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AROUND KENNESAW | January 2022
1
Contents January 2022
Contributors 34 Judy Abbott
Towne Plumber
36 Ryan Blythe 41 Jennifer Bonn
On the Cover
26 Andrew Bramlett
Owners Shane and Callie Mahaffey established their business in February 2017 on a foundation that includes values like personal attention, availability and competitive pricing.
16 Melanie Dallas 20 Dana Dorris 12 Derek Easterling 17 Susannah O. MacKay
Pages 28 & 29
Cover photo by Beckshot
40 Rob Macmillan 43 C.A. Phillips 14 Susan Schulz 30 Elisabeth Stubbs 24 Bill Westenberger
In Every Issue
4 Around Kennesaw 8 Local News
14
11 Celebrations
Gift of Music
Learn how this nonprofit helps at-risk youth by offering access to music through education and instrument donations.
18
Give Blood, Save Lives
A list of local Red Cross blood drives to help you participate in National Blood Donor Month.
22
Meet Steve Roberts!
Get to know the director of Kennesaw Parks and Recreation. 2
AROUND KENNESAW | January 2022
34 Growing Gardeners 40 Rob’s Rescues 42 Downtown Dining Guide 44 Library Events 45 Community Calendar 46 School News 50 Senior Events 51 Community of Faith 52 Cobb Photographic Society 54 Directory of Advertisers
Welcome Home
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Ask about our Charter Club for exclusive savings! · Limited Availability AROUND KENNESAW | January 2022
3
Around Kennesaw Letter From the President
There is just something special about a new beginning — a new calendar year, a new school year, a new career, and more. This year brings a double dose of newness for me — a new career at the beginning of a new year. As each new year begins, I imagine myself on a game board of a 12-month calendar. This year will be the 2022 edition of the game of life, and what does this new edition have in store? The Lord has led me on many exciting journeys, and I look forward to what this edition of life holds, especially with this wonderful, new career. As the new president of Aroundabout Local Media, I look forward to continuing my active participation in the community with a new outlook. Aroundabout Local Media has a two-fold mission. We strive to provide hyperlocal, positive, relevant information for our readers and help local businesses grow and prosper by providing affordable advertising opportunities. With these two missions in mind, listening when I am “around and about” has become a fun part of the job. Listening to business owners, learning more about what they do, and finding those businesses that provide the services our readers want and need has become a new daily goal. Listening to our readers share ideas about what they value and would like to read about has provided for many interesting conversations. What a joy to be a part of this two-fold mission and be of use to our readers and advertisers. I would like to thank Jennifer Coleman and Patty Ponder for seeing something in me that led them to believe I could take on this new role. After having a conversation with these two dynamic ladies, I was introduced to our owner, Jon Flaig, who decided I would be a good fit for the role. Much trust is involved in these decisions, and I am honored to be trusted in this way. For our readers and advertisers, thank you so much for your continued loyalty to your magazine, your community. We are happy to play a part in your game of life as we show up in your mailbox each month. Check out the “Around & About” upcoming events, and let’s play!
What’s New
Aroundabout Local Media, publishers of Around Acworth, Around Canton, READERS’ Around Kennesaw, Around Woodstock CHOICE and the TowneLaker magazines, is using Second Street to create a new 2022 platform for our 2022 Readers’ Choice contest. The opportunities to support and promote local businesses will be greater than ever in this new format. Stay tuned for more details to be revealed on Jan. 15 at aroundkennesawmagazine.com. Mount Paran Christian School (MPCS) will celebrate the dedication of its new Murray Innovation Center Jan. 5. The facility is a 23,000-square-foot expansion of MPCS’ high school building. The expansion will almost double the size of the high school. Kennesaw Parks and Recreation will hold a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Recreation Center inside Adams Park at 10:30 a.m. Jan. 18. Following the ceremony, Mayor Derek Easterling will deliver the annual State of the City address inside the new facility, during the Kennesaw Business Association’s monthly luncheon.
Noteworthy
Jenni Brown
The Kennesaw Business Association (KBA) gave out its annual awards at the organization’s December luncheon. Aroundabout Local Media President Kim Dahnke was a finalist for Member of the Year with Freedom Church’s Austin Porter and Jenni Brown of Brown and Dutton Law Firm. Brown won the honor, while Copeland’s was named Business of the Year. Three-13 Salon and Governors Gun Club were finalists. Congratulations to the winners and finalists!
Upcoming Ribbon Cuttings
Ryan Murchland Insurance Agency — 4 p.m. Jan. 3 2090 Baker Road NW, Suite 302, Kennesaw
Lazy Labrador Coffee House — 10 a.m. Jan. 4 2886 Cherokee St., Kennesaw
Kim Dahnke is the president of Aroundabout Local Media. Send your comments or questions to kim@aroundaboutmagazines.com.
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AROUND KENNESAW | January 2022
Piedmont Injury Law — 4 p.m. Jan. 13 2765 S. Main St., Suite C, Kennesaw
Recreation Center — 10:30 a.m. Jan. 18 2737 Watts Dive, Kennesaw
2695 Summers St., Kennesaw www.TeenaReganTeam.com
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AROUND KENNESAW | January 2022
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Around Acworth | Around Canton Around Kennesaw | Around Woodstock | TowneLaker www.AroundaboutLocalMedia.com
Our Mission
Helping local businesses grow and prosper by offering affordable advertising opportunities in a quality publication that provides positive, relevant information to our readers.
Get Results With Us
“ If any businessman/woman wants the most bang for their buck, advertise with Aroundabout Local Media! Every person involved in this magazine is a top-notch professional, and such a joy to work with.” - Teena Regan, 22one Realty Co.
Advertise With Us
Publisher Aroundabout Local Media, Inc. www.aroundaboutlocalmedia.com President Kim Dahnke 770-615-2779 kim@aroundaboutmagazines.com Vice President Jennifer Coleman 678-279-5502 jen@aroundaboutmagazines.com Executive Editor Candi Hannigan 770-615-3309 candi@aroundaboutmagazines.com Managing Editor Katie Beall 770-852-8481 katie@aroundaboutmagazines.com Assistant Editor Jessica Forrester 770-615-3318 jessica@aroundaboutmagazines.com Production Manager Michelle McCulloch 770-615-3307 michelle@aroundaboutmagazines.com Page Designer Laura Latchford laura@aroundaboutmagazines.com Graphic Designer Savannah Winn savannah@aroundaboutmagazines.com Controller Denise Griffin 770-615-3315 denise@aroundaboutmagazines.com Social Media Manager Kathryn Holt kat@aroundaboutmagazines.com Market & Advertising Specialist Michelle Smith michelle.smith@aroundaboutmagazines.com Copy Editors Bill King, Eliza Somers
Kim Dahnke, President 770-615-2779 | kim@aroundaboutmagazines.com
Get Social With Us! @aroundkennesaw @around_kennesaw
Around Kennesaw, a publication of Aroundabout Local Media, Inc., is a community magazine with 17,000 free copies distributed monthly. Approximately 16,600 are direct mailed to homes and businesses and an additional 400 are placed in racks in the community. Around Kennesaw 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: Around Kennesaw, 1025 Rose Creek Drive, PMB 380, Suite 620, Woodstock, GA 30189. 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 Kennesaw 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 2022. Volume 1, Issue 6
www.AroundKennesawMagazine.com 6
AROUND KENNESAW | January 2022
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AROUND KENNESAW | January 2022
7
Local News
New ID Tags Help Find Lost Pets
Cobb County Animal Services has teamed up with PetHub.com to help residents track their pets. PetHub’s system links the ID tag to an animal’s online profile that can be accessed through an encrypted connection by anyone with a mobile device. Owners can update their pet’s profile at no charge at PetHub and list emergency contact information and more. Other upgrades include “found pet” alerts, GPS notifications and a way to broadcast a missing pet’s profile to local shelters. For more information, and to get a tag for your pet, visit https://bit.ly/3p6oNVU.
Cobb Police Chief Tim Cox Retires
Mayor Derek Easterling accepts the Hometown Grant check from T-Mobile Senior Manager of Regional Marketing Oliver Jones.
Kennesaw Receives Hometown Grant
T-Mobile recently chose the city of Kennesaw as one of its Hometown Grant recipients. The city plans to use the funds to add a wheelchair-accessible swing to the inclusive playground at SwiftCantrell Park, to provide a play area for kids of all abilities. Learn more at https://t-mo.co/327fJHj.
Cobb County Police Chief Tim Cox stepped down at the end of the year, after 37 years in the department and two as chief of police. Cox has been a Cobb County resident for more than 50 years and graduated from Marietta Christian High School in 1981. He attended Kennesaw College and began his career with the Cobb County Police Department in 1985. Cox is looking forward to his retirement; he plans to hunt, fish, travel and spend more time with his family.
COVID Emergency Declared for Cobb Chairwoman Lisa Cupid, of the Cobb County Board of Commissioners, signed a new Declaration of Emergency on Dec. 22, after consulting with public health officials about the spread of the COVID-19 virus in Cobb County. The declaration will enable the county to implement its Emergency Operations Plan, hold all or portions of public meetings virtually, and encourage residents to take precautions to avoid further spread of the Omicron variant of the virus. In addition, County Manager Jackie McMorris has reinstituted the mask requirement and social distancing guidelines for people inside county government facilities, including libraries, indoor parks facilities and senior centers. This does not affect privately run businesses, schools, or the Cobb County court complex, which is under its own mask mandate. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/3z3BhB8. 8
AROUND KENNESAW | January 2022
Cobb County Police Chief Tim Cox
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AROUND KENNESAW | January 2022
9
Local News
A Georgia River Network trip participant paddling a shoot on the Upper Flint River.
The Okefenokee Swamp is under threat by a proposed mine.
River Adventures to Expand in New Year
Georgia River Network, Georgia’s only statewide advocacy organization dedicated solely to protecting Georgia’s water, aims to introduce more than 600 people to Georgia’s waterways during 2022, through a series of paddle trips and boater safety training sessions. The creator of Paddle Georgia, a canoe/kayak camping adventure that attracts more than 300 people, Georgia River Network again is adjusting to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic by offering a series of small-group adventures, beginning this month and running through November. The organization has two-day weekend canoe/kayak camping trips planned for the Alapaha River in March, Ohoopee River in April and Etowah River in May. More than a dozen additional trips will follow. Registration is open, but spaces are limited on each trip to approximately 30 participants. For more information, visit www.garivers.org. 10
AROUND KENNESAW | January 2022
Behavioral Health Agencies Consolidate Highland Rivers Health, one of Georgia’s largest behavioral health agencies, has announced its integration with Haralson Behavioral Health Services and Cobb County Community Services Board (CCCSB). The combined agency will have the legal name Highland Rivers Community Service Board, but will do business as Highland Rivers Behavioral Health, with a new logo and the new tagline, “One community fostering hope, empowerment and purpose.” A new website will be unveiled early this year as part of the ongoing rebranding and service integration that is expected to take several months. Following the consolidation, Highland Rivers will be the largest behavioral health provider in Georgia, with a 13-county service territory that is home to more than 1.7 million people — nearly 17% of the state’s population — across a 4,700-squaremile area of northwest Georgia. With a combined workforce of nearly 1,000 professionals, the agency will have an annual budget of approximately $75 million. The new, integrated organization will improve access to a broader array of behavioral health services for Georgians in metro Atlanta and northwest Georgia, said Judy Fitzgerald, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities. “Consistent access to quality behavioral health services should be a part of all Georgians’ overall health care plans,” Fitzgerald said. “Highland Rivers has been a great partner to the state in providing high quality services to those who are uninsured or underinsured, and their expansion is a hopeful sign that more Georgians can have consistent access to services that support their overall well-being.” Plans for the potential consolidation of CCCSB into Highland Rivers Health began in late 2019, as CCCSB was unable to meet demand for services in the community adequately. Toward that end, Highland Rivers CEO Melanie Dallas was contracted to serve as interim CEO of the Cobb agency in July 2020, following the retirement of CEO Foster Norman. During the ensuing period, staff members from Highland Rivers worked closely with their counterparts at CCCSB to determine processes for integrating the operational and financial workings of the two agencies. Following months of intensive preparation and planning, the governing boards of both entities voted this summer to proceed with consolidation. The CCCSB facility will become a Highland Rivers facility and staff will become employees of Highland Rivers Behavioral Health. Dallas will continue as CEO of the new entity, and all existing members of Highland Rivers’ executive team likewise will remain in their current positions. “Highland Rivers has always been very intentional about partnerships in the community, and by integrating the Cobb and Haralson organizations, we will all be able to work more effectively to strengthen the behavioral health safety net in Georgia,” Dallas said. “What’s most important is that individuals with behavioral health needs are receiving the services they need, and this consolidation will allow us to serve more people with better services in Cobb County and all the communities we serve.”
Celebrations!
ANNOUNCEMENTS ARE FREE! Email to: Edit@AroundaboutMagazines.com February deadline is Jan. 14. Please specify Around Kennesaw.
Dominick James Bruley
Age 6 on Dec. 25 Happy birthday! You are growing up too fast. We are so proud. Daddy, Mama, Nana and Linda
Philipe Ney
Age 32 on Jan. 10 May the Lord be the center of your life; and bless you in every way. We love you. His wife, Philipinho and Maitê
Dylan Pan
Age 6 on Jan. 24 Happy birthday to our little ninja! Love, Mom, Dad and Bucky
Audrey and Zamira Asiedu Audrey age 35 on Jan. 14. Zamira age 4 on Jan. 20. Love, Erskine and Kobe
Jessica, Everett and Vivianna
Jessica – Age 38 on Jan. 21, Everett – Age 9 on Jan. 25 Vivianna – Age 6 on Jan. 29 Happy birthday to three quarters of the Cooper family! Dad loves you guys!
Benjamin Gross
Erskine and Audrey Asiedu
Age 12 on Jan. 31 Happy birthday, Benjamin! We love you!
Happy anniversary! Erskine and Audrey celebrated 10 years of marriage on Jan. 1.
Caleb Moreira
Jan. 14 Happy birthday, son! Our greatest joy is being able to celebrate your day and seeing you grow, smile, jump, run and play tricks. May God protect and guide you. We love you! Mommy and Daddy
Kaleb H.
Age 6 on Jan. 11 Happy birthday! We love you! Kisses, Mommy and Kitty
Cheyenne Tillman
Age 2 on Jan. 23 Happy birthday! We love you so much! Mom and Dad
William Gross
Age 11 on Jan. 26 Happy birthday, William! We love you!
AROUND KENNESAW | January 2022
11
A Word from
Mayor Derek Easterling
W
elcome to the new year! I hope you are as excited about 2022 and all that is on the horizon for our city and community as I am. At the top of our list for January is the ribbon cutting and grand opening ceremony for the long-awaited Recreation Center on Jan. 18. The Kennesaw Business Association will host its first meeting of the year at the Recreation Center immediately following the ceremony, where I will present the State of the City. The State of the City provides an opportunity to look back or reflect on what was accomplished in the city during the last year, and an even greater opportunity for us to set the tone for the upcoming year. This year’s format will be no different as we will highlight events, projects and people. Trains, Trains, Trains! is coming at the end of the month, Jan. 29-30, featuring the most model train layouts to date. Tickets are available at www.southernmuseum.org. Two new council members, Antonio Jones (Post 4) and Trey Sinclair (Post 5), were welcomed to the dais during our first meeting of the year Jan. 3. Welcome to the table, and we pray you serve our community
well. Council member Pat Ferris (Post 3) was reelected and is returning to help guide the city for four more years. With two new council members, there are two we must thank as they leave office: Chris Henderson (Post 4) and Nimesh Patel (Post 5). Our community was blessed with the time, effort, dedication and commitment you demonstrated to our city during your continuance in office. Thank you for all you have given and helped the city to accomplish. Every day during morning announcements, my good friend, and Awtrey Middle School Principal Jeff Crawford tells his students, “Make it a great day, or not; the choice is yours.” I want you to remember as we begin the new year, it is your choice. No matter what we have been through or are experiencing at the moment, there are others who are going through something, too. I learned that it isn’t what happened to you that people will remember, but it is how you respond to what happened to you that will be remembered. Be great today, and every day of the new year! Be blessed!
Derek Easterling has served as Kennesaw’s mayor since 2016. He is dedicated to serving his community to the highest level possible.
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AROUND KENNESAW | January 2022
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The Gift o Foundation Makes Music Available to At-Risk Youth BY SUSAN BROWNING SCHULZ
Inside the instrument sales center at the Northwest Atlanta headquarters.
Gift of Music’s team meets with parents to provide instruments for their beginning students. 14
AROUND KENNESAW | January 2022
Music is a powerful force that inspires us, brings us hope, provokes memories and so much more. One of the most overwhelming illustrations of music’s influence over humanity happened on the Titanic, with the actions of bandmaster Wallace Hartley. He and his fellow musicians started playing music as the ship began to sink, to keep the passengers calm while the crew loaded the lifeboats. Survivors reported the band continued to play until the very end. Tragically, all band members perished. Song after song that they played served as their own requiem. That kind of impact illustrates why the Gift of Music Foundation in Cobb County was founded in 2015. After serving in our community as a band director and freelance teacher for local marching bands, Chris Monroe, executive director/CEO, saw cut after cut in music programs. He launched the foundation as a response to the ongoing, nationwide decline in funding and lack of prioritization for music education. Monroe and his fellow leaders at Gift of Music work relentlessly to offer access to music for at-risk young people, by forming partnerships with music teachers, public schools and other organizations. “Music is too important for any student to miss the opportunity to learn,” said Scott Keefer, vice president and instruments program director. “It’s such a great feeling to see a child’s face light up when they are given their first real instrument. You can see the joy right away.” Gift of Music has a variety of ways to keep music a part of our children’s lives. • Access to instruments. Musical instruments are provided to beginner-level students. According to the nonprofit’s website, Gift of Music is the only source in our area for reduced price and free instrument rentals for those with qualifying financial circumstances. • Instrument donations. The foundation accepts unused band and orchestra instruments that are gathering dust in closets.
of Music Executive Director Chris Monroe explains options to a new band student and family.
• Instrument repair center. A full-service repair shop, open to the public at the Gift of Music Powers Ferry Road headquarters, handles any repair on most band and orchestra instruments. Best of all, the proceeds go directly to provide instruments and music education for kids. • Access to music education. Gift of Music has replaced school day music classes that have been eliminated by some public schools, providing students in grades three through five with a beginner instrumental program in an after-school environment at participating public schools. • Instrument sales. A great selection of used instruments is available at the retail center, at the foundation headquarters, and at the online store. All purchases provide vital funding for the music programs. • Instrument grants. Help is provided for musicians of all ages, with special circumstances, who have lost the opportunity to play music as a part of their lives. From lifetime musicians suffering with health issues, to victims of natural disasters who have lost everything, granting musical wishes always will be a part of the important work done at Gift of Music.
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“The need is different everywhere we go,” Monroe said. “At Gift of Music, we focus on the parents and partnerships with schools, to ensure that music continues to play a vital role in enriching our lives.” The foundation’s headquarters is located at 2030 Powers Ferry Road SE, Suite 390, Atlanta, GA 30339, and is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, and weekends by appointment. info@giftofmusic.org. 888-551-0077 or 770-988-5075. Giftofmusic.org.
Susan Schulz is a Bible teacher and mentor who lives and plays on the Etowah River in Canton. Connect with her on social media or at susanbrowningschulz. com.
AROUND KENNESAW | January 2022
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Self-Care BY MELANIE DALLAS, LPC
a Vital New Year’s Resolution
While making resolutions is a typical part of a new year, people’s resolutions may be a little different this year. Many may resolve to quit smoking, drink less, lose weight or be more active (or all of those things), but others might focus on things they feel are lacking – personal relationships, time with loved ones and, perhaps, mental health. There is an old saying that we never miss the water till the well runs dry, and there actually are several lessons to be drawn from this. First, there are parts of our lives we consider so routine and normal that we might take them for granted: visiting relatives; seeing co-workers regularly; going to a restaurant, ball game or concert; even going to school. Up until the pandemic, those were things most of us would consider a given. The second thought is a simple follow-up to the first — that we 16
AROUND KENNESAW | January 2022
might miss some of the things we take for granted if we suddenly are prevented from doing them, especially by circumstances outside our control. The pandemic is such a circumstance, and not only disrupted our normal life routines, but also work, school and enjoying a good meal out. The final lesson in this saying isn’t stated but is implied — and perhaps is the most important — which is to appreciate the things you have when you have them. If nothing else, the pandemic showed us that life can change rapidly, and in ways we cannot anticipate, and we can’t take anything for granted.
This brings us back to New Year’s resolutions. We know that physical and mental health are linked, and most things that improve physical health also will benefit mental health. And, if you want to include not taking for granted the people, places and activities you love, then practicing gratitude can be an important goal, as well. When we look at these aspects of our lives all together, and make sustaining or improving them a goal, we are practicing self-care, which, I think, is one of the most important goals anyone can have in this new year. Of course, many people have difficulty with the idea of self-care, because we’ve been raised to value the idea of selflessness. But, self-care is not selfish; it simply means giving ourselves the same grace, compassion and care we give to others. Quite simply, self-care is anything we deliberately do (or refrain from doing) with our own well-being in mind. Self-care also can mean making an effort to do those things you missed because of the pandemic. Connecting more frequently with people you care about may require some creativity. But, being creative and focused on those things that are important to you, whether physical, mental, spiritual or emotional, is the very essence of self-care. Further, self-care fosters resiliency, the ability to bounce back from negative events, something we all need, every year. As we start 2022, let’s all resolve to take better care of ourselves, to give ourselves some time to relax, to think about what’s important to us, and to make a plan to spend more time doing the things we like, with the people we love. If you make only one resolution, make it self-care, because everything else you might want to do this year starts there.
Melanie Dallas is a licensed professional counselor and CEO of Highland Rivers Behavioral Health, which provides treatment and recovery services for individuals with mental illness, substance use disorders, and intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Sign Me Up!
1. MUST Ministries Mobile Pantry.
Bridging The Gap to Volunteers BY SUSANNAH O. MACKAY
The events of the last few years have touched every member of our community. From isolation and loneliness to job loss and hunger, we have all come through this difficult time in need of encouragement and support. There is one answer to this challenge that can strengthen everyone: service. The simple act of serving helps those in need, and heals those who serve. There is something each of us can do, individually or with our families, clubs or faith-based organizations. But, sometimes, it’s hard to know how to get started. If you’re looking for service opportunities in our area, JustServe.org is a free nationwide website and app that works to match volunteers with nonprofit organizations. The goal of JustServe is to unify and strengthen communities, and the tool’s popularity recently has grown in the metro Atlanta area. By providing organizations with another resource for recruiting volunteers, and allowing volunteers an easy way to identify opportunities, JustServe is helping communities pull together and meet needs where they are happening. In our area, JustServe has partnered with
nonprofits including MUST Ministries, Simple Needs Georgia (SNGA) and more. “MUST Ministries is so grateful for the JustServe platform, which helps us find amazing volunteers to serve our neighbors in need,” said Angel Radford, MUST Ministries’ director of volunteer services. “We can always depend on the JustServe volunteers to come with a servant’s heart and work hard. We love being able to partner with them to advance the work in our community.” A partnership with Aroundabout Local Media will showcase different service opportunities monthly. If you run a nonprofit or are looking for ways to make service a regular part of your life, check out JustServe.org. You can sign up for regular updates and learn more about nearby organizations, too. JustServe makes it easy to just go out and serve. Susannah MacKay is a local JustServe specialist. She grew up in Marietta and loves helping strengthen her community through service! Follow her on Facebook @JustServeGeorgia.
The MUST Ministries Mobile Pantry bus visits locations throughout Cherokee and Cobb counties for pop-up food pantries. Volunteers, ages 12 and older, meet the bus at the location and help set up the pantry, assist clients with food needs, and tear down the pantry at the end of the event. https://bit. ly/3djfE5K.
2. Simple Needs Georgia Comfort Kits. When new guests arrive in local homeless shelters, they often do not have much with them. To help them feel more comfortable, SNGA provides them with a duffel bag containing toiletries and other items they will need during their stay. You can help by purchasing items, donating money toward the project or putting the bags together. https://bit.ly/3doampn.
AROUND KENNESAW | January 2022
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Help Save Lives
Blood from Black donors is needed urgently to help patients with sickle cell disease.
Resolve to Give Blood at a Red Cross Location Near You National Blood Donor Month has been observed in January since 1970, and recognizes the importance of giving blood and platelets while honoring those who roll up a sleeve to help patients in need. The community is invited to help save lives by donating blood at the Cobb Red Cross Blood, Platelet and Plasma Donation Center at East Lake Shopping Center, 2145 Roswell Road in Marietta, or at another community blood drive scheduled in the area. The winter months can be especially difficult to collect enough blood and platelets to meet patient needs. Inclement weather can result in blood drive cancellations, and seasonal illnesses, like the flu, can prevent some donors from making or keeping appointments to give. Blood donors with all blood types are encouraged to make an appointment to give. Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions — including face masks for donors and staff, regardless of vaccination status — have been implemented to help protect the health of all those in attendance. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive.
How to Help
To make an appointment, or to learn more about blood drive locations, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device. Completion of a RapidPass online health history questionnaire is encouraged to speed up the donation process. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass, or use the Blood Donor App. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at checkin. Individuals who are 17 years old (16 with parental consent), weight at least 110 pounds, and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood, according to Georgia’s regulations. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters, supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood, teaches skills that save lives, distributes international humanitarian aid and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross. The Red Cross follows the highest standards of safety and infection control.
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AROUND KENNESAW | January 2022
Key Messages
• If you’re feeling healthy and well, your blood donation is needed now to help meet the needs of hospital patients. • The Red Cross continues to address a nationwide blood shortage. Donors of all blood types are needed to give now, to ensure blood is available when patients need it. • A diverse blood supply is important. Donors of all ethnicities are needed. A patient is more likely to find a compatible blood match from a donor of the same race or a similar ethnic group. • Help ensure blood is available to those with sickle cell disease when they need it. Blood donations from individuals who are Black are needed urgently to help meet the needs of patients with sickle cell disease. Find more information at RedCrossBlood.org/OurBlood. • Eligibility questions? Call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit RedCrossBlood.org.
Local Blood Drives
Jan. 3
Northstar Church
3413 Blue Springs Road, Kennesaw 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Jan. 4
Hillside United Methodist Church 4474 Towne Lake Parkway Woodstock 2:30-7:30 p.m.
Jan. 6
Cherokee Presbyterian Church 1498 Johnson Brady Road, Canton 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Jan. 7
Orange UMC
220 Orange Circle Road, Canton 2-7 p.m.
Jan. 8
Good Shepherd Lutheran
1208 Rose Creek Blvd., Woodstock 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
Jan. 10
Woodstock First Baptist 11905 Highway 92 2-7 p.m.
Jan. 11
Jan. 11
Wellstar Cherokee Health Park 1120 Wellstar Way, Holly Springs 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Jan. 12
Kennesaw First UMC 1801 Ben King Road 2-7 p.m.
Jan. 13
Hickory Flat Fellowship Church 5301 Hickory Flat Highway 2-7 p.m.
Jan. 14
110 Academy St. 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Jan. 18
Canton American Legion 150 McClure St. 12:30-5:30 p.m.
Jan. 20
Hickory Flat Fellowship Church 5301 Hickory Flat Highway 2-7 p.m.
Jan. 22
Woodstock Christian Church
Kennesaw First Baptist Legacy Park
St. Clements Episcopal Church
4201 Legacy Park Circle, Kennesaw 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Let Your Equity Work For
Canton City Hall
7700 Highway 92 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
2958 N. Main St. 3-8 p.m.
x
Jan. 24
2795 Ridge Road, Canton 2:45-7:45 p.m.
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Learn More at www.CUofGA.org! *Annual Percentage Rate. **Fixed rates as low as 2.79% on Home Equity Loan terms 70% or less loan to value, as low as 3.29% on Home Equity Loan terms 70.01%-80.00% loan to value, as low as 3.79% on Home Equity Loan terms 80.01%-90.00% loan to value and as low as 5.29% on Home Equity Loan terms 90.01% - 100% loan to value. Rate advertised is Prime Rate as published in the Wall Street Journal, minus .25%. The margin is determined at time of loan opening by the creditworthiness of the borrower and our underwriting standards. Current Prime Rate is 3.25% APR as of December 21, 2020. Members are required to have a minimum of a $10 Share Account. Qualification is based on an assessment of individual creditworthiness and our underwriting standards. Credit Union of Georgia will pay closing costs, if applicable with the exception of appraisals and title insurance. The Credit Union will recapture those fees if the loan is closed within 12 months of disbursement. Program, terms and conditions are subject to change without further notice. Contact Credit Union of Georgia at 678-486-1111 for current rates, terms and conditions. Credit Union of Georgia, 4178 Jiles Road, Suite 100, Kennesaw, GA 30144. NMLS ID #571306.
678-486-1111 AROUND KENNESAW | January 2022
19
Happy New Year From the KBA BY DANA DORRIS
UPCOMING EVENTS Jan. 18
KBA Luncheon
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Recreation Center at Adams Park 2737 Watts Drive
*Luncheon is later than usual so it can be held at the new facility. Ribbon cutting for the Recreation Center is at 10:30 a.m., followed by the State of the City address from Mayor Derek Easterling at 11:30 a.m. Catered by Carrabba’s Italian Grill, and sponsored by Loud Security.
Jan. 21
SUPER Women Luncheon 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Copeland’s of New Orleans 1142 Ernest W. Barrett Pkwy
Jan. 25
Wake Up KBA
8-9 a.m. Gaines Park Senior Living 1740 Old 41 Highway NW
During this season of reflection and preparation, I believe we can all agree 2021 was a year of resiliency for our business association. Connecting face-to-face at our monthly luncheons, and networking events created opportunities to engage in growing our businesses and serving our community. It also gave us normalcy as we navigated our “new normal.” The 2021 theme of “Effort over Challenge” proved to be the perfect summary for last year. Thank you to our 2021 President Cassandra Stiff for leading us so graciously. In 2022, the Kennesaw Business Association (KBA) is looking forward to providing you and your business many opportunities for business development to engage with other members, cultivate new relationships and ultimately grow your business. We at KBA believe by partnering with our members, we are creating a stronger community. It is our membership and generous sponsorships that allow us to collectively give back to our business community, schools, law enforcement, local government and the citizens of our Kennesaw community. The KBA has an extraordinarily rich history. It continues to be one of the largest business associations in Georgia. KBA valued members are the lifeblood of the organization, and we look forward to flourishing this year. The 2022 annual membership fee will remain $95, which gives you unlimited networking opportunities. I am pleased to announce, we have created packages with various levels of membership, including the addition of the KBA Golf Tournament. We have given these packages thoughtful consideration to provide you an excellent value to promote and grow your business. If you have not yet visited our organization, please accept my personal invitation to join us at our next luncheon, or at one of our many networking events. You can find a calendar of events and our membership opportunities listed on our website at kennesawbusiness.org. In 2022, we will continue to navigate and grow together, and encourage and support one another. I am surrounded by an incredible board of directors who are equally enthusiastic about our business community in Kennesaw. Together, we look to bring our members a bigger purpose, better business and a brighter future. I am honored to be your 2022 KBA president.
Feb. 8
KBA Luncheon
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Recreation Center at Adams Park 2600 Park Drive
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AROUND KENNESAW | January 2022
Dana Dorris is the first two-time female president of the Kennesaw Business Association. She is an independent insurance agent, and spends time with her husband, Jeff, their children, and her beloved chiweenie.
e h t Be t x e N
READERS’
CHOICE Award 2022
New THIS YEAR! Get an early start in promoting your business to be the next Readers’ Choice winner. Our contest will look a little different this year. Our goal is to maximize publicity for your business; we’ll provide tools to help you promote your business.
Dates to Remember Jan. 15 Learn more about our 2022 contest at aroundkennesawmagazine.com.
March 1-31 Nominations accepted. Top 5 in each category will move on to the voting phase.
May 1-31
Want to dominate your category? Visit aroundkennesawmagazine.com on Jan. 15 to learn how to win your category!
Voting!
July Issues Winners announced. (Top vote-getter and two finalists.)
AROUND KENNESAW | January 2022
21
Describe a typical day.
No two days are the same. We are here to serve our community and to help enrich the lives of our citizens.
When were you hired, and what was your background?
I was hired in January 2019. I spent 16 years at Dalton Parks and Recreation before coming here. I have a degree from the University of Georgia in recreation administration. I played football for the (Georgia) Bulldogs and was a four-year starter.
What has been the biggest surprise about your job?
The support our department gets, from not only our mayor, council and city management, but also our citizens. When we have thousands of people show up for our events, it makes our department feel like it makes a difference in the quality of life for our citizens.
What do you like most about your job?
Having the opportunity to shape the present and future of Kennesaw is a great responsibility for every city employee. However, when you are the department head, you can truly leave your footprint on a city for generations to come, which is what I like most about my job.
Get to Know
Steve Roberts
Director of Parks and Recreation City of Kennesaw What is your main responsibility?
Along with the day-to-day operations, I am responsible for the implementation and execution of the department’s short and long-term goals.
How big is your team, and what is it responsible for?
We will have 28 employees when we open the new Recreation Center this month. We have nine people on the maintenance side of our department. They are the ones who keep our parks beautiful and safe. We will have 11 people who work at the front desk at both of our locations (Ben Robertson Community Center and Recreation Center). They help with registrations of our programs and sports, or help with information and rentals of our facilities. The remaining eight are our administration team, which is in charge of our programming, events and facilities. 22
AROUND KENNESAW | January 2022
What kinds of growth/changes have you seen?
My department has had quite a bit of change and growth in the three short years I have been here. The largest is the SPLOST projects the city has used to build new buildings and renovate existing parks. We have renovated an 18,500-square foot playground to make it one of the largest inclusive playgrounds in the country. This month, we are opening a new 42,000-square-foot Recreation Center with three basketball courts, a walking track, 6,500-square foot gymnastics center and two fitness rooms. We will be breaking ground on a new
amphitheater in 2022 in the recently renovated Depot Park. It is truly amazing the projects that I have gotten to be a part of in the short time I have been here.
What services or features are offered that surprise people the most?
Most are surprised at the number of classes we offer. We have adult and youth classes. I also think people forget the facilities we have for rent. We have rooms that can accommodate 10 to 300 people. We have pavilions at SwiftCantrell Park that are available to rent for birthday parties and family reunions.
What can residents expect to see from your department?
The addition of the Recreation Center will allow us to offer youth and adult basketball, volleyball and pickleball leagues. It will allow us to expand the impact we can have on the quality of life for Kennesaw residents.
What are your goals?
My goals professionally revolve around our department and ensuring we leave a mark on the community for years to come. Making sure the programs and events we offer are making lifetime memories for the people attending.
Tell us about your family and hobbies.
I have a wonderful wife of 27 years, Amy. She is a teacher and loves affecting lives as much as I do. I have a son, Jake, who also is a teacher and football coach. An interesting fact about Jake is he played football at Kennesaw State University and was a member of the inaugural team. My daughter, Carson, also works for the school system. She played golf at the University of North Georgia, where she earned All-Peach Belt Conference honors. I love deer hunting and trout fishing, and I am a motorcycle enthusiast. The Inclusive Playground at Swift-Cantrell Park.
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www.mustministries.org AROUND KENNESAW | January 2022
23
With a New Year Comes New Hope BY BILL WESTENBERGER
Happy New Year! I pray that you and your family had a blessed holiday season and were able to bless others with a smile, a kind word or a gift from the heart. As we move into a new year, we look to a new start, with fresh ideas and perspectives that give us peace, comfort and enlightenment. The future becomes brighter as we hope for better. Fortunately, the recent holiday season has brought some hope. We’ve been able to assemble with friends and family. Through cautious optimism, shopping, dining, assemblies and travel options have improved. The human spirit of society has continued to find resilience through the challenges of the past 24 months. Our communities have been resourceful, and have found new ways to reach goals and enjoy accomplishments. Moving into a new season, we have the opportunity to look for more ways to be hopeful and provide hope for others. At the Kennesaw Police Department (KPD), the services we provide include daily opportunities for hope. We cherish this, as others may not have the same great chances to leave this blessing through their job. One of our most recent opportunities has come through a new engagement with social media. One of our officers saw a need that came to light with our community’s young people. As many know, social distancing has 24
AROUND KENNESAW | January 2022
Officer Pat Jarratt reads “Little Blue Truck” by Alice Schertle from his patrol car for his BlueLine Story Time video.
created challenges in many ways. One challenge is that community members have been robbed of the time they historically have taken to read to kids. In November, KPD found a new way to make this happen. We began an initiative called BlueLine Story Time. More than 20 members of our staff signed up to read books to children on our social media platforms, which has been well received. Naturally, the law enforcement function of our job reveals challenging situations. Many times, those can be negative. They typically bring pain or sadness. As you know, people aren’t calling us because they’re having a great day. As a community, we can let these instances drag us down, or we can use them to find ways to become
better. Each of us has the ability to give hope to someone in our circle. So, as we’ve moved into the season of making resolutions, I challenge myself, my organization, and each of you to look for hope to be fulfilled by giving it to someone else. The mission will be fruitful as we begin to see new opportunities through pain and setbacks. It will be contagious, and will change our outlooks. As Robin Sharma said, “Rough seas make stronger sailors. Tough times build greater people.” Until next time, stay safe.
Bill Westenberger has served as chief since 2008. He was given the 2019 Kennesaw Citizen of the Year Award.
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AROUND KENNESAW | January 2022
25
A Town Tied to the
RAILROAD BY ANDREW J. BRAMLETT
A piece of railroad money issued in April 1862. Image from the Georgia Archives.
The Western and Atlantic Depot in Atlanta before the Civil War. It was destroyed in 1864. Image from the Atlanta History Center. 26
AROUND KENNESAW | January 2022
While we celebrate the beginning of a new year, it is a good time to remember the beginnings of our town. The railroad responsible for the formation of Kennesaw nearly caused its destruction. The Erie Canal opened in New York to much fanfare in 1825. Built by the state, the canal brought a wave of economic prosperity to New York City. Other states took notice and began their own public works projects. Many of these projects were canals, but they also included a new technology: the railroad. Unfortunately for many states, neither canals nor railroads could cross the Appalachian Mountains. With most of the state south of the mountains, Georgia did not have this disadvantage, and capitalized on it. On Dec. 21, 1836, Georgia authorized the construction of the Western and Atlantic Railroad. Owned by the state, it would start south of the Chattahoochee River and end at Ross’s Landing (in present-day Chattanooga). Trains could travel from northern states to Augusta or Savannah, then travel west to the railroad’s southern terminus, and finally travel north along the Western and Atlantic to the other side of the mountains. This turned the railroad into the heart of the South’s railroad network. Col. Stephen Harriman Long was tasked with surveying the new route, which follows a similar path through North Georgia as today’s Interstate 75. The site chosen for the southern terminus was conveniently named Terminus, which eventually became Marthasville, and later was renamed Atlanta. Construction began on the railroad in 1838, and by 1845 it had reached Marietta. As construction progressed north, a community of shanties was founded at the highest point between the Chattahoochee and Etowah rivers. The small community was called the
Big Shanty from a copy of Harper’s Weekly. Image from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln.
Big Shanty Grade. This later was shortened to Big Shanty. According to some accounts, the name was the brainchild of a railroad worker named Jacob Russell. Workers from Big Shanty helped build the “State Road” — as the railroad commonly had been called since 1840 — for the remainder of the railroad’s construction. Big Shanty and Atlanta would not be the only rail communities founded. Acworth, Smyrna, Cartersville, Adairsville, Calhoun, Resaca, Dalton and Ringgold all owe their existence to the railroad. The Western and Atlantic opened to Chattanooga in 1847, but construction continued until 1850. After it was completed, locomotive engineers realized that heading up from the Chattahoochee River and Etowah River proved difficult in the morning, because of dew on the tracks. A place was needed to rest overnight at the high point between the rivers, which
happened to be Big Shanty. In 1859, the Big Shanty Eating House was constructed, so trains could stay in the community overnight. It later was managed by George Lacy, and it commonly is referred to as the Lacy Hotel. At the start of the Civil War, the State Road became busier than ever, and its strategic location made it especially important. Because of the railroad, a Confederate training camp named Camp McDonald was established in Big Shanty, and visitors came from across the state to see the soldiers training. On April 12, 1862, Union soldiers led by civilian spy James J. Andrews stole the General locomotive in Big Shanty and attempted to destroy the railroad. The Andrews Raiders were not successful, and their daring saga later became known as the Great Locomotive Chase. The event gave Big Shanty national recognition. As the Union Army made its way through Georgia in 1864,
the importance of the railroad was recognized by both sides. Gen. William T. Sherman ordered that all of the towns along the Western and Atlantic between Big Shanty and Atlanta be destroyed, so that the enemy could not return to the area. Ironically, the railroad had created Big Shanty, and it was the railroad that caused its destruction. After the war, the rebuilding of Big Shanty began, and the community was incorporated as Kennesaw in 1887. The railroad remains an important centerpiece of Kennesaw today. The Western and Atlantic, now leased to CSX, still runs through the heart of downtown Kennesaw. The city and the railroad have been linked together, for better or worse, for more than 175 years. Andrew Bramlett is vice president of the Kennesaw Historical Society and an honorary member of the Kennesaw Cemetery Preservation Commission.
AROUND KENNESAW | January 2022
27
Personal Attention, Fast Service at the Core of Family-Owned Business T
owne Plumber’s owners Shane and Callie Mahaffey established their business in February 2017 on the values that most people come to appreciate in a small, locally owned company. Personal attention, availability, competitive pricing, and family values are important to the couple and have become their company’s foundation. They’ve dedicated their familyowned business to making life easier for customers, who often need help in the evenings and on weekends, and to benefiting community schools and sports leagues. With the recent addition of a high school graduate as an apprentice, Towne Plumber is growing to meet the needs of the community. No matter how much the company expands, the promise is to continue providing customers with exceptional service.
It Was Time for a Change Shane Mahaffey’s intense personal desire to serve customers actually led to a big job change. At one point, he worked for a large company, but wasn’t feeling fulfilled there. “Most days, I had a very full schedule, with multiple appointments back to back, and it was a time crunch to complete each job. Now that I own this smaller company, we make sure to schedule our calls accordingly. We don’t rush through our work, and we make sure it’s done correctly the first time,” Mahaffey said. “Towne Plumber enables me to treat my customers exactly how I would want a local company to treat me.” Master Plumber Mahaffey, with 17 years of experience, along with licensed plumbers Darryl Dickson, Trey Pulley and Dustin White, and apprentice Vander Damiano, offer a variety of services that range from drain repair to slab leak detection. “Sometimes, plumbing jobs do seem very simple, but, even something that seems easy, like swapping out a toilet or installing a new faucet, can go wrong for someone who hasn’t done it before,” Shane said. “Water damage is something no one
Mahaffey family, clockwise, Shane and Callie with sons Parker, Easten, Nolan and daughter Lily.
From left: Colbe Campbell, Vande
wants to deal with. However, swapping out parts in toilets and replacing kitchen sink faucets, are tasks that we do daily, so our customers can rest assured that they won’t have to give those honey-do list projects a second thought.”
Round-the-Clock Service Towne Plumber is available by phone, email, Google chat, Facebook messenger … any method that connects the plumber and the client in the most efficient
Towne Plumber | 770
SPONSORE 28
AROUND KENNESAW | January 2022
SERVICES • Water heater repair and installation. • Drain repair. • Toilet repair and installation. • Sewer repair. • Kitchen sink installation. • Slab leak detection. • Garbage disposal repair and replacement. affey, Carrie Green, Darryl Dickson
er Damiano, Callie and Shane Mah
manner. That’s the Towne Plumber difference. Every effort is made to be as available as possible, even when it comes to late night calls and texts. No project is too big or small, or odd. Shane has made some unusual finds when unclogging toilets: dozens of toys, a screwdriver and a pair of dentures, to name a few. Shane takes a fresh approach to an old industry with strategic scheduling to deliver the fastest service possible, staying in constant
and Trevor Krebbs.
contact, and making it easy to connect with a licensed plumber. Once every couple of months, Shane and Callie sit down and, with an open mind, evaluate the company’s strategies, review what is and isn’t working, and develop new ideas. Callie is the company’s office manager and marketing director. Together, she and Shane have four children: a daughter, Lily, and three boys, Parker, Easten and Nolan. When Shane and Callie aren’t running their business,
you can find them either on the lacrosse field watching their daughter play or at the baseball park, where the three boys play and Shane assists with coaching. “Shane grew up in Cobb County in Smyrna, and played baseball around the Cobb County area,” Callie said. “As a baseball loving family, we were thrilled when the Braves moved to their new park in his hometown. We love visiting the new stadium, strolling through downtown Kennesaw, and hiking Kennesaw Mountain.”
0-257-7503 | www.towneplumber.com
D CONTENT AROUND KENNESAW | January 2022
29
1.
Wool is considered the premier fiber in carpet construction, and it also is the most expensive. It is soft, with excellent resilience and durability, and it’s the greenest fiber that carpet is made from.
2.
Site-finished hardwoods are installed raw (unfinished). Then, they are sanded, stained and coated with polyurethane in your home. You are able to select the stain color and gloss level of the floor.
3.
Prefinished hardwood floors are fully manufactured and finished in the factory. A prefinished floor offers a quicker and more convenient installation, however you have fewer choices in stain color, etc. Both types of wood flooring (site-finished and prefinished) are available in solid and engineered wood. Prefinished wood floors are real hardwood floors. Prefinished floor is composed of 100% hardwood. Most engineered wood floors can be sanded at least once, except veneers and heavily scraped/distressed floors. All ¾-inch solid, prefinished wood floors can be sanded numerous times.
4.
Only a commercial loop carpet or a very low, tight Berber carpet will not show footprints. Textured carpets, friezes, cut and loops and loose Berbers will only minimize footprints. Refinishing hardwood floors every six to eight years helps keep the home where we live and play looking its best.
Did You Know? 7 Fun Flooring Facts BY ELISABETH STUBBS
We are deluged with information every day. No one can retain it all! When you are shopping for floors, it’s especially hard to know what’s really important among all the information being circulated. Here are seven facts to help you decide what to prioritize when shopping for flooring:
Elisabeth Stubbs is one of the owners of Enhance Floors and More, one of Atlanta’s top-rated flooring dealers, located in Marietta.
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AROUND KENNESAW | January 2022
5.
How often you refinish a hardwood floor depends on the amount of traffic in your home and how well you take care of your floors. Generally speaking, the average homeowner needs another coat of polyurethane every six to eight years. Totally refinishing a floor only happens if you want to change the color of the floor or if the floor has been abused (deep scratches, gouges, discolorations).
6.
Wood slowly changes color over time. It is very hard, if not impossible, to match a new wood floor to an older wood floor. For this reason, if you add more of the exact same prefinished flooring, no one will be able to guarantee a perfect color match. If you choose site-finished hardwoods, the stain color will be blended to match as closely as possible, but the most important thing to match is the wood grade, species, etc.
7.
A floating floor is not attached directly to the subfloor. Panels are attached to each other and are installed over a pad. The floor is held in place by gravity, shoe mold and transitions. All laminates and most luxury vinyl planks and luxury vinyl tiles are floating floor systems.
AROUND KENNESAW | January 2022
31
MAY
At a Glance
If getting organized is one of your New Year’s resolutions, this comprehensive calendar should help. For more details on city and county events, check www.acworth.org and www.kennesaw-ga.gov.
JANUARY
Jan. 5: School resumes after holidays, Cobb County Schools Jan. 17: Martin Luther King Day. School Holiday. MLK Day Celebration and Day of Service Jan. 29-20: Trains, Trains, Trains!, Southern Museum
FEBRUARY Feb. 5: Valentine’s Dance Party, Kennesaw Feb. 12: ACT at North Cobb High School Feb. 14: Valentine’s Day Feb. 18-19: Great Backyard Bird Count, Smith-Gilbert Gardens Feb. 19: Polar Plunge, Acworth Beach at Cauble Park Feb. 21-25: Winter Break, Cobb County Schools
MARCH March March March March March March
1: Readers’ Choice nominations open 5: Touch-A-Truck, Kennesaw 7: Early release day, Cobb County Schools 13: Daylight saving time begins 17: St. Patrick’s Day 31: Readers’ Choice nominations close
APRIL April April April April April April
2: Bunny Breakfast, Kennesaw 2-3: Acworth Art Fest 4-8: Spring Break, Cobb County Schools 8: Acworth Egg Hunt 17: Easter Sunday 23: Live at Logan Farm Park, Acworth
MAY May 1: Readers’ Choice voting begins May 5: Cinco de Mayo. National Day of Prayer. Acworth City Hall National Day of Prayer event May 6-7: Smoke on the Lake BBQ Festival May 7: Acworth City Hall National Day of Prayer event May 8: Mother’s Day May 14: Acworth-Cobb Dragon Boat Festival May 21: North Cobb High School Graduation May 21: Mount Paran Christian School graduation. North Cobb Christian School graduation. May 25: Last Day of School 32
AROUND KENNESAW | January 2022
May May May May May
26: Harrison High School graduation 27: Allatoona High School graduation. Kennesaw Mountain High School graduation. 28: Acworth Memorial Day Ceremony, Cauble Park 30: Memorial Day 31: Readers’ Choice voting ends
JUNE
June 3-5: Dixie Highway Yard Sale June 19: Father’s Day. Juneteenth.
JULY July 3: Salute to America, Kennesaw July 4: 4th of July Concert and Fireworks, Cauble Park July 23: Railroad Rendezvous, Southern Museum
AUGUST Aug. 1: First Day of School Aug. 6: Program Palooza, Kennesaw Aug. 19-20: Pigs & Peaches BBQ Festival, Adams Park
SEPTEMBER
Sept. Sept. Sept. Sept.
5: Labor Day. School Holiday. 10: Pizza, Pints & Pigskins, Logan Farm Park 26: Rosh Hashanah 26-30: Fall Break
OCTOBER
Oct. Oct. Oct. Oct.
8: Taste of Acworth 15: Fall-O-Ween, Kennesaw 22: Halloween JamBOOree, Acworth 31: Halloween
NOVEMBER
Nov. Nov. Nov. Nov. Nov. Nov.
5: Taste of Kennesaw 8: Election Day. No school. 11: Acworth Veterans Day Ceremony, Cauble Park Veterans Day Luncheon, Kennesaw 19: Acworth Turkey Chase 21-25: Thanksgiving break 24: Thanksgiving. Marietta Daily Journal Gobble Jog.
DECEMBER Dec. Dec. Dec. Dec. Dec. Dec.
2: Santa’s arrival, Acworth 3: Day with Santa, Kennesaw. Christmas in Acworth 18-26: Hanukkah Acworth and Kennesaw Menorah Lightings 10: Christmas in Acworth. All Aboard for Holiday Fun, Southern Museum 19-Jan. 4: Holiday break, Cobb County Schools 25: Christmas
AROUND KENNESAW | January 2022
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Who Are Master Gardeners?
BY MASTER GARDENER EXTENSION VOLUNTEER JUDY ABBOTT
Happy 2022! As we start a new year, we look forward to new beginnings, new goals and new adventures. The events of the past few years brought a surge of interest in all things gardening. Despite the pandemic, the Master Gardener Extension Volunteers (MGEVs) of Cobb County have continued to carry out their mission to “improve the quality of life in our community by delivering research-based horticultural information, education programs and projects.”
What is a Master Gardener?
In the early 1970s, Dr. David Gibby, who was known as the father of Master Gardeners, was a county extension agent with the Washington State Extension office. At that time, the public had only two options for gardening information — libraries or a county extension agent. It didn’t take long for Gibby to become overwhelmed by the volume of questions he received from home gardeners. He needed help, so he discussed the problem with his superiors. Unfortunately, their suggestion of lectures and TV spots only increased the number of inquiries he received, compounding his problem.
Soon after, Sunset Magazine sponsored a garden clinic with Gibby at a local mall. Understanding his dilemma, they followed up with an article stating that Washington State Extension was looking for volunteers to assist him in answering questions and providing gardening information to the public. So many people responded, the Extension developed a training course, which became the first Master Gardener program. As news about this innovative volunteer program spread, other county extension offices across the nation followed suit. Today, there are Master Gardener programs in all 50 states, as well as internationally. The Georgia program began in 1979, when a group of metro Atlanta Extension agents organized the first training program, with 140 trainees. Today, the University of Georgia (UGA) Extension website cites more than 2,270 active Georgia Master Gardeners, providing 111,065 volunteer hours. In Cobb County, we have 264 active members contributing more than 21,000 volunteer hours annually.
What do Master Gardeners do?
They assist the Extension office in numerous ways, manning the Master Gardener helpline, presenting educational programs, conducting hands-on demonstrations, maintaining educational and community gardens, volunteering in schools, and working with Habitat for Humanity. Along with their gardening knowledge, they contribute valuable skills, such as photography, writing, editing, event planning, teaching and leadership.
How do you become a Master Gardener Extension Volunteer?
You go back to school! UGA Extension offers an annual 50-hour training course with a limited number of seats per county. Using several textbooks, and with lectures from a variety of specialists, you will learn about botany, soils and plant nutrition, basic pathology, plant physiology, entomology, pest control, annuals and perennials, woody ornamentals, turf selection and maintenance, composting, mulching, vegetable gardening and waterwise gardening, just to name a few. And, yes, there is a midterm and final exam. If you break out in a sweat at the mere mention of the word exam, don’t worry. There are plenty of study sessions to help you prepare.
Do I need to be an experienced gardener to apply?
Some basic experience and knowledge are preferable, but enthusiastic people who want to share their love of plants with their communities through our Extension education programming and horticultural projects are welcome to apply.
What is expected of a Master Gardener?
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Master Gardener Volunteers of Cobb County interns must contribute 50 hours of volunteer service in their first year to earn certification. Most interns are paired with a mentor to help them through. After that, volunteers are expected to complete at least 25 hours of service annually on an approved Cobb County Master Gardener project or program. In addition, MGEVs are required to complete at least six hours of continuing education per year.
Green Meadows Preserve in Marietta.
“Let Our Family go to work for Your Family”
How do you apply?
Applications are available at www.cobbmastergardeners. com. In addition to the program application, applicants must provide three references, agree to a background check, and be interviewed by the selection committee. Being a Master Gardener Volunteer of Cobb County does not require you to be a master at gardening. It does, however, require you to be enthusiastic about gardening, to enjoy meeting and working with other like-minded people, and to enjoy the rewards of volunteering and contributing to your community. Master Gardener Volunteers of Cobb County, Inc. (MGVOCC) is a 501(c)(3) organization that promotes and supports horticultural education programs and projects in Cobb County, Georgia. Members have been certified by the University of Georgia Master Gardener program. For gardening questions, contact the Master Gardener Help Desk, UGA Cooperative Extension/Cobb County at 770-528-4070.
“Customer Satisfaction is our #1 Goal” Tom Kris and Sons Plumbing is your full-service, neighborhood plumber, fully licensed and insured, specializing in: • Water Heater Service & Replacement (Tank/Tankless) • Remodeling • Water Line Replacement • Toilets & Faucets • Camera Inspections • Garbage Disposals • Sump Pumps *Tom Kris and Sons Plumbing proudly offers 10% off all services to our military, first responders, educators and senior citizens* **maximum discount $100**
Master Gardener Volunteers of Cobb County is a part of the University of Georgia Extension.
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770-529-0799
AROUND KENNESAW | January 2022
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Highlights of Manufacturing Conference BY RYAN BLYTHE
As mentioned in my final 2021 column, I just came back from WESTEC, the West Coast’s largest manufacturing conference, and want to share some of the biggest takeaways. Along with 10,000 friends, including Disney, Big Tech and a number of defense contractors, I was like a sponge trying to take it all in. The highlights for me were the keynote addresses, including a speech from Chris Kuehl, the economist for the Fabricators and Manufacturers Association. Not to sound like Captain Obvious, but the government was not prepared for a novel coronavirus. Despite this, the first quarter of 2022 should produce an economy that is comparable to the fourth quarter of 2019, when the word COVID was not in anyone’s vocabulary. The death of American manufacturing has been exaggerated. As a share of our gross domestic product, it is the smallest since World War II, at 11%. However, that is more an effect of having the most diverse economy in world history. Professional services and the government are at 12%. No one sector dominates. The notion that China makes everything also is a falsehood. The U.S. is second only to China in global manufacturing, with the position difference being due to consumer goods. A future article on the supply chain will address why that may be changing. Direct employment in U.S. manufacturing is 12 million, while, indirectly, 15 jobs are dependent on every position working directly. Just because you work in the office, if the end product of your company is still manufacturing, it would be nice for the government to categorize that. The vast majority of manufacturers are small, with 76% having fewer than 20 employees. Small businesses are thriving, despite the challenges presented by a global pandemic. From 2015 to 2020, growth for firms with
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AROUND KENNESAW | January 2022
Approximately 750,000 Americans work in welding and fabrication.
less than 50 employees increased from 31,000 to 42,000. It is true that COVID-19 had a negative impact, doubling the number of closures in a calendar year. But, being in business and job creation is tough, as 50,000 to 100,000 small businesses close annually. A major concern is the amount of baby boomer owners nearing retirement. What do their operations look like without original management? The energy sector, logistics, construction and automotive are coming back faster than retail, travel and tourism. You will see more warehousing and medical buildings constructed in the future. Office
buildings will be repurposed. And, in an environment where remote and hybrid work is becoming popular, look for suburban and exurban areas to be growth hubs. This bodes well for communities like Acworth and Kennesaw. And, finally, in short, cough up, employers. In this historically tight labor market, 4% pay raises will be the norm in 2022. Ryan Blythe is the founder of Georgia Trade School, which for the sixth consecutive year, was named one of the Cobb Chamber Top 25 Small Businesses of the Year.
AROUND KENNESAW | January 2022
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Soup’s On!
• Taco Soup
When the weather outside turns frigid, who doesn’t want to warm up with a steaming bowl of delicious soup? If you’re looking for some new recipes to impress your crew, give these a try!
• • • • • • • •
Candi Hannigan
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef 1 onion, chopped 1 package taco seasoning mix 1 can Ro*Tel® tomatoes 1 can stewed tomatoes 1 can pinto beans 1 can whole kernel corn 1 can cream-style corn
Directions
Brown ground beef and onion. Add taco seasoning and prepare according to package directions. Set aside. In a large pot, add all the other ingredients. Do not drain any of the cans. Add meat mix and heat thoroughly. Sprinkle each serving with grated cheese and sour cream. Serve with corn chips or cornbread. This is always a crowd pleaser and has helped me out of a bind when, as a pastor’s wife, I’ve been called on to contribute to largerscale meals!
• Potatoes O’Brien Soup Ingredients
• 1 package country style gravy, sausage flavor • 3 (14-ounce) cans chicken broth • 1 bag frozen Potatoes O’Brien
Directions
• Black Eyed Pea Soup Patty Ponder
Ingredients • • • • • • • • • • • • •
3 cans of black eyed peas (drained) 1 large can of diced tomatoes (do not drain) 2 cups of chopped ham 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 ½ pounds hot Italian sausage 4 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 1 chopped jalapeno (put on the top of the soup or stir in) 3 teaspoons Tabasco sauce 1 bay leaf ½ can of beer 1 small onion chopped 2-3 garlic cloves 1 chicken bouillon cube
Directions
Stir ingredients together in a slow cooker and cook on low for eight hours. If needed you may sprinkle with Lawry’s Seasoned Salt.
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Combine gravy mix and broth, bring to a boil. Add potatoes and cook 45 minutes. Years ago, when I did Weight Watchers, this was a favorite and low-point option. Very filling too! Even though I’m not following that program these days, I still enjoy this soup.
• Potato Cheese Soup Katherine Amick
Ingredients • • • • • • •
3 cups raw potatoes, cut up ½ cup carrots (either chopped or sliced) ¼ cup chopped onions 1 chicken bouillon cube 1 8-ounce package Velveeta cheese - cubed 1 ½ cups of milk 2 tablespoons flour
Directions
Add potatoes, carrots, onions and bouillon cube to pot of water. Add enough water to cover and boil until tender. Do not drain! Add milk plus the flour (mix a little of the milk with the flour to make a paste). Add cheese. Keep stirring on medium heat until cheese melts. This recipe makes a small pot of soup. I usually double it! Serve with hot french bread and salad.
• Vegetable Beef Soup Michelle McCulloch
Ingredients
• 2 pounds of stew meat, salt and pepper to taste • 1 tablespoon oil • 2 quarts of beef broth • 4 tablespoons tomato paste • 2 tablespoons ketchup • 1 large bag of steamable mixed vegetables • ¼ cup of uncooked pastina (no more!)
Directions
Brown meat in oil, stir in beef broth, add tomato paste, ketchup, steamed vegetables and pastina. Simmer 45 minutes. Serve with cheese quesadilla wedges.
• Shrimp or Crawfish Soup Christie Deese
Ingredients • • • • • • • •
¼ cup sliced green onions 1 tablespoon butter 2 cans potato soup 2 cups milk 1 can (14 oz) yellow corn (drained) 8 ounces cream cheese 2 bacon strips cooked and cut into bits (optional) 1 ½ pounds boiled shrimp (peeled) or cooked crawfish tails • Dash of salt and pepper • Cayenne pepper
Directions
Melt butter in a large soup pot and sauté onions for five minutes. Add potato soup, milk corn and cream cheese. Simmer on low until heated through. Add shrimp or crawfish and simmer 10 minutes. Season with salt, pepper and cayenne pepper. This is a very quick, easy and tasty soup recipe from a dear friend, Michele Smith. I always get recipe requests when I make it for others.
• Tortellini Soup Ingredients
• 1 pound Jimmy Dean sausage (if you want spicy soup, use spicy sausage) • 2 (10-ounce) cans Ro*Tel® • 16 ounces frozen vegetables • 4 teaspoons Italian seasoning • 2 (9-ounce) packages of cheese tortellini • 4 teaspoons roasted garlic • 28 ounces chicken broth
Directions
Brown sausage and garlic. Add the remaining four ingredients and simmer for 10 minutes. Add tortellini the last five minutes. Top each bowl with shredded Parmesan cheese.
• Roasted Poblano Soup Dan Thrailkill
Ingredients
• 4 poblano peppers • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided • 3 quarts vegetable stock (store bought works but I recommend making your own) • 1 red onion (diced) • 1 ½ cups corn kernels (about 2 large cobs if cutting fresh, which I recommend) • 1 15-ounce can black beans • 1 red bell pepper (seeded and diced) • 1 tablespoon kosher salt • 1 teaspoon ground cumin • 1 ½ tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro • 1 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano
Veggie stock • • • • •
1 yellow onion (rough chopped) 2 carrots (rough chopped) 2 ribs of celery (rough chopped) 3 sprigs of parsley 1 gallon of water
Directions
Make the veggie stock by adding all ingredients to a heavy pot, simmering on low medium heat covered for 30 minutes. Strain the stock through a fine mesh sieve. Can be done a day in advance. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Toss poblanos in 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and bake on a sturdy baking sheet for 10 minutes. Put roasted poblanos in a plastic-wrap covered bowl for 15 minutes. As the peppers sit, sauté onions and red peppers until they are a little crisp and still have color. Set aside. Remove plastic wrap from poblanos, and wipe the skin off with a cotton towel. Split peppers in half, remove the seeds, rinse and dice. Add all ingredients to pot and cook on low medium for at least an hour, stirring occasionally. If using a slow cooker, skip sautéing the onions and red peppers: combine ingredients and cook on low at least three hours. If starting in the morning, follow the same procedure and leave the slow cooker on warm all day. AROUND KENNESAW | January 2022
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Rob’s Rescues These animals are waiting for homes at Cobb County Animal Services, 1060 Al Bishop Drive, Marietta. This cat’s name is Nadine. She is 5 years old and a small, soft and furry cat. She is an owner turn-in. She would be the perfect cat to have, because she just wants to be with you, and does not complain about anything.
Rob with Malissa Birchall of Kitty Up Cat Rescue.
I interviewed Malissa Birchall, who is the founder of Kitty Up Cat Rescue (kittyupcatrescue.org), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Dallas, Georgia.
What is the focus of Kitty Up?
To save as many cats as we can. We arrange transports north, for dogs and cats, and we work with other cat rescues to find placements for stray cats. Spay and neuter is a huge part of what we do; it takes up 80% of our budget. We pull cats from everywhere, especially the Bartow County shelter. Every month, I send five feline leukemia cats to Austin Pets Alive in Texas. We help wherever we can, and foster a couple of dogs, too. This dog’s name is Willie. He is a 4-year-old beagle. He was a stray. He is a very mellow dog, so he would be easy to have as a companion or a family dog. He loves being outside and is easy to handle.
When did you start Kitty Up and why?
August 2018. I am a vet tech and have worked with many rescues. I live in Paulding County, and I realized there was no cat rescue in the county, and it was desperately needed. There is a lot of education needed about TNR (trap-neuterreturn). Many people regard cats as pests, as opposed to friends.
What is a story that you like to tell?
I like to tell people about a cat called Catra. She was found in Bartow County in a dumpster, hanging by a rope around her neck, with her arm trapped in the rope. We rescued her and had to amputate the arm (her arm between the rope and her neck was the only reason she didn’t die in there). She was adopted by an amazing family.
How many cats have you helped since you started? More than 3,000. Last year we transported 1,400.
What do you want the community to know about Kitty Up, and how can they help you?
We are here to help. We have a food closet with cat and dog food for people that need it. We provide TNR and vaccines. We do a lot of networking in the rescue community. We are 100% donation based. Food donations always are needed, especially Friskies paté and Purina cat food. We always need blankets, sheets and towels, too.
Rob Macmillan is on a mission to help shelter dogs and cats. On Facebook @robsrescues. www.robsrescues.com.
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AROUND KENNESAW | January 2022
Hitting The Refresh Button in 2022 BY JENNIFER BONN
The end of one year and the beginning of the next always is a time of renewal. When working on our computers, if something we were expecting to appear isn’t visible, we hit the refresh button. We can learn from our experiences from the past year, and make new goals for the future. Here are a few ways to hit the refresh button as we start the new year.
Reflect on the past year. What worked for you in 2021, and
what didn’t? What did you learn? Make a list of the major events in your life last year, how they affected you and your response.
Make a vision board. This is a visual expression of your goals.
Put photos and descriptions of your dreams and expectations for the new year on a bulletin board. Then, put it somewhere you can see it, and be reminded of what you would like to achieve. .
Do something epic. A friend who has always wanted to do an
ultra-marathon told me, “This is the year I do something epic.” I thought that was an amazing goal. Don’t let fear hold you back from something you have wanted to do. It seems only impossible until you do it. What does epic mean to you?
How will you grow? List three things that will help you grow.
What would you like to improve? Make a plan for how you can make it happen, but be realistic. You cannot lose 100 pounds overnight, but you can lose it gradually. Keep your goals achievable.
Step out of your comfort zone. My youngest is one of the
kindest, sweetest people you can meet, but she would be happy if she could just be a hermit. Making small talk, and meeting new people is difficult for her, but once she takes that step, she is glad she did.
What is holding you back? We all have something that gets in our way of being the best we can be. How can you clear your path? Evaluate your relationships. Are you surrounded by people who love and support you, or are there toxic people saying hurtful things? Do you dread your job, or do you look forward to waking up to a fresh start? Do you need to be healthier? Evaluate what you need to be the best version of yourself, and make it happen.
As we hit the refresh button, I hope what enters your life carries more blessings than burdens, that the burdens are light, and that 2022 brings you closer to accomplishing all your dreams. Jennifer Bonn is a freelance writer in Kennesaw and a recently retired 40-year educator. Her book, “101 Tips to Lighten Your Burden,” was recently released and is available on Amazon.
AROUND KENNESAW | January 2022
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Downtown Kennesaw Dining Bangkok Cabin
Thai 3413 Cherokee St. 770-427-5287 www.bangkokcabin.net
Bernie’s
American 2825 S. Main St. 770-627-2297 www.meetatbernies.com
Big Shanty Smokehouse Barbecue 3393 Cherokee St. 770-499-7444 www.bigshantybbq.com
BurgerFi
American 2844 S. Main St. 770-635-2800 www.burgerfi.com
Cylantros Venezuelan Cuisine Kennesaw Venezuelan 3338 Cherokee St. 678-324-6276 www.cylantros.net
El Taco Azteca Bar and Grill Mexican 2689 Summers St. 678-310-0165 https://eltaco-azteca.com
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AROUND KENNESAW | January 2022
Fern Gully Jamaican Cafe Jamaican 2756 S. Main St. 678-401-3719 www.ferngullycafe.com
Frozen Cow Creamery
SuBourbon Rock & Oyster Bar Oyster Bar 2718 Summers St. 770-726-2163 www.subourbonbar.com
Ice Cream
The Nest Kennesaw
Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken
Trackside Grill
2870 Cherokee St. 678-324-7459 www.frozenbluecow.com
American 2825 S. Main St. 770-575-9026 www.gusfriedchicken.com
Honeysuckle Biscuits & Bakery Bakery
2825 S. Main St. 770-627-4370 www.honeysucklebiscuits.com
Kennesaw Thai Cuisine
Thai 2754 S. Main St. 678-331-1988 www.kennesawthaiatlanta.com
Pisano’s Pizzeria & Italian Kitchen Italian 2740 Summers St. 770-966-9600 www.pisanospizzeria.com
Barbecue 2921 Cherokee St. 678-903-6921 www.thenestkennesaw.com Southern 2840 S. Main St. 770-499-0874 www.tracksidegrill.com
Vesuvio Pizzeria Napoletana
Pizzeria 2893 N. Main St., Suite B https://vesuvionapoletana.com
Imagine Reading Your Own Obituary BY C.A. PHILLIPS
Can you imagine what it would be like to attend your own funeral? If that thought doesn’t wake you up quickly, nothing will. You and I will not be able to see how people respond to our passing, or hear what our loved ones, co-workers and neighbors say about us when we’re gone. But, one man did have the sobering experience of reading his obituary years before he died. A newspaper printed the obituary mistakenly. See, it was his brother who had passed away, not him. The headline in the French publication read, “Le Marchand de la Mort est Mort” – or, “The Merchant of Death is Dead.” One of the lines stated this man “became rich by finding ways to kill more people faster than ever before.” Who was this man? None other than Alfred Nobel. The same man who invented dynamite became more renowned for the prizes which bear his name. Nobel had the benefit of seeing how he would be remembered, and was determined to change his legacy. A year before Nobel actually died, he changed his will to specify that much of his fortune be used to create prizes for those who had devoted themselves to “the greatest benefit to humankind” in the areas of medicine, literature, chemistry, physics and peace. In modern U.S. currency, the equivalent of roughly $200 million was earmarked to the establishment of five Nobel Prizes. A couple of years ago, I went through a workshop entitled Your Extraordinary Why. The program is designed around the notion that my why determines
virtually everything I do in life. It’s what really matters to me. The central exercise in unearthing my why was rather uncomfortable. I had to write my own obituary. If that wasn’t morbid enough, I then had to list out four individuals who would eulogize me: one from my family, one from my group of friends, one from the community, and one with whom I have worked. I then wrote out those sentiments I hoped they would express. This stirred up some crazy emotions. Thinking about how I want to be remembered shed light on the areas of my life where I was off the mark. If I want to be remembered as an encourager, then I have to refrain from being so critical. If I want to be remembered as a giver, then I’ve got to resist being self-centered. If I hope to be remembered as someone who loved the Lord, I need to express myself more freely in that area. In the end, the goals you have in life require vision. You’ve got to create a pathway to get you from here to there. There will be some bumps along the road, but it’s better than not having a road map at all. How do you want to be remembered? If your life ended today, how would you be remembered? If there’s a gap, you’ve got some work ahead of you. Like Alfred Nobel, you can change the trajectory of your legacy. C.A. Phillips serves as communications pastor and director of men’s groups at NorthStar Church. He oversees Over the Hump, a weekly online devotional. northstarchurch.org/lockerroom.
Serving the Community Since 1996
TO C I R C TA L ULA TION
84,400
FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION:
Kim Dahnke | 770-615-2279 | kim@aroundaboutmagazines.com AROUND KENNESAW | January 2022
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@the Library Cobb County Public Library System www.cobbcat.org
NORTH COBB REGIONAL LIBRARY 3535 Old 41 Highway, Kennesaw
770-801-5320
10 a.m.-8 p.m. Mondays-Wednesdays 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursdays-Fridays 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays
Jan. 8
Monthly Makers: Kumihimo Bracelet.
11 a.m.-1 p.m. Monthly Makers is an adult (ages 16-plus) crafting program that explores different techniques and mediums to make functional and fun products. This month, learn a Japanese braiding technique called Kumihimo, literally meaning gathered threads. Make beautiful braided bracelets and finish them with brass findings. Registration is open. For more information, contact jagannathanv@cobbcat.org.
WEST COBB REGIONAL LIBRARY 1750 Dennis Kemp Lane, Kennesaw
770-528-4699
10 a.m.-8 p.m. Mondays-Wednesdays 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursdays-Fridays 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays
Jan. 6, 13, 20, 27, Feb. 3
West Cobb Craft Club. 10 a.m.-noon. Do you
knit, crochet or work with yarn? Or, do you want to learn how, while making friends? Join the group on Thursdays to craft and get inspired. All skill levels are welcome (especially beginners). Bring your own yarn.
Jan. 24
West Cobb Fourth Monday Book Discussion. 6:45-8 p.m. The group reads a variety of literature, including fiction, non-fiction, classics and new releases. This month, members are reading “The Searcher” by Tana French, a character-driven mystery about a former cop whose quest to find peace in a small Irish town leads him into danger. January’s meeting is virtual. https://meet.google. com/ust-uaiq-ecb. For more information, email Jennifer Wells wellsj@cobbcat.org. 44
AROUND KENNESAW | January 2022
Around & About JANUARY
Through Jan. 8
Recycle your Christmas tree to create mulch, fuel, wildlife habitats and more. Keep Cobb Beautiful is sponsoring free recycling at sites around Cobb. Visit https://bit.ly/30GF2jc for a complete list. Drop off your bare, live Christmas tree in the designated area. Free mulch is available for those who request it at keepcobbbeautiful@ cobbcounty.org. Do not bring flocked trees, and remove decorations, mesh, lights, stands and strings.
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The Red Cross is hosting a blood drive, 2-7 p.m., at the Kennesaw United Methodist Church campus. There is an emergency need for all blood donors, especially Type O donors. Walk-ins are not accepted. To register, visit https://rcblood.org/3yEj4tz.
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The eighth annual Pitchin 4 PTSD Tournament, presented by Atlanta Fire & Restoration Service, begins at 9 a.m. at Governors Gun Club Kennesaw. Cost is $60 per team. There will be a $3,000 payout. https://bit.ly/32aAn9L.
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Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration and Day of Service begins with a welcome breakfast, 8:30
a.m. at the Roberts School Community and Education Center. The unity walk from the Roberts School to the Acworth Community Center is set for 9:15 a.m., and the program begins in Tanyard Creek Overlook at 10 a.m. For more information, visit www.acworthexpandinghorizons.org.
Night to Shine returns Feb. 11. Photo courtesy of NorthStar Church.
FEBRUARY
5
Moms Offering Moms Support Club, Acworth chapter meets 10 a.m. at North Cobb
Regional Library. The Kennesaw chapter will join; everyone is welcome to mingle and share ideas. For more information, visit kennesawmomsclub.weebly.com.
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Join NorthStar Church for a drive-through Night to Shine experience. The special needs prom event is 6-8 p.m., with interactive stations featuring princess encounters, crazy characters, walking the red carpet, playing hands-on games, snapping memories at photo spots and more. Guests and caregivers will receive swag bags with special gifts inside. https://northstarchurch.org/specialneeds/#nighttoshine.
PARKS AND RECREATION To register, visit www.kennesaw-ga.gov/parks-and-recreation.
Jan. 11-March 9
Community members celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. during last year’s unity walk in Acworth.
Derek Easterling will present the State of 18 Mayor the City at the Kennesaw Business Association’s
first meeting of the year, which follows the ribbon cutting and grand opening ceremony for the long-awaited Recreation Center.
Trains, Trains! is coming to the 29-30 Trains, Southern Museum, featuring the most
model train layouts to date and train-themed activities for the family. Parking is available at Swift-Cantrell Park with a free shuttle to the museum. www.southernmuseum.org.
Pottery: Hand Building and Wheel is held 5-7 p.m. Tuesdays at the Ben Robertson Community Center Pottery Studio. This session is for beginning, intermediate and advanced-level students.
Jan. 13-March 17
Special Needs Gymnastics, meeting 4-4:30 p.m. Thursdays at the Ben Robertson Community Center, is designed for children with special needs who are independent while doing gross motor skill activities, yet require a smaller class size.
Jan. 17-Feb. 14
Tennis for Adults: Beginners begins 7 p.m. Mondays at Adams Park. Classes also are available for children and juniors, as well as advanced classes. AROUND KENNESAW | January 2022
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School News
Bohannon Ties Big South Record
Kennesaw State University shined from start to finish in the opening round of the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs, with a commanding 48-21 win over the Davidson Wildcats on Nov. 27. Head coach Brian Bohannon recorded his 63rd career victory, tying the Big South Conference career wins record. The win also marked Bohannon’s fifth career playoff victory and set the conference record for most playoff wins by a head coach.
The MPCS competition cheer team won its 10th straight state championship.
Mount Paran Cheer Team Wins State
The Mount Paran Christian Eagle competition cheer squad won its 10th consecutive Georgia High School Association (GHSA) Cheerleading State Championship title. The Mount Paran squad is the only cheer team in the state, across any regional class, to have claimed 10-straight titles. The Eagles have been GHSA Class A-Private state titleholders since the 2012-13 season, the inaugural year for Class A-Private. Improving on last year’s winning score of 93.5 points, the Eagles earned 105 points, two points shy of a perfect score. The squad outscored the second-place team by nearly 12 points. Danny Verpaele
KSU’s Verpaele Named to 35 Under 35 List
After leading the top defense in the Big South Conference this season, Kennesaw State University (KSU) football team’s defensive coordinator Danny Verpaele was selected to the American Football Coaches Association’s 35 Under 35 list. The list highlights the accomplishments of young coaches and identifies future leaders in the football coaching profession. This year’s selections were chosen from more than 150 candidates. Verpaele and the KSU defense led the Football Championship Subdivision in red zone defense at 57.6%, and finished in the top 20 in rushing defense, scoring defense and total defense. Verpaele had three players receive all-conference recognitions, including senior linebacker Evan Thompson who set the KSU record for most tackles in a single season (118). “I am very grateful for the efforts of our outstanding players on the field, and coaches and staff who helped our defense succeed this season,” Verpaele said. “I look forward to seeing how we attack this offseason and continue to build our defense and program to be the best in the nation.” This is Verpaele’s second season as the Owls’ defensive coordinator. He previously served as the safeties coach at KSU for the 2019 season and was the defensive coordinator/linebackers’ coach at Valdosta State, 2016-18. 46
AROUND KENNESAW | January 2022
Taylor Named ESOL Teacher of the Year
Big Shanty Intermediate School’s Karen Taylor recently was named Teacher of the Year by the Georgia Association of Teachers of English as a Second Language. During Taylor’s 30-plus years as an educator, she has taught students from at least 38 countries, boosting success for English to Speakers of Other Languages students. Taylor finds a way to connect with her students and helps them celebrate their accomplishments, no matter how large or small. “When asked what I love about teaching, I truly have to say it is the opportunity to work with English learners,” Taylor said. “These students seem to have a special spark inside just waiting to be ignited. That’s exciting!”
Karen Taylor interacts with a student at Big Shanty.
Foundation Launches All In Campaign to Help Students
The Cobb Schools Foundation recently launched the All In Campaign to encourage the community to go all in and provide financial support to help reduce barriers, reward student success and support teachers and their future growth. Thanks to community support, the foundation provides additional resources for students throughout the district. The All In Campaign is designed to support family stabilization, learning interventions and scholarships. Last year, more than 600 students were provided afterschool scholarships, devices, hotspots, utility support or housing assistance. This program will provide additional equipment, classroom resources and more. To learn how you can go all in and donate to the Cobb Schools Foundation, visit www.cobbschoolsfoundation.org/allin.
MPCS Students Sign NLIs and Earn DAR Scholarship
Three Mount Paran Christian School student-athletes signed National Letters of Intent to compete at the collegiate level. Kara Dunn committed to play basketball at Georgia Tech. Emma Norton plans to swim for the University of Georgia, and Katelyn Dunning signed with the University of West Georgia women’s basketball team. Senior Sarah McCune recently won the Daughters of Sarah McCune the American Revolution (DAR) Good Citizens Award and Scholarship Contest from the Andrew Houser Chapter. She also will be the recipient of the Claudia Cameron/Susan Cameron Polesnak Award and will move on to the state DAR competition. The hallmarks of this award are dependability, service, leadership and patriotism. McCune’s essay was crafted under a timed situation with a 550-word limit, and was judged on clarity of expression, originality and historical accuracy. In addition to her essay, she was judged based on her resume, personal statement, two letters of recommendation and her academic transcript.
Life University Recognized for Top Online Programs
Two of Life University’s (Life U’s) online programs are among Intelligent.com’s Top Ranked Online Programs for 2022. Life U’s online master’s in psychology program ranked No. 3 and earned the Best for International Students status. Additionally, Intelligent.com ranked Life U’s online bachelor’s in biology program No. 6, and it was named Best Value by Intelligent. com. This honor comes a month after the program was ranked fourth on the 2021 list and named in the top 10 for the second year in a row by BestColleges.com.
CITA Hosts Construction Skills Challenge
The Cobb Innovation and Technology Academy (CITA) hosted metro Atlanta’s first Construction Skills Challenge competition. Students from nine schools, including CITA, Allatoona High School and North Cobb High School, demonstrated their skills in fine furniture building, masonry, carpentry, electrical, welding, blueprint reading and heating, ventilation and air conditioning. Local companies attended the event as students demonstrated their skills, the same students they may one day hire as employees.
Emma Norton commits to the University of Georgia.
Kara Dunn commits to Georgia Tech.
Katelyn Dunning commits to the University of West Georgia. AROUND KENNESAW | January 2022
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Holly Jolly Holidays!
Photos taken during annual Santa visits seem to be a rite of passage for most kiddos, whether they like it or not. See how some of your neighbors’ photo sessions with ole Saint Nick went this year, along with a fun photo with the mayor!
River Thornhill, Maya Stewart, Mayor Derek Easterling and Zoe Stewart show off their holiday outfits. Photo by Kimberly Watkins.
Payton Tolbert saw Santa for the first time at the Kennesaw Holiday Market.
Big sister Anna holding Noah with Miles and Nolan Ramsey. 48
AROUND KENNESAW | January 2022
Violet was not a fan of Saint Nick. Hopefully, he didn’t hold it against her.
Jayden and Jackson Young were all smiles while visiting the big guy.
Xander and Jacelyn help Santa check his list.
Cole and Ella Parker are definitely on Santa’s nice list.
Parker Grace and Maddie Beth enjoyed visiting with the big fella, but were happy sitting on the bench and not getting too close.
Mariah, 6, and her little brother RJ, 1. AROUND KENNESAW | January 2022
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Senior Activities ALOHA TO AGING Covenant Presbyterian Church 2881 Canton Road, Marietta 770-722-7641 www.alohatoaging.org
Parkinson’s Disease Support Group
Meets the first Tuesday each month at 2 p.m. Group discussion, for the person with Parkinson’s and their care partner, on helpful tips and resources that provide comfort and encouragement.
Dementia Caregiver Support Group
Meets the first Monday each month at 2 p.m. Open to family members who are assisting an aging loved one, in or out of the home. Care provided during the meeting, but must RSVP in advance.
COBB SENIOR SERVICES Registration is required for all activities; no walk-ins allowed. Call 770-975-7740 to register, or visit www.MyActiveCenter.com.
West Cobb Senior Center
4915 Dallas Highway, Powder Springs 770-528-8200 www.cobbcounty.org/ public-services/senior-services
Jan. 14
Reel Good Movies. 1-3 p.m.
On the second Friday of the month, see a new-release movie. Call for the movie title.
Jan. 19
Fancy Fold Cards. 10 a.m.-noon. Create fancy fold cards perfect for special people.
Jan. 24
Lunch & Learn: Money Smart.
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Plan ahead, and learn to identify and prevent financial exploitation, including identity theft, scams and homeowner mortgage schemes. Cost is $5.
Jan. 25
Peace of Mind Checklist. 1011 a.m. Learn about important documents, including wills, power of attorney, Georgia directive healthcare and pre-planning documents.
Jan. 26
VETERAN CONNECTION North Cobb Senior Center 4100 S. Main St., Acworth Meets the fourth Thursday of each month at 10 a.m. Join veterans for an informal get-together with coffee, doughnuts, camaraderie and special guest presentations at the North Cobb Senior Center. Call Mike Nichols at 770-528-1448 for more information. 50
AROUND KENNESAW | January 2022
Walk West Cobb: Allatoona Creek Park. 9:30-11 a.m. Meet up
and explore the trails at Allatoona Creek Park in Acworth.
Jan. 28
Tech Talk: Getting to Know Siri.
10-11 a.m. IPhones are equipped with a digital personal assistant that handles questions, tasks, reminders, directions and more. Learn how to talk to Siri, and discover all the tasks she can help complete.
Jan. 31
Google Feud. 2-3:30 p.m. Try a spin on the classic television show. Instead of guessing what the survey says, guess what people searched on Google.
North Cobb Senior Center 4100 S. Main St., Acworth 770-975-7740 www.cobbcounty.org/ public-services/senior-services
Jan. 11
Culinary Creations: Mad About Mushrooms. 1-2 p.m. Learn about
mushrooms and their nutritional content, watch a cooking demonstration, and experience a delectable recipe. Cost is $3.
Jan. 12
Using Uber. 10-11 a.m. Learn how to
use the app that makes getting around the community as easy as tapping a button.
Jan. 13
Armchair Travels: Zambian Safari.
10:30-11:30 a.m. Discover the world without going anywhere. Often described as one of Africa’s last true wildernesses, Zambia is known for its beautiful scenery, walking safaris and abundant wildlife.
Jan. 14
Use Your Noodle. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Use your noodle to exercise. Join the fun for a new way to play your favorite game.
Jan. 18
Tuesday Trivia. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Wear
your warm sweater, and join a game of winter trivia that will put your knowledge to the test and teach you fun facts about winter, too!
Jan. 19
Crafting Corner: Jewelry Making.
10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Explore your creativity as Evelyn Patrick guides you in making unique pieces of jewelry. Cost is $5. Registration deadline is Jan. 12.
Jan. 20
Art-ivity: Zendoodle Wrap. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Turn a recycled can into a pen and pencil holder. Bring a 15-ounce empty and washed can.
Jan. 25
Learn a New Game: Backward Rummy. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Join a fun and addictive card game where you will compete to have the lowest score by the end of the game.
Jan. 28
Tooth Be Told. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Learn about common causes of cavities in older adults. Join Dr. Yen Tran with Acworth Premier Dental Care to hear how to keep your teeth healthy and disease free.
Community of Faith Mount Zion AME http://mtzionamekennesaw.org 770-499-08126
AME
First United Lutheran Church www.fulc.org 770-427-0325
LUTHERAN
Grace Church, Town Center Campus https://towncenter.gracechurches.org 770-422-3844
BAPTIST
Living Hope Church www.livinghopega.com 770-425-6726
Influencers Church www.kennesaw.influencers.church 678-879-1600
METHODIST
LifeBridge Church www.mylifebridgechurch.com 770-422-3010
Kennesaw First Baptist www.kfbc.org 770-427-3109 NorthStar Church www.northstarchurch.org 770-420-9808
Due West UMC www.duewest.org 770-427-3835
Piedmont Church www.piedmontchurch.tv 770-422-2566
Kennesaw UMC www.kennesawumc.org 770-428-1543
Summit Baptist Church www.summitchurch.org 770-975-4595 Thankful Baptist Church of Kennesaw www.tbkministries.org 678-797-0611
New Beginnings UMC www.nbumc.org 770-421-9980
PRESBYTERIAN
Christ Community Church www.christcommunitycobb.org
Towne View Baptist www.towneview.org 770-423-9300
Kirkwood Presbyterian Church (USA) www.kirkwoodpc.org 770-427-3545
CATHOLIC
Midway Presbyterian www.midwaypca.org 770-422-4974
St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church www.stcatherinercc.org 770-428-7139
CHRISTIAN
Grace Community Christian Church www.mygracerocks.org 678-354-2423
CHURCH OF CHRIST
Burnt Hickory Church of Christ www.burnthickory.org 678-354-2814
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST
Mount Pisgah SDA Church www.mountpisgahsda.com 470-343-8385
NONDENOMINATIONAL
Cobb Vineyard Church www.cobbvineyard.com 678-574-0005
Mars Hill Community Church www.marshillcc.com 678-797-0814 North Metro Church www.northmetro.org 678-290-7830 RiverStone Church www.riverstoneonline.org 678-384-5200 RockPoint Church www.therockpointchurch.org 770-648-3070 Sanctuary Church www.sanctuaryinhim.org 770-884-1963
OTHERS
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints www.churchofjesuschrist.org 770-864-2153 Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witness www.jw.org/en 770-427-1029 Masjid Suffah www.masjidsuffah.com 770-906-0838
EPISCOPAL
Christ Episcopal Church www.christchurchkennesaw.com 470-625-0143 St. Teresa’s Episcopal www.stteresasacworth.com 770-590-9040
JUDAISM
Chabad Jewish Center of Kennesaw www.ChabadKennesaw.org 770-400-9255 Congregation Ner Tamid Reform Jewish Synagogue www.MyNerTamid.info 678-264-8575 AROUND KENNESAW | January 2022
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Cobb Photographic Society Congratulations to each of you who entered the Cobb Photographic Society competition. The topic for the November contest was “symmetry.” The guest judge was Scott Johnson. 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.
Novice
Frank Seco de Lucena - 1st Place (Sky and Sea Become One)
Color
Pat Fahey - 1st Place (Shining Armor) 52
AROUND KENNESAW | January 2022
Paul Shimek - 2nd Place (Coffered Ceiling)
Black & White
Sally Hale - 1st Place (Between Tires) AROUND KENNESAW | January 2022
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Advertisers
For advertising rates and information: Kim Dahnke 770-615-2779 kim@aroundaboutmagazines.com
January 2022
ATTORNEYS/LEGAL SERVICES Williams | Elleby 833-LEGALGA www.gatrialattorney.com
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Mostly Mutts Animal Rescue www.mostlymutts.org
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Must Ministries www.mustministries.org
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DENTAL Gentle Dental Care/Georgia Dental Implants 56 770-926-2784 www.georgiadic.com EDUCATION SERVICES Brookwood Christian School 678-401-5855 www.brookwoodchristian.com
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Chattahoochee Technical College 770-528-4545 www.chattahoocheetech.edu
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Greenlight Acting Studios 470-613-8686 www.greenlightactingstudios.com
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ENTERTAINMENT/EVENTS Cherokee Film Summit www.cherokeega.org
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Georgia Food and Wine Festival 13 www.georgiafoodandwinefestival.com
FINANCIAL SERVICES
Bay Equity Home Loans Jay White, Area Sales Manager 770-870-0644 www.jayclosesloans.com Credit Union of Georgia 678-486-1111 www.cuofga.org 54
AROUND KENNESAW | January 2022
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HAIR SALON
CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS
Georgia Trade School www.georgiatradeschool.com
Denson Pepper, CPA 678-797-5241 www.densonpeppercpa.com
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élon Salon 770-427-8698 www.elonsalon.com
Inside front
Governors MedSpa & Concierge Medicine 678-888-5181 www.governorsmedicine.com
5, 25
REAL ESTATE & RELATED SERVICES
HOME & GARDEN Dayco Systems Heating & Cooling 770-336-7888 www.daycosystems.com Enhance Floors & More 770-565-3808 www.enhancefloors.com
7
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Exact Comfort Air Conditioning & Heating 17 770-912-0552 Findlay Roofing 770-516-5806 www.roofroof.com
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One Dead Bug 678-770-5699 www.onedeadbug.com
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Serious Tree Services 470-629-6675
3
Tom Kris & Sons Plumbing 770-529-0799 www.tkandsonsplumbing.com Towne Plumber 770-257-7503 www.towneplumber.com
PHYSICIANS AND MEDICAL SERVICES
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Anchor Realty Partners Malinda Howe, Broker: 404-444-0225 Deborah Hill: 770-361-9200 Office: 770-917-0322 www.malinda-howe.com
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RESTAURANTS Bar North 678-403-8650
3
Rosaria’s Italian Kitchen 770-975-9993 www.rosariasitalianrestaurant.com
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RETAILERS/ SHOPPING Cotton Mill Exchange 770-992-9294 www.cottonmillexchange.net
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SENIOR LIVING/SERVICES
Cover, 7, 28-29
JEWELRY The Jewelsmith 770-485-9133 www.thejewelsmithga.com
22one Realty Co. 770-485-3928 www.teenareganteam.com
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PHOTOGRAPHY Beckshot 25 516-509-6943 www.beckshot.com
Canterfield of Kennesaw 470-308-5260 www.canterfieldofkennesaw.com
3
Celebration Village 678-594-3570 www.cvillage.com
Back cover
Daybreak Village 770-218-6166 www.daybreakvillage.com
Inside back
Since 1996, we have brought relevant, uplifting and reader-driven content to readers. We publish Around Acworth, Around Canton, Around Kennesaw, 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.
Kim Dahnke
Karen Flaig
Denise Griffin
Laura Latchford
Katie Beall
Jessica Forrester
Michelle Smith
Savannah Winn
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,
Kat Holt
Jennifer Coleman
Candi Hannigan
Michelle McCulloch
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.
OUR PHOTOGRAPHY PARTNERS We work with some of the best professional photographers in the business.
Jerry King J. King Images 404-384-2794 jkingimages.com
Beth Fornuto Beth Fornuto Photography 770-846-3848 bethfornuto.com
Heather Stevens Joyful Day Photography 678-947-1200 joyfuldayphoto.com
Abigail Peyton apeytonphotography.com
Brian Nejedly Photography 470-437-9339 briannejedlyphoto.com
AROUND KENNESAW | January 2022
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