Cherokee County Farm Bureau Members a Finalist Family for GFB Young Farmer Acheivement Award Cherokee County Farm Bureau Director Ben Cagle and his wife Vicki were named a finalist family for the Georgia Farm Bureau 2017 Young Farmer Achievement Award.The Cagles, who both grew up on family farms, run an agritourism operation on their 250-acre farm in Ball Ground, where they also maintain a herd of around 110 cattle. In 2016, the farms first year of operation at the Ball Ground location, the Cagles hosted more than 31,000 visitors, allowing them to experience a fully functioning farm firsthand.
Grand Opening of Cherokee Veterans Park Residents can now enjoy 150 acres of state-of-the-art recreation, diverse walking trails and engage in a multitude of activities and sports as Cherokee Veterans Park is now officially open to the public. Located on Cumming Highway in northeast Cherokee, the park is one of the largest active parks in the county, with more than 75 acres for active use and green space available in phase one.Veterans Park consists of two natural-grass athletic fields, an artificial-turf athletic field, two tennis courts, two pickleball courts, a playground and skate park, two paved walking/biking paths (totaling almost two miles), and concession/restroom buildings as well as all the associated interior park roads and parking with a maintenance facility, according to Recreation and Parks Agency Director Bryan Reynolds.Possible future additions include a baseball/softball complex, additional tennis and pickleball courts, a large community pavilion and a recreation center along with added parking for each feature. Construction on additional phases depend on if or when additional funding becomes available, said Reynolds.With Veterans Park now open, local veterans have formed a steering committee to help plan a memorial recognizing U.S. veterans within the park. After residents reached out to county commissioners with concerns that a memorial was not in the scope for phase one in the parks plan, the board unanimously approved $15,000 earlier this year to go toward the memorial.
Coca Cola Company Makes Donation to Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services received a nice surprise when Coca Cola donated water and Powerade to local firefighters.A transfer truck recently made the delivery to Cherokee County Fire Logistics. According to Leigh Ann Spitzmiller, Special Events Manager for Coca Cola, Cherokee County Fire was selected because Coca Cola United Bottling Company - North Metro is a new company located in Sandy Springs, and we wanted to support our local firefighters during the hot summer season. Our territory stretches from the tip of Buckhead to Dahlonega.Coca Cola donated 112 Cases of Dasani water and 10 cases of Powerade. Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services appreciates Coca Cola for their support of its firefighters.
Determined Mom Celebrates Completion of Healthy Home for Her Children Habitat for Humanity-North Central Georgia (NCG) recently dedicated a new house in Cherokee County. Angela Scheitlin and her two children, William (9) and Zoey (8), now call this house a home. Angela purchased the home from Habitat-NCG with an interest-free mortgage, so they will never have to move again because of rising rents. The celebration had several highlights, including a special Bible reading by Angelas grandfather, whose church, a part of the Lutheran Coalition for Habitat for Humanity, contributed towards the cost of building the home. The Habitat Campus Chapter at Blessed Trinity Catholic School also presented the family with a handmade bookcase full of books for the children to read. The joyful event marks the beginning of a more stable future for the Scheitlin family, who has faced many challenges. For the Scheitlins, this new house represents more than just stability for the family. This house is a safe, healthy home for the two children, as both of them have serious medical needs. William suffers from severe food and environmental allergies and celiac disease, which is an autoimmune disorder that forces his body to reject gluten. Zoey has had chronic pneumonia since birth as well as asthma and bronchial inflammation. She has been undergoing extensive medical treatment for an undiagnosed, underlying condition that causes her to have high fevers, swollen glands, and aches and pains. So, for the Scheitlins, a healthy home could be a matter of life and death for the children. Building an allergy-free home for this family was such a pleasure, and it makes it even more fulfilling when the family is as deserving as the Scheitlins, said Habitat-NCG Construction Manager David Young. Habitat-NCG made several modifications to this home to accommodate the childrens special needs, including installation of an air purification system and kitchen cabinets that reach the ceiling to reduce dust and airborne allergens. Also, the house has no carpet. With ongoing medical appointments and the specialized care needed for her children, Angela is only able to work part-time at the Home Depot, which has made safe, affordable housing out of reach. Now, William and Zoey know that they will be able to attend the same school and grow up with their grandparents close by. Despite her many challenges, Angelas positivity has always shown through. Her motto is, With Gods help, I got this! From the moment Angela was approved as a Habitat homeowner, she started earning the required sweat equity hours by working on the construction of other families homes. Habitat-NCG staff and regular volunteers noted that Angela and her family were some of the hardest working, most dedicated people on the job site each day. Young said that Angela, her parents, and brother were always ready to pitch in. I am glad that I was required to build on others homes because I learned a lot by watching others go through this experience before me and the love and care that goes into each home and their diverse needs, said Angela. I also like that I was required to be at my house every Saturday. It was amazing to learn how to build and fix my house as it grew. I am confident that I can do any repairs that may come my way and know the resources around me to support me.
Cherokee Retired Educators Provide Scholarship Money Cherokee County School District students who plan to be teachers and attend Reinhardt University will be the recipients of a scholarship, thanks to those who have devoted their lives to education.The Cherokee Retired Educators Association (CREA) recently made a generous donation of $3,000 to Reinhardt University President Dr. Kina Mallard to be awarded to a CCSD graduate who attends Reinhardt Universitys Price School of Education.We give to Reinhardt because we consider it our very own University and are honored that it is part of the Cherokee community. We select the Price School of Education due to wanting to further our profession for the future, said Karen Hawley, CREA President.To be eligible for the scholarship, students must be admitted to the Price School of Education, maintain a GPA of 3.75 and be a Cherokee County resident.
33rd Annual Riverfest Arts and Crafts Festival Comes to Etowah River Park Next Month The 2017 Riverfest Arts and Crafts Festival is scheduled for Saturday, September 23 from 10:00am-6:00pm and Sunday, September 24 from 10:00am-5:00pm. The popular Riverfest event, presented by the Service League of Cherokee County, will take place at a new location, Etowah River Park in Canton, which is along the picturesque banks of the Etowah River. Riverfest is a juried show, featuring original, creative, handmade work by artisans from all over the region. Additionally, the event showcases extraordinary entertainment throughout the weekend live music and dancing as well as a fun-filled childrens area where children of all ages can participate in many rides and activities. Patrons are invited to save the date for Riverfest, the Service Leagues largest annual fundraising event. All proceeds benefit the needy children of Cherokee County. For many families, Riverfest has become a not-to-be-missed event for kicking off the upcoming fun season, as the cooler, crisp days of autumn arrive. This years festival features more than 200 arts and crafts exhibitors, concessionaires and entertainers. There will be many returning favorites as well as several new and exciting exhibitors and features. Select recipes from The Leagues latest cookbook, Gatherings & Traditions, will be offered to festival patrons for tasting, and cookbooks will be available for purchase. The Service League of Cherokee County is one of the oldest service organizations in Cherokee County, with a membership of 100 women who work year-round, collectively volunteering more than 10,000 hours per year to raise funds for needy children throughout Cherokee County. Funds raised during Riverfest and other fundraising events sponsored by the League, will provide needy families with day-to-day necessities such as food, clothing, dental care, eye glasses, medical care, rental and utilities assistance, scholarships and much more. To learn more about the work and legacy of the Service League, visit ServiceLeague.net. Admission to Riverfest for adults and children ages eleven and older is a requested $5 donation. The event will take place rain or shine. Free parking and shuttle services are available.
Cherokee County Names 2017 Top 10 in 10 The Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce recently recognized this group of young professionals as ones to watch. The Top 10 in 10 initiative is designed to cultivate and showcase exceptional Cherokee County young professionals, said Pam Carnes, Cherokee County Chamber President and CEO. This recognition program focuses on residents under age 40 who are considered to be Cherokee Countys up-and-coming leaders over the next ten years. Judging criteria included past professional achievements and awards, five-to-ten year professional goals as well as the nominees volunteer and community activities. The honorees who will be under the age of forty on October 1st have been nominated for the prestigious GeorgiaTrend magazines 40 Under 40 recognition.
DAR Outstanding Regent Organizes New Chapter in North Cobb/South Cherokee County National Society Daughters of the Revolution (DAR) members and residents of Cobb and Cherokee County recently attended the Kennesaw Mountain Chapter first chapter meeting. To meet the demand for growth and membership, Cherokee County resident Loriann White was appointed regent and tasked to organize the formation of the new chapter. The chapter organized with thirteen members. The DAR was founded in 1890 to promote historic preservation, education and patriotism.White was awarded Outstanding Chapter Regent for her leadership as regent of the Hightower Trail Chapter in Cherokee County during the 119th Georgia State Conference. She joined DAR in October 2010, became regent in May 2012 and served the chapter for four years. White serves the state society as the DAR Project Patriot State Chair. She also received a citation from the DAR Service for Veterans State Committee for her work with local veterans and county cemeteries.
Service League of Cherokee County Holds 7th Annual Dancing for the Children Local celebrities put on their dancing shoes and committed to raising a minimum of $3,000 each in sponsorship dollars, while also training and partnering with professional dance instructors who donated their time and expertise to the event. Winning over the judges and taking home the mirror ball trophies this year were Todd Hayes of the Cherokee County Solicitor-Generals Office and his professional partner, Lydia Carlile. Through sponsorships, donations and ticket purchases, this years event helped raise over $30,000, which will be used to meet the needs of the children of Cherokee County. This includes providing necessities such as medical care, dental and vision care, clothing, scholarships, camps and much more.
Local Creekview High School Student and Her Dog Headed to Junior European Agility Nationals Creekview HS student Destiny Julian started taking her moms lab to dog agility classes at The Canine Ranch in 2011. She enjoyed it so much that when their family heard about a dog that was being re-homed, they jumped at the opportunity to adopt, and Lazer found an instant family.Five-plus years later, this past December, Destiny and Lazer won the 16 AKC Junior Agility Nationals, followed a few months later by placing fifth in the nation at the AKC National Agility Championships. In February, Destiny submitted a video application to try out for the European Junior Agility Nationals, which is held in Luxembourg. This will be Destinys first and only opportunity to attend the Junior European Agility Nationals because she will no longer be eligible after this year due to her age. The U.S. can send a team of junior handlers to represent our country with a mix of small and large dogs, but they must meet certain standards and guidelines, and they must be able to financially afford the trip.A GoFundMe fundraising page has been set up to raise money to help Destiny with the costs of her trip. Please visit Bit.ly/2pnzB10 to make a donation.
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