10-23 AK webfinal.pdf

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RaquelWelch& GaborSignature WigCollections.

Merle

4109 Jimmy Lee Smith Parkway, Hiram In the Academy Sports/Hobby Lobby shopping center at corner of Highways 278 and 92.

10 Get to Know Amanda Glass A Q&A with a breast cancer survivor who defies the odds after contracting COVID-19 while undergoing chemotherapy.

16 Mamma Mia! Try these delicious recipes to celebrate October as National Pasta Month.

32 Sharper Images

These tips from photographer Mark Chandler will help you take clearer photos.

On the Cover Window World of Atlanta

Owners Mike and Melissa Edwards are known for saying, “Not only do we stand behind our windows, we stand on them.” Now their list of available home-related products has expanded to include doors, siding and roofing.

Pages 28 & 29

Cover photo by Anthony Stalcup.

This FREE event includes a wonderful dinner, coffee & desserts, live & silent auction, special music, testimonies and speaker Mary-Kate Burson. All proceeds benefit local youth in foster care served through Waymark.

Waymark is a 501(c)(3) that provides life-changing programming & relationships for youth in foster, adoptive and group homes through camps, skills-training and mentoring.

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Around Kennesaw

Bridal

BEST FOR 2024

Our poll is open for you to vote through Nov. 15 at https://aroundaboutlocalmedia.com/best-for-bridal-2024. Results will be posted Jan. 1 and published in the January issue.

Kudos

Dr. Jose Gonzalez became the 100th active member of the Rotary Club of North Cobb after his induction Sept. 7. The group is led by President Nancy Prochaska.

What’s New

FUNBOX, a 25,000-squarefoot outdoor inflatable playground, opened Sept. 15 at Town Center at Cobb and will remain on-site for 12 weeks. The bounce park, filled with 10 play zones, offers 90-minute jumps on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. https://funbox.com

Ribbon Cuttings

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inquiries, contact Jennifer Coleman, President 470-263-8414 | jen@aroundaboutmagazines.com

From left, Hicks Malonson, Dr. Jose Gonzalez and Nancy Prochaska.

Letter From the Editor

This month, I celebrate a very important anniversary. On Oct. 27, 20 years ago, I bought the first house I’d ever owned by myself, the house I still call home. This was a huge milestone for me. My marital status had changed unexpectedly, and I suddenly was the single mother of a young son. I’d never been on my own before — I moved from my parents’ house to my married life home — so I had no idea if I could make it. I was terrified. But God definitely watched over us and made sure we ended up in the right house. He also made sure I didn’t lose it during two years of unemployment after being laid off in the Great Recession of 2008-09.

Moving day, Nov. 1, was one of the happiest days of my life. I’ve had many memorable times here, like the housewarming party my friends threw for us after we moved in and the home maintenance/improvement projects my dad did for me.

Many of my memories involve my son — getting snazzed-up for four — yes, four — proms and the homecoming dance, trying on his graduation cap and gown, earning his first cellphone. I remember bringing him home, still groggy, after he had his wisdom teeth removed and seeing him open the door and say, “Heeerrre’s Johnny!” I watched him

Donna Harris

suffer through his first broken heart, washed his smelly baseball uniforms about a thousand times and found the mountain of chewable vitamins he’d stashed under his bed. While he celebrated getting his driver’s license, I battled the sickest feeling I’d ever had as I saw him back out of the driveway for the first time.

A vivid memory was one Easter when about 10 of his youth group friends came over to watch “The Passion of the Christ” together. It was a Friday night — they could’ve been doing a million other things, but they chose to learn about Jesus. That was special.

Some people might not have a sentimental attachment to their home, but I do. It’s more than concrete blocks and two-by-fours to me. It’s my safe haven.

This month, we’re offering a variety of features for your enjoyment, including a Q&A with a breast cancer survivor on Page 10, recipes on Page 16 that celebrate National Pasta Month and photos from Pigs & Peaches on Page 24.

And check out our photographyrelated articles: what to look for in wedding photographers on Page 20 and tips for taking sharper photos on Page 32.

Happy fall reading, y’all!

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

Aroundabout Local Media, Inc. publishes five hyperlocal magazines serving the communities of Canton, Woodstock, Towne Lake, Acworth and Kennesaw. Approximately 16,000 free copies are distributed monthly in each community, through direct bulk mail and first class mail; approximately 500 copies are available in magazine racks placed around each community.

Around Kennesaw welcomes your comments, stories, and advertisements. Editorial deadline is the first and advertising deadline is the fifth of the previous month. Subscriptions are available for $24 per year. Send check or money order to: Around 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

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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.

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SFCDOCS@devereux.org. AROUND KENNESAW | October 2023 7

Heroes Put Aside Fear to Serve Others

BY BILL WESTENBERGER

Fear can be a tough thing for people to overcome, but in some way, we all face it. Fear is not anything to be ashamed of or regret; it is a self-preservation response we have for survival. There are some who are fearful of public speaking or taking a chance to jump into a new career or go to a new school. But danger seems to generate more fear than anything else and looks very different to each of us. In some cases, it all comes down to how we manage our fear.

Our heroes are no different. They all have various levels of fear, yet they seem to be able to manage it more effectively than most people. The fear of charging into war, fighting flames or responding to a violent domestic call might be way too much for most of us, yet we have hundreds of thousands in our communities across the country who have responded to the call. What makes them different from everyone else? Only they know. They have the same personal challenges and responsibilities everyone else has. They look the same; they grow up in the same communities. So, what is it? Who knows, but it is a real thing.

Fortunately, those who do not serve their community in public safety or the military love to support those who do in any way they can. I often think about the love they show their heroes and try to understand their perspective. One thing I recently realized is the willingness the hero shows in the face of fear is where the love originates. Most people understand that they might not be able to

face the same level of fear, and that creates the support. They see themselves in the eyes of the soldier, firefighter or police officer.

This month, the Cobb County Chamber of Commerce is showing its support to our community heroes who step out in the face of fear for others. The chamber’s Public Safety Appreciation Week began with an Oct. 2 luncheon, where a large number of first responders were honored for their bravery and service.

At the Kennesaw Police Department, we continue that support of our officers and dispatchers with our annual awards banquet. This year, we will be hearing of officers’ heroic efforts to save lives at the risk of their own, and we will see the personal sacrifice they make to care for people they don’t know, just because it’s who they are. Join in the celebration for those who run in when everyone else is running away.

Until next time, stay safe.

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

In recognition of October as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we are featuring a Q&A with survivor Amanda Glass. Through a routine mammogram, the 47-year-old was diagnosed with stage 2 invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) at age 44, but she actually was stage 4; it had metastasized to her liver. She started chemotherapy before the coronavirus outbreak and ended up contracting the virus and had about a 2% chance of surviving. During 2020, she had half her liver removed and had a mastectomy with reconstruction and continued her treatment.

During this time, she and her sister, Samanth McInturff — who was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer in March 2021 and is still undergoing treatment — also were caregivers for their stepmother, Julia Mote, diagnosed about the same time with stage 4 lung cancer.

What was your cancer prognosis?

I was young enough to have mammograms every two years. I already had had two mammograms annually, so I thought it was OK to wait two years. Fortunately, due to changing insurance, I decided to get my mammogram, even though it had only been 18 months. In October 2019, my mammogram came back showing a large lump on the back side of my breast, which explains why I never felt it. A biopsy confirmed IDC. They thought it was stage 2. But after a full body scan, they found it had jumped to my lymph nodes and my liver. I was now in stage 4.

To say I was shocked was an understatement. Breast cancer doesn’t run in my family, and I was an active, healthy yoga instructor. But I also knew cancer doesn’t discriminate because, ironically, I worked many years for the American Cancer Society (ACS) in the breast cancer division. When the patient navigator nurse handed me a brochure and booklet to help me understand my diagnosis, it felt surreal. The material she was handing me was the same material I had dropped off for them to use.

What treatment did you undergo?

Amanda

Glass Get to Know

Breast Cancer Survivor

Typically, stage 4 means no cure. They have a triedand-true regimen that works quite well, but, statistically speaking, it was still scary. However, my oncologist was amazing and had another option to try. This plan didn’t follow the typical regimen and would be intense. He said I was young and healthy, so it was an option. He said it would be a difficult journey, and although there was a possibility of a cure, there also was a possibility they wouldn’t be able to get it all at once. But I knew if there was even a chance of a cure, I wanted to take it!

So I had seven months of chemotherapy, a radical right-side mastectomy with lymph nodes, left-lobe liver dissection and daily radiation for two months. To say it was intense is an understatement. I did natural things to help keep my body strong and kept a positive mind frame to keep going. I even continued to work full time as division manager for the Kennesaw Parks and Recreation Department the entire time.

Amanda in November 2019, on one of her many chemo days.

What was it like also dealing with COVID-19?

At the time, no one knew what was happening. My entire family became sick during the Christmas holidays. I started coughing and running a high fever. I ended up in the emergency room and was admitted quickly because I was neutropenic (my bone marrow wasn’t producing any white blood cells) from round 4 of adriamycin and cyclophosphamide (AC) chemo. AC chemo is no joke and is nicknamed the Red Devil for a reason. It makes you terribly sick. Many come off it in the first round due to side effects, and this was my fourth round.

Contracting a virus during this time was very dangerous. My body had no defense against anything. I don’t remember anything after being admitted. Apparently, my lungs quickly became worse. They tested me for everything, but everything came back negative — no infection, flu, etc. They simply knew I tested positive for a virus, but they didn’t know what it was.

I ended up on a ventilator and quickly had to be put in a coma on life support. I continued to get worse. At one point, the vent was on 100% and I still was going downhill. My organs were starting to fail, and my kidneys went first. This typically is the beginning of the end. By now, most of my family was sick and couldn’t be in ICU with me. My baby sister, Meghan Camp, was the only one not sick and was with me the night I started slipping away. They told her to call the family because I probably wouldn’t make it through the night. But I did. I pulled through, and they very slowly began turning the vent down as I began to breathe on my own.

Describe what your hospital stay was like for you and your family

This was in January 2020, so it was before the COVID restrictions hit. My family was sick during the time I was in ICU, so I had to recover without them. However, other family members and friends came to sit with me during my recovery.

It’s crazy because when you have been in a coma, your body doesn’t work right when you wake up. I was paralyzed, with tubes and wires all over me. I was confused as to what had happened physically. The only thing I knew and felt was beautiful love and light. I felt connected to God and everyone around me. It was precious because I wasn’t afraid, nor did I feel alone, even when I was.

I had nurses bathe me, change me and flip me until I learned how to move again. The doctors said it would take weeks or months of rehab to bounce back, and even then, I might have a “new normal.” However, as you can see, I don’t follow statistics and am a fierce fighter. I was able to walk out of ICU and go home, released to my brother-in-law since he’s a physical therapist, just a week later! And I didn’t even qualify for home rehab the week after that. My doctors and nurses kept saying they have never seen anything like it and that I was a true miracle and definitely “not normal.”

Two weeks after that ordeal, I had to go back on chemo and start rounds of Tamoxifen. That was brutal. By the end of that — and by the time I was scheduled to start my multiple surgeries — COVID hit full blast and everything started shutting down. Most surgeries were being postponed, but because mine were urgent, they pressed forward. I had my radical mastectomy and liver removal in March and April 2020 — completely alone. My family wasn’t even allowed to walk me in. They dropped me off at the door with a bag of personal items and I went in alone. These two surgeries were very difficult, especially the liver procedure, because not only were they serious, but the hospital staff was threadbare and stressed. I often couldn’t get help for a while after pushing a button. I wasn’t upset with them because they were doing the best they could in unprecedented circumstances. But it still made it really hard on me. I did the best I could, however, and kept pushing through.

How did you care for your stepmother when you were sick yourself?

My stepmother was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer 24 hours before I was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. We fought side by side and would share treatment stories to support each other. I was doing much better than she was, as her treatments weren’t keeping her cancer from spreading. She was going downhill quickly. My dad is legally blind, so Samantha and I took turns taking her to treatments. I was still working full time and in treatment, so my sister handled the brunt of their care. In March 2020, right before my surgeries, she went into home hospice. There wasn’t anything else they

Amanda found herself fighting for her life at one point.

could do, so we did the best we could to make her comfortable. This was very emotional for me — taking care of her while I was still battling and unsure if I would make it. It was a traumatic time. I was grieving and in pain but couldn’t stop to process it properly. I had to keep taking care of her, my dad and myself. Julia, my stepmom since I was around 6, died March 16, 2020. This was during the tightest lockdown guidelines, and we weren’t even allowed to have a proper funeral. This was one of the most difficult times of my life because I had to find the will to keep going myself while battling cancer, survivor’s guilt and fear that I would end up the same.

To what do you attribute your survival?

Faith in God, hope (regardless of statistics), joy (no matter what happens), family and friends (their support and love) and tenacity (the fierce strength to fight and push through). During my battle, the city of Kennesaw’s employees, council, volunteers and residents truly rallied around and supported me. Kennesaw was there with love and support during my darkest time, and for that, I am truly thankful! Kennesaw will always have a special place in my heart.

How are you doing now?

This June was my three-year cancer-free anniversary. I graduated from being screened every three months to every six months. This was a huge milestone for me! I am not only surviving but thriving. My body is strong and healthy. I even teach fitness classes, including power yoga. I teach mindfulness classes and workshops for those with trauma, anxiety, pain and PTSD. I consider it a win if I can help others get the understanding I received without going through what I went through. Seeing others heal and gain strength, peace, joy and hope makes what I went through worthwhile. I’m trying to pay it forward.

How did your ordeal change you?

I’m not afraid of pain, suffering or even death now. I have a deeper joy for life that only comes from deep gratitude. I honestly can say I am happier now than I ever have been because I was given a gift. I was given a deathbed perspective of life, a realization of what truly matters, and then allowed to go back and live the other half of my life with this understanding. Most people don’t get this until it’s too late. I’m thankful all the time. I treasure every day, every experience, andevery breath. My pain is now my purpose. I share my story as often as I can to help support others during their time of suffering. I want to give them hope!

What is your message about mammograms?

DO THEM! A mammogram saved my life. If I had put it off even six months to a year, I probably wouldn’t be here. Know your body and address any changes you see with your doctor. Report lumps and skin changes like rippling, rashes, red spots and nipple changes. Do not be afraid to get screened and biopsied, if needed. Many lumps are noncancerous, but you won’t know until you are checked. Early diagnosis is key to survival!

Amanda Glass, left, and Evelyn Barella promote the 2021 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk.

Nineteen months after her mastectomy, Amanda’s mammogram was still clear.

Celebrations!

ANNOUNCEMENTS ARE FREE!

Email: edit@aroundaboutmagazines.com November deadline is Oct. 10. Please specify Around Kennesaw. Word limit: 25.

Happy sixth birthday, sweetheart!

Love, Mom, Dad, Morgan and Brenna

Oct. 21

Happy 10th birthday, Jonathan! We love you, Dad, Mom, Christine and Tank

Oct. 28

Happy 15th birthday! We are so proud of you! Keep shining bright! We love you! Love, Mom, Dad, Bailey Grace, Paisley, Hunter, Wallen and Drake

Oct. 1

Happy 45th birthday! We love you, Daddy! Hope you enjoyed your birthday! Jayden, Kaden and Tiffanie

Happy birthday, Anita! We love you!

Anita

Ella Reece Arnold

James Mosely

Genevieve

Jonathan Braun

4 Ways to Help Others This Autumn

BY SUSANNAH MACKAY

Fall is finally in the air! There is something so exhilarating when the weather starts to cool off. It feels so much easier to get out and do something! Why not take that newfound energy and find a way to serve? There are many opportunities in the final months of the year. No tricks, just treats! Check out these easy ways to serve in October.

1. Donate Halloween costumes. The Children’s Haven will be collecting Halloween costumes through Oct. 20. Help make Halloween special for a deserving child in the area. All themes are welcome. https://bit.ly/45ttdJa

2. Halloween candy donations for troops and first responders. Plan ahead with a great way to move along unwanted Halloween candy! Support SmileUp!’s Operation Candy Grab in Woodstock. All collections go to support troops and first responders. Can you help SmileUp! beat last year’s record of 1,600 pounds? https://bit.ly/3PhJsDA

3. Treat the Troops: Make cookies for soldiers. The next collection day is Nov. 7. You can make the dough this month, freeze it and then bake the cookies in time for drop-off. Time to fire up the ovens now that it’s not so hot! https://bit.ly/3qKbONu

4. Help a neighbor with Lasagna Love. Need a break from the sugar? Make a lasagna instead! You can help feed families and spread kindness through this awesome regional project. https://bit.ly/3YWkBZ2

Be sure to explore these great projects and many others on JustServe.org. Or join the JustServe Georgia Volunteers Public Group on Facebook to see additional ideas. You can make a difference in someone’s life. Sign up on JustServe.org today!

JustServe.org is a free international website and app that works to match volunteers with nonprofit organizations and service opportunities. We have local representatives right here in our area. If you run a nonprofit or are looking for ways to make service a regular part of your life, check out JustServe.org. You can sign up for regular updates and learn more about organizations nearby too. JustServe makes it easy to just go out and serve!

Susannah MacKay is a local JustServe specialist. She grew up in Marietta and loves helping strengthen her community through service! Follow her on Facebook @JustServeGeorgia.

Celebrate National Pasta Month With These Recipes

October has been designated National Pasta Month, and to commemorate, we asked local food experts — culinary arts instructors and chefs — as well as Aroundabout Local Media writers and employees to contribute their favorite noodle recipes.

Around the World Pasta

Recipe and photo courtesy of Tiffany Hughes

• 4 cups chicken broth

• 19 ounces frozen cheese tortellini

• Extra-virgin olive oil

• 1 pound your favorite sausage

• 1 small head cabbage, thinly sliced

• 4 tablespoons butter, divided

• 2 tablespoons Korean BBQ seasoning, divided

• 1 teaspoon garlic salt, or more to taste

• 2 teaspoons crushed garlic

• ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Bring chicken broth to boil in a medium pot over mediumhigh heat, then add tortellini. If liquid does not cover pasta, add water. Cook just until pasta floats to the top. Do not drain. While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet, then add sausage (if using kielbasa, cut into pieces before cooking). When sausage is done, add cabbage and toss to coat with oil, then add 2 tablespoons butter, 1 tablespoon BBQ seasoning, garlic salt and crushed garlic. Cook until cabbage is wilted, stirring frequently. Transfer tortellini and pasta water into pan with cabbage. Add remaining butter and stir to combine. Add remaining BBQ seasoning. Stir well, then reduce heat to medium, cover and cook until pasta water has reduced (10-15 minutes). Remove cover and add Parmesan. Toss to coat then serve.

Fettuccine Alfredo

Recipe and photo courtesy of chef Ale Peek

• 1 pound fettuccine pasta

• 6 tablespoons butter

• 1½ cups heavy cream

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• 1¼ cups shredded Parmesan cheese

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon pepper

• 2 tablespoons Italian parsley (optional)

Boil fettuccine according to package directions. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add cream and bring mixture to a simmer. Cook, whisking often, for 5 minutes. Add garlic, and cook for another minute. Add Parmesan cheese and whisk until melted. When you add cheese, the alfredo sauce will thicken. If not thick enough, allow it to stand for 2-3 minutes before serving. Add salt and pepper, to taste, and parsley. Toss in fettuccine.

Cajun Chicken Pasta

Recipe courtesy of Kat Holt

• 3 chicken breasts

• Garlic and herb seasoning, to taste

• Tony Chachere’s Original Creole Seasoning, to taste

• Smoked paprika, to taste

• 1 box penne pasta

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 2 tablespoons garlic

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• ¾ cup chicken broth

• ¾ cup heavy cream

• Fresh parsley

• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• Lemon juice

NOTE: If using breakfast sausage, omit olive oil and cook cabbage in renderings.

Butterfly the chicken breasts. Season with garlic and herb seasoning, Creole seasoning and smoked paprika. Sear chicken in a large skillet for about 4 minutes on each side and baste with some butter. Set chicken aside. Cook penne pasta according to package directions. In the chicken skillet, add butter, garlic and tomato paste and mix. Then add chicken broth and heavy cream. Simmer on low, then add parsley, Parmesan cheese, a little lemon juice and more garlic and herb seasoning and Creole seasoning. Set aside some of the sauce. Add cooked noodles to the skillet and mix. Slice the chicken. Plate noodles and add sliced chicken on top. Pour extra sauce over chicken. Top with parsley and Parmesan cheese.

Creamy Tortellini, Spinach and Chicken Soup

From 365 Days of Slow Pressure Cooking,contributed by Amanda Bowen

• 1 medium yellow onion, diced

• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour

• 1 tablespoon dried basil

• 2 cloves of garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 4 cups chicken broth

• 2 14.5-ounce cans petite diced tomatoes

• 1 to 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon pepper

• 4 cups frozen or fresh cheese tortellini

• 3 cups packed spinach (more, if desired)

• ½ cup Parmesan cheese

• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half

In a microwave-safe bowl, add onions, flour, basil, garlic and tomato paste and drizzle with olive oil. Microwave for 5 minutes, stirring every 90 seconds (the mixture will be pasty and weird looking). Put in slow cooker. Add broth, tomatoes, chicken, salt and pepper. Stir. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours (or until chicken is very tender). Remove lid and use a fork to remove chicken. Add tortellini, spinach, Parmesan cheese and warm cream (should be warmed to prevent curdling). On a cutting board, shred or cut chicken into bite-size pieces. Return chicken to slow cooker. Replace lid and cook on high for about 10 minutes, or until tortellini are cooked through. Ladle into serving bowls. Yield: 8 servings

Authentic Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

Recipe courtesy of Anne Alejandro

• 1 pound macaroni

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

• 2 carrots, shredded

• ¼ cup onion, shredded (optional)

• 2½ cups Hellman’s Real Mayonnaise (no substitutes!)

• ¼ cup milk

• 2 teaspoons sugar

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain well and place in a large bowl (I like to use one with a lid for easy refrigeration later). While macaroni is still hot, sprinkle on vinegar and add carrots and onion. Toss together until well combined. Refrigerate for 15 minutes or until cooled. In a smaller bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, milk and sugar. Fold mayonnaise mixture into the macaroni until all the noodles are evenly coated. Add salt and pepper to taste. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours (best if overnight). Gently stir before serving. Add a little more milk, if needed, but no more than a tablespoon or two.

Gnocchi Carbonara

Recipe and photo courtesy of Mark Maier

• 4 large russet potatoes, scrubbed clean

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for surface

• 3 large eggs

• ¼ cup ricotta cheese

• 2 teaspoons kosher salt

• Freshly ground black pepper

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Poke potatoes all over with a fork and place directly on oven racks. Bake until easily pierced with a knife, about 60 minutes. Let cool. Once cool enough to handle, cut potatoes in half and continue cooling. Once steam has escaped and potatoes are dry, scoop out insides. Discard skins. Run potatoes through a ricer or mash well with a fork. In a large bowl, combine riced potatoes, 1 cup flour, eggs, ricotta cheese, salt and a little pepper and mix; add more flour a little at a time as needed until a dough forms. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth. Divide dough into 8 pieces. Using your hands, roll each piece into a long rope, about ¾-inch in diameter. Cut ropes into 1-inch pieces. Place pieces on a lightly floured baking sheet. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook gnocchi until it floats to top, about 2 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water (for carbonara sauce), then drain. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, brown butter over medium heat, and once it’s nutty and fragrant, add the cooked gnocchi. Season with several cranks of black pepper and salt, if needed. Saute about 2 minutes, until golden in color.

Carbonara Sauce

• 4 ounces bacon, chopped

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• Black pepper and salt

• 1 clove garlic, crushed

• 3 whole eggs

• ½ cup finely grated Parmesan

• 1 small handful chopped parsley

Add bacon and oil to a cold pan and saute over medium heat (add generous amount of black pepper while bacon is cooking) until bacon is crisp and fat is rendered. Add garlic during the last minute of cooking. Mix eggs and Parmesan together in a mixing bowl. Remove bacon from heat, set bacon aside and add gnocchi to pan. Working off the heat, pour egg/cheese mixture into gnocchi, mixing quickly until the eggs thicken but do not scramble. Thin out sauce with reserved pasta water, until it reaches desired consistency. Season with freshly ground black pepper and salt, to taste. Mound the pasta into warm serving bowls and garnish with chopped parsley.

@ the Library

Kemp Memorial Library

4029 Due West Road, Marietta, 770-528-2527

• Book Chat: Second Thursday of each month, 1 p.m. The adult book club’s selection for Oct. 12 is the literary mystery “Ordinary Grace” by William Kent Krueger.

• Cooking Club: Fourth Thursday of each month, 1 p.m. Bring a dish to share with the group in a fun and relaxed environment. The Oct. 26 theme is stuffing.

North Cobb Regional Library

3535 Old 41 Highway, Kennesaw, 770-801-5320

• The Lit Squad, A Walking Book Club for Busy Adults: Meets at trails in the Acworth-Kennesaw area on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. The genre for October is Spooky Stuff. RSVP at cobbcat.org for meetup details.

• Cross-Stitch Meetup: Meets the first Saturday of every month. Cross-stitch and needlepoint crafters can share ideas and enjoy a day of stitching and chatting with other crafty peers on Oct. 7, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

• Homeschool Meetup: Socialize and share with other homeschoolers. Meets Mondays, Oct. 9 and Oct. 23, 10:30 a.m. Registration is encouraged at cobbcat.org.

Stratton Library

1100 Powder Springs Road, Marietta, 770-528-2522

• African American Book Discussion: Meets the second Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. The book selection for Oct. 9 is a novel inspired by history, “Yellow Wife” by Sadeqa Johnson.

• Teens Knit: Meets the fourth Monday of every month, 5 p.m. Teens, ages 12-17, can socialize and bring supplies to work on knitting projects on Oct. 23.

West Cobb Regional Library

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

• The West Cobb Craft Club: Meets every Thursday, 10 a.m.-noon. All skill levels are welcome to knit, crochet or work on any other portable craft.

• Chess: Open Play and Family-Style Instruction: Wednesdays, 5:30 p.m. The first Wednesday of each month is Black Light Chess. The event is family-friendly, and all experience levels are welcome.

Early-Learning Resources Offered to All Children

BY TOM BROOKS

Cobb County’s public libraries play an essential role in supporting early-learning success in the community. Introducing children to the library at a young age supports healthy brain development and builds socialemotional skills with lifelong impact.

For many, this journey starts by visiting the Cobb County libraries and meeting the employees, checking out books regularly, attending storytimes and signing up for the 1000 Books B4 Kindergarten (1000B4K) program.

The program encourages families with young children to read at least 1,000 books with them before they start kindergarten. A 1000B4K Completion Celebration is scheduled for Oct. 14 at North Cobb Regional Library. Space is limited, and registration is required at cobbcat.org.

Explore these October programs for young children at the West Region libraries:

• West Cobb Regional Library: Baby Storytime is Mondays at 10:30 a.m. Toddler Storytime, for children ages 18 months to 3 years, meets Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m., followed by Preschool Storytime at 11:30 a.m.

• North Cobb Regional Library: Family Storytime for ages birth to 5 years offers two sessions with stories, music and movement activities Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Play Cafe, featuring self-directed play stations for ages 18 months to 7 years, meets Wednesdays at 10 a.m. Cobb and Douglas Public Health officials will be at the library for an early hearing detection and intervention event Oct. 10, 10:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m., for babies up to 18 months old.

• Kemp Memorial Library: Baby and Toddler Storytime meets Tuesdays, 10:30-11 a.m., and Preschool Storytime meets Wednesdays, 10:30-11 a.m.

• Stratton Library: Toddler Time, Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m., provides ages birth to 3 years a chance to sing, play and read. Preschool Storytime is Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.

To connect to early-learning resources offered by the Cobb County Public Library, visit www.cobbcounty. org/library/learning-programs/early-learning.

Tom Brooks is the communications specialist for the Cobb County Public Library. He enjoys walking and hiking in the Georgia mountains, photography and engaging conversations.

The Acworth Charm Tour will feature six homes this year. The tour includes homes built in the mid-1800s and 1960s, as well as the late 1990s and early 2000s and a show-stopping new home built in 2022.

NOV. 11 NOON TO 5 P.M.

Tickets can be purchased at AcworthCharm.com

WeddingMemories

Photography Tips for Capturing Moments to Last a Lifetime

Brian Nejedly is a local photographer who works with Aroundabout Local Media on cover shoots. He’s been shooting weddings since 2004 and has documented the big day for more than 400 couples. Nejedly has shot weddings all over the United States and has even made the journey to Mexico and Jamaica, which he considers his second home. He shared some photography tips for couples preparing for their big day, as well as things to consider when planning a destination wedding.

Photos

What are the most popular photos requested?

I honestly get very few requests aside from particular family photos to make sure certain groups are highlighted. I think couples see my portfolio and know that I will take all of the shots expected, plus a bunch that were not expected.

What are the shots you recommend?

Get sunset photos if your location offers a sunset view. Get a natural, unposed photo of the couple laughing together. Get a photo just walking together. It’s great to see natural movement as people might appear stiff if they are all posing.

How can couples choose a great wedding photographer?

Couples need to choose someone whose work stands out to them visually and emotionally. Do you like the types of photos this photographer tends to capture? Do you like their overall lighting style and color (or black and white) treatment? Also, recommendations from past clients are essential.

Trashing your wedding dress can be much more fun than storing it away for years.

Capturing natural action brings out more personality than posing for photos.

Memories

What equipment is used at weddings?

A good photographer should have a variety of lenses to cover any scenario. Zoom lenses are convenient, but I prefer fixed lenses that offer a wider aperture. That’s how you get that nice bokeh (background blur) that really makes your subject stand out. That technique also makes flash less necessary when shooting in darker environments. I also use a mixture of off-camera flash and LED lighting. I am not a fan of using only natural light. Use what you need in order to get the best result.

How much time should you book?

My shortest shoot has been less than an hour to cover only the ceremony. My longest has been a full day of about 12 hours. I spend six to eight hours at most of my weddings.

When in the planning process should you contact photographers?

If you have a particular photographer in mind, book them as soon as possible to make sure you get them for your date. If you’re looking around, you should start looking for your photographer right after choosing your venue. Some venues offer their own, or your coordinator may have recommendations for you.

Destination

Which do you consider the most photographic wedding location?

Almost anywhere can be a great location. Beaches are nice because you have a simple backdrop of sea and sky. The background should be relatively simple and not distract from any of the subjects you’re shooting.

What should be considered when choosing a destination?

Cost is key. Destination weddings can be less expensive for the couple, but they do cost guests more to attend. Ease of travel also is important. Choose somewhere you can get to easily, with direct flights and minimal ground transportation at the destination. What may be simple with a single family may not be so simple with a large group. Finally, look at the availability of accommodations. Does your chosen location, like a resort, offer accommodations for everyone? Or is there a place nearby? And is this a place your guests would actually enjoy for a few days? It’s nice when everyone can stay together and get to know everyone better.

How do you pick a photographer for a destination wedding?

Do your homework and choose vendors with experience and multiple reviews and referrals. You may feel like you are choosing an unknown vendor far from home. The way you get to know them is by asking them questions and by reading what others have to say about their work.

How can you take advantage of local scenery and culture?

Do a day-after-the-wedding photo session at a local location or even do a “trash the dress” shoot at a nearby beach, waterfall or river.

What’s your favorite type of venue in north Georgia?

My favorite type of north Georgia venue is one that offers a scenic backdrop and is structured for holding events. It also helps when the venue provides an indoor option in case of rain. A historic home, estate or farm location usually offers a variety of backdrops to work with.

A sunset photo captures a perfect ending to a perfect day.

All photos courtesy of Brian Nejedly

A close up shot of wedding rings is a great addition to your photo album.

Teacher Helps Graduate Earn Scholarship

SUBMITTED BY COBB SCHOOLS

Educators often take extra steps to ensure students succeed, but some teachers look for opportunities to help students they’ve never taught. North Cobb High School’s Cecelia Pruitt is one of those teachers.

Because she listened and was willing to help, she changed the course of one student’s career and life, beginning with his academic journey.

It all started when Pruitt stopped by a tent at a track meet in late April and started talking to senior Cleo Johnson, who was counting down the days until graduation and the beginning of his military career. Cleo planned to pursue college after his military service provided access to the GI Bill.

Although Pruitt had not taught Cleo during his time at North Cobb, she recognized him from the daily school announcements and pep rallies. While listening to him, she learned he was class president, was graduating as an honor student and had taken dualenrollment classes.

“In my mind, I just saw his opportunities,” the physics teacher said. “My husband is an alum of the University of North Georgia (UNG) and serves on the Alumni Association board of directors. He had shared with me about a month before this conversation that UNG had scholarship opportunities available to students wanting to serve. This allows students to attend UNG, get their degree and graduate as a commissioned officer in the Georgia Army National Guard.”

Pruitt asked Cleo if she could gather more information for him about opportunities, like the one at UNG, that would allow him to continue his academic journey immediately after high school graduation. Naturally, he was curious and wanted to know more.

“I saw a student who was successful academically, committed to serving his school, working a part-time job and planning to commit to serving his country,” Pruitt said. “I was able to help him, along with the support

of his parents, find answers to his questions. He began the admission process, gaining acceptance, and was extended an offer to apply for the cadet scholarship.”

It was not an easy process, especially with the countdown to graduation ticking.

“After several calls with the incredible staff at UNG, a letter of nomination from a member of the Georgia House of Representatives, recommendations from Principal Matthew Moody, some conversations with his original recruitment officer and lots of forms for him and his family to complete, Cleo was notified in early July he had been accepted by UNG and awarded the Georgia Military Service Scholarship that covers all tuition and expenses,” Pruitt said.

Although Pruitt might have changed Cleo’s future when she stopped to chat that day, she credits others for the work it took to make it happen so quickly.

“It was a pretty remarkable turnaround time, a testament to Cleo, his parents and UNG’s commitment,” she said.

After reviewing Cleo’s accomplishments, the university prioritized his recruitment and admission. Upon hearing the story, UNG President Michael Shannon wanted to hold a ceremony to congratulate Cleo and his parents and welcome them into the UNG family.

“Due to (Cleo’s) work ethic during his high school years, (he) developed a portfolio that provided the qualities sought in a student cadet,” Pruitt said. “Cleo took advantage of the education available at North Cobb and became an exceptional candidate. He will still serve his country, but he will now get a degree and a commission on his way to service.

“I am thankful we both were at the right place at the right time. It was a reminder of how important it is to listen to our students and a reminder of what teachers are meant to do: find ways to help our students find their place. My intent is to make sure my students know about these opportunities in the years to come. I took the time to listen and offer help. Cleo had already done the work; he just needed a connection.”

Cleo Johnson, center, with Cecelia Pruitt and Michael Shannon, earned a full scholarship to University of North Georgia, thanks to Pruitt’s assistance.

Piggin’ Out

Pigs and Peaches Is Hog Heaven for Barbecue Lovers

PHOTOS BY RANDY PARKER, PARKER IMPRESSIONS

Foodies who love their pork and chicken smothered in barbecue sauce converged on Adams Park in Kennesaw Aug. 18-19 for the 22nd annual Pigs & Peaches BBQ Festival. An estimated 65,000 attendees enjoyed two days of barbecue bliss at the Kansas City Barbeque Societysanctioned competition and official Georgia BBQ Championship event, which also featured music, a kids’ zone, vendor booths, beer and fireworks. Professional and backyard (amateur) barbecue teams competed for more than $16,000 in cash and prizes. In the professional division, One Eyed Pig BBQ was crowned the grand champion, followed by Kings BBQ in second place. Winners of the various categories were Yes, Dear BBQ, chicken; Smoke Central BBQ, pork ribs; Sweet Dixie BBQ, pork; and Peckerwood Country Club, brisket. The backyard grand champion was Running Style BBQ, with Dogpatch Q coming in second. Category winners were Running Style BBQ, chicken; A Guy & A Grill, ribs; and Steak Princess BBQ, pork. Two other competitions were conducted: Anything Butt, won by Bad Rooster BBQ, and Peach Dessert, won by Etowah Smoke.

Mayor Derek Easterling, right, awards the title of professional grand champion to One Eyed Pig BBQ.

‘We Will Remember’

Kennesaw Mountain holds 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony

SUBMITTED BY COBB SCHOOLS

“We will remember the first responders who ran toward the danger while everyone was running to safety.”

“We will remember the construction workers who spent months at the site in hazardous conditions doing work that most of us will never begin to understand.”

“We will remember the survivors whose experiences we cannot begin to comprehend.”

“We will remember all the lives lost in the most horrific attack on American soil — not just Americans, but also citizens from 78 other countries.”

“We will keep them and their families in our hearts.”

“We will remember that the entire world was affected by this.”

“We will remember the pride in our own country.”

“We will remember the world stopped that day.”

Justin Richard spoke those words during Kennesaw Mountain High School’s 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony last month. The senior and his fellow JROTC cadets helped their teachers, parents and classmates pause to reflect on that fateful day in September.

“This event is a humbling and respectful ceremony that allows those who lived that day to remember,” Principal Nathan Stark said. “It also helps our students, who were not even born when these events occurred, to show respect for all those who lost their lives on 9/11, for our first responders and for those who have served to protect and defend our country.”

Freshman JROTC cadet David-Nelson Tokognon thinks Americans should always remember the tragedy that occurred on Sept. 11, 2001.

“This 9/11 ceremony is about remembering the actions of people who risked their lives to save and to protect everyone in that building on that horrible day,” he said.

David-Nelson joined the Kennesaw Mountain JROTC program because he was looking for a purpose. Sophia Rosa’s father served in the U.S. Army; she joined JROTC to follow her sister’s lead and to find out what it’s like to be in the military.

David-Nelson and Sophia might have had different reasons for joining JROTC, but they agreed about the importance of the 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony.

“The 9/11 ceremony was (about) honoring the heroes that saved lives that day and to remember the countless innocent people who died that day,” Sophia said.

With fire trucks as a backdrop, cadets raised the American flag, as the crowd stood silent and paused to remember how that day 22 years ago impacted and continues to impact so many.

Cadet Avery Freeman salutes Cadet Alexander Russu.

Cadets Barric Tuchscher, left, and Michael Msezane raise the flag.

Kennesaw Mountain JROTC cadets with Cobb County firefighters at the ceremony.

Waiting for the flag to arrive is Cadet Alexander Russu. Leading the group delivering the flag to the flagpole is Cadet Andres Remolina.

Window World of Atlanta Offers a Growing List of Products

Window World of Atlanta owners

Mike and Melissa Edwards are known for saying, “Not only do we stand behind our windows, we stand on them.” In fact, they've been helping homeowners with their window needs since 2002, when they became licensees of the national Window World brand and opened their first store in Alabama.

While Window World of Atlanta’s name has remained the same through the years, the services offered to homeowners have expanded to other areas of home maintenance and repair: garage and entry doors, vinyl siding, gutters, shutters and roofs.

Products are installed by licensed and certified crews, and the products come with a lifetime product warranty (transferable to new homeowners) as well as an installation warranty; the additional coverage is a measure taken by the Edwardses to set them apart from their competitors.

All in the Family

After opening their first location in Huntsville, Alabama, Mike and Melissa

expanded to the Atlanta market in 2009 with their Kennesaw location, and grew to include a Birmingham, Alabama, store.

The couple was raising their family while growing the business, creating a second generation of leaders to join them. Currently, son Stefan Stowe is president, daughter Heather Vallese is vice president of finance, daughter-in-law Makensie Stowe works in marketing and daughterin-law Kayla Edwards is human resources director.

The management team is a combination of like-family friends and employees who’ve been a part of Window World for many years. Jacob Appleby is vice president of operations, Sean McGeehan is vice president of sales, Larry Beard is general sales manager of the Atlanta, branch, Brenan Goldi is production manager in Atlanta and Katie Campbell is director of operations.

The current number of employees for all three locations is more than 100. According to Stefan, “we integrate the family atmosphere in every way that we can with our team.”

Above, Window World of Atlanta’s product line can increase your homes curb appeal.

Below, Window World management team from left, Kayla Edwards, Makensie and Stefan Stowe, Mike and Melissa Edwards and Heather Vallese. Photo by Anthony Stalcup.

Wide Range of Products Windows

Double-hung, sliding casement, bay and bow, awning, garden, custom windows, as well as shutters. Choices range from classic to modern and sleek window options. A line of shutters to frame those windows is offered to add curb appeal.

Doors

Entry, patio, French rail, storm, French and garage doors. Financial benefits, as well as visual enhancements, come with having the right door. An improved entryway can boost a home’s value, and energy-efficient options save money on home utilities.

Siding

2000, 4000 and 6000 series siding, shakes and scallops, stone siding and gutters. Many options are available to meet the needs for energy efficiency and just the right decorative element to complete a home’s style.

Roofing

Multi-layered, variety of colors and styles, backed by warranty. Window World of Atlanta offers Owens Corning roofing products, considered a trusted name in the industry and a market leader in roofing shingles, underlayment and component products.

No-Pressure Sales

Window World of Atlanta has a nopressure approach to sales and offers customers the option to tackling their replacement project in stages, to meet any budget. For example, windows on the front of the house can be replaced first, followed by the back and sides, when able.

“During our free-estimate appointments, our sales representatives will offer as much information as the homeowner wants. Although they are well trained on the technicalities of our products, they are not forced to give an hourlong presentation,” Stefan said.

All windows are custom made in the U.S., to fit any size, style and other options the homeowners desire. Most replacement jobs are completed within a day.

Building Bright Futures

Mike, Melissa, Stefan and their team work hard to build a better future for their employees through a thriving business and donations to charities that are near and dear to their hearts.

The Atlanta branch’s growth can be tracked by the numbers. In 2017, 25,000

windows were sold, with an increase to 54,000 in 2022. To accommodate the expanding business, Window World is moving into a new 75,000-square-foot facility this year. The additional space is needed to guarantee growth and maintain the company’s position among the top window-replacement providers in the U.S.

Window World of Atlanta supports St. Jude Children’s Hospital, committed to eradicating cancer in children, and Veterans Airlift Command, a nonprofit that provides free, private air transportation to veterans needing medical transport or other essential air travel. These are charities that the Edwards family has supported personally, and they are grateful to be able to continue the support through their business.

New showroom in Kennesaw

Thinking About New Window Treatments?

BY ELISABETH STUBBS

What options are there for window treatments?

The selection of window treatments includes blinds, shutters, draperies and many different types of shades, available in a wide variety of fabrics and woods.

How much does a custom window covering cost?

Depending on the style of window covering you choose, a standard 48by-60 window will run from $200 for the least expensive to more than $1,500 on the high end.

What are the trends in window coverings?

Shades that are handwoven from natural reeds, grasses and woods. Grays are still in, as well as statement colors such as bright reds, blues, etc. Textures, stripes and geometric patterns also are popular choices. Layering, pastels, and pretty and romantic fabrics are the coming trends. Simple, sleek lines, chrome decorative hardware and clean, modern looks also are trending.

What types of shutters do you have?

Shutters lend warmth and classic styling to any room. Choices include real hardwood, modern-day hybrid materials and polysatin compound for maximum strength and durability.

How long does it take to get new window treatments?

Depending on the window treatment you choose, you can expect to wait two to four weeks from order to delivery.

I do not want any cords. Is this possible?

Absolutely. From cordless and motorized operating systems, retractable lift cords, cord tensioners and wand controls, there is a wide array of lifting system options for enhanced child and pet safety.

Tell us about the motorization options.

Almost all custom window treatments are available with a motorized operating system. Convenience is a key advantage, but it is not the only one. Motorized window coverings offer enhanced child and pet safety. They can be programmed to optimize energy efficiency. You can easily operate your coverings from a remote control, a wireless wall switch or from your mobile device. Lift mechanisms like PowerRise allow you to raise/lower your coverings, PowerGlide allows for easy opening, closing or rotating the vanes of your vertical coverings, and PowerTilt easily tilts slats.

How do I let in light without sacrificing privacy?

You will like the Top-Down/ Bottom-Up operating system; you can maintain your privacy and still enjoy the natural light.

What do you recommend for a sliding glass door?

Vertical blinds are recommended for a sliding glass door. Since they draw to the side rather than lifting and lowering, they operate better on doors and windows that also slide from side to side.

What is a honeycomb shade?

This type of shade is made with multiple cells instead of a single layer. Think of the inside of a beehive. Honeycomb shades are available with single, double and triple honeycombs and are very energy efficient, as this unique cellular shade traps air in distinct pockets to help keep your house cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

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

The right window shades can complement any room design.

Planning Your Next Home Improvement Project?

We are your one-stop home design center!

Enhance Floors & More is one of the most experienced flooring companies in north Georgia. Founded 38 years ago in Marietta, the flooring showroom is locally owned and staffed by a skilled team with a combined 150-plus years of experience.

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

ü Complimentary In-Store Design Assistance

ü Interest-Free Financing

ü40+ Installed Flooring Products

Learn How to Take Sharper Photos Using a Camera

BY MARK CHANDLER

It is disappointing to take what you think will be a good photo, only to see on your computer screen that the image is slightly out of focus or just not sharp. There are several things you can do when taking photos that will increase your chances of making them sharp. Through learning the functions of your camera and improving your focusing techniques, you can create sharp photos consistently.

Knowing the features of your camera is important in obtaining good results. There are settings that can help you make sure you have your subject in focus. For starters, most modern cameras have at least two

focus settings: one-shot focus and continuous focus (different brands might use different terminology, but they all basically do the same thing). One-shot focus is best used for a static subject, and continuous focus works best for subjects that are moving. The seagull photo was shot with continuous focus.

Continuous focus often is used for sports photography, when the participants are moving, and the photographer can track them and hold focus on them as they move. To accomplish this, press the shutter button halfway and track the subject while moving, with the focusing points continuously on the subject. If the focusing points fall off the subject, you likely will lose focus, but as long as the points are on it, you can press the shutter and keep the focus continuously.

One-shot focus is basically just that — taking one shot at a time, refocusing and shooting again. If you’re taking photos of people, focus on their eyes, then take your shot.

Your camera probably has multiple focusing points. It likely will grab the focus of whatever is closest to the lens, but this might not be your intended subject. One way to control this is to set your camera to one focus point or just a few focus points. Then you can use this point to focus directly at the subject and, if needed, slightly move your camera to recompose the scene, once you have your subject in focus. This typically works with a static subject.

Another consideration is the aperture, or f-stop. The wider the aperture (the smaller the f-stop number) is, the more shallow the depth of field (the area that is in focus) will be. This is great if you want a blurry background, but, sometimes, it might be too shallow to capture your entire subject in focus. Notice in the butterfly photo, the head is in focus, but the wings fall out of focus. This is controlled by the aperture. If you want the whole butterfly in focus, then you need to close down your aperture (to a larger f-stop number) to enlarge the focus area (depth of field). So instead of shooting at f/2.8, maybe try f/8 or f/11.

When you use a smaller aperture, be careful not to use a shutter speed that’s too slow. By closing down the aperture, you are letting less light into the camera. You likely will compensate for that by using a slower shutter speed, but one that’s too slow will cause motion blur or camera shake, as you might not be able to hold the camera still enough to take a sharp photo. The rule of thumb is: You can hold your camera at a shutter speed of 1/focal length of your lens. If you are using a 50 mm lens, you typically can hand-hold at a shutter speed of 1/60 second or faster. If using a 200 mm lens, then the slowest you want to try to hand-hold your camera would be 1/200 second (or the closest speed on your camera, such as 1/250 second). For anything slower, a tripod is recommended.

When holding your camera, specifically with slower shutter speeds, there are techniques to improve the chances of not having camera shake. If your lens has image stabilization (or vibration reduction), be sure this option is turned on. This feature is there specifically to help give you sharper images. If you can, brace yourself next to a wall or tree to steady yourself. Keep your elbows tucked in close, put one hand under the lens and hold your breath as you press the shutter gently. Of course, if you can increase the shutter speed, that will improve the likelihood of getting a sharp image. If you have to shoot at any shutter speed slower than the aforementioned rule of thumb, using a tripod is recommended. For a tripod, turn off the image stabilization (or vibration reduction) on your lens. Use a shutter remote so you will not shake the camera while pressing the shutter. Remotes are available wired or wireless or as an app on your phone, depending on the make of your camera. If you don’t have a remote, you can use the delayed shutter feature, which delays the time between your pressing the shutter and the camera taking the photo. Usually, you have the option of two seconds or 10 seconds. This will give the camera time to stop shaking after you press the shutter.

Taking sharp photographs is not difficult, but it is a process. Learning these tips and making a mental checklist each time you take a photo will help you take the sharpest photos and get the most out of your equipment.

Mark Chandler is past president of the Cobb Photographic Society and teaches photography for the Kennesaw and Smyrna parks and recreation departments. See his work on Instagram @markchandlerphotography.

The Life of Kennesaw

BY ANDREW J. BRAMLETT

While countless drivers travel down Lewis Street in downtown Kennesaw each day, few realize who the road is named after. A century ago, this man was one of the most important individuals in our community.

James Glenn Lewis, who went by Glenn, was born near Lost Mountain on Jan. 24, 1874. Lewis developed a love of baseball at an early age and, according to a family history, played as much as he could when he was growing up, except on Sundays. At age 18, he began working for his uncle, Henry Roberts, at a sawmill.

Lewis moved to Kennesaw in early 1900 to become a merchant. He first worked in the Hill Building at what is now the corner of Main Street and J.O. Stephenson Avenue. There was some expectation that Roberts would join him, but only Lewis came to our town. When he moved here, Lewis purchased a house built in 1889 by James Stanley, and it would remain his home for the rest of his life. The house still stands on Dallas Street, in the Park at Main development.

Within a year of coming to Kennesaw, Lewis married Simmie Eidson, who, according to the Jan. 31, 1901, issue of the Marietta Journal, was “one of our prettiest young ladies and possessed with all the accomplishments that make women lovely.” Around this same time, Lewis became involved with the local Masonic Lodge.

In 1903, Lewis started constructing a two-story brick store on the corner of present-day Main and Lewis streets. The first floor would house his mercantile store, while the second story would become the new Masonic hall. Partway through construction, the decision was made to add another floor to the store, creating the current three-story structure. The building was completed in 1904. In his store, which stayed open in that same location until 1921, Lewis sold everything from dry goods to underwear. A 1913 store catalog is now in the collection of the Kennesaw State University Archives.

In 1908, Lewis built a cotton gin across the railroad tracks, and it became a hub for local farmers. In the basement of the building was a generator that provided electric power to area homes. In an accident at the gin, Lewis lost his right hand after already having his left hand permanently damaged by an earlier sawmill mishap. The cotton gin burned to the ground in 1943 but was rebuilt by Lewis. Eventually purchased by Steve Frey, the gin was later donated to the city of Kennesaw to become the home of The General. That building still houses the locomotive, but the museum has been expanded significantly.

Glenn Lewis was one of the most important people in Kennesaw a century ago. Photo courtesy of Rick Kienel.

Lewis, back row, second from right, with his Kennesaw baseball teammates. Photo courtesy of the Bramlett Family Collection.

Kennesaw Tycoon Glenn Lewis

The same year Lewis built his cotton gin, he became involved with the Bank of Kennesaw as its vice president. The bank went through some difficulty in its early years and was re-formed in 1910 as the Kennesaw State Bank. Lewis was involved with this enterprise as well. The bank was located next to Lewis’ store, and his daughter Mildred was the bank’s final president when it closed in 1951.

In 1907, Lewis was elected mayor of Kennesaw. He served until 1910, was reelected for a one-year term in 1915 and served again from 1926-29. Despite his long service as mayor, there is no record of him serving as a member of the City Council.

As the automobile gained traction, Lewis partnered with D.P. Butler to start a Ford dealership. An ad in the May 24, 1912 issue of the Marietta Journal and Courier encouraged the consumer to “‘Ford-i-fy’ yourself against excessive automobile expense” and includes prices for the Model T, with the cheapest being a two-passenger version for $590. Adjusted for inflation, this would be around $20,000 today.

After several years, Lewis parted ways with Butler and the Ford brand and became involved with an Atlanta

firm called the Southern Saxon Co. that sold Saxon and Chandler vehicles. By 1917, he had become president of the company. Lewis had dealerships in Rome and Birmingham, Alabama.

Though he grew up in a religious household, Lewis did not join a Kennesaw church until around 1940. The pastor of the Methodist church at the time, Charles Allen, was an excellent checkers player and, according to the Lewis family history, used this skill to convince Lewis to join his church.

The Great Depression forced Lewis into debt, and he refocused his business efforts on Kennesaw. In 1931, he sold his building downtown and was able to pay off all his debts. He suffered a stroke in 1947 and was in poor health the rest of his life. James Glenn Lewis died on Oct. 21, 1950.

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

Lewis owned a general store in downtown Kennesaw from 1904 until 1921. Photo courtesy of Rachael Shelton.

Honoring Classified

SUBMITTED BY COBB SCHOOLS

“Simply the best!” Although that praise was directed at one employee, it sums up how principals, teachers and families would describe each of Cobb County School District’s top classified employees.

Every year, district leaders, board members and other members of the school community come together to recognize the Classified Employees of the Year (CEOTY). The honored guests come from schools and departments across the district. This year, the recognition ceremony took place Sept. 12 at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre.

“Supporting our parents, answering phones, driving buses, feeding students, keeping our schools safe and clean — it’s impossible to teach well if these things aren’t happening,” said John Floresta, the district’s chief strategy and accountability officer. “The superintendent has made teachers and those who support teachers a priority. Today is one small way to thank the half of our team who support teachers.”

The CEOTY luncheon included a surprise for four of the honorees, who were named the Elementary School, Middle School, High School and Central Office Level winners.

The Middle School Level winner, Kim Ferguson, loves her job. The clerk at Pine Mountain Middle

Kim Ferguson is congratulated by, from left, Principal David Nelson; her husband, Steve; and Superintendent Chris Ragsdale.

Employees of Year

School in Kennesaw enjoys working with her teammates and the students every day.

“Whether Kim is working with a parent who may be upset coming into the front office or trying to help a substitute come into the school and get to the class they need to be at or helping a teacher make copies, Kim is all about taking things to the next level,” Pine Mountain Principal David Nelson said. “It is an honor to have her at Pine Mountain Middle School.”

The High School Level winner, custodian Jerome King, must love his job. He drives almost two hours to work at Harrison High School in Kennesaw, and his colleagues are so grateful for that because he brightens their day.

“His smile is infectious,” Principal Ashlynn Campbell said. “It doesn’t matter what kind of day I am having. When I see Jerome, he always says, in his Jamaican accent, ‘How do you do, my dear?’ and I can’t help but smile. He is always so joyful.”

Campbell said she asked a few co-workers about King, “and the common theme is that he is just a great guy and willing to do whatever is asked of him.”

“He loves to work, and no task is too small,” she said. “He truly exemplifies One Team. One Goal. Student Success. Jerome is also known for being generous. He loves to cook Jamaican recipes and, on occasion, he will cook for our custodial team. He always finds a way to brighten your day.”

Zoila Hill, a parent facilitator at Argyle Elementary in Smyrna, was the Elementary School Level winner, and Maria Barnette, a secretary in the Academic Division, won for the Central Office Level.

Jerome King, left, accepts his award from Superintendent Chris Ragsdale.

Erika K. Orcutt, Esq.

WORLD

MENTAL HEALTH

October 10th

Mental Health Program

SUBMITTED BY COBB SCHOOLS

Harrison High School (HHS) student Taryn Claassens recognized that schools and community groups needed a way to address students’ mental health challenges in a sustainable and accessible manner. So she launched a program to help children and adolescents navigate anxiety and stress in a way that keeps them in school and gives them a safe place to express themselves.

During her junior year, Taryn founded Mind-Full as her Gold Award project for the Ambassador Girl Scouts. The program supports schools, charities and crisis centers with low-cost, sustainable materials for expressive arts through recycling efforts to aid therapy programs and improve the well-being of school-age students.

The mission of Mind-Full is to provide tools to assist kids who feel lonely, stressed, depressed or anxious with a safe space for expression through education and sustainable resources. The name of the program came from the realization that when we are stressed, we are not able to be as present or “mindful” of the things that are happening around us because our minds are “full.” This stress, in

turn, impacts learning and causes students to shut down or act out.

Learning to articulate our thoughts and emotions is an essential part of managing stress and anxiety, according to Taryn. Mind-Full aims to provide resources that help students learn how to communicate their feelings and manage their stressors in a way that works for them. Mind-Full will focus on several forms of stress management and expressive arts, including music, arts, journaling and movement.

Although Taryn planned the project over the course of a year, the program did not start taking shape until spring semester, with the majority of the action happening between March and May.

“It was a whirlwind for such a large program, and I am proud of what we accomplished in such a short window of time,” Taryn said. “I had over 31 volunteers and had such incredible support from our community.”

The Harrison senior credits community service clubs like the National Honor Society, National Beta Club, Students of Strength and the STEM program for supporting the mental health initiative. However, her fellow students were not the only ones backing her vision.

“It would not have been possible for me to accomplish this in the time we had if it wasn’t for my primary project advisor, Ajaye Schmit, Ms. (Lucia) Poole and countless other teachers’ approvals,” Taryn said, noting she had the full support of Harrison’s counseling department and administration.

The program also was supported by four art therapists, a music therapist and Dr. Angela Hunt from Durham Middle School, who also advised Taryn along her journey to create the program.

Taryn was able to quickly collect 200 pounds of donated and recycled materials from crafters, local businesses and teachers at Due West

Finished kits that will be distributed to school-age kids.

Uses Art Kits to Support Students

United Methodist Church, Durham and Harrison. Volunteers from the HHS clubs earned service hours by participating in three workshops in which they learned about the program and created more than 164 kits containing 13 material boxes for local schools and a nonprofit organization.

“It was a community effort, and I have such gratitude for the support,” Taryn said.

While the program accomplished a lot in a short time frame, Taryn thinks it will be more attainable with tasks being planned over a year.

“This is what we plan to do as a program with the sustainability plan,” she said. “We also want to see more high schools and middle schools join our cause. If we could accomplish what we did in under three months, imagine what we can do with a full year!”

Taryn strongly believes students in middle school and high school can serve as ambassadors of their schools

and communities and provide their own Mind-Full kits. This program and the student-led Sources of Strength teach students empathy, leading to a more supportive school environment. With a passion to see the program grow, Taryn has created a plan and conducts workshops to train other students to lead curation teams.

“It says a lot when a school shows dedication to its student body’s mental and emotional well-being,” she said. “We live in a world now where students have a lot of pressure and awareness that can add to their stress loads. It’s essential to find a balance in where they spend a lot of their time socially and as learners so they can succeed.”

Having earned her Gold Award with distinction, Taryn has dedicated herself to raising awareness about the program. Its website is moving to a domain and hosted site this semester, and she is seeking a partner organization to help Mind-Full become a nonprofit.

“As a senior now, I want to see this program thrive and know I left it better than its beginning when I can no longer drive it fully,” she said. “I want students to continue to own this initiative through participation and feedback so that the techniques resonate with them. It is the main reason for wanting students to participate in their material curation.”

Some of the materials that go into Mind-Full kits.

Taryn Claassens

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

Rob’s Rescues

Hidden Acres Animal Sanctuary (HAAS) in Canton spreads hope, healing and love to rescue farm animals and human hearts. If you missed the first part of my interview with Sarah Carney of HAAS last month, you can read it at aroundcantonmagazine.com. Learn more at hiddenacresanimalsanctuary.org.

Tell us about farm animals as therapy animals.

We work with each and every animal on the farm, providing them with exceptional care and love. We then help pay this forward by working with our rescues to provide animal therapy to those who need it most.

This dog’s name is Blanche. She is a medium-size gray dog who came to the shelter as a stray. She is a very calm dog who seems to just want to relax. She is very easygoing and would be a good companion. This is the most docile bully-breed I have ever met, and she really could use some affection.

We work with Cherokee County’s special-needs residents and seniors. The transformations we have witnessed have been life-changing. We work with a 14-year-old girl who has cerebral palsy. When she first came to the farm, her parents couldn’t believe how her muscles relaxed in the presence of the animals. Lying a bunny across her heart brought such calm. She feeds the animals with her feet, and it is an incredibly therapeutic experience for her.

Our Youth Empowerment program started by bringing families who had lost a child to suicide to the farm. The Core Community Empowerment School has realized how empowering animals are and brings 15 to 20 self-harming and troubled youth here to do a weekly service project and have animal immersion time. We take goats on leashes to senior centers.

The farm has a designated animal rehabilitation and care team. This group of volunteers is assigned four animals apiece that they connect with every week and take into the community to do good. Ask any of the volunteers, and they will tell you that their lives have also been completely transformed working with these animals.

Is there a story that you like to tell?

This farm was built to provide sanctuary to farm animals. I have always felt that animals are strong, powerful healers. The therapy program actually started during COVID. My grandmother was my favorite person in the world. COVID was a terrible thing for the elderly in our community. Senior facilities were completely locked down, and families could not visit. The elderly lost so much interaction with the outside world and loved ones.

When these lockdowns started happening, I took one of my goats and trained him to walk on a leash. I sent him with a volunteer who works at one of the local memory-care centers, and the goat spent a large part of the day interacting with the patients. The feedback about the transformation among the memory-care patients during the goat’s visits was incredible. The therapy program grew from there.

Can people visit the farm?

We do not have a paid staff, and we are all volunteers here. There is no public access to HAAS. We do, however, have events. We have goat yoga and farm tours, as well as a privateevent space. You can sign up for these events on our website. All proceeds go straight toward caring for the animals. We also have apartments on the farm, The Goat Inn and The Horse Inn, which have been voted Atlanta’s Top Airbnb Experience.

This cat’s name is Rocket. He is a 5-year-old stray. He loves to be held and is a very sweet cat. He has very long legs and seems to like people a lot. I know that he would really like a home.

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

Rob with Sarah Carney and Duchess at Hidden Acres Animal Sanctuary.

The What, How, Why of Contingency Fees

BY JOEL WILLIAMS

When seeking legal representation for a personal injury case, you might come across the term “contingency fee.” What is a contingency fee? How does it work, and what are the benefits?

A contingency fee is a payment arrangement between a client and his or her attorney, where the attorney’s fee is contingent upon the successful resolution of the case. In other words, the attorney’s compensation is determined as a percentage of the final settlement or recovery obtained for the client. If the case isn’t successfully resolved, the attorney does not receive payment. Contingency fees primarily are used in personal injury or workers’ compensation cases.

How Contingency Fees Work

• Agreement on a contingency-fee percentage: If the attorney agrees to handle your case on a contingency basis, you will negotiate and agree upon a specific percentage of the final settlement or verdict that will serve as the attorney’s fee. In workers’ compensation cases, the fee is capped at 25%. In personal injury cases, the fee usually is higher and can range from 30% to 45%, depending on the complexities of your case.

• Payment only if successful: A primary advantage of a contingency-fee arrangement is you pay the attorney only if he or she successfully resolves your case. If the attorney fails to obtain a settlement or favorable verdict, you are not responsible for paying any fees. This arrangement aligns the attorney’s interests with yours, as he or she is motivated to secure the best resolution possible for your case.

• Fee calculation: Once your case is resolved successfully, the attorney’s fee is calculated based on the agreed-upon percentage of the final settlement or verdict. For example, if your case settles for $10,000, and the contingency fee is 30%, your attorney will be paid $3,000.

Benefits of Contingency Fees

Contingency-fee arrangements offer several advantages to clients, including:

• Access to legal representation. Contingency fees enable individuals who might not have the means to pay high hourly fees to have access to capable legal representation.

• Shared risk. The attorney shares the risks of the case with the client, as he or she is compensated only if the case is successful. This motivates the attorney to work diligently to achieve the best possible outcome.

Contingency fees provide an opportunity for individuals to seek fair compensation without the financial strain of upfront costs and should foster a partnership that strives for a successful resolution.

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

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UPCOMING EVENTS

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KSU Professional Education Building 3333 Busbee Drive

Oct. 12

Young Professionals Happy Hour

5:30-8 p.m.

Atlanta Hard Cider 1010 Roswell St., Marietta

Oct. 24

Wake Up KBA

8-9 a.m.

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Copeland’s Kennesaw 1142 Barrett Parkway

Nov. 4

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

Nov. 14 KBA Luncheon 11 a.m.-1 p.m. KSU Professional Education Building 3333 Busbee Drive

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KBA Committed to Community, Members, Businesses

BY KEVIN JABBARI

Happy fall, Kennesaw. I know we are looking forward to cooler weather, pumpkin everything and football!

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The Kennesaw Business Association (KBA) is one of the longest-running business groups in Cobb County, and we recently came in first place in the Business Support category in Aroundabout Local Media’s 2023 Readers’ Choice poll and were voted Best of Cobb for 2023. I believe we are so successful because of our commitment not only to our members, but also to our community at large. We take great pride in giving back to our community in numerous ways, whether it be funding the Shop With a Warrior/Mustang/Longhorn program or the 20-plus scholarships that we award to deserving high school seniors every year. We believe we all are better together.

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The KBA has a full calendar of events designed to help you get connected and maximize your business presence in the community. We also have created a new program specifically to assist young adults in gaining skills and confidence in the workplace. Our Young Professionals membership is open to anyone 35 or younger, is only $50 a year and includes special events and programs that cater to the up-and-comers.

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Please feel free to join us at any of these events, even if you aren’t a KBA member. Coming up, we have:

• Monthly Luncheon: Oct. 10, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. KSU Professional Education Building.

• Wake Up KBA: Oct. 24, 8-9 a.m. Copeland’s Kennesaw.

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• Taste of Kennesaw: Nov. 4, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. downtown Kennesaw.

Details for all of our events, along with membership information, can be found at https://kennesawbusiness.org. Have a happy and safe fall, and remember to Choose Happy!

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Kevin Jabbari is the president of the Kennesaw Business Association and owns Jabbari Property Services LLC.

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STRONGER TOGETHER

Through Networking

Aroundabout Local Media continues its mission to help local businesses grow and prosper. This is what it looks like when entrepreneurs in the community meet to exchange ideas and information and develop relationships by supporting and encouraging one another, while opening doors to new opportunities.

The Kennesaw Business Association (KBA)

KBA meets the second Tuesday of each month for a luncheon, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., at the KSU Professional Building, 3333 Busbee Drive. See Page 42 for the monthly article written by KBA President Kevin Jabbari and a list of the other meetings hosted by KBA.

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

Pine Mountain Middle School Principal David Nelson takes a selfie with students at the Back to School Bash.

Teena Regan, second from right, and her team from 22one Realty participate in the SUPER Women’s Conference in August.

Sandra Vasquez, left, and 2022 President Dana Dorris attend a KBA luncheon.

KBA members and visitors help themselves to a tasty meal at a recent luncheon.

Grant Creates Research Opportunities for Students

BY DAVE SHELLES

Kennesaw State University biology professor Brandon Carpenter was inspired to pursue a career in science because of an undergraduate research experience. With a recent grant from the National Institutes of Health, he’ll provide a similar experience to his students.

Carpenter, an assistant professor of cellular and molecular biology who studies neurodevelopmental disorders and genetic mutations, received a $432,000 grant to continue research that will help uncover the mechanisms that regulate inheritance of epigenetic states, or “cellular

memories,” from one generation to the next. In doing so, his work will shed light on how cellular memories are inherited between generations and what happens to normal development when those memories aren’t inherited properly.

“What got me into science, and what I’m really interested in, is inspiring undergraduates, bringing authentic research experiences into the lab for them,” he said.

“This grant will give students the opportunity to do research and be prepared for the next step in their careers.”

Most of the money will go toward funding a group of undergraduate and graduate researchers in his lab, where they use a microscopic nematode, Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), which shares half its genes with humans, to study the mechanisms that underlie neurological disorders. Due to the short life span and ease of manipulating nematodes, student researchers can execute experiments and generate publishable data easily, often within a single semester.

“We can take out a C. elegans gene and put in a human version of that gene, and it can rescue that gene, and the worm can function very similarly to the way it did when it had its normal gene,” Carpenter said. “We are able to study basic mechanisms in the worm, and it’s directly relevant to what’s happening in humans.”

Carpenter said the overall goal of his research is to study how inappropriate inheritance of epigenetic states affects normal tissue development and function. Because he’s studying enzymes that regulate epigenetic inheritance and are conserved in humans, his work will provide insight into how medical professionals might intervene to treat patients with these disorders.

“By studying how these cellular memories turn on the wrong way and affect tissues, we can start to understand the mechanisms of how these patients that have mutations in these same enzymes that regulate the cellular memory have the phenotypes they do,” he said.

Carpenter said he hopes to open his laboratory and research to more students, offering experiences similar to the ones that directed him toward his career as a professor and researcher.

“When you can support a student financially, so they can show up in your lab and get paid, it helps alleviate other things in life that they’re dealing with, and it broadens the net of different types of students with different life situations that can participate in research experiences,” he said.

Brandon Carpenter hopes to inspire students to pursue science careers. Photo by Darnell Wilburn Jr.

Nonprofit Inspires Hope Through Good Words, Deeds

BY SUSAN BROWNING SCHULZ

The gift of encouragement does more to support others, give confidence and inspire hope than almost anything we can do. And the amazing thing about this simple action is that it benefits the giver and the receiver of the good word or deed. The ancient proverb says it best: A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.

There’s a whole lot of refreshing going on at The Encouragement Project (TEP). This nonprofit has a mission to provide unique and purposeful opportunities to serve and encourage people in need in our communities.

“The heart of TEP is to encourage people to use the natural gifts and abilities God has given them to bless others in the special ways only they can,” Director Stephanie Cervantes said. “We have a number of ways to get involved and always welcome help with any of our current projects.”

How much goodness is being spread through TEP here and in 25 other counties across north Georgia? Since TEP’s beginning in 2015, more than 30,000 people have been served, volunteers have worked more than 52,700 hours, and more than 33,500 items have been shared. The organization accomplishes these kind deeds through five main projects:

• Bears and Friends: Stuffed animals can provide snuggly comfort for refugee kids and other young ones in traumatic situations. Bears and Friends accepts gently used/ new stuffed animals that are cleaned, packaged cheerfully and sent out to be encouraging, huggable, portable friends.

• Hugs and Kisses: During the colder months, many people struggle to find basic warmth. Beautiful knitted and crocheted handmade items are collected to share hugs (scarves) and kisses (hats) with those in need.

• Sew It Seams: This is a fantastic outlet for those who sew to make creative items that serve and bless people of all ages — from babies to the elderly. Sew It Seams gathers lovely quilts, adult bibs for hospice and dementia patients and a variety of other sewn items to share.

Ruth, a talented volunteer, works on a piece at one of TEP’s community Sewing Day events.

TEP Director Stephanie Cervantes, right, crochets with Betty, a volunteer who donated handmade hats until she was 101.

• Simple Gifts: The purpose of this project is to thank first responders, teachers, health care employees, nonprofit workers and others who work to help our communities. Simple gifts are created from handmade paper containers, which are artistically decorated by season or event and filled with a sweet treat.

• The Book Drop: Literacy is an incredible gift. This project provides books for kids in low-income families who have little access to them. New and gently used books are collected to give children in need access to wonderful stories and adventures. As of last year, 19,445 books had been donated and distributed.

There are many ways to help and encourage those around us — gifts of time, service, provisions and words — and you are invited to be a part of the effort, even if it’s just by cleaning out your closets or bookshelves. TEP is collecting new and gently used children’s books and stuffed animals, yarn (any kind, full skeins or leftover bits), fabric (any kind, any amount), scrapbook paper (any kind/embellishments) and scrapbook tools (dye cuts, cutters, scoring).

Sarah, a TEP volunteer, said, “I was at a stage in my life where I was looking for a way to give back. Volunteering with The Encouragement Project has given me purpose. I believe in the mission and have seen what they do, and it is good!”

Izetta, an amazing volunteer who is in her 90s, has made 4,000 hats for TEP! She humbly said, “Well, I like to crochet, and this just gives me something to do.” Do you knit, sew or crochet? If so, join TEP team. The Encouragement Project provides a place to donate where every item goes directly to children and individuals, providing help and encouragement right on time. For more information and to donate, visit theencouragementproject.org. To share your unique gift, volunteer or find drop-off/pickup locations, email Stephanie Cervantes at serve@theencouragementproject. org or call/text her at 678-951-6235. Follow TEP on social media platforms for all the latest happenings.

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.

As books are donated, they are checked, sorted, packed and delivered to children in need.

Donated stuffed animals are wrapped in bags sewn by TEP volunteers and given to kids in refugee/traumatic situations.

Izetta, who’s in her mid-90s, has crocheted hats for kids since 2017 and just passed the 4,000 mark for number of hats made.

4 Ways

to

Overcome Negative Feelings

BY C.A. PHILLIPS

The list of scenarios that create stress and unrest in our lives is long. No doubt, you have a list of discouraging events, mishaps and failures. I certainly have mine. But there’s one danger I have found that far outweighs others and causes us more defeat than our adverse circumstances: our feelings.

When you get bad news from the doctor or a demotion at work or a rift in a meaningful relationship, it can be devastating. The initial shock often can lead to a tailspin if we don’t deal with the situation in a way that guides us toward healing.

Here are four ways to help you claim victory in trying times:

1. Run to Jesus, not away from him. When we’re in pain, Jesus will comfort us day by day. One of the hardest mental obstacles we have is the question, “How am I going to get through this?” Our situation seems dire and feels awful. In these times, we must give it to the Lord to handle and not shoulder it ourselves. We feel powerless because we are powerless. Jesus will give us answers in his time, not ours. Trust the one who holds the world — and you personally — in his hands.

2. Recall past victories. We love a good pity party. We have an innate ability to dwell on negative things, especially in tough situations. That makes it challenging to recall times when God has come through with some amazing blessings. But chances are God has brought you through rough patches before. He made ends meet, gave you the right answer or right person. He’ll do it again.

3. Talk about it. There are times when we want to disappear into a cocoon of misery and never face the world again. But isolating ourselves only does more harm. We can convince ourselves of just about anything when our only audience is us. In treacherous waters, you probably don’t want to commiserate with a friend or co-worker. Your best bet is to speak with a pastor or professional counselor, who will have your best interests in mind.

4. Soothe your wounds with God’s word. You’ll never know how comforting scripture can be until you see it through the lens of pain and heartache. David’s Psalms come to life, as do the Apostle Paul’s encouraging letters in the New Testament. Not sure what to read or where to start? Look for a daily devotional that combines scripture with a short commentary. We need to be reminded that God loves us and knows best. When we read it enough and spend adequate time with him, we begin to trust him more with every part of our lives, especially the tough stuff!

C.A. Phillips serves as communications pastor and director of men’s groups at NorthStar Church. He oversees Over the Hump, a weekly online devotional. northstarchurch.org/lockerroom.

How to Prevent Electric-Shock Drowning

BY GREG FONZENO

You might’ve heard about people who have been victims of electric-shock drowning (ESD). Unfortunately, this has happened in both of our local lakes, Allatoona and Lanier. Electric-shock drowning occurs when electrical current leaks into surrounding water, causing a swimmer to become incapacitated. The current causes muscular paralysis and impairs your ability to swim or stay afloat, which leads to drowning.

Each year, numerous accidents happen in the water around boats and docks where alternating current (AC) electrical power is used. ESD is far more likely to occur in freshwater than saltwater. In freshwater, the body is a better conductor of electricity than the water (the opposite is true in saltwater).

The cause of electrical currents leaking into the water often is the result of faulty wiring and equipment on boats or docks, sometimes created unknowingly when a boat owner attempts to repair or upgrade a vessel’s electrical systems. Household wiring and boat wiring are different, so if you’re not 100% certain of what you’re doing with shore-power repairs, hire a professional. And you should test your boat periodically for electrical leakage into the water.

You should never swim near any dock or boat where AC power is used. To reduce the risk, individuals and pets should never enter the water within 150 feet of any electrical equipment or wiring, which eliminates swimming in a marina. Most marinas prohibit it anyway.

In 2011, the National Electric Code introduced new requirements for ground-fault protection in shore-power applications in marinas and boatyards. The 2017 version expands the protection area to docks at private residences. The new requirements are not retroactive, but dock owners would be wise to upgrade their facilities, which can be as simple as installing a ground-fault circuit interrupter at the dock pedestal. This device will trip if dangerous current escapes the dock. Ask your marina to install ground-fault protection and have the electrical system inspected and tested annually. And owners also should have their private docks inspected each year by a qualified marine electrician. New requirements include warning signage on all docks — including residential — using electricity. The American Boat & Yacht Council also requires whole-boat ground-fault protection and an equipment leakage current interrupter now is installed on new boats. Owners of older boats should consider upgrading their shore-power systems. The upgrade equipment normally is installed at the power panel and a professional can install it in as little as two hours.

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

Around & About OCTOBER

Scarecrows on Main

Through October, Main Street, downtown Kennesaw

Community members are invited to visit the city’s Facebook page and vote for their favorite scarecrow in the Scarecrows on Main competition. The winner will receive $100. www.facebook.com/CityofKennesaw

First Friday Concert Series

Oct. 6, 7-9:30 p.m., Pedestrian

Underpass/Tunnel Plaza off Main Street, downtown Kennesaw

The Kennesaw Downtown Development Authority and the Kennesaw Downtown Merchants Association conclude the third annual series with Emerald Empire Band. https://bit.ly/3o7nzvG

Traveling Through Time at the Gardens

Oct. 6-7, 9-11:30 a.m., Smith-Gilbert Gardens

Students can take part in a walking tour to learn about the history of the garden’s land. Cost is $10 per student, $12 chaperones, free for teachers. Preregistration is required. https://ticketscandy.com/e/travelingthrough-time-at-the-gardens-2573

Cemetery Cleanup Day

Oct. 7, 9 a.m.-noon, Kennesaw City Cemetery, downtown

Join the Kennesaw Cemetery

Preservation Commission to clean headstones in the historic cemetery. Cleaning supplies will be provided, but volunteers should bring their own gloves.

Dog Days at the Gardens

Oct. 7, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Smith-Gilbert Gardens

Pups can explore the gardens with their humans the first Saturday of each month through October for $3 per visit. https://smithgilbertgardens.com/ dogdays

Fall-O-Ween

Oct. 7, 3-9 p.m., Swift-Cantrell Park

Calling all superheroes, princesses, ninjas and ghouls — Kennesaw is celebrating all things fall and Halloween at Spook-Central Park. Costume contests, a scavenger hunt, field games, a candy trail and a showing of “Hotel Transylvania” (PG) will be part of the fun. www.kennesaw-ga.gov/ falloween, 770-422-9714

Saturday Guided Nature Walks

Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28, 11-11:45 a.m., SmithGilbert Gardens

Explore the garden and hear from master naturalists on topics such as wildlife and plants. https://smithgilbertgardens.com/ at-the-gardens/exhibits

Forest Bathing

Oct. 12, 14, 10-11 a.m., Smith-Gilbert Gardens

De-stress and lower anxiety by taking a slow walk, utilizing your senses to enjoy the benefits of nature. https://smithgilbertgardens.com/ at-the-gardens/exhibits

She Soars 2023 Women’s Conference

Oct. 13-14, Friday, 2-5:30 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Kennesaw First Baptist Church, 2958 N. Main St.

The theme for this faith-based conference is “Fearless.” For information and tickets, visit www.soaringwithhim. com/conference or call (404) 432-0497.

Kids enjoyed games and candy at last year’s Fall-O-Ween.

Adult Speaker Series

Oct. 14, 1-2 p.m., Southern Museum, 2829 Cherokee St., Kennesaw

Join Adam Ware to learn about how Dalton and northwest Georgia became a textile hub. 770-427-2117, www.southernmuseum.org

2023 ArtsKSU Gala

Oct. 14, 6-9 p.m., Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre

The gala, benefiting annual student scholarships in the College of the Arts at Kennesaw State University, will feature a cash bar, hors d’oeuvres, dinner, gourmet dessert, a formal program and silent and live auctions. This year’s event will celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Bernard A. Zuckerman Museum of Art. https://e.givesmart.com/events/xhs

Taste and Brews Fall Festival

Oct. 14-15, Etowah River Park, Canton Foodies and beer lovers come together for this fun event that includes live music, a kids zone, farmers market, and arts and crafts. www.tasteandbrews.com

Mount Paran Christian School

Tuesday Tour

Oct. 17, 24, 9 a.m., 1275 Stanley Road, Kennesaw

Families interested in learning more about the school can sign up for a Tuesday Tour. 470-250-0008, www.mtparanschool.com/ experience

Town Hall Meeting

Oct. 19, 6:30-8 p.m., KSU Center, 3333 Busbee Drive, Kennesaw

Cobb Commission Chairwoman Lisa Cupid will talk with residents about her priorities. Residents also will be able to talk with several board appointees.

Life in the Cemetery Tour

Oct. 20-22, 6 p.m., 6:45 p.m., 7:30 p.m, Kennesaw City Cemetery, 3000 Cemetery St.

Experience history come to life as you meet eight dearly departed residents during one of three tours. Each tour is limited to 15. Tickets $15. https://kennesawcemetery.org

Document Shredding Event

Oct. 21, 9 a.m.-noon, Kennesaw Public Works, 3080 Moon Station Road

Bring your personal documents for free shredding. No glass, metal or electronics.

Kaiser Permanente Health Mobile

Oct. 21, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Smith-Gilbert Gardens

Free health screenings.

Family Acrylic Painting

Oct. 21, 10-11:30 a.m., Smith-Gilbert Gardens

Families will enjoy painting landscapes with Laura Surace as she demonstrates various techniques. Cost is $35. Preregistration required. https:// ticketscandy.com/e/art-workshops-2570

Adult Acrylic Painting

Oct. 21, 1-3 p.m., Smith-Gilbert Gardens

Learn to mix and layer paints to create a landscape with depth and richness. Cost is $35. Preregistration is required. https:// ticketscandy.com/e/art-workshops-2570

Pre-K STEAM

Oct. 27, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Mount Paran Christian School

Bring your toddlers and preschoolers, ages 2-6, for a hands-on STEAM exploration. 470-250-0008, www.mtparanschool.com/experience

Tales on the Rails Ghost Tour

Oct. 27-28, 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Southern Museum

Learn about ghostly Civil War tales and railroad folklore on guided tours through the museum. Free with museum admission. 770-427-2117, https://southernmuseum.org

Nightmare on Main Street 5K

Oct. 28, 7:30 a.m., 1-mile fun run; 8 a.m., 5K; and 8:55 a.m., Tot Trot; downtown Kennesaw and SwiftCantrell Park

The final race in the 2023 Kennesaw Grand Prix 5K Series, the premier 5K races in north Georgia, is a Peachtree Road Race qualifier. Awards will be presented at 9:15 a.m. Entry fee of $35 includes a race T-shirt.

Fall Fun Festival

Oct. 29, 3 p.m., Wholistic Life Church, 2210 Pine Mountain Road, Kennesaw Enjoy free food, entertainment and crafts in a family-friendly environment. 904-805-3876

NOVEMBER

Acworth Cares: A Foster Care Celebration

Nov. 1, 6-7:30 p.m., Acworth Community Center

Join Georgia Kids Belong and the city of Acworth for their first community foster care celebration and recruitment night to honor foster parents and recruit new foster and respite parents. Representatives from the Division of Family & Children Services, Goshen Valley, Bethany and Winshape Homes will be present. Appetizers, desserts and coffee will be provided. bit.ly/44JMTYb

Waymark Hands of Hope Gala

Nov. 2, 6:45-9 p.m., North Metro Church, Marietta

This free event will include a farm-to-table dinner, live music, speaker Mary-Kate Burson, youth testimonials and a live auction benefiting young people in Cherokee and Cobb counties who are in the foster care system.

https://waymarkfoster.org/gala

Acworth Charm Tour of Homes

Nov. 11, noon-5 p.m., downtown Acworth

This year’s home tour is focusing on six charming lake homes. Proceeds benefit Brookwood Christian School and Acworth Arts Alliance. http://acworthcharm.com/

Cobb Photographic Society

Monochrome

Andreas Wierschen - First Place (Ace)

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

Color

Novice

Joy Rogers - First Place (Starlet)

Jeff Westland - First Place (Garden Beauty)

Lori Mitchum - Second Place (3-2 Count)

Andreas Wierschen - Second Place (Cowboy)

Healthy Plants Start With Bed Preparation

BY ROBERT TRAWICK

Fall is a prime planting season in Georgia. Cool-season flowering bedding plants and vegetables are planted through February, and October through February is the best time to plant hardy shrubs, ground covers and perennials. How well you prepare the soil before planting has an enormous effect on the health and growth of your plants.

Gardeners often put too little effort into learning about their soil and what is needed for proper bed preparation. Soil is the primary source of water and nutrients for plants and also must provide sufficient oxygen to the root system. A gardener’s job is to make sure, through proper bed preparation, the soil provides what plants need to be healthy and strong.

There are many kinds of soil in Georgia. Knowing the characteristics of the soil in your garden is necessary for a successful growing season. You can learn about it by talking to other gardeners who are knowledgeable about the soils in your area.

You also can have your soil tested by the University of Georgia Extension. In Cobb County, you can bring your soil samples to the Cooperative Extension office and have it tested by the lab for $9. This is possibly the best $9 you will spend on your entire landscape. The test will provide information on many nutrients, like phosphorus and potassium, as well as providing the pH. Typically, test results are emailed to you within seven to 10 business days, just in time to prepare beds for our prime planting season.

Bed Preparation

Shrubs, ground covers, vegetables, annuals and perennials should always be planted in well-prepared beds. Trees generally are planted in individual planting holes, and the soil used to fill in around their roots should not be amended. The soil in beds, however, usually is improved in some way when amendments are added. Amendments are materials blended with the soil to enhance the growth of plants being planted in the bed. Here are the basic steps in preparing a bed.

First, do a thorough job of removing unwanted vegetation from the bed. This might mean taking up turf to create a new bed or just cleaning out weeds that have grown in an existing

bed. Then, turn over the soil to a depth of at least 8 inches using a shovel, spade or garden fork, and break up the large clods.

Next, spread any desired amendments over the turned soil. You almost always will want to add 2 to 4 inches of organic matter. You can make your own compost, or you can purchase compost from your local nursery. Other suitable choices include peat moss, soil conditioner or finely ground composted pine bark.

Finally, thoroughly blend the amendments into the soil. A garden tiller is great for this step, but it also can be done by hand. Rake the bed smooth and shape the sides, and you’re ready to plant. When you finish, you will see that the bed is several inches higher than it was before preparation. This is desirable, as it will help improve drainage.

Remember, a soil test can help you decide what amendments, nutrients or fertilizers need to be added to your soil.

I won’t deny that this is hard work, but the results will be healthy, vigorous plants, and it will be well worth the effort.

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 researchbased horticultural information, educational programs and projects.

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

Tom Peck prepares plant beds at The Wellness Center.

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