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Kudos

Congratulations to Dwight “Ike” Reighard on being named the 2022 Marietta Citizen of the Year last month by the Cobb Chamber’s Marietta Area Council. The award honors an individual whose impact on the community through the years defines him or her as a role model. Reighard is the senior pastor of Piedmont Church and president and CEO of MUST Ministries, which serves nearly 60,000 people in need each year. Since joining MUST in 2011, he has led the organization through such milestone projects as opening the MUST Hope House — one of the country’s most unique homeless shelters — and launching the MUST Mobile Pantry, which will serve nearly 17,000 families in its first year.

What’s Coming

Letter From the Editor

When the last Christmas cookies are eaten and the decorations are packed away for another year, we turn our attention to improvements we want to make or things we want to accomplish in the new year. It’s like starting with a blank slate, and it’s up to us to figure out what to write on that slate that will make our lives better than they were the year before. I’ve adopted the philosophy of not making New Year’s resolutions because merely tacking the word “resolution” onto my desires for change is a surefire way to doom anything to failure. Now I simply make a list — sometimes on paper, sometimes just in my head — of what I would like to achieve during the next 12 months.

I haven’t thought much about my goals for 2023 yet, but one thing I know I have to do is improve my eating, exercise and sleep habits for health reasons. They have gotten totally out of control. I have to come to terms with the fact you can’t eat whatever you want and not exercise and still expect to maintain a healthy lifestyle. And somehow, I have to reset my internal clock to have a desire to go to bed before 3 a.m. I think those late-night hours hearken back to my last job and the

sometimes-insane deadlines we had.

So that’s goal No. 1.

I’d also like to get back to knocking things off my bucket list. Yes, I have an actual list of things I’d like to do before I die, written on actual legal-pad paper with an actual pen. I was doing a great job of marking off my desires of the heart until a few years ago, when circumstances forced me to put it on the back burner. Many of my dreams involve traveling. I’ve done a lot, but there’s still so many places I want to go — an Alaskan cruise, the Caribbean islands and 17 states I haven’t visited, England, Israel, Italy, Tahiti, Fiji. I hear that’s what retired people do, so that’s my later-in-life goal. But who knows, maybe this is the year I finally get to ride in a hotair balloon or watch a Braves game from a suite or see the northern lights.

To make some plans of your own in 2023, check out Year at a Glance (Pages 16-17) for a list of local events scheduled for the next 12 months. And if you’re planning a wedding this year, don’t miss our Best for Bridal contest winners on Pages 18-19. Finally, bring closure to 2022 by viewing the photos of Santa’s arrival on Pages 34-35. Happy New Year, and happy reading!

Volume 7, Issue 5

PUBLISHER

Aroundabout Local Media, Inc. www.aroundaboutlocalmedia.com

PRESIDENT

Kim Dahnke | 770-778-5314 kim@aroundaboutmagazines.com

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES

Jennifer Coleman |470-263-8414 jen@aroundaboutmagazines.com

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

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MANAGING EDITOR

Donna Harris | 770-852-8481 donna@aroundaboutmagazines.com

CONTENT EDITOR Jessica Forrester | 770-615-3318 jessica@aroundaboutmagazines.com

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MARKET & ADVERTISING

SPECIALIST | Michelle Smith michelle.smith@aroundaboutmagazines.com

COPY EDITORS

Bill King, Eliza Somers

Around Acworth, 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 Acworth welcomes your comments, stories, and advertisements. Editorial deadline is the first and advertising deadline is the fifth of the previous month.

Subscriptions are available for $24 per year. Send check or money order to:

Around Acworth, 1025 Rose Creek Drive, PMB 380, Suite 620, Woodstock, GA 30189.

The viewpoints of the advertisers, writers and other submissions do not necessarily reflect those of the editor/publisher. And the publisher makes no claims

to the validity of any opinions expressed by charitable, business or civic organizations mentioned, or statements made within the editorial content. The cover and inside related article, and other editorial-type submissions labeled SPONSORED CONTENT, are paid content. The publisher neither guarantees nor supports any product or service mentioned in this magazine, nor does it guarantee any assertions made by the manufacturers or providers of such products or services, or claims regarding the status of such businesses.

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 2023.

Donna Harris is the managing editor of Aroundabout Local Media. She’s a Cobb County native and a veteran journalist with newspaper and magazine experience. Email her at donna@aroundaboutmagazines.com.

Donna Harris

A Message From the

Happy New Year, Acworth! We are excited and are expecting a wonderful 2023. With so many blessings in our city last year, we look forward to embracing all the good things to come. Our community is prospering with growth in our leadership and city projects as we continue working together to make Acworth the best place to call home.

Last month, Chief of Police Jesse Evans was sworn into office at the Acworth Community Center. We are so pleased to have Chief Evans joining Acworth in such an important leadership role and working hard to fill the big shoes Chief Wayne Dennard left after 20-plus years of service to our city. Chief Evans most recently served as chief assistant district attorney in Paulding County and began intensive training last summer to prepare for his important new position. A North Cobb High School graduate who grew up in downtown Acworth, Chief Evans is such a good fit to lead our police department, and we couldn’t be more grateful to have him. His love for his community is strong, and Acworth is lucky to have such a knowledgeable and selfless leader on board to keep our city safe. We look forward to everything Chief Evans will achieve here, and we want to thank Chief Dennard for the steadfast love, leadership and friendship he has given to our city through his years of extraordinary service.

January is such a special month in Acworth, and we invite you and your family to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day with us. On Jan. 16, the Acworth Achievers will host the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service Celebration in the city’s Parkside District. The event begins with a reception breakfast at 8:30 a.m. at the Roberts School Community and Education Center, followed by a unity walk to the Acworth Community Center at 9:15 a.m. for a special program. The unity walk brings us together as we walk arm-in-arm to show our love and respect for every member of our community. We look forward to this annual tradition of celebrating King’s legacy, and we encourage you to turn this day off into a day on by taking part in a local service project. To find out more about getting involved, please visit www.acworthparksandrec.org.

As always, for the latest information on any of our events and projects, you can visit www.acworth.org, sign up for our e-news blasts on our home page, “like” City of Acworth on Facebook or follow us on Instagram at @cityofacworthga.

May God bless you and your families,

— Tommy

Tommy Allegood was elected to Acworth’s city council in 2000 and has served as mayor since 2002.

He is a community builder who is purposed to make it count!

ACWORTH POLICE DEPARTMENT

Honoring the Legacy of Leadership

BY JESSE EVANS

Last month, I was honored to be sworn in as the chief of police for the Acworth Police Department (APD). Over the past 22 years, I have devoted myself to serving the community as a homicide and cold-case prosecutor, leadership coach and public speaker. I am driven by the belief that leadership deeply impacts all we do, and I always have worked to provide the best advocacy possible in the name of and on behalf of crime victims, public safety and law enforcement. My goals include ensuring fairness within the criminal justice system and using my positional platform as a means for demonstrating the importance of leadership development and collaborative team building in everything we do. I am looking forward to utilizing these skills to build on Chief Wayne Dennard’s success and legacy of leadership at the Acworth Police Department.

For this month’s article, the Around Acworth team asked me to answer the following questions for the community:

Why did you want to be Acworth’s police chief?

I’ve always been driven by the desire to serve my community. My goal as the Acworth chief of police is to facilitate the growth of the Acworth Police Department so that we may continue to achieve the highest levels of professionalism, service and leadership our community has come to expect.

What are your main responsibilities?

The main responsibilities of the chief of police are to establish and maintain community trust and direct daily operations of the police department such that its officers may enforce the laws that have been established to provide for public safety as well as protect and serve the victims of any crimes committed in this community.

What

has your time with the city been like so far?

Having grown up in Acworth, working with the city has felt like a homecoming of sorts. The entire city team has been very welcoming, and I believe that I am exactly where I am meant to be in this season of my law enforcement career.

What excites you most about Acworth’s future?

I am most excited about Acworth’s continued growth. In the past 20 years, the city’s development has been exponential. We are now in a state of sustained growth and prosperity, and I am eager for the opportunity to help lead and grow the Acworth Police Department, with the goal of maintaining our designation of the safest city in Georgia.

What are your personal and professional goals?

I am passionate about leadership. My greatest accomplishments have never been achieved alone. Rather, those accomplishments have been the product of the power of leadership through collaborative teamwork. My desire is to help build outstanding leaders and teams at the Acworth Police Department, with the goal of providing the absolute best public safety service possible to our community.

Tell us about your hobbies.

I enjoy reading and music. I play guitar, love running and exercise, and I serve on several civic and nonprofit boards, such as the board of directors for McKenna Farms, a nonprofit that provides innovative therapeutic programs and resources for children with special needs and their families.

I am grateful for the opportunity to lead the Acworth Police Department. Through the years, I have worked closely with many members of the department. APD has a well-deserved reputation for excellence, and I am excited to serve on this amazing team.

Chief Jesse Evans has served more than 20 years as a prosecutor and law enforcement professional. He is a native of Acworth and knows there is no better place to live, work and play.

There’s a New Lawman in Town

Officer Jesse Evans was sworn in as Acworth’s new police chief at the City Council meeting in December. The standing-room-only crowd packed into the Tanyard Creek Overlook room at the Acworth Community Center to witness Mayor Tommy Allegood administer the oath of office to Evans, who took over as head of the police department from retiring Chief Wayne Dennard. Dennard will serve as public safety director until he retires in April. The new chief thanked the mayor, aldermen and city staff for their support in continuing the trajectory and vision for the department. After the meeting, the celebration continued at a reception at The Cowan Historic Mill.

Photos courtesy of the city of Acworth.

Retiring Chief Wayne Dennard, left, and new Chief Jesse Evans.

Mayor Tommy Allegood, left, swears in Chief Evans, who is accompanied by his wife, Amanda, holding the Bible, and daughters, from left, Harper, Emery and Finley.

Chief Evans signs the oath he took a few minutes earlier.

Left, the new chief addresses the crowd that turned out for his swearing-in ceremony. Above, Chief Evans’ wife, Amanda, pins his chief’s insignia to his lapels, as Mayor Tommy Allegood and the Evanses’ daughters watch.

Summer Arts Intensives

Department of Dance*

June 5-9 | Day - $295 | Overnight - $580

Department of Theatre & Performance Studies*

June 5-9 | Day - $295 | Overnight - $580 Acting | Musical Theatre | Design/Tech

Bailey School of Music*

Strings | Choral/Voice June 5-9 | Day - $295 | Overnight Trumpet | May 31-June 2 | 1-5 p.m. Percussion | May 31-June 2 | 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | $125

School of Art & Design

June 5-9 | Day - $295 Visual

New this year is our option for OVERNIGHT! Stay overnight on the Kennesaw campus and experience what it might be like to major in the arts at KSU. Enjoy meals at the award-winning Commons and get to know other high school students who are passionate about the arts.*

A ‘Priceless’ Addition Meets Sensory Needs

BY COBB SCHOOLS

Priceless — that’s the word Baker Elementary School teachers use to describe how it feels to see the smiles and look of pure joy on their students’ faces as they explore the different stations inside the school’s new sensory room. From a ball pit and walls of activities to a mini trampoline and a piano for their feet, the room provides a space where special-needs students can find a variety of options to meet their individualized needs.

Baker teachers knew what their students needed, and Piedmont Church helped meet those needs.

“If it weren't for (Piedmont Church), we wouldn't be able to do it,” specialneeds preschool teacher Jana Phillips said. “We're so appreciative of the community and the support, not only Piedmont Church, but we have a lot of partners in (education) here at Baker who support us. Even just giving us lunches, they don't know how much that means to us to be able to feel the love from the outside so we can give the love to their kids.”

Phillips, who has taught special-needs students in Cobb County for 17 years,

Fifth-grader Asher Gross plays in the sensory room’s ball pit.

Special-education teacher Rachel Updike with fifth-grader Yousef Ass’ad.

teamed up with fellow teacher Janene Edusei to open the sensory room in August. They had the support of their administration and PTA, and they had a room. They just needed the community’s help transforming the space for their students.

“It's very important for our students because all of our students have their own individual needs,” said Edusei, an autism integrated classroom teacher for kindergarten through third grade. “A lot of them have sensory needs where they have auditory learning. They need things to help them to calm down. If they are overstimulated, we have some areas where there's a dark space for them to go into, beanbags to just relax in, a rocking chair and a weighted blanket.”

According to the two teachers, having a sensory room is an essential component of their educational day.

“It's hard to teach a child who is dysregulated,” Phillips said. “They need a place to get their sensory needs met. That is why a place like this is so important to them. If they need the crash pad, they can get on the crash pad. If they just need to calm down, they can calm down. Because once their sensory needs are met, you can teach them academically anything.”

Even though the sensory room has been open only a short time, Phillips already is seeing the impact on her students.

“The improvement that I've seen with the kids who have already been in here has been drastic,” the veteran educator said. “They come in here, and a lot of them are getting their needs met. They're able to go back into their classroom, and they're able to learn. They're able to sit there to get everything that they need to be able to learn.”

The sensory room is helping Edusei, who has taught in Cobb since 2011, achieve her goal as an educator.

“I want to give (my students) as much as I can give,” she said. “I want to give them love. I want to give them the ability to be themselves. I want to help them grow into good citizens and be productive in the community.”

Beyond all the potential the room represents for current and future

students, it has another special connection to the hearts of the Baker teachers. As part of the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the school dedicated the room to the memory of two Baker students, Michael and Olivia, who both died June 21, 2021.

“This special dedication, it means a lot to me,” Phillips said. “I did have Michael in my classroom for three years. We always wanted to do something to honor them and to keep their memory alive.”

The teachers were able to share the day with Michael’s and Olivia’s families, who attended the ceremony.

“For the parents to be here and part of the ribbon cutting was very emotional for many of us,” Phillips said. “I hope they can see how much their children were loved here. We just wanted to keep their memory alive.”

The dedication and sensory room reinforce Baker’s reputation for being an inclusive environment where all children feel loved. When Edusei and Phillips bring their students to the room, they know it’s exactly what the youngsters need.

“My students are definitely engaged in this space, and they don’t want to leave,” Edusei said. “They don’t want to leave.”

The sensory room was dedicated to the memory of former students Michael and Olivia, who both died June 21, 2021.

Assistant Principal Tiffany Hourigan makes sure second-grader Kingston Earle stays in place.

JANUARY

Jan. 5: School resumes after holidays, Cobb County Schools

Jan. 14: Book Swap, Kennesaw

Jan. 16: Martin Luther King Jr. Day, no school

Jan. 16: MLK Jr. Day Celebration and Day of Service, Acworth

Jan. 28: Cobb Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner

Jan. 28-29: Trains, Trains, Trains, Southern Museum, Kennesaw

FEBRUARY

Feb. 2: State of the City Address, Acworth

Feb. 4: Cobb County Stream Clean Up, Olley Creek

Feb. 4: Kennesaw Valentine’s Dance Party

Feb. 10: Southern Spirits, Southern Museum, Kennesaw

Feb. 17-20: Great Backyard Bird Count, Smith-Gilbert Gardens

Feb. 20-24: Winter Break, Cobb County Schools

Feb. 25: Polar Plunge, Acworth Beach at Cauble Park

Feb. 25: African-American History Month Celebration, Southern Museum, Kennesaw

MARCH

March 1: Readers’ Choice nominations open

March 2: Read Across America Day

March 4: Kennesaw Touch-a-Truck

March 6: Early release day, Cobb County Schools

March 12: Daylight saving time begins

March 25: Women’s History Month Celebration, Southern Museum, Kennesaw

March 31: Acworth Egg Hunt, Acworth Sports Complex

March 31: Readers’ Choice nominations close

*Look for the Acworth Family Dance Party this month.

AT A GLANCE

If getting organized is one of your New Year’s resolutions, this comprehensive calendar should help. We’ve included the dates for school breaks, city festivals and community events that were available at press time. Keep a watch on our community calendar each month for additional activities. For more details on city events, check www.acworth.org and www.kennesaw-ga.gov.

APRIL

April 1: Kennesaw Bunny Breakfast

April 1: Kennesaw Easter Egg Hunt, Smith-Gilbert Gardens

April 1: Western & Atlantic Bus Tour, Kennesaw

April 3-7: Spring Break, Cobb County Schools

April 7: Acworth Farmers Market opens

April 15-16: Acworth Art Fest, downtown

April 22: Live at Logan Farm Park, Acworth

April 22: Kennesaw Beer & Wine Festival

April 22-23: Kennesaw Big Shanty Festival

April 29: Annual Plant Sale, Smith-Gilbert Gardens

*Look for the Downtown Classic Car Cruise in Acworth.

MAY

May 4: Acworth City Hall National Day of Prayer Event

May 6: Acworth-Cobb Dragon Boat Festival, Dallas Landing Park

May 6: French Gratitude Train Celebration, Southern Museum, Kennesaw

May 6: Outdoor Movie Series, Swift-Cantrell Park, Kennesaw

May 12-13: Smoke on the Lake BBQ Festival, Logan Farm Park

May 13: Rose Garden Gala, Smith-Gilbert Gardens

May 15: Readers’ Choice voting begins

May 20: Mount Paran Christian School graduation at 9 a.m.

May 20: North Cobb Christian School graduation at 10 a.m.

May 22-23: Early release days, Cobb County Schools

May 24: Last Day of School, early release day

May 27: Acworth Memorial Day Ceremony, Cauble Park

*Graduations for Allatoona, Harrison, Kennesaw Mountain and North Cobb high schools. www.cobbk12.org

JUNE

June 2-4: Dixie Highway 90-Mile Yard Sale

June 3: Outdoor Movie Series, Swift-Cantrell Park, Kennesaw

June 10: Civil War History Day, Southern Museum, Kennesaw

June 17: Concert on the Green: A Juneteenth Celebration, Logan Farm Park

June 30: Readers’ Choice voting ends

*Look for the annual Acworth Daddy-Daughter Date Night.

JULY

July 3: Salute to America, downtown Kennesaw

July 3: Southern Spirits, Kennesaw

July 4: Fourth of July Concert and Fireworks, Cauble Park, Acworth

July 22: Railroad Rendezvous, Southern Museum, Kennesaw

July 22: Outdoor Movie Series, Swift-Cantrell Park, Kennesaw

*Look for the Downtown Classic Car Cruise, Acworth

AUGUST

Aug. 1: First Day of School

Aug. 18-19: Pigs & Peaches BBQ Festival, Adams Park, Kennesaw

Aug. 18-19: Great Pollinator Census, Smith-Gilbert Gardens

Aug. 26: Annual Hummingbird Banding, Smith-Gilbert Gardens

*Readers’ Choice winners announced in the August issues.

SEPTEMBER

Sept. 9: Pizza, Pints & Pigskins, Logan Farm Park, Acworth

Sept. 16-17: Acworth Mother-Son Campout, Proctor Landing Park

Sept. 23: Concert on the Green: Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, Logan Farm Park

Sept. 25-29: Fall Break, Cobb County Schools

Sept. 30: Great Lake Allatoona Cleanup

*Cars on the Lake in Acworth will happen this month.

OCTOBER

Oct. 7: Taste of Acworth, downtown Oct. 14: Fall-O-Ween, Swift-Cantrell Park, Kennesaw

Oct. 21: Halloween JamBOOree, Logan Farm Park

Oct. 27: Acworth Farmers Market closes

*Look for the Downtown Classic Car Cruise in Acworth.

NOVEMBER

Nov. 4: Acworth Beer & Wine Fest, Logan Farm Park

Nov. 4: Taste of Kennesaw, downtown Nov. 5: Daylight saving time ends

Nov. 10: Veterans Day Luncheon, Kennesaw Nov. 11: Acworth Veterans Day Ceremony, Cauble Park

Nov. 18: Acworth Turkey Chase, downtown Nov. 20-24: Thanksgiving Break, Cobb County Schools

Nov. 23: Marietta Daily Journal Gobble Jog

DECEMBER

Dec. 1: Santa’s Arrival, downtown Acworth Dec. 2: Breakfast with Santa, Kennesaw Dec. 2: A Day with Santa, downtown Kennesaw Dec. 2, 9: Christmas in Acworth, Depot Park

Dec. 9: Breakfast With the Grinch, Acworth Community Center

Dec. 9: All Aboard for Holiday Fun, Southern Museum, Kennesaw

Dec. 13: Acworth Christmas Golf Cart Parade, Cauble Park Dec. 20-Jan. 3: Christmas Break, Cobb County Schools

*Look for the Acworth and Kennesaw Menorah Lightings.

BRI DAL BEST FOR 2023 CONGRATULATIONS to the WINNERS!

In our quest to help couples prepare for their weddings and to support local businesses, Aroundabout Local Media launched its first Best for Bridal contest in October — which we understand is the new June in the wedding world. Check out the winners on these pages and on our website: www.aroundaboutlocalmedia.com. We hope this list helps you prepare for your big day.

While we’re talking weddings, we’d love to help you celebrate this milestone by sharing your engagement stories. If your story is chosen for a future feature in our magazines, you will be entered to win a prize. Just scan the QR code to open our engagement story form, where you can write your story and upload photos, or email edit@aroundaboutmagazines.com and put Best for Bridal in the subject line. Be sure to let us know how we can contact you.

P BAKERY

Winner: Shannon Turner Cakes, Acworth Second Place: Cakehouse on Main, Acworth Runner-up: Cakes by Anna, Woodstock

P BEAUTY (HAIR & MAKEUP)

Winner: B. Wild Hair and Makeup, Roswell Second Place: A Glamour Affair, Marietta Runner-up: Three-13 Salon, Spa & Boutique, Marietta

P BRIDAL SHOP

Winner: Anna Christine Bridal, Canton Second Place: A Formal Occasion, Kennesaw Runner-up: Bravura Fashion, Marietta

P CATERING

Winner: Zeigler's BBQ & Catering, Acworth Second Place (tied): - Big Girls Catering & Events, Acworth - Prestige Catering, Canton - Talk of the Town, Roswell

P CINEMA/VIDEOGRAPHY

Winner: Keystone Production Network, Acworth Second Place: Tiffany Greeson Photography, Calhoun Runner-up (tied): - Burns Videography, Acworth - NE Studios, Acworth

P DECOR

Winner: Rosely Events, Cherokee County Second Place: The Prissy Plate Co., Cartersville Runner-up (tied): - A Peachy Keen Wedding, Marietta - House of Bash, Alpharetta

P ENTERTAINMENT (DJ & BAND)

Winner: DJ Ray’s Entertainment, Woodstock Second Place: DJ Dano North Georgia Entertainment, Marietta Runner-up (tied): - Club Rett DJ & Photobooth Services, Marietta - Pirone Entertainment — North GA Wedding DJ, Woodstock

P FAVORS

Winner: Signature Keepsakes, Acworth Second Place: Designs on Main, Jasper

P FLORIST

Winner: Wedding Wishes by Wanda, Woodstock

Second Place (tied):

- Canton Florist, Canton

- Faith Designs Florist, Kennesaw

- South Canton Florist, Canton

- West End Florist, Rome

P PHOTOGRAPHY

Winner (tied):

- 24/7 Digital Media Productions, Acworth

- Harlow’s Photography + Film, Ball Ground

Runner-up: Kristin Faye Photography, Cartersville

P PLANNER

Winner (tied):

- Kristina Eaton Signature Weddings, Acworth

- Rosely Events, Cherokee County

Runner-up: Natalie Durham Events, Canton

P STATIONERY

Winner: C’est La Vie Stationery, Kennesaw

Second Place (tied): - Inkwell Designers, Woodstock

- Sugar and Spice Invitations, Waleska

P TRANSPORTATION

Winner: RIS Limousine & Transportation, Ball Ground

Second Place (tied): - Atlanta Party Bus, Kennesaw - Top Hat Limousine, Woodstock

P TUXEDO SHOP

Winner (tied):

- Little River Clothing, Woodstock

- Savvi Formalwear, Marietta

Runner-up: A Formal Affair, Roswell

P VENUE

Winner: The Cowan Historic Mill, Acworth

Second Place: Lewallen Farms, Waleska

Runner-up: Ivy & Oak Weddings, Talking Rock

Get to Know

Diana DeSanto

Acworth Deputy City Manager, Support Services

What are your main responsibilities?

I serve in a leadership role for finance and customer service and am transitioning to a leadership role for many of the city’s internal and external support services areas, including human resources and information technology. In this capacity, I have day-to-day responsibilities as the city treasurer, while strategically working with leadership in other departments to help achieve the city’s vision, mission and core values.

What is your background?

I am a Cobb native, graduating from Osborne High School and earning a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in business administration from Kennesaw State University. I worked as a consultant in grants administration for local governments, later transitioning to work for the Cobb County Finance Department. My next role was a finance director and, later, an assistant city manager for the city of Powder Springs. I was hired in November 2019 to serve as the deputy city treasurer here in Acworth, under the leadership and guidance of then-city Treasurer Lindy Tisdel. Due to her husband’s job relocation out of state, Lindy resigned from her role in October 2021, and I was promoted to city treasurer. Most recently, as our city transitioned to a new structure in its leadership model, I was selected to serve as one of the deputy city managers.

What has been the biggest surprise?

The biggest surprise to me about the job in the city of Acworth is the team environment that exists throughout all levels of our organization. When a project begins, from start to finish, I know I can count on so many people to help make it a success. It truly is a blessing to work in an environment that cultivates teamwork and shared successes.

What is the most unusual request you’ve had?

I do not consider it unusual, but perhaps others may, and it is working in our customer service division, answering phones. During the pandemic and even as recently as this summer, our team experienced periods of time where multiple customer service representatives were sick. During this time, I grabbed a laptop and tried to assist as many customers as possible. I really enjoyed my time working in customer service and helping our customers.

What do you like most about your job?

The people I work with and the beautiful landscape. I absolutely adore my teammates and am blessed to serve with them in a leadership capacity. I love this community, and some of my favorite times are taking a break at lunch and jogging along the trails. The natural beauty of our parks is amazing, and I enjoy taking the time to reflect on that beauty when I can.

What are you most excited about for the future?

I love to find ways to collaborate to make processes more efficient. Our teams have worked hard on various processes for the last two years to streamline systems and find ways to reduce costs. We have implemented a scheduling procedure through payroll, offered electronic billing to our sanitation and power customers and developed a citywide fee schedule. We will continue these endeavors, as well as paperless initiatives, for the foreseeable future.

What are your personal and professional goals?

My main goal, both personally and professionally, is to continue to grow as a leader. I never want to stop listening, learning, growing and, eventually, mentoring others. Several leaders I admire have provided books and activities to guide me on this leadership journey. I plan to do more in mentoring over the next few years as well, and hopefully that involves working more with the youth in our community.

Tell us about your family and hobbies.

My husband is Michael DeSanto, and we have two wonderful children, Kiera-Grace Belanger and William DeSanto. Kiera-Grace is 20 and currently is serving in the Georgia Army National Guard and attending Kennesaw State University. William is 14 and a freshman at Hillgrove High School. A lot of our time is devoted to our kids’ activities; however, when we have free time, Michael and I like to renovate houses, fish and play golf together.

Celebrations!

ANNOUNCEMENTS ARE FREE!

Email: edit@aroundaboutmagazines.com

February deadline is Jan. 10.

Please specify Around Acworth. Word limit: 25.

Happy

Pops,

Erskine

Happy

Love,

Stella

Carter

Jan. 9

Happy seventh birthday, Carter! We love you so much!

Mom and Dad

Noah

Madison

Happy ninth birthday, Madison! We love you SO much!

Love, Dad, Miss Rachel and Reese

The Asiedu Family

and Audrey’s 11th anniversary on Jan. 1. Audrey’s 36th birthday on Jan. 14. Zamira’s fifth birthday on Jan. 20.

Sara and Ema Takahashi

Sara, age 5 on Jan 14; Ema, age 3 on Jan. 9.

Happy Birthday! We love you so much! Mom and Dad

first birthday on Jan. 3! We love you!

Sunni, Mom and Dad

fourth birthday, Noah! You are pure sunshine. We love you so much!

Daddy, Mommy, Luke and Bella

The Flanagan Family

Happy adoption day, Liam, Lydia, Landon and Leilani!

With Service 4 Ways to Elevate Your Year

BY SUSANNAH MACKAY

January is an exciting time of year. It’s a chance to start fresh, change direction and focus on new priorities. Setting goals is an opportunity to bring new meaning and momentum, but it’s important to choose meaningful, attainable goals. Have you considered making regular community service one of them?

Getting involved in the community — and serving our neighbors — is a proven method of adding joy and meaning to daily life. Studies have shown that regular acts of kindness and service increase self-esteem, hope and gratitude, and improve mental health. This especially is true for teens, but the benefits reach all ages. There is no reason not to build service into your regular routine, and January is a perfect time to make a new commitment to yourself and others.

Justserve.org has a variety of volunteer opportunities for those wanting to make a sustained commitment, which is one of the highest areas of need. Nonprofits love and welcome volunteers whenever they come, but volunteers who can come on a regular basis and remain involved are needed. Here are four high-impact examples:

1. Become a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Atlanta. This outreach program pairs adult mentors with youth in need of attention, guidance and love. https://bit.ly/3OX7MZM.

2. Help out at Capstone Hospice or Heartland Hospice. These services count on caring volunteers to show love and kindness to those dealing with terminal illness. From playing games or music to helping with office work, there is an opportunity for everyone. https://bit.ly/3d1ExGf and https://bit.ly/3FkhRwE.

3. Foster a dog with Mostly Mutts. Make a difference in a sustained way, and mostly from the comfort of home. Mostly Mutts always is in need of foster families. https://bit.ly/3VpNoTo.

4. Simply spend time at Next Step Ministries. The nonprofit serves adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and community involvement is welcome. From bowling and playing games to reading, there are several ways to show up and show you care. https://bit.ly/3BBjaFO.

Justserve.org is a free, nationwide website and app that works to match volunteers with nonprofit organizations and service opportunities. 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 organizations nearby, 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.

Rob’s Rescues

These animals are at Cobb County Animal Services, waiting for homes.

I interviewed Megan Wargula, Woodstock resident and author of the “Riley Carson” books, which are middle school mysteries. She also is the co-host of the “Dog Nerd Show” podcast. She interviewed me for her podcast, too, and you can find the podcast with me talking about Rob’s Rescues on Apple Podcasts.

Tell us about the “Riley Carson” books.

I have written three books that form the “Riley Carson” series. They are fun, mystery/adventure books for kids, with an animal twist. The purpose behind these books is that we’ve got to do better to help dogs. Through my writing, I believe I can really speak to kids and start teaching them from a young age to help animals.

This dog’s name is Woody. He is a small brown dog who is 10 years old. He is a stray and a very sweet dog who walks well, likes to be picked up and definitely will love you. He’s a very old dog, and seniors make very good pets, especially this one.

How did you get into podcasting?

I had a marketing and social media job. I realized that not everyone is going to read my books, and, in order to get my message out, I needed to broaden my scope. We chose to go the video and podcast route. It is an effort to take the message about changing the world for dogs to another level. We do videos about specific dog breeds to help people make good decisions when getting a dog. We also educate people on health and safety for dogs.

Do you have a story that you like to tell?

How do you come up with podcast ideas?

Our goal for the podcast and the guests we have on it is to help people make good decisions around dogs and keep dogs out of shelters. Once you get a dog, it should be for life.

What is your favorite thing about podcasting?

It is a fun thing to do with my husband, Michael, and a great way to connect with people.

What do you want the community to know?

This cat’s name is Kai. He is a 1-year-old stray. Kai is a great cat who is very loving and loves to be held. It shouldn’t be a problem to find a home for this cat because he would be a great cat anywhere. Maybe that is with you?

At the time, our dogs, two border terriers, got into a package of sugar-free chewing gum. We heard a noise, looked around and just saw wrappers! I prided myself on knowing that chocolate, grapes, etc. were bad for dogs, but I didn’t know anything about sugar-free gum. I Googled it and it contains xylitol. Of course, we didn’t know which one had eaten the gum. We put the one I thought would have done it into the car to take to the emergency vet, but then decided to take them both.

It turns out that it was the one (Finlay) I thought would not have ingested it that actually had! Xylitol will give a dog kidney failure. Finlay was pumped with fluids and kept for 24 hours of observation. He lived to be 17 years old, but it was a nervewracking experience in the moment!

My mission is to educate people about dogs. Kids enjoy my books and get excited about reading. By teaching kids to have compassion for animals, that compassion stretches to compassion for people, too. I often talk to kids in schools about helping dogs. If any schools or teachers want me to come in and talk to their kids, they are welcome to get in touch with me.

How can people get in touch with you?

They can visit https://rileycarsonseries. com or check out the “Dog Nerd Show” on the Apple Podcasts app.

Rob Macmillan is on a mission to help shelter dogs and cats. On Facebook @robsrescues. www.robsrescues.com.

Rob and Megan Wargula, author and a “Dog Nerd Show” podcaster.

Stop Catching People; Start Catching People

BY J.R. LEE

I was caught cheating off a kid named Juan on a 10th-grade Spanish quiz. I’ll never forget it.

In our first class, the teacher gave a quiz to see how much work was needed to get us up to speed. With me, it was a lot. I didn’t know any Spanish. The quiz was multiple choice, with questions in English and answers in Spanish. I did a superb job reading the questions. I just couldn’t understand the answers. Beside me was a new student from Mexico whom I hadn’t met. Bingo! Since this quiz wasn’t for a grade that counted, I just copied all his answers. No big deal, until I got back my “grade” — 37 out of 100, a little different than I expected. The teacher gave me a “bless your heart” look while laughing uncontrollably. He said, “J.R., you didn’t understand the answers because they were in Spanish. But Juan, he didn’t understand the questions because he doesn’t know any English.” Caught. Red-handed.

Maybe you know what it’s like to be caught. Maybe it was small, like a Spanish quiz, or maybe it wasn’t.

Small: my story. As a result, I didn’t even get in trouble because the teacher thought the circumstances were so hilarious.

Not small: Maybe you got pregnant as a teenager, and the people who should’ve walked with you chose to walk out on you. Maybe you did something that hurt your spouse, and you’re reminded of it every time an argument ensues. Maybe you are in recovery, but someone you love can’t let go of the past.

How do you want people to respond to you when you’re the one who’s caught? How should you respond to others? More important, how does God respond? We live in a culture obsessed with catching people doing wrong. Some people even live for that moment when they finally catch you in the

act and hold it over your head for as long as it’s convenient, or they cancel you altogether. It’s not supposed to be like that.

There is a better way. Paul wrote about this very thing. “Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:1-2)

Did you catch that? Paul redefines what it means to be caught — to carry the weight, not to point the finger. Imagine that!

Since we all have been caught at some point, wouldn’t it have been better if the motivation of the person was to carry rather than condemn? We can’t control other people, but we can change the paradigm ourselves. As for me and my house, I will make it my ambition to CATCH (carry) people rather than CATCH (condemn) people. Let’s run toward them in their darkest hour instead of running away. Let’s stop giving them grief and start giving them grace. We are called to treat others the way Jesus treated us — with scandalous grace that we didn’t deserve. That’s the way it should be. If grace doesn’t seem too good to be true, we aren’t understanding it correctly.

I can’t change the entire world, but I can change mine. Let’s be known for restoration, not condemnation. Let’s catch people when they fall instead of kicking them when they’re down. Let’s stop catching people and start catching them.

Pastor J.R. Lee is husband to Devin; dad to Lexi, London and Bryce; and pastor to Freedom Church. You can catch up with him on Instagram at @PastorJRLee, Twitter at @JRLee or on Freedom Church’s YouTube Channel.

Warmth inaBowl

Now that winter is here, we’re all looking for things that make us feel warm and toasty. What better way to warm up on the inside than turning to a classic comfort food — soup. Chef and chocolatier Alejandra P.L. Peek, a native of Mexico, is sharing five of her best soup and stew recipes this month to offer our readers some new varieties of an old favorite. The Acworth resident, who owns a catering business, studied and worked at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris and came to metro Atlanta when she was hired by French chef Joel Antunes. Enjoy!

Corn Poblano Creamy Soup

INGREDIENTS

1 cup diced onions

½ cup butter

2 tablespoons sugar

4 cups yellow corn (frozen or can)

6 cups chicken broth

1 teaspoon kosher salt 1 cup heavy cream

DIRECTIONS

Saute onions in butter, add sugar and cook for 3 minutes on medium-high heat. Add 3 cups of corn (reserve 1 cup) and chicken broth; boil for 4-6 minutes. Add salt and heavy cream. Blend everything. Add the rest of the corn before serving. If desired, top with cilantro leaves, fresh black pepper or 2 poblano peppers (microwave 2 minutes in a plastic bag, cool, then peel and remove seeds and cut juliennestyle). Serves 6.

French Onion Soup

INGREDIENTS

3 tablespoons butter

1 tablespoon olive oil

About 5 cups (1½ pounds) thinly sliced yellow onions (not sweet onions)

1 teaspoon kosher salt

¼ teaspoon sugar 3 tablespoons flour

2 quarts (64 ounces) beef stock (or water with beef bouillon)

DIRECTIONS

4 ounces dry white wine or dry vermouth

Kosher salt and pepper, to taste

1 tablespoon cognac or brandy (optional)

French, Italian or rustic bread, cut into bite-size cubes and toasted

1-2 cups grated, real Swiss Gruyère

In a large, heavy-bottomed Dutch oven, add butter and oil, then sliced onions. Cook slowly, with the lid on, for about 15 minutes. Stir occasionally. Remove the lid, turn up heat to medium, add salt and sugar, and stir often for 40-45 minutes, until onions are deep golden brown. Add flour and continue to cook and stir for another 3 or 4 minutes. Remove from heat and add stock/bouillon and wine/vermouth. Add salt and pepper to taste, return to cooktop and simmer for an additional 30-40 minutes. Just before the soup is ready, preheat oven to 350 degrees.

When the soup is ready, add the brandy/cognac, if using, and check for seasoning. Ladle it into eight ovenproof bowls and top with cubes of toasted bread. Sprinkle real Swiss Gruyère on top of toast, as desired. Place bowls on a tray and put in the center of the oven for about 15 minutes. Reset the oven to broil and move the tray closer to the top to get a golden color on the cheese. Watch carefully, as it can burn quickly. Serve immediately. Serves 8.

Chef Alejandra P.L. Peek

French Onion Soup Corn Poblano Creamy Soup

Taco Soup MX

INGREDIENTS

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1 large onion, chopped

32 ounces beef mince

1 can (14 ounces) pinto beans

1 can (14 ounces) sweet corn

1 can (14 ounces) fire-roasted tomatoes

1 tablespoon taco seasoning

12 ounces water

Sour cream, sliced green spring onions and/or tortilla chips or Fritos, for garnish

DIRECTIONS

In a large Dutch oven or pot, heat oil on medium. Add onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add beef and cook until it’s no longer pink. Add beans, corn, tomatoes, taco seasoning and water and bring to a boil. Garnish with sour cream, green onions and tortilla chips. Serves 10.

Carne en su Jugo de Jalisco

(Jalisco’s Beef Stew)

INGREDIENTS

10 slices bacon

1 cup white onions, brunoise

2 tablespoons garlic, chopped

1 pound beef steak, small squares

DIRECTIONS

Salt and pepper, to taste

3 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

3 teaspoons Maggi sauce

1 big bunch cilantro leaves

2 quarts beef broth

1 can beans

Saute bacon for 5 minutes until crunchy; reserve. In the same grease, add onions and garlic and cook for 3 minutes on medium-high heat. Add steak, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce and Maggi sauce. When everything is cooked, blend in cilantro with broth and boil for 25 minutes. Add beans. Top with bacon, green onions and/or crispy corn tortillas, if desired. Serves 8.

Tarasca Soup With Chicken

INGREDIENTS

1 teaspoon olive oil

1 large onion, diced (about 1 cup)

2 cups shredded, cooked, boneless, skinless chicken breast

1 cup pinto beans, rinsed and drained

1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained ½ cup frozen whole kernel corn

1 carton (32 ounces) organic chicken broth

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 teaspoon guajillo chili powder

2 tablespoons lime juice Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional: 2 avocados, 1-2 cups fresh cream or 2 chiles negro (black dry peppers, cut in thin slices and fried in canola oil until crispy)

DIRECTIONS

Heat oil in a 6-quart saucepot over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook for 2 minutes or until tender-crisp. Stir in chicken, beans, tomatoes, corn, broth, tomato paste and guajillo chili powder and heat to a boil. Reduce heat to low. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in lime juice. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve topped with crushed tortilla chips or strips, avocado, cream and/or chips of chile negro, if desired. Serves 6.

Tarasca Soup

Carne en su Jugo de Jalisco

Taco Soup

Love One Another

Mount Paran Christian School Teaches Empathy and Celebrates God’s Diverse Creation

As a covenantal Christian school, Mount Paran Christian School (MPCS) takes to heart its mission to prepare servant-leaders to honor God, love others and walk in truth. The MPCS family is committed to the words found in John 15:12: “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.”

While MPCS is known for its collegepreparatory academics within small class sizes on a collegiate-style campus, what’s most important to faculty and administration, students and families is MPCS students are taught through a biblical worldview, resulting in graduates who crave deeper faith, embrace intellectual curiosity, are well-prepared, live courageously and pursue excellence. The MPCS family embraces being

united as one in the body of Christ, while appreciating the unique Godgiven talents and differences of the individual. Diversity and belonging are integral aspects of what MPCS does as a covenant school and as a community of Christian believers. The school aims to ensure it provides an equitable space for its entire “commUNITY” and hinges upon four biblical foundations: Diversity has been a part of God’s plan for humanity since the beginning; we have been created in the image of God to glorify God; as Christians, we have been adopted into one family – the family of God; and God’s plan for diversity enables us to better recognize and worship him.

Students spreading pinestraw in Cobb County during Family Serve Day.

Teaching Children

Empathy

In an age of selfies, “look at me” social media and an all-about-me mentality, teaching the next generation empathy for others can be a real challenge. By their very nature, children are self-centered – an innate self-preservation tool that makes them seldom aware of their surroundings or the needs of others. It’s up to adults to model and teach children how to love others through empathy and a genuine desire to want to help. By partnering with home and church, Mount Paran Christian School is able to intentionally help guide students along a path of loving kindness.

Derek McCloud, sixth-grade Bible teacher at MPCS, suggests parents start by helping children exercise their “gratitude muscle” to create awareness about things like shelter, food and freedoms, which are blessings and are not guaranteed. Developing a thankful heart goes a long way in building humility and appreciation. Consider a gratitude journal, for instance, to reflect on at least one blessing each day. Reviewing the journal periodically will help children become more aware of what they have been given. By extending the lesson in gratitude, parents can expand on the concept of fairness and help children become more generous.

For older children, hearing the stories of those whose experiences are different than our own, witnessing the raw emotion firsthand, is eye-opening and compels Christians to act. When guiding tweens and teens in tough conversations about the wrongs of the world, it's important they learn to truly listen to others who may be

different from them or who are experiencing struggles. Teaching kids to share other people’s burdens (Galatians 6:2) will give them more clarity about what they could say or do to help anyone in need.

Love in Action

At Mount Paran Christian School, the most important aspect of shared culture is love and unity. Culture encompasses the ways of life of a population – arts, beliefs and institutions – and is passed down through the generations. MPCS aspires to put love into action (1 John 3:18) and seek opportunities to fellowship, dine and converse with all types of people to teach everyone about Christ's saving grace. This is beautifully exemplified with the school’s biennial Culture Fest.

Culture Fest is an immersive evening of food, music, art, cultural traditions and activities from around the globe when MPCS celebrates the many beautiful cultures represented within its community. Students receive "passports" to travel the world and learn about different cultures, providing time to gather together in fellowship while also celebrating the unique ways in which each person is made.

Overcoming human nature’s selfish desires is a struggle. Refining one’s moral compass to recalibrate our perspectives to align with the truth of God’s word takes intentionality. It’s important parents help children develop an awareness of injustices and a “be-the-helper” mentality. For parents, like those at MPCS, who are willing to put in the work to teach gratitude, show generosity and model empathy, the results will be not only life-changing for children, but culture-shifting for society.

Lower school students sorting food for MUST Ministries.

Traveling the world at MPCS Culture Fest.

4 Ways to Make Your Home Cozy and Inviting

BY ELISABETH STUBBS

We’ve come a long way since home was a damp cave with a fire. We crave a place that welcomes us and makes us feel secure and safe, especially when it is cold and dreary outside. Home. For most people, the word brings feelings of warmth and comfort. In the past couple of years, we have learned to appreciate our living space more as a personal refuge. And, in the winter, we spend much more time indoors. Here are some ways to make your refuge even more homey.

The Living Room

A comfy couch is essential, and it can make the whole room. Add texture with throws and a few plump pillows to elevate the comfort factor. Natural materials — wool, linen, cotton — enhance coziness.

If you have a fireplace mantel, decorate with some things that mean “home” to you. Candles, family pieces that spark memories, a small collection to display — just don’t make it too formulaic.

Books are an essential part of a cozy room, and, if you have a dedicated reading nook in your living room, that is the ultimate invitation to curl up and relax.

The Kitchen

Kitchens are functional spaces, and we spend a lot of time there. So, make your kitchen as relaxing and welcoming as it can be. Be sure to add plants or flowers, and attractive rugs to personalize the room, as well as seasonal decorations. Adding a lamp in the kitchen can make a huge difference in the feel of the space because lamps are much warmer and more comforting than overhead lights.

The Entryway

Start at the front door, where you first welcome guests. Consider adding warm lighting and calming art, think blues, greens, grays. Create a place to sit and remove shoes, and a place to hang coats.

Throughout the Home

Spread some of these ideas into every room in the house. Natural textures such as wood, rattan and natural fibers enhance the homey feeling. Add family heirlooms — old quilts, doilies, photos — to contribute to the feeling of “home.”

A trendier item that adds warmth is fairy lights. Small, white twinkling lights are loved at Christmastime, and they can make any room more inviting all year. Mirrors reflect light and add dimension to a room, especially in interesting shapes and sizes. And area rugs feel wonderful underfoot and can function as a seasonal accent.

Candles capture the essence of warmth and comfort. Consider using artificial ones if you have children or pets. You probably have so many of these cozy components in your home, so pull them out, use them in different rooms, and warm up your space!

Elisabeth Stubbs is one of the owners of Enhance Floors & More, one of Atlanta’s toprated flooring dealers, located in Marietta.

Enhance Floors & More is one of the most experienced flooring companies in North Georgia. Founded 37 years ago in Marietta, the flooring showroom is locally owned and staffed by a skilled team with a combined 150-plus years of experience.

Clients rave about how Enhance Floors is a “one-stop shop and made what could have been an overwhelming experience easy and fun.” Pop in to browse the large selection of flooring options and see for yourself what all the hype is about.

Allatoona High School

Turner’s Heroes is ‘Bittersweet’

BY KAMRAN PADILLA

Turner Cockrell was a studentathlete at Allatoona High School (AHS) who graduated in 2016 and went on to play football at Vanderbilt University (VU). Turner was a two-sport athlete, playing lacrosse and football, and he was such a big inspiration to younger students and other athletes. People would say he was a hero. But doctors discovered Turner had melanoma, and even though he had treatment and therapy, it was not enough. Sadly, the 21-yearold died on Nov. 29, 2018.

Cody Markel was Turner’s college roommate, and after Turner’s death, he wanted to honor his friend. He and other Vanderbilt students created Turner’s Heroes — named after Turner’s love for superheroes — which is a 501(c)(3c) nonprofit that works closely with pediatric hospitals to raise money for cancer research. Vanderbilt students go to pediatric hospitals across the country to talk to and have fun with the kids. They bring in capes and toys that allow them to be superheroes.

Each year, VU students designate one Allatoona football game as a fundraiser for Turner’s Heroes, and they sell capes and ask for donations at the concession stands. That night is very special for the athletes at AHS

because everyone sees Turner as a close friend, even if we did not know him. He is a huge inspiration.

“Bittersweet is the way to explain Turner’s Heroes,” said Noelle Cockrell, Turner’s mom. “Bitter because of the reason why it was created. But it is sweet because of the message it sends and the help they put out.”

Noelle, who is the athletics clerk at Allatoona High, loves Turner’s Heroes, our community and how much it helps. People work hard for this organization to help with the research, and she could not be prouder. “I appreciate this community for being so good to us and knowing Turner’s story,” she said. “I want to thank everyone who helps. It means a lot that Turner will be loved and loved forever.”

This year, Turner’s Heroes chose the Allatoona Buccaneers’ Oct. 28 home game against the Sequoyah Chiefs as Superhero Night, the night to collect donations for the organization and

to wear superhero costumes. Capes were sold on the Bucs’ side of the field as well as the Chiefs’ side for fans to wear, and donations were collected in the stadium. After the money was counted, the total raised was roughly $20,000. You still can donate by visiting https://qrco.de/bdRIN1. In addition to the fundraiser, a toy drive was conducted to help needy children at Christmas, and the total number of toys collected was 1,500.

We want to thank everyone who donated and the people who are involved in the organization. It is sad that this type of nonprofit had to be created, but what the members did it for is amazing. Turner was a role model when he was here, and he still is a huge role model now.

Honoring Turner Cockrell at this year’s Superhero Night are, from left, Durham Middle School student Drew Brandon, Vincent Canosa (chosen to wear Turner’s retired No. 84 jersey, only worn at this game each year), Connor Brennan (55) and Devonte Foster (21).

Kamran Padilla is a senior at Allatoona High School. He is a member of the newspaper staff and a cadet chief petty officer in the Navy JROTC.

Turner Cockrell

Here Comes SantaClaus!

Wide-eyed kids — and some adults, too — welcomed Santa to downtown Acworth last month to kick off the Christmas season. Presented by the city of Acworth and NorthStar Church, the holiday celebration featured live performances, children’s activities, Mayor Tommy Allegood reading “The Night Before Christmas,” a tree lighting, s’mores and photos with Santa. The festivities were the perfect way to begin the 2022 Christmas season.

Photos courtesy of the City of Acworth and NorthStar Church.

Making s’mores was one of the highlights of the festivities.

Santa greets the crowd that came out for his arrival.

Stamping Christmas cards was one of the activities kids could do.

Kids

Mayor Tommy Allegood welcomes Santa to the city.

One of Santa’s elves hands out activities for kids.

Mayor Tommy Allegood reads “The Night Before Christmas” to the crowd.

of all ages were happy to see the jolly old elf.

A Pathway to Success for Youth in Crisis

BY SUSAN BROWNING SCHULZ

The Four Corners Group, a nonprofit headquartered in Kennesaw, offers a variety of effective programs for at-risk students. The staff and volunteers at Four Corners seek to decrease juvenile recidivism and end the school-toprison pipeline. They accomplish this by providing youth with education, support and empowerment to realize their full potential and live successful lives.

The students they serve are:

• Historically underserved and facing challenges.

• Attending Title I schools.

• Dropped out of school.

• Enrolled in an alternative school.

• Recently released from juvenile detention centers.

• Currently involved in the juvenile court system or juvenile facilities.

“One of the most eye-opening and impactful things that occurs at our youth development organization is the transformation of our youth,” said Ron Green, program developer of Four Corners Group.

Serving in the schools and detention centers of Cobb County, the nonprofit offers a variety of programming, including an eight-week Pathways to Success program, which covers topics such as character education, integrity and self-control, emotional health and job-readiness training. “As a resident of Cherokee County, my hope is to expand our programs into my home county this year,” Green said.

“Many of our participants come from challenging backgrounds — severe poverty, abuse, violence, underachievement, no direction, low self-esteem and more,” Green said. “(Yet) most participants experience a change in psyche during our programs. They simply morph into young people who become the best versions of themselves. They become leaders in their homes, schools and communities.”

Four Corners’ 1625 Initiative involves trained teams visiting youth in juvenile detention centers and holding workshops. The group also offers a Parenting on Purpose program,

Participants take a trip to a Kennesaw State University football game.

Four Corners Group offers participants a chance to gather for games and fellowship.

in-school programs, Toastmasters (a club that teaches public speaking and leadership skills) and a Continuum of Care program, in which students are partnered with a mentor and success coach for the year following graduation.

“Let me tell you about one of our shining stars, Phillip, a teenager who was in the juvenile detention center because of misconduct,” Green said. “After finishing our program and being appointed to one of our success coaches, Phillip is now gainfully employed and on track for an internship at BMW! I have a special place in my heart for these kids, because my past is similar to theirs, in many ways.”

Joshua, also a successful Four Corners participant, shared his experience: “Wow, what a blessed opportunity it was to come to the Four Corners Pathways program. Honestly, I learned a lot and developed a passion for public speaking. Before Four Corners I wouldn’t ever have thought I had a voice, but this program really built my confidence. I’m forever thankful.”

Stories like Phillip’s and Joshua’s are heard over and over at Four Corners. To keep the momentum going of restoring hope for young people in crisis, William Johnson, the founder, built a team that consists of success coaches, Parenting on Purpose coaches, mentors and other vital support staff.

Johnson has a deep passion for youth in urban communities. Before launching

Four Corners Group, he equipped students, adults and leaders to rise to the top for more than 14 years as a student pastor with Young Life, a worldwide organization. He also served as chaplain for the Gwinnett Youth Detention Center for seven years. His goal is to bring awareness to the need for social justice and inspire more leaders to get involved in reaching out in their own backyards, to unlock our communities and save our youth.

Four Corners volunteers are critically important for the organization’s growth. If you have a desire to get involved with developing the future generation, visit the Volunteer tab

Opportunities also are available to help with operational needs, such as providing a wish-list item. The list includes such things as a rolling white board; Samsung tablets; gift cards from Walmart, Amazon, Kroger, etc.; and Pathways cohort meal sponsorships. For more information, visit the website, email info@fourcornersgroup.net or call 470-210-1625.

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

Toastmasters training helps students develop their public speaking and leadership skills.

Bradford Pear: Beauty or Beast?

BY RENAE LEMON

As I drive through northwest Georgia and into southeast Tennessee, I am amazed (and horrified) at all the Callery pear trees that have taken over the edge of the forests. Bradford pear ( Pyrus calleryana ‘Bradford’) is a spring-flowering tree that has been widely planted throughout the eastern United States for many years. Bradford, a common cultivar of the Callery pear, showcases rapid growth, dense foliage and showy white flowers and is relatively pest- and disease-resistant when compared to other pear cultivars. Those traits make it highly desirable for landscaping. As such, you can see many Bradford pears in Cobb County as specimen, screen and street trees.

The tree is a nonnative species that was imported to North America from east Asia during the 1960s. Because of its desirable attributes, many landscapers and homeowners planted it. At first, the trees were a huge success. However, it soon was discovered that as they matured, they became very prone to splitting. Unfortunately, trunk splits and limb loss often happen when a Bradford pear is 15 years old or older. Damage is even more likely when moderate ice and storm events occur. Additionally, the spring flowers of the Bradford pear are known to have a distinctive smell, which some folks describe as fishy.

Today, Pyrus calleryana and its cultivars are listed on several invasive plant lists in the Southeast. Although Bradford pears originally were bred as sterile and thornless, they cross-pollinate with other cultivars of Callery pears. Ripened fruit is eaten and disseminated readily by birds and small mammals. Deposited seeds result in thick, thorny thickets in open fields and

woodlands and along roadsides. The hybridized Callery pears often have thorns ranging from a quarter-inch to more than 2 inches long. This can make removal quite tricky.

Have you heard of privet pulls (pulling up a nonnative, invasive plant that outgrows native species)? Well, we now are hearing about Callery pear pulls, a fun event where folks gather at a particular park or invaded area and spend several hours pulling up these bad guys.

Moving forward, many landscape professionals are avoiding Bradford pears altogether in new plantings. We would like to encourage you to do the same. There are several native ornamentals that possess many of the traits that make Bradford pears appealing, including red buckeye ( Aesculus pavia ), eastern redbud ( Cercis canadensis ), downy serviceberry ( Amelanchier arborea ), white fringe tree ( Chionanthus virginicus ), various magnolias ( Magnolia spp. ) and various dogwoods ( Cornus spp. ).

TheMasterGardenerVolunteersof CobbCountysupportsthe Universityof GeorgiaCooperativeExtensionServiceandstrivesto improvethequalityof lifeinourcommunitybydeliveringresearchbasedhorticulturalinformation,educationalprogramsandprojects.

Master Gardener Volunteers of Cobb County is a part of the University of Georgia Extension.

Bradford pear trees produce beautiful white flowers in the spring.

Once Bradford pear trees get older, trunks begin splitting.

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UPCOMING EVENTS

Strive to Make Real Connections in 2023

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I’ve set new milestones for 2023, and the primary one is facilitating connection, for myself and for others. We live in an age where we think we are more connected than ever before. The answer to any possible question can be found on my phone. I can ask anything, and I have an answer in seconds. But what if all that connection actually is isolating us from true connection? And why is true connection important?

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Join the ABA by visiting www.acworthbusiness.org.

40 AROUND ACWORTH | January 2023

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Before we could ask Alexa anything our heart desired, we had to ask a person to answer that same question, and that person had to be someone we knew would have the answer. If we had a plumbing question, we asked a plumber. If we had a question about health, we had to ask a health professional. The benefit of having every answer in the palm of our hand via our smart devices is that we don’t have to wait for the answer. The downside: We are given only the answer to the question we actually asked. When we ask a plumber how to fix a leaking pipe, he or she often will ask us a series of questions in return. Where is the pipe leaking? When did it start? What material is the pipe made of? Is the plumber avoiding answering the question? Probably not. He or she is trying to figure out the problem that needs to be solved. Which is better — an instant answer to a single question or the solution to the problem?

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Solutions are possible through real connections with real people. We are challenged and cared for by real connections. We’re lifted up and are able to lift others through real connections. I even would go so far as to say we were made for connection. Humans are not meant to go it alone. We are happiest, most fulfilled and most productive when we have real connections with other people.

My challenge to you this year is to enthusiastically seek connection with others, even if it’s scary or uncomfortable at first. “Facilitating Connections” is Acworth Business Association’s primary theme for 2023, so if you aren’t sure where to start, come join us at a luncheon, Morning Jolt or other event, and let us help you.

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I am convinced that neither my business nor my personal success would be possible without the real human connections in my life, and I can’t wait to help you facilitate real connections in the coming year.

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It’s a new year, and with that comes new expectations, new resolutions and new reflections. As I reflect on this past year, I celebrated some pretty big milestones. We opened our first Nagel’s Bagel cafe, along with a larger bakery, and we expanded our business to include more wholesale accounts, catering and charitable giving.

STRONGER

TOGETHER

Aroundabout Local Media’s mission statement is to “help local businesses grow and prosper by offering affordable advertising opportunities in a quality publication that provides positive, relevant information to our readers.”

Using this as a plumb line for all that we do, on the advertising and editorial sides of our company, we created a new feature. Once a quarter, we will share photos of the entrepreneurs in our community gathering to exchange ideas and information, developing relationships by supporting and encouraging one another while opening doors to new opportunities.

The Acworth Business Association (ABA) meets the first Thursday of each month for a luncheon, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., at the Acworth Community Center, 4361 Cherokee St. The organization also has Morning Jolt, the second and fourth Tuesdays, 8-9 a.m., at The Cowan Historic Mill, 4271 Southside Drive; the Women’s Networking Lunch, the third Thursday, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., at various locations; and Alive After 5, the second Thursday, 5:30-7:30 p.m., at various locations.

Other business associations in the Acworth area are invited to send photos from their monthly meetings to edit@aroundaboutmagazines.com. Please include the names of everyone in each photo, along with the date, time and location of your meetings.

Attending Morning Jolt in November are, from left, Justin Arndt of Justin Arndt Media, Annie Zebrowski-Elley and Chef Z of Red Top Brewhouse.

From left, Garrett Potz of Affinity Home Lending and William and Candice Dicker, owners of TeamLogic IT, enjoy the December Morning Jolt.

Outgoing ABA President Dale Hoeflinger, a financial adviser with Wells Fargo, shows off his cover at the November Morning Jolt.

Decked out for the women’s Christmas party are, from left, Kim Dahnke, president of Aroundabout Local Media; Debra Sever, owner of the Sever Group; and Maureen Malvar of Varenita of West Cobb.

Time for New Year’s Financial Resolutions

SUBMITTED BY ROBERTO DE JESUS AND AMANDA YINGLING

It’s that time when we promise to go to the gym more or to accomplish a number of other worthy goals. But this year, why not also consider some financial goals?

• Don’t let inflation derail your investment strategy. Inflation was the big financial story of 2022, hitting a 40-year high. While inflation might moderate somewhat this year, it’s likely to be higher than what we experienced over the past decade. But try not to let today’s inflation harm your investment strategy for the future. More than half of American workers reduced their contributions to their retirement plans or stopped contributing completely during the third quarter of 2022, according to Allianz Life Insurance of North America. Focusing on your cash flow needs today certainly is understandable, but there are other ways you can free up some money, such as lowering your spending, so you can continue contributing to your retirement accounts. It’s worth the effort because you could spend two or three decades as a retiree.

• Control your debts. Inflation also can be a factor in debt management. Your credit-card debt could increase due to rising prices and variable credit-card interest-rate hikes. By paying your bill each month, you can avoid the effects of rising interest

Cold Weather Means Cold Water

BY GREG FONZENO

With the start of the new year, temperatures continue to drop. For boaters who still are getting out on our lakes and rivers, remember that cold water will cool a body 25 times faster than cold air at the same temperature. Water colder than the normal body temperature of 98.6 degrees causes heat loss. Nearly 85% of boating fatalities are due to drowning, and nearly half of those deaths are attributed to the effects of immersion in cold water.

Using our lakes and rivers can be great in any weather, but there are dangers associated with cold water that could put even the most skilled paddlers and swimmers at risk.

The first step in being prepared is wearing a life jacket, which is as important as wearing a seat belt while driving. A properly fitted life jacket will keep a person’s airway out of the water, which is most important when the gasping reflex begins, and the heart rate and blood pressure rise dramatically, increasing the risk of cardiac arrest. The victim might hyperventilate and find it difficult to get air into the lungs.

rates. If you do carry a balance, you might consider transferring it to a lower-rate card. And if you’re carrying multiple balances, you might benefit from a fixed-rate debt-consolidation loan.

• Review your investment portfolio. At least once a year, review your portfolio to determine whether it’s still appropriate for your situation. But be careful not to make changes just because you think your recent performance isn’t what it should’ve been. When the financial markets are down, even quality investments, such as stocks of companies with solid business fundamentals and strong prospects, can see declines in value. However, if these investments still are suitable for your portfolio, you might want to keep them.

• Prepare for the unexpected. How would you pay for an unexpected expense, such as a major home repair? To prevent dipping into your investments, build an emergency fund of three to six months of living expenses — or a year’s worth, if you’re retired — and keep the money in a low-risk, liquid account.

These resolutions can be useful, so try to put them to work in 2023.

This article

Wintertime boaters can prepare for the colder weather by taking the following steps before leaving home:

• Dress appropriately and use layers.

• Always check the weather report.

• Make sure your phone is charged.

• Tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to return.

• Never go alone.

• Always wear a life jacket.

Also, to better prepare for the spring and summer boating seasons, use the cooler months to take a boating-safety class. The local Coast Guard Auxiliary offers a conventional classroom safe-boating class once a month from February through September (as well as a three-day virtual course via Zoom in April, May and July). Information about boating education classes can be requested by emailing the Lake Allatoona Coast Guard Auxiliary at flotilla22pe@gmail.com.

Roberto De Jesus and Amanda Yingling are financial advisers for the Edward Jones branch on Cedarcrest Road in Acworth.

was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones financial adviser. Edward Jones, member SIPC

Greg Fonzeno is the public education officer and commander of the local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Unit (Flotilla 22) at Allatoona Lake.

Downtown Acworth Dining

1885 Grill Southern Coastal 4438 Cherokee St. 770-672-0508 www.1885grill.com/welcome-acworth Bert & Boo's Bake Shop Bakery 3900 Old McEver Rd. 470-582-6717 www.bertandboos.com Facebook: @bertboos Center Street Tavern American/ Traditional 4381 Center St. 770-917-0004 www.centerstreettavern.com

Dogwood Terrace American/ Traditional 4975 N. Main St. 770-627-4069 www.dogwoodterraceacworth.com

Doro’s Italian Restaurant Italian 3979 S. Main St.,Suite 250 678-903-2607 www.dorositalian.com

Fish Thyme Restaurant and Bar Seafood 3979 S. Main St., Suite 5657 770-974-2323 www.newsite.fishthymerestaurant.com

The Fountain

Cocktail Bar and Pub Grub 4843 N. Main St. 678-403-8898 Facebook: The Fountain - Acworth

Fusco's via Roma Italian Trattoria Italian 4815A S. Main St. 770-974-1110 fuscosviaroma.com Facebook: @fuscosviaroma

J.D.’s Bar-B-Que Barbeque 4424 S. Main St. 770-974-8434 www.jdsbbq.com

Henry’s Louisiana Grill Cajun 4835 N. Main St. 770-966-1515 www.chefhenrys.com

L. Marie’s Southern Cuisine Southern 4417 S. Main St. 770-694-1949 www.lmaries.net

Miss L’s Sandwich Shop Sandwiches 4817 S. Main St. 770-966-9709 Facebook: @Miss-Ls-Sandwich-Shop

Senior Activities

CITY OF ACWORTH

Parks, Recreation and Community Resource Department 770-917-1234 // www.acworthparksandrecreation.org

Jan. 18

City of Acworth’s Senior Luncheon. Every third Wednesday. Lunch is served at noon at the Acworth Community Center. This program is free to all seniors, but you must RSVP the week prior to the luncheon in order to attend, 770-917-1234.

Mondays

Cards & Cookies. 2-3 p.m., every other Monday, starting Jan. 9, Acworth Community Center. Coffee, cookies and some games will be provided. Bring your favorite game. Register online.

Mondays, Wednesdays

Senior Warriors Gentle Movements. 10-10:30 a.m., Acworth Community Center. Seniors 55 and older learn traditional Korean movements to increase balance, mental focus and ability to move. Class is taught by Omar Welch, an instructor certified by the U.S. Taekwondo Federation.

Tuesdays

Live Chair and Gentle Yoga. 10-10:45 a.m., Jan. 10Feb. 7, Acworth Community Center. Learn stretching and strengthening exercises and breathing techniques. Free for city of Acworth residents, $15 for nonresidents.

Zoom Chair and Gentle Yoga. 10-10:45 a.m., Jan. 10-Feb. 7. Learn stretching and strengthening exercises and breathing techniques during this free class.

Wednesdays

Soles in Motion Walking Club. Active adults ages 55 and older will meet at 10 a.m. every Wednesday, Jan. 11-Feb. 8, for a 30-minute walk at Logan Farm Park or the Acworth Community Center track, depending on the weather. No walks on Senior Luncheon days.

Thursdays

Live Cardio. 10-10:45 a.m., Jan. 12-Feb. 9, Acworth Community Center. Strengthen and tighten muscles using free weights. Free for city of Acworth residents age 55 and over, $15 for nonresidents.

Zoom Cardio. 10-10:45 a.m., Jan. 12-Feb. 9. Strengthen and tighten muscles using free weights. Free.

Fridays Breakfast Club. Meet for breakfast at a local restaurant, 9 a.m., the first Friday of each month: Feb. 3, Art’s Bagels & More; March 3, Daddy’s Country Kitchen; April 7, Biscuit Belly; and May 5, Maple Street Biscuits. Each person is responsible for his/her costs. Sign-ups are limited to 12.

NORTH COBB SENIOR CENTER

4100 S. Main St., Acworth // 770-975-7740 www.cobbcounty.org/public-services/senior-services

Jan. 9-10

Shopping Trip: Walmart. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. each day. A one-stop shopping trip at Walmart, 3826 Cobb Parkway, Acworth.

Jan. 11

Nutrition Lesson: Key Factors to a Healthful Diet. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Discuss key nutrition concepts needed to make healthy choices. Peace of Mind Checklist. 1-2 p.m. Join a discussion on wills, living wills, powers of attorney and pre-planning documents.

Jan. 12

Bubble Collage. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Use paper muffin liners and Mod Podge to create a layered collage of translucent bubbles.

Doc Talk: Osteoporosis — Building Stronger Bones. 1-2 p.m. Learn about ways to prevent and care for the effects of osteoporosis.

Jan. 17

Team Bowling. Noon-2 p.m., Stars and Strikes, 10010 Highway 92, Suite 180, Woodstock.

Jan. 19

Healthy Gut = Healthy Life. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Learn about the link between gut health and overall well-being.

Game Show Afternoon: “Kids Say the Darndest Things.” 1-2 p.m.

Jan. 20

Film on Friday: “Gigi & Nate.” Noon-2 p.m.

Jan. 23

Marietta History Museum. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Lunch on your own at the Marietta Square.

Driving Safe Seminar. 1-2 p.m. Take part in a safe-driving class conducted by Cobb County police officers.

Jan. 24

Let’s Do Lunch: Ted’s Montana Grill. 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Meet at Ted’s, 2500 Cobb Place Lane, Kennesaw. Lunch on your own.

Jan. 25

Culinary Creations: Fast-Food Revolution. 1-2 p.m. Learn about the history of fast food and how to make a copycat Taco Bell Mexican pizza recipe. $3.

Jan. 26

Eating Healthy in the New Year. 1-2 p.m. Explore which food options are healthier — fresh, frozen or canned.

Jan. 27

Armchair Travel: San Francisco, Then and Now. 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Jan. 31

Tuesday Trivia: Tea Toss Style. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Challenge your brain and your game-toss skills.

Crafting Corner: Tie-Dyed Tissue Paper. 1-2 p.m.

Time to Consider Refreshing Rugs

BY BETSY MANLEY

A perfectly curated and sized rug can pull a room together and completely change its style and look. My home has no carpet in it, so rugs abound in every room. That’s given me lots of firsthand experience with all that goes into finding the perfect rug and getting it in just the right place, and it isn’t easy.

Rugs vary in price, so there’s something for every budget. When selecting rugs for main gathering rooms, you might want to go upmarket in cost and really enjoy the luxury rug-buying experience. Visit a rug gallery, store or warehouse, and choose a few that appeal to you and work best with your colors and fabrics (don’t forget paint and fabric swatches). After you’ve made your selections, the store will bring these rugs to your home, lay them out on the floors so you can decide which ones to keep and then take back the unwanted ones. This luxury route definitely is the way to go. If you’ve ever had to lug home a 9-by-12 rug, only to have to return it because it didn’t work, it’s a pain. But a rug dealer will assist you with all that.

Family rooms are the main gathering hub, so I think the most attention should be paid to this rug. I recommend a wool rug in this space because it’s durable, soft and stain-resistant. You might pay more for it upfront, but it’s 100% worth it. Turkish rugs are my favorites, and a variety can be viewed at Scott’s Antique Market.

Here are a few guidelines for sizing rugs:

• Family room: The rug always should go under the front legs of all seating furniture.

• Front door: The rug should be the length of your door(s) and sidelights.

• Bedroom: The rug should extend 2-3 feet around your bed, so you have a solid landing pad when you get up.

• Dining room: The rug should extend at least 2 feet behind each chair, so you aren’t upsetting it to get in and out of your seat.

In my next article in March, I will share an online shopping guide to rugs.

Betsy Manley recommends using a rug gallery or store for purchasing rugs.

Betsy Manley is a proud University of Georgia alumna, who started House Therapy, which brings home makeovers to Acworth. She documents the process and provides tips and tricks along the way.

Around & About

JANUARY

Through Jan. 7

Recycle live Christmas trees (not flocked) during the Bring One for the Chipper event. Trees will be chipped into mulch and used for beautification projects, soil erosion prevention and lake, pond and water retention efforts in Cobb County. Remove all ornaments, lights and bases and drop off at one of these Home Depot stores: 3355 Cobb Parkway, Acworth, 770-917-8425; 2350 Dallas Highway, Marietta, 770-792-6858; 449 Roberts Court, Kennesaw, 770-424-1309; or 1655 Shiloh Road, Kennesaw, 770-421-1245. A limited supply of free saplings will be available from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Cobb Parkway, Dallas Highway and Shiloh Road locations.

16

The Acworth MLK Celebration and Day of Service will begin with a light welcome breakfast at 8:30 a.m. at the Roberts School Community and Education Center, 4681 School St. The Unity Walk, starting at 9:15 a.m., will leave from the Roberts School and finish at the Acworth Community Center. A program honoring the legacy of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. will take place at 10 a.m. in the Tanyard Creek Overlook of the Acworth Community Center. Afterward, volunteers will begin working on a service project to help a community organization. MLK Day of Service shirts will be for sale at the Acworth Community Center through Jan. 16. All proceeds will go to the Acworth Expanding Horizons and Acworth Achievers programs. For more information on those programs, visit www. acworthexpandinghorizons.org.

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The city of Acworth, the Acworth Business Association, the Georgia Department of Economic Development and Earnest Davis of E3 Consulting will host Part 5 of Community Conversation — a minority-, women- and veteran-owned small-business seminar, 8:30-10:30 a.m., at the Acworth Community Center. The program will offer businesses various resources and will feature a panel of local business owners. To attend, email communityconversation@acworth.org by Jan. 23.

28

The Cobb Chamber’s 81st Annual Dinner returns to the Cobb Galleria Centre, with a cocktail reception at 6 p.m., dinner and program — including the presentation of the Chairman’s Awards and the Marietta Daily Journal’s Citizen of the Year — at 7 p.m. and entertainment at 9 p.m. The chamber will honor its 2022 chairwoman, Britt Fleck of Georgia Power, and welcome its 2023 chairman, Greg Teague of Croy Engineering. For information, contact Michele Howard at 770-859-2345 or mhoward@cobbchamber.org.

PARKS AND RECREATION

4361 Cherokee St., Acworth 770-917-1234 // acworthparksandrecreation.org

Acworth Adult Winter Basketball League

PARKS AND RECREATION

4361 Cherokee St., Acworth // 770-917-1234 acworthparksandrecreation.org.

Competitive and recreational divisions run simultaneously every week, with a single-elimination tournament to finish the season. Sundays, Feb. 5-March 23 (no games Feb. 12), noon-7 p.m. Tournament semifinals March 22 and tournament finals March 23. Free Agent Day, for those who are not part of a team, will be 6:30-8 p.m. Jan. 20 at the Acworth Community Center.

Therapeutic Programs

Designed for individuals ages 13 and older with physical, mental, emotional or social limitations. Cost $5 for each class.

Jan. 12: Groovy B-I-N-G-O! Complete several rounds of bingo, playing traditional games, as well as variations, such as four corners and coverall, 6:30 p.m.

Jan. 17: Creative Corner. Create art projects that explore your creativity and artistic side, 10:30 a.m.

Jan. 26: Disney Trivia. A night of trivia, 6:30 p.m.

Jan. 31: Let’s Cook. Students will prepare warming winter bites: bite-size pizza and marshmallow snowmen, 10:30 a.m.

The Unity Walk is one of the activities planned for Acworth’s MLK Celebration.

About

ART HOUSE HAPPENINGS

www.acworthartsalliance.org.

Through Feb. 15

Open submissions will be accepted for the “Inspired … A Moment in Time” exhibit, running March 4-April 15. Artist receptions are planned for March 4 and April 1, 4-7 p.m.

Through Feb. 24

The “Member Artist Exhibit” will feature works by Acworth Arts Alliance member artists. Artist receptions will be held Jan. 7 and Feb. 4, 4-7 p.m.

Ongoing

Register for winter classes and workshops offered by the Acworth Arts Alliance. Classes and workshops for kids and adults take place at the Art House in downtown Acworth. acworthartsalliance.org/classes

FEBRUARY

Youth Programs

Feb. 20-24

Art Explosion Winter Break Camp. This camp runs 9 a.m.-4 p.m. each day and offers ages 6-13 a chance to learn different art styles, such as fabrics and dyes, watercolors, paper making, paint and clay, as well as go on an art-themed field trip. The cost is $125 for city of Acworth residents and $150 for nonresidents. www.acworthparksandrecreation.org.

Tuesdays and Thursdays

BSD Taekwondo. This class is designed to teach ages 6 and older balance, hand-eye coordination and selfcontrol using traditional taekwondo exercises, 3-4 p.m., at the Acworth Community Center. Monthly sessions are available.

Saturdays

Special Warriors Taekwondo. In this class, young community members with special needs will learn focus, balance, hand-eye coordination and effective self-defense. Classes meet monthly, 10-10:30 a.m., at the Acworth Community Center.

Little Dragons Taekwondo. Children ages 4-7 can learn balance, hand-eye coordination and self-control, 10:45-11:15 a.m., at the Acworth Community Center. Monthly sessions are available. Parents are welcome to take the class with their children, but it is not required.

25

Special Olympics Georgia will host the 14th annual Polar Plunge , 9:45 a.m.-1 p.m., at Cauble Park in Acworth. The Polar Plunge is one of the organization’s “coolest” and largest fundraising events. All proceeds will go to help provide 26,620 Special Olympics Georgia athletes with free year-round sports training. polarplungega.org.

Community Classes

Tuesdays

Line dancing. Learn to line dance with knowledge, technique and style while staying fit. Intermediate classes, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., beginner classes, 1-2:30 p.m., and evening classes, 6:30-8 p.m., meet in monthly sessions.

Tuesdays and Thursdays

Zumba. This fitness program features exotic rhythms, such as salsa, merengue, cumbia, samba and more. All fitness and skill levels are welcome. Meets 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Acworth Community Center. Monthly and drop-in rates available.

Wednesdays

Build Yoga. Join a dynamic class, using yoga postures, plyometrics, hand weights and calisthenics to build strength, flexibility, balance and endurance, 9:05-9:50 a.m. Monthly and drop-in rates available.

Wednesdays and Thursdays

Pickleball lessons. Times are available Wednesday and Thursday mornings at the Acworth Community Center. All experience levels are welcome.

Saturdays

BSD Taekwondo. This is a traditional taekwondo class for adults, 8:45-9:45 a.m., at the Acworth Community Center. Students will learn balance, focus, self-control and how to grow their confidence. Traditional skills are designed to promote health, lower stress levels and develop the whole body, without the use of weapons.

Participants in the 2023 Polar Plunge are preparing to take on the icy water of Lake Acworth next month.

@ 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. 9

Sherlock Holmes Story Discussions with the North Cobb Irregulars take place 6:30-7:30 p.m. the second Monday of each month. Discussions are led by Helen Cauley, president emerita of the Atlanta Sherlock Holmes Society. The text for January is “The Adventure of the Speckled Band.” No RSVP is required.

Jan. 23

Make Mine a Mystery! Book Club meets 6:15-7:15 p.m. the fourth Monday of each month. The group is led by Helen Cauley, president emerita of the Atlanta Sherlock Holmes Society. The book that will be discussed in January is “They Do It With Mirrors” by Agatha Christie. No RSVP is required.

Jan. 24

Cover-to-Cover Book Discussion meets 2-3:30 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of each month. The group will be discussing “The Lost Apothecary” by Sarah Penner in January. New members are always welcome.

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 • 1-5 p.m.Sundays

Jan. 9, 16, 23, 30

The West Cobb Pokémon Club, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Mondays. Pokémon enthusiasts ages 6-12 are invited to battle and train with each other, using their favorite Pokémon video game, Pokémon GO or a 60-card Pokémon deck.

Jan. 10, 17, 24, 31

The Dungeons and Dragons Group , 5:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Ages 13-17 of all skill levels are welcome to discover the world of Dungeons & Dragons.

Jan. 12, 19, 26, Feb. 2

Join the West Cobb Craft Club , 10 a.m.-noon Thursdays. Do you knit, crochet, needlepoint or create jewelry? Or do you want to learn how, while making friends? Join the group to craft and get inspired. All skill levels are welcome (especially beginners). Bring your craft supplies.

Jan. 23

The West Cobb Fourth Monday Book Discussion meets 6:30-7:30 p.m. and covers a variety of literature, including fiction, nonfiction, classics and new releases. The January book will be “Crossroads” by Jonathan Franzen.

Good Culture in Company is Vital

BY RYAN BLYTHE

Part 1 of Ryan Blythe’s interview with Cam Marston, author and podcast host of “What’s Working With Cam Marston,” in the November issue of Around Acworth revealed his theories on why there is a labor pool shortage currently. Marston is one of the nation’s foremost experts on workplace and marketplace trends. Here’s Part 2 of that interview.

Cam Marston said one thing his 200-plus radio interviews of business leaders have taught him is the importance of a well-groomed, intentional company culture.

“Prior to COVID, I would have rolled my eyes when someone started complaining about culture,” he said. “Since COVID, though, I have become a big advocate of it.”

Marston contends that companies with a well-groomed and intentional culture lost fewer employees during the Great Resignation and are having an easier time finding new ones.

“The interviews with execs who preach the importance of culture have all surprised me, based on how much work they do every single day to promote their culture,” he said. “Culture is never finished; it requires constant vigilance and upkeep, and the company leadership says their primary job is to promote, enhance and embody the culture.”

The strongest cultures emphasize serving one another. “It is nearly spiritual,” Marston said. “The job of every person in the company is to serve — serve peers and colleagues, serve the public, serve the families of their teammates, serve their communities. … They say it this way: ‘Our job is to serve people. We do it through____.’ Selling cars, banking, health care, etc.”

Another factor Marston stresses is the importance of not overlooking Generation Z. While they will challenge their employers, like every other generation, they are the future, and he believes figuring them out early will be helpful in the long run.

“It is important to remember that the attitudes and expectations Gen Z may have about the workplace were not created elsewhere,” he said. “They were not created in a vacuum. Their attitudes and expectations that many employers find so challenging were created by their parents, their teachers, their role models, etc.

“Gen Z is made up of children of Gen Xers who, today, are 50ish years old. I am a Gen Xer. My kids are all Gen Z. Their attitudes have been created by what you and I have told them to do and how they may have modeled our behavior. That fact will not make dealing with them any easier, but it may temper any anger we may have toward them as employees a little bit.”

Ryan Blythe is the founder of Georgia Trade School, which for the seventh consecutive year, was named one of the Cobb Chamber Top 25 Small Businesses of the Year.

Cobb Photographic Society

Monochrome

Novice

Paul Shimek - First Place (Texting Ms. Hope) Paul Shimek - Second Place (Frozen Wave)

Joy Rogers - First Place (Now, Let’s Play My Way)

SocietyCongratulations to everyone who entered the Cobb Photographic Society competition. The topic for November was “Juxtaposition.” The guest judge was photographer Louis Tomsmeire. The Cobb Photographic Society is a club open to photographers of all skill levels. It meets the first and third Monday of each month. For information, visit www.cobbphotosociety.com.

Color

Kerry Maxwell - First Place (Aged)

Kerry Maxwell - Third Place (Predator and Prey)

Robert Hatch - Second Place (Small House, Big Rock)

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January 2023

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SENIOR LIVING/SERVICES

DayBreak Village Inside front 770-218-6166 www.daybreakvillage.com Varenita of West Cobb 56 470-750-3500

SPAS

Pearl’s Spa 44 770-966-9099 www.pearlsspa.org

VENUES

The Cowan Historic Mill 45 www.thecowanmill.com

We have a place in the homes of our community.

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