Science. Religion.

For many people, the two are like oil and water. They don’t mix.

But is it necessary to make a choice between following religion or science? Does having faith in an all-powerful Creator mean rejecting science?

Each Tuesday evening in May, representatives of Reinhardt University, Heritage Baptist Fellowship and Faith Presbyterian Church are inviting the public to join them in exploring the relationships of modern science and religion.

The discussions, made possible by a grant from the Templeton Foundation Science and Ministry Initiative, will include professionals from both fields. The presentations will reflect on what both science and Scripture have to say about the origin of the world, the development of human life, varieties of religious experience, human sexuality and questions of life and death.

It’s an awesome opportunity for Cherokee County residents to hear from the experts and ask a few questions of their own.For more information on the series, see the April edition of The Cherokee Vine at http://www.thedailyvine.com/uploads/2012/03/2012_April.pdf and visit www.ScienceAndFaithCherokee.org.

Candi Hannigan

Editor | The Cherokee Vine

Local Volunteerism

April 15-21 is "National Volunteer Week." RelyLocal Woodstock thanks all the local businesses - and individuals - that support charities, churches, ministries, and schools in Cherokee with their time and money.  According to IRS records, there are more than 350 "public non-profit organizations" in Cherokee; 151 of these are headquartered in Woodstock!  Local governmental units also rely on volunteers; this includes the Animal Shelter and Volunteer Fire Departments.

RelyLocal lists local events that rely on volunteers; see: www.relylocal.com/woodstock-georgia/events

In addition to local general circulation of newspapers and magazines, detailed information about area non-profit activities and events are found in the Cherokee Vine and Christian Community News.  Both monthlies are distributed free at local churches and businesses.  (If you don't see copies at your church or favorite local restaurant or retailer, just ask and they can get copies.)

Meet Jerry and Kay Roberts, Volunteers of the Month

Candi Hannigan, Editor of Cherokee Vine, is a regular contributor to the RelyLocal Woodstock Blog.  Christian Community News is published by Papa's Pantry.  Their April cover story is "Meet Jerry and Kay Roberts - Volunteers of the Month."

Canton's local non-profit community radio station is WPCG, 103.7 FM; their slogan is "We Proclaim Christ's Grace."  WPCG is heard in some parts of Woodstock and clearly North of Exit 11 on I-575.  Each weekday the station airs "Cherokee Happenings" at 6, 7, and 8 AM and PM wirh local news and events. 

As heard on "C.H.", local non-profits seeking volunteers include five hospices, Woodstock Angels (clothes for newborn babies), the HOPE Center's "Baby and More" store, Bethany's Equine and Aquatic (therapy) Services, CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates for abused children in foster care), Cherokee County Volunteer Aging Council (for seniors . .. who did not volunteer to get old), Cherokee County Violence Center, Cherokee Focus (academic tutors for youth), and "Shelter Friends" at the Cherokee County Animal Shelter. 

  

Local business men and women volunteer many hours to Cherokee charities.  You are invited to join them.

John O. Broomall, General Manager, WPCG 103.7 / Canton

www.GraceRadio1037.com 

Easter Sunday

On Palm Sunday, we reflected on the arrival of our Lord and Savior in Jerusalem, in all His Glory, on the back of a donkey. By arriving in such an unconventional, unassuming way for a King, Jesus was fulfilling prophesy, not the expectations of people waiting for the appearance of an all-powerful ruler. But the humble son of David showed up on a common work animal.

As we progress through Holy Week, we are focusing on Maundy Thursday, which commemorates the Last Supper when Jesus shared the Passover meal with his disciples on the night before he was crucified.  Good Friday marks the day our Lord died on the cross, with Easter Sunday celebrating his resurrection from the grave.

There is no shortage of Woodstock churches to attend this week, culminating with services on Easter Sunday.  Whether you prefer a mega-church experience like First Baptist Woodstock or a smaller setting like Woodstock United Methodist, take time to find a church near you, check the worship times, and spend time reflecting on the death of our savior and his Easter resurrection. He has overcome death and promises eternal life for those who believe in Him.

Candi Hannigan

Editor | The Cherokee Vine

Bub-Ba-Q

The Best BBQ In Town!

My husband is always in the mood for good barbeque.

So, this past weekend when I told him we were about to go eat at an award-winning barbeque restaurant, needless to say, he was more than ready to go! 

We arrived Sunday evening at Bub-Ba-Q, located not far in the heart of Woodstock, off of Highway 92.  Upon walking in, we realized that the description of “award-winning” for this restaurant was actually an understatement.  Because mixed along the walls of this restaurant’s warm and friendly atmosphere, were TROPHIES.  Big ones.  Smaller ones.  And some really big ones.  So, we knew this was a special place.

Our waiter, Gregory, added to our good feeling, giving us great service with a friendly smile.  Upon ordering, he suggested mixing the mustard and sweet barbeque sauces to my husband, and I am not sure how he could read my husband’s mind.  He grew up on mustard sauce, and once we received our food, he said the Bub-Ba-Q version was one of the best he ever had.

I am a sweet sauce girl myself.  I found my taste among the four sauce choices right on the table - Hot and Spicy, Vinegar, Sweet and Mustard – something for everyone.  My daughter, is also a sweet girl, and she was pleased with her sweet wings, along with her side of corn on the cob.
 
My son, ordered the pork sandwich, and I have to add that he must have looked hungry when he ordered.  Because when it came, we were amazed at the amount of meat that could fit between those two oversized buns.  Needless to say, there was plenty left over to take home.

The huge Pork Sandwich.

My husband and I both ordered the Pork and Rib combo platter, which also offered us plenty of food.  Dave ordered Brunswick stew and corn for his sides, and I ordered corn fritters and baked beans.  Originally from Alabama, I knew if ordered anything with “fritter” in the name, it had to be good.  And it was.

The Pork and Rib Combo Plate.

Our dinner was topped off with a visit from “Bubba” himself, who seemed very humble when I made sure to mention his trophies.  After chatting, we discovered that Bubba is a busy man, currently working to open another Bub-Ba-Q location, and also planning to expand the Woodstock location.

A huge slice of Oreo cheesecake made the entire evening a success, and we left Bub-Ba-Q of Woodstock with our bellies full and our faces happy.  And, anytime you take two kids out for a meal and it is a success, you know it had to be good.

Here are the details on this fine local restaurant -- Home of the Best Hog in North Georgia:

Bub-Ba-Q Woodstock

10020 Hwy 92

Woodstock, GA  30188

678-402-1662

Bub-Ba-Q.com

Hours:  Mon-Sun 11-9

The Corner Bistro

Everything Made Fresh Daily!

Every time I go out to eat with my family, I always have the same problem – I can’t decide where to go.  The chain restaurants get boring and seem to always have the same thing. My husband and I are always telling each other that we need to find good, local restaurants.

So, for this reason, it is not often that we leave a restaurant excited and chatting about coming back again. But, to our surprise, this past weekend we found a place.  It was new; it was different; and it was good.  And we are going back.

It was the Corner Bistro, located off of Towne Lake Parkway in Woodstock. This past Saturday, we were hungry, ready to have a relaxing lunch, and we found the Corner Bistro with ease.  Upon arriving, the owner, Shelly, greeted us with a warm smile, and she listed the daily specials.  It was a little hard to decide – everything on the menu looked great, and the specials sounded even better.

And then Shelly told us, “If you don’t love it, we’ll make you something else.”  Shelly, who runs the Corner Bistro with her son, understands what it means to have good customer service. 

The Corner Bistro serves breakfast all day, with a sampling of unique dishes, like “Nonni’s Peppers and Egg Sandwich” with scrambled eggs, grilled peppers, onions, and cheese on a toasted hoagie.  Or, you can choose from the lunch and dinner menu, which includes various salads, wraps, soup, deli sandwiches, and even barbecue.

While we were there, another customer was enjoying the “Gyro”, a unique pita filled with slow roasted lamb, beef, diced tomatoes, lettuce and creamy cucumber sauce.  Yum!  Shelly told us that another favorite among her customers is crab cakes, and she also said that they do catering too!

Our son wanted to start off with the chili cheese fries (of course) and they were delicious.  The chili tasted homemade and the thick fries and cheese made it the perfect appetizer.

My husband decided to have one of the daily specials - the “Barbecue Shrimp and Slaw Quesadilla.”  After trying it, he told Shelly it was different and very good, and he was not sure how she had thought of it.  It came with a side of the Corner Bistro’s “famous” fried green beans (also yummy).

Their famous Reuben sandwich with onion rings.

Our son wanted breakfast, and he enjoyed his sausage and egg sandwich.  I decided to try the chicken salad, because it is one of my favorites, even though sometimes I am afraid to order it at restaurants.  I wanted to give it a try, and had a choice of pecans or grapes in the salad, or both, and I decided to have both.  I was very pleased with my choice.  I think it is one of the best chicken salads I have ever had (maybe even better than mine!).  I asked Shelly if they sold it by the pound, and of course, she said that they do.

There is a sign hanging in the Corner Bistro that says “Good Company Always Welcome.”  That is definitely true, because we were in good company, and we had good food.  And we plan to go back.

Try it out for yourself, and you will love it.  The details are below.

Chicken Salad Sandwich with a side of fruit.

 

The Corner Bistro

2360 Towne Lake Parkway  Suite 110

Woodstock, GA  30189

770-924-1202

www.tlcornerbistro.com

Hours:  Mon-Fri 10-8, Saturday 10-3, Sunday closed

Take Out, Delivery, and Catering Available