Sequoyah Regional Library System

has partnered with Master Gardeners to offer seed libraries to encourage gardening with local plants. Vegetable, herb, and flower seeds are available for free. As part of the program, seeds from successful plants are returned to stock the seed library inventory. Seed saving through programs like this one contribute to local ecosystems and communities.

◗ Book Clubs The Youth Book Club, for which I am the brand ambassador, is a new way to get involved with the library programs. We started last year, meeting once a week online. This book club was a way to connect socially. We make friends virtually while expanding our perspectives on several topics by discussing the good books we read. I love the Sequoyah Regional Library System because it has so much to offer everyone. A quote from my favorite book of the Harry Potter series perfectly reflects my feelings: “When in doubt, go to the library.” Thanks to its many programs, Sequoyah Regional Library System remains a staple of our community.

[www.EnjoyCherokee.com]

Market at Menagerie

Crystal Bowersox

Farm Fresh Market

Flower Seed Bombs

Market at the Mill

Cookies & Cocktails: Star Wars Party

Unwind Wednesday

Trivia Night

Parent’s Night Out

First Friday

Farm Fresh Market

Live Music: School of Rock

Market at the Mill

Goshen Homes

May Day

Saturday

Tuesday Cinco de Mayo

Wednesday

Friday

May 9

Saturday

Mother’s Day

May 2021

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Menagerie on Main 351 W Main St., Canton 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. | FREE MenagerieOnMain.com

Hickory Flat Public Library 2740 East Cherokee Dr., Canton 11:00–12:30 p.m. | FREE SequoyahRegionalLibrary.org Cherokee Recreation & Parks 7345 Cumming Hwy, Canton 5:30–8:00 p.m. | FREE PlayCherokee.org

Cherokee County Aquatic Center 1200 Wellstar Way, Canton 5:30–10:00 p.m. | $15/child PlayCherokee.org Market Street, Downtown WDSTK 8:30 a.m.–Noon (Every Saturday) FREE VisitWoodstockGA.com

Elm Street Cultural Arts Village 8534 Main St., WDSTK 7:30–9:30 p.m. | Tickets Available ElmStreetArts.org/Events The Mill on Etowah 225 Reformation Pkwy, Canton 5:30–8:00 p.m. | FREE EtowahMill.com/TheMarket

Downtown Canton 130 E Main St., Canton 6:00–9:00 p.m. | FREE CantonGA.gov

Karaoke

Reformation Brewery Canton 225 Reformation Pkwy, Ste 500 8:00–11:00 p.m. | FREE ReformationBrewery.com

The Mill on Etowah 225 Reformation Pkwy, Canton 5:30–8:00 p.m. | FREE EtowahMill.com/TheMarket Virtual Information Session 6:30 p.m. | FREE Register: eingram@goshenvalley.org GoshenValley.org/homes

Waleska Farmer’s Market

City of Waleska 8891 Fincher Road, Waleska 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. | FREE @WaleskaFarmersMarket on Facebook

Kayaking for Veterans Cherokee Recreation and Parks 1200 Wellstar Way, Canton 7:30–9:00 pm; FREE PlayCherokee.org

National Astronomy Day Gina Chavez

Farm Fresh Market

Little River Kayak Run

Wing and Rock Fest

Art on the Green

Charity Golf Tournament

Market Street, Downtown WDSTK 8:30 a.m.–Noon (Every Saturday) FREE VisitWoodstockGA.com

Monday

Leaning Ladder Olive Oil 105 East Main St., Ste 126, WDSTK 7:00–9:30 p.m. | Tickets Available LeaningLadderOliveOil.com

The Mill on Etowah 225 Reformation Pkwy, Canton 7:00–9:00 p.m. | FREE EtowahMill.com/Events-Menu

Elm Street Cultural Arts Village 8534 Main St., WDSTK 7:30–9:30 p.m. | Tickets Available ElmStreetArts.org/Events

Sunday

Market Street, Downtown WDSTK 8:30 a.m.–Noon (Every Saturday) FREE VisitWoodstockGA.com

Reformation Brewery Woodstock 105 Elm Street, WDSTK 7:00–9:00 p.m. | FREE ReformationBrewery.com

Tellus Science Museum 100 Tellus Drive, Cartersville 1:00–11:00 p.m. | FREE for Members TellusMuseum.org

Saturday

[calendar of events]

Etowah River Park 600 Brown Industrial Pkwy, Canton Noon–6:00 p.m. | FREE WingAndRockFest.com MUST Ministries 3105 Gaddis Rd., Canton 9:00 a.m. | Tickets Available MUSTMinistries.org/Golf

[www.EnjoyCherokee.com]

Cherokee Recreation and Parks 6986 Bells Ferry Rd., Canton 9:00 a.m. | PlayCherokee.org $40 kayak rental $15 for your own kayak Elm Street Cultural Arts Village 111 Elm Street, WDSTK 1:00–6:00 p.m. | FREE ElmStreetArts.org/Events

Bluegrass Festival

Falany Performing Arts Center 7300 Reinhardt College Pkwy, Waleska Tickets Available Reinhardt.edu/Falany

Mary Alice Monroe

FoxTale Book Shoppe 105 E Main St. Ste 138, WDSTK 2:00 p.m. | FREE FoxTaleBookShoppe.com/Events

Wing and Rock Fest

Etowah River Park 600 Brown Industrial Pkwy, Canton Noon–7:00 p.m. | FREE WingAndRockFest.com

Cinco de Mayo Pub Crawl City of Woodstock Main Street, WDSTK 2:00–6:00 p.m. | FREE VisitWoodstockGA.com

Market at the Mill

Farm Fresh Market

BBQ & Brews

Atlantic City Boys

Music and Moves

Market at the Mill

Rafe Posey–Virtual

Farmers & Makers Market

Farm Fresh Market

Live Music: RKR

Memorial Day Ceremony

Tuesday Nat’l Craft Distillery Day

Saturday

Tuesday Saturday Memorial Day

Monday

The Mill on Etowah 225 Reformation Pkwy, Canton 5:30–8:00 p.m. | FREE EtowahMill.com/TheMarket Market Street, Downtown WDSTK 8:30 a.m.–Noon (Every Saturday) FREE VisitWoodstockGA.com R.T. Jones Memorial Library 116 Brown Industrial Pkwy, Canton 10:30–11:00 a.m. | FREE SequoyahRegionalLibrary.org City of Ball Ground 1891 Hornage Rd., Ball Ground 8:00 a.m.–Noon | FREE CityOfBallGround.com

The Mill on Etowah 225 Reformation Pkwy, Canton Noon–8:00 p.m. | FREE EtowahMill.com/Events-Menu The Mill on Etowah 225 Reformation Pkwy, Canton 5:30–8:00 p.m. | FREE EtowahMill.com/TheMarket Market Street, Downtown WDSTK 8:30 a.m.–Noon (Every Saturday) FREE VisitWoodstockGA.com

Falany Performing Arts Center 7300 Reinhardt College Pkwy, Waleska 3:00 & 7:30 p.m.; Tickets Available Reinhardt.edu/Falany

JigJam

Downtown WDSTK 111 Elm Street, WDSTK 7:30–10:00 p.m. | Tickets Available VisitWoodstockGA.com

FoxTale Book Shoppe 105 E Main St. Ste 138, WDSTK 6:30 p.m. | FREE FoxTaleBookShoppe.com/Events The Mill on Etowah 225 Reformation Pkwy, Canton 7:00 p.m. | FREE EtowahMill.com/Events-Menu

Mural Ribbon Cutting City of Canton Railroad Street, Canton FREE CantonGA.gov

City of Woodstock at City Center 101 Arnold Mill Rd., WDSTK 10:00 a.m. | FREE VisitWoodstockGA.com

[www.EnjoyCherokee.com]

June 2021

Market at the Mill

Unwind Wednesday

Out of the Box Painting Event

First Friday

Family Fun Night

Karaoke

Farm Fresh Market

Canton Farmers Market

Yoga in the Park

Honoring Our Fallen

Crazy for Patsy Cline

Swedish Jam Factory

Tuesday Wednesday

Friday Saturday

The Mill on Etowah 225 Reformation Pkwy, Canton 5:30–8:00 p.m. | FREE EtowahMill.com/TheMarket Cherokee Recreation & Parks 7345 Cumming Hwy, Canton 5:30–8:00 p.m. | FREE PlayCherokee.org Downtown Canton 130 E Main St., Canton 6:00–9:00 p.m. | FREE CantonGA.gov Market Street, Downtown WDSTK 8:30 a.m.–Noon (Every Saturday) FREE VisitWoodstockGA.com First Baptist Church Woodstock 11905 Hwy. 92, WDSTK 2:00 p.m. | FREE VeteransMinistry@fbcw.net

Market at the Mill

How I Became a Pirate

Tuesday Wednesday

Farm Fresh Market

See information on Sat., June 5

Canton Farmers Market See information on Sat., June 5

Maker’s Mash

Market at the Mill

Farm Fresh Market

Tuesday Saturday

Cherokee County Aquatic Center 1200 Wellstar Way, Canton 5:00–7:00 p.m. | Tickets Available PlayCherokee.org Brown Park, Downtown Canton 9:00 a.m.–Noon (Every Saturday) FREE CantonGA.gov

Falany Performing Arts Center 7300 Reinhardt College Pkwy, Waleska 3:00 & 7:30 p.m.; Tickets Available Reinhardt.edu/Falany

Reformation Brewery Canton 225 Reformation Pkwy Ste 500 8:00–11:00 p.m. | FREE ReformationBrewery.com Horizon Healing Center 251 E Marietta St., Canton 9:00–10:00 a.m. | FREE HorizonHealingCenter.com/Events Elm Street Cultural Arts Village 111 Elm Street, WDSTK 7:30–10:00 pm | Tickets Available ElmStreetArts.com/Events

Goshen Homes

Virtual Information Session 6:30 p.m. | FREE Register: eingram@goshenvalley.org GoshenValley.org/homes

Cherokee County Aquatic Center 1200 Wellstar Way, Canton 5:30–10:00 p.m. | $15/child early registration PlayCherokee.org

Sunday

Father’s Day

Elm Street Cultural Arts Village 8534 Main Street 10:00 a.m. | Tickets Available ElmStreetsArts.com/Events

Parent’s Night Out

Saturday

Hickory Flat Public Library 2740 East Cherokee Drive, Canton 10:00–11:45 a.m. | FREE SequoyahRegionalLibrary.org

The Mill on Etowah 225 Reformation Pkwy, Canton 5:30–8:00 p.m. | FREE EtowahMill.com/TheMarket

Friday

June 20

[calendar of events]

Southeast Reptile Rescue WDSTK Public Library 7735 Main St., WDSTK 10:30–11:30 a.m. | FREE SequoyahRegionalLibrary.org

Black Jacket Symphony City of Woodstock 101 Arnold Mill Rd., WDSTK 7:30–10:00 p.m. | FREE WDSTKConcertSeries.com

Reformation Brewery WDSTK 105 Elm Street, WDSTK 1:00–6:00 p.m. | FREE MadAndDusty.com/Makers-Mash The Mill on Etowah 225 Reformation Pkwy, Canton 5:30–8:00 p.m. | FREE EtowahMill.com/TheMarket See information on Sat., June 5

Canton Farmers Market See information on Sat., June 5

[www.EnjoyCherokee.com]

Canton River Rock Concert City of Canton 600 Brown Industrial Pkwy, Canton 6:00–10:00 p.m. | FREE CantonGA.gov

June 12-13

Safari Sunset Pour Painting Market at the Mill

Parent’s Night Out

Farm Fresh Market

Tuesday

Friday Saturday

Rose Creek Public Library 4476 Towne Lake Pkwy, WDSTK 10:45–11:45 a.m. | FREE SequoyahRegionalLibrary.org

Cherokee County Aquatic Center 1200 Wellstar Way, Canton 5:30–10:00 p.m. | $15/child PlayCherokee.org See information on Sat., June 5

Canton Farmers Market See information on Sat., June 5

Strawberries Sweets Class

What Does It Take To Be A Park Ranger?

Sunday Tuesday

The Mill on Etowah 225 Reformation Pkwy, Canton 5:30–8:00 p.m. | FREE EtowahMill.com/TheMarket

ere

Farmers & Makers Market City of Ball Ground 1891 Hornage Rd., Ball Ground 8:00 a.m.–Noon | FREE CityOfBallGround.com

Leaning Ladder Olive Oil 105 East Main St. Ste 126, WDSTK 11:00–2:00 p.m. | Tickets Available LeaningLadderOliveOil.com

WDSTK Public Library, Main St. 10:30–11:30 a.m. | Tickets Available SequoyahRegionalLibrary.org

Laila Biali

ent h v e r u yo

Elm Street Cultural Arts Village 111 Elm St., WDSTK 7:30–9:30 pm | Tickets Available ElmStreetArts.org

$250

simplythebest@ enjoycherokee.com

Market at the Mill

The Mill on Etowah 225 Reformation Pkwy, Canton 5:30–8:00 p.m. | FREE EtowahMill.com/TheMarket

[www.EnjoyCherokee.com]