AROUND ACWORTH | January 2019
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Contents
32 & 33 On the Cover
Credit Union of Georgia CEO Brian Albrecht
Photo by Brooke Vande Zande
January 2019
15
36
In Every Issue
Features 15 Here’s to Better Health
In this special section, we’ve gathered inspiring testimonies, healthy recipes and options for exercise to start off the new year.
26 Volunteering in the New Year
Helpful tips to assist you in giving-back to the community throughout the year.
36 Super Bowl Mania
A few recipes and ideas for fan activities help you make the most of the big game taking place in Atlanta.
40 Corps Members Deployed
40
Members of the Allatoona Lake Corps of Engineers are sent to help in hurricane relief.
4 Around Acworth
12
Tommy Allegood
8 Community News
26
Irene Barton
14 Celebrations
36, 46 Katie Beall
34 Rob’s Rescues
42
44 Community Calendar
28, 48 Jennifer Bonn
52 Library Events
21
Wayne Dennard
54 School News
22
Jim Hilber
56 Cobb Photographic Society
41
Malinda Howe
58 Senior Activities
16
Tiffany Hughes
59 Clubs & Orgs
17
Jan Leary
60 Churches
27
J.R. Lee
62 Directory of Advertisers
20
Jackie Loudin
34
Rob Mcmillan
53
Paige Medina
49
Josh Nelson
17
Andrew Payne
40
Christopher Purvis
24
Jessica Leigh Smith
25
Daryl Ullmer
Advertising Katherine Amick, Director of Marketing 678-279-5502 Katherine@AroundaboutMagazines.com www.AroundAcworthMagazine.com Around Acworth Magazine 2
AROUND ACWORTH | January 2019
Contributors
@AroundAcworth
around_acworth
Ryan Blythe
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AROUND ACWORTH | January 2019
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AROUND ACWORTH The
People, The Places and The Pleasures that make Acworth
From the Editor I can’t believe another year has come and gone. I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season filled with family, friends and many warm memories. For our family, one of those memories was made on a chilly night last month in downtown Acworth as we took our 1-year-old to Santa’s Arrival. Just as I expected, and not so secretly hoped for, Parker was not a fan of meeting the jolly old guy. That’s alright though because we still got the classic toddler-screaming-on-Santa’s-lap photo and, as you can see on page 51, it’s a framer for sure. The holiday season always seems to begin a spirit of reflection and hope. We reflect on the previous year’s happy and hard times, and are hopeful for what the future brings and the new start ahead for all of us. We make New Year’s resolutions, hoping to see positive changes in our lives during the next 12 months. Unfortunately, many of us will find ourselves discouraged come February, feeling like we’ve already failed in keeping said resolutions. Better luck next year, right? In this issue, we touch on several of the most common resolutions people make, providing practical tips to help you succeed and encouraging personal stories to keep you motivated. If you’re anything like me, you just ate your way through the holidays, and are looking to get back on track. Whether you’re wanting to eat better, exercise more or get more sleep, you’ll find plenty of helpful advice and inspiring stories in the Healthy Living section (pages 15-20). Making a non-health related resolution this year? We’ve got you covered there, too. We reached out to experts and experienced individuals to bring you information on personal finances, volunteering, general community involvement and time management/productivity (pages 24-28). My first full calendar year as a parent is in the books. I’ve learned a lot, even during the last month of the year. The holiday season snuck up on me and I’ve learned that I need to plan ahead a little more in 2019. I admit this has never been a strength of mine. However, planning seems to be key to those busy moms who manage to keep their sanity throughout the year. Perhaps, more than trying to be a better planner though, I should consider resolving to not make as many excuses. I blame my toddler or traffic for not being on time for anything, but that’s just an excuse for poor planning on my part. I complain about how I haven’t made many friends since we moved, but then I make excuses about not having time to get involved in church events or to volunteer with a local nonprofit. As you can see, it’s never ending. I’ve become quite good at making excuses, but excuses prevent me from keeping my New Year’s resolutions year after year. So, this year I resolve to not make excuses and maybe then I’ll be able to apply a few of the helpful tips in this issue to improve my personal well-being.
K atie Beall
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration On Jan. 21, Acworth celebrates its sixth annual
MLK Day celebration and eighth annual day of
service, hosted by the Acworth Parks, Recreation and Community Resource Department. Festivities will begin with a unity walk at 9:30 a.m., followed by a ceremony at 10. Immediately following the ceremony, the Acworth Achievers Mentoring and After School Program will host its Annual Day of Service. The Acworth Achievers will be working on a service project at Roberts School Community Center and welcome other volunteers from the community to join them.
Ribbon Cutting
Aspen Dental has been open since December 2017, however, the practice has a new provider and had a grand re-opening. Mayor Tommy Allegood attended the ribbon cutting and congratulated the Acworth business on its new provider.
Aspen Dental
Katie Beall is editor of Around Acworth. Send your comments or questions to Katie@AroundaboutMagazines.com
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AROUND ACWORTH | January 2019
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AROUND ACWORTH | January 2019
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COMMUNITY BOARD The Around Acworth community board consists of well-respected community leaders from different walks of life. Our board members assist us in many ways that range from serving as contributing writers to providing valuable feedback.
Tia Amlett, the principal of Barber Middle School, has
been an educator for the past 19 years. Prior to becoming a principal, Tia served as an assistant principal at Garrett Middle School and North Cobb High School. She is a native of South Carolina who earned her bachelor’s degree at Clemson University and master’s and education specialist’s degrees from Nova Southeastern University. Tia is married to Jonah, and they have two children, Nia and Jordan, who attend Cobb County schools.
Ellen Kennerly has lived in Acworth since 1992. She
has worked as a journalist for more than three decades, most of it with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution holding positions as Olympics News Editor, Design Director, A1 Editor and Director of Content Development and Operations for ajc.com, among others. More recently, she worked as Professional in Residence at Louisiana State University and as Director of Asset Intelligence for WebMD. Her business, Kennerly Digital Directions, provides consulting and hands-on deliverables in communications, design and web development, largely for Acworth business people.
Bob Weatherford has been a Cobb County resident for
two decades. Bob was a reserve police officer for more than 20 years, eight of those with Acworth PD including time as Captain. He is active in local charities, numerous civic organizations, and co-founded Shop with a Hero. He served as Cobb County District 1 Commissioner since 2014, and recently left that post to work for AquaGuard as the government businesses development director.
Danielle Hilderbrand is a Cobb County native. She has
been a business owner on Main Street in Acworth for more than six years. Danielle is the proprietor of Pearl’s Spa and Boutique, a partner in Rustic Ruby gift shop and an active volunteer in Acworth. She has been a member of the Acworth Downtown Development Authority for several years and is the 2017 president of the Acworth Business Association. She is a graduate from McEachern High School and Acworth’s North Metro Technical College (now Chattahoochee Tech).
Malinda Howe has lived in Acworth since 1996. She is owner and broker of Anchor Realty Partners and vice chairman of Acworth Tourism Board. She has been a member of the board for nine years. Malinda is originally from Alexandria, Va., and attended George Mason University. She always loved real estate and began her career in commercial real estate working with Savage/ Fogarty, which acquired and managed Class A office buildings on behalf of Dutch pension funds. She moved to Georgia with TMW Management, assisting in acquisitions and leases from 1997-2003, and then pursued her career in residential real estate. Malinda and her husband, Rick, have one daughter, Kara. Malinda lives, plays and works in Historic Downtown Acworth. 6
AROUND ACWORTH | January 2019
Publisher Aroundabout Local Media, Inc. ALM President Patty Ponder 770-615-3322 Patty@AroundaboutMagazines.com Director of Marketing Katherine Amick 678-279-5502 Katherine@AroundaboutMagazines.com Title Editor Katie Beall 770-852-8481 Katie@AroundaboutMagazines.com Executive Editor Candi Hannigan 770-615-3309 Candi@AroundaboutMagazines.com Art Director Michelle McCulloch 770-615-3307 Michelle@AroundaboutMagazines.com Page Designer Laura Latchford Laura@AroundaboutMagazines.com Controller Denise Griffin 770-615-3315 Denise@AroundaboutMagazines.com Market Support Associate Christie Deese Christie@AroundaboutMagazines.com
Around Acworth, a publication of Aroundabout Local Media, Inc., is a monthly community magazine. The magazine’s goal is to build a sense of community and pride in Acworth and surrounding area by providing residents with positive stories and timely information. It distributes a total of 16,500 free copies. Approximately 15,400 are direct mailed to homes and businesses and an additional 1,100 are placed in racks around the community. See page 64 for a distribution map. Around Acworth also has many digital viewers of the magazine online each month. Around Acworth welcomes your comments, stories, and advertisements. The deadline is the 10th of the previous month. Subscriptions are available for $24 per year. Send check or money order to the address below. The viewpoints of the advertisers, columnists and submissions are not necessarily those of the editor/publisher and the publisher makes no claims as to the validity of any charitable organizations mentioned. Around Acworth is not responsible for errors or omissions. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the publisher. All rights reserved. © Copyright 2019 Around Acworth
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YOUR LOCAL NEWS
Liberty Hill DAR Chapter delivers food to Cobb County Fire Station 11.
Liberty Hill DAR Chapter Turns 1 On Dec. 1, the local Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Liberty Hill Chapter celebrated the chapter’s one-year anniversary and the 158th anniversary of the City of Acworth. The DAR chapter held a luncheon with a silent auction. The funds collected throughout the year go to projects that support the community, preserve history and educate children, as well as honoring and supporting members of the armed forces. Mayor Tommy Allegood stopped by to congratulate chapter members and joined in a toast for another successful year. Leftover food was taken to Cobb County Fire Station 11.
Captain John Reed, Commander Coast Guard Sector Charleston; Luis Cribiero, Immediate Past Flotilla Commander, Flotilla 22; Rick Tomlin, Public Affairs Officer, Flotilla 22; Sgt. Anthony Morton, USMC; Greg Fonzeno, Vice Commander, Flotilla 22 and Larry Cook, Commander Flotilla 22. Photo by Rick Tomlin, USCG Auxiliary.
Lake Allatoona USCG Auxiliary Supports Toys for Tots Lake Allatoona U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla’s 22 members donated toys to the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots Program. The toys were presented Dec. 1 at the flotilla’s Change of Watch ceremony at Provino’s Italian Restaurant in Kennesaw. “The Toys for Tots Program is a great cause that allows our members to contribute and help brighten the holiday season for local children,” said Rick Tomlin, public affairs officer for Flotilla 22. Toys for Tots, a 70-year national charitable program run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, provides happiness and hope to disadvantaged children each Christmas season. The Coast Guard Auxiliary is the uniformed civilian component of the U.S. Coast Guard and supports the Coast Guard in nearly all mission areas. For more information, please visit www.cgaux.org. 8
AROUND ACWORTH | January 2019
Acworth Achievers Collect Donations The Acworth Achievers Mentoring and After School Program is currently hosting a drive to collect items for an organization called Foster4Love and its Birthday Box Program. This program is designed to benefit foster children throughout Cobb County, ages 0-21, many needing help to make their birthday feel special. Contributions are appreciated and can be dropped off at the Acworth Parks, Recreation and Community Resource Department. For more information, including a list of needed donation items, visit www.acworthparksandrecreation.org.
Daddy Daughter Dance Announced Acworth will host its annual Daddy Daughter Dance 7-9 p.m. on March 23. This year’s theme is Sock Hop! The location is still being determined, however the annual dance was pushed from February to March in hopes of it being the first event held at the new Acworth Community Center. This will be dependent on weather and the facility completion date. The alternate location will be at North Cobb High School in the cafeteria. Girls ages 13 and younger are invited to attend with their dads or adult male escort. The daddy-daughter duos will dress in their leather jackets and poodle skirts and dance the night away. It will be a great opportunity for dads and their daughters to spend a special evening together. The event will include a DJ, light refreshments, gifts for the girls, and a photographer will be available for optional pictures. The cost per couple for city residents is $30, and $40 for others. The fee is $10 for additional daughters to attend. Registration for Acworth residents opens Jan. 7; registration for nonresidents begins Jan. 14. Be sure to register for this event. Day-ofregistration is available only if space is available, and increased rates will apply. For more information or to register, visit www.acworthparksand recreation.org.
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YOUR LOCAL NEWS
2019 Boating Safety Class Dates The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary announces its schedule of safe boating classes for 2019. The one-day class, called About Boating Safely, covers topics that include: • Know Your Boat • Before Getting Underway • Navigating the Waterways • Operating Your Vessel Safely • Legal Requirements • Boating Emergencies
The Northwest Cobb Area Council presented Citizens of the Year awards to Shelley Elder, top center, Mack Turner, bottom left, and Al Martin, bottom right.
Cobb Chamber Announces 2018 Citizens of the Year The Cobb Chamber’s area councils have selected their 2018 Citizens of the Year, chosen for their definable, exceptional deeds, with which he or she has made their community a better place to live.
Acworth Citizen of the Year
Mack Turner, vice president of the nonprofit Save Acworth History Foundation (SAHF), is retired and spends most of his available time fundraising, planning events and visiting with potential partners. Turner has been instrumental in raising funds and awareness for the preservation of Acworth's history. He has raised more than $40,000 for SAHF’s cause, which has supported more than 30 video-documented oral histories of long-time Acworth residents that will serve as important educational material. Turner and SAHF also played a significant role in visioning Depot Park, the forthcoming downtown Acworth park and replica train depot that will feature a history center with oral history videos, photo slideshows, static displays and the restored version of the original freight scales. Turner has also served as an advocate who has bridged communication gaps within the community and is dedicated to preserving Acworth's history for future generations.
Kennesaw Citizen of the Year
Shelley Elder is a 15-year resident of Kennesaw and the owner of Elder Law Firm. She is a board member of the Senior Resource Foundation, the Kennesaw Teen Center, the Kennesaw Business Association and the Kennesaw Public Safety Foundation, which she co-founded. She is also charitably involved with programs and organizations assisting seniors, children and impoverished groups, such as the Special Olympics of Georgia, Power of Peace Program, 10 Women of Hope, Through Our Hearts and the Kennesaw Life Church with ForeverFed, among others.
West Cobb Citizen of the Year
Al Martin has lived in Cobb for more than 30 years and is passionate about enhancing the quality of life and developing leadership in West Cobb. In addition to his role as region external affairs manager at Georgia Power, he has been a board member of many civic and community associations, such as the Cobb Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis Club of Marietta, Cobb Safety Village Foundation, Cobb Travel & Tourism and Metro West Chapter of Citizens of Georgia Power. He is also an alumnus of Leadership Cobb and Honorary Commanders Association. 10
AROUND ACWORTH | January 2019
Individuals who successfully complete the course and exam meet the Georgia boating certification requirements and are awarded certificates and wallet cards. Boaters born after Jan. 1, 1998, must complete a National Association of State Boating Law Administrators approved boating safety class to legally operate a boat or personal watercraft in the state of Georgia. Class Dates: (Only one day needed to complete the course) Feb. 9, March 2, April 13, May 4, June 1, July 13, Aug. 10, Sept. 14 Classes are at Roberts School Community and Education Center, 4681 School St., Acworth. The fee for program materials is $20. Family discounts are available. To register, email Greg Fonzeno at flotilla22pe@gmailcom.
Art Alliance’s Upcoming Exhibits The Acworth Arts Alliance's Art House presents its What a Wonderful World exhibit, which will run Jan. 12-Feb. 23. Artist receptions will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Jan. 12 and Feb. 2. The Art House is located at 4425 Cherokee St., Acworth. Following this exhibit, the Art House will feature the works of Atlanta Glass Art Guild Artists in the Fire and Sand exhibit, which will run March 2-April 27. Artist receptions for this exhibit will be held 4-7 p.m. on March 2. Artist receptions are free and open to the public. Light refreshments are available.
YOUR NEXT DOOR NEIGHBOR FOR MATERNITY SERVICES. If you’re planning to have a baby, you’ll be happy to know that your next-door neighbor delivers more babies than any community hospital in the U.S. We built Northside Hospital Cherokee closer to you. Now, all of that experience, the full spectrum of maternity services and outstanding physicians and staff are easy to get to. We’re neighbors, so you’re welcome to visit any time. For information visit Northside.com/Cherokee-Womens-Center. AROUND ACWORTH | January 2019
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A Message from the
H
appy New Year, Acworthians! We, as a city, are thankful for our accomplishments in 2018 and the milestones that we reached as a community. We look forward to the new year and can’t wait to celebrate the exciting things to come with our closest friends and neighbors. On behalf of myself, the Board of Aldermen and city’s staff, we pray that 2019 will be a wonderful year for you and your family. We are blessed to live in a city full of caring, hardworking and honest citizens who enrich our quality of life just by being a part of our community. We are looking forward to sharing our purpose-driven ideas for 2019 with you and your families. As always, we are getting ready for the annual State of the City address. We encourage you to attend this event. This year’s presentation will take place at 11:30 a.m. Feb. 7 at the Acworth Business Association luncheon at NorthStar Church. Lunch is $15 for members, $20 for nonmembers. The presentation is an opportunity to celebrate our community’s extraordinary achievements over the past year and lay out the vision for what’s to come in 2019. If you are a business owner, manage a nonprofit organization, or operate a church in the community and are not familiar with the Acworth Business Association, we encourage you to get involved. The Acworth Business Association connects, informs, promotes and gives. Through a nominal fee of $90 per year, your membership will give you access to a network of organizations that support one another in the community. To find out more about the Acworth Business Association, visit www.acworthbusiness.org. [Meet the ABA's president on page 22.]
Acworth truly is a community that cares! During the holiday season, the Acworth Police Department collected toys and clothing items for its annual Christmas Shoppe, where families in the Acworth community shopped for the holidays, free of charge. This event has served hundreds of families since its inception. Donation bins were placed at Henry's Louisiana Grill and Center Street Tavern, so that the community, as well as officers and city employees, could donate items to this worthy cause. The Acworth Achievers Mentoring and Afterschool Program currently is hosting a drive to collect items for an organization called Foster4Love and its Birthday Box program, which benefits Cobb County foster children (newborn through age 21). Donations can be taken to the Acworth Parks, Recreation and Community Resource Department. This drive is in preparation for the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration and Day of Service taking place on Jan. 21. Join us for the ceremony at 10 a.m., and stay after to help create the Birthday Boxes! For more information on this event, please visit www.acworthparksandrec.org. As always, for more information on any of these projects, events and programs, you can visit www.acworth.org, sign up for our e-news blasts on our home page, “like” Visit Acworth on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter at @VisitAcworth. God bless, Tommy
Atlanta native Tommy Allegood is a University of Georgia graduate. He was elected to Acworth’s city council in 2000 and has served as mayor since 2002. He is a Community Builder who is purposed to Make it Count!
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AROUND ACWORTH | January 2019
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Celebrations!
Welcome Elizabeth Rose Nasca!
Ellie-Rose joined our family Nov. 9, promoting Teresa to big sister. Our growing Acworth family is so blessed! Congratulations Nasca family!
Amanda Hall
Jan. 21 Happy birthday Amanda Jane! We love you so much! Richard & Ricky
Michaels Dockery Jr.
Happy first birthday Zamira Asiedu! Age 1 on Jan. 20
Age 16 on Jan. 8 Happy 16th birthday Michaels! Enjoy your day. Love, Mom, Dad and Marcia
David Miller
Age 50 on Jan. 14 Happy 50th birthday to this beautiful soul. Love ya babe! Melinda
Erskine and Audrey Asiedu
7th anniversary on Jan. 1 Audrey - Age 32 on Jan. 14 Happy anniversary to the Asiedus and happy birthday Audrey!
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AROUND ACWORTH | January 2019
ANNOUNCEMENTS ARE FREE!
E-mail to: Katie@AroundaboutMagazines.com February deadline is Jan. 14.
Here's to a
Healthier You! A
s the years come and go, so do our resolutions to eat better, exercise more and embrace a healthier lifestyle. There’s no judgment here; we’ve all been through that cycle. However, it is a new year and a chance to start fresh! We hope this section - filled with inspirational stories, helpful advice, and opportunities to be active - will help you on your journey to better health. We want to be there for you through thick and thin - no pun intended. We’re with you on this journey. Be sure to let us know how you’re doing: email katie@aroundaboutmagazines. com. You may be among the inspirational, personal testimonies we share in the future.
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Lighten Up with Healthy Recipe Replacements BY TIFFANY HUGHES
Have you ever noticed that the non-stop weight-loss ads begin well before New Year’s Eve? Let’s face it, all those holiday goodies might have added a few pounds to your waistline, but that doesn’t mean you don’t cringe a little when hearing the word “diet.” No one enjoys trying to lose weight, but it doesn’t have to be as hard as you might think. Rather than going on one of the latest fad crash diets, if you make small, incremental changes in the way you eat, you’ll lose weight without really even thinking about it. Start by making small substitutions to include healthier ingredients in your diet, such as olive oil mayonnaise instead of regular, or cooking with extra virgin olive oil, or even cooking spray, instead of butter. Try switching out half your recipe’s amount of mayo for Greek yogurt – you won’t even notice, but your waistline will! Bulking up on vegetables will help fill you up and leave less room for fatty ingredients. While you can simply add more servings of veggies to your plate, another idea is to mix them into your food. For instance, riced cauliflower, found in the freezer section at your local grocery store, can be substituted for rice in most any dish. It also works great to add to chili – the cauliflower takes on the flavors of the meat and by the time it cooks, you’ll have a hard time distinguishing it from the meat in your dish. Riced cauliflower also makes a tasty pizza crust. For a regular-sized pizza pan, take two bags riced cauliflower, and pulse in a food processor with two teaspoons dry Italian seasoning, one teaspoon minced garlic and salt and pepper to taste. Place in a bowl and mix in two eggs, ¼ cup flour and ¼ cup fresh parmesan cheese. Coat your pan with cooking spray, then press the cauliflower mixture across the pan to become the crust. Bake at 400 degrees for approximately 15 minutes or until crust is golden. Top with your favorite pizza ingredients and bake again to melt your cheese. Fiber is key to helping you feel full. Canned pumpkin puree has seven grams of fiber and can be used in a lot of different ways. Add some to your chili, pasta sauce or even use it as a dip for fruit by combining half a can of pumpkin with 8 ounces of whipped topping and one packet vanilla pudding. Season with a little pumpkin pie spice and enjoy! It is possible to lighten up your food without sacrificing flavor. Just experiment until you create the new dishes that you love. After all, a new you for 2019 doesn’t have to be hungry. Happy cooking, everyone! Tiffany Hughes is an Acworth resident and is volunteer coordinator/scheduler for the Booth Western Art Museum. She enjoys spending time with her family and furbabies. You can contact her at creativecook11@yahoo.com.
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AROUND ACWORTH | January 2019
Hidden Veggie Chili • • • • • • • • •
One pound 90 percent lean ground beef One pound ground turkey One small onion, diced 16 ounces frozen riced cauliflower 16 ounce can red kidney beans, drained 1 tablespoon chili seasoning 1-2 teaspoons garlic salt 32 ounce can tomato sauce 1 tablespoon fresh parsley
Directions
In a large Dutch oven, start ground beef cooking first, then add ground turkey. Cook over medium, mixing well, breaking meat up as it cooks. Add onion and cook until translucent. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Next add the riced cauliflower, beans, chili seasoning, garlic salt, tomato sauce and parsley. Once all ingredients are combined, reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for at least 30 minutes.
Pumpkin Soup • • • • • • • • •
One small onion, diced 8 ounces diced tomatoes 2 carrots, minced One tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 8 ounce can pumpkin puree 2 cups milk 1 teaspoon minced garlic ½ teaspoon dried parsley Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
In stockpot, drizzle olive oil in bottom, then add onion and carrot. Cook over medium heat until tender. Stir in tomatoes, without draining. Sprinkle with salt. When fully combined, add pumpkin, milk, garlic and parsley. Stir well then reduce heat to medium-low to prevent boiling. Simmer at least 20 minutes to allow ingredients to meld. Serve with crusty bread and feta cheese. NOTE: This recipe makes a great pasta sauce as well – just reduce the milk to one cup.
Walking Into the New Year On election day last November, I decided to walk to my voting Healthy Eating Tips I started walking again a venue rather than drive the couple months ago — for health, short half mile. Along the way, • Drink a cup of warm lemon water in the morning. that is. I had to put it on hold for I had a revelation; walking to It seems to help me detox and feel less bloated. I read a couple of years because of a somewhere that it gives a nice hit of vitamin C, too. somewhere I actually had to go bum knee; my physical therapist • Drink plain water throughout the day. to felt better than just walking to called it jumpers knee. Although get in my Fitbit steps. I know it • Eat more protein at breakfast time. For me, this it was painful, I felt kind of was a mental thing, but it made means a boiled egg or two, and maybe a fruit. proud to have an old high school me pause a minute. People used • When the nights are darker for longer periods, basketball injury. It was probably to walk all the time, all over the eat a bigger, heavy-vegetable lunch with a couple the most successful achievement ounces of protein. place. As a younger person, I of my short-lived basketball • For dinner, vegetables, protein and more water. walked to some of my schools, career, awful player that I was. walked to the corner store, • Snacks, as needed, and they are always needed. A few new stretching exercises walked to my friends’ houses and Popcorn, apples, red/yellow/orange peppers – from the doctor and a new anything that provides a crunch factor. That seems walked all over college campuses. to satisfy those hungry/nonhungry moments that collection of various arch This was even after I had a license sabotage my eating healthy goals. supports for my shoes, and, one to drive. Life just provided more day, two years later, I realized walking opportunities, it seems, I could walk about 15 minutes years ago. with no pain. With a new Fitbit in hand, I was motivated to I guess our world’s 24-hour lifestyle, suburban sprawl, big extend my walks each day. I’m good for about 3.5 miles now box stores and general modernization have eliminated builtbefore I start to feel a little twinge in the old knee, which is in daily walking opportunities. I mean, there is literally no pretty good. I usually walk around my neighborhood; with its hilly continued on page 49 terrain, it makes for a great walking workout. Sometimes, I go to Swift Cantrell Park, which has a mile long outer loop and a half mile inner loop. It’s a scenic, pleasant walking Jan Leary is an Acworth resident and blogs about food, area. Other times, I venture out around neighboring health and life at vesselsandvittles.com. subdivisions, just for a change. BY JAN LEARY
Three Exercises You Should Do Every Day BY DR. ANDREW PAYNE
You have made it another year and now is the perfect time for self-reflection and self-improvement. One of the most common New Year’s resolutions is better health. Health can be measured by many factors, which include weight, hours of sleep, or stress. However, exercise, or the amount of physical activity one gets every week, continues to be what we focus on most. With that in mind, here are three simple exercises anyone can do every morning to start your day on the right foot.
1.
Squats: A perfect exercise to activate and wake-up your thighs, hamstrings, quadriceps and glutes. The depth of your squat will depend on flexibility. Try shallow squats if you have knee issues or are new to this exercise. Once mastered, squats will get the heart racing, and start you off to a great day by engaging your largest muscle group.
2.
Planks: Whether you perform them on your elbows or your hands in the push-up position, planks are great exercises that
engage your core. Hold the plank position for 10 seconds and then increase your time as you strengthen your core. Make sure you are not cheating yourself by keeping your back straight, buttocks down and head up.
3.
Burpee: Now that your lower body and core are awake, finish with the infamous burpee—a full body exercise that can be scaled up or down based on your fitness level or limitations. The burpee engages the entire body by requiring you to pick yourself off the ground from a prone position, belly down, into a standing straight up position. Repeat this exercise 10 times and you are guaranteed to increase your heart rate, metabolism and energy for the day.
Dr. Andrew Payne is the owner/chiropractor at Lake City Chiropractic in downtown Acworth and is an active member of the Acworth Business Association.
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Stories that Inspire Weight loss is more mental than physical. BY ALEX BUTLER
I began my weight loss journey on Jan. 23, 2018, the day after my brother Mack left for Navy boot camp. My dad, who was also in the Navy, told me I wouldn’t recognize my brother when he returned, and that’s when I decided, “I’m going to meet him there.” When I started, I had no energy, no self-confidence and I would get out of breath just walking up a flight of stairs. At age 20, I knew this wasn’t how I wanted to live my life. I began following a low carb diet, learned to make healthy snack substitutions and even how to cook a little. I used Google to find recipes, like low carb bread, using cauliflower instead of mashed potatoes and a low carb version of pita chips. There are so many healthy food alternatives available, it definitely makes it easier. After six to seven months of just dieting, I started adding some exercise to my routine. This was new to me because I had never wanted anything to do with exercise. Now, because I have more energy, I enjoy it and my self-confidence has skyrocketed. At Thanksgiving, I saw family members who I had not seen in a while. Some of them didn’t even recognize me. They were blown away with the change. It’s been hard, but it does get easier. I have found that weight loss is more mental than physical. So far, I have lost 135 pounds, and I have 10 to go to reach my goal weight. Then, I plan to follow in my dad’s and brother’s footsteps and join the Navy. I’ll be working on getting fit to pass the physical training test, and I hope to ship out in March. Now it’s my turn!
Alex, left, before his weight loss journey, and, above, with his brother Mack, on the left, who was an inspiration for Alex to get healthier.
Managing diabetes is easy, consistency is hard BY DAN THRAILKILL
Dan says staying active is essential to managing diabetes. 18
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I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes on Jan. 13, 1988. I was unofficially diagnosed by my grandfather, a small-town general practice physician, over the phone. We had that diagnosis confirmed later that day after visiting my pediatrician with a blood sugar above 700+. I was quickly admitted to the hospital and began a lifetime of insulin administration and blood sugar checks. Later that same year, my pediatric endocrinologist encouraged my family to send me to Camp Adam Fisher (camp for kids with T1 diabetes in South Carolina). My parents were incredibly hesitant but went along with his suggestions. After celebrating my 30th Dia-Birthday in January 2018, I look back and credit Camp Adam Fisher with providing me with most of my self-diabetes management knowledge. If you have a child with diabetes, check out Camp Kudzu here in Georgia, and sign them up. As a young adult, I was always pretty active, but made many “young and stupid” decisions that were not conducive to good health. At the age of 25, I decided to join a gym and taught myself how to cook. Working out and eating properly have proven to be the two most important decisions of my adult diabetic life. As an experienced T1 and a new father, I know that my disease has to be my top priority. If I do not take care of myself, someone else will, and that’s not fair to anyone. I do not and will not allow myself to be a victim of my disease. Diabetes management in 2019 is much easier than it was in 1988. Modern technology provides diabetics many freedoms to manage their disease; however, it does not substitute for a good lifestyle. If you want to take better care of yourself for 2019, consider working on the following for your new year’s resolution: No 1. Test your blood sugar often; No 2. Take your meds as prescribed; No. 3 Eat right; No. 4. Exercise often; and No. 5. Listen to your healthcare providers. Do not become a victim of your disease and remember that diabetes management is easy, staying consistent is hard.
Listen to your body and get checked out. BY KEVIN JEFFERY
I thought I was just getting old like many others my age, slowing down and lacking the energy of my youth. My annual physical on Oct. 26, 2017 began a sudden and very different perspective. Nothing new I believed going into the exam, but after several tests, showing some abnormalities, I was sent to see a cardiologist. There, I was shocked to find out an EKG indicated that I had an apparent heart attack at some point, and I was running out of time due to my heart condition. The cardiologist actually told me I must have had a major heart attack and could not believe I did not realize it. In hindsight, I see that my suspected “heartburn” was more than just a pain in my chest. Three days later, I was scheduled for a heart catheterization procedure. The catheterization procedure indicated an even bigger issue than expected. No heart stents could be inserted, and I was told very abruptly that I needed open-heart surgery to correct three arteries that were 100 percent blocked and other possible blocked arteries. Talk about a life changer! I had so many questions and so few answers. Most important, how much heart damage did I have and would I recover to live a full life? My surgeon assured me that I would do well and after further tests, I found out I had absolutely no damage to my heart. I ended up having a quadruple bypass Dec. 4, 2017, which went well, and I was looking at several months of recovery. Rehabilitation started five weeks after surgery, which began the start of getting back to living a normal life – my new normal. Obviously, thinking everything is fine, then finding out you really should be dead was a total shock. The impact it made not only on my life, but to those closest to me, especially my wife, was enormous. I truly believe I had angels watching over me throughout this whole ordeal. God surely wanted me to stick around and gave me the support and strength I needed. The support of my wife, my family, my friends and church family have been a blessing. And of course, the hands of my doctors and surgeons were guided by God’s grace to heal me. The differences in one year for me are too numerous to convey. First and foremost, I feel so much healthier than I have in a very long time. My recent annual physical indicated that everything is normal, including blood pressure and cholesterol levels. It is so important that we listen to our bodies and get things checked out. I have learned to eat healthy, exercise and started doing all the right things that we are told we should do. I believe that our mental and spiritual health are as important as our physical health. Prayer has been vital and I am living proof that I can accomplish great things through my faith in God and what he has for me in my future. This has been quite an adventure and one I wish upon no one. God has been gracious and has granted me another chance to do better, to do more. Not only in a healthier lifestyle, but a lifestyle that gives back. God has blessed me to be a blessing to others and has called me to many new opportunities. I am still finding my way, but I know I have been given my health back to serve God and those who we are all called on to help.
C.A. Phillips lost 21 pounds in four months and still wants to lose another 25 pounds, all by taking it one month at a time.
Lack of sleep led to health changes. BY C.A. PHILLIPS
In late August, I hadn’t been sleeping well, and my wife even said that she was concerned because she had woken up a few times in the middle of the night, and I was trying to catch my breath. I made an appointment with an ear, nose and throat doctor who specialized in sleep disorders. He said I had several things working against me: my weight, my huge tonsils and uvula, an S-shaped deviated septum and enlarged interior turbinates in my nasal passage. The doctor mentioned an app he had come across that may help me with weight loss, and specifically in how I view food. I downloaded the app, and did the free 14-day trial. I was immediately hooked, as most of the app’s content deals with the psychology of weight loss and nutrition. The plan showed me, during the course of six months, how I could lose 45-50 pounds – and keep it off. What really grabbed my attention was how it showed on a graph, month-by-month, how this would look. Instead of thinking “there’s no way I can lose 50 pounds,” I saw with my very own eyes how I could lose seven or eight pounds per month, while not giving up any specific types of food. Each day, I log into the app and read several articles designed to teach me how to view food differently, and to keep me focused and optimistic about my future. Additionally, I log every food that I consume and stick to a calorie budget – typically between 1,500-1,650 per day. I also weigh in each morning. To date, I am nearly four months in, and I have lost 21 pounds. I am more confident, feel healthier, sleep better and have more energy. I have another 25 pounds to lose, but I am moving forward and not deterred by the challenges that lie ahead. Who knew that my lack of sleep would lead to finding a new – and better – outlook on my health? AROUND ACWORTH | January 2019
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Logan spent time with local college students, helping them relax between classes. You can tell by Logan’s smile below how much he enjoys therapy visits.
Therapy in the Form of a Four-legged Friend BY JACKIE LOUDIN
I didn’t realize how much stress college students are under these days until I recently spent time at Kennesaw State University. Regular classes were ending and finals were beginning. I was there with my certified therapy dog, Logan, to help students de-stress and hopefully forget about the pressures of school, if only for a little while. As we were leaving, a group of students was gathered in the lobby. One young lady asked if we were leaving, and seemed upset that she had missed her opportunity to visit with Logan. As we approached her, she knelt on the floor and began to cry. Through her sobs, I heard her say, “No one understands how stressful it is. It’s so hard.” Logan immediately went to her, and as she buried her face in his neck and hugged him tightly, I became keenly aware that people of all ages and walks of life are struggling. Stress has been linked to significant health issues, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, gastrointestinal disorders, headaches and depression, to name a few. Obviously, in order to be our best − physically, mentally and emotionally − we need to manage the stress in our lives. There is plenty of advice available on how to reduce and manage stress levels: get plenty of exercise, get a good night’s sleep, avoid caffeine, alcohol and nicotine, pray or meditate. These are all good tips, but what if lowering stress and anxiety was as simple as petting a dog? 20
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Studies reveal spending time with a pet or therapy animal can increase levels of the stress-reducing hormone oxytocin and decrease production of the stress hormone cortisol. In fact, a 2016 survey revealed a strong link between pet ownership and the health benefits. (habri.org/2016-pet-owners-survey) It’s what the Anxiety and Depression Association of America calls “the pet effect.” The reality is not everyone can own a pet. That’s where therapy dogs come into the picture. It’s important to understand a therapy dog is not a service animal, and does not enjoy the same legal rights and privileges as a service dog, which has been trained to provide specific disability-related tasks for its owner. A therapy dog volunteers, with its owner, to provide comfort, affection and love during visits to places such as schools, businesses, hospitals, nursing homes, etc. Therapy dogs must be patient, loving and even-tempered. Logan displayed these traits at an early age, and we took a beginner’s dog obedience class to start our journey toward becoming a therapy dog team. He has since received his Canine Good Citizenship certificate, and passed his test to become a certified therapy dog. He loves putting on his vest and going to “work.” You can almost see a change in his body language when he knows we are headed out for a therapy visit. Which tells me, he probably enjoys the visits as much as the people we go see. For more information about therapy dogs and to see how your organization can benefit from a visit, go to www.therapydogs. com. Make sure to follow Logan’s adventures on his Facebook and Instagram accounts at Logan the Therapy Dog.
ACWORTH POLICE DEPARTMENT
Department Starts Year with Community Events BY WAYNE DENNARD
The hustle and bustle of the holidays has passed, and I hope that everyone in our city had a joyful season. The Acworth Police Department is gearing up for another phenomenal year, with several community outreach activities planned. Online registration is now open for our 19th annual Citizens’ Police Academy (CPA), which will begin in March. The CPA offers the public an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the job, knowledge, skills and abilities required of those in the law enforcement community. In the past, the students of the Citizens’ Police Academy had the opportunity to learn from members of the Acworth Police Department, members of the District Attorney’s office, the office of the Medical Examiner and our 911 operators. One of the highlights of the 12-week class is the firing range experience. Students will have the opportunity to learn from a police firearms instructor, and will be able to participate in exercises on the firing range. At the conclusion of the academy, we will have a graduation ceremony, and students’ families will be invited for an evening of celebration. After successful completion of the course, participants will get a chance to ride along with an Acworth Police officer. Classes are free and, this year, they will meet 6:30-9:30 p.m. Mondays. Seating is limited, so be sure to register early. Also, you may notice our officers have a little more facial hair than usual this month. For the third year
Chief Dennard, center, running toward the water as a participant in the 2018 Polar Plunge. Photo by Beth Fornuto Photography, www.bethfornuto.com
in a row, officers are participating in our Covering the Faces competition. Officers pay to participate in the competition for the best beard, and all the money will be donated to Horizon Field. Last year, we were able to donate nearly $2,000 to the field and league. It’s a fun way to raise funds for a great cause, and just one of the ways that the Acworth Police Department works to support the Special Needs Development Group and Horizon Field. In February, we are looking forward to taking part in the Special Olympics Polar Plunge at Cauble Park. During
this event, officers will take a dip in the frigid waters of Lake Acworth and raise funds for the Special Olympics. This is the third year that the Polar Plunge will be at Lake Acworth, and the event just keeps getting better and better. We have an outstanding department filled with dedicated, caring people whose priority is to spend time and do the right thing, and it’s a million little things that makes this department so special. On behalf of all our staff, I wish everyone a happy and healthy 2019!
Chief Dennard has served as chief since 2012 and has lived in this community for more than 40 years.
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Your Bridge to Success BY JIM HILBER
UPCOMING EVENTS Jan. 8
Morning Jolt
7:30-9 a.m. American Legion Post 304 4220 South Main St., Acworth Networking event that focuses on exchanging referrals with one another. Coffee and breakfast provided. Jan. 10
ABA luncheon
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. NorthStar Church 3413 Blue Springs Road Kennesaw
Alive After Five
5:30-7:30 p.m. BRIX on Main 4843 N. Main St., Acworth Jan. 17
Women’s Network
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Brookwood Christian School 4728 Wood St., Acworth Jan. 22
Morning Jolt
7:30-9 a.m. American Legion Post 304 4220 South Main St., Acworth Networking event that focuses on exchanging referrals with one another. Coffee and breakfast provided.
Happy New Year! I trust you have enjoyed the season of cooler weather, traditions and gatherings. The ABA leadership team wishes well for you, your family and your business in 2019. In 2018, our president, Dave McClanahan, encouraged us to “Show up, dive in, stay at it.” This theme translated well as our ABA circle expanded with like-minded business professionals. You continued, created and planned for economic growth and prosperity in our community. This is exactly what makes Acworth and the Acworth Business Association the place to be for successful ventures. You may have heard this before, but, it is still true. You are the most valuable piece of the puzzle. Our business is your business, and we would love to hear from you. Reach out to us through our events, our staff, our ambassadors and our leadership team. None of us are as smart as all of us. The place is the Acworth Business Association. The time is now. Become a new partner or renew your current valued membership with the ABA. Review the opportunities at www.AcworthBusiness.org. Remember, you don’t get into something to test the waters. You want to make waves. Consider, if you will, the new Acworth bridge. Bridges are amazing. Bridges connect people and places. Bridges span gaps. They require planning, construction and maintenance, but before all that there was something more important: a reason to build. A bridge gets us from one place to another, it connects us. That is your Acworth Business Association. It is your bridge to get you and your business from one place to another, to get you connected, and create a bridge between your goals and your accomplishments. It is an honor and my pleasure to serve the business community in this new year. The Acworth Business Association is your bridge to success and, like you, I am looking forward to an amazing 2019! Do good and be well, Jim Hilber President 2019 Acworth Business Association
Feb. 7
ABA luncheon
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. NorthStar Church 3413 Blue Springs Road Kennesaw 22
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Jim Hilber has served on the ABA board for three years. He is the president of Merchant Gladiator, LLC, and a father, raising two young boys with his wife Tania.
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Energy Fuels the Path to Time Management BY JESSICA LEIGH SMITH
Time. There's never enough of it and it flies, whether or not you're having fun. If we all have the same 24 hours, why do some people get much more done than others? The answer … time management. Some people are born with great time management skills. But if that isn't you, it doesn't mean you can't cultivate them. If you had these skills once, but have recently taken a slide, it’s never too late to get back on track. I once thought I would never struggle with getting things done. But then I began homeschooling my children and, suddenly, I could no longer seem to accomplish much at all. I also gave into mommy peer pressure. Mommies with Type A personalities with their calendars and todo lists aren't seen as fun and exciting. So, I relaxed some of my normal tendencies, and our house got messy, I gained weight, I fell behind on responsibilities and my family was more stressed. At the start of 2018 I revisited my old habits. I needed to work them back into my life and be more serious than ever before. And as 2019 starts, I am glad to say my productivity has greatly increased. I want to share with you the time management tips I use, but first I want to talk about the key ingredient in an effective use of your time: energy. You cannot be productive without enough energy to make it through the day. True energy that lasts isn’t found in caffeine; it comes from treating your body well with sleep, good nutrition, exercise, quiet times and rest days. Your first thought may be that you don't have time for all of that. I counter you don’t have time to not do these things. When you incorporate these things into your daily life, you magically find more hours to be productive. Keep it simple and start small. Aim for 30 minutes of exercise three to four days each week. Exercising in the morning will energize you the best, but if your schedule doesn't allow for that, break it up throughout your day: 10 minutes of cardio in the morning, 10 minutes of stretching at mid-day, and 10 minutes of small weights in the evening. I have found many great videos on YouTube that can guide you through these exercises. 24
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For nutrition, aim for an apple and a green vegetable each day. If eight hours of sleep is impossible, try for six, starting before midnight. As for a meditation or quiet time, even just 10 minutes each morning to sit quietly and pray or simply think about your day will add energy. God knew best when he told us to keep the Sabbath. We all need one day a week when we don't go, go, go. When you have incorporated these small steps into your life and have created a habit of well-being, then you are ready to begin improving your time management skills. The most important tip I can give you for accomplishing any new goal is to start slow. I encourage you to spend a month solidifying your path to well-being. Create a daily to-do list with only these small steps listed on it. You’ll know you have created new habits when you no longer need to check off each item to remember to do it. This process will probably take about 30 days. I would like to leave you with one tip. To be truly effective at managing
your schedule, you need to embrace the word "no." A few years ago I found myself struggling with getting it all done. Saying no isn't something that I wanted to do. I truly enjoyed all of my work, but I had to admit I could no longer handle all of it if I wanted to be the wife and mother that I wanted to be. I let go of almost every activity, and I learned the world will continue spinning without my help. I also learned it was OK for me to say no to opportunities, knowing there would always be more. My suggestion is to write down all of your responsibilities outside of your home and determine if you have reasonable expectations for what you can handle. Is there even one thing you should let go of and/or pass on to someone else? Spend some time this month taking an honest look at to what you should say yes and to what you should say no. When you have finalized your commitments, you're ready for the next steps in your journey to great time management, which will be discussed next month in part two of our productivity series.
Jessica Leigh Smith lives in Acworth with her family. She is a wife, mother and actress, who juggles multiple schedules while homeschooling her two daughters.
Financial Resolutions to Consider in the New Year PROVIDED BY DARYL ULLMER
As the new year begins, you may want to look ahead to see which areas of your life you can improve in 2019. Perhaps you’ll decide to exercise more, eat healthier foods, reconnect with old friends or volunteer at a school or charitable organization. All these goals are certainly worthwhile, but you also may want to add some New Year’s financial resolutions to your list.
Here are a few ideas to consider: • Boost contributions to your employer-sponsored retirement plan. Good news! Contribution limits are
increasing for many employer-sponsored retirement plans. For 2019, you can contribute up to $19,000 (up from $18,500 in 2018), or, if you’re 50 or older, $25,000 (up from $24,500 in 2018) to your 401(k) or similar employersponsored retirement plan. It’s usually a good idea to contribute as much as you can afford to your employer’s plan, as your contributions may lower your taxable income, while any earnings growth is tax-deferred. Keep in mind that taxes are due upon withdrawal, and withdrawals prior to age 59½ may be subject to a 10 percent IRS penalty. At a minimum, put in enough to earn your employer’s matching contribution, if one is offered.
• Try to “max out” on your IRA. Even if you have a 401(k) or similar plan, you probably still can invest in an IRA. For 2019, you can put in up to $6,000 in a traditional or Roth IRA (up from $5,500 in 2018), or $7,000 (up from $6,500) if you’re 50 or older. (Income restrictions apply to Roth IRAs.) Contributions to a traditional IRA may be tax-deductible, depending on your income, and any earnings growth is tax-deferred. Roth IRA contributions are not deductible, but earnings growth can be withdrawn tax-free, provided you
don’t start taking withdrawals until you are 59½ and you’ve had your account at least five years. You can put most types of investments — stocks, bonds, mutual funds, government securities and so on — into an IRA, so it can expand your options beyond those offered in your 401(k) or similar plan.
• Build an emergency fund. Try to build an emergency fund containing three to six months’ worth of living expenses, with the money held in a low-risk, liquid account. This fund can help you avoid dipping in to your long-term investments to pay for unexpected costs, such as a major car repair. • Control your debts. Do what you can to keep your debts under control. Ultimately, the less you have to spend on debt payments, the more you can invest for your future. • Don’t overreact to financial market volatility. In 2018, especially the last few months of the year, we saw considerable market volatility, with huge drops and big gains in rapid succession. What will 2019 bring? It’s always difficult, and usually futile, trying to forecast the market’s performance over the course of an entire year. But, try not to overreact to whatever ups and downs we may experience. Instead, continue pursuing an investment strategy that’s appropriate for your goals, risk tolerance and time horizon. Following these suggestions can help you become a better investor in 2019, and beyond.
This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones financial adviser, Daryl Ullmer. Daryl.Ullmer@EdwardJones.com.
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Volunteering in the New Year
Tips to Help You Keep Your Giving-Back Resolutions BY IRENE BARTON
“I resolve to ….” “I’m going to do more of ….” “I promise that I will …” How many times have we uttered those words to ourselves on Jan. 1 and then fallen just a bit short? Experts caution not to commit to making sweeping changes (that will prove overwhelming), but to reflect on the past year and set smaller, attainable goals that you can track, measure and celebrate. Whether it’s exercising more, cooking healthier meals, having more patience with your family, or something else, keep in mind that every step gets you closer to the goal of living a more complete, productive and engaged life. One important component of a fulfilling lifestyle is volunteering. Studies show that volunteering can help reduce stress, keep you mentally stimulated, help you feel connected and provide a sense of purpose. Additionally, you can volunteer at practically any age. It sets a good example for others, and it costs next to nothing! With all of those positives, why not consider resolving to be more connected to your community? So, where to start? There are many organizations serving different groups in the metro area, and it’s easy to pull up a list of nonprofits and be overwhelmed. Cobb Collaborative recommends beginning with your passion and what you enjoy. Many people have a cause that resonates with them from a personal experience. If you’re not sure what your passion is, then do a quick personal inventory. Do you like children and interacting with them during an activity? Have you or a family member served in the military and you want to support veterans? What articles in the newspaper do you find yourself drawn to? What stories do you hear on the news that impact you? Do you have a rescue dog and want to help other rescue animals? You may find upon reflection that you do have a specific area of concern, and you didn’t even realize it! Some people like to volunteer in their professional “space” – it’s what they know, what they enjoy and they’re good at it. For example, teachers who serve as tutors, attorneys who perform pro bono work, IT professionals who build and maintain websites for nonprofits. Other individuals like to do something completely different. If you sit in an office all day, then being outside picking up litter or doing stream monitoring could be a refreshing change of pace. You’re more likely to derive joy and remain committed if it’s something that resonates with you. So, now that you have the “what,” how do you find the “where?” Start by asking friends and neighbors if they volunteer at an organization or know of any place that serves the population or interest area that you have identified. Many churches have a wide variety of ministries that address basic human needs like clothing, shelter, food, education, and they partner with other local organizations. Your neighborhood school is another great place to inquire about opportunities. Try volunteering with someone you know; it’s a great way to deepen a friendship or to have fun as a family. Once you identify an organization, there’s nothing wrong 26
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with trying it out to ensure you enjoy the experience. Maybe you always pictured yourself doing office work, but now realize that’s not where your passion lies. Be honest with the volunteer coordinator or assigned staff personnel. Please keep in mind that some organizations require an application and orientation, and most that work with children, and other vulnerable populations, will require a background check and perhaps more intensive training. Remember, this is to protect you and the clients. It’s a good idea to volunteer at least several times before you decide whether it’s a good fit or not. A good rule of thumb is to only volunteer at the level comfortable for you. Most nonprofit organizations are happy to have an extra set of hands for even an hour or two. If you’ve never consistently volunteered before, perhaps starting with once a quarter in 2019 is an attainable goal. If that doesn’t feel frequent enough, then strive for once a month. You will reap the benefits and can set a new goal in the future. To help get you started, here is a list of some organizations that cover a variety of causes.
• Kennesaw Mountain National Park Trail Club – Second Saturday of each month. https://www.nps.gov/kemo/getinvolved/volunteer.htm
• MUST Ministries – Many opportunities for individuals and groups to volunteer. https://www.mustministries.org/be-help
• Papa’s Pantry – https://papaspantry.org/volunteer • Communities in Schools – Mentors and tutors at various schools in Cobb County - http://cismcc.org
• Smith Gilbert Gardens – http://smithgilbertgardens.com/ support-us/volunteer-donations/
• The Extension – https://www.theextension.org/give-help • Cobb County Library – http://www.cobbcat.org/about-us/ volunteer-opportunities/
• Mostly Mutts – https://www.mostlymutts.org • YMCA – https://www.ymcaatlanta.org/ volunteer-opportunities/
• • • •
CHOICES For Kids – http://www.choicesforkids.org Teach 1 to Lead 1 – https://t1l1.org/contact Our Pals Place – http://www.ourpalsplace.org Cobb Senior Services – https://www.cobbcounty.org/
public-services/senior-services/volunteer-opportunities
There are so many organizations that would welcome the donation of your time and talents. Start with what you care about, and you will find it easy to keep this resolution all year long.
Irene Barton is the executive director of Cobb Collaborative, an organization that connects nonprofits to better position them for success and strengthen Cobb County. www.cobbcollaborative.org.
Are You Committed to Your Resolutions? BY PASTOR J.R. LEE
Do you make New Year’s resolutions? I bet you’ve made at least one. Even people who hate resolutions make a resolution to never make a resolution. It is what it is. Whether you want to lose weight, get in shape, save more, give more or spend more time with family and friends, we all want to be more successful in 2019 than we were in 2018. At least, I hope you do. If you really want this year to be different, you have a decision to make. Let me show you what I mean. Here are two different scenarios that played out as a result of two encounters with Jesus. The first man gets the opportunity of a lifetime to follow Jesus, but walks away. “Jesus answered, ‘If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.’ When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.” — Matthew 19:21-22 The second man gets the opportunity of a lifetime to follow Jesus and he leaves everything, in order to make it happen. “As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. ‘Follow me,’ he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him.” — Matthew 9:9 What was the difference? What characteristic distinguished one from the other? Was one man smart and the other dumb? While the decision-making ability of the first man might be called into
question, both men were good at what they did. So, what was it? One was interested. The other was committed. For 2019 to be different than 2018, you and I have to decide what we are interested in compared with what we are committed to. I am interested in many things. I am committed to far less. Let’s look at the difference between the two.
Interested vs. Committed
• Sticks with it until something better comes along vs. Sticks with it, no matter what • Dabble with it vs. Set sights and step on the gas • Makes excuses vs. Makes it happen • Whenever it’s convenient vs. Whether you feel like it or not
See what I mean? If you are interested in your goal, you probably will forget about it by February. If you are committed, you will push through the difficulty and make it happen. So, whether you want to lose weight, get in shape, save more, give more, start a business or spend more time with family and friends, you can do it! This year will be different, because you are different. You aren’t just interested; you are committed!
J.R. Lee is the lead pastor of Freedom Church, with locations in Acworth and Kennesaw. To connect with him, visit www.JRLee.tv or visit www.FreedomChurch.tv. 770-529-6006.
AROUND ACWORTH | January 2019
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Ways to Cultivate Community this Year BY JENNIFER BONN
At a time when most resolutions involve losing weight or exercising, I propose we cultivate community as our goal. We experience different types of communities through friends, family, colleagues and acquaintances. A good resolution would be to work on our relationships, whether it is with those close to us or the people in the greater community. It will require a give and take, but it can change your life even more than cutting back on sweets or joining a gym. Our relationships are the crux of everything we do. Good family relations lead to a happier home life, relating to our colleagues makes us more productive in the workplace, and having good friends has been proven to factor in our longevity. The truth is that we need each other. We can cultivate communities in a variety of ways. Be open You have a choice every day to close yourself off to those around you or to be open to interactions. Make eye contact and smile; you can serve someone just by listening.
Reach out Friends, co-workers, family and sometimes random strangers are carrying burdens that we can help with if we take the time to reach out. My daily goal is to send an affirmation note to someone who might need it or a text to say "I was thinking of you today." A kind word, a smile and an act of kindness can have more of an effect than you can imagine. Give the gift of food Food, in moderation, is our fuel and a life source, but it is also an expression of love. Whenever there is a need, the first thing we think to offer is food. There is comfort in food, and it can lift our mood better than anything. A local business visited our school recently, and brought smoothies for everyone. It was such a simple thing, but everyone walked around with a smile for the rest of the day. Be transparent While we want people to think we are fine, we all have glorious imperfections; a secret we hope no one discovers, be it a lack of ability, or a little crazy hiding in the family closet. When we are transparent, it
causes a chain reaction. My family has a fair amount of crazy in it, and I used to worry what someone would think about me if I shared my family stories. The first time I was open about what was happening, the people around me looked relieved and started to tell their own stories. Being transparent can not only release the burden that you are carrying, but it can also make others more comfortable. It allows people to feel they are not alone in their struggles. We shouldn’t be afraid that others are judging us. I go into every day with the attitude that I am going to give the world the best me that I have, and people will choose to either like me or not. You cannot be responsible for what others think of you because there will always be those who think you are a rock star, while others want to cut you down. Run your race and don't worry about the evaluations of others. Take time to gather It is easy to be caught up with a hectic pace, but being able to interact with each other is a priceless gift. It gives us a chance to share stories and laughter. Making memories together can raise our spirits when our friends and family have gone their separate ways. One of the saddest things to hear is that someone feels lonely. It is essential for human beings to gather. We need the interaction and support that a community can provide. When we are left alone, we cannot prosper and grow, but with others around us in our lives, we can develop and maintain a healthier lifestyle. When life becomes difficult, having a community can make all the difference. When you are a part of a group that feels like family, any burden you may be carrying becomes lighter when others are there to help you. Cultivate community this year and find help with all your other resolutions. Jennifer Bonn is a French teacher at Mount Paran Christian School, and is working on a book about lessons she learned in the classroom.
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AROUND ACWORTH | January 2019
Dr. Brian Mays, Dr. John Valle, Dr. Shara Draper, Dr. Julie Poteet 6121 Cedarcrest Road, Suite 108 Acworth, GA 30101
770-529-7789 @TrueVisionEyecare www.truevisioneyecare.com
IN THE SPOTLIGHT • Business description.
TrueVision Eyecare provides comprehensive eye care for the entire family as well as one of the largest selections of frames and sunglasses in Acworth. The center treats a variety of eye conditions, including trauma, foreign body removal, red eye evaluation and treatment. TrueVision co-manages the treatment of many eye diseases, including cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. TrueVision works with many local surgical groups to provide patients with pre and post-operative care. A dry eye clinic and vision therapy treatments are available in office, as well.
• The difference.
In order to serve the community better, TrueVision offers same day appointments, pediatric eye health exams, ocular allergy treatment and a full optical shop. The dry eye clinic evaluates and treats each patient’s individual symptoms, while providing possible treatment solutions. The vision therapy service provides an individualized program of eye exercises and other methods to treat non-refractive vision problems, such as eye alignment and lazy eye. Extended and Saturday hours are available. Most vision and major medical insurance plans are accepted. For patients without insurance, TrueVision offers the TrueVision Savings Plan.
• Customers are saying.
“I cannot put enough words of praise into this review to express my satisfaction with this practice. I have been with these doctors for over a decade. The way they run their practice sets the standard for all others. Everyone on staff knows what they are doing. They are knowledgeable, friendly, efficient, neat and clean. My entire family goes to this practice and we couldn’t be more satisfied with the care that we receive! I highly recommend these professional eye doctors and their team!” - Kim L.
Stocks. Bonds. CDs. IRAs. Mutual funds. Daryl Ullmer
Financial Advisor .
3450 Acworth Due West Rd N W Suite 340 Kennesaw, GA 30144 678-574-8620
MKT-5894G-A-A1
www.edwardjones.com Member SIPC
AROUND ACWORTH | January 2019
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A Spotlight on Community Artists Artists and creative thinkers provide their communities with more than entertainment. Through their work, they help bring people, from all walks of life, together in a way that nothing else can. Artists come in many forms: musicians, writers, actors, painters, sculptors, etc., and we hope to strengthen the community bond created by the arts by highlighting local artists from various genres.
From left: Lead guitarist Joshua Thomas, lead vocals and rhythm guitar Tanner Adams, bass guitar Stephen Ellington and drummer Christian Hudgens. 30
AROUND ACWORTH | January 2019
Tell us a little about yourself.
“My name is Tanner Adams. I sing and play rhythm guitar in the Holly Street Band. I grew up in Acworth, going to Oak Grove Elementary and fumbling through talent shows along the way. I played my mom’s old Epiphone guitar, trying to make a chord. I remember going to a lot of folk concerts at Red Top Mountain, camping out most weekends, and just falling for the freedom of music. I have always loved the ability to get away to a place of nature. “I remember being a little kid and feeling free to sing about whatever I saw, and make up songs, even if the words didn’t make sense. It was fun. I felt alive and happy creating. For a while, the only concert venue was the amphitheater at Hobgood Park or Swayze’s Venue. Now, it seems music has breathed itself into the community. From Woodstock to Acworth, new venues are popping up to support the arts. “As I got older, music continued to be a part of my everyday existence, but I never felt good enough to put it out there. I kept trying to get the right job, create the perfect family, and build this normalized Americana image, and I was unhappy. I was unhappy because I wasn’t being true to myself, and it felt like I was swimming upstream. Eventually, the reality of how short life is hit me, and everything came together at the right moment. “I met my bandmates, and it was as if they had been walking down the same road. We practiced for about a week, and then dove in and started playing our first shows.”
“Music inspires me, and helps me grow as a human.” – Tanner Adams Who or what inspires you as an artist?
“I am greatly inspired by an artist named Victor Wooten. He wrote a book called ‘The Music Lesson: A Spiritual Search for Growth Through Music.’ He explains music on a different level. Not as something you can learn, like a math equation, but as a living thing that you can feel and get lost in. “Music inspires me, and helps me grow as a human. It teaches me to listen. Music moves in the most vibrant way, and can change the world. Other artists, such as the Allman Brothers, Black Sabbath, the Meters and the Grateful Dead all come to mind when thinking of inspiration.”
What are you most proud of, or what has been your biggest moment?
“The first time we ever performed as the Holly Street Band will always be one of my proudest moments. We only knew three songs at the time, and we were playing at a biker bar. We didn’t know what to expect, and I probably said some dumb, nervous things on the microphone. But, we got up onstage together, trusted each other, and we played our hearts out. It definitely sounded like a work in progress, but, afterward, a man approached me and said, ‘Boy, the second you walked in here I knew I was going to plug my ears and hate you guys,’ he paused for a second and continued, ‘but, I was wrong. I really like you guys.’ That, to me, is what music is all about, and I will always remember that moment, especially now as we prepare for our first tour.”
What do you hope to accomplish?
“I just love playing and writing. As a band, we believe that music is something that takes you to a higher place. We hope our music can do that, and help create a place where people can leave their worries behind and have a good time. Creating music is what we love to do, and we hope to continue building on that. “As a band, we believe in supporting local music in the area. Go out and watch live music, and buy local art. I was born and raised in Acworth, so I feel a strong desire to promote the arts where I live. It brings joy and life to a community. Give love and watch it circulate.”
What’s next?
“We are currently working on our first album with some good friends from another local band called The GMOS. We are also gearing up for our January tour. We will be traveling to Birmingham, Alabama; Atlanta; Chattanooga, Tennessee; and Nashville. You can catch us at Smith’s Olde Bar in Atlanta at 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 10. You also can keep up with us through Instagram and Facebook: @thehollystreetband.” AROUND ACWORTH | January 2019
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Credit Union of Georgia
It’s Easier Than You May Think to Become a Member Credit Union of Georgia is a viable — and preferable, according to members and employees — option to traditional banks. Amanda Arnold, vice president of marketing and business development, dispels a few myths about credit unions in general, and this North Georgia financial institution.
MYTH: You must belong to a particular group or organization to be a member. FACT: Credit Union of Georgia is a community credit union. Anyone who lives or works in Bartow, Cobb, Cherokee, Paulding or Pickens counties is eligible to join.
MYTH: A credit union is too small to offer many services. FACT: Credit Union of Georgia is large enough to provide members with the same products and services they want and need from larger financial institutions, without exorbitant fees, but still small enough to provide a more personal experience.
MYTH: Credit unions aren’t convenient and are less tech savvy. FACT: From online banking and mobile deposits to e-alerts and mobile apps for
Apple and Android, members have 24/7 access to their finances. Credit Union of Georgia is part of a CO-OP Shared Branching Network that allows members access to nearly 30,000 surcharge-free ATMs and more than 5,000 shared branch locations, along with Publix Presto! ATMs free of charge.
The biggest fact that distinguishes the Credit Union of Georgia as an appealing alternative is that it is owned by its members. “As a not-for-profit financial institution, Credit Union of Georgia is uniquely different, in that any money earned by the Credit Union is returned to our members/owners in the form of
competitive dividends and lower lending interest rates,” President/CEO of Credit Union of Georgia Brian Albrecht said. “As a member-owned cooperative, our members have a direct impact on how the Credit Union operates. By being local, we are able to provide a more personal banking experience.” There are other unique benefits of
being a Credit Union member. • Lower rates on loans. Members can apply online 24/7 for a loan that fits their needs, from auto to mortgage, personal to adventure loans at www.CUofGA.org. • Since the Credit Union began by serving educators, a passion for education and giving back to local schools drives year-round fundraising. Employees have many chances to make a difference. • A no-cost financial adviser is available to members, as well as financial wellness counseling through GreenPath, a nonprofit dedicated to
3130 Cobb Parkway NW, Kennesaw, GA 30152 678-486-1111 Check the website of hours
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www.CUofGA.org @CUofGA AROUND ACWORTH | January 2019
branch locations as we continue to grow. For more accessibility, we are a part of the CO-OP Shared Branch network to give members access to nearly 30,000 surcharge-free ATMs and more than 5,000 shared branching locations,” Albrecht said. “We promise to give our members a place to bank that they can trust and depend on. We are your neighbor, and we want to serve you.” The CEO is a native of Northwest “I have been a member of the Credit Georgia. He earned two bachelor of Union of Georgia for almost seven years. business administration degrees in I am very pleased with my experience. management and finance at Valdosta I especially like that they monitor my State University, and began his banking activity and alert me to potential frauds. career in Valdosta at SunTrust Bank. After transferring to north Atlanta, he began This was hugely helpful when my debit his career with Credit Union of Georgia, card number was stolen out of state. working his way up from member service They quickly froze the card and refunded representative. His most recent degree is my money for the fraudulent charges. a master of business administration from Kennesaw State University. I have used them for notary services, During his almost 11 years with the which also was quick and easy. I love Credit Union, Albrecht’s roles have their mobile app, and that you can allowed him to be directly involved deposit checks without coming into the with strategic planning, consumer branch.” and commercial lending, product • Wide Range of Account Solutions development, digital delivery channels, • Convenient Account Access payment services, industry partnerships, “Since I moved to the Credit Union of • Low Loan Rates political advocacy and the overall financial Georgia, I’ve enjoyed better customer health. • Friendly, Knowledgeable Staff service than myLending previous&bank offered,Decision “We are in business to help individuals • Locally Made Operating and businesses in our community afford and they let me make six transactions life and reach their financial goals, at ATMs that aren’t owned by them Albrecht said. When you are in business, without fees every month. I feel confident that I made the right decision to bank with them, and I would advise anyone else living in Georgia to do the Towne Canton same. I feelLake safe that my money is with 3048 Eagle Dr. 140 Riverstone Pkwy them and I think I will be a customer for a long time.”
HeyWhat Towne YourLake,
You Can Join! Neighbors Are Saying
PHOTOS BY BROOKE VANDE ZANDE
improving financial wellness for credit union members. • A complimentary auto buying service allows members to meet with Credit Union representatives who have relationships with local dealers. The representative negotiates with the dealer to make sure the member gets the best price. • The Credit Union has a passion for serving and giving back to the community and educators. IN THE BEGINNING In 1960, employees of the Cobb County and Marietta City School Districts established, first, MaCo Educators, and, later, Credit Union of Georgia to serve the educators, faculty, staff and students. Their goal was to set up a local organization that gave them the best option for their finances, while letting them directly impact how their business was handled. Over the years, membership expanded, and locations were chosen in areas most convenient for the membership. Currently, there are six branch locations, with four in Cobb County, two in Cherokee County and a new one planned for East Cobb. The Acworth branch is located at 3130 Cobb Parkway NW, Kennesaw, GA 30152. “We’ll continue to add additional
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Brian Albrecht
first, to help people and, second, to make money for the sole purpose of providing additional products and services to the members and communities, it makes the job fun.”
“My wife and I have always had www.CUofGA.org | 678-486-1111 friendly, professional service and swift resolutions to any issues that have come up. I also enjoy the free Coinstar machine. No fee if you are a credit union member and the lowest fee of anywhere I have seen if you are not. Overall, I would truly recommend the [credit union for its] personal and friendly service.”
#DoYouCU
Sponsored Content AROUND ACWORTH | January 2019
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Rob’s Rescues This dog's tag number is 610859 and her name is Endi. She is an owner surrender and is 13 years old. She is a sweet dog, but needs to get cleaned up. She looked super happy when my mom walked her outside, and would be a great dog, because she is kind and gentle. This cat's name is Baby, and she is 10 years old. Her tag number is 610837. She is a tortoise-shell, with interesting coloring. Baby is a sweet cat, but will need to get to know a new place. You should adopt this cat, because she is very pretty, and she is kind and sweet. I enjoyed playing with her. She should not be in a house with other cats, but she loves people.
If anyone wants to collect any pet food or toys for animals in need in the area, get a Rob's Rescues bin. Recently in Cherokee County, Starbucks Canton Marketplace and Starbucks on Sixes Road held food drives for me, for animals in need. There is always a Rob's Rescues pet food collection bin at Rebound Physical Therapy (980 Woodstock Parkway, Suite 200, Woodstock). If anyone wants to do a pet food collection for their birthday, let me know. Charlie Dobbs had a birthday party, and her friends brought a lot of things. Some of the things from the bin went to Two Tailz Rescue, and some went to the W-Underdogs. See my interviews with Freedom Flightz, who are part of Two Tailz Rescue (November 2018) and the W-Underdogs (August 2018) in the archives at www.AroundAcworthMagazine.com, or on my website, www.robsrescues.com. Right, Charlie Dobbs with her Rob's Rescues birthday bin. Bottom left, Starbucks Canton Marketplace team: Scott Gill, Deanna Higgins, Chalet Fosgate, Linda Bruce, Maria Luna and Gail Alexander. Bottom right, Rob and Joe Kafati of Rebound Physical Therapy.
I am Rob Macmillan, and I am on a mission to help shelter dogs and cats. Contact me at robsrescues@ gmail.com.
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AROUND ACWORTH | January 2019
Readers' Choice 2019 Presented by Aroundabout Local Media
Our local business owners bring so much value to our community. They offer restaurants where we can grab a delicious meal, service centers to keep our cars in tune, individuals who help educate our children and care for our pets, and medical facilities with physicians we trust to treat our families.
We have exciting news about Readers’ Choice 2019! We’ve added a dedicated nomination period, Feb. 1-28, followed by voting from April 1 to May 10.
Nominating a business is as simple as 1-2-3!
1. Starting Feb. 1, go to www.aroundacworthmagazine.com. 2. Click on the Readers' Choice nomination icon on the home page. 3. Find the proper category and nominate your favorite by typing in the business name. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
1. While most of us spend a fair amount of time in big-box retailers, we want to keep
the focus of Readers’ Choice on local small businesses. Our goal is to celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit. 2. As you make your nominations, please include the location of the business if there are multiple sites. For example, many restaurants have three or four locations. Help us know which one you’re nominating by giving as much information as possible, such as a street or community name. 3. Make nominations in as few or as many categories as you’d like. Stay tuned for nominations to open at 9 a.m. Feb. 1. Please don't hesitate to contact us with any questions; we're here to celebrate your favorite businesses. They make our community special - what a perfect way to thank them!
AROUND ACWORTH | January 2019
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Super Bowl
Get Close to the Big Game The big game is coming to Atlanta! That’s right, Super Bowl LIII will be Feb. 3 in Mercedes-Benz Stadium. For just the third time in history, Atlanta will play host to the country’s largest sporting event, so you don’t want to miss it. But, don’t worry, if you can’t afford the high-dollar tickets to the game, we’ve got you covered with all the ways you still can be close to the action.
Super Bowl LIVE Presented by Verizon, this free six-day fan festival takes place at Centennial Olympic Park leading up to game day. The fan-fest event will begin Jan. 26 and run through Feb. 2. Atlanta-based, Grammy award-winning producer Jermaine Dupri was named the event’s music producer. He was charged with securing musical artists and producing the concerts. Dupri is the founder and CEO of So So Def Records, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. Super Bowl LIVE will be open to the public the following days and times.
Jan. 26: 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Jan. 27: Noon-7 p.m., Jan. 28 4-8 p.m., Jan. 29-30: Closed, Jan. 31: 4-10 p.m., Feb. 1: Noon-10 p.m., Feb. 2: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Details on musical artists were not available at press time. www.ATLSuperBowl53.com. 36
AROUND ACWORTH | January 2019
Bud Light Super Bowl Music Festival The first Bud Light Super Bowl Music Festival kicks off Jan. 31 as part of the EA Sports Bowl. The music fest will run through Feb. 2 at State Farm Arena, home of the Atlanta Hawks. Thursday’s lineup is the most packed. It headlines Ludacris and Migos and includes a DJ set from Lil Jon. The Super Friday set features Aerosmith and Post Malone. On Super Bowl eve, Bruno Mars and Cardi B are set to perform. Tickets are on sale now. www.SuperBowlMusicFest.com.
Celebrity Flag Football Game Alongside Celebrity Sweat, the Atlanta Braves will host the 19th annual Celebrity Flag Football Challenge Feb. 2 at SunTrust Park. Former Atlanta Falcon Michael Vick will square off against last year’s winning quarterback, Doug Flutie. Teams will consist of pro athletes, celebrities and musicians. The honorary captains for the event are Ron “Jaws” Jaworski, Michael Irvin, Andre Reed and Brian Jordan. More than 20 celebrities are scheduled to participate. The pregame show will feature marching bands and cheerleaders from Atlanta Public Schools. There also will be a military scrimmage prior to kickoff, where members of the armed forces will take on the professionals. Tickets are on sale now through Ticketmaster. https://csweat.com.
THE IMPACT IN COBB Information shared at a Nov. 26 Cobb Board of Commissioners meeting outlines the effect of the Super Bowl on Cobb County International Airport — McCollum Field.
• The Federal Aviation Administration projects 1,100 aircraft parking are spaces needed for the Super Bowl. Among all airports within 90 miles of Atlanta, there are 900 available, with 200 in Cobb (the most of any airport in metro Atlanta).
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• For the first time in Super Bowl history, the three largest charter jet companies in the country will operate out of the same airport (Netjets, Flexjet and Wheels Up).
• Hiring 50-60 additional fixed-base operator employees.
• Cobb has 22 air slots for Monday departures,
more than any other airport in metro Atlanta. There are only 103 slots available in the metro Atlanta airspace at any given time. Flights are scheduled to take off less than 3 minutes apart. According to the FAA reservation system, Cobb has flights scheduled every 2.75 minutes, based on possible poor weather conditions. If weather conditions are good, Cobb could operate faster. PHOTO FROM MERCEDESBENZSTADIUM.COM/MEDIA
“Off the Wall” Display As part of the Legacy 53 initiative, 10 artists were commissioned to do 30 large-scale murals around downtown Atlanta. “Off the Wall: Atlanta’s Civil Rights & Social Justice Journey” shines a spotlight on Atlanta’s role in civil rights, human rights and social justice movements. The 30 murals will be installed in the neighborhoods bordering Mercedes-Benz Stadium, in addition to other areas of downtown. The murals will go up before Super Bowl LIII and will remain as part of the city’s permanent public art collection. www.AtlSuperBowl53.com.
College Football Hall of Fame Fan Experience A great alternative to experiencing the game you love during Super Bowl weekend, the College Football Hall of Fame features historic and contemporary memorabilia, children’s activities, interactive multimedia displays, a theater featuring a high-definition film, and activity spaces. In addition to the exhibits on display, the hall has a 45-yard indoor football field where fans can test their abilities kicking field goals, throwing like a quarterback and taking on the obstacle course, all part of the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl Skill Zone. Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sundays–Fridays and 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays. www.cfbhall.com.
Start Enjoying All the Exclusive Benefits of Credit Union Membership! • Wide Range of Account Solu�ons • Convenient Account Access • Low Loan Rates • Friendly, Knowledgeable Staff • Locally Made Lending & Opera�ng Decisions
Visit our North Cobb Branch Today! 3130 Cobb Pkwy NW Across from Walmart Between Acworth Due West Rd & Blue Springs Rd on Cobb Pkwy
Learn More At: www.CUofGA.org | 678-486-1111
#DoYouCU AROUND ACWORTH | January 2019
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Prepping for the
BIG GAME
Even though Super Bowl LIII will be played at the home of the Atlanta Falcons, not everyone can attend the local event. According to seatgeek.com, the average cost of a ticket to the big game is between $2,500 and $3,000. If you’re like us, you’ll be watching from your favorite couch or recliner. That means you can enjoy your favorite football foods and beverages. Whether you’re attending a big party with friends or staying home to view the most watched yearly television show in America, you can try one (or all) of our recipes for the final game of the season.
Little Lemon Drops Patty Ponder, President
• 1 box lemon cake mix • 1 package (3.4 ounces) instant vanilla pudding mix • 4 large eggs • 1 1/4 cups sour cream • 1/2 cup milk
Directions
Preheat the oven to 325. Coat Photo used with permission. www.butterwithasideofbread.com mini-muffin tin with cooking spray. Beat the ingredients in a large bowl with an electric mixer for several minutes until blended and smooth. Fill each muffin hole about 1/2 full. A small cookie scoop works perfectly. Bake for about 12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool the pan on a wire rack for about 2 minutes and then turn the muffin pan over on a wire rack so that all the muffins are upside down. Cool completely and once all the batter is cooked, you can make the glaze.
Lemon Glaze • • • • •
3 1/2 cups powdered sugar Zest from one lemon 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice 1/4 cup hot water
Directions
Place the wire racks over waxed paper. Beat the glaze ingredients in a medium bowl until smooth. Dip muffins in glaze to coat the bottoms (which are now the tops!) and the sides and let the excess drip off back into the bowl. Place each lemon drop back on the wire racks until the glaze is set. Enjoy!
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AROUND ACWORTH | January 2019
Chicken Enchilada Dip Katie Beall, Around Acworth Editor
Of all the Pinterest projects and recipes I've tried, this chicken enchilada dip is by far my biggest Pinterest win. I made it for the first time four years ago, and it quickly became my go-to party dish for any occasion. • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened • 10 ounces mild enchilada sauce • ¾ cup black beans (I just use a whole 16-ounce can) • ½ cup frozen corn • 1 cup chopped cooked chicken breast (I use shredded chicken cooked in salsa) • ¼ cup mild taco seasoning • 2 cups Mexican cheese, shredded
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In mixing bowl, combine cream cheese and enchilada sauce and mix well. Add black beans, corn, chicken and taco seasoning and mix well. Add 1 ½ cups of Mexican cheese and stir in. Pour dip into an 8 x 8 baking dish and bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. Remove from oven and add remaining cheese. Return to oven for 5 minutes. Serve with tortilla chips. *I usually add more corn, chicken and cheese than the recipe calls for. Feel free to make it your own.
Artichoke Squares Michelle Mcculloch, Art Director
This is a personal favorite. • • • • • • • • •
2 6-ounce jars of marinated artichokes 1 onion, finely chopped sprinkle of garlic salt 4 eggs 1/2 cup bread crumbs 1/4 tsp salt 1/8 tsp pepper dash of Tabasco sauce 8 ounces of white sharp cheddar cheese, grated
Directions
Drain one jar of artichoke juice into a frying pan and saute onion with garlic salt. Drain second jar of artichokes discard juice. Chop artichokes into small pieces and set aside. Beat eggs, mix in other ingredients, and add artichokes and sauteed onions. Pour into an 11 x 17 pan. Bake at 325 degrees for 30 minutes. Cool completely before cutting. Serve at room temperature or rewarmed if made ahead.
Toffee Apple Dip
Cheesy Ground Beef Enchilada Chili
Christie Deese, Market Support Associate
Candi Hannigan, Executive Editor
• • • • •
8 ounces cream cheese, softened 1/2 cup brown sugar 1/4 cup white sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 8-ounce package Heath toffee bits • Sliced granny smith apples
Not being one to brag - although, I admit that most of the bones in my body are highly competitive ones - this recipe won first place in a recent chili cook-off. I unseated a three-time champ with this dish. It was a contest at church, and I am the pastor’s wife. But I’m sure that had nothing to do with it. Try this chili and see for yourself!
Directions
• 1 pound ground beef • 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning, see below • 1/2 cup water • 15-ounce jar Tostitos Salsa Con Queso • 1 can cream of potato soup • 1 1/4 cups sour cream • 1 1/4 cups beef broth (or 1 14.5-ounce can) • 1/2 cup chicken broth • 1/2 can fire roasted diced green chiles It’s a dubious honor for the chili cook-off winner to (or more, to taste) wear the red chili-pepper hat, hastily passed along to Candi by three-time champ Bill Humphrey. • 2-3 cups frozen corn • 1 can black beans, drained • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, fresh Multigrain Tostitos Scoops Chips
Directions
Heat a dutch oven over medium high heat and add the ground beef. Cook for about 3 minutes, or until almost completely browned. Drain completely, and add water and taco seasoning. Lower the burner to medium. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until the meat and liquid appear slightly thickened, about 2 minutes. In a separate large pot, over medium heat, add the salsa con queso, cream of potato soup, sour cream beef and chicken broth. Whisk to combine. Switch to a wooden spoon and stir in the chiles, corn, cilantro and beans. Bring to a simmer and serve, or keep on low for 30-60 minutes. If you want a thinner consistency, add equal amounts of beef and chicken broth. To make this into a dip, skip the broth, condensed soup and cut down on the sour cream.
Homemade Taco Seasoning • 7 tablespoons chili powder • 1 1/2 tablespoons ground cumin • 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon smoked paprika • 2 teaspoons garlic powder • 2 teaspoons oregano • 1/8 teaspoon coriander • 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 1 tablespoon plus 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt • 2 teaspoons fresh ground black pepper • 1 tablespoon cornstarch • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne
Directions
Add all ingredients to a jar and shake, or stir to combine. Store in a dark, cool cupboard.
Cream the first four ingredients together in a mixer. Fold in toffee bits. Serve with apple slices. I store the apple slices in pineapple juice so they won't brown.
Cheddar, Bacon, Ranch Crack Bread Jackie Loudin, Managing Editor The name says it all. Once you start eating this, you can’t stop until it’s gone. This is a favorite in our household whether there is a football game on or not. • 1 loaf unsliced sourdough bread, preferably round • 8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese • 3 ounces bacon bits (I cheat and use pre-packaged real bacon bits) • 1⁄2 cup butter, melted • 1 tablespoon dry Ranch dressing mix
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Using a sharp bread knife cut the bread going both directions. Do not cut through the bottom crust. Place cheese in between cuts. Sprinkle bacon bits on bread, making sure to get in between cuts. Mix together butter and Ranch dressing mix. Pour over bread. Wrap the entire loaf in foil and place on a baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Unwrap. Bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted.
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Some of the damage in Puerto Rico caused by Hurricane Maria.
Corps of Engineers Responds to Disasters BY CHRISTOPHER PURVIS
Several major hurricanes have made landfall in the United States and its territories in the past year, and many people are surprised that U.S. Army Corps of Engineers staff at Allatoona Lake often are deployed to assist the Corps Emergency Support Mission. Each year, the Corps sends hundreds of people to respond to disasters around the world. When disasters occur, it is not just a local Corps district or office that responds. Personnel and other resources are mobilized across the country to carry out our response missions. Under the National Response Framework, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is assigned as the primary agency for Emergency Support Function No. 3, public works and engineering. The Corps assists the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) by coordinating federal public works and engineering-related support, as well as providing technical
Col. DeLapp presenting Rangers Randy Flint and Mark Jackson, center and right, with Commanders Coins as Charles Demko (in white) watches. 40 AROUND ACWORTH | January 2019
assistance, engineering expertise, and construction management to prevent, prepare for, respond to, and/or recover from domestic incidents. The Corps of Engineers has more than 40 specially trained response teams ready to perform a wide range of missions assigned by FEMA. A few of these missions include: • Temporary power. Providing emergency power to critical public facilities. • Debris management. Emergency debris clearance, removal and disposal management from public property. • Temporary roofing. Missions range from providing technical assistance to managing and contracting installation of blue plastic sheeting onto the roofs of damaged homes or public structures. • Emergency infrastructure assessments. Manage structural safety assessments of commercial and residential structures, as well as the assessments of infrastructure systems, such as water and wastewater treatment facilities. • Housing. Temporary housing missions can be wide ranging and may include technical assistance to FEMA and/or its contractors, placing prefabricated units on private property or existing mobile home parks, as well as design and construction of new group mobile home sites, to include the necessary infrastructure and placement of units.
Christopher Purvis is the lead ranger at Lake Allatoona over Partnerships, Volunteers and Project Security. He has been a ranger on Allatoona Lake since 2005.
A Culinary Tour of Acworth BY MALINDA HOWE
Main Street in Historic Downtown Acworth has something to offer for all those who come hungry. As a local villager, it is easy just to take a quick walk down Main to enjoy lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. If you haven’t been to any of these restaurants, make it a goal in the new year.
Fusco’s Via Roma
Assistant OPM Doug Evans, far right, along with others deployed from Corps Districts throughout the U.S.
The Fusco family’s restaurant opened its doors in 2004. The menu and recipes are a collection of tastes and experiences, from David and Mike’s Aunt Angie’s kitchen in Brooklyn, New York, to restaurants in Little Italy and trattorias on the road to Rome. One of my favorite places to unwind, Fusco’s offers a warm and cozy atmosphere, along with amazing appetizers, entrees and desserts. Some favorites include the burrata cheese plate, calamari fritti, veal, mussels and fresh fish of the day. Wine Wednesdays feature half-price bottles and Thirsty Thursdays include $2 off on signature martinis. 770-974-1110. 4815A South Main St.
Pizza by Fusco’s
This place features Roman-style pizza fresh from the red mosaictiled Marra Forni pizza oven, affectionately called “Testarossa,” which means redhead in Italian. Also, Pizza by Fusco’s offers madeto-order salads, Italian desserts, and a unique selection of beer and wine. Favorites include pizza ala Waikiki, San Gennaro and Diavolo. 4815 S. Main St.
Center Street Tavern
This is one of my family’s weekly dining spots. Some of our favorites include the reuben sandwich with Center Street’s homemade chips, fish and chips, and the Philly cheesesteak. A wide selection of craft beer is available. Live local music is featured on Friday and Saturday nights. Sunday brunch now is offered, too. 770-917-0004. 4381 Senator Russell Ave. Keith Hyde, from Lucky Peak Lake, Boise, Idaho, with Ranger Shana O'Rear.
In response to Hurricanes Irma and Maria, the Mobile District Office deployed 14 Allatoona Lake employees on 20 separate missions from September 2017 until April 2018. These missions totaled roughly 600 days that Allatoona staff members were deployed in the field. Among the deployed staff to Puerto Rico and South Florida were eight rangers, one lead ranger, two managers, two front office personnel and one contract inspector. The missions that were supported by Allatoona were debris removal, blue roof installation, and field office management and support. Several received commendations for their contributions during the relief missions, including two rangers who were credited with saving a life during a flash flood. Currently, four Allatoona staff members are deployed in Florida and South Georgia following the devastation brought on by Hurricane Michael in October 2018. If you have any questions concerning the USACE support missions, please contact the Allatoona Lake Office at https://www. sam.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Recreation/AllatoonaLake or 678-721-6700.
Henry’s Louisiana Grill
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution says it’s worth the commute. Serving some of the best Cajun food around, a few of Chef Henry’s specialty and award-winning dishes include: flash-fried sea scallops, Henry’s Hush Puppies, Louisiana Ooh La La (shrimp, oysters or crawfish) served over pasta or French bread, and, of course, the Big Bayou Monster Po’Boy, for those of you who are really hungry. Don’t miss Chef Henry’s Bayou Brunch on Saturday mornings. Reservations are recommended. 770-966-1515. 4835 N. Main St.
Dogwood Terrace Restaurant
Continental cuisine is available here for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. Dogwood offers a cozy atmosphere, with fireplaces to continued on page 49
Malinda Howe is a broker and owner of Anchor Realty Partners. Howe is also vice chairwoman of the Acworth Tourism Board. AROUND ACWORTH | January 2019
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Building for the Skies BY RYAN BLYTHE
From building jet bridges to trade show displays, Georgia Trade School graduate Alexx Dyer made her mark in an industry that is 94 percent male. A Colorado native and U.S. Navy veteran, her welding journey began with a decision to move to Georgia to attend Savannah College of Art and Design. Ten years ago, life threw her a curveball, and instead of becoming an art director, Dyer enlisted in the U.S. Navy where she became a Seabee (the Navy’s construction battalion). She served for seven years and formed a love for welding. Following an honorable discharge after a back injury that required two years of recovery, a very determined woman enrolled at Georgia Trade School to become a stronger welder. I recently asked her about her professional journey.
You mentioned dealing with frustration sometimes when you are learning a trade like welding. When did it start to click for you, was there a moment where you felt like, “Aha… I’ve got this?”
That frustration part can get the best of me sometimes, however it's a very honest part of me because not only do I care deeply about the work I put into my craft, but I am also my biggest critic and will be harder on myself past acceptable industry standards. But when did things click for me? Honestly it was a random day in the booth at GTS there was absolutely nothing I feel as though was different from any other day and in the middle of the weld it clicked, I wish I could say it was a certain phrase or magical wind through the school but it was a random moment after about two months that I found my rhythm.
Following school, you had an exciting job welding at our nation’s airports. Can you tell us about the different places you worked, and often in difficult weather conditions?
I did have a great opportunity with the company Aero Bridgeworks, where we built jet walkways for the passengers traveling. I came across two cities that tested the limits when it came to weather. In Madison, Wisconsin, we faced 35 mph winds while snowing, sometimes freezing rain, at an average temperature of 3 42
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Alexx Dyer at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, modifying the bridge column. She had to cut out eight inches, then reweld the column back together.
degrees down to -15 degrees (not including windchill temp.) I then went to Sarasota, Florida, where the average work day had rain showers at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., 100 percent humidity and temps ranging from 95-135 degrees bouncing back at you from the tarmac.
Now you are working in the trade show industry, which is certainly significant in Atlanta. What led you to choose that and what types of projects are you working on?
I did join the trade show world. I was interested in fabrication, after being in structural for so long with the Navy and Aero; I wanted to continue to grow even further with welding. I wanted to do more than just assembly line fabrication. After a lot of researching and looking more into the entertainment side of things, I found out about Czarnowski where we build for more than half the trade shows in the country and even other parts of the world. I wanted to not only grow, but create something new every day. Some projects we can't discuss or show pictures of until after the show, but I can say my favorite one so far has been working on Cadillac booth. I have learned so much beyond welding, it’s incredible. We do majority auto trade shows, so coming up this year you will see the designs and stages we have built for Chevy, Buick, BMW, Cadillac
and Mercedes-Benz, just to name a few. Czarnowski also built and designed the displays in Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Finally, what advice would you give to a prospective welder?
Find the dirtiest roughest looking piece of plate or pipe you can and weld it, but don't make the position easy. Weld at every angle you can - standing, kneeling, laying down, squished in a corner, almost out of your reach, you get the idea. If you can add those challenges to your daily grind, it will very much benefit you in the field. Lastly, when you walk into the field for the first time, walk humble yet confident. It is imperative for any new welder to understand this is a craft, not just a job. It has decades of men and women's sweat, blood and tears poured into every weld, and every weld is the backbone of this country’s infrastructure. We are the unspoken talent of a trade only 0.1 percent can do. So, know this upon your first day, the continuation of this world’s progression depends on the hard work of skilled bluecollar workers, and you are now a part of that. Be proud! Ryan Blythe is founder of Georgia Trade School, named one of the Cobb Chamber Top 25 Small Businesses of the Year for three consecutive years. www.georgiatradeschool.com.
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Around & About JANUARY artist reception at The Art House will take 12 An place 4-7 p.m. 4425 Cherokee St. Free to the public.
www.acworthartsalliance.org.
The Lopez-Tabor Concert Duo will perform at 4 p.m. at Acworth United Methodist Church, 4340 Collins Circle. Presented by the Acworth Cultural Arts Center and the North Cobb High School Foundation. The concert is free. Alfonso Lopez, violin, and Michelle Tabor, piano, have performed and toured together in the southeastern U.S. and Venezuela since 2004.
Trains! 26-27 Trains! Trains!
at the Southern Museum in Kennesaw, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. each day. The museum will be filled with model train layouts, many of which you will be able to operate yourself! For more information, visit www.southernmuseum.org.
FEBRUARY
4 Horizon Baseball League
Horizon Yoga, 6:30-7:30 p.m. 16-Feb. 13 Wednesdays. The Acworth Parks and Recreation Department is offering yoga classes for individuals with special needs. All levels of ability are welcome. The class focuses on teaching modified yoga postures and breathing techniques. Cost is $8, and registration is required. To register, visit www.acworthparksandrec.org. For more information contact Lauren Ham, lham@acworth.org.
registration opens for the spring season. This noncompetitive baseball league is for athletes ages 5 years and older with physical and/or cognitive disabilities. Games will be played on the Horizon Field at the Acworth Sports Complex. Cost is $15 per player. Deadline to register without a late fee is March 27. Games for the youth and teen league begin on April 13. Adult games will be played on Thursday nights, beginning April 11. Register online at www.acworthparksandrecreation.org.
annual MLK Day Celebration and eighth 21 Sixth annual Day of Service, hosted by the Acworth Parks,
14 Valentine’s Day Horse and Carriage Rides
Recreation and Community Resource Department. Festivities will begin with a unity walk, immediately followed by a ceremony. The walk will begin at 9:30 a.m. and the ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. Immediately following the ceremony, the Acworth Achievers Mentoring and After School Program will host its Annual Day of Service. The Acworth Achievers will be working on a service project at Roberts School Community Center and welcome other volunteers from the community to join them.
Bowl Bingo, 6 p.m. at the Acworth Beach 24 Super House. Celebrate the big game early with fun, food and
games, and wear your favorite football team gear. This program is specifically designed for participants with developmental and/or physical disabilities. Ages 13 and older. Cost is $5, and registration is required. Program is limited to 20 participants. To register, visit www.acworthparksandrec.org. For more information, contact Lauren Ham, lham@acworth.org.
Hummingbirds 24-Feb. 28 Acworth Soccer, 5-6 p.m. Thursdays
at Logan Farm Park (4762 Logan Road). Children ages 3-6. Sponsored by Acworth Parks, Recreation and Community Resource Department with Jump Start Sports. Players learn the basics of soccer, including dribbling, passing, trapping, shooting, defending and positioning. Cost is $80 for city residents and $90 for nonresidents. Registration is now open at www.acworthparksandrecreation.org. 44
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, 4-8 p.m., on Senator Russell Avenue in Historic Downtown Acworth. Free to the public. The carriage will depart from the Plaza, located directly across from Acworth City Hall. Sponsored by the Acworth Downtown Development Authority.
23 Special Olympics Polar Plunge
, hosted by the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Georgia at Acworth Beach at Cauble Park. Gates open at 11 a.m. and the plunge begins at 1 p.m. Participants collect pledges in exchange for the opportunity to jump into icy waters in the middle of winter. All proceeds collected by “plungers” will benefit the athletes of Special Olympics Georgia. Prizes will be awarded in several categories, including best costume, highest individual fundraiser, highest team fundraiser and more. For more information on Special Olympics Georgia, visit www.specialolympicsga.org.
25 Free Agent Sign-Up Day
for adult flag football league at 6:30 p.m. at the Acworth Sports Complex football fields. Men and women are welcome. The Acworth Parks and Recreation Department has the best adult flag football league around. Game play is 7-on-7, and teams may have a roster of up to 17 players. All games are played at the football fields at the Acworth Sports Complex, with no cost to spectators. The cost is $600 per team and $55 for each free agent. Games are played on Tuesdays, beginning March 12. Space is limited. Register at www.acworthparksandrecreation.org.
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Head coach Brian Bohannon with the OGs after a Senior Day win. Photos courtesy of KSU Athletic Communications.
KSU Finishes Historic 2018 Season perfect 5-0 in league play. The Owls went on to claim the No. 4 seed in the FCS playoffs after a thrilling 60-52 win over The 2018 football season was one for the record books for then-No. 6 Jacksonville State in five overtimes at SunTrust Kennesaw State University. The young program reached the Park, the first football game played at the home of the Football Championship Series (FCS) quarterfinals for the second Atlanta Braves. straight year, claimed back-to-back Big South championship Seeded fourth in the FCS playoffs, the Owls received a titles, dominated conference postseason first-round bye and hosted Wofford in the awards and said goodbye to the OGs. second round, claiming a 13-10 victory to Kennesaw State head coach Brian advance in the playoffs. Bohannon affectionately referred to the first Kennesaw State returned to the FCS Owl recruiting class as the Original Gangsters, quarterfinals Dec. 8, taking on South or OGs. The first signing class spent an entire Dakota State, the second top-five ranked year just practicing, not playing a single down team KSU has faced, and the first at Fifth until the second year on campus. Five years Third Bank Stadium. The Owls knocked off after the first team workout on Aug. 19, 2014, then-No. 3 Jacksonville State on the road there are 18 OGs left. last year in the playoffs. “They came here on a whim and a prayer The 27-17 loss to South Dakota State and a vision and a belief of something ended KSU’s historic season, and the they couldn’t see, couldn’t touch, couldn’t 18 OGs’ collegiate careers, but the Head coach Brian Bohannon during the feel and they made it happen,” Bohannon foundation laid by these student-athletes FCS quarterfinal game against South said. “They laid bricks. They did things never will be forgotten. Dakota State. that people normally wouldn’t do to lay a “We’ll look back at this group in 20 years foundation for something that, hopefully, we’ll continue to build and see the groundwork we laid and the culture we helped create,” on, from program standpoint. I can’t thank them enough.” said quarterback Chandler Burks, the first KSU football signee. The OGs have an overall 37-12 record and posted two Since 2008, Kennesaw State’s 37 victories in its first four consecutive 11-win seasons. Accomplishments continued to seasons are second among all NCAA Division I startups, second pour in this season, as KSU captured its second straight Big only to Old Dominion (38). KSU is the only team in its first four South title, with a 51-14 win at Monmouth Nov. 10, going a years to put together two separate 10-game winning streaks. BY KATIE BEALL
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NATIONAL AWARDS WATCH LISTS/TEAMS Chandler Burks (Gr., QB) Walter Payton Award Finalist * Nation’s best offensive player CFPA National Performer of the Year * Nation’s best player Anthony Gore (Sr., LB) Buck Buchanan Award Finalist * Nation’s best defensive player Justin Thompson (Sr., PK) Fred Mitchell Award ^ Nation’s best placekicker Brian Bohannon (head coach) Eddie Robinson Coaches Award Finalist
QB Chandler Burks during the quarterfinal game against South Dakota State.
*Winners not released at press time. ^Winner announced Dec. 10 - Roldan Alcobendas, Eastern Washington
ALL-BIG SOUTH First Team Offense QB Chandler Burks RB Darnell Holland WR Justin Sumpter OL C.J. Collins OL Joseph Alexander Jr. OL Chiaza Nwadike Defense DL Desmond Johnson Jr. DL Andrew Butcher LB Bryson Armstrong LB Anthony Gore Jr. DB Dorian Walker
KSU student section cheering on the Owls at SunTrust Park Nov. 17.
“This has been one heck of a ride. While I will miss putting on the pads and running through that tunnel, I’ll miss my teammates and coaches more.” – CJ Collins, OL
Special Teams LS Drew McCracken KR Isaac Foster
Second Team
Offense RB Shaquil Terry
Defense DL McKenzie Billingslea LB Charlie Patrick DB Jace White Special Teams K Justin Thompson PR Isaac Foster
Woodstock native and offensive lineman CJ Collins arriving at Fifth Third Bank Stadium for FCS quarterfinal game. AROUND ACWORTH | January 2019
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When God Calls, You Go BY JENNIFER BONN
Colleen Magel took a step out of her comfort zone several years ago, and she hasn’t looked back since. She decided to go on a mission trip to Burkina Faso in Africa, sponsored by West Ridge Church in Dallas, Georgia. She went, not because she was comfortable being out in the bush, but because she felt that God had called her, and when God calls, you go. West Ridge has an organization called Engage Burkina. The main purpose of the group is to improve life for the people of one of the five poorest countries in the world, and to lead people to know Jesus Christ. In order to help the Burkinabes, the missionaries drill for water to make wells, plant gardens to grow sustainable food, provide money to buy food and seed, and teach English as a second language, mainly in the airport system, so the workers will be able to communicate in English. They have been serving Burkina since 2007 and have built around 450 wells. The trip to Burkina Faso is a 16-hour flight, as well as a long trip through the bush — rural and undeveloped land. The area is known for extreme environmental conditions. Women and children often must walk miles more than once a day to get water. It takes a special person to go to a spot like
Burkina Faso, but special people like Magel answer the call for help when they hear it. Magel has committed to going twice a year. She asked her boss at Buffalo’s Cafe in Acworth if she could have two more weeks of vacation instead of a raise, so she could go on the second trip. With her manager’s permission, she also started a pop-up restaurant within Buffalo’s called Arise Kitchen. Fifty percent of the proceeds from every meal sold at Arise Kitchen go to feed the hungry through MUST Ministries and Engage Burkina. Arise Kitchen is open 8-11 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays. On her trips, she is able to see first-hand how the funds she raised help sustain the people. The mission statement for Engage Burkina is “to bring transformation and hope to the people of Burkina Faso through sustainable solutions and development.” There is also the hope that the mission trip will build relationships, and help the people spiritually as well. Magel’s second trip to Burkina with a team from West Ridge is scheduled for Jan. 11-20. She’s an inspiring woman, trying to make a difference in the lives of others. For more information, and ways to get involved, visit www. engageburkina.com. Left, Magel handing out corn to the villagers, the staple of their diet. Top right, Magel (back row, second from left) with local villagers and other members of the mission team.
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What to Do When a Loved One Passes BY JOSHUA NELSON
Losing a loved one always is devastating, whether they are 29 or 92; it can shake a family to its core. When a senior in their 90s passes under hospice care, the family often knows what to do. Plans have been made to make the process and the immediate aftermath a peaceful and seamless transition. Many family members can confide in their nurse or social worker about their fears, and their questions about how to alleviate them, and focus on being with their loved one, knowing what the future holds. If you lose a loved one suddenly, it’s important that you do the right things in the right order. Here is a helpful list and time frame of when things need to be done when you lose a loved one.
Immediately
• Get a legal pronouncement of death. If the individual dies in a hospital or hospice, the medical personnel will take the lead on what the next steps are, although they will want to know which funeral home should be called at the appropriate time. If the individual dies at home, call the paramedics or the police, so that the proper pronouncement of death can be made. • If the decedent (person who dies) has children or pets, immediate arrangements need to be made for their care. If children are involved, contact a grief therapist immediately, potentially even prior to disclosing the death to the child. • Notify close family and friends. (Ask some to contact others.) • Call the person’s employer, if he or she was working. Request information about benefits and any pay due. Ask if there was a life insurance policy through the company.
Within a few days
• Arrange for funeral and burial, or cremation. Search the person’s documents to find out whether there was a prepaid burial plan. Ask a friend or family member to go with you to the funeral home. Prepare an obituary. • Ask a friend or relative to keep an eye on the person’s home, collect mail, throw food out, and water plants.
Walking Into the New Year continued from page 17
time to walk to the grocery store, or mall for things. Depending on the city you live in, it just doesn’t work out easily and, oftentimes, is dangerous. The number of pedestrian accidents is unbelievable. Besides, who has a wagon anymore to haul your goods home? So, to make up for this dilemma, I’ve started setting up my life so I had to walk more. For instance, parking farther away from the door, using the stairs rather than the elevator, putting things back in their correct place in my home rather than piling them up somewhere close by, taking the long way to my destination, if possible, inside of big buildings, and just anything to walk/move more. It seems like these are just little things to do, but they do add up, just as sitting around being sedentary adds up. You might not lose a bunch of weight, but you will feel stronger, more balanced in your core, and happier in your emotions, simply due to movement. Try it, and see if you don’t agree. Happy walking!
• Secure assets so tangible property doesn’t start disappearing. • If the person was in the military, or belonged to a fraternal or religious group, contact that organization. It may have burial benefits or conduct funeral services.
Up to 60 days after death
• Obtain death certificates (usually from the funeral home). Get multiple copies; you’ll need them for financial institutions, government agencies and insurers. • Determine how to transfer assets to heirs. If there was a will, it needs to be probated by taking the will to the appropriate probate court to have it accepted for probate, after speaking with an attorney or determining estate status.
Who to contact
• A trust and estates attorney, to learn how to transfer assets and assist with probate issues. • The police, to have them periodically check the deceased’s house, if vacant. • An accountant or tax preparer, to find out if an estate-tax return or final income-tax return should be filed. • The person’s investment adviser, for information on holdings. • The bank, to find accounts and any safe deposit box. • Life insurance agent, to get claim forms. • Social Security (800-772-1213; socialsecurity.gov) and other agencies from which the deceased received benefits, such as Veterans Affairs (800-827-1000; va.gov), to stop payments and ask about applicable survivor benefits. • Agency providing pension services, to stop monthly check and get claim forms. • Utility companies, to change or stop service, and the postal service, to stop or forward mail.
Joshua Nelson is an elder care law attorney with Nelson Elder Care Law, LLC, 2230 Towne Lake Parkway, Bldg. 900, Suite 200, Woodstock, GA, 30189. www.NelsonElderCareLaw.com.
A Culinary Tour of Acworth continued from page 41
warm up next to on a cold day. Favorites include awardwinning entrees like the slow-cooked beef short ribs, fireroasted duck and the Georgia pecan chicken. 770-627-4069. 4975 N. Main St.
BRIX on Main
Stop in for a drink and a small plate. BRIX offers a full bar, including wine and craft beer, and features locally grown produce, with vegetarian and gluten-free options. BRIX also offers an amazing selection of desserts. 4843 S. Main St.
Miss L’s Sandwich Shop
This place serves some of the best sandwich combinations around and offers homemade soups, deserts and ice cream, too. 4817 S. Main St. AROUND ACWORTH | January 2019
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Mr. Claus came down from the roof and through a fireplace outside of City Hall.
Families in attendance roasting marshmallows and drinking hot chocolate.
Santa’s Arrival PHOTOS BY ED SELBY
Christmas in downtown Acworth kicked off with Santa’s Arrival on Dec. 7. Families were treated to free hot chocolate and s’mores. There was a live nativity, a petting zoo and the opportunity to take pictures with characters dressed as Elsa and Olaf from the movie “Frozen.” As always, Mayor Tommy Allegood read “The Night Before Christmas” before Santa’s big entrance. Santa arrived on the roof of City Hall and led the lighting of the tree in the plaza behind Henry’s. St. Nick was available for photos, while several school and dance groups performed. The event was hosted by the city of Acworth and NorthStar Church, and sponsored by the Holbrook of Acworth.
Lost in the crowd of children, Mayor Tommy Allegood reads “The Night Before Christmas.”
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Chef Henry enjoying the festivities.
A friendly alpaca served as the stand-in camel for the live nativity.
The crowd was very excited to see Santa.
Parker Beall was not a fan of Santa. Hopefully, he won’t hold that against her. Photo by Kyle Hess.
One of Santa’s elves made the trip from the North Pole and posed for pictures with Rudolph.
One of the dance groups getting ready to perform. A young family poses for a quick photo with Olaf from ‘Frozen.’ AROUND ACWORTH | January 2019
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@ the Library
Cobb County Public Library System www.cobbcat.org
Jan. 15, 22, 29; Feb. 5 School Age Storytime
3:45-4:30 p.m. Elementary school-aged students are invited to hear a reading of a variety of books and engage in discussions with the librarian and fellow participants. This storytime is designed to engage students and encourage them to use their comprehension skills. Storytime is followed by a craft.
Jan. 16, 23, 30; Feb. 6 Toddler/Preschool Storytime
ACWORTH LIBRARY 4569 Dallas St., Acworth, 770-917-5165 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Wednesday • 1-6 p.m. Saturday Closed Thursday, Friday and Sunday
Jan. 12, 26 Read to a Dog
2-3:30 p.m. Your child can read to a certified therapy dog for 15 minutes. This is a great way for youngsters to experience the joy of reading aloud to an appreciative audience. Spaces are limited, so register in person at the library or call 770-917-5165. For ages 5 and older. Children must be independent readers. The library’s dog is a multilingual listener.
Jan. 14, 28; Feb 4 Baby Storytime
10:15-10:45 a.m. Babies, parents and caregivers are invited for a morning of books, songs and lap bounces, as well as bubbles, balls and blocks. A fun way to introduce little ones to the library.
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8 a.m.-5 p.m. Toddlers, preschoolers, parents and caregivers are invited to enjoy books, songs and rhymes in a friendly, encouraging environment. Structured storytime with books and songs lasts about 30 minutes, followed by a short movie, a craft and informal fellowship.
Jan. 16 Acworth Library Book Club
1-2 p.m. Fellowship and book discussion. January’s selection is "Memory Man” by David Baldacci.
Jan. 22 Legomania
4:30-5:30 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday each month. You provide the creativity and the library provides the Legos.
It Takes a Village to Orchestrate a Concert BY PAIGE MEDINA
My experience organizing a community concert that’s taking place this month has affirmed that extraordinary experiences are within reach, when you keep an open mind and heart. I always have believed in the power of networking and have rarely met a stranger. Organizing this concert has been an opportunity to assemble a group of people who share that desire, too. Persistence pays off, and being in the right place at the right time can open some crucial doors. The planning process got its start in 2016. After reading my parents’ local newspaper, The Anniston Star, on Labor Day weekend, I announced to my family that we would be returning in two weeks to attend a classical music concert by the duo Tabor Lopez in Gadsden, Alabama. My family didn’t understand, but It made perfect sense to me that we needed to be in the audience, since our son played the cello, my husband is from Venezuela, and I love classical music. We returned for the concert, and met the duo, Alfonso Lopez and Michelle Tabor, before the show. Our first and only time meeting them felt much like old friends catching up. At the end of the concert, Michelle surprised us by announcing they would play one piece that wasn’t listed on the program in honor of my husband Nelson, a fellow Venezuelan, because our family drove from Georgia for the concert. The song was “Alma Llanera” ("Soul of the Plains"), Venezuela's unofficial national anthem. My husband and I were moved to tears. At that moment, an idea popped into my head: one day they would perform in my hometown, and I would express my appreciation for their musical gifts and talents. Honestly, I wasn’t sure how this was going to come together, with Alfonso living in Venezuela (a country in chaos) and Michelle living in Florida. In September 2018, I emailed Michelle to see if she remembered us, and she did. I explained to her how much we enjoyed the concert, and that one day we would like for them to perform in our town. She replied, saying they were scheduled to perform Jan. 13 in Marietta. Immediately, I wrote back asking if they could do a show in Acworth the day before. It became apparent that the dream was soon to become a reality. However, with the date set for Jan. 12, they needed a place to play with a piano, an audience, and a place to stay. I started praying that the right people would be placed in my path to help pull the concert together, and soon. A light bulb went off as I remembered meeting a retired band teacher who spoke at my son’s ninth grade orientation at North Cobb High School back in July. Greg Williams is president of the tax-deductible North Cobb Foundation, which equips students and teachers with resources. He also was a band teacher for 29 years, and has a passion and commitment to music education. After emailing with Michelle, I reached out to him about the concert, and he was completely on-board to help make it happen. We were the first two who believed the concert would take place in such a short time frame, and were anxiously waiting for others to come on board.
Alfonso Lopez, Nelson and NJ Medina in September 2016, Gadsden, Alabama.
Lopez Tabor Community Concert 4 p.m. Jan. 12 Acworth United Methodist Church, 4340 Collins Circle. Reception following, with coffee, tea and cookies. Instead of an admission fee, donations will be accepted for the North Cobb Foundation, a 501(c)3, which benefits North Cobb High School.
In October, I attended the Allatoona Book Festival, to hear Cobb County Commissioner Bob Weatherford speak about the closing of my childhood library in Acworth - along with other libraries - to form the new North Cobb Regional Library. After the event concluded, I decided to help volunteer Jeri Hadaway clean up, and shared my vision of bringing a world-class classical duo to Acworth. Darlene Knight, a local business owner, walked in while we were working, and I explained my dream to her. Darlene asked me to email her all the details, and, together, we would get the concert scheduled. Talk about being in the right place at the right time! She requested I contact Sylvia Flanagan with the Acworth Cultural Arts Center for possible venue suggestions. The moment I spoke with Sylvia, I felt as if I was speaking with a lifelong friend. Sylvia secured Acworth United Methodist Church as a venue for Jan. 12. With that, we had a place with a piano and a co-chairman for the planning committee. In November, we called our first planning committee meeting and outlined the roles and responsibilities. We formed a support team for technology and graphics, with Amy BeVille and Nelyn Duckworth. I even found a home for the musicians, while they were in town. Now, as we put the final touches on the event, it’s easy to see how the committee’s hard work has paid off. With a dream, and a little help from passionate community members, it is possible to orchestrate a community concert in just three months. AROUND ACWORTH | January 2019
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YOUR SCHOOL NEWS North Cobb Junior Warriors Football Posts Standout Seasons The North Cobb Warrior sixth- and eighth-grade football teams were recognized by Acworth Mayor Tommy Allegood and the Board of Aldermen for their accomplishments during the 2018 season. The sixth-grade team, under the leadership of head coach Chuck Roshak, finished with a 9-2 record and won the 2018 Georgia Middle School Athletic Association (GMSAA) State Championship. The eighth-grade team, under the leadership of head coach Tom Hobbs, finished with an undefeated record of 11-0 and won the 2018 GMSAA State Championship. The eighth-grade team members finish their middle school career with a combined record of 32-1, with three state championship titles.
Lockheed Martin Supports Cobb STEM Education, Awards Cobb $90,000 Thanks to $90,000 in grants from the Lockheed Martin Corp., the Cobb County School District will cement itself further as a leader in science, technology, engineering and math education. Lockheed Martin presented the check to Cobb’s STEM and Innovation Department during the December Board of Education meeting. “We are grateful for Lockheed Martin’s investment in Cobb students,” said Superintendent Chris Ragsdale. “Cobb Schools continually stand out as STEM role models, and, with the support of community partners, like Lockheed, our students will be standouts in the STEM career fields of the future.” The Lockheed Martin funds will help Cobb build on the district’s STEM foundation, which includes 23 Cobb STEM, 12 AdvancED STEM, six Georgia STEM and two Georgia STEAM certified schools. For three years, educators from around the state have flocked to Cobb’s annual STEMapalooza to learn how Cobb
does STEM. Now, $50,000 of the grant enables Cobb to give educators access to a learning conference dedicated to STEM. More than 500 educators will attend the 2019 STEMapalooza, scheduled for June. More than 250 STEM learning sessions will be taught by experts inside and outside of Cobb. Lockheed Martin also awarded Cobb a $40,000 grant to support Cobb Robotics, providing for new equipment, training, software and other resources necessary to integrate robotics into schools. Plus, Cobb will provide STEM minigrants for teachers throughout the district, so teachers can purchase needed robotics equipment for their classrooms. This allows individual educators to integrate robotics into daily instruction. These mini-grants will range from $250 to $500. The Lockheed funds also will help establish STEM Gems clubs across the county. The STEM Gems clubs introduce young girls to female role models in STEM, including role models in the robotics field. The next generation of robotics engineers may be sitting in a Cobb classroom. Because of grants like the ones from Lockheed Martin, those future engineers may look back and credit a Cobb robotics club or a STEM Gems club for their success — opportunities that wouldn’t exist without community support. To learn more about STEM in Cobb, visit www.stemcobb.com.
Lockheed Martin presents a $90,000 check to Cobb’s STEM and Innovation Department at the Board of Education meeting in December. 54
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Mount Paran Christian’s girls volleyball team won the state championship.
Mount Paran Female Athletes Top Competition BY JENNIFER BONN
The female student-athletes at Mount Paran Christian School consistently are turning in impressive accomplishments across multiple sports. These young women are not only bringing home trophies and state rings, they also are setting examples of strong athletes. The most recent team to bring home a state championship title is the competition cheerleading team. The squad won the title for the seventh consecutive time. Coach Paige Johnson, who was a cheerleader at Auburn University, instills a rigorous work ethic in her athletes, and she has a strong eye for details. The 17 competitive cheerleaders train year-round through running, strength training, tumbling, stunting and cheering at football and basketball games. They take to the mat to compete Saturdays in the fall, where they were undefeated in every competition in 2018, GHSA A-Private sectional winners and state champs. The Eagles’ squad also was named GCCA Team of the Year in 2017-2018. The volleyball team also won a state championship. The Eagles posted a 41-3 record this season, were named Cobb County Tournament Champions and have been Area Champions every year since 2015. Senior Sarah-Hayes Farley was named Player of the Year, while Coach Selina Chancy
was named Coach of the Year for the division, and players Jordan Hough, Beth Bowman and Renee Dockins were named to the All-Area Team. The girls cross-country team claimed the Area Championship this year. Senior Abby Gardner finished as individual Area runner-up, while Anna Katherine Hambrick finished fifth overall, and Lily Watford finished sixth. Each girl qualified to compete at state. Coach Jason Beard said the girls especially are consistent in striving to do better today than they did yesterday. They encourage one another and create healthy competition to improve, not only themselves, but their teammates as well. The girls tennis team has qualified for the state tournament in each of the past three seasons, including region runner-up accolades and Final Four qualifiers. The Eagle softball program made an Elite Eight appearance in 2018 for the first time in school history.
Jennifer Bonn is a French teacher at Mount Paran Christian School, and is working on a book about lessons she learned in the classroom.
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Cobb Photographic Society Winners Novice:
DeeDee Bonesteel - 1st Place (Wait For Me)
Adele Grubbs - 3rd Place (The Young Challenges the Old)
DeeDee Bonesteel - 2nd Place (Jelly Jelly)
Adele Grubbs - Honorable Mention (The Leaf and I Will Make It!)
Color:
Paul Shimek - 1st Place (Playing with Half Sphere) 56
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Sally Hale - 2nd Place (The Pose)
Phyllis Westland - 3rd Place (I Miss the Rain Down in Africa)
Congratulations to each of you who entered the Cobb Photographic Society Competition. The topic for the November contest was “Zoos and Aquariums.� The guest judge was Jeff Milsteen. The Cobb Photographic Society is a photography club open to photographers of all skill levels. The club meets the first and third Monday of each month. For information, visit www.cobbphotosociety.com.
Black & White:
Paul Shimek - 3rd Place (Zebra Biting Itself)
Jeff Westland - 1st Place (On the Prowl)
Charles Stannard - 2nd Place (Best Buddies)
Charles Stannard - Honorable Mention (Simba)
Rob Hale - Honorable Mention (You Looking at Me?)
Paul Shimek - Honorable Mention (Three Manta Rays) AROUND ACWORTH | January 2019
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Senior Activities CITY OF ACWORTH
COBB COUNTY
Parks and Recreation Department www.acworthparksandrecreation.org
North Cobb Senior Center 4100 S. Main St, Acworth • 770-975-7740
Jan. 8-March 12
Jan. 8
strengthening exercises, breathing techniques and much more. 10-10:45 a.m. and 11-11:45 a.m. on Tuesdays or Thursdays (participants’ choice). Roberts School Community Education Center in Acworth.
Membership required. $3 Cobb residents/$4 nonresidents. Learn basic techniques, such as shading, controlling tones, composition and drawing methods.
Senior Chair Yoga gives participants a chance to learn stretching and
Senior Cardio Combo. Elevate your metabolism by moving rhythmically to
music. Strengthen and tighten muscles using free weights. 10-10:45 a.m. and 11-11:45 a.m. on Tuesdays or Thursdays (participants’ choice).
Paint ’n Party. 10 a.m.-noon.
Senior Lunch includes lunch, bingo, and other special activities. The luncheon is held at Roberts School Community and Education Center, 4681 School St. Lunch is served at noon. Bingo with prizes follows lunch. Free.
Friends of North Cobb. 1-2 p.m. Membership required. Use your creativity throughout the year to raise funds for North Cobb Senior Center. Funds contribute to maintaining and enhancing center programs and projects.
Feb. 22
Jan. 9
Jan. 16
Trip to the Antiquity Center for a Bible History Center tour and biblical meal.
Meal includes a guided tour of archaeological replicas, as well as admission to the Biblical Life Artifacts Gallery. $45 for Acworth residents/$50 for nonresidents. Register online or at the Acworth Parks and Recreation offices at 4762 Logan Road.
ALOHA TO AGING 4608 Lower Roswell Road, Marietta 770-722-7641• info@alohatoaging.org
Jan. 10
Aloha 101 Training. 1-2p.m., meets at Aloha to Aging office. Explore
volunteering opportunities with Aloha to Aging; learn about the program; and understand the impact of the education and wellness programs, support groups and the Aloha Day Club. RSVP at 770-722-7641 or email info@alohatoaging.org.
Jan. 15
Alzheimer's Caregiver Support Group. 10:30-11:30 a.m., meets at Burnt
Hickory Baptist Church, 5145 Due West Road, Powder Springs. Open to family members who are assisting an aging loved one, either in or out of the home. Kayley Fleming of the Alzheimer’s Association will give a presentation on dementia behaviors. Free respite care is provided for loved ones during the meeting; call 770-722-7641 to reserve a spot. For additional evening support groups, visit www.alohatoseniors.com/events.
Tuesdays
Aloha Day Club meets 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Open to adults age 55 and older
who are no longer driving and need engaging activities outside of their homes. Participants range from 55 to 96. The 3.5-hour program includes a morning snack, art, games, music, trivia, lunch and 50 minutes of seated exercise. 58
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Culinary Creations. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Membership required. $3 Cobb residents/$4 nonresidents. Learn how to make easy and delicious crock pot soups.
Jan. 23
Reducing Disease With Antioxidants. 10:15-11:15 a.m.
Membership required. Antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, and lycopene, may be helpful to prevent diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease. Learn about healthy foods that may help reduce inflammation and disease.
Jan. 25
Food for Thought: The Pink Elephant in the Room. 11:15 a.m.-
1:15 p.m. Membership required. $2 Cobb residents/$3 nonresidents. Take a different approach to preplanning and talking about your end of life wishes. A light lunch will be served and sponsored by Georgia Funeral Care.
Jan. 31
Crafting Corner. 1-2 p.m. Membership
required. $3 for Cobb residents/$4 nonresidents. Kick the new year off by decorating your papier-mâché notebook. Keep your favorite quotes from family or fun pictures and memories.
ACWORTH AREA CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS Acworth Business Association 770-423-1330 www.acworthbusiness.org
Southern Hope Humane Society 770-445-7294 www.hopehumane.org
Cherokee Chamber of Commerce 770-345-0400 www.cherokeechamber.com
CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS Acworth Optimist Club Contact: Debbie Ward 770-974-0670
Cobb Chamber of Commerce 770-980-2000 www.cobbchamber.org
Acworth Masonic Lodge 4497 McLain Circle 770-974-3577
KSU Small Business Development Center 470-578-6450
Air Force Aviation Heritage Foundation 770-529-9003 Ext. 40 www.afahf.org
LeadsNet Business Referral Group 404-819-8896 No Fee Referral Network - Acworth Contact: Betty Motter 770-256-4864 West Cobb Business Association www.westcobbbusiness.com CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS Cherokee Child Advocacy Council 770-345-8100 www.cherokeechildadvocates.org Cherokee County Habitat for Humanity 770-345-1879 www.cherokeehabitat.net Cherokee County Humane Society 770-928-5115 www.cchumanesociety.org Cobb County Habitat for Humanity 770-432-7954 www.cobbhabitat.org Forgotten Paws Animal Rescue 404-993-7958 www.forgottenpaws.com Here Am I Ministries, Inc. 770-529-4644 Contact: Rev. DeAnna Fountain Homeward Bound Pet Rescue 706-698-HOME www.homeward.petfinder.com Humane Society of Cobb County 770-428-9882 www.humanecobb.org Lung Cancer Alliance Georgia Contact: Edward J. Levitt 770-590-7898 MUST Ministries 770-427-9862 www.mustministries.org Mostly Mutts Animal Rescue & Adoption 770-325-PETS www.mostlymutts.org Papa’s Pantry 770-591-4730 www.papaspantry.org
American Legion North Cobb Post 304 www.post304.org Atlanta Area Council Boy Scouts of America 770-989-8820 Girl Scout Council of North Georgia 770-974-4278 Girl Scout — Camp Pine Acres 770-974-6696 Junior League of Cobb — Marietta 770-422-5266 www.jlcm.org Kiwanis Club of Kennworth Golden K Contact: Ken Leone 470-422-0382 Liberty Hill Chapter DAR Contact: libertyhilldar@gmail.com
RECREATION & HOBBIES Atlanta Yacht Club www.atlantayachtclub.org Atlanta Water Ski Club 770-425-3679 Cherokee Soccer Association 770-704-0187 www.csaimpact.com Children’s PEACE Center 770-917-8815 www.childrenspeacecenter.org Cobb County Radio Control Modelers Club www.ccrc.info Friends and Neighbors Club (F.A.N. club) Judy, 770-514-7819 Kennesaw Futbol Club Carrie Crawford, 404-630-8805 www.kennesawfc.org North Cobb Photo Club Meets 9:30 a.m.-noon first Thursday at Celebration Village theater, 4460 Celebration Blvd., Acworth. Contact Jim at 770-842-3114. www.NorthCobbPhotoClub.com. Northwest YMCA (Brookstone Area) 770-423-9622 West Cobb Lacrosse Club 770-641-2222 http://eteamz.active.com/westcobblacrosse
North Cobb Lions Club www.facebook.com/NorthCobbLions
SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS Active Adults Living with Arthritis (AALA) Contact: Marcia 770-605-7960
Rotary Club of North Cobb www.northcobbrotary.org
Celebrate Life International www.CelebrateLife.org
Sigma Gamma RHO Sorority Contact: Jackie Ajudua 770-529-5654
Grandparents Support Group 678-699-3400
VFW Post 5408 (Acworth & Kennesaw Post) 770-974-0958 www.vfwpost5408.org POLITICAL ORGANIZATIONS Acworth Business and Professional Chapter of the John Birch Society Contact: Boyd Parks 770-975-3303 Cherokee County Democratic Party 770-345-3489 Cherokee County Republican Party 770-592-0575
MOMS Club of Acworth-West www.acworthwestmomsclub.weebly.com MOMS Club of Acworth-East www.momsclubacwortheast.clubspaces.com Moms in Ministry @ Summit Baptist Church Every other Tuesday morning 770-794-0442 mnm@summitchurch.org Newcomers of Cobb County Meets 3rd Tuesday 770-234-5068 www.newcomersofcobbcounty.com
Cobb County Democracy For America www.dfalink.com/cobbcounty
Parents of Prodigals Mt. Calvary Baptist Church Meets 1st & 3rd Wednesday 770-424-4387
Cobb County Democratic Party 770-420-7133
Sisters of Support (Breast Cancer Support) Contact: Sandy, 770-926-3488
Cobb County Libertarian Party 770-425-2856
Widows / Widowers Grief Support Recovery 770-590-0334 www.burnthickory.com
Cobb County Republican Party 770-421-1833
Paws for Disabilities www.pawsfordisabilities.org
Cobb County Republican Women’s Club 770-785-2522
West Cobb CHADD Meets 1st Thursday at Due West United Methodist Church 404-368-9394
Pet Buddies Food Pantry 678-310-9858 www.petbuddiesfoodpantry.org
Republican Women of Cherokee County 404-747-3353 www.rwccga.com
West Cobb Mothers and More www.westcobbmothersandmore.weebly.com 770-314-1211 AROUND ACWORTH | January 2019
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COMMUNITY OF FAITH BAPTIST
Antioch Baptist Bible Church 5871 Glade Road SE, 770-529-1546 Awtrey-Westwood Baptist Church 5855 Awtrey Church Road NW 770-974-0023 Calvary Baptist Church of Acworth 4361 Westside Drive 770-974-4965 www.CalvaryBaptistAcworth.org Cedarcrest Church 4600 Cobb Pkwy NW 678-460-3500 www.CedarcrestChurch.com First Baptist Church of Acworth 4583 Church St. 770-974-3021 www.FBCAcworth.com Glade Road Baptist Church 6570 Glade Road SE 770-975-1143 www.GladeRoadBaptist.com Harvest Baptist Church 3460 Kellogg Creek Road 770-974-9091 www.HBCGA.org Hickory Grove Baptist Church 2862 Hickory Grove Road Hickory Heights Baptist Church 221 Dabbs Bridge Road, Dallas 404-488-3667 www.HickoryHeights.org Hillcrest Baptist Church 6069 Woodstock Road 770-917-9100 www.HBCAcworth.org Iron Hill Baptist Church 5172 Groovers Landing Road SE 770-974-2951 www.IronhillBaptist.org Keystone Baptist Church 3303 Dallas Acworth Highway Acworth, Georgia 30101 www.KeystoneOnline.org Lost Mountain Baptist Church 5400 Old Dallas Road, Powder Springs www.lmbc.us Morning View Baptist Church 3750 Dallas Acworth Highway www.MorningViewBaptistChurch.org 60
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Mount Olivet Baptist Church 2385 Acworth Due West Road 770-974-8335
Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church 4255 Taylor St. 770-974-8221 www.ZionHillAcworth.com
EPISCOPAL
New Hope Baptist Church 3814 New Hope Church Road 770-974-7612
Christ Episcopal Church 1210 Wooten Lake Road NW 770-422-9114 www.ChristChurchKennesaw.com
New Life Community Church 4160 New Hope Church Road SE 770-529-0509
St. Teresa’s Episcopal Church 5725 Fords Road 770-590-9040 www.StTeresasAcworth.com
Pickett’s Mill Baptist Church 7147 Hiram Acworth Highway 770-423-0955 www.PMBChurch.net Piney Grove Baptist Church 1605 Mars Hill Road 770-428-5122 www.PineyGrove.net Sardis Missionary Baptist Church 2741 S. Main St., Kennesaw 770-428-4031 www.SardisMBCKennesawGA.org Summit Baptist Church 4310 Moon Station Lane NW 770-975-4595 www.SummitChurch.org
JEHOVAH’S WITNESS
Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witness 2515 Old Highway 92 770-672-6838
JUDAISM
Chabad Jewish Center of Kennesaw 1480 Shiloh Road NW #500 678-460-7702 www.JewishWestCobb.com Congregation Ner Tamid Reform Jewish Synagogue Old 41 Highway NW, Suite 220 678-264-8575 www.MyNerTamid.info
LUTHERAN
Thankful Baptist Church of Kennesaw 928 Kennesaw Due West Road NW 678-797-0611 www.ThankfulBaptistKennesaw.org
Christ Lutheran Church 176 West Sandtown Road SW, Marietta 770-424-2850 www.clcwestcobb.org
The Entire Bible Baptist Church 4980 Cobb Parkway North NW 770-975-1100
Living Hope Lutheran Church 3450 Stilesboro Road 770-425-6726 www.LivingHopeGA.com
Three Taverns Church 3575 Acworth Due West Road 678-856-8002 www.ThreeTavernsChurch.org
First United Lutheran Church 3481 Campus Loop Road, Kennesaw 770-427-0325 www.FULC.org
Victory Baptist Church 5717 Priest Road 770-337-0952 www.VictoryBaptist.net
PRESBYTERIAN
Acworth Presbyterian Church 4561 Church St. 770-974-6552
West Ridge Church 3522 Hiram Acworth Highway 770-222-2125 www.Westridge.com
Christ Community Church 2753 Watts Drive 770-529-2600 www.ChristCommunityCobb.org
Western Hills Baptist Church 700 Mars Hill Road, Kennesaw 770-425-7118 www.WesternHillsBaptist.net
Heritage Presbyterian Church 5323 Bells Ferry Road 770-926-3558 www.HeritagePres.com
Wildwood Baptist Church 4801 Wade Green Road NW 770-428-2100 www.WildwoodBaptist.org
Kirkwood Presbyterian Church USA 618 Acworth Due West Road NW 770-427-3545 www.KirkwoodPC.org
Mars Hill Presbyterian Church 3385 Mars Hill Road NW 770-974-4395 www.MHChurch.com
Branches of Christ 5946 Jacobs Road 770-917-4964 www.BranchesOfChrist.com
ROMAN CATHOLIC
Bethel A.M.E. Church 4826 School St. 770-905-9539
St. Catherine of Siena Roman Catholic Church 1618 Ben King Road, NW 770-428-7139 www.StCatherineRCC.org St. Clare of Assisi Roman Catholic Church Meets at St. Teresa’s Episcopal, 5725 Fords Road 770-485-0825 www.StClareCC.org St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church 680 West Memorial Drive 770-443-0566 www.SaintVincentDePaulChurch.org
UNITED METHODIST
Acworth United Methodist Church 4340 Collins Circle 770-974-3312 www.AcworthUMC.org County Line United Methodist Church 1183 County Line Road, NW 770-428-0511 www.CountyLineUMC.org Due West United Methodist Church 3956 Due West Road 770-427-3835 www.DueWest.org Kennesaw United Methodist Church 1801 Ben King Road 770-428-1543 www.KennesawUMC.org New Beginnings United Methodist Church 2975 Cobb Parkway NW, Kennesaw 770-421-9980 www.NBUMC.org Shiloh United Methodist Church 3860 Cherokee St. 770-971-9655 www.NGUMC.org
OTHERS
Calvary Chapel River Oaks Meets at Brookwood Christian Academy, 4728 Wood St. 770-881-4862 or 678-977-0087 www.CalvaryChapelRiverOaks.org Christ the King Church of Greater Atlanta 6464 Highway 92 770-924-9161
Masjid Suffah 2750 Jiles Road, Kennesaw http://www.masjidsuffah.com/ Mission For Life Church 2655 Cobb Parkway, Suite 105 678-401-2675 www.MissionForLife.com Mount Olives Church of God 5065 Cherokee St. 678-651-9042 New Covenant Full Gospel Inc 5653 Priest Road 770-974-0685
Cobb Vineyard Church 3206 Old Highway 41 NW 678-574-0005 www.CobbVineyard.com
NorthStar Church 3413 Blue Springs Road 770-420-9808 www.NorthStarChurch.org
Dayspring Church 6835 Victory Drive 770-516-5733 www.DayspringChurch-Online.com
Northwest Christian Church 3737 Dallas-Acworth Highway 770-425-2525 www.NWCC.net
Eagle Pointe Church 5100 Old Stilesboro Road NW 770-421-1643 www.EaglePointe.org Empowerment Worship Center 4192 Main St. 770-609-9062 www.EmpowermentWC.org
Open Doors Church 2011 Hickory Grove Road Prayer & Praise Christian Fellowship Church 6409 Bells Ferry Road 770-928-2795 www.PrayerAndPraise.org River’s Edge Church 3450 Acworth Due West Road NW 678-318-1918
Faith Family Church 5744 Bells Ferry Road 770-926-4560 www.FFCAcworth.com
RiverStone Church 2005 Stilesboro Road 678-384-5200 www.RiverStoneOnline.org
Federation Of Apostles International Ministries Inc. 4192 S. Main St. Suite B, Acworth. 404-436-1100
RockPoint Church 3900 Legacy Park Blvd, Kennesaw 770-648-3070 www.TheRockPointChurch.org
Four Points Church 3565 Dallas Acworth Highway 678-402-6632 admin@fourpointschurch.com www.FourPointsChurch.tv
Sanctuary Church 700 Mars Hill Road 770-884-1963 www.SanctuaryInHim.org
Freedom Church 3611 Cobb Parkway 770-529-6006 www.FreedomChurch.tv
Activation Church 3415 Old Highway 41, Suite 720 www.ActivationOnline.org
Gateway Church 1455 Ben King Road 770-701-0003 www.GatewayKennesaw.org
Acworth Church of God of Prophecy Ministry 3891 Nance Road NW 770-975-1124 www.AcworthChurch.com
LifeBridge Church 3102 Loring Road 770-422-3010 www.MyLifeBridgeChurch.com
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 5055 Holt Road NW 770-974-9697
Abiding Church 1370 Lockhart Drive 678-888-1515 www.Abiding.church
Acworth Christian Church 4476 Northside Drive 770-974-1358
770-974-2814 www.KelloggCreekChurchOfChrist.org
Household of Faith Bible Church Meets at North Cobb Christian School 4500 Lakeview Drive NW 770-365-6723 www.HOFBC.org Kellogg Creek Church of Christ 3510 Kellogg Creek Road
Unity of Kennesaw Meets at Big Shanty Elementary, 1575 Ben King Road 404-644-0512 www.UnityOfKennesaw.org Victory Church 4625 Highway 92 770-794-7366 www.VictoryGA.com Vintage 242 Church 8492 Hiram Acworth Highway 678-383-2299 www.Vintage242.com Wholistic Life Ministry 1719 Nemours Drive NW, Kennesaw 678-836-9586 www.WLMinistry.org AROUND ACWORTH | January 2019
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Advertisers
FOR ADVERTISING RATES AND INFORMATION Katherine Amick 678-279-5502 • Katherine@AroundaboutMagazines.com
JANUARY 2019
ATTORNEYS/LEGAL SERVICES Joel Williams Law, LLC 404-389-1035 / 833-LEGALGA www.gatrialattorney.com
1
Nelson Elder Care Law, LLC 678-250-9355 www.NelsonElderCareLaw.com
5
Tidwell Strimban 678-999-8500 www.tidwellstrimban.com
13
13
Cover, 32, 33, 37
DENTAL Daniel Lee DMD, PC 770-974-4146 www.AcworthDental.com
9
Gentle Dental Care/Georgia Dental Implants Inside back 770-926-2784 www.georgiadic.com Williams Orthodontics Woodstock: 770-592-5554 Canton: 770-345-4155 www.DrWilliamsOrthodontics.com
25
EDUCATION/TUTORING Brookwood Christian 678-401-5855 www.brookwoodchristian.com
23
Cornerstone Prep 770-529-7077 www.cornerstoneprep.org
13
Georgia Trade School 770-590-9353 www.georgiatradeschool.com
9
Bay Equity Home Loans Inside front Jay White, Area Sales Manager 770-870-0644 www.jayclosesloans.com
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Sweet Temptations 9 678-230-3259 www.SweetTemptationsofAcworth.com
Georgia Funeral Care & Cremation Services 678-574-3016 www.GeorgiaFuneralCare.com
23
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Ed Selby 678-860-1546 www.edselbyphoto.com
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PHYSICIANS Governors MedSpa & Concierge Medicine 678-888-5181 www.GovernorsMedicine.com
7
Northside Hospital Cherokee 11 www.northside.com/Cherokee-Womens-Center
Wikenhofer Pine Ridge Funeral Home, Cemetery & Crematory 29 770-422-7299 www.WikenhoferPineRidgeFuneralHome.com
Resurgens 3 770-491-5481
HOME & GARDEN
Anchor Realty Partners Inside front Malinda Howe, Broker D: 404-444-0225 O: 770-917-0322 www.anchorrealtypartners.net
Carpet Dry-Tech 678-368-5991 www.carpetdrytech.com
43
Dr. Fixit, Ph.D. 770-974-2390 www.DrFixitPHD.com
31
Jeffery C. Glover, LLC 404-694-0550 www.bren-abby.com
13
Mr. Junk 678-Mr-Junk1 www.MrJunk1.com
29
Tom Kris & Sons Plumbing 770-529-0799 www.tkandsonsplumbing.com
23
Geico Jerry Sorrels 770-565-9696
Acworth Family EyeCare 770-974-3153 www.acwortheyes.com True Vision Eye Care 770-529-7789 www.truevisioneyecare.com
3
Debi Smith Properties C: 404-660-6652 O: 770-240-2004 www.DebiSmithProperties.com
3
Magnolia Cottages by the Sea www.magnoliadreamcottage.com
43
The Enclave at Hickory Grove 43 Terry Clark 678-234-0568 / 770-974-37777 RETAILERS/SHOPPING 31
The Safe House 678-398-9021 www.AtlantaSafeHouse.com
Inside front
SENIOR LIVING/SERVICES 27
1, 29
Holbook of Acworth, The 404-445-7777 wwwHolbrookLife.com
27
Back cover
SEWING Ashby Sewing Machine Co. 770-427-9947 www.ashbysewing.com
PEST CONTROL One Dead Bug 404-704-4685 www.onedeadbug.com
REAL ESTATE & RELATED SERVICES
Furniture Pond
INSURANCE
OPTOMETRIST
FINANCIAL SERVICES
Citadel Professional Services, LLC 770-952-6707 www.CitadelWealthCare.com
Mango Tree Raw & Smoothie Bar 678-903-4419
PHOTOGRAPHY Brooke Vande Zande 5 920-602-0923 www.BrookeVandeZandePhotography.com
FUNERAL SERVICES
CREDIT UNION Credit Union of Georgia 678-486-1111 www.CUofGA.org
29
FOOD & DRINK
COUNSELING Thrive Counseling 678-217-7529 www.thrivecounseling.com
Edward Jones Daryl Ulmer 678-574-8620 www.edwardjones.com
13
STORAGE Compass Self Storage 770-872-4708 / 770-926-3353 www.CompassSelf Storage.com
1
AROUND ACWORTH | January 2019
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Since 1996, we have brought relevant, uplifting and reader-driven content to readers. We publish Around Acworth, Around Canton, Around Woodstock and TowneLaker. We look forward to serving you, our readers and advertisers, every month. Thank you for your continued support and participation in making this truly your community magazine.
Front row, from left, Laura Latchford, Christie Deese, Patty Ponder and Jackie Loudin. Back row, Michelle McCulloch, Denise Griffin, Candi Hannigan, Karen Flaig, Katie Beall and Katherine Amick. Photo by Beth Fornuto.
At Aroundabout Local Media, we believe the world functions at the community level: diverse groups of people living in close proximity, sharing commonality of culture, values and local pride, developing safety nets for those in need, and helping each other to live richer lives. It is our heartfelt desire to contribute to the fabric that helps make a community happen. Through our magazines, we aim to provide everyone in the communities we serve with uplifting, interesting information about the community they are proud to call home. We encourage you to send us your photos, ideas, stories or anything else you think the community would like to know about. It’s your community. It’s your magazine. Look on page 6 for our contact information.
Around Acworth Distribution Map Circulation: 16,500
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AROUND ACWORTH | January 2019