Around Kennesaw Letter From the Editor
My 19-month-old had a well check with her pediatrician Oct. 12, and, as I was driving to drop her off at daycare after the appointment, that’s when I saw it – the first house decorated for Christmas this year. A wreath hung on each window of the white farmhouse, while twinkle lights lined the roof. I love holiday decorations as much as the next person, but Thanksgiving exists people! Personally, Thanksgiving marks the start of the Christmas season and decorating in my house. When Santa rolls through at the end of the parade, that’s when the trees (yes, plural) come down from the attic, along with the rest of the decorations, and I dust off the holiday mugs for my morning coffee to prove to my husband the Christmas china collection isn’t a waste of space. Some of you are already singing carols and your family’s gingerbread house competition is days before the turkey and dressing are served. No matter when the holiday decorating starts in your house, we can all agree Oct. 12 is Maddie Beth and Parker Grace. just too dang early! For seasonally appropriate tips and recipes, don’t miss Jaime Stone’s article on Page 18. Her pie hack will help you save time, and, hopefully, make your Thanksgiving baking less stressful. With the holiday season right around the corner, many of our neighbors need a little extra help. If you’re interested in lending a helping hand, we’ve compiled a list (Page 16) of ways you can help local nonprofits serve those families this season. As Thanksgiving approaches, let’s all take time to reflect on our many blessings. I’m thankful for organizations and leaders in our community that make a difference, such as helping veterans through fishing (Page 20) and bringing joy to those with special needs (Page 42). Veterans Day is Nov. 11, so make a point to thank a veteran for their service. For a complete list of the events and organizations that serve veterans, turn to Page 22. Speaking of turkeys, I’m especially thankful for the bond between these two nuggets. They seem to really love each other, at least for now. And, even though she’s in the 91st percentile for weight, the pediatrician said Maddie Beth is “perfect.” Big sister will be sure to slip her some extra cranberry sauce. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Katie Beall Katie Beall is managing editor of Aroundabout Local Media. Send your comments or questions to Katie@AroundaboutMagazines.com.
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AROUND KENNESAW | November 2021
Welcome!
Kim Dahnke has joined
Aroundabout Local Media as senior director of operations and sales for Around Acworth and Around Kennesaw. She’s from Birmingham, Alabama, but has lived in Kennesaw longer than her home state. Kim, and her husband, Tim, have two children – a daughter, who is married, and a son, who is a freshman at Kennesaw State University. Kim enjoys serving at Burnt Hickory Baptist Church, is active in numerous business associations and chambers, and loves to participate in community events. She has a master’s degree in education from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and was the principal at First Baptist Christian School in Kennesaw for six years.
What’s Coming
Kennesaw Downtown Development Authority and the City of Kennesaw Art and Culture Commission are seeking artists and vendors for the inaugural Kennesaw Holiday Market, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Dec. 4. Merchandise should be handmade/crafted, locally produced and suitable for holiday gifts. No commercially produced items or direct sales items will be accepted. To apply, visit https://forms.gle/ktj86YLKWfV1zMj3A.
Noteworthy
The Home Depot, at 449 Roberts Court N.W., donated pumpkins and wheat straw bales for the Truck or Treat event last month hosted by Kennesaw Parks & Recreation. The items were used to help decorate and set up photo ops for attendees. Thank you for your donation!
Kudos
Last month, the Cobb Chamber recognized public safety personnel throughout all Cobb communities during its annual Public Safety Appreciation Week. Congratulations to Kennesaw Police Department’s Detective Daniel Wood, who was named the 2021 Public Safety Employee of the Year. He was recognized for his actions during a multi-vehicle accident on the interstate earlier this year, as well as his dedication to work cases that target children.
