Tommy Allegood

A Message from the

In these uncertain times, some may find it difficult to count their blessings and experience moments of gratitude. Despite the recent challenges, we in the city of Acworth have found much to be thankful for.

As I’ve said before, Acworth is a city with a heart. This heart may have experienced recent hardships, but it continues to beat strongly and spread joy. What better time than the month of Thanksgiving to count the blessings this community has to offer?

Last month, I, along with our elected officials and city team, awarded CARES Grant funds to more than 100 Acworth-owned and operated businesses and nonprofits that suffered interruption due to COVID-19. The city is grateful for the investment these entrepreneurs make in the community, and these grants presented a way for us to show our appreciation. More than $500,000 in grants went to the recipients. The monies for the Acworth CARES Grant were allocated to the city from the Cobb County government through the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). We held a small reception, which many grant recipients attended, to pick up their checks. We are so thankful for the perseverance of our business community, and nonprofits, as they have navigated through the economic repercussions due to the pandemic. We are here for them, and will do everything in our power to support them through these challenging times.

Acworth also is thankful for our new businesses. Red Top Brewhouse is open, and continues to expand its hours and menu. And, 1885 Grill is expected to open its doors for guests Nov. 11. We also want to welcome L. Marie’s Southern Cuisine to its new location at 4417 Main St. I encourage everyone to pay these great restaurants a visit and help welcome them into our community. They are changing and expanding the economic footprint of our historic downtown. 1885 Grill already has shown great support to our police department by catering our viewing party of the live broadcast of the Cobb Chamber of Commerce’s Public Safety Appreciation event.

Speaking of Public Safety Appreciation Week, we are extremely proud of Acworth’s nominee, Detective Evan Wallace, who received the Outstanding Community Contribution Award for exemplary service above and beyond the call of duty. This recognition is well-deserved. Congratulations to all the other public safety personnel and units nominated throughout Cobb County. We are grateful for your service, and for keeping us safe.

I also am thankful for thoughtful conversations. Last month, the city of Acworth held its second event in a series of community conversations, where we discuss current affairs, such as race, prejudice, social injustices, and how we can work toward equality in our city. These conversations can be difficult, but they are an important step in moving forward in our community. At this event, Alderman Tim Houston and I had a conversation about “trigger” words. It was thought-provoking to take the time to try to understand how individuals from different backgrounds hold their own perspectives on words such as privilege, racist and police. It is a gift to have a safe and open environment to hear others’ points of view.

Our next community conversation will be a minority, women and veteran-owned business seminar. This program will be at the Acworth Community Center, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., on Nov. 12. If you are interested in attending in-person, or virtually, email communityconverstation@acworth.org.

The Acworth Turkey Chase will return for its 12th year, but will look a little different. However, the goal of the event remains the same, which is to provide food relief to the Housing Authority and food pantries in Acworth. For this year’s event, there will not be a formal race day, and everyone will be on an honor system to run the race. To participate in this Acworth tradition, and get your T-shirt, visit www.acworthturkeychase.com.

To keep up with the latest Acworth news and programs, visit www.acworth.org, sign up for our e-news blasts on our home page, or “like” Visit Acworth on Facebook.

God bless, Tommy

Tommy Allegood was elected to Acworth’s city council in 2000 and has served as mayor since 2002. He is a community builder who is purposed to make it count!