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Pathfinder
of the Month
"Do not go
where the path may lead,
go instead where there is no path
and leave a trail."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
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Everyday Angels
We have featured Everyday Angels each month
since we first introduced the column in our September 2001 issue. The
response from our community has been overwhelming and The TowneLaker
wanted to say "Thank You" to everyone who has contributed to this very
important ministry. Everyday Angels has helped many families in our community,
and in turn, some who have been helped have reached out and helped others.
What a blessing! A true community spirit of giving is visible daily in
our lives here in the Towne Lake area. May the New Year find you and yours
healthy and prosperous. Please help us, and if you know of situations
where you think Everyday Angels can help, please call (770) 517-8210 ext.
580. If you would like to contribute to the fund, you may drop your donation
to us at The TowneLaker office, any Crescent Bank branch or CENTURY
21 Advantage (next to Wendy's).
Everyday Angels is a non-profit organization
that provides short-term (currently up to a maximum of $425 per month)
to those in our community in need. If you know someone in need or would
like to contribute, please call (770) 517-8210 ext. 580.
Arts & Entertainment
The Cherokee Arts Center will present
an Asian Art Exhibit January 9 through 17. This exhibition is from the
private collection of Cherokee County Commissioner Mike Byrd and his wife
Charlice. An opening reception will be held on January 9 from 6 - 9 p.m.
Also at the Arts Center, the 2nd Annual NestFest for Birds, Bats and
Butterflies will be presented by the Cherokee County Habitat for Humanity
January 26 through 31. Individuals, groups and businesses are encouraged
to create a unique nest to be donated and auctioned off. A workshop will
be held on January 10 for birdhouse decorating. The Arts Center will host
its Second Sunday Concert on January 11 from 3 - 5 p.m.
The Towne Lake Arts Center will present
The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe January 10 through February
15. The play is suitable for ages 5 and older and seating is in the round
so everyone will have a good seat. Tickets are $7. For more information,
please call (678) 494-4251. Auditions for Aladdin will be held
January 13 - 14, 2004 from 7 - 9 p.m. for ages 8 - 18. The audition will
consist of cold readings from the script. Performances for Aladdin
will be March 6 - 28.
Kennesaw State University (KSU) will
present Keyboard Conversations with Jeffrey Siegel. He will perform
Bach, Chopin, Mendelssohn and Franck. The performance will be held January
11 at the Stillwell Theater at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20. At KSU's Sturgis
Library, an exhibition titled Year of Spain will run January 14
through February 25. Admission is free. The KSU Premiere Series welcomes
Broadway vocalist David Gaines to the Stillwell Theater. He will
perform January 17 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $30. The Southern Order of
Storytellers will hold a storytelling festival January 30 - 31. The
festival will be held at the KSU Center. For more information, please
call (770) 499-3123. For additional information on any of the KSU events,
please call (770) 423-6650.
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Ashley Strickland
Ashley Strickland is our Pathfinder of the
Month for January. She was nominated by Eagle Watch resident Leisa Darrah.
Leisa had this to say about Ashley, "I am so impressed that this teenager
would feel so compelled to help animals."
Ashley became involved with the Cherokee
County Animal Shelter and the Cherokee County Humane Society when her
family adopted their dog Zoey from the Animal Shelter. Ashley began taking
bags of food to the Shelter. She was so moved by the animals, she started
clipping coupons for dog or cat food and used her own money to buy pet
food. Realizing she didn't have the financial resources to continue this
route, she came up with the idea to have people donate money through a
program she created called "Paws for Pals." Ashley makes paper paws and
stands outside local grocery stores and community festivals selling the
paws to the community. So far, she has raised $1,100 for the Cherokee
County Animal Shelter. Each Saturday you will also find Ashley at one
of the local pet stores volunteering her time at the off-site adoptions.
She has successfully placed many dogs with happy homes.
Ashley is a freshman at Etowah High School,
and on the second day of school, she was in Principal Alexander's office
wanting to start a club. Through the assistance of her math teacher Ms.
Carolyn Steward, Ashley started "Pals for Paws." The club allows other
students to become involved in community service projects to help animals
in Cherokee County. Posting flyers around the school, several students
responded. Each Saturday the members volunteer at the Cherokee County
Humane Society, the Animal Shelter and at off-site adoption clinics.
Starting in January, Ashley plans to organize
pet food donation programs at Bascomb Elementary School and Chapman Intermediate
School. Ahsley will have students from both schools volunteer their time
to collect the food and get it ready for the Animal Shelter.
Leisa also said, "Ashley is a true role model
for my children and for the community of Towne Lake. Her dedication, positive
outlook and her loving heart has left an impression on my life. I am so
proud of her and I am amazed at the impact she has made at such an early
age."
Ashley's mom Kathy and dad Mike are equally
proud of their daughter. Ashley has a sister Emily who is 11 and brother
Michael who is 8.
Thank you, Ashley for all you do to make
our community a better place to live.
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