December 2024 Community Life Energy Assistance Program Opens for Homebound and ElderlyThe Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program administered by the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services is now open to homebound and elderly households. Homebound households are defined as those where every resident is confined to the home because of medical conditions or disabilities. Elderly households are defined as those in which every resident is 65 years or older (if anyone in the household is under age 18 and all other household members are 65 or older, that household will meet the definition).All households participating in the program must meet the income criteria, be responsible for paying the cost of energy for home heating directly to the supplier, and be U.S. citizens or aliens admitted to the U.S. for lawful permanent residence. Applicants must present their most recent heating bill and electric bill as well as proof of household income, valid Social Security number, and citizenship with a valid picture I.D. and/or alien status. Elderly households must also provide proof of age for all household members.To apply for assistance, call the Cherokee County Service Center at 770-345-6531. If you can’t get through, please be patient and keep trying until you reach someone. Do not leave messages, as they will not be returned. The homebound/elderly "priority" is open December 2-31, 2024.———————————————Recreation and Parks Director Honored With Distinguished Professional AwardCherokee County Recreation and Parks Director Jay Worley was awarded the 2024 Georgia Recreation and Parks Association (GRPA) District 5 Distinguished Professional Award, the highest honor given by the GRPA District 5. Worley was recognized for his 25 years of dedicated service, leadership in the community, and contributions to the GRPA.Worley’s career began as an athletic/program coordinator for the City of Gainesville, where he developed youth and adult sports and adult instructional programming. He joined Cherokee Recreation & Parks in 2005 and became director in 2019. Under his leadership, the department achieved CAPRA accreditation in 2021, a significant milestone for Cherokee County.His many achievements include opening the L. B. “Buzz” Ahrens Recreation Center, renovating the historic Hickory Flat Gym, and creating both a Facilities Division and a Natural Resources Division. He also played a pivotal role in the Northeast Cherokee Parks Plan, which led to the development of Long Swamp Creek Recreation Area and the design of the Yellow Creek Conservation Area & Trails.Worley holds a Bachelor of Science in Recreation degree from West Georgia and is a Certified Park & Recreation Professional and a Certified Youth Sports Administrator. He also founded the Cherokee Leadership Academy to mentor young professionals within the department.For more information about Cherokee Recreation & Parks, visit PlayCherokee.org.—————————————Cherokee County Individuals Named to Georgia Trend’s 2024 Georgia 500 ListThe annual Georgia 500 list contains men and women who move Georgia forward as a national leader for growth and business. Two members of the Cherokee County community were named to this year’s list.Misti Martin, president and CEO of the Cherokee County Office of Economic Development, was selected in the Economic Development category. She was praised for being instrumental in “securing land for development that includes mixed-use, office spaces, advance manufacturing, data centers, and film studios,” and for advocating for and supporting local businesses in the community.Georgia Trend magazine named Reinhardt University President Mark A. Roberts, Ph.D., one of the state’s most influential leaders of 2024 in the Education category. The magazine described program successes under Dr. Roberts’ leadership including RU’s successful cybersecurity, nursing, and volunteerism programs.—————————————————————CCSD ACT Scores Top National, State AveragesThe Cherokee County School District’s (CCSD) Class of 2024 ACT scores topped national and state averages. The class earned an outstanding 22.5 average, exceeding Georgia’s 21.2 and the Nation’s 19.4 averages on the competitive college entrance and placement examination. According to the results report released by the Georgia Department of Education, CCSD’s performance continues to rank in the top 10% of school districts statewide.———————————————Historic Canton Theatre Awarded $20,000 GrantThe historic Canton Theatre has been awarded a $20,000 grant from the Fox Theatre’s Fox Gives program. Last month, the Canton City Council unanimously approved that the funds be used for critical exterior renovations for the theatre, an iconic fixture in downtown Canton. Planned renovations include refreshing the paint; replacing or restoring signage, windows, doors, and trim; and repairing and revitalizing marquee lighting. The Fox Theatre’s Fox Gives program provides financial support to historic theaters across Georgia, helping preserve these important community landmarks. Since the program’s launch in 2008, Fox Gives has awarded over $3.7 million in grants to more than 70 theaters throughout the Southeast. For more information on the historic Canton Theatre and upcoming events, please visit CantonGA.gov.
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