Canton Family Life | March 2026 by Family Life Magazines

The Measuring of Days

As2026 “marches” on, March 8 will bring more sunlight to our days, as we spring forward for Daylight Saving Time. There are generally two camps of people regarding the loss of an hour this time of year: those who love that it will no longer be dark when they leave for work in the morning and when they arrive home in the evening, and those who think the practice is outdated and disruptive to daily routines and natural rhythms.

Regardless of which camp you fall into, the more important thing might be to consider how we measure the success of the hours in our days. Many calculate a successful day by how much money they make. Others might calculate it by how many things they checked off their to-do lists. But what if we based success on how many times we laughed with a friend or loved one? Or how much time we spent in nature? Or how many hours we were at peace?

Whatever criterion you use to measure how fulfilling your days are, my hope is that you at least use your own yardstick rather than base it on what success looks like to someone else.

If you measure success by how much quality time you spend with loved ones, check out our Events Calendar on pages 6-10 for fun activities close to home. If you measure it by how much money you save or by how much waste you eliminate while providing healthy food for your family, check out this month’s “From Scraps to Sprouts” feature on pages 20-21.

May the luck o’ the Irish be with you this St. Patrick’s Day (3/17), and all the rest of your days!

Julie Senger, Editor-in-Chief

PUBLISHER

Family Life Magazines

Publisher@FamilyLifePublications.com

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Julie Senger

Julie@FamilyLifePublications.com

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Stephanie Bolton

Stephanie@FamilyLifePublications.com

SALES/MARKETING MANAGER

David Wright

David@FamilyLifePublications.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Sarah Childers

Joshua Fuder

Bill Grant

Kevin Huff

Ellen Samsell Salas

Family Life Magazines

6175 Hickory Flat Highway Suite 110-PMB 341 Canton, GA 30115 770-213-7095

Also available online at FamilyLifeMagazines.com

The viewpoints of the advertisers, columnists, and submissions are not necessarily those of the editor/ publisher, and the publisher makes no claims as to the validity of any charitable organizations mentioned. The cover and its accompanying feature story are a paid advertisement. Canton Family Life is not responsible for errors or omissions. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the publisher.

Down

2� River that runs through Canton

3� North Georgia mountain range visible on clear spring days

2. River that runs through Canton

5 Spring sport played at local recreation parks

PuzzlePage

Spring will be “springing” on March 20

Enjoy these fun crossword clues that celebrate the upcoming warmer temps in Canton, Woodstock, and greater Cherokee County� The answer key can be found on page 28

Across

3. North Georgia mountain range visible on clear spring days

6� Popular lake in Cherokee County

5. Spring sport played at local recreation parks

8 County where Canton and Woodstock are located

6. Popular lake in Cherokee County Across

10� Woodstock Mayor Michael ______

11� Canton Mayor Bill ______

12 Popular spring festival in Canton, Wing and _____ Fest

1� Free Woodstock Summer Concert Series, held at Northside Cherokee ______

4 Tool used for yard cleanup

Free Woodstock Summer Concert Series, held at Northside Cherokee ______

6 Spring-flowering bush that’s commonly seen along the course at The Masters golf tournament

7� Yellow tree dust that coats cars each spring

9 Green plant associated with St Patrick’s Day

Tool used for yard cleanup 6. Spring-flowering bush that’s commonly seen along the course at The Masters golf tournament

11 Decorative covered structure found in parks in both downtown Canton and Woodstock

Yellow tree dust that coats cars each spring

13� Spring flowering tree with white blooms that look like a cross

14 Woodstock trail that leads to Woofstock Park

Calendar

MARCH

1-24

Some Bunny Special

Cherokee Recreation & Parks Association is collecting prefilled Easter baskets to be delivered to children in need throughout Cherokee County Candy must be in the original, sealed package Baskets should have Easter-related items only� Regular hours, The Buzz, 7345 Cumming Highway, Canton; Cherokee County Aquatic Center, 1200 Wellstar Way, Canton; or The WREC, 7545 Main Street, Building 200, Woodstock. 770-924-7768. PlayCherokee.org

4 & 4/1

Fresh Start Mornings

This event brings the entrepreneurial community together for educational programs and to support one another with crowdsourced feedback 9:00-10:15am, The Circuit Woodstock, One Innovation Way, Woodstock. 770-345-0600. StartUpCherokee.com

20th Annual Cherokee County Farm Bureau Agriculture Expo — This FREE event features tractors and a petting zoo, as well as 20 different vendors and exhibitors who will present demonstrations inside and outside the event� 4:00-8:00pm, Trinity Church, 1136 Trinity Church Road, Canton, 770-479-1481. dbforward@gfbco.org

Community Yoga Classes Mondays. 10:00-11:00am, The WREC, 7545 Main Street, Building 200, Woodstock. PlayCherokee.org

6-15

The Foreigner — In this play, socially anxious Charlie Baker arrives at a Georgia lodge and pretends to be a foreigner who doesn’t understand English, so the townspeople openly share secrets, scandals, and a dangerous conspiracy in front of him. This production is recommended for ages 12+. Tickets are $19-$22. 8:00pm Fridays/Saturdays and 2:30pm Sundays, Canton Theatre, 171 East Main Street, Canton. 770-704-0755. CherokeeTheatre.org

Cherokee County School District Certified Job Fair — CCSD is seeking outstanding teachers and other certified staff to join its team for next school year. Interested applicants can preregister on the website. 9:00-11:30am, River Ridge High School, 400 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock. TinyURL.com/CCSDJobFair2026

West Main Arts Festival

In the connecting point between historic downtown Canton and The Mill on Etowah, fine artists will take over the streets for an afternoon of art, food, music, and family friendly fun. 11:00am-6:00pm, 351 West Main Street, Canton. MenagerieOnMain.com

Outdoor Yoga Class — Each Wednesday through November, bring your yoga mat and arrive early to find your spot before class begins FREE. 6:00pm, The Mill on Etowah, 225 Reformation Parkway, Canton. EtowahMill.com

Trivia Night Thursdays. 7:009:00pm, The Mill on Etowah, 225 Reformation Parkway, Canton. 678-762-9950. EtowahMill.com

7 CCEF Celebration of Education Gala: Shamrocks and Shenanigans

This event features cocktails, a silent auction, dancing, a performance by the Irish Comedy Tour, live music by local artists Ethan Senger and Kurt Lee Wheeler, Irish dance performances, dinner, and a full program during which Alumni of the Year Awards are announced� Proceeds benefit students, teachers, and staff of CCSD schools� 6:00pm, Northside Cherokee Conference Center, 1130 Bluffs Parkway, Canton. CherokeeCountyEducationalFoundation.org

7-8

March Is

International Ideas Month; as well as National Caffeine Awareness, Cheerleading Safety, Craft, Credit Education, Hemophilia Awareness, Kidney, Music in Our Schools, Nutrition, Peanut, Small Press, Social Work, Umbrella, and Women’s History Month; and Endometriosis Awareness, Multiple Sclerosis Awareness, and Rising Star Month�

Metro Atlanta Film Summit — Convening creatives, decision makers, and industry leaders, MAFS aims to ignite conversations that empower guests to chart the path forward for the metro filmmaking community� Event fee is $58�51� 9:00am-5:00pm, YANMAR EVO Center, 5889 Old Alabama Road, Acworth. MetroAtlantaFilmSummit.com

Etowah Wildlife Expo

Explore diverse exhibits, engage with wildlife experts, and enjoy thrilling demonstrations alongside shopping, food, music, and endless fun 12:00pm Saturday Expo starts (see the website for specific event times on both days), The Mill on Etowah, 225 Reformation Parkway, Canton. EtowahWildlifeExpo.com

12 Small Town Creatives

Attend this FREE monthly gathering for creatives and entrepreneurs who want to network and grow 6:00-8:00pm, The Circuit Woodstock, One Innovation Way, Woodstock. 770-345-0600. SmallTownCreatives.net

Parents’ Night Out — Kids will make arts and crafts, play in the pool, eat pizza, and watch a movie The fee is $30 per child� 5:15-9:30pm, Cherokee County Aquatic Center, 1200 Wellstar Way, Canton. 678-880-4760. PlayCherokee.org

14 Science Saturday: Archaeology

Learn about the science of archaeology through fun, hands-on activities for ages 8+ Event fee is $12 for participants and $7 for supervising adults� 10:30am12:00pm and 1:00-2:30pm, Cherokee County History Center, 221 East Marietta Street, Canton. 770-345-3288. HistoryCherokee.org

Women on Wheels Clinic and Ride

On the first Saturday of each month, join this welcoming community of women to learn, build confidence, and foster friendships through mountain biking 10:00am-12:00pm, Blankets Creek Mountain Bike Trails, 2261 Sixes Road, Canton. 770-846-7979. BearPawCoaching.com/women-on-wheels

[continued on page 8]

The G.O.D. Squad (Grandparents On Duty)

Second and fourth Thursdays of each month. 10:30am, Hickory Flat United Methodist Church, 4056 East Cherokee Drive, Canton. 770-345-5969.

Sequoyah Regional Library System Events

14 Shamrock Shuffle

Pub Crawl

Party shuttle buses will run continuously between downtown Canton and The Mill, making it easy to shuffle from stop to stop� Costumes encouraged� Friends required Shenanigans expected No tickets are required Participating bars and restaurants will feature drink specials, and there will be live music all day� 12:00-6:00pm, downtown Canton and The Mill on Etowah, 185 Reformation Parkway, Canton. Facebook.com/events/1271653274800116/

16 Never Alone Community Food Pantry Taste & Tour — Tour the facility, taste the food that is provided to guests, and learn how to serve the community Please RSVP to attend 5:30–7:30pm, Never Alone Community Food Pantry, 291 Rope Mill Road, Woodstock. 404-819-9625. NeverAlone.org

ONGOING

20 Homeschool Day: Life on the Homestead — Drop in to experience life on the homestead with special guests and hands-on activities Event Fee is $12 for students and $7 for adults 11:00am-3:00pm, Cherokee County History Center, 221 East Marietta Street, Canton. 770-345-3288. HistoryCherokee.org

20 Stand Up For Seniors Fundraising Luncheon — Get a delicious lunch for $10 All proceeds support local seniors 11:30am1:00pm, Cedarhurst of Canton, 3100 Hidden Valley Drive, Canton. VAC-CherokeeGa.org

Cherokee Veterans Community Monthly Meeting — First Thursday of each month. 6:30-8:00pm, First Baptist Church Woodstock (“A” Building/ Chapel Building, Room A250), 11905 Highway 92, Woodstock. 678-570-5828. CherokeeVeteransCommunity.org

21-22

20 The Potluck Movie Series — Enjoy a monthly movie night, featuring films inspired by Canton’s local downtown businesses Tickets are $5 7:00pm, Canton Theatre, 171 East Main Street, Canton. 770-704-0755. CantonGa.gov

Wing & Rock Fest — Bring friends and family to enjoy finger-lickin’ good eats and live rock tributes Check the website for full event details� 11:00am-7:00pm Saturday and 11:00am-6:00pm Sunday, Etowah River Park, 600 Brown Industrial Parkway, Canton. WingAndRockFest.com

MilVet Meetup — First Monday of each month. 6:00-8:00pm, Reformation Brewery, 105 Elm Street, Woodstock. 404-441-8900. MilVetCommunity.org

Cherokee Student Film Festival — High school students from across the county will show their short films and accept awards, including an audience choice award! FREE! 6:00pm, Woodstock Arts, 8534 Main Street, Woodstock.

24 Canton City Limits — Enjoy this FREE open mic night of poets and songwriters Artists may sign up to perform beginning 3/17� 7:00pm, Canton Theatre, 171 East Main Street, Canton. 770-704-0755. CantonGa.gov/our-city/visit-us/canton-theatre

Hear, Here! — Join Ken Wheeler, Ph�D�, to learn about life in the 1800s FREE! 7:00pm, Cherokee County History Center, 221 East Marietta Street, Canton. 770-345-3288. HistoryCherokee.org

All Call Dance Class — This class is a low-stress, confidence-building event without the added anxiety of an audition� A local choreographer will choreograph a dance to a musical theatre song, and attendees will break a sweat and have fun together� The fee is $10 per person, ages 16+ only� 7:00-8:00pm, Canton Theatre, 171 East Main Street, Canton. CantonGa.gov

26 History Uncorked

Enjoy a complimentary glass of wine or beer while you explore the museum after hours� Ages 21+, ID required� Admission is free for History Cherokee members and $5 for nonmembers 5:00-7:00pm, Cherokee County History Center, 221 East Marietta Street, Canton. 770-345-3288. HistoryCherokee.org

27-29

BINGO for Charity!

Each Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. 7:30pm Wednesdays/Fridays and 3:00pm Sundays, Canton Family Moose Center, 278 Moose Loop Road, Canton. 770-479-8300.

Southern Tradition Car/Truck Show

Open to anything on wheels, Southern Tradition welcomes trucks, cars, bikes, SxS, Jeeps, and more� If it rolls, it’s welcome to be part of the action� 12:00pm, Etowah River Park, 600 Brown Industrial Parkway, Canton. SouthernTraditionShow.com

Sensory Friendly Saturday

Visit the History Center with dimmer lights and a quieter environment Free for History Cherokee members and youth under 18, $5 for adults� 12:00-5:00pm, Cherokee County History Center, 221 East Marietta Street, Canton. 770-345-3288. HistoryCherokee.org

[continued on page 10]

continued from page 9

Flashlight Egg Hunt — Kids can bring a flashlight for an egg hunt under the stars Children will be separated into age groups before the hunt Meet the Easter Bunny, dance to music, shop vendor booths and food trucks, and enjoy the kid zone� Event Fee is $10 preregistration and $15 on the day of the event 6:00-9:00pm (hunt begins at 8:00pm), Cherokee Veterans Park, 7345 Cumming Highway, Canton. 770-501-8002. PlayCherokee.org

Egg-straordinary Extravaganza — Spring has sprung and we are celebrating with an Easter-themed extravaganza at the pool! Children will enjoy outdoor games, arts and crafts, music, and egg hunts inside the pool and outside on the lawn Bring your camera, as you won’t want to miss pictures with the Easter Bunny, $12 per participant 11:30am (sensory friendly); 12:15pm (outdoor egg hunt); 1:00pm, 2:00pm, and 3:00pm (in-water egg hunts); Cherokee County Aquatic Center, 1200 Wellstar Way, Canton. 678-8804760. PlayCherokee.org

The Hunt — Grab your running shoes and meet downtown for the 2nd Annual adult egg hunt Event Fee is $25 2:00-5:00pm, City Park, 177 Old Dawsonville Road, Ball Ground. 770-735-2123. DTBallGround.com

APRIL

4 Spring at The Mill Plant Market

This community plant market will also have a makers row, music, photo ops, and cheerful spring energy 11:00am-4:00pm, The Mill on Etowah, 225 Reformation Parkway, Canton. EtowahMill.com

Car-B-Que at the Flat — On the second Sunday of each month, come out for this cruise-in and car show� Classic and modern rides are welcome� 10:00am-2:00pm, Old Country Place, 6764 Hickory Flat Highway, Canton. Facebook.com/CarBQueAtTheFlat

BBQ & Brews

Check out the best BBQ pitmasters in the state! Live music all day, 100+ retail vendors, a kids zone, beer trailers, and all that downtown Ball Ground has to offer� Admission is free� 12:00-8:00pm, City Park, 177 Old Dawsonville Road, Ball Ground. 770-735-2123. DTBallGround.com

Adults With Aging Parents Seminar — On the third Thursday of each month, participants will learn about the array of senior services and resources available in the local community� 6:30pm, Covenant Presbyterian Church (Kapperman-Williams Hall), 2881 Canton Road, Marietta. CobbCherokee@acapcommunity.org, ACAPCommunity.org/events

Cherokee County Senior Services Programs

Cherokee County offers a wide range of programs and services designed to support older adults, and Cherokee County Senior Services is dedicated to helping seniors and caregivers find the resources they need For information about senior programs and assistance throughout the county, call 770-345-5320 to speak with a trained specialist who can answer questions and provide referrals�

Areas of support include

• Senior Activities and Recreation

• Free Durable Medical Equipment

• Homemaker and Home-Delivered Meal Services

• Legal and Home-Care Referrals

• Nursing Home and Assisted Living Information

• Caregiver Support Groups

Caregiver Assistance Program offers free monthly meetings where caregivers can connect with others facing similar challenges and learn from aging-services professionals who share practical tools and guidance� 770-345-5320

Case Management services help eligible residents ages 60 and older develop individualized care plans, coordinate community resources, and ensure ongoing needs are met 770-345-5320 or 770-345-5312

Daily engagement opportunities are available through Congregate Programs at the Canton and Ball Ground Senior Centers, where seniors enjoy nutritious meals along with crafts, games, shopping trips, exercise, guest speakers, and field trips� 770-345-6730

For homebound seniors at nutritional risk, the Home Delivered Meals (Meals-On-Wheels) program provides balanced meals delivered directly to their homes 770-345-5320

Cherokee County Senior Services Senior Centers

1001 Univeter Road, Canton

770-345-2675

388 Groover Street, Ball Ground 678-454-5082

• Financial and Housing Assistance

• Incontinence Supplies

• Personal and Respite Care

• Medicaid and Medicare Counseling

• Transportation Options

In-Home Services also support eligible seniors with light housekeeping, grocery shopping, and simple meal preparation 770-345-5320

Active adults ages 55 and older can participate in Silver Roamers, which hosts two to four outings or activities each month at various locations� Annual membership is $30, plus varied activity costs 770-501-8013 or 678-493-6116

Transportation Assistance is available through several options, including CATS round-trip rides to the Canton morning program for $1 per day, transportation vouchers for essential trips such as medical appointments, and a Volunteer Driver Program offering screened drivers for errands and critical visits

770-345-6238 (CATS)

770-345-7515 (vouchers)

770-345-1224 (volunteer drivers)

City of Woodstock’s William G. Long Senior Center

223 Arnold Mill Road

Woodstock

678-445-6518

Book Review

BY SARAH CHILDERS

Part of Your World

Celebrate fandom, fun, and community this month at SequoyahCon — a free event for all ages at Sequoyah Regional Library System (SRLS) Two Cherokee County locations will host SequoyahCon on March 14, each with its own exciting theme:

• Woodstock Public Library: Under the Sea

• R T Jones Memorial Library: Superheroes

At the Woodstock Public Library, spend the day building LEGO coral reef creations, participating in sea creature trivia, and dancing under a shower of bubbles at the Under the Sea Dance Party� Visit R�T� Jones Memorial Library for SequoyahCon to make super villain seed bombs, see SuperDogs in action, and step into the bat cave to learn more about Georgia’s bats� Explore all these events and more at SequoyahCon! Visit SequoyahRegionalLibrary org/con for the full schedule and details

imagined she would see Prince Eric or his kingdom again, until she discovers that her father may still be alive� Follow along as Ariel journeys to save her father, defeat Ursula, and reclaim her stolen happily ever after�

Dive deep into the Under the Sea theme with author Liz Braswell’s reimagining of The Little Mermaid entitled Part of Your World, which explores what would happen if Ariel had never defeated Ursula, the sea witch� Taking place five years after being defeated and the death of her father, King Triton, Ariel rules as the voiceless queen of Atlantica while Ursula rules Prince Eric’s kingdom on land� Ariel never

In addition to physical books available for checkout, did you know that you can check out digital books, audiobooks, and magazines from the library on your phone or tablet? Download the Libby app to get started Log in with your SRLS library card number to explore the entire digital collection and find your next favorite read Visit SequoyahRegionalLibrary org/elibrary to learn more

Whether you’re looking for your next read or your next hobby this year, SRLS has all the tools to help you succeed Library cards are always free for Cherokee County residents�

Sarah Childers is the marketing manager for the Sequoyah Regional Library System. ChildersS@seqlib.org. SequoyahRegionalLibrary.org

GrassRoots Turf Unlock Your Lawn’s True Potential With Liquid Aeration

Toachieve a lush, resilient, pictureperfect lawn, most homeowners focus on watering, mowing, and fertilizing — while overlooking a critical element: soil structure. Compacted soil is the silent killer of lawn health. This is why GrassRoots Turf proudly offers liquid aeration, a modern and highly effective solution to rejuvenate your lawn from the soil up.

Unlike traditional core aeration, which relies on heavy machinery to punch shallow holes into the turf, liquid aeration works underground at the molecular level, breaking apart soil structures without leaving behind a mess. The result is a greener, healthier lawn that stands up to drought, heat, and seasonal stress more effectively than lawns treated with mechanical aeration. Liquid aeration breaks through hydrophobic (water-repellent) soil, improves drainage in compacted or clay-heavy areas, and reduces runoff. Over

time, this leads to less water waste and lower water bills. Compared to traditional core aeration, the benefits are clear. Core aeration is disruptive, leaving behind scattered soil plugs and visible holes that can linger for days. Even more limiting, core aeration only treats the specific spots where holes are punched. The majority of the soil remains untouched.

GrassRoots Turf’s liquid aeration covers the entire lawn uniformly, penetrating far deeper and without any unsightly aftermath. There is no heavy machinery to drag across your yard — just an efficient application that begins improving soil structure immediately.

If you want a lawn that thrives season after season, GrassRoots Turf’s liquid aeration service is the new standard in lawn care. It isn’t just an upgrade — it’s the smarter, cleaner, more effective way to build the lawn you’ve always wanted.

Cherokee County School District Announcements

2026 STAR Students and Teachers Announced

The STAR, or Student Teacher Achievement Recognition, student honor is awarded to the high school senior from each Georgia public and private high school with the highest score on any single SAT test date and who also ranks in the top tier of their class for GPA Each honored student is invited to select his or her favorite teacher to be named that school’s STAR Teacher� Additionally, an overall CCSD winner is recognized for earning the highest eligible SAT score of all the STAR Students, and this year’s honoree is Levi Cone of Creekview HS�

CCSD honorees: Cherokee HS STAR Student Grace Dai, STAR Teacher Morgan Clifton; Creekview HS STAR Student and CCSD STAR Student Levi Cone, STAR Teacher Drew Lawson; Etowah HS STAR Student Alexander Lu, STAR Teacher Kristy Wiggins; i-Grad Virtual Academy STAR Student Michael McGuire, STAR Teacher Hannah Mitchell; River Ridge HS STAR Student Claire Park, STAR Teacher Tracye Bulger; Sequoyah HS STAR Student Ben Koster, STAR Teacher Dr� Cathy Murphy; and Woodstock HS STAR Student Daniel Cabra-Lara, STAR Teacher Kate McIntyre

Business Announces Major Expansion in Cherokee County

The Cherokee Office of Economic Development (COED) announced that Commercial Bank & Business Equipment, a premier provider of architectural millwork, will expand its operations in Cherokee County by constructing its state-of-the-art headquarters in the newly developed Canton Corporate Park The project represents $25 million in capital investment and will create 70 new jobs�

New Class of Educators Inducted Into the Hall of Fame

Congratulations to the Class of 2026 inductees: Kelly Burleson, Fred Forsh, Deborah Frost, Charles Hopkins, and Lucille Rich� The CCSD Educators Hall of Fame recognizes retired educators who made significant contributions to public education during their career in CCSD and left a lasting positive impact on the lives of students, colleagues, and our community�

The new headquarters will be located on the first developed tract of Canton Corporate Park, marking a milestone not only for the company but for the community’s future growth� The 50-acre park, designed to attract high-quality employers, still features two additional sites currently being marketed by COED – offering opportunities for innovative, growth-oriented companies that align with Cherokee’s needs�

(L-R) Charles Hopkins, Kelly Burleson, Lucille Rich, Fred Forsh, and Deborah Frost

Keep Cherokee Beautiful Awarded Governor’s Circle Award

Keep Cherokee Beautiful recently received a 2025 Governor’s Circle Award for its outstanding achievements in community beautification and environmental sustainability The Keep Georgia Beautiful Foundation presented the award in recognition of exemplary performance in litter reduction, waste minimization, and community greening�

Cherokee Student Film Summit Prepares the Next Generation of Filmmakers

A continued partnership between the Cherokee Office of Economic Development (COED) and the Cherokee County School District (CCSD) is strengthening both the local film industry and the future workforce through the eighth annual Cherokee Student Film Summit

Designed for upper-level audio/visual technology and film (AVTF) students from across all CCSD high schools, the summit offered an immersive, in-county experience that blended industry exposure, professional skill-building, and real-world insight — whether students pursue careers in film or apply their creative and technical skills in other industries�

This year’s summit featured an impressive range of industry professionals, from sculptors who have worked on the hit Netflix series Stranger Things to motion capture engineers who developed award-winning software used in major blockbusters such as Avatar and Happy Feet� Through workshops and panel discussions, students gained firsthand insight into the many career paths that exist within — and beyond — the film industry

By connecting students directly with working professionals, the summit reinforced how skills such as collaboration, problem-solving, technical proficiency, and creative thinking are transferable across a wide range of professions, preparing students for long-term success in the workforce�

Summit highlights included:

• Industry-Led Workshops and Panels: Georgia-based professionals shared insights on careers ranging from motion capture and sculpting to live sports production, camera motion technology, and vertical storytelling

• Post-Secondary Pathways and Networking: Students connected with regional colleges, universities, and training programs to explore next steps after high school

• Hands-On Learning Experiences: Interactive experiences helped students build practical skills behind the camera

The summit also served as a launchpad for the upcoming Cherokee Student Film Festival, where students will premiere their original short films The festival is free and open to the public on March 24 at Woodstock Arts, and students will be recognized with awards celebrating their creativity, storytelling, and technical achievement�

Visit CherokeeGa org/key-business-sectors/ film-media to learn more about Cherokee’s film community�

First Citizen of Cherokee County Named

The Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce announced that G Cecil Pruett is the 51st recipient of the First Citizen of Cherokee County Award�

Pruett moved his family to Canton more than 61 years ago He found business success with StarKist and Henny Penny and later built a career in the insurance industry� His leadership extended to regional and statewide organizations, including the Georgia Baptist Children’s Homes and Family Ministries, Georgia Municipal Association, North Georgia Regional Commission, and Atlanta Regional Commission� Locally, he served as a trustee at Reinhardt University, board chair of the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce, and board member of the Bank of Canton and Crescent Bank

Pruett also served 12 years as mayor of Canton, preserving its small-town character while leading projects such as the Hickory Log Creek Dam and renovation of the historic Canton Theatre

A member of Canton First Baptist Church for more than six decades, he has taught Sunday School for 60 years and served more than 50 years as a deacon, earning lifetime status

The 2025 Cherokee County Annual Report is available

The comprehensive document provides citizens with information about the county’s performance in the preceding year, including information such as performance highlights, a letter from the chairman, and financial information� Scan the QR code to see the report

Community Input Sought for Pearidge Small Area Plan

Cherokee County, in partnership with the Charlie Ferguson Community Center, the City of Canton, and the Atlanta Regional Commission, is developing a small area plan to help shape the future of the historic Pearidge community�

The Pearidge study will consist of an analysis of existing conditions and thorough community engagement to formalize the community’s vision� Once completed, a planning report will provide the community with a blueprint to preserve and maintain the neighborhood’s historic vibrancy while preparing for the future�

The public is invited to share thoughts, concerns, and hopes for the Pearidge community by participating in an online survey, which can be accessed by scanning one of the QR codes below

English Survey

Spanish Survey

County Breaks Ground on Yellow Creek Road Conservation Area and Trail System

A new conservation-use area with trail systems for pedestrians, mountain bikers, and horseback riders is coming to northeast Cherokee County� Cherokee Recreation and Parks broke ground on the Yellow Creek Road Conservation Area and Trails last month While eight acres of the overall 538 acres are currently disturbed for parking, restrooms, and a horse paddock, the project will conserve

more than 530 acres in the rural area of northeast Cherokee County When the park opens later this year, half of that disturbed acreage will have been replanted�

“We are very excited to offer this passive recreation opportunity in this beautiful area of our county,” said Recreation and Parks Director Jay Worley� “We will have two sets of trails to keep horse riders and mountain bikers separate for safety purposes Hikers will be able to use either trail system�”

The overall project will include 15-20 miles of trail With the help of Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association, staff from the Natural Resources Division, and volunteers will create the trails over the next few months The Conservation Area and Trails are expected to open to the public in fall 2026�

From Scraps to Sprouts

By Joshua Fuder

Gardening with food scraps can be a simple way to stretch produce dollars while exploring plant biology and growth cycles at home Many common fruits, vegetables, and herbs can be grown from parts that usually end up in the trash during meal preparation� Success with this type of “garbage gardening,” however, depends on the plant’s biology and whether propagation begins from a seed, stem, or root

At its most basic level, regrowing food scraps works because plants store energy and growth tissue in specific structures When the right conditions are present (moisture, light, and sometimes soil/nutrients) these tissues can resume growth Understanding which plant parts can do this helps set realistic expectations and avoids common frustrations�

SEEDS AND PITS

Seeds from many produce items can be saved and planted in our own gardens

From a botanical standpoint, anything that contains seeds is technically a fruit� When replanting seeds from culinary vegetable fruits such as tomatoes, beans, and peppers, there are two important considerations�

The first is the growth stage at harvest Many vegetables are picked at market maturity — when flesh is still tender and flavorful, rather than botanical maturity — when seeds

are fully developed or viable Crops such as summer squash, sweet corn, cucumbers, beans, and okra reach botanical maturity well past the stage most people would enjoy eating them In contrast, tomatoes, peppers, and melons are usually harvested at full botanical maturity, when seeds are viable for regrowth�

The second consideration is that much of the produce on the market comes from hybrid varieties� Hybrid plants are created by crossing two parent varieties to combine traits for vigor, disease resistance, or improved flavor While seeds from hybrid fruits are viable, the resulting plants will likely not resemble the original produce in size, taste, or growth�

Growing traditional fruits from their seeds is possible, but patience is required� Apples, peaches, pears, and citrus are perennial plants that can take years to reach maturity A peach grown from seed may take three or more years to produce fruit, while apples and pears can take closer to a decade when grown from seed Tropical or subtropical fruits such as citrus, mango, papaya, and avocado will germinate readily but must be protected from freezing temperatures�

NO SEEDS, NO PROBLEM

Planting or regrowing leftover vegetable parts is similar to standard propagation methods used for many vegetables and herbs� These plants are described as clonally propagated, meaning new growth develops from existing plant tissue rather than seeds The key to this process is the presence of meristematic tissue — undifferentiated cells capable of continuous division that allow plants to produce new roots, stems, leaves, and flowers�

Many people have seen lettuce bases or green onion roots sprout new growth on a windowsill In these cases, the plant is not starting over but continuing its life cycle using stored energy in the remaining tissue� While regrown plants are often less vigorous than seed-grown plants, they can still provide multiple harvests of edible produce

BEST SCRAPS TO REGROW

• Green onions and leeks grow quickly and can produce multiple harvests if the base, which is a modified stem with meristematic tissue, is left intact

• Herbs like basil, mint, oregano, rosemary, and thyme can easily root from stem cuttings This method of propagation is quicker, and thus, it is how herbs are produced in commercial nurseries�

• Head-type lettuce, bok choy, and celery can readily regrow leaves and roots if the base is left intact and placed in a shallow dish of water or potting soil

• Ginger is technically a rhizome or modified stem, with nodes for the growth of roots and shoots Growing your own ginger is as easy as planting an unused portion

of organic ginger 2-4 inches deep in a container after the threat of frost has passed

• Potatoes and sweet potatoes — in our area, we will have better success with thin-skinned varieties of potatoes planted March through early April Russet types do not grow well in our climate� Potatoes are stem tubers, which are large storage organs with all the parts of a normal stem, including nodes or “eyes ” Sweet potatoes are root tubers that thrive in our hot summers Starting your own plants can be as simple as putting a sweet potato in a glass with a few inches of water or a shallow pot of moist soil in a sunny window

Whether it’s green onions in a windowsill or the patient care of a seed-grown peach tree, growing plants from scraps can be a surprisingly fruitful endeavor�

Joshua Fuder is an agriculture and natural resources agent at the UGA Cooperative Extension Cherokee County. Contact the UGA Extension office for any gardening assistance, 70-721-7830 or CAES.UGA.Edu/extension/cherokee

God Is Our Refuge, Strength, and Help

By Rev. Kevin Huff

[InGood Faith] One of my favorite passages of Scripture is found in Psalm 46:1, which says, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble�” We find three things in this verse that show God is for us

Refuge

The word “refuge” means that God is our place of shelter or place of safety� We live in dangerous times, and many people wonder if we are living in the end times depicted in the Bible� When I read the news today and see everything that is going on in the world, I am fully convinced that we are living in the end times

One of the things that Jesus taught us about the end of time is found in Luke 21:25, where He says there would be “ distress of nations, with perplexity� � �” “Perplexity” means to be at a loss for a way� I think most would agree that we are experiencing the “distress of nations,” and people are frightened by what they are seeing� They are at a loss as to which way to turn� I can assure you that God is the best place to turn for safety — God is our refuge

Strength

In Psalm 3:3, King David says, “But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory and the lifter of mine head ” The image evoked is of a person whose head is down in discouragement, and someone comes along and puts their hand under that person’s chin to lift their head and encourage them Many times in my walk with the Lord, one of the ways He strengthens my faith is by His encouragement when I am downcast� No one can encourage us like the Lord can

Help

Again, the Scripture reads that God is “� � � a very present help in trouble ” In Psalm 23:1, King David writes, “The Lord is my Shepherd ” Notice that he does not say the Lord was my shepherd, or the Lord will be my shepherd� He says, “The Lord IS my shepherd�” That means, at this very moment, the Lord is present to help in trouble

I don’t know what you may be facing today or what you may face tomorrow, but I do know that whatever it is, God wants to help you So, run to Him for refuge, strength, and help!

Kevin Huff is the senior pastor of Hopewell Baptist Church, 78 Ridge Road, Canton. 770-213-1690. HopewellBaptist.com

Gondolier’s Gaze

JArtist Profile

BY ELLEN SAMSELL SALAS

JENNIFER BARNARD Connection Through Creation

ennifer Barnard’s studio fills the second floor of the barn on her Free Home farm�

Flooded with light from two large picture windows, it overlooks horse pastures and woods filled with Georgia pines One corner is filled with watercolor paints and brushes, acrylics, and mixed media materials� In a second corner, a small pastel of a gondolier — a work in progress — stands on an easel At the opposite end, both corners are dedicated to oils�

shadow of a person in a house, the story evoked by a man reading a newspaper, or a cowboy dueling a bucking bronco�

“I do what feeds me and connects to other people� It depends on the day and the mood� I like how oils mix; they’re forgiving� Pastels keep you loose Watercolor — I like because they’re so quick and brilliant Abstract is like dancing; once it starts, it’s intuitive� I also love plein air on the beach or wherever� I get bored doing one thing,” she said

Moving from one corner to another, Barnard can work on several pieces at once, some large, some small, some landscape, others abstract Sometimes, a work tells her to step away for a while Other times, she needs the freedom that mixed media allows, or the flexibility of acrylics and pastels� Always, she has a story to tell

Her subject matter is whatever catches her eye, but she is especially drawn to nature�

“I’ll look outside and see something that speaks to me,” she said “I have always felt God’s presence in nature� Art is my way of speaking it�”

She is drawn to landscapes and to barns but is also moved by the play of light and the

No matter which medium, surface, or style she is working in, “the result is just me,” she said “I feel there’s cohesion due to my unique mark-making, focus, and techniques within each piece� To me, it is similar to handwriting and accents in speaking�”

Barnard draws the viewer into her works with lines and shapes, contrasts, colors, and textures that move and excite the eye� She enjoys the depth and energy she achieves in mixed media, often applying limewash in bold strokes that create movement as well as a rough, mottled surface�

Barnard hopes each piece tells its story and speaks to viewers “Art,” she says, “is a joyful way to connect to other people�”

To see more of Barnard’s work, visit JenniferDBarnard.com or follow her on Instagram @jdb_fineart or Facebook.com/jenniferdean.barnard.

Barnard with her grandchildren

Mayor’s Message

2026

State of the City Recap

By Mayor Bill Grant

Iam happy to report that the state of our city is strong, but we aspire to continue to become a city that grows thoughtfully, learns continuously, and leads with excellence without losing our sense of place or unique character�

Our Roadmap for Success is a statement of values and priorities that originated with our citizens� And at the heart of that roadmap is a simple but powerful commitment: leading with excellence

Leading with excellence means delivering results — but it also means governing with intention, curiosity, and foresight� It means asking good questions, listening carefully, and making decisions that stand the test of time

As Canton continues to grow, the quality of our decisions matters more than ever That is why an important part of our work moving forward is strengthening Canton’s community wisdom — the way ideas, expertise, data, and community insight come together to guide thoughtful decision-making

This is not a new program or a line item in the budget It is a way of operating and a leadership mindset Community wisdom and collective know-how is more practical than it sounds, and we build it when:

• Public decisions are informed by knowledge, experience, and community input�

• Residents, businesses, educators, and civic leaders work as partners

• Learning is continuous, and improvement is expected�

• Local government is viewed as an open and shared responsibility — not a closed process

2026 Projects and Initiatives

This year promises to be one of even greater progress with a thoughtful approach to projects identified as priorities by our residents and businesses Some of the more notable initiatives for this year include: