🌱 Compassion In Action + Halloween Events Aplenty + Rental Assistance

Good morning, Woodstock-Towne Lake. I'm here in your inbox per usual to get you caught up on everything you need to know about what's going on around town. In this issue, you'll learn about:

• 👩‍⚕️ A venture into mental health advocacy.
• 🩸 A non-vampiric want for blood.
• 🎃The ways and means of Halloweens.

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But first, today's weather:

Sunny and pleasant. High: 72 Low: 51.

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

1. Let's talk about mental health and emergency response. There's a good amount to touch on when talking about mental health, but increasingly these days, the conversation turns to the way the nation's law enforcement handles calls that involve mental health issues. The clear point of it all is that de-escalation techniques need to be used more often in these cases instead of simple incarceration. The Cherokee Sheriff's Office is taking that point and embracing it. The integration of a co-responder team in the county aims to help in cases where the law isn't the only consideration. The team of mental health professionals will work in tandem with law enforcement to bring peace and help to the forefront, assessing and offering access to treatment services that will help the individual long term. If you're in the field, Highland Rivers Behavioral Health is looking for therapists to bring into the program, you can learn more about Community Response Clinicians here. (Cherokee Sheriff's Office via Facebook)
2. There is a new round of rental assistance in Cherokee County coming. The application portal opened this week. The funds can be used for rent, rent arrears, utilities and home energy costs and arrears of both, as well as other expenses related to housing, including first and last rent payments. Paper applications are available by request and there are other funding options available for more immediate needs. Please head over to the MUST Ministries website for more information. (MUST Ministries)
3. Looking for something a little different to do on Halloween? The Red Cross is holding a blood drive on Monday at the Hickory Flat Library, 2740 East Cherokee Drive in Canton. The drive is for ages 18 and up, and those donating are asked to wear face covering and follow safe social distancing guidelines. To make an appointment, you can go to the website and enter the code "HickoryLib" when prompted. You can also make an appointment by calling the Red Cross at 800-Red-Cross. (Sequoyah Regional Library System)
4. The Halloween Trail of Tricks & Treats in Woodstock still has some vendor spots available. The event is on Monday, from 5 - 9 p.m. on the Rubes Creek Trail. There is no electricity or water on site, but you can bring along a quiet generator. The registration is open for both food and non-food vendors, but no cooking can be done at the event. All food must be pre-packaged. Click the link for more information and to submit your application. (Woodstock Parks and Recreation)
5. As you know, the Woodstock Visitors Center has a new marketing campaign going on, but there are also new arrivals in other styles as well. I've been eyeing the new Woodstock sweatshirt since it was released on Monday, I won't rest until I grab one. Head over to the Visitors Center to check out the new goods, you'll find items from the different campaigns; WDSTK, Base Camp and the original Woodstock spelled in full. There's a lot to choose from. You can also grab a paper copy of the Scarecrow Scavenger Hunt while you're there, the hunt ends on Oct. 31. The Woodstock Visitors Center on Main Street is open Monday - Saturday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Woodstock Visitors Center via Facebook)

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Today in Woodstock-Towne Lake:

• The Young Professionals of Woodstock (YPOW): YPOW AM Halloween Event. Wear your costume and enjoy networking and an informal meeting with a local leader at The Circuit, 1 Innovation Way. (7:30 - 8:30 a.m.)
• Ribbon Cutting - Payton Jean Marie Urban Fashion & Art Station: custom denim design company that also hosts local art work and events. 9550 Main Street, Suite 100. (3 p.m.)
• Make Your Own Halloween Costume Accessory: for all ages, children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult to the event at R.T. Jones Memorial Library, 116 Brown Industrial Parkway, Canton. (4 - 6 p.m.)
• Día de los Muertos Rocks: paint some rocks to distribute around Woodstock, this time around it'll be a nod to the Mexican people and the history and heritage that can be found in learning about Día de los Muertos. All supplies will be provided, please register here for the free craft session on the Gazebo at the Park at City Center, 101 Arnold Mill Road. (6 - 7 p.m.)
• Themed Adult Book Club: for adults, October's theme is "Horror." You can read any spooky book and share your thoughts during the meeting at the Woodstock Library, 7735 Main Street. (6 - 7:30 p.m.)
• small town : small works - Opening Reception: at the Reeves House Gallery, 734 Reeves Street. (6 - 8 p.m.)
• Tune Up Thursday - Drew Ashworth: on the Rooftop at Rootstock, 8558 Main Street. (6 - 9 p.m.)
• Bubbles and Bubbly with Dirty Unicorn: create custom personal care products, hors d'oeuvres and sparkling wine will be provided. At Made Mercantile, 8636 Main Street. (7 - 9 p.m.)
• Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Tournament: double-elimination tournament, the entry fee includes access to all arcade, pinball and board games. (8 - 10 p.m.)
• DJ Trivia: every Thursday, the top three teams win cash at Guston's Grille, 12195 Highway 92, Suite 156. (8 - 11 p.m.)
• Senior Center Programs:
  • Nimble Fingers Sewing Group - every Thursday at the WGLSC Activity Center Expansion. (11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.)
  • Line Dancing - every Monday and Thursday at the WGLSC Activity Center Expansion. (10 - 11:30 a.m.)
• MadLife Grill Patio Stage (free shows):
  • Shane Byous (5:30 - 9 p.m.)
• MadLife Stage & Studios:
  • Liliac - a family of rock/metal musicians (8 p.m.)

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From my notebook:

• Race two of the Healthy Kids Running Series, for kids from ages 2 - 14, takes place at 4:30 p.m. Sunday at Dupree Park. Registration is still open, you can sign your child up for the series here. The Woodstock-specific web page is here, including a map of the races for different age groups. (Healthy Kids Running Series)
• Take advantage of open houses in and around the Woodstock-Towne Lake area. Find your new place. (Woodstock-Towne Lake Patch)
• Service League: "The Service League of Cherokee County raised over $15,000 Fore the Children in our annual golf tournament. Want to know how you can help? Check out our website at www.serviceleague.net." (Service League via Instagram)

Some events coming up that require registration or tickets in advance:

• Morning INfluence: The Impact of Small Scale Manufacturing In Your Downtown at Morning INfluence featuring Made Mercantile. Guests are welcome to the networking event on Friday, but please RSVP here. The event will be held at the Woodstock Chambers at City Center building, 8534 Main Street. (8 - 9 a.m.)
• Rocky Horror Halloween Party: the arcade's annual Halloween party is on Saturday. The event is for ages 21 and up, you can purchase tickets here. Games, pizza, a full bar, a costume contest and prizes at The Blue Ghost Arcade, 164 Towne Lake Parkway. (7 p.m. - 2 a.m.)
• Senior Center Programs
  • Mondays and Fridays: Walking Club - at the Dupree Park walking/running track, 513 Neese Road. (8 - 9 a.m.)
  • Wednesdays and Fridays: Fit Over 50 - at the WGLSC Activity Center Expansion. (9:30 - 10:30 p.m.)
• Woodstock Arts
  • Friday, Saturday and Sunday: The Rocky Horror Show at the Woodstock Arts Theatre, 8534 Main Street. (various show times)
  • Saturday: Mountain Heart is playing on the Green downtown for the last show of the Lantern Series. Tickets and venue information can be found online. (7:30 p.m.)
  • Sunday: Paint on the Patio - a guided painting session on the Reeves House Patio, all materials will be provided. There is an option to purchase bottomless Mimosas. (2 - 4:30 p.m.)
• Made Mercantile, 8636 Main Street
  • Saturday: Ink and Drink, Letterpress Cards with Beau Paper Co. - create a set of cards using ink, paint and a 1970's letterpress. October's design is a Halloween card. (7 - 9 p.m.)
• Leaning Ladder, 105 East Main Street
  • Saturday: Leaning Ladder LIVE with Chef John and Patty (1 - 3 p.m. or 5 - 7 p.m.)
• MadLife Stage & Studios, 8722 Main Street
  • Friday: Them Mixon Boys - Classic & Southern Rock, Blues & Country (7 p.m.)
  • Friday: Back N Black - AC/DC Tribute (10 p.m.)
  • Saturday: Little Ozzy -A Tribute to Ozzy Osbourne (7 p.m.)
  • Saturday: Shyanne - A Tribute to 80's Arena Rock (10 p.m.)
  • Sunday: Halloween Costume Party featuring Kelly Shareef Band - Rock, Pop & Alternative (7 p.m.)

More trick-or-treat spots and Halloween events around town:

• Saturday
  • Halloween at The Outlet Shoppes: a DJ, costume parade, trick-or-treat, games and more at 915 Ridgewalk Parkway. (1 - 5 p.m.)
  • Hillside's Fall Festival: trunk-or-treat, bounce houses, music games and more at Hillside United Methodist Church, 4474 Towne Lake Parkway. (4 - 7 p.m.)
  • Children's Fall Festival: trunk-or-treat at 7 p.m., games, crafts, hayrides, hot dog dinner, cotton candy, popcorn, cupcake walk, face painting, pumpkin patch and more at Orange United Methodist Church, 220 Orange Church Road, Canton. (5 p.m.)
  • Trunk-or-Treat: hayrides, a Haunted Hut, food, live music, prizes and more. Please bring a can of food to donate to the food pantry. Bascomb United Methodist Church, 2295 Bascomb Carmel Road. (5 - 7 p.m.)
  • Ghostly Gala: past life regression readings, palm readings, a costume contest, wine tasting and more at The Gifted Ferret, 1910 Eagle Drive, Suite 400. (5 - 8 p.m.)
  • Nightmare on Elm St. taproom party: no cover or age restriction for this event at Reformation Brewery, 105 Elm Street. (7 - 11:30 p.m.)
• Sunday
  • Make-or-Treat: free activities for kids, candy and crafts at Made Mercantile, 8636 Main Street. (11 a.m. - 3 p.m.)
  • Howl-o-Ween Dog Adoption Event: join Barkville Dog Rescue for adoptable pups, music and a balloon artist at The Outlet Shoppes, 915 Ridgewalk Parkway. (2 - 5 p.m.)
  • Trunk-or-Treat: inflatables, candy, games, prizes and more at Woodstock Christian Church, 7700 Highway 92. (4 - 6 p.m.)
• Monday
  • Halloween Music and Moves: a Halloween edition of Toddler Music and Moves, for ages 0-4. Dancing, singing, games and more at R.T. Jones Memorial Library, 116 Brown Industrial Parkway, Canton. (10:30 - 11:30 a.m.)
  • Boo! Bash: bring the family for fun Halloween-themed games, crafts, snacks and candy. Wear your costume, children must be accompanied by an adult to the event at the Woodstock Library, 7735 Main Street. (4 - 6 p.m.)
  • Halloween Trail of Tricks & Treats: on the Rubes Creek Trail, across from Fire Station 14 on Arnold Mill Road. Music, characters, fun displays and trick-or-treating along the trail at 232 Arnold Mill Road. (5 - 9 p.m.)

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• Pink Shabbat, Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October 28)
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Thanks for following along and staying informed. I'll see you around!

— Nina Lightcap

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