I vividly remember the first time we saw the scarecrows invade Woodstock. It was late in the afternoon of a mid-October day when we’d set out to picnic at our favorite hidden spot in downtown Woodstock. We were driving along Main Street when, bang! There they were. Everywhere. The people, the scarecrows, the people dressed up like scarecrows; they seemed to be taking over the … [Read more...]

Brian Nejedly is a local photographer who works with Aroundabout Local Media on cover shoots. He’s been shooting weddings since 2004 and has documented the big day for more than 400 couples. Nejedly has shot weddings all over the United States and has even made the journey to Mexico and Jamaica, which he considers his second home. He shared some photography tips for couples … [Read more...]

Most everyone is accustomed to reading about the Cherokee County School District (CCSD) students who excel - whether it’s on a bumper sticker or through CCSD’s communication system (read more about that on Page 50). Apparently, it’s not only the students who’ve been receiving accolades lately. Members of the district’s school nutrition department, which serves 5 million … [Read more...]

At Encompass Ministries, independence is celebrated every day. This celebration started in 1998 after Lynne Saunders, founder of Encompass (originally Papa’s Pantry), and a friend returned home from a life-altering mission trip to India. “Here I was, back in the good ol’ U.S. of A,” Lynne said. “Billboards boasting expensive watches and fashion (that) contrasted old … [Read more...]

Coffee Shops Stir Emotions, Special Memories With Each Cup of Java Whether the temperature is 95 degrees, or below freezing, it’s clear that Cherokee Countians love their coffee. Look at the networking photos that we feature quarterly, and you’ll see most people clutching a cup of coffee. Walk into any local coffee shop, and you’ll find busy baristas cranking out the caffeine … [Read more...]