? Winter Weather Closures And Tips + Express Travel Impacted By Cold

Hello again, friends! I’m back with your new copy of the Woodstock-Towne Lake Daily. Let’s get this Friday started off right with a quick review of everything you need to know about what’s going on these days in town, including updates on…

Operations have been adjusted city and county wide due to the weather.
The I-75 and I-85 express lanes are temporarily closed.
Seasonal services and tips from the Woodstock Police.

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Now, today’s weather:

Windy and very cold. High: 21 Low: 10.

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

Many local venues and shops are adjusting their operation hours or offerings due to the winter weather we will be experiencing for the rest of the week. If you plan on attending an event, park or shop, be sure to check with the venue to confirm it is still open. The outdoor fountains in all city parks will be shut off, and the restrooms at Woofstock Park, Dupree Park and Olde Rope Mill Park will be closed. However, the restrooms at the Amphitheater, Noonday Creek Trailhead and Woodstock Arts Event Green will be open. (Woodstock Press Release)
The I-75 and I-85 express lanes in both directions are closed due to the weather. The lanes closed as of Thursday night include the I-75 South Metro Express Lanes and the Northwest Corridor Express Lanes, heading north and south, and the closure will effect express travel in the areas of Akers Mill Road to Hickory Grove Road, Sixes Road and the I-75 route from State Route 155 in Henry County to State Route 138 in Clayton County. If you are traveling for the holidays, please make sure to bring along cold-weather items like blankets, jumper cables and warm clothing. My favorite winter weather item to carry in the car is old-fashioned kitty litter, not the newer clumping kind. Where I lived in New York and Connecticut, it was a necessity. The bags placed in your trunk will pull double-duty as weight on the rear wheels and to pour in front of your tires if you get stuck, both uses aid in keeping your traction and getting out of an icy spot. (Atlanta News First)
If you’re going out of town, the Woodstock Police Department is offering additional patrols for your home while you’re away. If interested, please click the link here, and make sure to include pertinent dates and details the PD will need to know. The department also wants to remind you to bring your pets inside this week, it is way too cold for them outside, and to please knock on your car hood a few times before you start your car up. This will rouse and alert any animals that may have taken occupancy underneath the hood trying to keep warm. (Woodstock Police via Facebook)
Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services and several Woodstock firefighters responded to a structure fire on Coleman’s Landing this week. The fire was extinguished, and thankfully, no one was home at the time. The cause of the fire is under investigation. (Fox 5 Atlanta)

Today in Woodstock-Towne Lake:

Knife Sharpening: get your cutting implements sharpened today with Tony of Y-Not Sharp. If you bring two non-perishable food items, you will receive a discount on your services. Shears and scissors can be sharpened as well. No appointment is necessary for the event at Leaning Ladder, 105 East Main Street. (11 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
Cocoa, Crafts and Christmas Stories: the special holiday event will feature a children’s holiday story time, an ornament craft and a DIY hot cocoa bar. All supplies will be provided and the stories start at 5:30 p.m. Bring the whole family over to the Reeves House Visual Arts Center, 734 Reeves Street. (5 – 7 p.m.)
Holiday Lights of Hope: see the display with more than 2 million lights, visit with Santa, enjoy some concessions and more. You can purchase tickets online here, children 14 and under are free. Please check their Facebook page for weather updates, they are not open if the field is wet. This is the last evening to catch the lights at Hobgood Park, 6688 Bells Ferry Road. (6 – 9 p.m.)
Christmas Adam: join your friends, neighbors and family at the brewery for some holiday togetherness this evening at Reformation Brewery, 105 Elm Street. (6 – 11 p.m.)
Gasparilla Bowl Watch Party: enjoy some great beer and food with other Wake Forest and Missouri Tiger fans at The Daily Draft, 8594 Main Street. (6:30 – 9:30 p.m.)
Jingle Paws, Vinny’s Birthday Tasting Party: you can bring your pet along to the wine tasting party tonight at The Gifted Ferret, 164 Towne Lake Parkway, Suite 400. (7 – 9 p.m.)
Ugly Christmas Sweater Karaoke: bring your visiting friends and family over for karaoke and an ugly Christmas sweater contest hosted by Lights Up! Entertainment at The Blue Ghost Arcade, 164 Towne Lake Parkway. (8 p.m.)
Hughes Taylor Band: playing live in The Listening Room at Rootstock, 8558 Main Street. (8 – 10:30 p.m.)
DJ Karaoke: every Friday at Guston’s Grille, 12195 Highway 92, Suite 156. (9:30 p.m. – 1:30 a.m.)
Senior Center Programs:
- Walking Club – every Monday and Friday at the Dupree Park walking/running track, 513 Neese Road. (8 – 9 a.m.)
- Fit Over 50 – every Wednesday and Friday at the WGLSC Activity Center Expansion. (9:30 – 10:30 a.m.)
MadLife Grill Patio Stage (free shows):
- Big Toe Mojo (5 – 8 p.m.)
- Sugarfuzz (8 – 11 p.m.)
MadLife Stage & Studios:
- DEPARTURE – The Journey Tribute Band, Eve of Xmas Eve Show (7 p.m. and 9:55 p.m.)

From my notebook:

Tonight’s performance of “A Christmas Carol” at the Woodstock Arts Theatre is sold out. If you would like to catch the show before it ends, you’ll want to purchase tickets as soon as possible, they are selling out quickly. The final show is on Saturday at 2:30 p.m., and you can grab your tickets here. (Woodstock Arts)
All libraries in the area will be closed today through Monday, the libraries will be opening back up on December 27. There will be a Jack Box Game Night with Hot Chocolate Bar on December 27 for ages 12 and up at the Rose Creek Library, located at 4476 Towne Lake Parkway, from 6 – 7:30 p.m. (Sequoyah Regional Library System)
Today is the last chance to sign up for the Red Cross Lifeguard Training coming up later this month at the Cherokee Aquatic Center. The class will take place from December 28 – 30, and you will receive an American Red Cross Lifeguard/First Aid/CPR for Professional Rescuer certification. The class will take place both online and in person, the online portion must be completed prior to the in-person class. Attendees must be 15 years and up, be able to swim 300 yards continuously, tread water for two minutes with only legs, and retrieve a 10-pound brick from seven feet of water. You can read more about the class and register here. (Cherokee Recreation & Parks via Facebook)
Reminder: Woodstock is holding a “Bring One for the Chipper” event from December 26 – January 20. Painted or decorated trees cannot be accepted, please remove all decorations completely and bring it over to Olde Rope Mill Park to have it put into the chipper. The following week, you can head back down with a shovel to grab some free mulch. Free tree seedlings will be handed out at the park on January 7, from 7 a.m. – 2 p.m., along with hot chocolate, coffee and donuts. (Woodstock Press Release)
Cherokee County Animal Shelter: “How cold is too cold? Just like people, pets’ cold tolerance can vary from pet to pet based on their coat, body fat stores, activity level, and health. Be aware of your pet’s tolerance for cold weather, and adjust accordingly.” (Cherokee County Animal Shelter via Instagram)