#parent | #kids | #childsafety | 🌱 Union Hill Bridge Update + Officer Shines On Duty + Tips On Giving

• Surprise update on the Union Hill Road Bridge project.
• Woodstock PD Officer goes above and beyond.
• It’s GivingTuesday, support the non-profit!

Today’s newsletter is sponsored by Leslie Spennato of Berkshire Hathaway

What’s really happening in the local real estate market?

If you listen to some, you might think the current real estate market is in free fall.

The picture is more complex. Compared to last year, in the second week of October:

• Pending sales are down 43%
• Closings are down 22%
• Prices are up 10%, and up 14% year-to-date on tight inventory, as homeowners stay put

These changes present opportunities for both buyers and sellers. Sellers can offer their homes with less competition. Buyers have more flexibility to negotiate prices. And with the right guidance, buyers have options to lower their interest rates as well. But to take advantage of these opportunities you need a trusted advisor with deep experience in our market and at getting deals done.

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Mostly sunny and mild. High: 67 Low: 57.

Business owners and marketers in Woodstock-Towne Lake: Do you want to build awareness with local customers? I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. Click here to learn more.

Here are the top stories in Woodstock-Towne Lake today:

1. The Union Hill Road Bridge project has been completed early. Closed since July 26 for a full replacement, the bridge over Canton Creek was predicted to be finished in late January 2023. The new bridge between Hasty Trail and Spearman Lane was completed using SPLOST funds and includes 12-foot travel lanes and 8-foot shoulders, both great safety improvements to the original, 1950-built bridge that stood prior. (Free: Cherokee Sheriff’s Office via Facebook | Subscription: Cherokee Tribune & Ledger-News)
2. An officer from the Woodstock Police Department saved the day for two shoppers in Woodstock. On Black Friday, a pair of women and a child were traveling on Ridgewalk Parkway when their vehicle stalled near the Outlet Shoppes. Several on-duty officers, including Woodstock Police Officer Dunn, saw the vehicle and assisted by pushing the car to a nearby gas station. Then, in a further show of community, when the husband of one of the women brought a replacement alternator to his wife at the gas station, Officer Dunn volunteered to install it. (WSB-TV)
3. Did you know that today is “GivingTuesday?” It’s a day set aside for fundraising and volunteerism around the world in support of non-profit organizations. GAgives on GivingTuesday is the official organizer for the GivingTuesday movement here in Georgia, raising more than $90 million since it’s founding in 2012. There are some great non-profits right here in our city, why not help at home when the chance presents itself. You can read more about GAgives here, and by clicking the Find A Cause button on the home page, you can search for organizations here in Woodstock. The Great Nonprofits website also offers a search function that will give you a list of local organizations. (GAgives on GivingTuesday and Great Nonprofits)
4. While we’re on the topic of giving – during the different holiday seasons throughout the year, the Cherokee County Animal Shelter posts wish lists on their Facebook page requesting donations to help them stock their shelves. You can check out their current Holiday Wish List in full here, they are in need of items like paper towels, dryer sheets, cat and dog food of any kind, canned pumpkin puree, soft dog treats, and peanut butter, but they also have Amazon wish lists set up that stay active all year. If you’d like to donate from the comfort of your own home, the shelter has lists for general items, the PAWS Pantry and shelter pet enrichment. Donations from their Holiday Wish List can be dropped off in person at the shelter, located at 1015 Univeter Road in Canton, Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Cherokee County Animal Shelter via Facebook)
5. The North Georgia Health District would like to remind us ahead of the holiday season that all public health departments in the district offer flu vaccines during normal business hours without an appointment. The vaccine is covered by many health insurance companies, but is also provided at low cost for those paying out of pocket. If you’d like to see flu-related numbers, including reported cases and hospitalizations, here are the DPH Flu Activity Reports listed per week, and to find a flu vaccination location near you, the Vaccines.gov website is a great resource. (North Georgia Health District Press Release)

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Today in Woodstock-Towne Lake:

• Storytime at the Gallery: head over to the Reeves House Visual Arts Center for a special, art-centered family storytime. The event is suited for children of all ages, though children must be accompanied by an adult. Enjoy the morning with books, art lessons and crafts at 734 Reeves Street. (1 – 2 p.m.)
• World Cup Watch Party – USA vs Iran: bring a blanket, chairs, food and non-alcoholic beverages to the Event Green downtown for a free watch party. There will be a bar set up with drinks for sale. (2 p.m.)
• Tween Book Club: held on the last Tuesday of each month, the book club is for ages 10 and up or those at a 5th grade reading level. Those under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. The group will go over the reading “Where the Mountain Meets the Moon” by Grace Lin using discussion, games and more. The group will meet at the R.T. Jones Memorial Library, 116 Brown Industrial Parkway, Canton. (4:45 – 5:45 p.m.)
• NaNoWriMo Write-In: for those of all ages taking part in National Novel Writing Month, you can relax and get some of your writing done this evening at the Woodstock Library, 7735 Main Street. There will be snacks, drinks and music. This is the last scheduled NaNoWriMo write-in. (5 – 7:30 p.m.)
• Game Night with Lights Up! Entertainment: the $5 game pass is good for unlimited games at Reformation Brewery, 105 Elm Street. (6 – 8 p.m.)
• Family Bingo Tuesday: each game wins cash every Tuesday at Guston’s Grille, 12195 Highway 92. (6:30 – 8 p.m.)
• Music Bingo with DJ CaseyD: every Tuesday at Truck & Tap, 8640 Main Street. (7:30 – 10 p.m.)
• Mario Kart Tournament: all ages welcome, prizes for first, second and third place every Tuesday at The Blue Ghost Arcade, 164 Towne Lake Parkway. (8 – 10:30 p.m.)
• Senior Center Programs:
  • Tuesday: Painter’s Club – receive professional instruction and share ideas every Tuesday. (11 a.m. – 1 p.m.)
• MadLife Patio Stage (free shows):
• MadLife Stage & Studios:
  • Country Dance Night, featuring The Honky Tonkers – the evening begins with dance lessons. (6 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• The North Pole Express mailbox is now up at the Gazebo at the Park at City Center! Your little ones can drop off their letter to Santa in the mailbox until December 13, and they will receive a personalized return letter from Santa by Christmas – please include a return address on the letter. The Gazebo is located at 101 Arnold Mill Road. (Downtown Woodstock via Facebook)
• Woodstock City Church is holding a fun holiday event on the Events Green this Friday. The “Christmastime is Here!” event will feature treats, live music, face painting, photos with Santa, caroling, coffee from local vendors and more, please bring a blanket or chair for your comfort and be sure to RSVP here. You can check the Facebook page for updates in case of inclement weather. (Downtown Woodstock via Facebook and Woodstock City Church)
• The next Parent’s Night Out at the Cherokee Aquatic Center is this Friday. You can drop off the kids from 5:15 – 10 p.m., and while you’re out and about, the kids will be enjoying a swim, food, crafts, games and a movie. You can read more about the event and register here. There is also a Parent’s Afternoon Off coming up on December 4 from 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. You can register for that one here. (Cherokee Recreation & Parks)
• Woodstock Arts is holding a holiday edition of Kids Corner this Saturday. “Kids Corner: Ornament Glazing” will take place in the Reeves House Studio, located at 734 Reeves Street, starting at 10:30 a.m. You and your little ones can check out the new “small town: small works” exhibit in the Gallery and then head to the Studio to create ceramic ornaments using glaze. Children under 6 must be accompanied by an adult, but all adults are welcome to participate with their child. If you’d like to attend, please sign up online soon, this crafting session will probably fill quickly. (Woodstock Arts)
• How’s your Turkey Swim going, swimmers? There are only a few days left to compete against other lap swimmers to claim the prize – a free annual pass to the Cherokee Aquatic Center. Make sure to log your laps at the lifeguard table by the November 30 deadline. Please note, the previous year’s winner is not eligible. (Cherokee Recreation & Parks)
• Are you ready to switch careers or earn a shiny new title? If you feel like it’s time to move on, move up or push yourself up the ladder a rung or two, these jobs are definitely worth taking a look at. Click the link to see some of the great new opportunities waiting ahead. (Woodstock-Towne Lake Patch)

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Alrighty, you’re all caught up for today! I’ll see you soon.

— Nina Lightcap

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Woodstock-Towne Lake Daily? Contact me at Woodstock@Patch.com