Food insecurity rises in Woodstock as demand at local pantry doubles
Never Alone Community Food Pantry in Woodstock is now serving roughly thirty to forty people a day, six days a week, with staff reporting that demand has more than doubled over the past decade. They point to higher living costs, changes to food assistance benefits, and recent federal disruptions as reasons more families are turning to the pantry, including many who never thought they would need that kind of help.
* Demand has climbed sharply alongside Woodstock’s population growth.
* Clients include working families and people on fixed incomes.
* Remote distribution helps those who cannot travel to the pantry.
Sources:https://www.gpb.org/news/2025/11/06/rise-food-insecurity-seen-in-woodstock-the-need-has-grown-our-city-has-grown
Woodstock studies e-bike safety, sidewalks, and trail rules
City of Woodstock leaders are examining how to handle the rapid growth of e-bikes on city streets, sidewalks, and trails. Staff recently briefed Mayor and Council on Georgia’s e-bike classifications and on how other cities regulate them, highlighting concerns about sidewalk riding, stunt behavior downtown, and higher-speed bikes sharing multi-use paths with pedestrians.
* A public discussion was held at the November 10 council meeting.
* Officials are weighing new rules to improve safety without banning e-bikes.
* Any changes could affect riders in the downtown entertainment district and on popular trails.
Sources:https://www.woodstockga.gov/news_detail_T12_R321.php
What Cherokee’s new T-SPLOST and senior school tax exemption mean for Woodstock
Cherokee County voters have approved a one percent transportation sales tax, known as T-SPLOST, along with a new school property tax exemption for qualifying seniors. The transportation tax is expected to raise hundreds of millions of dollars over six years, with a significant share earmarked for congestion relief, safety improvements, and sidewalk and trail projects in Woodstock. The school exemption gives older homeowners some relief on their tax bills.
* T-SPLOST revenue is restricted to transportation uses only.
* Woodstock’s share will support local road, safety, and trail projects.
* The senior exemption applies to the school portion of property taxes for eligible residents.
Sources:https://www.woodstockga.gov/t-splost.phphttps://www.cherokeega.com/!Elections_Results/2025-11-04
Woodstock Middle School science teacher joins superintendent’s advisory council
Cherokee County School District is profiling Emily Green, a sixth-grade science teacher at Woodstock Middle School and a member of the superintendent’s Teacher Advisory Council. With more than two decades of classroom experience, she brings a strong science background and a focus on “aha moments” as she advises district leaders on what students and teachers need.
* Green has taught for twenty three years, ten of them at Woodstock Middle.
* She uses technology, labs, and visuals to reach different learning styles.
* The council offers a direct channel for classroom feedback to the superintendent.
Sources:https://www.cherokeek12.net/post-detail/~board/ccsd-comms/post/meet-the-teacher-advisory-council-emily-green-of-woodstock-ms
“Hugs in a Blanket” drive collects warmth and notes for Cherokee seniors
Cherokee Recreation and Parks has launched its Hugs in a Blanket drive, inviting residents to donate new blankets, new slipper socks, and handwritten notes for seniors living in nursing homes. Donations are being accepted through mid-December at several locations, including The WREC on Main Street in Woodstock.
* Items and notes are delivered to seniors ahead of the holidays.
* Drop-off sites include The WREC, Cherokee County Aquatic Center, and other recreation facilities.
* The program offers an easy way to involve children in holiday giving.
Sources:https://www.crpa.net/news/hugs-in-a-blanket-2025/
Love Where You Live giveback supports Homeless Coalition of Cherokee County
The Love Where You Live Community Giveback campaign has directed one thousand, nine hundred forty one dollars in merchandise proceeds to the Homeless Coalition of Cherokee County. The coalition uses those funds to provide short-term hotel stays, longer-term housing assistance, and cold-weather warming station operations based in Woodstock.
* Love Where You Live is funded through merchandise sales, not property taxes.
* The warming station is open to anyone in Cherokee County during cold snaps.
* Past beneficiaries have included food pantries and senior programs.
Cool roof and electronics recycling highlight local sustainability
Woodstock has installed a cool roof on its City Hall Annex that reflects a large share of the sun’s energy, helping to reduce heat gain and lower cooling costs. At the same time, Cherokee County Recycling Center and partners are preparing for a December 13 electronics recycling event that offers residents a safe way to dispose of old devices.
* The cool roof meets regional standards for solar reflectance.
* The electronics event accepts many items for free, with small fees for TVs and CRTs.
* Proceeds from certain items benefit Keep Cherokee Beautiful, and partners will also collect expired car seats and textiles.
Sources:https://www.woodstockga.gov/news_detail_T12_R320.phphttps://cherokeechamber.com/cherokee-county-recycling-center-to-host-electronics-recycling-event-dec-13/
Out & About: Reeves House exhibit, holiday lights, and parks events
Woodstock residents have several options for enjoying their Sunday close to home. The Reeves House Visual Arts Center at Woodstock Arts is showing the “Small Town: Small Works” exhibit featuring local artists, Cherokee Veterans Park is hosting a drive-through holiday lights experience, and Cherokee Recreation and Parks has holiday-themed programs such as the Turkey Swim challenge and Santa’s Calling.
* “Small Town: Small Works” showcases artists who live within about fifteen miles of Woodstock.
* Holiday Lights at Veterans Park offers a family-friendly drive-through show.
* Parks events provide low-cost ways to stay active and celebrate the season.
Sources:https://www.crpa.net/events/https://woodstockarts.org/events/small-town-small-works/
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