10-22 Around Kennesaw webfinal.pdf

Chase Elleby

Joel Williams

Contents

On the Cover

October 2022

Features

12 Not a Pipe Dream

Pipefitter Joshua Carroll found himself competing in the International Apprentice Contest just four years after switching careers.

14 Fall Festivities

From stocking up on apples to sampling fare from local restaurants to participating in Oktoberfest, there are plenty of autumn activities in north Georgia to enjoy this year.

34 Cleaning for a Reason

Volunteers from Kennesaw businesses will clean the homes of local cancer patients for free during the 21 working days in October.

In Every Issue

4 Around Kennesaw

16 Photo Spread - Pigs & Peaches

Horned Owl Brewing

Guests can taste some of the 18-20 varieties of beer that consistently are on tap while getting an education on the various styles, which are brewed on-site, at this Kennesaw brewery.

Pages 28 & 29

Cover photo by Red Baryl Portraits.

20 Photo Page - First Day of School

26 Growing Gardeners

36 Rob’s Rescues

46 School News

48 Community Calendar

50 Cobb Photographic Society

52 Library News

54 Senior Events

55 Directory of Advertisers

Contributors

37 Joannie Bates

42 Ryan Blythe

40 Andrew Bramlett

35 David Campbell

44 Cobb Schools

38 Dana Dorris

10 Derek Easterling

56 Greg Fonzeno

18 Jessica Forrester

12 Donna Harris

27 Susannah MacKay

36 Rob Macmillan

32 Susan Schulz

34 Nicole Smith

30 Elisabeth Stubbs

26 Robert Trawick

8 Bill Westenberger

53 Joel Williams

Around Kennesaw

Letter From the Editor

Ah, we’ve entered my favorite season of the year — Labor Day through New Year’s Day. Technically, this span of time isn’t an official season since it includes a little bit of summer, all of autumn and a touch of winter, but I’ve made it my personal Season of Holidays. Seriously, we get through one holiday, and we’re already bumping into another one. I love it!

The cooler weather is a welcome relief for someone as hotnatured as I am. I never will understand how people can wear hoodies in August, but they do. I barely wear them in the winter. I love the brilliant fall colors and enjoy driving to the north Georgia mountains to see the majesty of God’s handiwork on full display. I don’t like pumpkin spice anything, but every year, I look forward to one of our Acworth advertisers, KAMS Auto Service Center, putting up my all-time favorite business sign: What time is it? Pumpkin spice oil change time.

This four-month span is a great time of year in my sports world. The past few years, the Braves have been in the playoffs, and there’s nothing more exciting for diehard fans. Last year’s World Series championship and the ensuing victory parade were almost more than this five-decade fan could take. So overwhelming. Hoping I get to experience it again in a few weeks. And it’s college football season. It’s not popular, but I unapologetically support the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. Everything in life is cyclical, and we will have our day in the sun again. I also became an Ohio State fan when Harrison High alum Justin Fields was the quarterback. That kid is amazing. I love some of the bowl game names — Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl, Cheez-It Bowl, Famous Idaho Potato Bowl — but all my life, I’ve wanted to see the Toilet Bowl and the Tidy Bowl. Maybe someday.

For those who, like me, enjoy spending the day at a fall festival, turn to Pages 14-15 for a list of local events and some of the bigger celebrations in north Georgia. Stock up on apples, shop for Christmas or sample food from local restaurants. We also have a photo spread on Pages 16-17 of Kennesaw’s recent Pigs and Peaches and some recipes on Pages 22-23 to help you observe National Chili Month.

And we haven’t forgotten about October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Check out Nicole Smith’s feature on Page 34 about PCT Clean rounding up volunteers to clean cancer patients’ homes this month and Susan Schulz’s article on Pages 32-33 about Pink Pearl Hero, a nonprofit focused on increasing breast cancer awareness.

Happy reading!

Donna Harris

Bridal for Best 2023

Do you want to take part in an online poll to find the best wedding service providers in northwest Georgia? Get ready to say, I do! Our poll is ready for you to vote through Nov. 15 at www.aroundaboutlocalmedia.com. Results will be posted Jan. 1 and will be included in the January issue of Around Kennesaw.

What’s Coming?

Moxie Burger, a locally owned burger restaurant with three locations in East Cobb and Roswell, is coming to Kennesaw. At press time, the new location, at 1600 Kennesaw Due West Road, Suite 104, near the intersection of Stilesboro Road, had a projected opening of late September.

Rome-based Big Dan’s Car Wash is planning to open two locations in Cobb County in the first quarter of 2023: at 3150 Blue Springs Road at the intersection of Cobb Parkway in Kennesaw and at 6148 Highway 92 at the intersection of Wade Green Road in Acworth.

Ribbon Cutting

Rich’s Car Wash

1720 Old 41 Highway, Kennesaw 678-384-2930; https://bit.ly/3dICmb8

Upcoming Ribbon Cutting

Dynamic Urgent Care PC — Nov. 16 1600 Kennesaw Due West Road, Suite 205, Kennesaw

Donna Harris is the managing editor of Aroundabout Local Media. She’s a veteran journalist with newspaper and magazine experience and is excited to bring her expertise to ALM. Email her at donna@aroundaboutmagazines.com.

Our Mission

Publisher Aroundabout Local Media, Inc. www.aroundaboutlocalmedia.com

President Kim Dahnke 770-778-5314

kim@aroundaboutmagazines.com

Vice President Jennifer Coleman 678-279-5502

jen@aroundaboutmagazines.com

Executive Editor Candi Hannigan 770-615-3309 candi@aroundaboutmagazines.com

Managing Editor Donna Harris 770-852-8481 donna@aroundaboutmagazines.com

Content Editor Jessica Forrester 770-615-3318 jessica@aroundaboutmagazines.com

Production Manager Michelle McCulloch 770-615-3307

michelle@aroundaboutmagazines.com

Page Designer Laura Latchford laura@aroundaboutmagazines.com

Graphic Designer Savannah Winn savannah@aroundaboutmagazines.com

Controller Denise Griffin 770-615-3315 denise@aroundaboutmagazines.com

Social Media Manager Kathryn Holt kat@aroundaboutmagazines.com

Market & Advertising Specialist Michelle Smith michelle.smith@aroundaboutmagazines.com

Copy Editors Bill King, Eliza Somers

Around Kennesaw, a publication of Aroundabout Local Media, Inc., is a community magazine with 17,000 free copies distributed monthly. Approximately 16,600 are direct mailed to homes and businesses and an additional 400 are placed in racks in the community.

Around Kennesaw welcomes your comments, stories and advertisements. The deadline is the 10th of the previous month.

Subscriptions are available for $24 per year. Send check or money order to: Around Kennesaw, 1025 Rose Creek Drive, PMB 380, Suite 620, Woodstock, GA 30189.

The viewpoints of the advertisers, 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 2022.

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O’Toole, Director

Fighting Against Ghosts of the ’Net

BY BILL WESTENBERGER

It’s that time of year when the weather gets cooler, and it starts getting dark earlier. Football games, baseball playoffs and new television series begin taking a slice of our social time. Beyond the pumpkinflavored coffees and pastries, new decorations appear in our homes and subdivisions. In October, people hang their spooky decorations and take the opportunity to become someone or something different so they can have a party or get some treats. It also can become a scary time for those who believe ghosts haunt our world.

Outside of traditional ghosts, a distinct type of phantom lurks behind our electronic devices. As we have some unrealistic comfort in the privacy of our devices, the “ghosts,” as I call them, are working behind the scenes in “the Upside Down” to gain our identity or something that isn’t theirs. Every time we learn new ways to protect ourselves from the monsters, they pop up again.

Unfortunately, law enforcement is handling more cases involving compromised personal information and/or funds. Seeing these cases on a daily basis is like a broken record. No individual or organization is exempt from this potential threat. I, myself, routinely get calls on my city phone from scammers just looking for the opportunity to infiltrate. So if you’re one of the fortunate few who has avoided harm or the attempts, consider yourself lucky and count your days.

In that light, I wanted to offer encouragement through a mental paradigm shift to help you protect yourself. The list below is not inclusive but might help with your protection:

• Understand if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

• Avoid greedy responses to the unexpected checks in the mail.

• Avoid opening emails from unfamiliar sources or email addresses.

• Avoid clicking on a link from an unknown source in emails and texts.

• Don’t give out your passwords.

• Change your passwords frequently.

• Make an independent validation before taking any compromising steps if you get a strange email, call or letter.

• Understand that legitimate financial institutions and organizations will not be inquiring about your Social Security information through emails or calls.

• Understand that social media is not a safe place.

At the end of the day, it’s better to be safe than sorry! A little extra effort now could save you from a nightmare down the road. Talk to your more vulnerable family members about these safeguards. Hopefully, we can stay ahead of the creatures who want to steal our identities.

Until next time, stay safe.

Bill Westenberger has served as chief since 2008. He was given the 2019 Kennesaw Citizen of the Year Award.

Erika K. Orcutt, Esq.

A Word From Mayor Derek Easterling

Hello, Kennesaw! I pray y’all are doing well and enjoying the different events happening in and around our community.

How about those Scarecrows on Main? Don’t forget to visit our Facebook page at www.facebook. com/CityofKennesaw this month to vote for your favorite. The Top 3 scarecrows will receive a People’s Choice award, and the one with the most votes will win a $100 prize. Second place will be awarded a $50 prize, and third place will get a $25 prize.

Kennesaw Parks and Recreation beckons area ghouls, ninjas, superheroes and princesses to Spook-Central Park for its annual Fall-O-Ween Fest, 3-8:30 p.m. Oct. 15 at Swift-Cantrell Park. Admission is free. Concessions will be available for purchase beginning at 3 p.m.

Activities include a candy trail, costume contests, a scavenger hunt, crafts, field games and music. The evening will conclude with a showing of “ScoobyDoo on Zombie Island,” rated PG, after sundown. This family-favorite film will be projected onto a giant inflatable screen. For comfort, moviegoers are encouraged to bring a blanket or low-back chairs. Pop-up tents, canopies or beach umbrellas that can obstruct the view of others will not be permitted.

Costume contests for all ages will take place every 30 minutes, starting at 3:30 p.m. and ending at 6:30 p.m. Prizes will be awarded to three winners in each time frame.

How do you see the world? Your community?

We live in a truly remarkable community, filled with people who volunteer their time and share their ideas and skill sets to improve how we are seen. The positive impact these volunteers make is vital to the community’s success and how we are viewed by you. Your perspective of the community and the world we live in is shaped by some incredible volunteers who understand the importance of giving back.

Volunteering is a great way to meet new people and work with like-minded folks who want to make a difference in their community and care about improving it. You might even discover a sense of purpose or a new passion or interest through volunteering, and, as we approach the holiday season, I can assure you your volunteer efforts will make a huge difference in the lives of others. Please consider volunteering your time, energy and talents to help make life better for those in your community who are struggling and just need a hand.

Thank you all for choosing to live, work and play in Kennesaw. Be blessed!

Derek Easterling has served as Kennesaw’s mayor since 2016. He is dedicated to serving his community to the highest level possible.

Local Pipefitter Apprentice

Competes Internationally

BY DONNA HARRIS

After winning four rounds of competition, local pipefitter Joshua Carroll became the only apprentice from United Association (UA) of Plumbers, Pipefitters and Service Technicians Local Union 72 to make it to the international level this year.

In fact, it’s his understanding that only two other Local 72 apprentices — a plumber and a pipefitter — have ever made it to the International Apprentice Contest, held in August at Washtenaw Community College in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

“I didn't win, and the officials don't tell you the ranking, so the general approach is everyone who doesn't win is second (place),” said Carroll, a 2006 graduate of Kennesaw Mountain High School. “I am proud of my showing. There were some things at the competition that I had never seen before, and I was able to complete all of the tasks set before me while maintaining professional standards and meeting all required specifications. It was an honor to be able to represent my local and my district. I feel that I did not disappoint anyone that was rooting for me.”

Carroll competed against five pipefitters from Washington, Nebraska, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Canada

in a contest that was “challenging yet familiar at the same time.”

“The longer the competition went, the more it felt like just another day at work,” he said.

To get to the five-day event in Ann Arbor, Carroll had to take a written exam to determine the Top 4 apprentices from Local 72, then he had to win three rounds of competition: a one-day local contest, a two-day state contest in Augusta and a three-day district competition in New Orleans.

“You can only compete if you are an apprentice, and this year was my last chance because COVID shut down the competition for the past two years,” he said. “I wanted to see how I stacked up against my fellow apprentices and just kept riding the wave of wins. I did take

time to get extra coaching from senior pipefitters at (Georgia Trade School (GTS)) and the journeyman I have been working beside for the past two years.”

For making it to the highest level, Carroll received hand tools, a whitegold UA ring, an iPad, a personalized hard hat and “a healthy paycheck to compensate me for my time,” he said. His work clothing for the competition also was provided.

Besides the international recognition, Carroll also was named Apprentice of the Year recently by the Mechanical Trades Institute-Joint Apprenticeship and Training Trust in Atlanta. Every year, the school selects one person from each trade — service technician, plumber, welder and pipefitter — to win the top apprentice award.

As good as Carroll is at pipefitting, that wasn’t the career he pursued after high school. He was a fouryear letterman on Jacksonville State University’s football team and graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in industrial technology management.

After four years in his field, Carroll decided he wanted to be a pipefitter with a welding certification. He enrolled in a six-month course at GTS and earned his certification at night while working full time as a team lead at Owens and Minor in Kennesaw.

“I have family that was already in the trade, and I've always loved the idea of being able to weld,” he said.

He began his welding career at Trinity Rail in Cartersville, where he worked for two years before becoming an apprentice for Mechanical Services Inc. in 2020.

Carroll lives in Acworth with his high school sweetheart, Sarah, whom he married in 2011, and their three kids, Mackenzie, Declan and Joshua.

Joshua Carroll, third from right, competed against five pipefitters at the International Apprentice Contest.

Joshua Carroll works on the pipefitting project at the competition.

Abound

Near and Far

Autumn is the perfect time to get outside in the cool, crisp air and enjoy some of the fall festivals and Halloween activities in Acworth and Kennesaw as well as in neighboring towns in north Georgia. Make time to celebrate the season of pumpkins and colorful leaves by supporting local fall events or taking a road trip a little farther north in October and November.

Oct. 15, 3-8:30 p.m., Swift-Cantrell Park

Kennesaw Parks and Recreation beckons local ghouls, ninjas, superheroes and princesses to Spook-Central Park for its annual fall celebration. Activities at the free event include a candy trail, a scavenger hunt, a craft, field games, music and a showing of “Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island” (PG) on a giant

COBB COUNTY

Chalktoberfest Craft Beer Festival 2022

Oct. 8, noon-5 p.m., the Marietta Square West Park Square

Enjoy an afternoon of watching professional chalk artists transform the streets, listening to live music from local entertainers, sampling craft beers and an assortment of wines and eating great food at this annual event. All proceeds benefit the Marietta Cobb Museum of Art. www.chalktoberfest.com.

HarvestFest

Oct. 15, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Glover Park at Marietta Square

inflatable screen after sundown. Costume contests for all ages also will take place every 30 minutes from 3:30-6:30 p.m., and prizes will be awarded to three winners in each time frame. Concessions will be available for purchase beginning at 3 p.m. www.kennesaw-ga.gov/parksand-recreation; 770-422-9714.

Taste of Kennesaw

Nov. 5, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Main Street downtown

The event, which benefits five local charities, will feature samples from more

Trick-or-treating will be one of the highlights of the Jacket Jam-BOO-Ree.

The annual festival includes the HarvestFest Arts and Crafts Show; a pie-eating contest for ages 6 and older, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; Touch-ATruck, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Scarecrows in the Square, all day; costume contest for all ages as well as pets, 2-3 p.m.; and Halloween Happenings kids’ festival, 1-5 p.m. www.mariettaga.gov/1258/ Harvest-Fest.

feature trick-or-treating, lots of candy, festival food, a kids’ zone with inflatables, spooky exhibits, local entertainment provided by school choruses and costume contests. Admission is free; kids’ zone is $10 for unlimited rides. laura@ jrmmanagement.com; 770-423-1330.

Smyrna Crafts and Drafts Festival

Oct. 29-30, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and noon-5 p.m. Sunday, Village Green downtown Smyrna

The Smyrna Crafts and Drafts Festival — formerly the Fall Jonquil Festival — will feature more than 150 arts and crafts booths, a variety of food booths, an entertainment stage, a children's section, a puppet show, big-screen TVs for all the big games and a beer garden featuring a variety of craft beers. 770-423-1330.

Celebrate Fall-O-Ween at Swift-Cantrell Park

ACWORTH

Taste of Acworth

Oct. 8, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Main Street downtown

This event benefits numerous schools and charities in the community. There will be more than 150 booths from local restaurants and businesses, plus two live entertainment stages and a kids’ zone. Admission is free. Restaurants will be offering food samples, ranging from $1-$5. 770-423-1330; www. acworthbusiness.org.

2022 Acworth Halloween

JamBOOree

Oct. 22, 3-7 p.m., Logan Farm Park, 4405

There will be games, rides, food, music and a costume contest for the kids on the large field in front of the playground. https://bit.ly/3AjccED; 770-917-1234.

NORTH GEORGIA

Georgia Mountain Fall Festival

Oct. 7-15, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. daily 1311 Music Hall Road, Hiawassee

The annual fall festival at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds is home to live entertainment, arts and crafts, food, educational demonstrations, carnival rides, games and more. https://bit. ly/3TzESAE.

Georgia Apple Festival

Oct. 8-9 and 15-16, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sundays, Ellijay Lions Club 1729 S. Main St., Ellijay

The 51st annual festival will feature more than 250 arts and crafts vendors offering a variety of handcrafted items and more than 35 food vendors selling everything from fried apple pies to fresh-made pizza. www. georgiaapplefestival.org.

2022 Blairsville Sorghum Festival

Oct. 8-9 and 15-16, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. each day Meeks Park, 490 Meeks Park Road

Visit this annual two-weekend festival to find sorghum syrup, arts and crafts, demonstrations, games, activities and live music. https:// blairsvillesorghumfestival.com.

2022 Gold Rush Days

Oct. 15-16, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. each day Dahlonega Public Square and Historic District

Join the thousands of visitors who flock to this annual festival to see fall colors peaking and to celebrate Dahlonega’s discovery of gold in the 1820s. More than 200 arts and crafts exhibitors and food vendors will be on hand for the event, which also includes the Gold Rush Days Parade at 3 p.m. and a concert on the main stage at 4:30 p.m Saturday. https://goldrushdaysfestival. com.

North Georgia Fair

Oct. 20-30, 5-10 p.m. weekdays, 1-11 p.m. Saturdays, 1-10 p.m. first Sunday, 1-9 p.m. second Sunday; North Georgia Ag Fairgrounds, 500 Legion Drive, Dalton

Enjoy rides, food and entertainment at this 74th annual fall fair. www. northgafair.com.

Appalachian Brew, Stew & Que Festival

Oct. 22, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Georgia Mountain Fair, 1311 Music Hall Road, Hiawassee

The 2022 Appalachian Brew, Stew & Que Festival brings together great craft breweries from Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Alabama.

There also will be delicious food from area restaurants, regional arts and crafts and lots of Appalachian and Americana music. https://bit.ly/3eP8zhn; 706-8964191.

Helen Oktoberfest

Through Oct. 30, 6-10:30 p.m. weekdays, 6 p.m.-midnight Fridays, 1 p.m.-midnight Saturdays, 1-7 p.m. Sundays

Helen Festhalle, 1074 Edelweiss Strasse

Take part in one of the longest-running Oktoberfests in the country and enjoy German beer, bratwurst, German-style bands and polka dances during the 51st annual celebration. www.helenchamber. com/oktoberfest.

Old Clarkesville Market

Nov. 12, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Habersham County Fairgrounds, 4235 Toccoa Highway, Clarkesville

Visit the first-ever Old Clarkesville Market to find antiques, home décor and handmade crafts as well as food vendors. The event will be inside an enclosed pavilion, so weather will not be an issue. https://bit.ly/3COauN5.

Sample foods from local restaurants at Taste of Acworth.

Gold Rush Days in downtown Dahlonega commemorates the beginning of the gold rush in Georgia in the 1820s.

Visit Helen’s Oktoberfest for a celebration of all things German.

Chillin’, Grillin’ & Fillin’

Barbecue lovers from all across north Georgia converged on Adams Park in Kennesaw recently for the 21st annual Pigs & Peaches BBQ Festival. The two-day event featured a barbecue competition, nonstop music, dance groups, a kids’ zone, fireworks, good food and vendors. When the smoke had cleared, Slater House walked away with the grand champion title, and Smoke Central was named grand reserve champion.

Kennesaw Mayor Derek Easterling, right, presents the grand champion award to Slater House.

Vendors were on hand to offer a variety of items for shoppers.

The Steven Brooks Band entertains the crowd.

PHOTOS BY RED BARYL PORTRAITS.

Darrell McFadden is excited to eat his barbecue from Pork Ur Fork BBQ.

The Meder family takes a break to sample some of the festival offerings.

Halloween Recipes5 Fangtastic

BY JESSICA FORRESTER

As a kid, my favorite holiday was Halloween. (And, it still is! Candy ... what’s not to love?) My mom’s best friend, whom I call my second mom, always went a few steps further than just giving out candy. Each year, her kitchen table was filled with themed snacks, punch and goodie bags, and I looked forward to stopping at her house most.

Naturally, when we bought our first house in 2020, I was excited to give out candy to trick-or-treaters in our subdivision. The pandemic had different plans, but, thanks to my second mom, I knew just how to celebrate. We moved last year — not in a subdivision, so we probably won’t have any trick-or-treaters this year either — but I will be continuing my spooky spreads tradition.

If you’re like me, you started seeing Halloween treat ideas on Pinterest in August. But, if you haven’t been inspired yet, search for spooky charcuterie boards. That’s a trend so beautiful and fun, I hope it’s here to stay.

Whether you’re planning a night in, a Halloween party or looking for activities to do with your kids, check out these Halloween-themed recipes (and jokes … that may haunt you). You’ll be goblin up this eeriesistible spread of goodies in no time.

Mummy Dogs

What is a ghost’s favorite street food? Haunt dogs.

Ingredients

• 1 can croissant dough

• 1 package hot dogs

• mustard or ketchup

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Using one section of dough for each, wrap hot dogs to look like mummies, leaving an opening for the eyes. Place on a baking sheet. Bake for 12 minutes, or until light golden brown. Place dots of mustard or ketchup for the eyes.

Note: Make mini mummy dogs by cutting the dough and hot dogs into smaller pieces.

Creepy Hands

What did the bucket of popcorn dress up as on Halloween? A kernel.

Ingredients

• 8 cups popped popcorn

• candy corn

• 6 clear food handler’s gloves

• ribbon or twist ties

• 6 plastic spider rings

Directions

Place candy corn inside the end of each glove finger. Pack gloves with popcorn. Close gloves tightly at wrist and tie with ribbon. Place rings on one finger on each hand. Makes six bags.

Note: These are great Halloween party favors. If you’re distributing to trick-or-treaters, fill gloves with individually wrapped candies instead.

Trick or Treat Punch

What did the orange say when the costume contest was canceled?

All zest up; no place to go.

Ingredients

• 46 ounces pineapple juice

• 1 can frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed

• 6 ounces orange gelatin

• 2 liters ginger ale (or two bottles of champagne)

• 1 plastic, food-grade glove

• 2½ cups Hawaiian Punch Green Berry Rush

• 3 cups water

Directions

At least one day ahead, fill a glove with Hawaiian Punch. Tightly secure the top of the glove with a twist tie or rubber band. Cover a baking sheet with paper towels. Place the glove on the baking sheet and use a bag of frozen veggies (or anything else you have in your freezer) to elevate the tied end of the glove to prevent leaking. Freeze overnight.

When ready to serve, bring the water and gelatin to a boil in a large saucepan. Stir in pineapple juice and orange juice concentrate. Pour into punch bowl and add ginger ale. Cut the glove away from the ice and float the frozen hand in the punch.

Witch’s Brew

What is a witch’s favorite dessert? Ice scream.

Ingredients

• 2 cups apple cider

• 1½ cups vanilla ice cream

• 2 tablespoons honey

• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions

Add cider, ice cream, honey and cinnamon to a blender. Blend until smooth. Pour into glasses and sprinkle with more cinnamon, if desired.

Spider Web Dip

What do ghosts order at Mexican restaurants? A boo-rito.

Ingredients

• 1 package cream cheese, softened

• 8 ounces salsa

• ½ cup guacamole

• 2 tablespoons sour cream

• blue corn tortilla chips

Directions

Place cream cheese and salsa in a blender or food processor; blend until almost smooth. Spread mixture into a round serving dish or pie plate. Smooth guacamole over top, leaving a ½-inch border around the edge. Place sour cream in a resealable bag. Cut off a tiny corner of the bag and pipe sour cream in 3 circles (with one additional dot in the middle). Run a tip of a butter knife or a toothpick through sour cream to make a “spider web.” Serve with blue corn tortilla chips.

First Day of School

Parker, Raegan, Sadie and Everly Northwest Classical Academy Fifth, seventh, first and second grades

Ella Lindseyy North Cobb Christian School Third grade

Sixth-grader Luke Carter is ready to welcome his schoolmates to McClure Middle School.

Heading back to class at McClure Middle are, from left, seventh-grader Christen Howard and eighth-graders Marley Bagley and Paige Smith.

McClure eighth-graders, from left, Aubrey Adams, Isabella Parrenas and Bryson Rose work on an experiment in Bethany Horsley’s science class.

Eighth-graders, from left, Khloe Jacobs, EmmaClaire Wells and Alyssa Martin have lunch together on their first day of school at Palmer Middle.

Celebrating National

CHILI Month

As fall ushers in cooler weather, it’s only natural October would be designated National Chili Month. Here are a few favorite chili recipes to keep you and your family warm through the upcoming winter months.

Veggie-Loaded Chili

Modified by Zoe Soltanmammedova from TheRealFoodRds.com

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground turkey, beef or chicken

• 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil

• 2 large garlic cloves, minced

• ½ medium onion, diced

• 1 small red bell pepper, diced

• 1 small zucchini or yellow squash, diced

• 1 medium carrot, diced

• 2 tablespoons chili powder

Directions

• 1 tablespoon cumin, ground

• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce + ½ can water or broth

• 1 can (15 ounces) crushed or petite diced tomatoes

• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained

• 1 cup corn, frozen

• Dash of cayenne (optional)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Carefully dice vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Mince or press garlic. In a large pot over medium heat, add oil. Once oil is hot, add ground meat and stir occasionally until meat is browned. Add garlic, onions, bell pepper, zucchini/squash and carrots. Saute until onions are translucent, and carrots are beginning to soften. Add seasonings, tomato sauce, diced or crushed tomatoes, beans, corn and water/broth. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until carrots are tender. Serve with toppings of choice. Makes six servings.

Autumn Chili

Recipe courtesy of Tiffany Hughes Ingredients

• 1½ pounds ground beef

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 cups riced cauliflower

• 1½ tablespoons Montreal Steak Seasoning

• 2 (16-ounce) cans tomato sauce

• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley

Directions

• 2 (16-ounce) cans diced or crushed tomatoes

• 2 teaspoons chili powder

• 2 teaspoons cumin

• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

• Dash ground red pepper

• ½ cup pumpkin puree

Brown ground beef and onion in a large stock pot over medium-high heat. When meat is done, add riced cauliflower without draining. Mix well to coat cauliflower, then stir in Montreal Steak Seasoning. Cook until all liquid is absorbed.

Blend in both types of tomatoes and the next five ingredients. Cook approximately 10 minutes on mediumhigh, then add pumpkin puree. Reduce heat to medium, cover and simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, to give seasonings time to meld. Serve topped with green onions and/or sour cream. Note: If adding beans, put in with the tomatoes and dry ingredients. If not using riced cauliflower, add an extra half pound of ground beef.

Michelle’s Talladega Chili

Recipe and photo courtesy of Michelle McCulloch

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef, browned and fat drained

• 1 can drained/rinsed dark red kidney beans

• 1 can stewed tomatoes

• 1 packet Chilio mix

• ½ cup water

Directions

• ¼ cup ketchup

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

• ½ teaspoon ground cumin

Combine ingredients in a pot and simmer on low for at least one hour.

To Serve

Prepare a box of macaroni and cheese according to directions. Add ½ cup mac and cheese to a bowl, spoon chili over the top and sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese. Add tortilla chips around the edge of the bowl and minced onion for garnish. Makes six servings.

White Chicken Chili

Ingredients

• 1 small yellow onion, diced

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced

• 2 (14.5-ounce) cans low-sodium chicken broth

• 1 (7-ounce) can diced green chilies

• 1½ teaspoons cumin

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon dried oregano

• ½ teaspoon ground coriander

• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions

• 1 (8-ounce) package Neufchatel cheese (light cream cheese), cut into small cubes

• 1¼ cups frozen or fresh corn

• 2 (15-ounce) cans cannellini beans

• 2½ cups shredded cooked rotisserie or leftover chicken

• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for serving

Heat olive oil in a 6-quart enameled dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onion and saute four minutes. Add garlic and saute 30 seconds longer. Add chicken broth, green chilies, cumin, paprika, oregano, coriander and cayenne pepper and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring mixture just to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer 15 minutes. Drain and rinse beans in a fine-mesh strainer or colander, then measure out 1 cup. Set whole beans aside. Transfer 1 cup beans to a food processor, along with ¼ cup broth from soup; puree until nearly smooth. Add Neufchatel cheese to soup, along with corn, whole beans and pureed beans, and stir well. Simmer 5-10 minutes longer.

Stir in chicken, fresh lime juice and cilantro.

Serve with Monterey Jack cheese, more cilantro, avocado slices and tortilla chips, if desired. Can be cooked in a slower cooker. Makes six servings.

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Recipe courtesy of Candi Hannigan

Check Items on Your List at Daybreak Village Hometown Cozy Friendships Be Yourself

BY KIM ADAMS CONINE FOR DAYBREAK VILLAGE

If I could no longer stay in my own home, what would be my wishes?

• Stay in my hometown (because this is where all my friends and family are).

• Find a cozy but spacious place (not too big and not too small – think Goldilocks).

• Have access to beautiful indoor and outdoor areas where I can entertain family and friends.

• Be able to enjoy gardening without worrying about upkeep.

• Have opportunities to make new friends.

• Be in a place where I don’t have to give up who I am. That is and will be my biggest concern until my last breath.

This is my personal list – yours might include other things. While I concede that it may be time to let others cook for me, help me clean and even wash my clothes, I don’t want to give up who I am. I want to wake up every morning to the smell of coffee and the sound of birds singing, go to breakfast with my friends and chat about the day’s agenda. I want my biggest concern to be whether I attend book club or art class today. I want to be as busy as I choose to be, and I want to eat well.

While this sounds more like a bed and breakfast than an assisted-living or personal-care home, I’m talking about DayBreak Village Senior Living in Kennesaw. It really is the bed and breakfast of senior living: cozy, yet spacious, friendly, inclusive, active and beautifully situated in the woods off Cherokee Street.

Ben and Stephanie Harbour bought DayBreak in 2005 and, since then, have been involved intimately in the dayto-day operations, from the menus to choosing the color of the mulch outside. Because of their hands-on approach, Ben and Stephanie are available to address concerns or requests and to make decisions immediately. No red tape. No corporate hassles. That’s boutique-catered living at its finest.

DayBreak offers everything needed as aging progresses: medication management, secure memory care, and in-house care from nurse practitioners, dentists and podiatrists, along with home health and hospice care. Residents have access to multicultural church services, a

hair salon and activities ranging from art classes to various clubs to exercise. Care is a priority, with around-the-clock access to fully trained caregivers. Chef-inspired meals and day trips spoil the residents.

But what you can’t put on a list, yet everyone wants, is the feeling of being at home when you walk through the door. DayBreak is big enough for hosting and entertaining family and friends, but cozy and intimate enough to make you feel like you belong and are special. That’s when you know you are a “Villager.”

It’s truly home, just like a bed and breakfast where you wake up smelling the coffee and hearing the birds singing. But don’t take my word for it. Go for a visit, eat a meal there, talk to the people who live there so you experience the difference. See for yourself if you don’t just happen to feel the kismet as you walk through the door!

DayBreak Village Senior Living Community

3056 Cherokee St., Kennesaw, GA 30144

770-218-6166

Winterizing Warm-Season Turfgrass

BY ROBERT TRAWICK

Let’s face it, lawns sometimes are forgotten when it’s time to prepare your landscape for winter. There are some precautions you can and should take to get your lawn ready for the colder months and to ensure your turfgrass is in good shape when the soil warms up next spring. These precautions often are lumped into the term “winterizing,” an attempt to toughen up plant tissue by slowing down growth and beefing up plant levels of potassium.

Warm-season turfgrasses are Bermuda, zoysia, centipede and St. Augustine. Tall fescue is considered a cool-season turfgrass. Turfgrass calendars can be found at https://bit. ly/3QpG5aV.

Research done through the years has shown that higher levels of plant potassium enhance tolerance to a broad range of environmental stresses, including, but not limited to, cold damage. A good strategy to encourage

Winterize your lawn now to make sure it’s in good shape next spring.

healthy turf is to maintain high levels of soil potassium throughout the growing season. When soil-test levels of potassium have reached a high level, maintain that by applying two-thirds to one part potassium fertilizer for every one part of nitrogen supplied when fertilization is done. While this is not an exact calculation, it is a good rule of thumb.

Phosphorus — the middle number on a fertilizer bag — usually is not a concern in the fall, as an application now probably would just promote winter annual weed seed germination.

It’s always helpful to do a soil test. Visit https://bit.ly/3RzED7h for testing instructions.

For those with a less-than-ideal lawn fertility program, here are some end-ofseason tips:

• Minimize nitrogen fertilization on warm-season turfgrasses as we approach fall. Nitrogen should be applied in the fall only if you have a fescue lawn. Reducing nitrogen fertility slows growth, allows the grass to toughen and reduces fungal diseases like brown patch.

• Finish the growing season with a fertilizer high in potassium. If applying only K2O (potassium oxide) to avoid extra fall nitrogen, use 1 to 2 pounds of muriate of potash (0-0-60) per 1,000 square feet. Apply to a dry lawn and water in.

• Maintain adequate moisture in the fall. We often want to forget lawn care by this time. But fall can be one of our driest times of the year, and turf still needs to store food now for the long winter dormancy.

• Keep an eye out for yellowing areas that would indicate brown patch disease and treat with fungicides, as needed. Remember, if these areas die off in late fall, they still will be dead next spring.

One last warning. Too much of a good thing often is bad. Excessively high amounts of potassium fertilizer might lead to foliage burn (salt burn) or cause competitive inhibition of other soil nutrient uptake.

The Master Gardener Volunteers of Cobb County supports the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service and strives to improve the quality of life in our community by delivering research-based horticultural information, educational programs and projects.

Doing a fall soil test is always a good idea.

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

WISE BEER LOVERS FLYING TO HORNED OWL

What’s in a name? Quite a lot if you ask Joe Uhl, especially when it came time to name his Kennesaw brewery, Horned Owl Brewing, which opened in November 2020.

Most of the new brewery’s beer names are owl-related because owl is the meaning of his German last name, Uhl. And, with the proximity to Kennesaw State University, it was a natural fit.

October is a special time in the beer industry, and last year’s Oktoberfest at Horned Owl Brewing still is a special memory for Joe. It was a fan favorite, earning the brewery third place in Best of Cobb for Best Festival. With a focus on all things German — food, banners, decorations, beer garden tent, steins and an authentic German beer selection — many attendees added to the festive atmosphere by wearing authentic lederhosen during the competitions that took place throughout the three-day event. The 2022 Oktoberfest, which ran Sept. 30-Oct. 2, was no exception.

HORNED OWL BREWING

2765 S. MAIN ST., SUITE A, KENNESAW, GA 30144 678-354-5005

Q

Ashley and Ryan playing shuffleboard.

PHOTOS BY RED BARYL PORTRAITS.

Owners Joe and Cathy Uhl.

FAVORITE

READERS’ CHOICE

WINNER

BEST BREWERY/ DISTILLERY 2022

BEST OF COBB

FIRST PLACE

BEST NEW BAR OF 2021

SECOND PLACE

BEST LOCAL BREWERY 2021

THIRD PLACE

BEST CRAFT BEER SELECTION 2021

THIRD PLACE

BEST FESTIVAL (OKTOBERFEST) 2021

BUBBLES & BREWS

WINNER

BEST PATIO VIBE 2021 & 2022

WINNER

BEST FEATURED BEER 2021

WINNER

BEST LIVE MUSIC 2022

WHAT’S ON TAP?

With knowledgeable beer slingers at work at the brewery, guests can enjoy one of the 1820 varieties of beer that consistently are on tap and get an education on the various styles, which are brewed on-site. Styles include seltzers, sours, lagers, pale ales, various IPAs, Belgium triples, pilsners, stouts and nitros. For special events, they sometimes have a cask beer as well.

And, of course, Horned Owl specializes in German beers, drawing former residents of Germany to the Kennesaw brewery. Several of them drive from Marietta and Atlanta. Some of the favorite Germanstyle beers throughout the year include: Owlet Hefeweizen, Daybreak Dortmunder, Hollows Dunkelweizen, Cover of Night Schwarzbier, Screech Berliner Weisse, Vogel Kolsch, Evil Bird Vienna Lager, Oktoberfest beer and Prost-Festbier for the Oktoberfest celebration.

Not only do patrons enjoy the variety, but they also appreciate the attentive servers and quick service. Orders are placed using tablets at the tables, which Joe said speeds up the delivery of each order, a definite guest-pleaser.

“We pride ourselves in being a neighborhood brewery. We have a great, inviting outdoor space (that won Bubbles & Brews’ Best Patio Vibe in 2021 and 2022) with turf, outdoor patio and an upper deck,” Joe said. ”We have weekly trivia on Wednesdays, music bingo on Thursdays and live music every Friday night.”

Some of the many artists who regularly perform there include Stephanie Berlanga, Courtney Dickinson, Trevor Startt and Alex Cavanaugh.

They sometimes have food trucks on-site and encourage customers to order from local downtown restaurants. The plan is to have a small eatery by the end of next summer.

WHY BEER AND KENNESAW?

Joe became a fan of craft beer more than 15 years ago, when his son introduced him to it at the Brick Store in downtown Decatur. He has enjoyed craft beer since then and said he especially loves the business model of selling directly to the consumer.

“Georgia ranked 50th overall in breweries per capita in 2020, and I felt the opportunity to grow in Georgia was significant,” he said. “I

was working on four locations at once, and the Kennesaw location is the one that worked out. I do like the history of the building we are in, as it was built in the 1940s.”

Joe is uniquely qualified for this venture; he has 46 years of senior management experience, from regional manager to chief operating officer. He’s had major roles in multi-unit, quick-service restaurant management and operations in a variety of U.S. markets, for such brands as El Pollo Loco, Cinnabon, Church’s Chicken, Popeye’s, Einstein Bros. Bagels, Checkers Drive-In Restaurants and Wendy’s. Most recently, he was the COO for FSC Franchise Co., which owns and operates Beef O’Brady’s and Brass Tap locations in multiple states.

CHEERS TO THE FUTURE

After opening during the COVID-19 pandemic and a challenging economy, Joe is proud to say the brewery is coming up on its second anniversary. He has plans for Horned Owl Brewing to continue to grow as Kennesaw grows. An event space will be added next year, allowing bookings for private gatherings.

Among his goals are to increase production, which will make it possible to distribute to many more restaurants. Joe also wants to open two or three additional small neighborhood breweries in the future.

“We are looking forward to a bright future and will continue to focus on great beer and great service,” he said. “Please come and visit us with your family and friends. Cheers!”

Head Brewer Ryan Lee.

The ABC s of Flooring

From Wood and Carpet, to Tile and Luxury Vinyl Plank

BY ELISABETH STUBBS

Let’s learn more about my favorite floors as we continue with the letter L. (If you missed Part 1 last month, visit https:// aroundkennesawmagazine.com.) I’ll finish up the alphabet in next month’s installment of my favorite flooring.

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

Lis for laminate. It seems like everybody forgot about laminates when luxury vinyl plank (LVP) became the "it" floor. Did you know that laminates have the same attributes and warranties as LVP? They are waterproof, scratch- and stainresistant and usually cost less than LVP. And many people find laminate visuals are more realistic than LVP. Be sure to look at laminate if you are looking for a durable floor that is easy to care for.

M

is for mosaic, small pieces of tile that are held together in a sheet. Mosaics come in many different shapes and are made out of glass, metal, stone, real pebbles, porcelain and more. They are the touch of bling that your backsplash or shower wall needs.

Nis for Nourison. Its collection of machine-washable area rugs are life-changers for homes with pets and kids. Yes, you really can put them in the washing machine.

Ois for original — COREtec Original, that is. The floor that started the LVP revolution, it is waterproof with a rigid wood-plastic composite core. This floor is available in hundreds of styles and colors and features a cork backing that makes it quieter and warmer underfoot.

P

is for Palmetto Road Tuscany Collection , a French oak hardwood floor that has eight coats of super-low gloss finish. It is wire-brushed with antiqued finishing techniques. What's not to love?

Qis for QuickStep, one of my favorite brands of laminate floors. It has all the beauty of a hardwood and is durable and stain- and water-resistant. With up to four times the scratch protection of other floors on the market, you and your pets can live on your floor worry-free.

R

is for Raintree, a unique waterproof hardwood floor that can handle traffic and the occasional pet accident or spill. It’s also scratch-resistant, so you’ll have fewer concerns about blemishes on your wood floors. Best of all, you can install this engineered hardwood anywhere in your house, even in a bathroom. In addition, you can select from white oak and hickory wood flooring options.

is for SmartStrand, the carpet fiber with permanent, built-in stain resistance. It is exceptionally durable and environmentally friendly (made in part from renewable plant-based ingredients). SmartStrand carpets come with a warranty that covers all pets, all accidents, all the time. And if you love soft carpet, be sure to check out SmartStrand Silk.

S

COREtec floors are waterproof and provide comfort for life.

Tammy Lewis, above, waves during her first walk as a "thriver." Right, she recuperates from her double mastectomy and reconstruction surgery in October 2018.

Some Heroes Have Scars, Some Wear Pearls

BY SUSAN BROWNING SCHULZ

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, meet Tammy Lewis, founder of Pink Pearl Hero, a Woodstock-based nonprofit with a focus on increasing breast cancer awareness and the importance of screenings. As a health educator, corporate manager, entrepreneur and now breast cancer “thriver,” Lewis launched the organization, which provides Hero Boxes to women fighting breast cancer.

“The nonprofit started after my diagnosis, and right before my first surgical procedure on Oct. 30, 2018,” Lewis said. “I did not know where the path would lead after that six-hour double mastectomy and reconstruction surgery. Two more operations and 28 radiation treatments later, the Pink Pearl Hero brand has evolved.”

Launching the nonprofit came with telling her story, a part of which inspired its name. Lewis, a runner, had left her pearls on during one of her races, and another runner commented, “Now, that’s classy.” Pink is the official breast cancer color, and pearl came from that brief encounter.

“What took a moment to figure out was how to support and give back. This caused me to take a long look at the things that made me happy during the whole process, and find something that would bring the same joy to other survivors. The one thing I always looked forward to was when a thoughtful friend put together a box of gifts and sent them to me. Bingo! That is how the Hero Box was born,” Lewis said.

“Who doesn’t like receiving good surprises in the mail, especially when you’re in need of good news?” said Pink Pearl Hero board member Melanie Jones-Muhammad.

“Devastated, angry and hopeless were just a few of the emotions I felt when I was diagnosed with cancer,” said Tiana Russell, a Pink Pearl Hero thriver and box recipient. “When I received the Pink Pearl Hero Box, I felt hopeful, grateful and loved to be able to receive

this box full of essential items, while going through treatment, to help my mental and physical journey.”

The goal for the Hero Box moving forward is to have at least one spotlight item that comes from a woman-owned business. The brands that Lewis personally used during her breast cancer journey were DemiBlue nail polish, free of 21 toxic chemicals and vegan-friendly, and Becalia Botanicals, a natural skin care line.

“We are working toward a subscription feature and more partnerships to come from amazing womenowned businesses. So far, I have identified three local cancer centers where boxes will be offered, including the one I went to at Kennestone Hospital,” Lewis said.

“Pink Pearl Hero is the epitome of helping supporters stand in the gap for breast cancer awareness,” said Vice President Rhonda Lewis. “They have helped me realize the number of women not screened regularly and, ultimately, the importance of bringing more awareness to women for early detection. As Pink Pearl Hero grows, I anticipate we will work even harder to ensure more individuals have access to screening, specifically those in underserved communities.”

Future plans include a manual, called “Being Your Own Hero,” and a workshop. “There were a lot of strategies I did mentally and physically that helped me through my process that I want to share with all women, not only breast cancer survivors,” Lewis said. “There is data that shows a multitude of health issues that affect women in greater proportions, because we don’t take care of ourselves first. Hence, the word hero in the nonprofit’s name. I just want to bring a little joy and encouragement to (each) woman who is going through her battle, and to let her know she is my hero ... keep thriving ... and you got this, sis!”

If you know of a woman who has breast cancer, you can sponsor a Hero Box. To learn more, visit pinkpearlhero.com. Or, if you own or know of a woman-owned business that has a product or service for the boxes, please send a direct message to @pinkpearlhero on Instagram and Facebook, or use the Contact Info tab on the website.

Susan Schulz is a Bible teacher and mentor who lives and plays on the Etowah River in Canton. Connect with her on social media or at susanbrowningschulz.com.

Tammy strikes a “hero” pose, one of the positions for monthly self-breast exams.

Lessening the Load for Cancer Patients

BY NICOLE SMITH

For many of us, cleaning our homes is a chore we complete without even thinking about it. But what if you weren’t able to clean your home due to illness? What would it mean to you to have community volunteers take that weight off your shoulders? PCT Clean is partnering with Kennesaw businesses to make this a reality for local cancer patients.

Owned by R.J. and Asha Patel, PCT Clean has been in business since 2003. R.J. has had several successful business ventures since moving to Kennesaw in 1978, one of which was hotel owner.

As hotelkeepers, the Patels were known for their excellent care for customers, cleanliness and relaxing environment. R.J. said he even received referrals from overbooked national franchise hotels, asking if they could send over their executive clients because they knew those clients would be cared for like family.

Since cleaning was an obvious part of owning a hotel for 27 years, opening PCT was the next logical business step for the Patels.

As PCT approaches its 20th year, the owners are taking on a big project for a bigger cause. Their motto is “We Clean. You Enjoy Life,” and they’re standing behind it by taking part in Cleaning for a Reason, a Texas-based 501(c)(3) organization that offers free home cleaning to cancer patients in the United States and Canada. The nonprofit’s goal is to take away the burden of cleaning so patients can focus on getting healthy and spending time with loved ones. RJ met founder Debbie Sardone in 2008 when she was promoting the organization at a national convention, and once he heard the mission, he said, “Sign me up,” right on the spot.

Cleaning for a Reason (cleaningforareason.org) qualifies patients for cleaning services and is matching PCT with patients based on the company’s service zip codes. R.J. said he had the capacity for three or four cleans per month before the COVID-19 pandemic, but due to

declines in the labor market, he’s had to scale back.

Since PCT is committed to adding value to the community, company officials found themselves asking how they could do more in 2022. R.J. is on the board of directors for the Kennesaw Business Association (KBA) and was inspired by this year’s theme, “Bigger, Better, Brighter.” In February, he pitched a collaborative idea to KBA President Dana Dorris and business members at the organization’s monthly luncheon. His idea was to secure up to 21 KBA businesses to provide 21 free cleans during the 21 working days in October. He said within a minute of presenting the idea, he had 21 businesses enthusiastically say yes. This initiative is, first, about the patients who are going to be served and, second, about the Kennesaw businesses that are

volunteering, with PCT’s recognition coming in third, R.J. said.

This impactful story hits home for PCT Sales and Marketing Director Angela Bockman. Angela said she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017, but as of Aug. 18, 2022, she’s a four-year survivor and is cancerfree. “I do know, when I was going through my treatment, how hard it was to even open my eyes to look at a text message,” she said. So she can understand from a patient and business view how removing the barrier of cleaning can impact lives.

Nicole Smith is a public health professional living in Kennesaw with her epic houseplant collection and two senior dogs, Jax and Lily Grace.

PCT Clean is partnering with Kennesaw Business Association members to clean the homes of 21 cancer patients in October.

Situation: Dumpster Fire or Refiner’s Fire?

BY DAVID CAMPBELL

At our church, Due West United Methodist, we have been in a sermon series called “Dumpster Fire.” As we advertised it in advance, it drew a lot of attention. My favorite comment since we started came from a lady on a Sunday morning. The night before, the Braves had blown a ninth-inning lead. Her comment? “I can’t believe nobody mentioned the Braves game as a dumpster fire!”

In recent years, the phrase has become part of our vocabulary. It’s even in the dictionary: “An utterly calamitous or mismanaged situation or occurrence.” I think it resonated because everyone has witnessed something for which the term would apply, such as the collapse of a sports team. And most of us have found ourselves in the middle of one. Maybe it’s comical, or maybe it’s tragic, but in our family, our work, our schools, our friend group, maybe even our church, we have found ourselves in “an utterly calamitous or mismanaged situation or occurrence.”

Although the phrase might be new, the feelings it evokes are as old as humanity. The Bible is filled with stories of people who found themselves in a dumpster fire. It is part of what makes Scripture so relatable to us. The story of Joseph being sold into slavery by his brothers hits home with anyone who has been betrayed by a family member. The story of David

on the run from King Saul hits home with anyone who has worked for a jealous and insecure boss. The story of Simon Peter’s denial of Jesus hits home with anyone who has ever done something of which they were ashamed. Their dumpster fires are ours.

But we have seen in this series that what might feel like a dumpster fire actually is something more. Often, it’s a refiner’s fire. Do you know the difference? In a dumpster fire, everything is burned up. But in a refiner’s fire, things you don’t need are burned away, so only what is best remains. It’s how gold is refined. The impure is burned away so only the pure gold is left.

Think back to your own dumpster fires. Can you not see, at least in hindsight, how God used that experience to help you grow? God might not have started the fire, but he certainly could use it. Just something to remember the next time the temperature starts to rise!

Dr. David Campbell is the senior pastor at Due West United Methodist Church. He is a husband, father, grandfather and former Army chaplain. He can be reached at dcampbell@duewest.org. Church website duewest.org.

Rob’s Rescues

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

This month, I interviewed Brianna Stoddard, co-founder and executive director of Papayago Rescue House (PRH) for parrots. She and Maria Sullivan, co-founder and CEO, started the Marietta-based nonprofit in 2015. https://papayagorescuehouse.org.

Tell us about PRH.

We support parrots for whatever is needed, such as rescue, rehabbing, training and rehoming. A lot of people have birds; parrots are the third most-popular pet. We support parrots that can’t be cared for anymore. We understand that different life situations happen, and we are here for the ones that need surrendering. We also offer short-term boarding and a safe environment for nail trimming.

How many parrots have you helped?

More than 500 parrots have come through the rescue. In special cases, we’ve taken in finches. We have two diamond doves that are part of the rescue, too.

How did you get involved with helping birds?

We started getting involved with birds because of a parakeet (a small- to mediumsized species of parrot) we bonded with. Our interest attracted more birds, and the rescue grew organically out of our love and the need in the community. We are the only parrot rescue in the area.

This dog’s name is Lager. He is a medium-sized, 7-year-old dog. He is very calm and easygoing. Lager was a stray, which makes sense, because nobody ever would want to give up this dog. He walks very well on a leash. I feel he would be a very good family dog, because he loves people and is very gentle.

Is there a specific kind of food parrots like?

Vegetables and avian pellets. We provide a vibrant diet of nuts and vegetables. Interestingly, parrots also can handle spicy foods, like jalapenos.

What is fascinating about parrots?

Parakeets are the best talkers and hold two world records. They are better talkers than African greys. Parrots have a human lifespan. But, for parakeets, overpopulation, overbreeding and poor diet have reduced their lifespan to 15 to 20 years.

Where do parrots in your rescue come from?

Our parrots come from everyday people, often the elderly, who no longer can keep them.

What is a story you want to share?

Coco, now the PRH ambassador, came from a place of abuse. She chews on her skin and pulls out her feathers as a result. We were contacted to come get her, or she was going to be left on the sidewalk. Her lungs are damaged, due to second-hand smoke, and it took months to get the smell of cigarettes out of her feathers.

What do you want the community to know?

We are here. Parrots need rescue. We need volunteers to help clean, prepare food and help with community events. We have in-person and online volunteer opportunities. We also need people to realize it is a process to adopt a parrot. These are wild creatures, and we always try to fit bird personality to potential adopters. The birds always have a home at PRH, if it doesn’t work out.

What must people know if they want to adopt a parrot?

Rob and cat: This cat’s name is Bogie. He is a large, 2-year-old tabby. He is an owner-surrender and a very sweet cat. Any family would be lucky to have him; he wants love and just to hang out with a family.

A parrot is a 30-plus year commitment. They are messy and noisy. We take care to educate prospective adopters. Some parrots need a lot of mental stimulation. On the other hand, parrot ownership gives tremendous joy, where there is a bond of trust on both sides.

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

Brianna Stoddard, Rob and Coco, the Papayago Rescue House ambassador.

Entering a New Homebuying Season

BY JOANNIE BATES

Spring, summer, fall, winter. In this world, everything changes with the season. Nothing is static. Just as we have seasons in the year and in a lifetime, we also have seasons in the housing market.

As a Realtor, I have watched as the last two years have been the season for sellers. High home values, low inventory and unprecedented interest rates meant folks selling their homes were loving life like every day was the Fourth of July.

As we transition to a season for buyers, it’s true that the hot market is cooling. Interest rates are rising into the 7% range. Inventory has increased. Homes are staying on the market longer. Sellers are accepting contingencies, paying closing costs and lowering their asking prices by thousands of dollars.

While some see this new real estate season as a time to hunker down for a cold spell, others are just getting warmed up. Investors are loving this market. They are primed and ready to scoop up properties from fatigued sellers.

The end of the fourth quarter of 2022 and the beginning of the first quarter of 2023 will be a wonderful period for investing. It’s time to diversify your portfolio. Think long-

term rental, Airbnb, student housing and multifamily. Add an investment property, and cash in on the shifting market. This, quite literally, is how people create generational wealth.

Real estate markets change like the seasons. It’s all about how you look at it. While sellers are looking at a chilly forecast, investors are headed to the sunny beach of return on investment.

Joannie Bates is a Realtor for Keller Williams Signature Partners. She works with clients in the surrounding area, with a focus on luxury and investment properties.

BOX

UPCOMING EVENTS

Oct. 11

KBA Luncheon

11 a.m.-1 p.m. Recreation Center at Adams Park 2737 Watts Drive

Oct. 25

Wake Up KBA 8-9 a.m. Copeland’s Kennesaw 1142 Barrett Parkway

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Nov. 5

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Taste of Kennesaw

11 a.m.-6 p.m. Downtown Kennesaw

Nov. 8

KBA Luncheon

11 a.m.-1 p.m. Recreation Center at Adams Park 2737 Watts Drive

Nov. 15

Alive After 5 5:30-7:30 p.m. The Jewelsmith 3625 Dallas Highway Suite 780, Marietta

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Developing the Heart of a Leader

BY DANA DORRIS

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I believe great leaders lead with their heart. They discover what matters and hone in on their purpose. When I think of the exceptional leaders in my life, I think of those who take the time to invest in others and have that special knack for changing culture, shaping and molding those around them and never hesitating to go out into the world to create change. I’m guessing most admirable leaders have an inner guidance that fosters their mission to live with a purpose bigger than themselves.

As I have read about and researched the qualities of great leaders, it seems they all possess similar characteristics:

• An open and determined heart that leads them to find their purpose.

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• Ability to drive and execute their plans well, which is communicated clearly to their teams.

• A disposition of authenticity, a strong work ethic and a willingness to do what needs to be done without waiting on someone else.

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• A knack for surrounding themselves with great people, thereby creating an environment of openness in which they solicit feedback from their team. They are passionate and build strong commitments through involvement and ownership.

• The ability to energize people and help others grow through coaching and development, which strengthens their teams.

• Being “others centric” — my favorite quality — and having a heart for inspiring and serving others.

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We all strive to be our best selves. Sometimes, I wonder if this is where the breakdown occurs. As we read books and study great leaders, we must remember to be authentic to ourselves and not attempt to emulate leaders of the past.

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It is important to dig deep in order to understand ourselves and our purpose, then think through the qualities of great leaders and how those qualities can impact us. In the end, exceptional leaders want to leave a legacy through the lives they lead and be remembered for how they led, uniquely and with deep purpose.

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Dana Dorris is the first two-time female president of the Kennesaw Business Association. She is an independent insurance agent and senior partner with Risk & Insurance Consultants of North Georgia.

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Gaspard T. Carrie:

After the War

BY ANDREW J. BRAMLETT

Last month, I shared the early life of Gaspard T. “G.T.” Carrie, an early resident of Big Shanty (now Kennesaw) with a connection to Mark Twain. At the end of that article, the Civil War had ended, and Big Shanty had been burned to the ground. Carrie likely played a big part in rebuilding the community. From 1865 to 1868, he served as postmaster, and, in 1868, he was a delegate to the Democratic State Convention in Atlanta.

An 1867 plat map for Lemuel Kendrick, who owned much of what is now downtown Kennesaw, shows Carrie owned land on the east side of the railroad tracks near today’s Depot Park. Around 1870, he built a house on that property and would live there the rest of his life. The house now is the home of Frozen Cow Creamery. As Carrie’s sons became prominent community members, they, too, built houses near the depot. John T. Carrie built his house, now the site of Lazy Labrador Coffee House, next door to his father’s home around 1883, and Benjamin H. “B.H.” Carrie’s house, now part of Depot Park, was built in 1890.

In 1870, a hotel was constructed in Big Shanty to replace the one destroyed during the Civil War. According to A.L. Harris, who provided testimony on the hotel to a joint committee of the state legislature in 1872, the building was a “two-story house of wood containing 10 rooms, plastered, and painted inside and out, with necessary outbuildings.” Gaspard Carrie was the proprietor for the first two years of operation, when it was referred to by the Atlanta Constitution as “a No. 1 eating establishment.” In 1876, the

The Gaspard T. Carrie house today is home of Frozen Cow Creamery. Image courtesy of the Vanishing Georgia Collection, Georgia Archives.

This 1890s image shows the Kennesaw Depot. The white building between the depot and the water tower was used as the depot from the 1870s to 1893, when it was moved by Carrie. Image courtesy of Georgia State University.

Marietta Journal called Carrie the “Dom Pedro” of Kennesaw. By this time, he had become a justice of the peace and would be known as Judge Carrie for the rest of his life. By 1879, he was operating the hotel again. That year, a Marietta Journal reporter wrote, “When you come to Big Shanty and want something to eat, call on Judge Carrie at his hotel, and you will not be disappointed.”

Two years later, the North Georgia Citizen called it “the best railroad eating house in all the land.” The Jan. 8, 1881, edition of The Sunny South cited the hotel as proof that Southerners do not fry all their food.

At least one of Carrie’s sons also entered the world of commerce. B.H. had his own business by 1883 and, like his father, became a judge and officiated many Kennesaw weddings.

Residents of Big Shanty’s Black community purchased land from Gaspard Carrie in 1880 for a church. Still on the same site 140 years later, the church today is known as Sardis Missionary Baptist Church. In 1881,

he donated land on Cherokee Street for Kennesaw Methodist Church, now home of Apotheos Roastery.

The 1880s brought great change to our community, as the town was incorporated as Kennesaw in 1887. Around that time, it cost $7 to stay at Carrie’s hotel for a week and $25 for a month. Despite the establishment’s success, it was torn down in 1893. At the same time, the current Kennesaw Depot was built, and the building it replaced was purchased by Carrie and moved away from the railroad tracks.

In 1891, a group of residents, including Carrie, decided to open a new school in Kennesaw. Originally called the Kennesaw Home School, it later would become Kennesaw Elementary School.

Carrie celebrated his 82nd birthday on Jan. 1, 1902. Eight days later, the Marietta Journal mentioned he was “still in the enjoyment of good health, with mental faculties unimpaired … he is one of nature’s noblemen and enjoys the confidence and esteem of the people.” He also was believed to

be one of the oldest former printers in the state, having worked for the Temperance Banner before he moved to Kennesaw. Sadly, the judge passed away unexpectedly on Feb. 5, 1902. The Atlanta Journal said, “He was always generous towards all charities, and every [sic] ready to encourage and aid movements to public benefit to the little village of Kennesaw, where so many years of his life were spent.” He was laid to rest in the Kennesaw City Cemetery.

The son of an immigrant, Judge Gaspard Theodore Carrie had moved to our community when it was just a small railroad stop. Over the next half-century, he played an important role in building the foundation for the city we know and love today.

Andrew Bramlett is vice president of the Kennesaw Historical Society and an honorary member of the Kennesaw Cemetery Preservation Commission.

In the background of this photo is the Big Shanty Eating House, operated by Carrie (supposedly the man in the black suit on the left). Image courtesy of Gayle Croft.

A Roadmap to Careers in the Skilled Trades

BY RYAN BLYTHE

Keith Williams is a technology entrepreneur whose startup, Skill Stadium, a skilled-trades job platform, uses video to connect job seekers and employers. Born and raised in Montreal, Williams is a dual citizen of the United States and Canada. The Trent University graduate has held consulting and leadership positions in technology for companies ranging from IBM to startups.

Why did you decide to do a podcast?

I started my podcast because I wanted to build relationships with people in the skilled trades, and I wanted to educate youth and career changers about the trades and what it takes to be successful. My vision for this podcast is for it to be a resource for those who are underrepresented in the skilled trades, primarily youth, women and minorities. I have been blessed to have people help me in my career, and this podcast allows me to pay it forward. I cannot think of a better way to learn about a profession from business owners and skilledtrades professionals.

What do listeners find so compelling?

Listeners enjoy learning people’s stories and experiences because they are so relatable. They are attracted to hearing about the career journeys of influencers and well-known skilltrades people.

After 100 podcasts, what is your favorite story?

It’s hard to pick just one guest, but one of my most memorable guests was Memesha Davis, Episode 25. She was a former retail worker who went from making $13K to $100K as an ironworker journeyman in New York City. I learned about her through an article on CNBC and contacted her

through LinkedIn to be a guest on my podcast. She was a single-mom cancer survivor and very inspirational. She represents a great example of how to help address some of the under representation in the skilled trades by women and other minorities. Exposure to these careers, starting with girls in middle school, will help. Finally, providing a roadmap with access to apprenticeships and mentors can help to close the gender gap. What can be done about the gender gap in the trades?

Bringing attention and support to nonprofits that are actively promoting careers in the skilled trades to young women, like Tools & Tiaras and KickAss Careers, is also key. I think if we can create a platform that lists all the organizations that support women entering the trades, it would help as well. This is a challenge that has existed for years, and it won’t be fixed in a day.

How can job seekers take advantage of your platform?

The biggest value of the Skill Stadium platform for job seekers is the ability to use video to showcase skills. Employers want to know that job seekers have the skills required to fulfill duties of the job. A video can allow a candidate to stand out. Best of all, it’s easy to create a profile and takes less than 10 minutes.

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

Keith Williams

Cobb Bus

They Love Their Jobs, Hours,

SUBMITTED BY COBB SCHOOLS

“The school bus has changed my life.”

“These kids have given me a new life.”

“We are like a family.”

“Being a Cobb County bus driver has been one of the best experiences of my life.”

“I love it!”

That’s how Cobb County School District bus drivers describe their jobs and their role in safely transporting 70,000-plus students to school and back home each day.

Those bus drivers now have an extra reason to smile as students step on their buses. During its August meeting, the Board of Education voted to approve a $5.25 per hour pay raise for Cobb bus drivers. That increase bumped up the starting rate for new

drivers to $25 per hour, while veteran drivers’ pay ranges up to $33.32 an hour, depending on their salary step. This is the highest pay rate for school bus drivers in metro Atlanta.

The part-time job also is eligible for full-time benefits, including health, dental, vision, life and cancer insurance.

Bus drivers who have joined the Cobb Schools team come from a variety of backgrounds.

Many drivers, like Roy “Jack” Fullen, didn’t come from professional driving careers before signing on as a bus driver.

“I spent 42 years in the bank systems and software business, and we traveled around after retirement,” he said. “After that, retirement really settled in. I had all the honey-do projects completed, and I kind of missed the structure of having someplace to go every day.”

Spending time with his grandchildren at their bus stop, and talking to their bus driver, led Fullen to apply for a position with the school district’s transportation department.

“Of all the jobs I've had, it's probably the most personally rewarding job I've ever had in that the kids are great,” he said. “You get a chance to get to know them a little bit — some better than others — and you feel at the end of the day that, in some way, you really can make a difference in their lives.”

For Fullen, one of the most significant aspects of being a bus driver is the relationships he builds with students. That’s exactly what he has been doing for six years at Acworth Elementary, Barber Middle and North Cobb High.

Her love for the kids keeps Jenny Martinez driving her school bus every day.

Drivers

Hours, Students, Fellow Drivers

The job also supports his life of retirement and keeps him young.

“It adds a good deal of structure in my life, that youth that kind of evaporates when you retire,” he said. “I got up every morning for 42 years and had someplace to go and something to do, and this kind of fills that void. I enjoy that, and it gives me a sense of staying in touch and a sense of relevance that, at least for me, is very important.”

Before joining the Cobb Schools team two years ago, Jenny Martinez drove a school bus throughout the New York metropolitan area for 10 years.

Martinez told an inspiring story of how divine intervention led her

to apply for a job as a bus driver. The honk of a school bus and a wave from the driver caught her attention when she was considering what job to pursue with young children at home. With the help of a neighbor, she applied and secured one of the few slots available for the training that would prepare her for her life-changing job as a school bus driver.

“That's why I became a bus driver, because the Lord sent me over,” she said.

The competitive paid benefits available to Cobb’s bus drivers are not what motivates Martinez to buckle into the driver’s seat every day. She does it for the kids.

“My kids, I love to say good morning to them,” she said. “Every morning, we have a big smile, and I love when they come on the bus. They feel safe. They know I care for them, and I feel happy about that. Because every time you say good morning, they feel the love.”

Martinez, who transports students to and from Acworth and McCall elementaries, Barber Middle and North Cobb High, has her own advice for those considering a job as a bus driver.

“I would say to follow what is in your heart,” she said. “Come and do it because you love it, and you want to be with the kids. You want to treat the kids as if they’re yours.”

Jack Fullen became a bus driver to add more structure to his life after he retired.

Fall Semester Kicks Off at Kennesaw State

Kennesaw State University (KSU) recently opened its newest residence hall for more than 500 first-year students, just in time for the start of the fall semester.

President Kathy Schwaig joined others in the campus community to cut the ribbon for The Summit, a 105,202-square-foot residence hall overlooking the south end of the Kennesaw campus. The new hall features two-bedroom double suites with shared common spaces, a large lobby area and study spaces on each floor. Tours of the five-story building followed the ceremony.

The Summit, which began construction in early 2021, is the 10th residence hall on the Kennesaw and Marietta campuses and brings the number of students living on campus to about 6,000. Eighteen resident assistants and one live-in professional staff member will reside in the building.

When fall semester began Aug. 15, KSU welcomed more than 43,000 students on the first day of classes, a slight increase over fall 2021.

The semester kicked off the night before with the First-Year Convocation, an annual tradition formally welcoming freshmen to campus, followed by a festival-style event with food, music and games. On the first day, students were invited to enjoy the First Day of School Cake tradition held on the Kennesaw and Marietta campuses. Students were greeted with a sweet treat and had the opportunity to create their own KSU mascot in the Stuff-An-Owl tradition.

Memorial Garden Refreshed

The Rotary Club of North Cobb and the Kennesaw Mountain High varsity volleyball team teamed up recently to refresh the Pine Mountain Middle School (PMMS) Memorial Garden in Kennesaw.

The garden was created in 1985 as a tribute to students and employees who had died. It was rededicated during the 2004-05 school year to honor Jack Hensley, a PMMS substitute teacher and parent who was one of three hostages kidnapped and killed while working in Iraq in 2004. Since then, other beloved individuals from the school have been memorialized at the garden.

The garden became overgrown during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Rotary Club and volleyball team — with help from some local businesses — spent a day clipping, cutting, raking, pulling weeds, pressurewashing structures and spreading mulch.

Phase 2 of the project will be completed soon. The pergola, benches and table will be painted by Kennesaw State University students, new plants will be installed, and additional mulch will be spread by Home Depot volunteers. A rededication is being planned.

The school needs help from the community to uncover some of the garden’s lost history. Anyone who would like to provide information to add to the history or to help with the second phase of the refresh, contact Principal David Nelson at David.Nelson@ cobbk12.org.

Kennesaw Mountain High varsity volleyball players, from left, Milana Thornton, Phoebe Whitaker, Brooke Rowlette and captain Cydney Burnett help clean up the memorial garden.

Volunteers gather for a recent cleanup day at Pine Mountain Middle School’s memorial garden.

Kennesaw Mountain Staff News

Two staff members from Kennesaw Mountain High School (KMHS) were recognized recently for their achievements.

Fastpitch softball coach Angela Lack was the first female recipient of the new Coach of the Month award started this year by the Cobb Schools’ athletic department to highlight the great work coaches do every day. A male and female coach will be honored each month. Lack, who was the August winner, is in her first year as head coach of the Lady Mustangs. The inaugural winner received a complimentary one-night stay at Aloft Atlanta at the Battery and dinner from Good Game Atlanta.

KMHS paraprofessional Rebecca Muller was one of 165 employees who retired during the past year to be honored at a luncheon hosted by the school district last month. Muller served 44 years, making her one of the longest-serving employees to retire last year. The new retirees had a total of 3,673 years of combined service.

Never Forget: School Remembers 9/11

To mark the 21st anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, Kennesaw Mountain High’s Navy JROTC coordinated a remembrance ceremony at the school’s flagpole for the student body last month.

Sophomore Anja Remolina spoke these somber words as her fellow JROTC cadets prepared to raise the flag during the ceremony:

“On that day 21 years ago, America was changed forever. History books were rewritten, and families were never the same again. Innocent people lost their lives, and brave first responders sacrificed everything to make sure they saved American lives. Twenty-one years ago, families lost sons, daughters, mothers and fathers. Nothing would fill the void in these families’ lives, but with us gathering here today, we show these families that we will never forget, and their loved ones will always be remembered. By us coming together today and putting on this ceremony, we show America’s spirit will never be broken. We will always show hope, faith and resilience.”

Local first responders, U.S. service members and veterans stood among the silent crowd of high school students who were born after the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001.

Seniors Named National Merit Semifinalists

Six seniors from Harrison High School and four seniors from Kennesaw Mountain High School were among the 16,000 semifinalists named in the 68th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. These academically gifted students, representing less than 1% of U.S. high school seniors, will compete for 7,250 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $28 million next spring. About 15,000 semifinalists are expected to advance to the finalist level and will be notified of their status in February. About half the finalists will win a scholarship and earn the Merit Scholar title. Winners of the various scholarships will be announced between April and July.

Semifinalists from Harrison are Matthew Amante, Carlton Anderson, Katherine Calhoun, Karan Jaitly, Jack Lakis and Austin Smith. Kennesaw Mountain’s semifinalists are David Chan, Kenneth Doan, Anahita Kanga and Lucas Kim.

High school juniors entered the 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2021 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, which served as an initial screening.

Mount Paran Coach Reaches Milestone

Mount Paran Christian (MPC) varsity volleyball coach Selina Chancy has reached her 350th win during her tenure as head coach of the Lady Eagles.

Chancy has spent her entire coaching career with MPC.

During her tenure, her teams have won two state titles, one state runnerup title, five area championships and two Cobb County championships. She received the Marietta Daily Journal Cobb County Coach of the Year Award in 2018 and 2021, as well as the A/AA Private Coach of the Year Award in 2018.

The coach also is a high school English teacher who has been in the profession for more than a decade, having earned her bachelor’s degree in English education, with a minor in coaching, from Kennesaw State University.

From left, Cobb Schools Director of Athletics Don Baker, softball coach Angela Lack, KMHS Athletic Director Philip Matthews and Principal Nathan Stark.

Selina Chancy

Around & About

15 Ghouls, ninjas, superheroes and princesses are invited to Spook-Central Park for Kennesaw Parks & Recreation’s annual Fall-O-Ween Fest, 3-8:30 p.m., at Swift-Cantrell Park. Admission is free, and concessions will be available for purchase. Activities include a candy trail, a scavenger hunt, a craft, field games, music and a showing of “Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island” (PG) after sundown. Costume contests for all ages will take place every 30 minutes from 3:30-6:30 p.m., and prizes will be awarded to three winners in each time frame. www.kennesaw-ga.gov/ parks-and-recreation; 770-422-9714

OCTOBER

08 The Kennesaw Grand Prix Series Races are held monthly on the second Saturday through November in front of Kennesaw First Baptist Church at 2958 N. Main St. The October race will benefit SmithGilbert Gardens in Kennesaw. The last race will be Nov. 12 and will benefit wounded veterans. Visit https://kennesawgrandprix.com/faq.

The Taste of Acworth will take place 11 a.m.-6 p.m. on Main Street downtown. This event benefits numerous schools and charities in the community. There will be more than 150 booths from local restaurants and businesses, plus two live entertainment stages and a kids’ zone. Admission is free. Restaurants will be offering food samples, ranging from $1 to $5. 770-423-1330; www.acworthbusiness.org.

15 Piedmont Injury Law and Horned Owl Brewing are sponsoring the Heroes Bringing the Heat Chili Cook-Off , 11 a.m.-3 p.m., at 2765 S. Main St., Kennesaw. Proceeds benefit the Cobb County Public Safety Foundation and Kennesaw Public Safety. Admission includes a beer from Horned Owl Brewing, a swag bag, s’mores, and tasting cups and two bowls for chili. Kids’ activities also will be available.

https://piedmontinjurylaw.com/heroes-bringing-the-heat

Taste and Brews Fall Festival, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. at Etowah River Park, 600 Brown Industrial Parkway, Canton, will celebrate the best of Southern music, food and beverages. Guests will be able to sample all the flavors of the South while enjoying live music from regional acts, a kids’ zone, arts and crafts and a farmers market. Benefits the Atlanta Fundraising Foundation. Free admission.

https://tasteandbrews.com

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The Acworth Cultural Arts Center will host a book festival, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., at Roberts School Community and Education Center, 4681 School St., Acworth. Buy books from local authors and listen to speakers and storytellers. Free admission. www.acworthculturalarts.org

The University of Georgia Extension Service Cobb County is offering a Fall is for Planning and Planting seminar, 11 a.m.-noon, at the North Cobb Regional Library, 3535 Old 41 Highway, Kennesaw. The seminar includes an introduction to lawn care maintenance, ornamental selection and proper planting procedure. 770-528-4070; uge1067@uga.edu

The 2022 Acworth Halloween JamBOOree is set for 3-7 p.m. at Logan Farm Park, on the large field in front of the playground. There will be games, rides, food, music and a costume contest for the kids. https://bit.ly/3AjccED

24 Cobb Schools Foundation is sponsoring its annual Charity Golf Classic 2022, 9:30 a.m. shotgun start, at the Pinetree Country Club, 3400 McCollum Parkway, Kennesaw. Proceeds will support family stabilization, learning interventions and scholarships. To register, visit https://bit.ly/3chBolF. For information, call Felicia Waganer at 770-426-3390.

Kennesaw is preparing to welcome heroes and villains alike to its annual Fall-O-Ween Fest Oct. 15.

RECREATION

The Battery Atlanta Mondays

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The 10th annual Allatoona Buccaneer Dugout Club golf tournament fundraiser, 11 a.m. shotgun start, will take place at Brookstone Country Club, 5705 Brookstone Drive, Acworth. All proceeds benefit the Allatoona High School baseball team. To register, visit https://bit.ly/3RHmHb3.

Through Oct. 28

The Acworth Farmers Market is open 8 a.m.-noon Fridays, rain or shine, at the main entrance of Logan Farm Park. Applications for vendors for the 2022 season are being accepted and reviewed on an ongoing basis. For more information or an application, visit https://bit.ly/3O7Nydq.

Yoga by Kaiser Permanente, 6:30-7:30 p.m., is a free outdoor yoga class for all ages on the Plaza Green. Participants are required to bring a mat and encouraged to bring water. Register at batteryatlyoga2022.eventbrite.com.

The Battery Atlanta Walking Trail

A brisk walk can curb cravings, reduce stress and offer a healthy way to catch up with friends and family. Get active on the 1.5-mile loop circling the campus.

First Friday Concert Series

The free series runs through October, 7-9:30 p.m., at the downtown pedestrian underpass off Main Street. 770-422-9714.

Oct. 7: TBA

28-30

The Kennesaw Cemetery Preservation Commission and the Kennesaw Cemetery Foundation are hosting the first Life in the Cemetery tours at 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. nightly. Meet eight dearly departed residents and experience history coming to life on this guided walk through the Kennesaw City Cemetery at 3000 Cemetery Road. Tickets are $13; limit of 15 participants for each tour. https://kennesawcemetery.org

29 Tales From the Rails Ghost Tours have been scheduled for 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Learn ghostly Civil War tales and railroad folklore on these special guided tours through the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History in downtown Kennesaw. https://bit.ly/3xFNwnP

NOVEMBER

ART HOUSE HAPPENINGS www.acworthartsalliance.org.

Through Oct. 29

“Founding Artists” exhibit.

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The Superior Plumbing Taste of Kennesaw will take place 11 a.m.-6 p.m. on Main Street downtown. The event, which benefits five local charities, will feature samples from more than 20 Kennesaw and Cobb County restaurants, the Trackside Grill Beer Garden, music, local entertainment and children’s activities, including a rock wall, inflatable slides and bounces. Admission is free, and food samples will range from $1 to $5. 770-423-1330; Laura@jrmmanagement.com; www.kennesawbusiness.org

The inaugural Never Alone Lantern Festival, 4 p.m., will be held at Etowah River Park in Canton. There will be a petting zoo, bounce houses, face painting, spin art and more, culminating with an organized lantern parade at dusk. https://bit.ly/3B5jRFJ

Acworth Cultural Arts and Brookwood Christian School are sponsoring the Acworth Charm Home Tour, noon-5 p.m., in downtown Acworth. Visit recently renovated historic homes. www.acworthcharm.com

Nov. 5-Dec. 23

“Small Works & Gifts” exhibit will be accepting submissions through Oct. 15. acworthartsalliance.org/ guidelines

Nov. 12

The annual Member Artist Holiday Gift Shop will take place 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Acworth Community Center in the Tanyard Creek Overlook space. There is no fee to attend.

Ongoing

Register for fall 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

Cobb Photographic Society

Brava Henson - First Place (Holding Up the Wall)

Novice

Mary Ann Ortiz - Second Place (San Felipe Armory)

Joy Rogers - Third Place (From Another Time)

Society

Congratulations to everyone who entered the Cobb Photographic Society competition. The topic for August was “Buildings.” The guest judge was photographer J.D. Tyre. 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.

Monochrome

Color

Jeff Westland - First Place (Window Dressing)

Melissa Moody - First Place (Inside Ponce Inlet Lighthouse)

@ the Library

Cobb County Public Library System www.cobbcat.org

WEST COBB REGIONAL LIBRARY

1750 Dennis Kemp Lane, Kennesaw • 770-528-4699

10 a.m.-8 p.m. Mondays-Wednesdays

10 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursdays-Fridays • 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays

Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27, Nov. 3

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.

Oct. 6, 20, Nov. 3

Thursday Explorers, 3:45-4:30 p.m., offers children in grades pre-K-second grade a different type of program (storytime, STEM, seasonal craft) on the first and third Thursdays of each month. Oct. 6 will be Hispanic Heritage Month stories and a craft, and Oct. 20 will be creepy crafts. Registration is not required.

Oct. 12, 19, 26, Nov. 2

Open Play and Family-Style Chess Instruction, 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Tournament-style chess sets will be set up on special tables in the open library, or learn five-minute mini games that introduce chess two pieces at a time, along with basic rules and etiquette of the game, family-style. Black-light chess is available the first Wednesday of each month.

Oct. 15

My First Book Club, 11-11:45 a.m., is a book club for kids ages 4-7. Parents should register their kids and check out this month’s picture book, then have them read it at home and attend the program for a brief discussion and a craft related to the story.

Oct. 24

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. This month, members are reading “Lincoln Highway” by Amor Towles.

Oct. 25, 26

Toddler Process Art, 10:30-11:10 a.m., focuses more on exploring new materials than finishing the perfect art project. Toddlers will use different mediums to make one-of-a-kind works of art. Registration is not required.

Oct. 26

Preschool Process Art, 11:30 a.m.-12:10 p.m., focuses more on exploring new materials than finishing the perfect art project. Preschoolers will use different mediums to make one-of-a-kind works of art. Registration is not required.

Citizenship and Civics Kits Available

The citizenship and civics kit, created by Cobb County Public Library, is available for checkout and includes official U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) publications and study guides on the naturalization process.

The kit is designed to provide information for people who want to explore the steps for becoming a citizen, a process that can be a challenge for some immigrants seeking thorough and accurate details. It also will help prepare them in advance for meeting with an immigration attorney.

The kit, which can be checked out for three weeks, contains publications on the rights and responsibilities of immigrants seeking to become a U.S. citizen, quick civic lessons for the naturalization test, flashcards in English and Spanish on naturalization and a Citizenship Resources at the Library sheet.

Information on the kits and links to downloadable documents from USCIS, citizenship study resources and related library resources are posted at www.cobbcounty.org/library/services/ passports-citizenship. The same webpage includes information on the passport application service for first-time applicants provided at the West Cobb library, which is an official passport acceptance facility approved by the U.S. State Department. Appointments are required, and fees are charged for each application.

Sunday Hours Return to Library

Last month, the West Cobb Regional Library began opening on Sundays, 1-5 p.m., for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic forced operational changes in public libraries across the country two years ago.

Resuming seven-day-a-week library service at West Cobb, along with three other larger libraries, was an important step in opening up access to vital resources for Cobb library patrons, said Terri Tresp, division director of branch services.

“These four libraries are weekend destinations,” she said. “Our doors will be open Sundays for students of all ages, busy teens and adults needing more convenient opportunities to visit libraries, and babies and toddlers enjoying fun, meaningful time with families.”

Katherine Zavala shows the citizenship and civics kit available for checkout.

BY JOEL WILLIAMS

Whether you can bring a successful legal claim after a fall depends on several factors:

Location. Most successful cases stem from falls that take place at a business, primarily because Georgia statutory law imposes the highest duty of care on landowners and occupiers who invite customers to their respective businesses. O.C.G.A. § 51-3-1 states:

“When an owner or occupier of land, by express or implied invitation, induces or leads others to come upon his premises for any lawful purpose, he is liable in damages to such persons for injuries caused by his failure to exercise ordinary care in keeping the premises and approaches safe.”

Stated another way, if the entrant’s presence benefits the property owner and the entrant, the property owner owes the highest duty of care. A classic example is a customer at a retail store.

If the fall occurs at a residential social gathering or when someone is trespassing, it becomes more difficult to bring a successful claim against the landowner. The law does not require the landowner to meet any defined safety standard for social guests or trespassers; however, landowners must exercise some caution in making sure there are no pitfalls or hidden traps that might injure their guests.

Superior knowledge. Assuming the fall occurs at a location where O.C.G.A. § 51-3-1 governs the landowner/ occupier’s duty, the claimant must prove the landowner/ occupier had knowledge of the hazard that caused the fall. In Georgia, a recovery for personal injuries is allowed only when the landowner/occupier had knowledge of the hazard and the invitee did not. Claims involving falls rarely are successful when the person who fell knew about the hazard before putting himself/herself in a dangerous position.

Causation. The victim also must prove the fall caused injuries or exacerbated a pre-existing condition. This usually is done by testimony from physicians who can explain the nature of the injury.

Amount of damages. Finally, the fall victim must justify the amount of damages, which could include medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering and, in particularly egregious situations, punitive damages.

After a fall, you must act quickly to secure evidence, such as video footage, incident reports and witness information. It’s usually best to contact a lawyer, so he or she can perform a prompt and thorough investigation and offer advice concerning the viability of the claim.

Joel Williams is a partner at Williams|Elleby, a Kennesawbased personal injury law firm. www.gatrialattorney.com.

Senior Activities

WEST COBB SENIOR CENTER

4915 Dallas Highway, Powder Springs // 770-528-8200 www.cobbcounty.org/public-services/senior-services/west-cobb-senior-center

Oct. 4

Peace of Mind Checklist. 10-11 a.m. Learn about documents every person needs, including wills, powers of attorney, Georgia directive health care and preplanning documents.

Oct. 5

Franz Joseph Haydn: Father of the Symphony. 10-11 a.m. Haydn created new approaches to the forms and structures of music, and his work influenced Mozart, Beethoven and others.

Oct. 7

West Cobb Book Club. 10-11 a.m. Attend this preliminary meeting to discuss starting a book club and figuring out such details as how often and when to meet.

Oct. 10

Free Hearing Screening. 10 a.m.noon. Hearing problems can affect every area of life negatively. Find out if you have hearing loss at this free screening.

Oct. 11

Lunch and Learn: Understanding Senior Living. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Attend this informative luncheon to learn about the senior-living options that are available.

Oct. 13

Scam Prevention. 10-11 a.m. Learn how to avoid internet and financial scams during this prevention program led by the Cobb County Police Department.

Oct. 19

Mozart: The Neglected Genius and His “Requiem.” 10-11 a.m. Explore Mozart’s brief and tragic life through his final work, the unfinished “Requiem Mass,” which contemplates the meaning of death.

Oct. 21

Cobb Senior Services

Registration is required for all activities; no walk-ins allowed. Call the center to register, or visit www.MyActiveCenter.com.

VETERAN CONNECTION

Tech Talk: Facebook Marketplace. 10-11 a.m. Learn how to sell items on Facebook Marketplace, how not to get scammed and a few troubleshooting tips.

Oct. 26

Sip and Paint. 10-11 a.m. Take home a piece of art you create while sipping on healthy tea during this relaxing workshop.

Oct. 27

Walk West Cobb: Allatoona Creek Park. 9:30-11 a.m. Explore a different part of the county each month.

Mondays

Woodcarvers. 1-3:30 p.m. Work on small woodcarving projects. No experience is necessary. Bring your own materials.

Ballroom Dance. 2:30-4:30 p.m. Couples and singles can enjoy ballroom dancing to music provided by a deejay.

Tuesdays

Paper Crafting Fun. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Enjoy making cards and scrapbooking with others. Bring your own supplies.

Color Me Happy. 1-3:30 p.m. Color with others. Bring your own materials.

Wednesdays

Mahjong. 10 a.m.-noon. Game knowledge and mahjong cards are required.

Thursdays

Advanced Bridge. 1-3:30 p.m. Competitive Standard American Bridge played at an advanced level.

Mexican Train Dominoes. 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Form domino chains from a central hub. Beginners welcome.

Fridays Dance N Squares. 1-3 p.m. Square dancing is the perfect activity for couples looking for fellowship, exercise and good clean fun.

Meets the third Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m. at the West Cobb Senior Center and the fourth Thursday of each month at 10 a.m. at North Cobb Senior Center. Join veterans 55 and older for an informal get-together with coffee, doughnuts, camaraderie and special guest presentations. Call Mike Nichols at 770-528-1448 for more information.

DEMENTIA CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP

Meets monthly at 1 p.m. at Burnt Hickory Baptist Church in Powder Springs. Open to family members who are assisting an aging loved one in or out of the home. Care provided during the meeting, but must RSVP in advance.

ALOHA TO AGING

Covenant Presbyterian Church 2881 Canton Road, Marietta 770-722-7641 // www.alohatoaging.org

Parkinson’s Support Group

Meets at 2 p.m. the first Monday of each month. Group discussion for the person with Parkinson’s and their care partner on helpful tips and resources.

Dementia Caregiver

Support Group

Meets at 10:30 a.m. the first Wednesday of each month. Open to family members who are assisting an aging loved one in or out of the home. Care provided during the meeting, but you must RSVP in advance.

Aloha Social Day Club

Meets 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays. Respite care for you and engaging social activities for your loved one who no longer drives. Visit the website for details.

Advertisers

2022

ACCOUNTING & TAX

Denson Pepper, CPA 23 678-797-5241 www.densonpeppercpa.com

ATTORNEYS/LEGAL SERVICES

Orcutt Law Offices 9 678-383-7857 www.orcuttlawoffices.com

Williams | Elleby 1 833-LEGALGA www.gatrialattorney.com

BEAUTY SALON

Patricia Hill Color Studio 25 770-627-4725 https://phcolorstudio.com

BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS

Kennesaw Business Association 38 www.kennesawbusiness.org

CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS

Mostly Mutts Animal Rescue 43 770-272-6888 www.mostlymutts.org/volunteer

CLEANING SERVCES

Star Group Commercial 3 Cleaning Services, LLC 470-410-5472 www.stargroupcleanse.com

DENTAL

Gentle Dental Care/Georgia Dental

Implant Center Inside back 770-926-2784 www.georgiadic.com

Hildreth Dental 5 770-424-1705 www.hildrethdental.com

EDUCATION SERVICES

Chattahoochee Technical College 13 770-528-4545 www.chattahoocheetech.edu

Georgia Trade School 37 www.georgiatradeschool.com

ENTERTAINMENT/EVENTS

Acworth Business Association Golf 35 Tournament www.acworthbusiness.org/golftournament

This wonderful publication is brought to you by these local businesses. When using our advertisers’ services, please let them know you found out about them from the Around Kennesaw magazine!

Acworth Book Festival 7 www.acworthculturalarts.org

Acworth Charm Tour 7, 9 404-491-7724 www.acworthcharm.com

Gobble Jog 43 www.gobblejog.org

Kennesaw Grand Prix Series 2022 39 www.kennesawgrandprix.com

KSU Arts 21 www.ArtsKSU.com

Never Alone Lantern Festival 23 www.neveralone.org

Taste of Kennesaw 27 www.kennesawbusiness.org

FINANCIAL SERVICES

BluTree Advantage 9 470-481-0363 www.blutreeadvantage.com

Credit Union of Georgia 53 678-486-1111 www.cuofga.org

Edward Jones, Deborah P. Flugstad 1 770-795-0885 www.edwardjones.com

LGE Credit Union 11 www.lgeccu.org

HOME & GARDEN

Dayco Systems Heating & Cooling 3 770-336-7888 www.daycosystems.com

Enhance Floors & More 31 770-565-3808 www.enhancefloors.com

Towne Plumber 7 770-257-7503 www.towneplumber.com

INSURANCE

Provident Insurance Agency 33 770-499-2040 www.providentgroup.com

PHOTOGRAPHY

Red Baryl Portraits 39 815-540-0936

PHYSICIANS AND MEDICAL SERVICES

Governors MedSpa & 7, 27 Concierge Medicine 678-888-5181 www.governorsmedicine.com

REAL ESTATE & RELATED SERVICES

Keller Williams Realty, Joannie Bates 13 Cell: 678-788-6465 Office: 678-631-1700 www.joanniebatessells.com

SK Home Inspections 13 770-819-8453 www.skhomeinspection.com

RESTAU RANTS/FOOD

Horned Owl Brewing Cover, 28-29 678-354-5005 www.hornedowlbrewing.com

Wasabi 5 770-515-9988 wasabisushiacworth.kwickmenu.com

RETAILERS/ SHOPPING

Cotton Mill Exchange 1 770-992-9294 www.cottonmillexchange.net

Golf Cars of Canton Inside front 678-880-1156 www.golfcarsofcanton.com

Mud Creek Market 3 770-799-8013 www.mudcreekmarket.com

SENIOR LIVING/SERVICES

Abella Palliative Care Back cover 706-624-1130

DayBreak Village 24 770-218-6166 www.daybreakvillage.com

Tapestry Hospice Back cover 706-383-8812 www.tapestryhospice.com

For advertising rates and information

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

Fire Safety Aboard Your Vessel, Part 2

BY GREG FONZENO

Last month, I addressed fire safety on your boat, especially when fueling. This month, let’s look at the carriage requirements for fire extinguishers, particularly two changes made in the past few years.

The first change was the labeling system for marine fire extinguishers. The traditional requirement of having an extinguisher labeled B-I or B-II on board, depending on the vessel’s size, was changed to the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) system of labeling — 5-B, 10-B, etc. The UL system retained the traditional letters for identifying common types of fires: A (for wood, paper or anything leaving ashes), B (for gas, oil or anything that boils) or C (electrical fire or circuit).

While having a fire extinguisher rated for an ABC fire is desirable, UL-rated extinguishers mounted on boats generally are rated B — 5-B, 10-B, etc. The numbers indicate the area of effectiveness for the extinguisher: 5-B can extinguish a 5-square-foot fire, 10-B covers 10 square feet, and 20-B covers 20 square feet. When using the A-type extinguisher, the number represents the water equivalency for this extinguisher, with 1 equaling 1.25 gallons. For example, the 5-A extinguisher is equivalent to 6.25 gallons of water.

The new fire extinguisher regulations went into effect April 20, 2022. In general, the model year of your boat will determine which fire extinguisher rule you must follow:

• For model years 2018 or newer, extinguishers might need to be replaced. Extinguishers must be labeled 5-B, 10-B or 20-B. Those labeled B-I or B-II are no longer acceptable.

• For model years 2017 or older, you can keep your extinguishers labeled B-I or B-II, if they still are serviceable, but they must be changed to the current UL label when no longer serviceable.

• Regardless of the model year, extinguishers cannot be more than 12 years old, according to the manufacture date stamped on them.

That last point was the second change that affects whether your fire extinguisher is counted toward your legal carriage requirement if stopped for a vessel-safety check. While fire extinguishers always have had a manufacturing date stamped on them, it wasn’t part of a safety check. But extinguishers have a shelf life of 12 years, so they now will be considered expired 12 years from that stamped date. For example, a manufacturing date of 2010 will expire Dec. 31, 2022.

A fire extinguisher for a boat must be a Coast Guardapproved, marine-type extinguisher, with the pressure gauge or indicator showing it’s charged and operable. It must have the locking pin firmly in place and a discharge nozzle that’s clean and obstruction-free and not show any visible signs of significant corrosion or damage.

To learn more about this subject and other safety topics, consider taking a boating-safety class. For information on classes, visit https://bit.ly/3TO9MFp or email flotilla22pe@gmail.com.

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

Kim