Enjoy Cherokee Magazine – September/October 2022

Page 34

The best gifting plans are often executed over time. The right strategy could help your family make the most of what they have.

Meaning,the donor transfers assets and retains a right to a series of fixed annual payments over a set term. The trust assets grow beyond the IRS monthly “hurdle rate” and there can be an effective wealth shift to the beneficiaries. Sales to intentionally defective grantor trusts Sets up a trust, gift some assets, and then sell other assets to that trust in exchange for a promissory note. Under current law, the grantor owns the trust’s assets and pays income taxes on trust income from the grantor’s assets. Transactions between a grantor and grantor trust are not recognized for income tax purposes, and the grantor’s income tax payments become tax-free transfers to the trust beneficiaries.

The information contained in this article does not purport to be a complete description of the securities, markets, or developments referred to in this material. The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Any opinions are those of Judy Thompson Ross and not necessarily those of Raymond James. This material is being provided for information purposes only. Any information is not a complete summary or statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision and does not constitute a recommendation. Investing involves risk and investors may incur a profit or loss regardless of strategy selected.

Below-market loans to children or a trust

4 [EnjoyCherokee.com] J. Thompson Ross Investments:

Next steps Ask your advisors about Ways to leverage giving Assuring your income stream Remaining in control of some assets Sources: aslcpa.com; investopedia.com; pe.com; taxpolicycenter.org

Things to Know Before the Sunset

Grantor retained annuity trusts

taxfoundation.org;

On January 1, 2018, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) added provisions to the tax code to reduce income tax burdens, and many were not permanent. On December 31, 2025, twenty-three provisions will sunset, including reducing individual income rates, increasing AMT exemption and phaseout threshold, and increasing the standard deduction. Unless Congress acts, many people will see a tax hike. High net-worth families are paying attention to this possible end to the TCJA’s favorable estate tax changes. Specifically, the provision increased the estate and gift tax exemption from $5 million to $10 million. If nothing happens on Capitol Hill, the exemption will return to pre-TCJA levels in 2026.

Raymond James and its advisors do not offer tax or legal advice. You should discuss any tax or legal matters with the appropriate professional. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services are offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. J. Thompson Ross Investments is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services.

Is Your Estate Likely to Exceed $6M per Spouse?

Ask your advisor about:

These loans use minimum interest rates and can shift wealth— without a gift tax—from parent to child. Hypothetically, a parent creates a five-year interest-only loan at the current applicable federal rate (AFR) of only 1.87%, with all principal due at the end. If the child successfully invests the funds, earning a higher percentage in gains, they could pocket the difference without gift-tax consequences.

E state Tax Laws Due to Sunset in 2025

Spotlight

3418 4320 4724 @EnjoyCherokee Advertisers Index Alzheimer’s Association 47 Blues & BBQ Festival 44 Canton Denim Fest, 2022 Back Cover Cartecay Vineyards 42 Cats Bus & Shelter Wraps 40-41 Chattahoochee Tech . . . . . . 25 Cherokee County Football Blitz 37 Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta 36 Culver’s 36 Dancing Goats Fold Fest 42 Darby Funeral Home, Inc 16 Debranski & Associates 22 Ellijay & Georgia Apple Festival 12-13 Falany Performing Arts Center 49 Fire Safety Week 23 First Friday, Downtown Canton 38 FrontLine Auto Spa 51 Georgia Marble Festival 3 Georgia Medical Treatment Center 8 Goshen Homes 31 Hillcrest Orchards 42 History Cherokee 46 J Thompson Ross Investments . . . . . . 4 Jeff Heller, Attorney at Law 35 Kitchen Tune Up 10 Magnetize me 39 Northside Hospital 38 Northside Hospital Inside Front Cover Northside Primary Care Associates 26–27 Shottenkirk 33 Taste and Brews Fall Festival . . . . 45, 51 Woodstock Funeral Home 34 Enjoy Cherokee Team Randy Gravley, CEO/President Jodi Drinkard, COO/Publisher Bill West, Vice President of Sales Jaye Grimes, Assistant to the Publisher Bobbie Christmas, Senior Editor Laurie Parente, Designer Raymond Werner, Designer Katie Wheeler, Writer Cindy Pope, Writer Rebecca Johnston, Writer Leana Conway, Writer Shannon Sickmon, Writer Meghan Lindstrom, Writer Jennifer Allen, Account Executive Annette Figueroa, Sales Representative Will Cooper, Multimedia Content Coord. Copyright 2022 by Enjoy Magazine Inc. (EMI) All rights reserved. Every effort is made to ensure the contents of this publication are true and accurate. EMI assumes no responsibility for misinformation. Correction requests are always welcome at SimplyTheBest@EnjoyCherokee.com. Reproduction in whole, or in part, without permission of Enjoy Magazine, Inc. is strictly prohibited. [EnjoyCherokee.com] 5

Precious Cargo Cherokee County School District’s 2022 Bus Driver of the Year Tammy Stephens and her colleagues transport more than 28,000 children safely to and from school each day with unwavering dedication and a lot of love.

From Setback to Comeback

on six of Cherokee County’s most talented players as we kick off high school football season in the glow of those Friday night lights.

AND PREVIEWS Contents 614

Canton teen Kaeley Whitacre went head-to-head with the nation’s top student debaters in a national championship, earning an impressive second place in team policy debate. Walk to End Alzheimer’s David Snyder, a passionate advocate for veterans and Alzheimer’s awareness, is rallying the troops to support Cherokee County’s annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

The former Woodstock High School lacrosse player returned to his alma mater as a coach and has touched hearts along the way with his natural exuberance, friendly and caring disposition, and fun-loving dance moves.

Cherokee Kids Go Pro A look at some of Cherokee County’s most gifted alumni athletes who have gone on to achieve major league successes in the NFL, MLB, WNBA, and more.

candles, our favorite fall finds are sure to make you fall in love with this edition’s featured local shops. Friday Night Lights

Fall Gift Guide From cozy flannels to handpoured

Coach Andy Meet Woodstock’s Andy Meredith who, as he likes to say, may or may not have an extra chromosome.

CHEROKEE KIDS GO PRO IN ATHLETICS PAGE 20 FALL IN LOVE WITH COACH ANDY MEREDITH PAGE 6 BUS DRIVERS CHANGE LIVES PAGE 14

LISTEN TO WLJA 101.1 FM GAME OF THE WEEK FOR PLAY-BY-PLAY ACTION

TUNE INTO THE FOOTBALL BLITZ PODCAST FOR GAME HIGHLIGHTS

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Reinhardt University defensive back Chris Long suffered a devastating knee injury in his freshman year. With the help of the sports medicine teams at Northside Hospital and Reinhardt University, Chris tackled the recovery and rehabilitation process determined to return to the sport he loves.

[table of contents] [special feature]

Up for Debate

LIGHTSFRIDAYNIGHT C H E R O K E E C O U N T Y H G H S C H O O L F O O T B A L L 2022 SPECIAL EDITION

Festival Guide 2022 A look at north Georgia’s upcoming fall festivals, fairs, markets, and more that you won’t want to miss.

“Courteous and Kind” is the motto of Cherokee County resident and Eagle Scout Andy Meredith. The eldest son of Stephanie and Justin and brother to Kate and Lily leads a busy and fulfilling life. At twenty-two Andy works two jobs, attends Reinhardt University, coaches lacrosse at Woodstock High School, volunteers at a food pantry through his church, and has as many friends as he has dance moves, which are numerous. Oh, and as he likes to say, he may or may not have an extra chromosome.

Model CourteousCitizen,and

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Mason Wren and Pete Manderano went frombeing Andy’s coaches to Andy’s colleagues whenthey invited him back after graduation to join theWHS lacrosse team coaching staff.

To help raise awareness and funds for the Down 25THSyndromecommunity,syndrometheDownAssociationofAtlantahostsanannualBuddyWalk.ThisyeartheANNUALBUDDYWALKwilltakeplaceonSATURDAY,OCTOBER1ATKENNESAWSTATEUNIVERSITY’SMARIETTACAMPUS.VisitDS-Stride.org/AtlantaBuddyWalktolearnhowyoucangetinvolvedandsupportthefundraiserthatbenefitslocalprogramsfocusedonadvocacyandpublicawareness. u u

NEIGHBORS

belovedsistersInadditiontoparentsStephanieandJustinandKateandLily,Andyhas“adopted”manyfriendsheconsidersfamily.

Long before hisdays,lacrosseayoungAndysportsabigsmile.

Photo Credit: Sariah Luna/Reflections by Luna

ANDY

Kind— COACH ANDY

By Leana Conway, Woodstock Resident

Be prepared to fall in

She says it broke her heart. As Andy has gotten older, though, “he has developed more pride in himself and thinks his DNA is pretty cool.”

On the team Andy became just one of the guys. He got rides home with his friends, stopped for fast food, and hung out with them at their houses. The lacrosse team genuinely loved Andy’s company and the unique personality he brought to the group.

A favorite family anecdote revolves around Andy and his very good friend Spencer. Because their birthdays fall close together, Andy decided they are twins. When his father told him they couldn’t be twins because they didn’t share DNA, Andy concocted a “twin plan” to put a strand of his hair in Spencer’s smoothie so that Spencer would get Down syndrome, and they could finally be twins. Stephanie said the sentiment made her happy because “There were days when Andy was younger when things were hard for him, and he wished he didn’t have Down syndrome.”

When asked about his relationship with Andy, former teammate Kyle Capozzi says, “Andy has been one of my closest friends since elementary school. I was so excited when I heard he would join the team. Having Andy on the team was one of the best parts about playing. Being a brother to Andy is something I will always cherish.”

AndybeganclassesatReinhardtthisfalltofurtherhisphotographycareer.FaithandStefanDuckettarepicturedherewithAndy. Andy gets supportiveahug from fellow Wolverine Dillon Shackelford. uuu

ANDYEachOctoberNationalDownSyndromeAwarenessMonthcelebratestheabilitiesandaccomplishmentsofpeoplewithDownsyndrome,whichAndydoesindeedhave.AccordingtotheCDC,Downsyndromeaffectsaboutoneineverysevenhundredbabiesandisthemostcommonchromosomaldisorder.Whilethesyndromeitselfiscommon,acceptanceandawarenessarestillevolving.AndyisaprimeexampleofhowmuchpeoplewithDownsyndromehavetooffer.

prestigious rank ofEagle Scout, the highest award available inthe BoyScouts of America organization.Alongthewayhe made lifelong friends, including Chris Isaksen and Stephen Schweigerpictured here.

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love; Andy often has that effect on people. You may have even already met him, because as little sister Lily says with pride, “My brother is a celebrity around here.”

Andy talks about many brothers and sisters to the point of losing count. Before you start thinking Andy’s mom, Stephanie, has children all over the world, she explains, “When Andy really loves someone, he adopts them as brothers and sisters. Andy has the sisters ‘his mom and dad made him’ and then all the brothers and sisters he’s adopted.”

One activity that helped Andy develop confidence in himself—and brought him a whole team of brothers— is lacrosse. It began with a friendship. Woodstock High School lacrosse coach Pete Manderano, in charge of morning hall duty, got to know Andy as he arrived to school each morning. Eventually their high-fives turned into conversation, and an idea formed in Pete’s head—or more accurately, his heart. Could Andy join his lacrosse team? People assumed Coach Pete was suggesting Andy be a manager or team cheerleader, but Pete was adamant Andy would be an active member of the team. After joining the team with his parents’ blessing, Andy quickly became a beloved teammate. Along with the fact that he dances as soon as any music starts, his natural exuberance and friendliness moved him into the position of captain and won the hearts of the team managers.

“Being a brother to Andy is something I will always cherish,” says former teammate Kyle Capozzi, pictured here with Andy and Coach Pete

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When Coach Pete reflects on what having Andy join the team meant to him personally, he pauses for a long time, and then his intense brown eyes well up with tears. He chokes up, and finally the tough coach says, I made a friend.

Lacrosse brothers on and off thefield, Dillon Shackelford and Andycleaned up very nicely for prom. Former teammate Benji Shackelford says he learned about kindness and the value of a positive attitude through his friendship with Andy.

As coach, Andy had the challenging job of keeping Coach Pete’s “colorful language” under control. In his passion for the game, Pete occasionally let a few bad words slip, but new coach Andy let it be known that he wouldn’t put up with it, even from his friend and head coach. Alongside Pete and the rest of the coaching staff, Andy helped lead the Wolverines to an impressive 6–2 record for the season. In 2021 Coach Pete said farewell to the team and moved to River Ridge High School to be closer to his children. While Andy was sad and missed his dear friend, he felt he needed to stay at Woodstock and coach his team. Stephanie says, “Pete Manderano is the example of what it means to be a teacher [and] coach who makes all the difference in a kid’s life. Andy has grown up with many wonderful people in his life, but Pete has gone beyond that, to be a life changer.”

Benji Shackelford, another “lax bro” (lacrosse brother), reflects on what he learned from his teammate Andy. “He taught me to be kind, no matter the circumstance, and the importance of keeping a good attitude. I will always remember riding home from Dalton and watching Andy full of joy.” In Dalton that day, Andy had scored a regulation point, helping propel the Wolverines to victory over the Dalton Catamounts.

then gifted Andy the only coaching whistle he had ever used: a crossing guard whistle that belonged to his mother, Clara Conway. Clara, a special-education teacher, would have been thrilled to know that Coach Andy was using her whistle.

The brotherhood, love, and teamwork came together as if the team had been sprinkled with pixie dust, and it was obvious that Andy was at the heart of it. With a coach in a wheelchair and a player with Down syndrome, the team represented real inclusion, though nobody thought much about it because it happened so organically.

bond—andCoachDennisConwayandAndysharedaspecialaspecialwhistle.

Andy continues to coach the Woodstock Wolverines alongside Mason Wren, who took over head coaching duties and was named Cherokee County’s 2022 Lacrosse Coach of the Year. Mason loves coaching with Andy and says, “Andy is our equilibrium. He has such a pure heart, and he is the first to put his arm around a player’s shoulder when [the player] is upset. Having Andy in my life means everything to me. He puts everything into perspective. Every day he demonstrates that relationships and treating people with love and kindness [are] what matter most in life.”

What happened for the Woodstock boys’ lacrosse team in the spring of 2019 may not go in the record books for wins and losses, but at the end-of-the-year banquet even casual observers could see and feel something more significant had happened.

Andy graduated in May 2019, but Pete and the coaches were not ready to say goodbye, so in 2020 Andy was promoted to coach. Sadly Coach Dennis Conway had to retire that year, as multiple sclerosis and cold are bitter enemies, and the late-night games in the cold had become too tough for him. Coach Conway

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Talking about Andy brings a big smile to Coach Mason’s face. He laughs as he recalls, “We were having an intense practice before a big game, and we were all feeling the pressure. In the middle of practice, I heard a voice behind me. I turned, and it was Andy playing a prank in a Batman costume, yelling ‘I am Batman. I am vengeance.’”

Many of Andy’s photographs are takenduring his travels, and he specializes inlandscape and architectural photography.Here he lines up his shot at the Universityof North Carolina’s Wilmington campus.

No matter the role Andy is in—son, brother, coach, student, teammate, photographer, or friend—Andy’s influence on those around him is apparent. While education and awareness have brought positive change to the Down syndrome community, much more work needs to be done. Andy is right: his DNA is cool, and it produced a young man full of love, enthusiasm, humor, and compassion. If you see him around, say hi. He always welcomes new brothers and sisters. uuu

Photo Credit: Andy Meredith Photography

This unique perspective of the Tybee Island Pier has become one of Andy’s most collected photos.

Andy’s interest in photography began when he was eight years old. It quickly became clear that Andy had a gift for capturing his unique worldview. Andy and dad Justin, a graphic designer and web developer, began traveling across the United States to capture various landscapes and architecture. Andy has honed his skills so well that he now has a website to sell prints of his photos. Establishing Andy’s photography business is part of the greater plan for Andy to develop independence.

After first taking an interest in photography at ageeight, Andy has honed his skills behind the lens andnow features his work online at AndyMeredith.com.

AnindependentAndytooktheinitiativetoapplyforajobatPublixwithouttellinghismomanddadandworeaBatmanmaskforcourageonthebikeridetothestore.

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Andy sure knows how to break the tension.

This year is a big one for Andy. He is officially a college student, made possible by the Shiloh Cook Scholarship Award from Ruby’s Rainbow, a nonprofit organization that supports adult students with Down syndrome in pursuit of higher education. The scholarship has been applied to Andy’s tuition at Reinhardt University, where Stephanie says the staff impressed the family with their support and encouragement. Dean of Education Dr. Tami Little Smith came to meet Andy and presented him with his scholarship alongside the Cook family. At Reinhardt Andy’s studies will focus on developing his photography skills, including classes on digital editing and photo development. These skills will help Andy advance his photography career and further his independence.

In addition to playing, coaching, and other activities, Andy has worked at Publix since he was seventeen. Stephanie says the whole thing was his idea when one evening Andy was missing when she called him for dinner. He had ridden his bike across a busy street to the grocery store and applied to be a front service clerk. Andy laughs and says, “That seems like a long, long time ago.” He emphasizes he was just a kid then and even explains, “I wore my Batman mask for courage just for the bike ride to Publix.” When his mother tries to tell her version of the story, Andy rolls his eyes and says, “My mom has her thoughts.”

pickellijay.com G@pickellijay E O R G I A Experience Fall in the Apple Capital IT'S ALL ELLIJAY of the Peach State

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By Rebecca Johnston, Canton Resident

Tammy Stephens (C) receives her award from CCSD Chief Operations Officer Dr. Debra Murdock (L) and Jim Georges (R), executive director of transportation. Stephens receives the inaugural award for her caring attitude and dedication during her thirty-five year career with the school district. u

For school bus driver Lynn Moore, the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of Woodstock middle and high school students keeps her motivated. Lynn was honored for her work as the Woodstock Innovation Zone Bus Driver of the Year. Tammy and Lynn are just two of the hundreds of dedicated bus drivers who transport more than 28,000 students on 373 buses encompassing 1,962 total routes and averaging 26,500 miles a day—almost four million miles a year. The inaugural CCSD Bus Driver of the Year Awards presented in July recognized one outstanding school bus driver from each Innovation Zone and one from CCSD’s team of Special Education drivers. Each Innovation Zone consists of one high school and the middle and elementary schools associated with it. One overall winner is then selected from the group of honorees.

COMMUNITY

TAMMY STEPHENS has a passion for caring for the children who ride her school bus. Her dedication to the students each school day for the last thirty-five years led the Canton resident to be recognized as the 2022 Cherokee County School District [CCSD] Bus Driver of the Year.

School bus drivers make a difference in lives of students

Janet continues, “Both of my sons rode the bus to school every day until they could drive themselves. I know firsthand how dedicated the drivers are. I want every driver to know that they are an important part of the Cherokee County School District.” uuu

TRANSPORT MORE 1,96228,000STUDENTSTHANBUSES373TOTALROUTES26,500MILESADAY MILLION A YEAR4MILES [EnjoyCherokee.com] 15

In addition to Cherokee and Woodstock Zone honorees Tammy and Lynn, the other Innovation Zone honorees are Misty Prestridge (Creekview Zone), Christine Minter (Etowah Zone), Shanon Pruitt (River Ridge Zone), Max Woodall (Sequoyah Zone), and Linette Mitchell (Special Education).

On October 18 Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta [CHOA] and the Cherokee County School District hosts a School Bus Driver Appreciation Breakfast to thank all the dedicated school bus drivers throughout the county. CHOA Community Development Officer Janet Read regards bus drivers as a vital part of the education process and emphasizes the importance of recognizing their roles. “The bus drivers, like many other wonderful staff members, work behind the scenes. Their job is very vital–especially to parents who don’t have the ability [or] flexibility to drive their children to school each day. They are another constant in many children’s lives.”

Cherokee annuallyBreakfast,Driveryear’s(R),driverCountygreetsHightowerSchoolsSuperintendentCountyofDr.Brian(L),CherokeeschoolbusAngieNavesduringlastSchoolBusAppreciationheldinOctober. u

Doris Teague, Joyce Pitts, and Linda Lummus about becoming a bus driver and started in 1987.”

uuu remembering A LIFE WELL LIVED...

Award-winner Tammy decided to become a bus driver because she so fondly remembered her own school bus driver when she was a student. “I wanted to grow up and be like Joyce Pitts, who was my bus driver,” she explains with a laugh. “I always had a passion for children. I decided after I graduated from high school I wanted to work with children, and I taught Head Start from 1979 to 1986.” Tammy offers of her decision some thirty-five years ago, “When my son was born, I decided I wanted a more flexible job. I talked to [other bus drivers]

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What keeps Tammy going is the children she gets to know as they ride her bus each day. “It’s really exciting to see the kids that want to learn. First you have to establish rules. I was taught safety first, and I just keep doing it—safety, safety, safety. I tell them the rules apply to everyone. It doesn’t matter who they are. Safety is first,” shares Tammy.

The veteran school bus driver always goes the extra mile for her children. Tammy’s caring attitude is in part the reason she was awarded the prestigious new award.

Cherokee County school bus drivers are trained yearround to make sure they are prepared to serve students and respond to emergencies. Drivers know the best practices for operating their vehicles, which includes inspections before and after every trip, and also learn first aid, bus management, and other tools for success. Students must follow the same code of conduct on school buses as they do in the classroom, and drivers study up to ensure adherence.

Janet remembers countless stories of parents’ confidence in Cherokee County school bus drivers, often sharing with her that they knew their child’s bus driver was keeping their kids safe and that they weren’t worried because the drivers “treat their students like they are their own children.”

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During the snowstorm of 2014 Cherokee County bus drivers stepped up to safely deliver children home or back to their schools where teachers and staff awaited them.

“Primarily when I first started it was to have a full-time job with benefits with a shorter time to work. That was my draw. But as I began the work and got to know the kids, I got more in line with what the Lord has in mind for me with this job,” Lynn remembers. “There is this connection you make with children that not many get the chance to make. I get the opportunity to put something structurally sound in them, if not outright love. At the least I want to help them make it to adulthood with as few problems as Thereneeded.”have been times when Lynn has driven the same children for five years, from kindergarten to fifth grade. “The most positive thing is to give the kids the opportunity to have the first interaction they have each day be a positive one, to help them start the day peacefully and ready to learn,” Lynn says. “I want to continue to be a person who adds to their lives in a positive way and to be a part of their educational memories in a good way—to keep myself in check, so I am the same person each day, and to help them to be positive, and when they look back remember it as a good Whentime.”presenting the awards to Tammy and the other honorees, Cherokee County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian Hightower emphasized the importance of school bus drivers: “Our dedicated school bus drivers carry our community’s most precious cargo more than four million miles every year to and from our schools. We greatly appreciate each of them for their service and are proud to honor the best of the best with this new award. [Tammy] is a legend for her years of dedicated service, including many with perfect attendance, her mentorship of new bus drivers, and her dedication to the safety and well-being of every student she serves.”

“The smiles on the faces of the drivers and the bus attendants as they roll through are a mile wide,” Janet says with a grin “ ”

If they need something, like a pencil, I make sure to give them one. If they are good for a week, I give them something. I put together gift bags at Christmas. I have always been compassionate. I was taught that by my Tammygrandmother,recalls.

(left) Parents across Cherokee County, like this mother, are out early each morning at school bus stops, as a total of 28,000 students are transported to and from schools each day.

(center) The Georgia Department of Public Safety inspects all 400 Cherokee County School District school buses annually before they get on the road for the new school year. Inspectors like the one pictured here look at all angles of the buses before they take to the roads for the school year.

Lynn Moore has been making sure Woodstock students get to and from school safely each day since August 27, 2007.

(right) Woodstock Innovation Zone School Bus Driver of the Year Lynn Moore gets a thank you for the work she does each school day from Cherokee County School Board Member Rick Steiner. u

Janet, who before working for CHOA was the chair of the Cherokee County School Board, emphasizes the importance of bus drivers. “Our bus drivers carry the most precious cargo every day over hundreds of miles of Cherokee County. They are usually the first to see the students and the last. They know when someone needs a little extra attention or a little more grace.”

The School Bus Driver Appreciation Breakfast in October is held at two locations—one in Holly Springs and one in Woodstock—and provides breakfast at both locations simultaneously to about five hundred drivers and shop staff members. For the last two years the event has been held as drive-throughs for the drivers with their buses. CCSD senior staff and transportation staff members greet the drivers as they come through each location. The Holly Springs location has the Lunch Bus out front as well. School board members are invited to join the event at either location.

#SHOPCHEROKEE Use #SHOPCHEROKEE to share your favorite local finds and support small businesses and entrepreneurs throughout Cherokee County. Your favorite things might even end up in the next edition of Enjoy Cherokee Magazine. Flannel Bundle up for chilly fall weather Brooklynn’s,Woodstock Wicker Tray Be the hostess with the mostest this season Cotton Mill CantonExchange, Candle Create coziness with this pumpkin spice scent Cherokee Rose Candle Co., Holly Springs BrimmedWide–Hat The perfect accessory for all fall festivities Molly and Margie’s, Ball Ground Charcuterie The perfect fall snack to share TheHollyBoardGatheringCo.,Springs

Fall in Love with Local Fall in love with these Cherokee County shops! Give thoughtfully this autumn season with these cozy fall must-haves. FauxFoliageFall A must when decorating your home this fall SimplyCantonOla’s, Wine Cork Save your wine in style Sunshine Life, Ball Ground Wine Best way to spend an autumn evening Fermented,Canton

By Shannon Sickmon, Woodstock Resident

20 [EnjoyCherokee.com] PRO SPORTS FROM HOMETOWN HEROES TO THE BIG LEAGUES BUSTER SKRINE CHRIS WILLIAMS GO PROCHEROKEEKIDS

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NICK MARKAKIS DAN ROSADO MONTRELL WASHINGTON KYLE WILKIE

Cherokee High School has produced a wealth of outstanding NFL players, including wide receiver Montrell Washington, who amassed a stupendous 1,946 yards in total offense and ran for 745 yards in his career with the Warriors. He went on to play for Samford University, where he led the Football Championship Subdivision in total all-purpose yards. In April’s NFL draft, Washington was a fifth-round pick for the Denver Broncos; in July he was named the team’s newest starter, with sports analysts predicting that he will be Denver’s most valuable rookie contributor in 2022. Explosive running back Brittain Brown, Washington’s former teammate, was also selected during this year’s NFL draft as the Las Vegas Raiders seventh-round pick. In his career at UCLA, Brown won the Kenneth S. Washington Award for Outstanding Senior of the Year. Older brother Blace Brown also went on to play football in college at Troy University before joining the Canadian Football League as cornerback for the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Other Cherokee Warrior greats include All-American Charles Martin of the Green Bay Packers and Atlanta Falcons, Tommy Pharr of the Buffalo Bills, and Dan Rosado, who played for San Diego and Miami during his NFL career.

Woodstock High School has made an outstanding commitment to athletics in its twenty-four years. The first varsity sports programs for the school began in 1998, and the Wolverines have since had several student athletes go on to professional sports careers. MLB All-Star Nick Markakis, a 2001 graduate, was drafted right out of high school by the Cincinnati Reds but chose to attend college instead, where he racked up accolades. Markakis also represented the Greek national baseball team in the 2004 Olympics before making his MLB debut with the Baltimore Orioles in 2006. uuu

GEORGIA has always been a fertile recruiting ground for college coaches, and the state has a history of producing allstar athletes. Georgia boasts football heroes such as linebacker Mo Lewis, wide receiver Calvin Johnson, and Heisman Trophy-winner Herschel Walker. Baseball greats such as Jackie Robinson, Ty Cobb, Marquis Grissom, and Johnny Mize all hail from the Peach State. Boxing champion Sugar Ray Robinson, basketball warriors Dwight Howard and Walt Frazier, and golf legend Bobby Jones also called Georgia home. Our little corner of metro Atlanta has been the stomping grounds for so many outstanding professional athletes that county commissioners founded the Cherokee County Sports Hall of Fame in 2008. Every year this esteemed organization honors individuals from all aspects of athletics. The 2022 Hall of Fame honorees include twins Justin and Wyatt Wilkie of Sequoyah’s wrestling legacy, Etowah basketball’s Brett Gravitt, and Todd Adams, who has volunteered in Cherokee youth sports leagues for more than forty years. The Cherokee County Sports Hall of Fame can be found in the G. Cecil Pruett Community Center Family YMCA on Waleska Street in Canton. The path to athletic prowess starts with hometown sports, and Cherokee County teams have achieved greatness time after time. We’re highlighting a few of our finest local athletes, and though some might live elsewhere because of the nomadic nature of professional sports, their roots are firmly entrenched in Cherokee County soil and their careers sprouted while they attended local high schools.

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He returned to his Georgia roots when he joined the Atlanta Braves in 2015. Markakis finished his fifteen-year MLB career with the Braves and retired in 2021. Woodstock High School also has bragging rights on Zach Yoder, who plays for the Atlanta Gladiators hockey team, and Kent Emanuel, pitcher for the Houston Astros. One of Cherokee County’s most well-rounded athletes, Sequoyah High School alumna Danielle Donehew played basketball, volleyball, and soccer for the Chiefs. She earned a record eleven letters in her high school career before becoming Georgia Tech’s leader in three-point field goals and winning the Robert Cup in 2000, an award that recognizes the Yellow Jackets top senior scholar-athlete. Following her award-winning and record-breaking collegiate career, Danielle continued to make her mark in women’s basketball. She served as a coach and athletic director for the Tennessee Volunteers alongside legendary head coach Pat Summitt. Danielle leveraged this experience into a successful term as executive vice president of the WNBA. She then became executive director of the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association in 2014 and continues to serve in the role today. uuu CHARLES MARTIN LUKE BERRYHILL

TOMMY PHARR CHAD JENKINS BRITTAIN BROWN ZACH CABLE BLACE BROWN DANIELLE DONEHEW

ZACH YODER CONNOR PAVOLONY EMANUEL DREW WATERS HUNTER GADDIS

Although River Ridge is the newest high school in the county, its baseball program is establishing itself as a powerhouse, with several players moving up to the major leagues since the school’s inception in 2009. Former teammates Luke Berryhill and Zach Cable now represent the Houston Astros and Chicago White Sox respectively. The River Ridge class of 2018 includes Connor Pavolony of the Baltimore Orioles and Chris Williams, who was selected by the Detroit Tigers in the eleventh round of this year’s MLB draft in July. These outstanding athletes have cemented their places in the history of Cherokee County and given us a sense of pride. Our youthful high school days are too fleeting, but the link we feel with our hometown is eternal. We feel connected when we watch someone from Cherokee County achieve great things, a sense of pride when a local legend, a hometown hero, moves into the spotlight. These athletes show us that hard work and perseverance pay off. Their stories are our stories because we watched them grow up. We watched these athletes take their first steps into greatness as they made that first big play on the Little League diamond, caught that game-winning touchdown on the gridiron under Friday night lights, or hit that first three-pointer on the court. In the digital age we may feel we have lost some human connection. Our local athletes and their success stories, however, give us a link, a reverie reminiscent of prom dresses and parade floats. No matter how far we get from home, stories of our local sports heroes always beckon us back, and it is the best homecoming.

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Cherokee County is also the home field for Etowah graduate Drew Waters of the Atlanta Braves and Kansas City Royals. Fellow Eagle Buster Skrine announced his retirement from the Tennessee Titans in July following an elevenyear career in the NFL. Kyle Wilkie, hailing from Creekview High School, played baseball for Clemson before being signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates. Cherokee Warrior Chad Jenkins pitched at Kennesaw State University and the Toronto Blue Jays then selected him in the first round of the 2009 draft. In August former Sequoyah Chief Hunter Gaddis made his MLB debut pitching for the Cleveland Guardians.

KENT

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary, however, first defines the word forensic as an argumentative exercise.

The average person who hears the word forensic will think of forensic sciences, thanks to the prevalence of television shows like CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, NCIS, and others, which show investigators solving ghastly crimes.

By Leana Conway, Woodstock Resident DEBATE

24 [EnjoyCherokee.com] ACADEMICS

FOR

The first- and second-place winners in the NCFCA team policy debate finals all spoke eloquently and defended their positions, with Kaeley and Trinity arguing the affirmative and David and Ben arguing the negative. u

This year Kaeley worked her way into a spot in the national championship held at Saint Paul, Minnesota’s Northwestern University, where she and partner Trinity Kipp of Florida earned an impressive second place in the team policy debate. Kaeley and her team policy debate partner Trinity Kipp proudly hold their trophies following NCFCA’s national championship at Northwestern University.

u

UP

Seventeen-year-old Cherokee County resident Kaeley Whitacre could have quickly solved the debate over the word, though, as she is involved in the National Christian Forensics and Communications Association [NCFCA], a faith-based speech and debate league with more than 38,000 participants nationwide.

The NCFCA’s goal is to empower students to apply and communicate their worldview with skill and clarity. Kaeley and her mother believe she has accomplished that much plus more. As a homeschooler Kaeley had a limited social circle, but now she lights up when talking about the young people she has met at NCFCA. “We see the same kids all the time at the tournaments, and we have formed deep and lasting friendships. We have grown and learned so much together. I can’t imagine my life without these people.”

KAELEY is the oldest child of Michael and Kerri Whitacre, who both served in the United States Air Force. Life in the Air Force meant the family moved around the country quite often and lived in Arkansas, Washington, and Oklahoma before calling Georgia home. Kaeley and younger siblings Austin, Blake, and Kyra are homeschooled and have used lessons from Classical Conversations, a Christian homeschooling program, since Kaeley was three years old. Kaeley presents herself as a bright and well-rounded young woman whose favorite school subjects are logic, philosophy, and history, rather than lunch and gym, a more typical response from highschoolers.

“In competition,” she continues, “sometimes you are asked to defend both sides of an argument—that’s an intellectual exercise that stretches your mind.”

When asked how her experience with forensic debating will help her in her career choice, she explains, “I will be gathering and analyzing all sorts of data for different companies. I have to present and communicate my findings persuasively and effectively, and that’s where all my years of honing my skills will be crucial.”

Kaeley admits to sometimes getting “spicy,” as she calls it, with competitors because in the heat of debate it’s easy to lose oneself and feel that a competitor’s argument is a personal attack. “I have had emotional struggles when researching an

Kaeley’s mom, Kerri, readily admits that initially she and her husband, Michael, had to push Kaeley to join the debate program because they knew that forensic debating would help Kaeley grow academically and shape her communication skills. Kaeley says many of her teammates were also strongly encouraged by their parents to participate in debate and in hindsight are thankful they were. She shares that despite her initial nervousness and a few rookie blunders—like forgetting to start her timer—she was hooked after her first tournament, although she faced challenges along the way.

A Unit of the Technical College System of Georgia. Equal Opportunity Institution. ChattahoocheeTech.edu/98-7-chattahoochee-tech-podcasts Chatt98.7 Tech Podcast It’s all things Chatt Tech Listen Now

It can be easy to forget that not all competition occurs on fields and in athletic gear. Kaeley and her fellow competitors

Now in her senior year, Kaeley helps coach local speech and debate club Semper Paratus with a focus on Lincoln Douglasstyle debating. Next year she plans to attend Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia, to pursue a degree in data analytics.

26 [EnjoyCherokee.com]

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Imagine football is your life. You’ve been playing from the time you were five years old all the way through high school and even into college on a scholarship, and then—one day, one practice, one play—pop! You hit the ground.

Sports Wire 28 [EnjoyCherokee.com] HARD WORK

Chris Long Defensive Back, Reinhardt University

Photo courtesy of Joseph Gaiter/Gaiter

In the spring of Chris’s freshmen year, his confidence was up and, as he says, his juices were flowing. During a set of competition drills at practice, he baited the quarterback to throw the ball deep to a tight end. As Chris tracked the ball, he leapt into the air.

By Cindy Pope, Woodstock Resident

“As I jumped I heard a pop and hit the ground. My hamstring started firing and the back of my leg was hurting, and I was rolling around on the ground. I thought that I just hyperextended my leg.” Chris recalls.

The team trainer told him he needed to see a doctor, who ultimately diagnosed Chris with a torn anterior cruciate ligament [ACL]. “And that was it.” Chris sighs.

The former River Ridge defensive back, quarterback, and track star is a senior at Reinhardt in pursuit of his MBA.

Ashley Wolary, Reinhardt University’s assistant athletic director of Sports Medicine, remembers Chris during his recovery and rehabilitation period as being a quiet young man dedicated to playing football.

That scenario was reality for Reinhardt University defensive back Chris Long. Originally from South Carolina, Chris now makes his home in Woodstock with his parents and sister.

 [EnjoyCherokee.com] 29

According to the Orthopedic Institute for Sports Medicine at Northside Hospital, an ACL injury is the overstretching or tearing of the ACL in the knee. Patients who experience ACL tears often report hearing a popping sound at the moment of injury followed by knee swelling and pain, especially when bearing weight on the injured leg. For an ACL injury, the Northside sports medicine team recommends avoiding sports and other activities until you can be evaluated by a Whilephysician.ice,over-the-counter pain relievers, crutches, and therapy are early treatment options, ACL injuries often require surgery, as unrepaired tears can result in further damage to the knee. This fact is especially true for athletes determined to return to sports with the same intensity and love of the game as before.

“He was obviously upset by the injury because it meant he would be out for the next season,” she says, “but he was determined to return to the field.”

Chris’s mental and physical capacities were instrumental in his recovery and therapy processes, Ashley says. “He lost a season of football. While all his friends were playing on the field and talking about the practices and the games, Chris understood that this was just his current situation, that he had to stay focused on his recovery to earn his place back on the team. [He] appreciated that he had been in recovery and therapy for almost a year. He was determined to come back from his injury.”

Chris Long, former River Ridge defensive back, sustained a debilitating injury during practice with the Reinhardt Eagles in his freshman year. His dedication to recovery helped earn his place back on the team a year later.

 SETBACKFROM playchriswatchWireSportsGaiter/GaiterJosephofcourtesyPhoto

Ashley explains that coping with an ACL injury requires an optimistic outlook. Recovery can be a long, arduous, and emotional process. “We see all [emotions] when we are dealing with athletes— from elation to despair, frustration, anger, and sometimes a little bit of depression. Our job as clinicians is to keep them on the right path and help them achieve their goals to get back on the field.”

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Chris describes the challenge of seeing his teammates playing when he could not. “It can be very lonely, because no one knows that empty feeling of not being able to be part of the team.” He says that recovery is a mental waiting game. “Waiting for the pain to go away, [taking] time to develop trust in yourself again, waiting for that trust to develop with the physical therapists, and [trusting that] the therapy is going to go as planned.”

In addition to being out of the action and working patiently through the recovery process, one of the hardest aspects for Chris was the struggle to keep his earlier motivation alive. “The pain you feel while going through post-surgery and therapy is nothing compared to dealing with the unknown when things get really dark, especially for a person who really loves the sport they are playing.”

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Chris cites his family as his greatest influence in athletics and shares that they encouraged him and gave him pointers on how to stay positive and keep his head up.

Chris recollects on his first day of therapy following surgery to repair his ACL. “I could barely walk, so they started me off with light weights, walking to retrain my legs to function properly and perform simple movements.” After a month or two, Chris progressed to more advanced exercises with heavier weights and increased leg movements before moving on to sport-specific exercises, including jogging and eventually running. “If you can’t do it, the therapists will make the adjustments so that you can, such as using lighter weights or fewer repetitions and sets. That process was definitely challenging, but it made me stronger as an athlete as well as a human being, knowing I overcame that obstacle.” With a light laugh, Chris says therapy was “the easy part.” He explains further, “You’ve just got to do the work; you might not want to, but you’ve got to.”

[EnjoyCherokee.com] 31

Northside Hospital outpatient physical therapists Jennifer St. Joseph and Bob Breingan worked with Chris to maintain his pace after the ambitious baller kept asking them to give him more Ashleyexercises.explains that Jennifer and Bob worked with Chris to create exercises that mimicked football moves. “Chris was definitely one of the best patients, in terms of following directions. When Chris worked with the physical therapists, they pushed him, and I think that’s why he did so well. His recovery is a huge testament to his demeanor, his willingness to do what was asked of him, [and] the way he got along with our therapists. He is such a fantastic young adult that I can’t say enough about him. He’s a great athlete,” she continues proudly. “I wish more patients could be like him because he is so dedicated. He had the heart to come back.”

While ACL tears are common injuries among athletes, the recovery and rehabilitation process is much improved thanks to advances in medical knowledge. “The technology has come so far that it is allowing athletes to go back to the game,” Ashley notes. She describes how surgeons previously used either cadaver ACLs or hamstring tendons to repair ACL injuries. With advanced surgical processes, Ashley says surgeons and therapists are “seeing better recovery rates because we are using a person’s own tissue. Their bodies are accepting it better, and [the repairs] are lasting longer.”

The athlete’s triumphant return would not have been possible without his dedicated team of doctors and therapists and his resolve to overcome his injury. Ashley shares that Chris was exceptional in his determination by attending therapy every day, working hard, and putting himself in a position to succeed.

Chris advises athletes who experience an ACL injury to be patient and do a little extra work. “I think that was why I was able to recover so fast. At home I did extra exercises, like bodyweight squats, lunges, jogging, running, and stretching.” Chris stresses the importance of not giving up. “[Injured athletes] need to give their minds and bodies more time to heal properly.” He states that keeping a positive mindset is the most important factor. “Stay strong, be positive, and understand that this is just a little Whilesetback.”inrecovery and therapy, Chris had time to focus on what he wants to do with his life. Even as a child Chris had entrepreneurial dreams but hadn’t determined the specifics of what kind of business he wanted to run. He says his dad encouraged him to plan his post-sports career, so he researched career paths that interested him. Upon learning more about the foreign exchange market, which he describes as “like stocks but more volatile,” he realized he wanted to pursue a career in that field and has been studying the trade. Staying in his positive mindset, Chris advises, “If you treat [an obstacle] the correct way, it can be the best thing that ever happened to you. Sometimes you need an extraordinary event in your life to open another door.” Enjoy

Of his return to the playing field, Chris says, “When I went back to football [after the therapists] cleared me, I basically had to learn to trust myself again on the football field and how to move without thinking about it.”

“After the initial shock of the injury, he was very dedicated to getting back out there. He did everything we asked of him, and more.” She laughs a bit when she recalls how Chris was initially unhappy when asked to rein in his activity a little, noting that rest and recovery are just as important as straight-leg raises.

A few months later Will accepted his first radio job at a station in Rome. “After the 2018 season ended, I knew I wanted a career in broadcasting,” he says.

When football preparations began again at WLJA, sports director Dave was adamant that the booth needed Will, and he was more than happy to accept. Reflecting on Will’s role on the broadcast team, Dave says, “He reminds me a little of myself when I first entered into broadcast. I had some good mentors that coached me along the way, and I wanted to pay it forward. I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside some talented young broadcasters over the years, some of whom have advanced their careers into sizable markets. I see Will as easily being one of those who can take that next step to bigger and better things.”

Local radio station WLJA 101.1 FM is North Georgia’s home for Southern gospel music year-round, except on Friday evenings in the fall, when listeners delight in hearing Will and his team share action-packed playby-play coverage during the Cherokee County High School Football Game of the Week program. Will is a Cherokee local who attended Creekview High School and has a love of all things sports. When he took on a social media internship with WLJA in 2018, he never imagined the spark it would ignite. At first his Friday nights consisted of filming sideline videos and posting score updates for broadcasters Michael Searcy and Dave Garner. Will recalls that about three games into the season, “as the game wrapped up, Dave looked at me and said, ‘Do you want to do the post-game show?’ I was pretty shocked, but I agreed. He handed me a headset and said ‘Okay, you’re on.’

HS FOOTBALL

And from there I never went back.”

Since joining the on-air team, Will has helped expand the broadcast booth by adding a pre-season coaches show and a podcast—The Football Blitz —all while honing his skills. As he enters his fifth year, Will says the first game of the season still feels like Christmas morning. Each game involves nearly thirty hours of prep work, including team research, film watching, and memorizing rosters. “It’s important to know players’ names and call them correctly. They may be playing for scholarships and using our broadcast in a highlight reel, and we have to give credit where credit is due. I consider it to be a responsibility.”

Will admits that his success has not been without blunders. “At my first official game of 2018, I hadn’t paid any attention to prep work. I simply printed rosters, highlighted the starters, and went to call the game, and I completely bombed.” He gives thanks to the support of his broadcast partners, who made all the difference. “The only reason I’ve been successful is because of the kindness and support of others in my circle.

By Katie Wheeler, Canton Resident

32 [EnjoyCherokee.com] FOLLOW US ON @SportsWLJATWITTER

(l-r) WLJA Broadcast Team Dave Garner, Arthur Mosley, Ronnie Cooper, Zakk Gross, and Will Cooper

WILL COOPER: THE MAN BEHIND THE MIC

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL is a hallmark of hometowns across the South with cheering crowds, stadium lights, and often the sound of “Touchdown!” being called from the broadcaster’s booth. Cherokee County’s fall Friday nights are no different. Amid the crowd’s cheers and the clashing of helmets, you’re likely to hear WLJA’s broadcast team led by Will Cooper, a local young man with a heart for the game.

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I’ve been grateful to have these guys who have built me up, given me opportunities, and been Will’sdependable.”teamrecognizes his growth. As fellow broadcaster Dave notes, “Will has done a tremendous job of breaking into the business and becoming a true professional. There aren’t many young guys that are as polished so early in their career.” With six Cherokee County teams to cover, the broadcast team chooses the top-matched game of each week throughout the season. It often includes highly anticipated rivalry games such as Woodstock versus Etowah, dubbed the Battle of Towne Lake. The Wolverines and Eagles will face off this season on October 14. To hear your favorite games with Will Cooper, Arthur Mosley, Dave Garner, and Zakk Gross, tune in to WLJA 101.1 FM every Friday night starting at 6:30 p.m.

[EnjoyCherokee.com] 33 September 2 Calhoun @ Creekview September 9 Sequoyah @ Cherokee September 16 River Ridge @ Woodstock September 23 BYE WEEK September 30 Etowah @ Creekview October 7 Creekview @ River Ridge October 14 Etowah @ Woodstock  October 21 Rome @ River Ridge October 28 North Cobb @ Cherokee November 4 Woodstock @ Sequoyah November 11 GHSA Playoffs Week 1 November 18 GHSA Playoffs Week 2

2022 Tanner Savasir • Quarterback • Sophomore CHEROKEE HIGH SCHOOL LIGHTSNIGHTFRIDAY 100% Service Guarantee Compassion Helpline ® Veteran’s Services A VFW National Partner Bereavement Travel Services WoodstockFuneralHome.com8855MainSt.,Woodstock,GA770-926-3107Serving the Community with Compassion andsinceIntegrity1958. Location Manager Paige Fowler Ogle CHEROKEE HIGH SCHOOL SCHEDULE DATE OPPONENT 8/19 vs Cartersville 8/26 at Etowah 9/2 vs Woodstock 9/9 vs Sequoyah 9/16 at West Forsyth 9/23 BYE 9/30 BYE 10/7 at Wheeler 10/14 vs Osborne 10/21 at Walton 10/28 vs North Cobb 11/4 at Kennesaw Mountain

TANNER SAVASIR Quarterback Tanner Savasir takes on a major role for the Cherokee Warriors in only his sophomore year. Though Tanner is young, his knowledge of and passion for the sport shows on and off the field. Having played since fifth grade, he loves taking the field with teammates that he’s grown up with and created deep bonds with. This season Tanner says his team’s goal is to be the best team it can be in every game it plays. “I love being able to compete and do what I love to do each week,” he shares. For Tanner, sports are year-round. He plays golf and basketball for the Warriors as well, and he hopes to join a leadership club with some of his fellow athletes, furthering their bond. He’s also a big fan of Star Wars and Harry Potter. Though he has yet to create set plans for after high school, Tanner knows he wants to go to college on a scholarship and further his education.

COLE SACKMAN Senior Cole Sackman, playing safety, is a three-year starter for the Grizzlies defense and has been named a team captain for the 2022 season. He and his team are gearing up for an exciting year.  Having played the game since fourth grade, Cole finds importance in the lessons the sport teaches him about life. He also values the brotherhood he and his teammates share. Head coach Trevor Williams says, “Cole’s energy and passion for the game sets a tone for our defense and our team. He was voted team captain by his peers, a testament to his leadership and work ethic.”

Cole

Cole says his team’s goal this season is the region championship, while his personal goal is to make the all-region team.

Sackman • Safety • Senior CREEKVIEW HIGH SCHOOL LIGHTSNIGHTFRIDAYCREEKVIEW HIGH SCHOOL SCHEDULE DATE OPPONENT 8/19 at Cambridge 8/26 at Hillgrove 9/2 vs Calhoun 9/9 vs North Forsyth 9/16 vs Allatoona 9/23 BYE 9/30 vs Etowah 10/7 at River Ridge 10/14 at Sequoyah 10/21 vs Woodstock 10/28 at Rome 11/4 BYE

2022

In addition to football, Cole plays basketball and runs track for Creekview—an impressive feat, given that he has only nine toes. He also leads the football team’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes group. After Cole attends college he hopes to stay involved with football by coaching.

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Frank says nothing compares to the feeling he gets before going onto the field with his teammates who have turned into family. Of his goals this season, Frank says, “I hope to lead my team to the playoffs and help build a blueprint for the younger guys to do it again next year.” In addition to football, Frank also runs track at Etowah, competing in the 100-meter, 200-meter, and long jump events. In his free time, he spends hours in his studio making music. After high school Frank hopes to play college football and earn a business degree.

• Senior ETOWAH HIGH SCHOOL LIGHTSNIGHTFRIDAY GAME OF THE WEEK PODCASTRECAP&PREVIEWOFALLGAMES RADIO & LIVE STREAMING AT WLJA 101.1 FM L I S T E N L I V E ANYWHERE YOU LISTEN FRIDAY NIGHTS GAME OF THE WEEK SCHEDULE IS FOUND ON PAGE 33 OF THIS MAGAZINE. ETOWAH HIGH SCHOOL SCHEDULE DATE OPPONENT 8/19 at Lassiter 8/26 vs Cherokee 9/2 vs Forsyth Central 9/9 at Centennial 9/16 vs Sequoyah 9/23 BYE 9/30 at Creekview 10/7 BYE 10/14 at Woodstock 10/21 vs Allatoona 10/28 at River Ridge 11/4 vs Rome

Frank Mosley IV • Cornerback

FRANK MOSLEY IV Frank Mosley IV is a senior cornerback for the Etowah Eagles. Frank is entering his eleventh year in the sport and loving every minute. He says his team has a positive mindset and big expectations this season. Head coach Matt Kemper shares, “Frank has all the tools of a great player: length, speed, strength, and an incredible football IQ. More than that, though, he is an outstanding leader.”

2022

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[EnjoyCherokee.com] 39

Jackson, who has played since the sixth grade, has a true passion for the sport. Jackson says the River Ridge Knights, coming off a winning season in 2021, are aiming for even greater success this year. “My goal for the season is to win. Week one is the only thing that matters. When that’s over, week two is all that matters. We want to get better week by week and play by play.” Jackson shares his excitement to get back under the lights with his teammates. “We’re like a family, and it’s a great dynamic. I know they’ve got my back, and I definitely have theirs.” The game of football has had a great impact on Jackson, and his favorite part is stepping between those white lines and focusing on the task at hand. Jackson has no off-season since he plays basketball for the school as well. Beyond the high school stadium, he has plans to play football in college but is currently uncommitted. He will announce his plans soon.

2022 Jackson Head • Tight End • Senior RIVER RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL LIGHTSNIGHTFRIDAYRIVER RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL SCHEDULE DATE OPPONENT 8/19 vs Hillgrove 8/26 at Pope 9/2 vs Sprayberry 9/9 at North Atlanta 9/16 at Woodstock 9/23 BYE 9/30 at Sequoyah 10/7 vs Creekview 10/14 BYE 10/21 vs Rome 10/28 vs Etowah 11/4 at Allatoona

JACKSON HEAD Tight End Jackson Head is entering his senior year ready to step out on the field and focus on the game.

Jackson Hancock, a junior, is known for his ability to play multiple positions on offense and defense, making him a vital asset to the Sequoyah Chiefs. Jackson’s commitment to the game is evident: he was named a Player of the Game by radio station WLJA’s broadcast last season.

Jackson

Jackson shares, “When I step out on the field, nothing else matters except the game.” He also loves the brotherhood and trust he’s formed with his teammates, noting that these friendships will last a lifetime. Head coach James Teter says, “Jackson has meant a lot to our team. He is one of our most talented players, a hard worker, and one of the leaders in our program.”

&

Jackson says that no matter what happens this season, he and his team are never going to back down. They will fight until the last whistle blows, a determination he admires about his team. His plans include seeing how far football takes him and then opening his own business. Hancock • Offense Defense

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ADONIS GARCIA Adonis Garcia is a senior wide receiver and defensive back for the Woodstock Wolverines. While this season will be only Adonis’s second year at Woodstock, he is ready to hit the ground running—literally. When asked his favorite part of the sport, Adonis shares its many life lessons. “The game of football will teach you how to work as a team, how to be mentally and physically tough, and how to push through any adversity that comes your way,” he says. In the upcoming season he hopes to help his team make the playoffs while pursuing his personal goal of 500+ receiving yards and at least four interceptions. Off the field Adonis also runs track and enjoys singing and acting. Adonis aspires to play in the NFL, but also hopes to start his own electrical engineering business. You might even see him as a football coach one day, a role in which he hopes to give back everything he’s learned over the years. Senior

Adonis Garcia • Wide Receiver & Defensive Back •

25-26

Rides, Nightly Concerts, Flower Show, Demonstrations + more Rocktoberfest 2022

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Celebrating Food & Drinks, Kids Arts Crafts October 15 Cartersville Craft

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Featuring Local Orchards, Arts & Crafts, Parade, Kids Zone, 5K

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Railroaders

Exhibitors, Artist Demonstrations, Children's

JeepFest September 1-4 | Jasper Jeep Obstacles, Mud, & Trails, Concerts, Rides, Food + more Hot Air Balloon Festival September 2-4 | Pine Mountain Nightly Balloon Glow & Fireworks, Callaway Gardens + Beach access Mountain Heritage Festival September 3-4 | Blairsville Nightly Outdoor Concerts, Local Arts & Crafts + Demonstrations Yellow Daisy Festival September 8-11 | Stone Mountain Hundreds of Artisans and Crafters, Crafter Demonstrations + Food Vendors Oktoberfest 2022 September 8-11, 15-18, 22-25 & September 29-October 30 | Helen America's longest-running Oktoberfest with Parade, German Beers + more 1st Annual Blue Ridge Chalk Festival September 9-10 | Blue Ridge Live Chalk Art, Food Trucks, Drink Vendors + Live Music 2nd MulticulturalAnnual Festival September 10 | Canton Community Outreach, International Foods, 5K, Soccer Tournament + more Blue Ridge Blues & BBQ Festival September 17 | Blue Ridge Live Blues Music, BBQ Vendors, Train Ride, Block Party + more 1st Annual JAX Coffee Festival September 17 | Jasper Coffee Tastings, Vendor Market, Games, Raffles + more Cartecay Crush Festival September 17-18 | Ellijay Grape Stomping & Wine Tasting, Live Music, Food, Arts & Crafts, Vineyard Tours + more 38th Annual Riverfest Arts & Crafts Festival September 24-25 | Canton Arts & Crafts Exhibitors, Entertainment, Food Vendors + Kids Zone WDSTKtoberfest September 24-October 2 | Woodstock Bavarian Food & Beverage Specials, Keg Tapping, Pub Crawl, Prizes + more Ellijay Bacon Fest September 25 | Ellijay Large Selection of Bacon-Themed Foods, Arts & Crafts, Live Music, Games + more 2nd Annual Oktoberfest September 30-October 2 | Kennesaw Horned Owl Brewing, German-style Beer & Food Trucks + Biergarten 17th Annual Autumn Fest October 1 | Holly Springs Arts & Crafts Exhibitors plus Food Vendors, Kids Zone + more Crabapple Fest October 1 | Milton Arts & Antiques Festival, Food & Drinks, Football on the Big Screen + more 1st Annual Pumpkin Palooza October 1 | Chatsworth Pumpkins, Family Photos, Live Music, Petting Zoo, Face Painting + more 40th Annual Georgia Marble Festival October 1-2 | Jasper Quarry Tours, Artisan Demonstrations, Parade, Road Race, Kids Zone + Music Cumming Country Fair October 6-16 | Cumming Carnival Rides & Attractions, Live Music & Shows, Fair Foods, Pageant + more Georgia Mountain Fall Festival

October 8-9, 15-16 Blairsville Sorghum Syrup, Biscuit-Eating Food, Craft Georgia Apple Festival

October 8-9, November

Train Rides, 53rd Annual Blairsville Sorghum

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&

October 7-15 Hiawassee

Zone,

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Vendors + more

Fall Festival

October 15 Canton

October 8-9, 15-16 Ellijay

Booth + more

October 8-9 Blue

Market + more Downtown Alive!

Demonstrations,

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&

Ridge

Contest, Music,

Beer, Food Vendors, Live Music + Downtown Retailers [EnjoyCherokee.com] 43

|

Annual

Midway October 8

| Ball Ground RockSolid Brewing Co. Drink Specials, Music, Games + more Ride the Rails Festival

Gold Rush Days Festival October 15-16 | Dahlonega Parade, Live Performances, Food & Craft Vendors + more Fall Art on the Green October 15-16 | Woodstock Woodstock Arts Handmade Arts & Crafts Market, Music + more 27th Annual Heritage Days Festival October 15-16 | Talking Rock Arts, Crafts & Antiques Market with Demonstrations, Live Bluegrass & Gospel Performances + more Black Bear Festival October 15-16 | Chatsworth Local Vendor Market, Kids Corner, 5K, Pageant & Contests + more The Great Pumpkin Fest October 22 | Canton Trick or Treat & Costume Contest, Hayrides, Archery, Vendors, Bounce Houses + more Looking for more to Enjoy? Visit EnjoyCherokee.com to find details on these featured festivals by selecting Festival Guide 2022 on the Categories drop-down menu of our calendar. Plus discover other events!upcomingexciting Appalachian Brew, Que, & Stew Festival October 22 | Hiawassee Craft Breweries, Unlimited Tasting, Live Music, Vendors + more Cadence Fair October 22 | Woodstock Reformation Brewery Live Music, 5K, Local Makers + more Acworth JamBOOreeHalloween October 22 | Acworth Rides & Games, Kids Costume Contest, Food Vendors, Music + more Dancing Goats Folk Fest October 22-23 | Ellijay Juried Folk Art Show & Sale, Live Music, Goat Beauty Contest, Food + more 1st Annual Denim Fest October 28-29 | Canton Celebrating Local History with BBQ, Contests, Music, Trick or Treating, GA/FL Game on the Big Screen + more Ball Ground Rocks BBQ & Brews Festival November 5 | Ball Ground Craft Beer & BBQ, Live Music, Kids Space, Vendors + more Tate Day Festival November 5 | Tate Marble Valley Friends, Arts & Crafts, Tours, Entertainment + more [EnjoyCherokee.com] 45

David says, “Many people don’t understand they’re not alone.

David is the director of Cherokee Veterans Community, the military ministry at First Baptist Woodstock, and also the primary caregiver for his beloved wife, Barbara, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease three years ago. With both causes dear to his heart, he tirelessly rallies the troops to participate in Cherokee County’s annual fundraising event.

“This is personal to us,” David says.

[EnjoyCherokee.com] 47

Since 1980 the Alzheimer’s Association has raised awareness and funds in support of the millions of Americans affected by the devastating disease. The annual Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest fundraiser for Alzheimer’s and dementia care, support, and research, making it the association’s signature event.

FLOWERSINFIGHTATHERE’SLOTOFTHESE Cherokee County’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s Saturday, October 29 Etowah Park, GeorgiaWalk.orgCanton

By Leslie Holland, guest contributor Senior Director, Marketing and Communications Alzheimer’s Association, Georgia Chapter

“Veterans have a six to ten percent higher incidence of developing dementia than the general public. More than ten percent of our group is affected by Alzheimer’s in their families.”

David says his military and medical backgrounds—he was a paramedic for more than twenty years—drive him to want to help people. “I feel totally useless as a caregiver as far as changing the outcome, but I can raise money to help find a cure. Because of my connection personally and my connection militarily, I want to see something happen,” he says. David definitely does his part to see something happen. He recruits team members and raises donor dollars through an online campaign that brought in more than $2,500 through the team’s donation page in just the first few weeks of the campaign.

ALZHEIMER’S ISN’T STOPPING. NEITHER ARE WE.

“The families and people around the person living with Alzheimer’s are giving care, service, and sacrifice that they didn’t sign up for. It makes me feel good that I am able to do something that can help them in that service,” David says, adding that his biggest hopes are for others to recognize the need, support it, and find a cure through that support.

Last year Georgia had nearly 6,700 individuals walking together toward a common goal: to end Alzheimer’s. Nationwide the association raised almost $2.1 million for Alzheimer’s research and support in 2021. This year the association hopes to surpass those numbers, benefiting more families and providing increased funding for critical research regarding treatment, prevention, and someday a cure for Alzheimer’s.

Cherokee County’s annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s event takes place Saturday, October 29. Among its biggest local supporters is Marine Corps veteran David Snyder, a passionate advocate for veterans and for families dealing with Alzheimer’s disease, as he fits into both categories.

SignupToday!

The frustration, the anger, the sadness, all of it-–many people are dealing with the same thing.” His message to families dealing with Alzheimer’s is a simple one: “You are not alone.”

Car-B-Que at the Flat Cruise-In Car Show 6764

Live Music | WDSTK Summer Concert 101 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 7:30–10:00 p.m. | VisitWoodstockGA.comFREE

Scotty McCreery

Featuring QUIET TIME from 9:30 to 10:00 for visitors with sensitive ears

Gardeners 1001

Canning 1-2-3

171 East Main Street, Canton 6:30–9:30 p.m. | Tickets Eventbrite.com

a.m.–2:00 p.m. E Car-B-Que at the Flat Fall Plant Sale

Way, Canton Noon–4:30 p.m. | $12/dog PlayCherokee.org Wednesday14 Storytime Live! with special guest Scooby-Doo The

Go With the Flow Movement Class & Wine Sample The Mill on Etowah, Canton 6:00–8:00 p.m. | EtowahMill.com/Events$10

Second Multicultural Fest Community Festival & 5K Event Etowah River Park, Canton 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. CantonGA.gov

Tapestry: The Carole King Songbook Photo Credit: Brian Rutherford

p.m. | WoodstockParksAndRec.comFREE

Cooking with Ms. Maureen The WREC, Woodstock 9:30–11:00 a.m. | $45 PlayCherokee.org Hickory 10:00

|

The Band Waleska Live Music Historic Canton Theatre

Cherokee Master Univeter 9:00

Unwind Wednesday Food Trucks & Vendor Market

Saturday10 House 734 Street, 6:00–9:00

Touch-A-Truck with DJ, Food, and Vendors

Tapestry: The Carole King Songbook Live Music | Falany Performing Arts Center 7300 Reinhardt Circle, Waleska 7:30–10:00 p.m. | Reinhardt.edu/FalanyTickets

Art on the Spot Reeves

CherokeeMasterGardeners.coma.m.–Noon

Patriot Day Ceremony 9/11 CantonMemorialRotary Park, Canton 8:30 a.m. | Live Stream E Cherokee County, Georgia

SaturdayFriday161718Sunday

Saturday311Sunday

Curry with Chef Sunisa Leaning Ladder Workshop 105 East Main Street, Woodstock 7:00–9:30 p.m. | LeaningLadderOliveOil.com$75

Pick & Pour Candle Class with Cherokee Rose Candle Company 8636 Main Street, Woodstock 7:00–9:00 p.m. | MadeMercantile.com$50-65 Trivia on the Green with Lights Up! Entertainment The Mill on Etowah, Canton 7:00–9:00 p.m. | EtowahMill.com/EventsFREE

p.m. | WoodstockArts.orgRaffle

Live Music at the Mill Live Music on the Green The Mill on Etowah, Canton 7:00 p.m. | EtowahMill.com/EventsFREE

Flat Highway, Canton

Woodstock

Etowah,

Launch with Ann Hite FoxTale Book Shoppe, Woodstock 1:00 FoxTaleBookShoppe.comp.m.

Caleb Wilkie Live Music MadLife Patio 8722 Main Street, Woodstock 2:00–5:00 p.m. MadLifeStageAndStudios.comFREE

Cherokee Veterans Park, Canton 5:30–8:00 p.m. | PlayCherokee.orgFREE

Hump Day 5K with Ball Ground UC Chiropractic RockSolid Brewing Co., Ball Ground 6:00 p.m. BallGroundUpperCervical.comFREE

Photo Credit: Jeff Ray

Cherokee R.A.P.S. Recovery Mill on Canton 1:00–4:00 BeTheRocc.orgp.m.

Friday2

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Book

Annual

Cherokee Veterans Park, Canton 9:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m. | FREE PlayCherokee.org Scotty McCreery

48 [EnjoyCherokee.com] Wednesday7 [calendar of events] Friday9 September 2022 Tuesday6

SOONCOMING

Paws in the Pool Cherokee County Aquatic Center 1200

Banks & Shane Live Music Falany Arts Center 7300 Reinhardt Circle, Waleska 7:30–10:00 p.m. | Reinhardt.edu/FalanyTickets

& Prevention Summit The

Reeves

Thursday15 Wellstar Park at City 11:00 a.m.–12:00

First Friday with Kinchafoonee Cowboys Live Music | Downtown Canton Main Street, Canton 6:00–10:00 p.m. | FREE CantonGA.gov Kinchafoonee Cowboys Photo Provided/Kinchafoonee Cowboys

Come Fly with Ryan Live Music Big Band Orchestra Ball Ground Highway, Ball Ground 7:00–9:00 p.m. | FeathersEdgeVineyards.comTickets

Taste of Woodstock Downtown Woodstock 111 Elm Street, Woodstock 5:00–9:00 TasteWoodstock.comp.m.

Tree Dreams Collection Opening Night Art Exhibit Menagerie on Main, Canton 6:00–8:00 MenagerieOnMain.comp.m.

Center, Woodstock

Road, Canton

Friday23

The Texas Gypsies Music Falany Arts Center 7300 Reinhardt Circle, Waleska 7:30–10:00 p.m.

Thursday29 Fall Lecture Series with Karen Coody Cooper Funk Heritage Center, Waleska 2:00–3:00 p.m. Reinhardt.edu/FunkHeritage$10/non-members

Jazz Night Live Music Reeves House 734 Reeves Street, Woodstock

The Gold Standard Band Live Music West Milford Farm 7938 Ball Ground Road, Cumming 7:30 p.m. WestMilfordFarm.comTickets Mill on Etowah 225 Reformation Parkway, Canton 10:00–11:00 a.m.

|

|

| Reinhardt.edu/FalanyTickets

The RT’s Live Music Lantern Series 111 Elm Street, Woodstock 7:30–10:00 p.m. WoodstockArts.orgTickets 6:00–9:00

[EnjoyCherokee.com] 49 SaturdayFriday302425Sunday 38th &RiverfestAnnualArtsCraftsFestival Service League of Cherokee County Etowah River Park, Canton Saturday and Sunday 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Donations ServiceLeague.netaccepted Car Show Fundraiser Benefiting Autism Speaks 1906 Professional Way, Woodstock 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. | Fundraiser DWCampbellTire.com Cherokee Career Expo Northside Conference Center 1130 Bluffs Parkway, Canton 2:00–6:00 p.m. | Job Fair CherokeeGA.orgWednesdayTuesday2028 Sip & Paint with RCB Riverstone Corner Bistro 151 Reinhardt College Parkway, Canton 6:00–9:00 p.m. | $70 RCBCanton.com

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Goat Yoga at the Mill The

| EtowahMill.com/Events$34

TEE UP FOR A CAUSE September 16 ACES & Experiences Tournament Fairways of Canton September 30 Golfing Fore Children Lake Arrowhead Country Club OctOber 5 Stand Up For Seniors Classic Golf Club at Bradshaw Farm OctOber 6 Woodstock Public Safety Foundation Tournament BridgeMill Athletic Club OctOber 15 Gathering of Friends Towne Lake Hills Golf Club OctOber 24 Goshen Valley Classic Cherokee Town & Country Club Golfing for CHOA Fairways of Canton The Texas Gypsies Photo Credit: Brandi McComb Photography

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p.m. | WoodstockArts.orgFREE

Live

Woodstock Arts Event Green 111 Elm Street, Woodstock NEW two-day schedule! Saturday, October 15 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Sunday, October 16 11:00 a.m.–5:00 WoodstockArts.orgp.m.

Trivia on the Green with Lights Up! Entertainment The Mill on Etowah, Canton 7:00–9:00 p.m. | EtowahMill.com/EventsFREE

Wednesday5

For more

Surrender Hill & Band

Author Event with Kimberly Garrett Brown FoxTale Book Shoppe, Woodstock 1:00 FoxTaleBookShoppe.comp.m.

Veterans Meetup Reformation Brewery 105 Elm Street, Woodstock 6:00–8:00 ReformationBrewery.comp.m.

Friday7

Fire & Rescue Open House Woodstock Fire Station 14 225 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. | WoodstockGA.gov/FireFREE

CTC Presents A Party to Murder

Opening Night Cherokee Theatre Company Historic Canton Theatre, Canton 8:00 p.m. | Tickets E Cherokee Theatre Company or CherokeeTheatre.org Hocus Pocus 2 Screen on The Green The Mill on Etowah, Canton 7:00 p.m. | EtowahMill.com/EventsFREE

Unwind Wednesday Food Trucks & Vendor Market

The Rocky Horror Show Opening Night Woodstock Arts 8534 Main Street, Woodstock 7:30 p.m. | WoodstockArts.orgTickets

Galts Ferry Day Use 7299 Rocky Lane, Acworth 9:00 a.m.–Noon |

Music Bingo with Team Trivia RockSolid Brewing Co., Ball Ground 7:00–9:00 p.m. | RockSolidBrewingCo.comFREE

BroadcastON-AIR6:30p.m.

Battle of Towne Lake Woodstock vs. Etowah 7:30 p.m. | WLJAradio.com/SportsTickets

Cherokee Veterans Park, Canton 5:30–8:00 p.m. | PlayCherokee.orgFREE

Oktoberfest Party Reformation Brewery 105 Elm Street, Woodstock 2:00 p.m. | ReformationBrewery.comTickets

FeathersEdgeVineyards.comTickets

Etowah River Park, Canton 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. | FREE Admission TasteAndBrews.com

Think Pink Cherokee Breast Cancer Awareness Walk Cannon Park, Canton 9:00 a.m.–Noon | Fundraiser CantonGA.gov

Saturday1

Friday14

Live Music | Downtown Canton Main Street, Canton 6:00–10:00 p.m. | FREE CantonGA.gov On The Border: The Ultimate Eagles Tribute Band Photo Provided/On The Border

Gathering of FriendsFundraiser Weekend Silent Auction Tavern 6:00–8:00

at Towne Lake, Woodstock FRI

Lake Allatoona Cleanup

Live Music Falany Arts Center 7300 Reinhardt Circle, Waleska 7:30–10:00 p.m. |

Tailgate with a Firefighter!

Friday21

Live Music | Vendor Market & Kidzone

p.m. Charity Golf Tournament Towne Lake Hills Golf, Woodstock SAT 9:00 a.m. E @GatheringOfFriendsGA

Food Gifts Cooking with Ms. Maureen The WREC, Woodstock 9:30–11:30 a.m. | PlayCherokee.org$45

Thursday20

Reinhardt.edu/FalanyTickets

Maker’s Mash Reformation Brewery 105 Elm Street, Woodstock 1:00–6:00 MadAndDusty.com/Makers-Mashp.m.

Fall Lecture Series with Dr. Grace Hale Funk Heritage Center, Waleska 2:00–3:00 p.m. | Reinhardt.edu/FunkHeritage$10/non-members

Art on the Green Outdoor Market

Live Music with Honky Tonk Heroes Ball Ground Highway, Ball Ground 6:00–8:00 p.m. |

First Friday with On The Border

Kayak Run Cherokee Recreation and Parks Location TBD 9:00 a.m.–Noon | $15-$40 PlayCherokee.org

50 [EnjoyCherokee.com] [calendar of events]

Run, Walk, or Roll 5K Benefiting Next Step Ministries 11905 Highway 92, Woodstock 7:00–10:00 a.m. | NextStepMinistries.netFundraiser

LakeAllatoonaAssoc.comVolunteer

Environmental Education with Graham Penniman The WREC, Woodstock 9:30–11:30 a.m. | PlayCherokee.org$24

Taste & Brews Fall Festival

Madam Radar Live Music Falany Arts Center 7300 Reinhardt Circle, Waleska 7:00–10:00 p.m. | Reinhardt.edu/FalanyTickets

Sunday16 Monday17 October 2022 Saturday8

Fall Fun, see our Festival Guide 2022 beginning on page 43

Rocktoberfest 2022 Live Music Drink Specials & more RockSolid Brewing Co., Ball Ground Noon–10:00 RockSolidBrewingCo.comp.m.

SaturdayMonday39Sunday15

17th Annual Autumn Fest Arts & Crafts Fair Barrett Park, Holly Springs 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. | FREE HollySpringsGA.us

Fire Safety with Safe Kids Cherokee The Mill on Etowah, Canton 11:00 a.m.–5:00 EtowahMill.com/Eventsp.m.

Walk

Halloween Trail of Tricks & Treats ALL AGES Rubes Creek Trail 232 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 5:00–9:00 p.m. | WoodstockParksAndRec.comFREE Run Your Bundts Off! 5K Benefiting WarAngel Farms Etowah River Park, Canton 8:30 a.m.–Noon | Fundraiser RunSignUp.com

Tricks, Just Treats: Adult Trick or Treat Walk Downtown Canton 130 East Main Street, Canton Noon–6:00 CantonGA.govp.m.

to End Alzheimer’s Alzheimer’s Awareness Walk Etowah River Park, Canton 9:00 a.m. | Fundraiser Act.Alz.org The Great Pumpkin Fest Fall Festival & Trick or Treating Cherokee Veterans Park, Canton 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. | FREE Admission PlayCherokee.org Sunday23 Friday28 The Contenders Live Music | Falany Arts Center 7300 Reinhardt Circle, Waleska 7:30–10:00 p.m. | Reinhardt.edu/FalanyTickets Disney/Pixar's Coco (2017) Falany Arts Center 7300 Reinhardt Circle, Waleska 3:00 p.m. | Reinhardt.edu/Falany$5 Atlanta Concert Band Live Music Falany Arts Center 7300 Reinhardt Circle, Waleska 3:00 p.m. | Reinhardt.edu/FalanyTickets Saturday29 The Contenders Photo Credit: Stacie Huckeba Sunday Patio Music Live Music MadLife Patio 8722 Main Street, Woodstock Noon–9:00 p.m. | MadLifeStageAndStudios.comFREE See back cover for details. UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP  Xpress Car Wash  FREE Vacuums  Full Detailing  Auto Reconditioning  Paintless Dent Repair  Headlight Restoration  New and EquipmentImproved OPEN MONDAY–SATURDAY 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. SUNDAY 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. 678-653-9553 | FrontlineAutoSpa.com 6390 BELLS FERRY RD., ACWORTH, GA 30102 MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP SPECIALS STARTING AS LOW AS $20 PER VEHICLE

Wednesday31

[EnjoyCherokee.com] 51 SaturdaySunday3022

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