12 16 aroundacworth webfinal by Aroundabout Local Media, Inc.

Give the Gift of Heart Health

Give yourself or a loved one a gift of health with Know Your Heart, a screening program designed to determine risk of heart disease, stroke and other serious conditions. Each Know Your Heart participant receives a personalized report with test results, reviewed with a WellStar Medical Group, Cardiovascular Medicine provider. The consultation also includes risk factor education, diet, weight and exercise recommendations.

Offered in Acworth, Austell, East Cobb, Marietta & Woodstock. Call 770-956-STAR (7827) to determine eligibility and to schedule an appointment. * Coronary calcium scores read by a WellStar radiologist.

Basic Risk Assessment – $49 • Age 18+ • BMI • Wellness survey • EKG (Afib screen) • Blood pressure • Blood work (HDL, LDL, Triglycerides, Glucose, CRP, liver function)

• Risk Screen Questionnaire (sleep apnea, PAD, AAA, CHF)

Advanced Risk Assessment – $139 • Age 40+ • BMI • Wellness survey • EKG (Afib screen) • Blood pressure • Blood work (HDL, LDL, Triglycerides, Glucose, CRP, liver function)

• Risk Screen Questionnaire (sleep apnea, PAD, AAA, CHF)

• CT heart screen (coronary calcium)* • 10 year cardiovascular disease risk score Heart Screen – $99 or $149 per couple • CT heart screen (coronary calcium)*

AROUND ACWORTH | December 2016

December 2016 Volume 1, Issue 5

16 Christmas Memories

Senior adults recall special gifts and moments.

18 Smoot Family Christmas Family decorates to honor mom who loved Christmas.

20 Holiday Fun

A guide to holiday events.

24 Holiday Tips

List of tree farms and ideas for easy teacher gifts.

26 Hanukkah

Maintaining traditions with a busy schedule.

30 Veterans Day

Photos from events that honored Acworth heroes.

38 Spotted Around Town See anyone you know?

Contributing Writers

42 Turkey Chase

Tommy Allegood 13

Photos from city run that fills community food pantry.

Ron Asby 22 Carla Caldwell

16, 18, 30, 42

Josh Davis 32 Wayne Dennard 14 Claire Frost 24, 25 Jeff Glover

Scott Harden

In Every Issue Bryant Harris

Tiffany Hughes 23 Jerry King 27 Rob Macmillan 47 Gary Parkes 26 Leela Waller 51 Andrew Windham 34

Around Acworth

Ribbon Cuttings 4 Community News 8 School News 36 Community Calendar 45 Library News 46 Rob’s Rescues

Celebrations

Faith

Directory of Advertisers 55

www.AroundAcworthMagazine.com

28 & 29 On the Cover

Lakepoint Station photo courtesy of Lakepoint Station 2

AROUND ACWORTH | December 2016

ADVERTISING Market Manager Katherine Amick 678-279-5502 Katherine@AroundAboutMagazines.com

We are on social media! Facebook: Around Acworth Magazine Twitter: @AroundAcworth Instagram: around_acworth

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AROUND ACWORTH | December 2016

AROUND ACWORTH The

People, The Places and The Pleasures that make Acworth

From the Editor I had the pleasure to hear Michael J. Coles, for whom Kennesaw State University’s Coles College of Business is named, speak at a recent Acworth Business Association meeting. Coles, who served as CEO of Caribou Coffee Company, Inc. and co-founded Great American Cookie Company, shared a story about the cookie company’s first day of business. A tremendous amount of planning took place before the big day. And to help ensure a nice-size crowd on opening day, the company promised free cookies to customers. Customers arrived to a beautiful store and the delicious aroma of cookies baking. “Everything was beautiful,” Coles said. “We had the cookies going and they looked fantastic.” But during all the planning, one important ingredient was overlooked - oven mitts. With no way to get the cookies out of the ovens, they caught on fire. The store, which was inside Perimeter Mall, had to shut down the first day. Coles was asked by the mall manager, “Is this the way it is going to be?” It wasn’t. The store quickly rescheduled its grand opening and oven mitts were on hand. Soon, the business brought in more than double what it had to make to break even. Mall developers came calling. People from across the country inquired about franchise opportunities before franchising was even offered. Things not only turned out, they turned out great. As we enter into the holiday season, I am mindful of the reasons we celebrate and I am also in full planning mode. I find myself, as I do every holiday season, stressing over the details. I am going to remind myself this year that rarely do things go exactly as planned. And that’s OK. Sometimes, despite the mishaps, or perhaps because of them, things turn out even better. I hope your holiday season is filled with wonderful moments. In this month’s edition, we asked senior adults to recall a special childhood Christmas gift or memory. I enjoyed hearing their stories. You will find them on page 16. As you create your own holiday memories, check out the list of holiday events on pages 20-21. Have a great December and I hope to see you around town.

Carla Caldwell Carla Caldwell is editor of Around Acworth. Send your comments or questions to Carla@AroundAboutMagazines.com

AROUND ACWORTH | December 2016

Ribbon Cuttings

L. Marie’s Southern Cuisine 3160 North Cobb Parkway, Suite 200, Acworth 770-694-1949 www.lmariessoutherncuisine.com

The Rustic Market 5330 Brookstone Drive, Suite 220, Acworth 770-694-1282.

What’s New The Acworth Police Department has a new AED (Automated External Defibrillator), courtesy of the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation. The police department received the equipment after applying for a foundation grant An AED is used when a person is experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. An AED can check the person’s heart rhythm and determine if the individual needs an electric shock to restore a normal rhythm. Firehouse Subs is a supporter of the Acworth Police Department and contributes to many Acworth events.

Extra Bold Bold Medium

Acworth

3384 N Cobb Pkwy, Suite 110 Next to Panera Bread (770) 974-0880 M-F 8a-10p | S 9a-7p | Su 10a-6p

AROUND ACWORTH | December 2016

COMMUNITY BOARD The Around Acworth community board consists of well-respected community leaders from different walks of life. Our board members assist us in many ways that range from serving as contributing writers to providing valuable feedback.

Publisher AroundAbout Local Media, Inc.

Tia Amlett, the principal of Barber Middle School, has been an educator for the past 19 years. Prior to becoming a principal, Tia served as an assistant principal at Garrett Middle School and North Cobb High School. She is a native of South Carolina who earned her bachelor’s degree at Clemson University and master’s and education specialist’s degrees from Nova Southeastern University. Tia is married to Jonah, and they have two children, Nia and Jordan, who attend Cobb County schools.

Market Manger Katherine Amick Katherine@AroundAboutMagazines.com

Ellen Kennerly has lived in Acworth since 1992. She has worked as a journalist for more than three decades, most of it with the Atlanta JournalConstitution holding positions as Olympics News Editor, Design Director, A1 Editor and Director of Content Development and Operations for ajc. com, among others. More recently, she worked as Professional in Residence at Louisiana State University and as Director of Asset Intelligence for WebMD. Her business, Kennerly Digital Directions, provides consulting and hands-on deliverables in communications, design and web development, largely for Acworth business people. Bob Weatherford has been a Cobb County resident for two decades. Bob was a reserve police officer for more than 20 years, eight of those with Acworth PD including time as Captain. He is active in local charities, numerous civic organizations, and cofounded Shop with a Hero. He was elected Cobb County District 1 Commissioner in 2014. In addition to his duties as commissioner, he teaches motorcycle safety courses for the Department of Driver’s Services. Danielle Hilderbrand is a Cobb County native. She has been a business owner on Main Street in Acworth for more than six years. Danielle is the proprietor of Pearl’s Spa and Boutique, a partner in Rustic Ruby gift shop and an active volunteer in Acworth. She has been a member of the Acworth Downtown Development Authority for several years and will be president of The Acworth Business Association in 2017. She is a graduate from McEachern High School and Acworth’s North Metro Technical College (now Chattahoochee Tech).

ALM President Patty Ponder 770-615-3322 Patty@AroundAboutMagazines.com

Title Editor Carla Caldwell 770-852-8481 Carla@AroundAboutMagazines.com Executive Editor Candi Hannigan 770-615-3309 Candi@AroundAboutMagazines.com Art Director Michelle McCulloch 770-615-3307 Michelle@AroundAboutMagazines.com Page Designer Laura Latchford Laura@AroundAboutMagazines.com Controller Denise Griffin 770-615-3315 Denise@AroundAboutMagazines.com Marketing Support Associate Terri Spencer Terri@AroundAboutMagazines.com Around Acworth, a publication of AroundAbout Local Media, Inc., is a monthly community magazine. The magazine’s goal is to build a sense of community and pride in Acworth and surrounding area by providing residents with positive stories and timely information. It distributes a total of 16,500 free copies. Approximately 15,300 are direct mailed to homes and businesses and an additional 1,200 are placed in racks around the community. See page 56 for a distribution map. Around Acworth also has many digital viewers of the magazine online each month. Around Acworth welcomes your comments, stories, and advertisements. The deadline is the 13th of the previous month. Subscriptions are available for $24 per year. Send check or money order to the address below. The viewpoints of the advertisers, columnists and submissions are not necessarily those of the editor/ publisher and the publisher makes no claims as to the validity of any charitable organizations mentioned. Around Acworth is not responsible for errors or omissions. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the publisher. All rights reserved. © Copyright 2016 Around Acworth

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Volume 1, Issue 5 6

AROUND ACWORTH | December 2016

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AROUND ACWORTH | December 2016 oh ns on

Community

YOUR LOCAL NEWS Cobb Joins with Waze to Provide More Traffic Information Cobb County Department of Transportation has entered into a data-sharing partnership with Waze (www.waze.com), a realtime crowdsourced traffic and navigation app. By using Waze, the county can provide more information about ongoing construction, traffic incidents and event-related lane closures. The Waze app combines Cobb DOT’s traffic information with user-generated reports to offer a more comprehensive look at conditions for commuters. The county will also collect anonymous, real-time data from Waze to help identify traffic trends. That information is beneficial in transportation planning as Cobb continues to progress as a metro Atlanta hub for business, education and entertainment. For more information about Waze’s Connected Citizens free data exchange program, go to waze.com/ccp. To download the free Waze app for iOS or Android, visit www.waze.com/get.

Community Classes Tai Chi

The Acworth Parks, Recreation and Community Resource Department offers two levels of Tai Chi. A beginners class is 6:30 p.m. Mondays. Advanced classes are 7:30 p.m. Mondays. All classes are taught by Phil Robinson and his certified instructors. Classes are held at the Roberts School Community and Education Center in Acworth. Unsure which class to attend? Contact the Acworth Parks and Recreation Department at 770-917-1234 to reach the instructor. Classes begin Dec. 5. The cost for this two-month session is $75 for city residents and $100 for noncity residents. Register at www.acworthparksandrecreation.org.

Tap/Ballet

The Acworth Parks, Recreation and Community Resource Department will offer a combination dance class for children 2½ to 5 years old. Classes are divided with 20 minutes of tap and 25 minutes of ballet. Classes are taught by Heather Pace, a Creative Movement and Dance instructor. Classes are held from 4:30-5:15 p.m Tuesdays at the Roberts School Community and Education Center. The session will run from Jan. 17 through May 2. The cost is $195 for city residents and $200 for nonresidents. Register at www.acworthparksandrecreation.org. 8

AROUND ACWORTH | December 2016

Cobb EMC Warns of Scams Cobb EMC members and customers of other utilities throughout the country should be aware of telephone, mail, email, doorto-door and other in-person scams that involve criminals posing as utility company representatives and demanding immediate payment or personal information, Cobb EMC said in a prepared statement. According to Cobb EMC, scammers: • Impersonate electric, natural gas, and/ or water company employees over the phone, in-person, or by other means. • Target vulnerable demographics, including senior citizens and non-native English speakers. • Use advanced tactics, such as playing a telephone recording that sounds like a utility company’s phone system message or displaying a utility company’s name and logo in person. • Threaten to disconnect or suspend utility service if immediate payment is not received. If contacted by a criminal impersonating an electric, natural gas, or water company representative: • Hang up the phone, or close the door, and call your utility company’s verified, direct phone number. You can find the number on your utility company’s website or on your utility bill. • Do not give the caller or visitor a prepaid card, such as a Green Dot card, a wire transfer, or any other form of payment that may be difficult for law enforcement officials to trace. • Ignore suspicious requests for personal information such as bank account numbers, usernames and passwords, credit card numbers, or Social Security numbers. • Delete all suspicious emails that require immediate action to verify or demand personal information. • Contact your local police through the non-emergency telephone number (Acworth Police Department can be reached at 770-974-3111), or contact the Federal Trade Commission at https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/, or 1-877-382-4357.

CURE ACID REFLUX WHILE EATING YOUR FAVORITE FOODS! NO DRUGS NECESSARY Are you still taking drugs like Prilosec or Nexium for heartburn? Perhaps you’ll reconsider if you heard the latest about what these drugs are doing to your body…Maybe you already knew about the possibility of these types of drugs grinding down your bones until they become thin, brittle and more prone to fractures. And perhaps you’re also aware of the fact that they can make your heart race uncontrollably. It could be that you’re ok with the fact that a German study found that the use of antacids like Prilosec increased the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s by 44%… or it’s likely that you’re unbothered by the risk of super infections (which can be bad enough to require hospitalization) because you’re not planning on being on these drugs long-term. Well, you might want to reconsider because the manufacturers of these drugs know that quite the opposite is true. Shockingly, antacids cause a hidden type of dependence which makes them nearly IMPOSSIBLE to quit once started… This type of dependence is so significant it outraged Dr. Sidney Wolfe, director of Public Citizen’s Health Research Group enough to send letters to the FDA to have warnings regarding the risk of dependence clearly printed on the box. Dr. Wolfe is outraged because he knows that once an individual starts using drugs like Prilosec, Nexium, Prevacid or even Zantac or Pepcid there is an actual worsening of heartburn that users will not realize until they stop using these products. So it’s literally like a form of addiction, making the risk of bone fractures, arrhythmias, Alzheimer’s and super infections that much more likely for the user whom we now know will certainly have to take these drugs long term. And to make

matters worse, the National Institutes of Health conducted a study and found that individuals who maintain long-term use of these drugs are at increased risk for esophageal cancer!

So What’s the Solution?

There’s good news according to Dr. Jaqueline Wolf, a gastroenterologist and professor at Harvard Medical School. She says the worsening of acid-reflux caused by these drugs can be reversed over time with adequate lifestyle changes. But if we’re honest, this correction isn’t going to happen overnight – there will be significant (and painful) challenges in the transition…Thank goodness there are natural solutions to heartburn like RHIZINATE 3x to put heartburn on ice. Scientists believe RHIZINATE 3x soothes the entire digestive tract by creating a buffer between gut tissue and digestive acid. In fact, RHIZINATE 3x is so effective against acid-reflux it has been known to restore the lining of your digestive tract after it’s been depleted – a benefit that will eliminate your need of antacid drugs for GOOD. What is RHIZINATE 3x? RHIZINATE 3x is an all-natural compound of the licorice plant that cools heartburn, relieves indigestion, heals ulcers and even soothes canker sores. So significant is the power of RHIZINATE 3x it was found to COMPLETELY CURE 22% of patients suffering from peptic ulcer disease while showing a WHOPPING 90% improvement in the symptoms of others it did not cure. What does that mean for you? That means you won’t have to stuff your pockets full of Tums, or choke down a shot of Maalox or run to a nearby pharmacy after enjoying a family meal. RHIZINATE 3x means your

doctor won’t have to “run some extra tests” at your next G.I. check-up; RHIZINATE 3x means TOTAL COMFORT after enjoying your favorite meals…because RHIZINATE 3x is going to be the ACE up your sleeve, giving you a healthier G.I. tract by healing it from the inside out; and allowing you to quit those LIFE-DRAINING drugs that slowly ruin your intestines, bones, brain, heart and immune system. “This stuff was recommended for my wife for her stomach from her Naturopath and it works great! She has almost no pain and is able to eat foods that were causing her pain.” – Tom Hedlin “This has helped me get off prescription drugs for Gerd. Tastes like candy too. I do not have acid reflux anymore because of taking this.” – Steve Bischoff Are you ready for ALL-DAY relief of heartburn, indigestion, ulcers, pain and waking in the night with acid in your mouth? Do want fast, soothing relief that doesn’t take weeks to kick in? Then purchase RHIZINATE 3x, the natural CURE for heartburn that works with your body instead of slowly destroying it… best of all, instead of causing dependence like Nexium or Zantac does, users are often able to reduce their need of RHIZINATE 3x over time. So get RHIZINATE 3x on sale today for $15.98 today if want to enjoy all your favorite foods again, without paying for it with your health. Keep in mind your purchase is RISK FREE, if you get no results after complete use of RHIZINATE 3x, simply return your empty bottle for a refund. Read More @ redcarpetpharmacy.com Sale Expires 12/23/16

AROUND ACWORTH | December 2016

YOUR LOCAL NEWS Daddy-Daughter Dance The Acworth Parks, Recreation and Community Resource Department will host its annual Daddy-Daughter Dance 7-9 p.m. Feb. 11 at North Cobb High School in the Old Gym. This year’s dance will be a Blacklight Ball. Girls 13 years of age or younger are invited to attend with their dads or adult male escort. The daddy-daughter duos should dress in white or neon, so that they will glow brightly as they dance the night away. The event will include a DJ, light refreshments and gifts for the girls. A photographer will be available for optional pictures. The cost per couple for city residents is $25 and $35 for non-residents. The fee for additional daughters is $10 each. Pre-register for this event. Day-of registration will be offered only if space is available and increased rates will apply. For more information or to register, visit www.acworthparksandrecreation.org.

Se n i o r A c t i v i t i e s Senior Lunch A senior luncheon will be held at noon Dec. 20, sponsored by the City of Acworth Parks, Recreation and Community Resource Department. Lunch, bingo and other activities. Roberts School Community and Education Center, 4681 School St. Program is free to all seniors. No RSVP is required.

January “Senior’s Got Groove” Day Trip Seniors will take a day trip to Ponce City Market in Atlanta. The cost of lunch is not included in the cost of the trip. Registration opens for city residents Dec. 7 and for nonresidents Dec. 14. The cost for a city resident is $5; the cost for a non-city resident is $10.

Senior Chair Yoga Learn stretching and strengthening exercises, breathing techniques and more. The 10-week session will be held Mondays beginning Jan. 23. Classes will be held 10-10:45 a.m. and again 11-11:45 a.m. at the Roberts School Community and Education Center. The class is free to residents and $15 for nonresidents. Register online at www.acworthparksandrecreation. org or in person at 4762 Logan Road, Acworth, 30101. For more information please call 770-917-1234.

Senior Cardio Combo Elevate your metabolism by moving rhythmically to music. Strengthen and tighten muscles using free weights. The 10week session will be held Thursdays beginning Jan. 26. Classes will be held 10-10:45 a.m. and again 11-11:45 a.m. at the Roberts School Community and Education Center. Classes are free to residents and $15 for non-residents. Register online at www.acworthparksandrecreation.org or in person at 4762 Logan Road, Acworth, 30101. For more information please call 770-917-1234. 10

AROUND ACWORTH | December 2016

Skaggs Signs Letter of Intent with University of Florida Gymnastics Academy of Atlanta’s former U.S. National Team member Megan Skaggs has signed a national letter of intent with the University of Florida and will join the Gators for the 2017 season. She is coached by Jacobo Giron and Elena Pankratova of the Gymnastics Academy of Atlanta. Megan began gymnastics when she was 3 years old. At 9, she became the Georgia state champion on the floor exercise and the all-around champion at Region 8 championships. She became balance beam champion and third all-around at the 2011 U.S. Challenge. Skaggs was named to the Senior U.S. National Team for the 2014-15 season. She competed in Italy for Team USA at the 2015 City of Jesolo Trophy, where the team won gold. She was a member of the 2015 U.S. team at the Pan American Games in Toronto, where she and the team brought home the team gold medal and Skaggs was the balance beam silver medalist.

Burning Banned Due to Drought Cobb County is under a temporary ban on outdoor burning that includes the burning of yard debris. The ban is in response to dry weather and drought conditions. Leaves, pine straw and other yard debris cannot be burned until the ban is lifted. The ban is expected to be lifted when significant rainfall is received. The Fire Marshal’s Office has also stopped issuing large yard waste and bonfire permits during this time.

Increasing pressure at work Tightening chest pain

IS IT AN EMERGENCY? Ongoing symptoms could mean a more serious problem. If you are experiencing recurring symptoms, you can rely on our emergency room to be there for you 24/7. Our team of expert emergency trained physicians will diagnose and treat you so you can get back to work.

Warning Signs: Chest Pain Shortness of Breath Weakness Cough Indigestion Nausea Sweating

C A R T E R S V I L L E M E D I C A L . CO M / W O R K AROUND ACWORTH | December 2016

YOUR LOCAL NEWS Donate to Help Homebound Seniors Enjoy the Holiday

Fall Brings Increase in Car-Deer Collisions The fall months traditionally are the most active for whitetail deer, which can lead to vehicle-deer collisions. In 2015, there were 234 deer-vehicle collisions reported to the Cobb County Police Department. The majority of the collisions occurred in October, November and December. Fall months traditionally are the most active months for whitetail deer activity as these months are when most breeding activity takes place. In Cobb County, November has the highest numbers of deer-vehicle collisions with 60 accidents reported last year, the department says. By comparison, October 2015 had 39 collisions reported and December had 29. The best way to avoid striking a deer is to remain alert. If a deer is spotted on the side of the road, slow down and be prepared to stop. If the deer crosses the road, anticipate that others will follow. The use of “deer whistles” that attach to your car to warn deer are of little use, the department says. Research on deer hearing by the University of Georgia determined that a deer’s hearing is not much different from ours, the department adds. Use high beams when appropriate to help illuminate deer on the roadside and use a car horn to warn deer. If a collision with a deer appears unavoidable, don’t swerve into oncoming traffic or a ditch/tree in an attempt to miss it. If you have slowed down, the collision with the deer will cause less damage and lessen the chance of injury than either striking another car or fixed object, the department says. Cobb County is under a temporary ban on outdoor burning that includes the burning of yard debris. The ban is in response to dry weather and drought conditions. Leaves, pine straw and other yard debris cannot be burned until the ban is lifted. The ban is expected to be lifted when significant rainfall is received. The Fire Marshal’s Office has also stopped issuing large yard waste and bonfire permits during this time. 12

AROUND ACWORTH | December 2016

Donations are needed to help Cobb County homebound seniors enjoy a happy holiday season. Cobb Senior Services is gearing up for its 11th annual Christmas365 event on Dec. 7. The event provides an opportunity for homebound seniors to enjoy holiday cheer, food, gifts and fellowship. Make a monetary donation at cobbseniors.org.

Summit Baptist Hosts Compassion Experience Summit Baptist Church will host “Change the Story: The Compassion Experience,” Dec. 9-12, at 4310 Moon Station Lane, Acworth 30101. The traveling exhibition allows visitors to walk through the life of a child who has suffered the crippling despair of severe poverty. In less than 20 minutes, the child’s story changes from hardship to hope, and from hope to a life transformed because someone stepped in and “changed the story,” according to the church. The exhibit is free. For times and to make a reservation, go to CompassionExperience.com

Operation Give a Dog a House Give a dog a home by donating dog houses to needy pets living outside during the winter. Drop off new or used plastic or igloo-type dog houses that are in good conditions to Cobb County Animal Control’s shelter, 1060 Bishop Drive, Marietta. Shelter staff cannot accept barrel-type dog houses. If you are unable to deliver houses, contact the shelter to schedule a pickup at 770-499-4136 or control@cobbcounty.org. The program is part of the shelter’s holiday community outreach effort.

A M essage T

from the

he holiday season in Acworth is truly special! We deck the streets with garland, lights and boast some of the most beautiful window displays around. Our merchants stock up on amazing gifts for the holiday season and we encourage you to support them by “shopping small.” Avoid the crowds at the mall and imagine shopping for the holidays in quaint little shops with the smell of cinnamon in the air and a friendly face behind every counter! The city is filled with such a warm feeling, you will thank yourself for taking the opportunity to enjoy it. While visiting Acworth, you will also want to check out Main Street Gallery in our historic downtown. The gallery will host an exhibit called “Small Works Show and Holiday Artist Market” that includes more than 30 local artists. The exhibit will feature many affordable arts and crafts that would make the perfect holiday gift for your loved ones. The show runs through Dec. 23. For more information, visit www. acworthculturalarts.org. If you aren’t shopping, there is still plenty to do this December in Acworth. Christmas in Acworth will take place from 1-5 p.m. Dec. 3 and Dec. 10. Santa will be at the Depot for pictures both days, free of charge. Make sure to bring your camera, as there will not be a photographer on site. There will also be a choral performance from McCall Primary at noon on Dec. 3 on the Plaza on Senator Russell Avenue. On Dec. 10, free horse-and-carriage rides will depart from the same Plaza. Don’t forget to take a stroll down to Frana

M ayor

Brown Park and peruse the annual Festival of Trees! Each year, the city celebrates Hanukkah with a Menorah Lighting Ceremony at the corner of Main Street and Cowan Road. This year’s event will take place Dec. 28, the fifth night of Hanukkah. Rabbi Zalman Charytan from the Chabad Jewish Center will officiate the lighting. We are proud to host this ceremony and celebrate the diversity within our community! In Acworth, our seniors got groove! We strive to offer an abundance of senior classes and activities in our community and we do not disappoint! The self-proclaimed “Seniors Got Groove” group will take an overnight trip in December to Asheville, N.C. The four-day getaway will include holiday festivities at the Biltmore House, Omni Grove Park Inn, Antler Hill Village and more! Make sure to check the Acworth Parks, Recreation and Community Resource Department’s website for all future trips and classes that you might want to take part in! As always, for more information on any of these projects, events and programs you can visit www.cityofacworth. org, sign up for our e-news blasts on our home page, “like” Visit Acworth on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter at @ VisitAcworth. God Bless, Tommy

Atlanta native Tommy Allegood is a University of Georgia graduate. He was elected to Acworth’s city council in 2000 and has served as mayor since 2002. The mayor is director for the Cobb Community Foundation, building community through creating charitable resources.

AROUND ACWORTH | December 2016

Gratitude

Chief Expresses for Community, City Officials’ Support BY WAYNE DENNARD

As the year comes to a close, I find myself looking back at the accomplishments we have made as a department and the many gifts for which we owe our thanks. The greatest gift we have received is the support that we have been shown throughout the year by the citizens of this great city. It has been a difficult year for law enforcement officers. We have seen a 67 percent increase in the number of officers killed by gunfire this year as compared to last year. I am concerned for our country and for our law enforcement officers, but I am also encouraged by the outpouring of love and support that I have seen from our community. Our officers see “I Support Acworth Police” magnets on vehicles everywhere they go, citizens have brought cards and treats to the police department nearly every week, and our officers are stopped nearly every day by people who just want to say “thanks” for serving the community. During a time when officers in many communities feel maligned and marginalized,

The greatest gift we have received is the support that we have been shown throughout the year by the citizens of this great city.

PHOTO BY DARLEEN PREM 14

AROUND ACWORTH | December 2016

our officers feel appreciated and respected. I believe that is one of the reasons that our department is not facing the officer shortages that other departments are seeing. Our department has seen tremendous support in terms of the financial commitment that has been made for training. Our officers have collectively received more than 6,000 hours of training this year alone. In addition, our new use-of-force simulator has become an invaluable part of our training program. We are so grateful to have it. Proper training is essential, and the bare minimum of 20 hours per officer is not sufficient to maintain our high standards. Our city recognizes this fact, and has allotted the funds necessary to ensure that our officers have the skills needed to meet the challenges of 21st century policing. I am also grateful for our city’s commitment to ensure that our officers have the best equipment possible. Over the past two years, the city has made incredible strides to provide the best of the best for our officers and for our citizens. In a relatively short time, we have made major improvements to our headquarters and detention facilities and implemented a take-home car program. And this month we are issuing bodyworn cameras to all of our officers. It took a great deal of time, research and planning to get to where we are now, and since we began this process years ago, we will actually be one of the first agencies in the area to fully deploy body cameras to all of

our officers. I believe that I have a personal responsibility to our citizens to make sure that their officers have the best equipment possible. It is also my responsibility to ensure that we are completely transparent with our policies and practices. Our body camera initiative helps to ensure that both responsibilities are met. I am confident that in the years to come, we will continue to grow and to ensure that our police department has the right tools to provide the best possible service to the community. In this season of giving, I am acutely aware of the many blessings our department has received. I am grateful that we are able to take a huge step in increasing officer safety and trust within our community by issuing body-worn cameras to our officers. More than anything, I am so thankful for our officers and staff at the Acworth Police Department, without whom none of the great work we do would be possible. It takes a team to make it happen, and ours is the best! Our mayor, city manager, board of aldermen and community have worked hard to ensure that we have excellent equipment and benefits. That is a major reason that people want to come here to work, but there is also an unquantifiable, intangible factor that puts us over the top: our friendly, positive environment where people enjoy coming to work each day. That is true within the walls of our department as well as out in the community. Acworth is a special place, and I am grateful to call it home.

Chief Dennard has served as chief since 2012 and has lived in this community for more than 40 years.

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AROUND ACWORTH | December 2016

It’s the

Most Wonderful Time of the Year! At Around Acworth magazine we love spending this time of year with family and friends, and we love sharing holiday features with our readers. In our December edition, we invite you to walk down memory lane with some local senior adults as they share stories of favorite Christmas gifts and moments, and to read about an Acworth family who goes all out to decorate their home in honor of a family member who loved Christmas. We’ve included a list of area Christmas tree farms, tips to take great holiday photos, and ways to create easy teacher gifts. Contributing writer Ron Asby reminds us to remember military members and their families during the holidays, and contributor Tiffany Hughes shares cookie ideas that are sure to delight Santa. We have a feature on Hanukkah that includes information about Acworth’s menorah lighting, and a list of other holiday events in and near Acworth. We hope you enjoy the holidays and create memories that will last for years to come. From our families to yours −

Happy Holidays!

Special Memories of Christmas BY CARLA CALDWELL

Around Acworth magazine asked senior adults to share a memory about a special childhood Christmas gift or treasured holiday moment. We enjoyed hearing their stories and hope you will enjoy reading them.

Sharon Applin Almon, 63

There were 10 of us. I was about 8 years old and my parents could not afford Christmas gifts, but I remember that I got a baby doll that Christmas. You could change its clothes.

Jim Caruolo, 73 Annise Smith, “21-plus”

When I was about 5 and growing up in New York, I got a wooden doll house with furniture in all of the rooms and real cloth curtains. It was a special surprise. My parents put it all together themselves. I played with it for about five years. 16

AROUND ACWORTH | December 2016

Lionel trains were a big item when I was a kid. When I was 6 years old I asked for one. My dad was working two jobs and yet my parents put money out for that. I asked them to take it back. I still have it today. It is a prized possession.

Karen Lekan, 64

When I was 8 or 9, I got a Barbie and case to keep it in. I carried it around everywhere and I played with it for many years. I also remember that every Christmas all the girls in my family made a Polish cookie called Kolacky. We made it with nut filling and apricot.

Phil Kensinger, 95 When I was 6 or 8 everyone had bicycles and I really wanted one, it sure beat walking. My parents got me one and it was stored in the attic until Christmas. It was ideal. I still remember what it looked like. It was blue and white.

Holly Klein, 70

Eleanor Kensinger, 91

When I was about 5 years old I got two dolls, a Madame Alexander bride doll and a baby doll. My brother got a Lionel train. My brother still has the train and I still have the bride doll. The box she came in finally fell apart, but I keep her in my closet and take her out from time to time and show my daughters.

I was 17 during World War II and I still believed in Santa Claus. Black shoes with heels were popular and I wanted a pair. We had to ration everything and you couldn’t get many things. We were lucky to have food. For Christmas, I got a pair of brown shoes with heels and they were the ugliest shoes I ever saw. But they fit! I was glad to have them.

Carolyn Irwin, 82

When I was 10 years old my mother was expecting a baby and everyone was focused on that. A package came and my father said it was for my mom and the baby. But it was for me. It was a beautiful skating doll. She looked like Sonja Henie, the Olympic skater. After Christmas, at school, we had a parade of dolls and a contest. She was the prettiest and won. I was so happy.

Diane Kornacki, “over 21” I love animals. When I was 8, I got my first puppy. I really wanted a puppy and I did not know I was getting one. She was a white Boxer. I couldn’t believe it.

AROUND ACWORTH | December 2016

Family Decorates To Honor Mom Who Loved Christmas BY CARLA CALDWELL

donations for local fire and police Christmastime was terribly hard departments or other groups,” for Jeremy Smoot after his mother’s Rosalind says. “Jeremy grew up death in 2007 from complications in Texas and had never heard of of lupus. She loved Christmas and Lights for Lupus/Smoot Family that. He thought it would be great went all out every year to decorate. Christmas Light Show to donate, but he was skeptical. Jeremy’s wife, Rosalind, started 699 Autumn View Drive, Acworth, 30101 He had never seen anyone donate to dread the Christmas season. 5:30-10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday because of a Christmas display.” “I knew how upset and down he 5:30-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday In 2014, after getting approval would be,” she says. “I knew we from their homeowner’s had to turn this around. I was association, the family advertised looking for ways to get his mind on their Christmas display throughout the neighborhood and on something else and to make Christmas a happy time for him.” Facebook. The weekend after Thanksgiving they turned on In 2013, the family moved to Acworth from Texas and their lights and handed out cookies and hot chocolate. More Rosalind went to work for Christmas Designers, which installs than $100 was donated. They were out again the following and sells commercial-grade lights. It was then, she says, that “she put two and two together.” Rosalind decided that the family should go all out to decorate their home and yard and to give 100 percent of any donations dropped into a bucket to the Lupus Foundation in honor of Jeremy’s mother, Debbie Founds. “I grew up in New Jersey and it was a common thing if anyone did large holiday setups they would take up

THROUGH-DEC. 31

Right: Dylan works on installing lights for one of the Smoot family home Christmas light displays as shown below.

AROUND ACWORTH | December 2016

Left: Jeremy, Dylan, 11, Miya, 7, and Rosalind Smoot Above: Jeremy Smoot installs light arches.

weekend and another $100 was collected. “Jeremy could not believe it,” Rosalind says. “He was blown away. People want to give to a good cause and it is unbelievable how generous people are.” By Dec. 31, $1,000 had been donated. The following year, $1,200 was collected. The goal this year is $2,000. Rosalind estimates that about 500 people drove by the first year and close to 800 in 2015. “The kids help add up the money every night and we keep a running total,” Rosalind says. “On Dec. 31, we go to the bank and get a money order and drive to Smyrna, to the office of the Georgia Chapter of the Lupus Foundation of America. We set up a meeting so that the kids can present the check and someone with the Lupus Foundation explains to the kids that the money helps families. “When someone with lupus (a chronic inflammatory disease) goes into the hospital, they can easily be there for seven to 10 days. If someone with lupus gets a cold, for example, it can turn into bronchitis and be difficult to fight off. The money we raise can help pay someone’s mortgage for a month, or pay bills or buy groceries.” The couple initially used their own incandescent lights to decorate, which had its drawbacks. “With the amount we

Rosalind decided that the family should go all out to decorate their home and yard and to give 100 percent of any donations dropped into a bucket to the Lupus Foundation.

put up, we were literally using EVERY outlet in the house and breaking circuits every night. Nobody could use the dryer or dishwasher between 5-10 p.m,” Rosalind adds. “We started changing all the lights to LED and the possibilities are now endless!” The family has added lights and yard fixtures and a product that synchronizes the display to programmed music. Rosalind’s company donated approximately 25,000 new lights this year, expanding their display to more than 50,000 lights. The couple is making snowflake and candy cane fixtures and two 25-foot light trees for this year’s presentation. “At Christmas, Jeremy is motivated to work with the lights and fixtures and to add new songs,” Rosalind says. “Seeing the donations going to the Lupus Foundation in his mother’s name every year really makes him happy.”

Debbie Founds and grandson, Dylan. AROUND ACWORTH | December 2016

Holiday Events All Month

Festival of Trees. Frana Brown Park, 4901 N. Main St. Acworth 30101. Participants include businesses, organizations and schools. Free. Lights for Lupus/Smoot Family Christmas Light Show. 3699 Autumn View Drive, Acworth 30101. Sunday-Thursday, 5:30-10 p.m., Friday-Saturday 5:30-11 p.m. Donations go to The Lupus Foundation, Georgia Chapter. Home includes more than 50,000 commercial-grade LED lights synchronized to more than a dozen holiday songs. (Please see story on page 18).

Through Dec. 11

Mable House Arts Center Christmas House Arts & Crafts Show. 5239 Floyd Road, Mableton 30126. Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.- 6 p.m., Sundays 2-6 p.m. Select from hundreds of handmade items displayed in a beautiful setting. For more information go to www. southcobbarts.org, or call 770-819-3285.

Through Dec. 15

Art Place Artist Attic: Holiday Show and Sale. 3330 Sandy Plains Road, Marietta 30066. Monday-Thursday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information and evening and weekend hours call 770-509-2700, or go to tapmarietta.com.

Through Dec. 17

Art Station - Big Shanty, Gift Box Holiday Market. 2050 Kennesaw Due West Road, N.W., Kennesaw 30152. For more information call 770-514-5930, or go to artstationcobb.org.

Through Dec. 23

Acworth Cultural Arts Center Small Works Show and Artist Market. 4367 Senator Russell Ave., Acworth 30101. Small affordable works by local artists are featured along with holiday events. For more information stop by or call 770-231-7751.

Dec. 9-10

Christmas at Piedmont Church, 570 Piedmont Road, Marietta 30066. Arts and crafts show presented by Superior Plumbing. Craft exhibitors from throughout the southeast. On Dec.9, also enjoy free rides on a 50-foot snow tubing slide that uses more than 8,000 pounds of ice and snow, presented by C&S Paving. On Dec. 10, enjoy a free petting zoo with more than 20 animals. Free photos with Santa both days, courtesy of Three 13 Salon. Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s activities, smores and marshmallow roast. Local groups will perform on the LGE Community Credit Union Stage. Hours: 5-9 p.m. Dec. 9. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 10. Free admission. Free parking. Free shuttle from JJ Danniell Middle School and Old Time Pottery parking lots. For more information call 770-423-1330, or go to www.piedmontchurch.tv

Dec. 10

Christmas in Downtown Acworth/Visit with Santa. 1-5 p.m. The Depot in Downtown Acworth. Bring a camera. No photographer onsite. Free horse-and-carriage rides depart from the plaza on Senator Russell Avenue. For more information go to www.acworthparksandrecreation.org, or call the parks and recreation office at 770-917-1234. Breakfast with Santa, hosted by Kennesaw Parks and Recreation and Kennesaw-Acworth Optimist Club. Ben Robertson Community Center, 2753 Watts Drive, Kennesaw 30144. Two seatings: 8-9:15 a.m. and 10-11:15 a.m. All-youcare-to-eat pancakes. Bring a camera. Santa will visit guests at their tables. Advance tickets are $6. Tickets are $8 at the door, based on availability. Children age 2 and younger do not need a ticket, but they must sit on an adultâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lap. To purchase tickets, go to apm.activecommunities.com. For more information call Kennesaw Parks and Rec. at 770-422-9714.

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AROUND ACWORTH | December 2016

Dec. 10-11

Free photos with Santa at Cabela’s. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 152 Northpoint Parkway, Acworth 30102. Visit Santa and take home a free keepsake photo. For more information go to www.Cabelas.com/Acworth.

Dec. 11

Parents’ Day Out Sponsored by Allatoona High School Basketball Cheerleaders Program. 1:30- 5:30 p.m. Gymnastics Academy of Atlanta, 2995 Cobb Parkway, N.W., Kennesaw 30152. Children ages 4 to 12 can participate in the fun-filled event while parents get ready for the holiday season. Games, crafts, gymnastics and pizza. $35 per child. Space is limited. Registration and payment can be made online at www.ahsbucs.com/cheerleading.

Dec. 16

Children’s Holiday Shabbat. 6:30 p.m. Congregation Ner Tamid, 1349 Old Highway 41, Suite 220, Marietta 30060. For children 3-10 years old, followed at 7:30 p.m. by a traditional Shabbat service with childcare available. Free. For more information, go to www.mynertamid.org, or call 678-264-8575.

Dec. 17

Wreaths Across America. The American Legion North Cobb Post 304 and other organizations will place wreaths at the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton as part of the Wreaths Across America program. Organizations will also place wreaths at the National Cemetery in Marietta.

Breakfast with Santa. 10 a.m.-noon, Northwest Cobb Family YMCA, 1700 Dennis Kemp Lane N.W., Kennesaw 30152. Pictures with Santa, crafts, inflatables, caroling, a hot chocolate bar, animals and more. Open to the community. Reserve a spot by registering online (class ID 185753). Go to the Northwest Cobb Family YMCA Facebook page for a link to register. Event is free, but an online account must be created to register online.

Dec. 28

The City of Acworth Menorah Lighting Ceremony. 6 p.m. Corner of Cowan Road and Main Street. Rabbi Zalman Charytan from the Chabad Jewish Center will officiate. Mayor Tommy Allegood will assist. For more information, go to www.acworthparksandrecreation.org, or call the parks and recreation office at 770-917-1234.

Dec. 30

Menorah Lighting on Marietta Square. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Glover Park Stage at Marietta Square, 50 Park Square, Marietta. Congregation Ner Tamid to hold ceremony. Hanukkah music, dreidel games and hot chocolate. PJ Library will have a table with books and crafts. Rabbi Joseph Prass will lead prayer as the giant menorah is illuminated. All are welcome. Arrive early for free parking in the municipal garage on Cherokee Street. For more information about the event or Congregation Ner Tamid, go to www.mynertamid.org or e-mail info@mynertamid.org or call 678-264-8575. AROUND ACWORTH | December 2016

Make Christmas Special for Military Members, Families BY RON ASBY

Dec. 7, 1941. “A date which will live in infamy,” President Franklin Delano Roosevelt said in his famous Pearl Harbor speech delivered the following day to the U.S. Congress. Japan’s devastating surprise attacks took the lives of 2,403 military and civilian personnel. It is ironic that this occurred in the month that most Americans consider a time of joy and peace. In my six years of Naval service, I was fortunate to spend only one Christmas deployed outside the United States. That one Christmas was the loneliest time of my life. Mom sent a “care package” filled with holiday decorations, cookies (they didn’t last long), divinity (kind of dry by the time I got it) and even a Christmas stocking. I am not sure where she thought I would hang it aboard ship. Mom tried to bring “home” a little closer, but I know it was so difficult for her and Dad to know I was so far away. Mom’s favorite Christmas song was “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” Dad Front row, from left, Basil and Sue Asby, Ron Asby’s parents. Back row, from left, Becky Milner told me years later after I was discharged (sister), Dave Asby (brother), Judy Asby (sister), Ron Asby and Tim Asby (brother). Ron Asby’s from the Navy that she would put that father served in the Army during World War II. His brother, Dave, served in the Navy. song on the record player and sit by the window watching, knowing I would be you have friends or family who have deployed personnel, home anytime to surprise her. Mom never give them a call, send a card or email. They need our failed to tear up when she heard that song in the following support and love while their loved ones are away. There are years. many churches and organizations that send letters, cards In this joyous season, take some time to say a prayer for and packages to deployed personnel. Make Christmas a our military service men and women and their families. If little more special by volunteering your time with one of these endeavors. At American Legion North Cobb Post 304, veterans will enjoy the season with friends and family but will still be a little busy serving Acworth and Kennesaw. Post 304 is a Toys for Tots and Operation Toy Soldier DEC. 15 donation site. Toys for Tots is a USMC Reserve program that 6 p.m. Post 304 Christmas Party. provides toys to needy children. Operation Toy Soldier is a program by Veterans Funeral Care that provides toys for DEC. 17 children of deployed service personnel. Participating in Wreaths Across America at the Georgia Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. National Cemetery in Canton. Along with other posts God Bless America! and organizations, we will place wreaths on each resting place of our comrades in arms. Post 304 raised enough funds for 100 wreaths. (Take a field trip to the National Cemetery in Canton or Marietta after Dec. 17. It will be incredibly inspiring.) Post 304 will close Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. 22

AROUND ACWORTH | December 2016

Ron Asby is the past commander of American Legion Post 304. He can be reached at pcdr304@gmail.com.

Cookies for Santa BY TIFFANY HUGHES

Leaving a plate of cookies for Santa on Christmas Eve is a beloved ritual for families everywhere. Even in households where the kids are grown, Santa can still stop by and enjoy goodies left for him. So what do you do if you’re not a baker? Sure, you can go to the store and buy premade cookie dough, a tube of frosting and call it a day. But you can also branch out and try an easy cookie recipe. For instance, Cake Mix Cookies require only four ingredients and can be made in a variety of flavors. Simply combine one box any flavor cake mix with one egg and ½ (8 oz.) container of whipped topping. Stir gently to combine. If the dough is sticky, you’re on the right track. Pour ½ cup granulated sugar into a separate bowl and drop (one inch) balls of dough onto the sugar. Roll the ball around to coat, then place on an ungreased cookie sheet, two inches apart (to allow for spreading). Bake for 12 minutes at 350°. You can try making this with brownie mix instead of cake, or add ½ cup chopped nuts or chocolate chips. Another quick and easy idea is to make chocolate-covered marshmallows. Place 12 large marshmallows on a small tray (making sure they aren’t touching) and freeze just until cold. In a large bowl, microwave one pound of chocolate bark (melting chocolate) 30 seconds at a time, until melted. Use a fork to dip the marshmallows into the chocolate, then place on a waxed paperlined tray to firm up. You can also insert lollipop sticks in them

before dipping. To jazz things up, roll in chopped nuts, sprinkles, or even crushed candy canes while the chocolate is still wet. These make great teacher gifts, too. Place a small amount of Styrofoam in the bottom of a coffee cup, then insert the sticks into it. Wrap the entire thing in colored plastic wrap and tie with a bow. I have it on good authority that Santa loves anything peppermint flavored, so try dipping large candy canes (or even peppermint sticks) in melted chocolate, then rolling in chocolate chips or even chopped marshmallows. These make great stir sticks for hot chocolate. Just remember that no matter what you leave for Santa, he’s always willing to share, but only if you’re good. So go to bed early and listen for the jingle bells on the roof and the “Ho Ho Ho, YUM!” coming from the living room. Merry Christmas everyone!

Tiffany Hughes is an Acworth resident who is an educator at Tellus Science Museum. She enjoys spending time with her family and furbabies. Contact her at creativecook11@ yahoo.com.

AROUND ACWORTH | December 2016

Easy Teachers Gifts:

Holiday Jars BY CLAIRE FROST

Teachers spend a lot of time with our kids and at a minimum deserve a token of our appreciation. This time of year provides the perfect opportunity to do just that. Here’s an idea that will help your wallet survive the holidays, and it’s a cute way to give your kids’ teachers a small thank you for all their hard work: It’s all about packaging. Grab a few mason jars or empty spaghetti sauce or jelly jars. Remove the labels and clean the jars thoroughly. (Hint: Nail polish remover will completely remove any sticky remnants of the label and any markings.) Get into character. Now it’s time to decorate the jars and give them character. It doesn’t take much— just a hot glue gun, a few simple supplies and a little determination. • Snowman: Hot glue three black buttons down the front of the jar and tie a red ribbon around the lid, like a scarf. • The Grinch: Glue two white buttons down the front of the jar and tie a red ribbon or strip of felt cut into a bunting (triangle) shape around the lid. • Hanukkah: Tie a pretty blue ribbon around the lid; it looks great with a silver lid! • Rudolph: Hot glue a red button or a red pom pom to the front of the jar for the nose. Glue two brown pipe cleaners, bent to resemble antlers, to the back side of the jar. (The side will provide more surface area to glue the pipe cleaner, which will make it more stable.) • Santa: Cut a square out of gold construction paper or felt and slide a strip of black construction paper or felt through it. Voilà: Santa’s belt! Glue it in place around the middle of the jar. Tie a white ribbon around the lid.

Cut Your Own

Christmas Tree Finding and cutting down the perfect Christmas tree is a tradition shared by many families. Tree farms within a short drive, include:

Berry Patch Farms, 786 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 30188.

770-926-0561. www.berrypatchfarms.net. Opened for tree cutting Nov. 25.

Coker Tree Farm, 2280 Macland Road, Marietta 30064. 770-424-8047. On Facebook as Coker Tree Farm. Opened for tree cutting Nov. 25. Deerwoods Christmas Tree Farm, 1109 Henry Scott Road, Ball Ground 30107. 770-380-3613. On Facebook as Deerwoods Christmas Tree Farm. Opened for tree cutting Nov. 19. 24

AROUND ACWORTH | December 2016

The sweet filling. Fill each jar with the food or snack that matches your theme. • Snowman: Yogurt-covered pretzels. • The Grinch: Green M&Ms, green Skittles, green-wrapped Hershey’s Kisses. • Hanukkah: Hershey’s Kisses in the traditional silver wrapping. • Rudolph: Chocolate covered pretzels, Whoppers. • Santa: Red M&Ms, red Skittles, red-wrapped Hershey’s Kisses. Alternate ideas. Clumsy with a hot glue gun? Think about layering items into the jars so you won’t need additional décor. Make a s’mores themed jar, for example. Alternate stacking graham crackers, marshmallows and chocolate for a cute and festive look. Wrap it up with a bow and you’re done. Or create a beautiful and fragrant holiday potpourri jar with oranges, Fraser Fir sprigs, cinnamon sticks and cranberries. Add directions to boil in a pot covered with water for a home filled with the most warm and inviting scent. Hot chocolate mixes also look pretty in a jar. Prepare a customized beverage like white chocolate, dark chocolate or mint chocolate cocoa, complete with tiny marshmallows and toppings layered in the jar. Your recipient is sure to cuddle by the fire and enjoy this special treat, thanks to you. Tags and instructions. A little note should accompany any gift you give. Keep it short and cute. • Snowman: Avoid the frosty weather this season! • The Grinch: You make our hearts grow three sizes. • Hot Cocoa: You warm our hearts! • Rudolph: Thanks for lighting the way! • Santa: You’re always on our Nice List. • S’mores: Have s’more fun this season!

The Kinsey Family Farm, 7170 Jot-em Down Road, Gainesville 30506. 770-887-6028. Kinseyfamilyfarm.com. Opened for tree cutting Nov. 19.

Sleepy Hollow Farm, 628 Sleepy Hollow Road, Powder Springs 30127. 770-942-6770. Sleepyhollowtrees.com. Opened for tree cutting Nov. 25. Young Road Christmas Tree Farm, 139 Young Road S.W.,

Cartersville 30120. 678-918-0469. On Facebook as Young Road Christmas Tree Farm. Opened for tree cutting Thanksgiving Day. • Call ahead to confirm location and hours. • Dress for the weather. Layers of clothing work best. • Do not take a pet before checking a farm’s pet policys. Some do not allow pets. • Shake the tree before taking it into the house. Trees can harbor unwanted pests. • Say cheese. Don’t forget the camera! You’ll want to take plenty of pictures to remember this special day.

Simple Wrapping Creates a Vintage Feel BY CLAIRE FROST

Everyone wishes to be better at wrapping presents. It’s possible to wrap a beautiful gift that is worthy of any Pinterest board if you keep it simple. Remember the song “My Favorite Things” in the musical “The Sound of Music?” There is a verse in it that you can lean on as your inspiration: “Brown paper packages tied up with strings: These are a few of my favorite things!” It’s literally spelled, or sung, out for you. All you need is brown paper and twine. Wrapping gifts like this makes them look like vintage mail, something that is simultaneously retro and modern. You can find inexpensive rolls of plain brown paper at your local office supply store or grocery store, and twine is available at any craft store. Play around with the finishing touches to create a more polished

look; pair the twine with a shiny or glittery ribbon and tie it up in a bow. For a more rustic look, ditch the bow and wrap the twine around the box a few times and tuck a sprig of tree trimming into the twine. Don’t forget about the tags. You can use clippings from old Christmas cards and calendars to create easy and inexpensive name tags.

AROUND ACWORTH | December 2016

Hanukkah Traditions Maintaining With a Busy Schedule BY GARY PARKES

The holiday season is a busy one and that goes for those celebrating Hanukkah, too. In fact, since Hanukkah lasts for eight nights, one can easily find it overwhelming. Imagine celebrating eight days in a row! Traditionally, Hanukkah gifts are exchanged each night of Hanukkah, often causing some non-Jewish kids to joke that they also want to celebrate Hanukkah. Hanukkah is filled with customs and traditions that allow for some greater flexibility. For example, sometimes my family will not exchange gifts every night, but rather may double up when we are all together. Like many households, some nights we are all moving in four separate directions. The one certain thing is one of us will light the menorah each night, regardless of whether we are all present. While the gifts are often small items, the fact that Jewish children get eight gifts adds excitement to the holiday celebrating the Miracle of Lights. Like Christmas, every family has different traditions surrounding the holiday

based on customs, holiday budgets, etc. A few Hanukkah staples in most homes include dreidels (small spinning tops) and Hanukkah gelt (chocolate coins). It is common to see Hanukkah gifts such as gift cards, clothing, toys, books and games. Whether celebrating Christmas or Hanukkah, kids typically hope for similar items. With ever-growing responsibilities, I have changed a few things to maintain the traditions yet improve efficiency. Although it’s not the healthiest, eating foods cooked in oil is traditional at this time of year. Each year I make potato latkes, also known as potato pancakes. I must admit, I use a food processor now rather than hand grating each potato, saving me time and skin! The holiday of Chanukah, another spelling for Hanukkah, is fun and at the same time carries the important message of religious freedom for all. Chanukah once again reminds us that we are fortunate to live in the United States, where we can observe and celebrate our own beliefs. May your holiday celebration be one of joy.

Public Menorah Lightings Dec. 28

Dec. 29

Ice Menorah Lighting at The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta will begin at 4:15 p.m. with an ice carving, followed by the lighting ceremony at 5:15 p.m. The event features hot latkes, menorahs, dreidels, Chanukah gelt and family events. Music by the Atlanta Jewish Men’s Choir. Sponsored by the Chabad Jewish Center and The Outlet Shoppes, 915 Ridgewalk Parkway, Woodstock. www.jewishwoodstock.com 26

AROUND ACWORTH | December 2016

Dec. 30

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Tips for Better

Holiday Photos BY JERRY KING OF J KING IMAGES

The holidays are fast approaching and with them come all of those special moments with family and friends you want in pictures. Here are a few tips to improve your holiday photos, whether you’re using a camera built into your smartphone or a stand-alone camera.

• Light

Pay attention to where the light is falling on your subject. Keep the light to the side and not directly behind what you are trying to photograph. Try to avoid using direct flash from your camera.

• Be Prepared

Have your camera turned on and ready. Those fun candid moments come only once, so be prepared to catch them.

• Composition

Avoid placing your subjects in the center of your frame. Keeping them slightly off center creates interest.

• Change Your Perspective

Try moving around and shooting from different angles. The results could surprise you.

• Take the Picture

Don’t think too much about capturing the moment. Time waits for no one. It’s more important to take the shot than to worry about it being aesthetically appealing. There is nothing better than seeing a non-posed candid photo of Grandpa and Grandma that brings back fond memories.

AROUND ACWORTH | December 2016

Lakepoint Station delive family-style fun and tea LAKEPOINT STATION 77 Old Allatoona Road, Emerson, GA 30137

678-719-0921

LakepointStation.com Follow Lakepoint Station on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Hours: Closed Monday Tuesday-Thursday, noon-10:30 p.m. Friday, noon-11:30 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-11:30 p.m. Sunday, 12:30-10:30 p.m

AROUND ACWORTH | December 2016

ust minutes from downtown Acworth at Lakepoint Station are 36 holes of miniature golf that wind under two waterfalls, through a railroad car and around a 100-year-old mining car. The new Family Entertainment Center also offers indoor black-light golf, 17 Clip nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Climb wall-climbing challenges, gem mining, a laser maze, an arcade and an award-winning pizza restaurant. Before Christmas, Lakepoint Station expects to open a mirror maze and a laser tag arena. Lakepoint Station is the first of seven entertainment venues planned for the more than 1,300-acre $1 billion LakePoint Sporting Community. Lakepoint Station CEO Neal Freeman, who is described by his family as a kid at heart, themed and selected attractions for the venue. The complex is designed to look like a train station. The railroad and mining themes add to the fun. An elevated active railroad track that runs behind the property provides the backdrop for two 18-hole outdoor miniature golf courses. The courses include a waterfall that flows from an Old West-style water tower and mountain waterfalls inspired by Amicalola Falls in the northern Georgia mountains. Each hole will have factoids or questions about Emerson and Bartow County history, both of which have significant historical relationships with mining and railroads. Lakepoint Station is ideal for a family outing or date night, and also caters to sports teams, church groups and companies looking for a meeting place, a party venue, or just multiple fun activities in one location. The complex offers numerous corporate team-building opportunities and more than 1,800 square feet of meeting space. Group rates and a variety of packages are available. The entertainment venue includes a St. Angeloâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pizza

ers am building restaurant, and a Yogli Mogli frozen yogurt location is slated to open before Christmas. Smyrna-based St. Angelo’s Pizza recently was the only Georgia pizza business included on trade publication Pizza Today’s list of “Hot 100 Independent Pizzerias.” In 2017, Lakepoint Station will add themed escape rooms. The popular entertainment concept requires participants to work together to find clues and solve puzzles to exit locked rooms. Escape times will average 20 to 40 minutes, rather than the longer period required by most venues. The shorter period will allow guests to participate in more activities during their visit, according to Richard Walters, general manager at Lakepoint Station. LakePoint Lagoon is the next entertainment venue that will be built at LakePoint Sporting Community, Walters adds. That complex, which will be located above the Hampton Inn and Terminus Wake Park, will include many water slides, and a variety of other water activities. Other planned entertainment venues include LakePoint Mountain, which will have a mountain coaster, ziplining and 300 acres of hiking and biking trails; and Boomtown, which will include themed restaurants and a movie theater. In addition to Lakepoint Station, the sporting community currently includes five sports venues: eight baseball fields, three multi-purpose fields, 10 beach volleyball courts, two cable wakeboarding pools, and a 170,000-square-foot indoor facility with 12 basketball courts that convert to 24 volleyball courts. The facility will also be used for a wide variety of activities from cheer competitions to wrestling, fencing, indoor soccer and conventions. Its uses are limited only by imagination. There are also three onsite hotels and four dining options, with many more on the way!

AROUND ACWORTH | December 2016

Veterans Honoring Our

Services were held Veterans Day at North Cobb Christian School and at Patriots Point at Cauble Park to honor area heroes. The school hosted a breakfast for veterans and their spouses and a program with music and tributes. A procession of veterans into the program was greeted by an extended standing ovation. The City of Acworthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Veterans Day service at Cauble Park included tributes by Mayor Tommy Allegood and State Rep. Ed Setzler (R-Acworth) and music by North Cobb Christian School choir members.

Danny & Barbara Townsend from Post 304 show off their Vietnam-era Jeep at the Cauble Park service. Photo by Alison Small

Choir members from North Cobb Christian School. Photo by Alison Small

Honor Guard at Cauble Park service. Photo by Alison Small

Mayor Tommy Allegood addresses the crowd at the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Veterans Day service. Photo by Carla Caldwell 30

AROUND ACWORTH | December 2016

Part of the crowd at Cauble Park service. Photo by Carla Caldwell

A group of veterans honored during the service at North Cobb Christian School. Photo by Jennifer Mills

State Rep. Ed Setzler (R-Acworth) addresses the crowd at the city’s Veterans Day event. Photo by Alison Small.

North Cobb Christian upper and middle school chorus and Academy singers. Photo by Jennifer Mills

Christmas Tree Safety Tips • Choose a Christmas tree with fresh, green needles. • If you have an artificial tree, make sure that it is labeled as fire-retardant. • Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from heat sources such as fireplaces or radiators. • Only use lights that are labeled with the certification of an independent testing laboratory. • Always turn off Christmas lights before leaving home or going to bed. Tips from the National Fire Protection Association. For more Christmas tree safety tips, visit www.nfpa.org/education.

Debbie Ward

770-974-0670 • dwardinsurance.com

AROUND ACWORTH | December 2016

A Closer Look at Fires

Both Good and Bad BY JOSH DAVIS

With the increase in wildfires across Georgia and surrounding states over the last few months, we wanted to share some information to educate everyone on the benefits and dangers that come along with wildfires. To be clear, there are good fires and bad fires. A good fire can be classified as a natural way to allow proper regrowth of the ecosystem while being at a low intensity. A bad fire can be classified as an uncontrolled wildfire that may prove dangerous to surrounding homes or businesses. While both fires have their pros and cons, we must remain observant as they both can change due to factors that are beyond our control. There is a type of fire called a prescribed fire, which is controlled burning conducted by certified, experienced and trained fire managers who apply prescribed burning on public and private lands throughout Georgia. A prescribed fire is a safe method to apply a natural process to ensure ecosystem health and to reduce wildfire risk. Professionals assess forest conditions, determine the type of fire needed, and write a “prescription” for the application of fire. The Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) permits prescribed burns depending upon weather conditions and applicable safety measures. According to the GFC, here are a few reasons for a prescribed burn: • Reduce hazardous fuels. • Prepare sites for seeding and planting. • Improve wildlife habitat. • Manage competing vegetation. • Control insects and disease. • Improve forage for grazing. • Enhance appearance. • Improve access. At Allatoona Lake, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) implements prescribed fire to manage the land around the lake.

AROUND ACWORTH | December 2016

Prescribed fires are tended to by certified, experienced and trained managers.

Fire is commonly applied to manage timber stands and to control unwanted vegetation in campgrounds. Many native plants and animals are fire adapted and prefer ecosystems where fire is a recurring event. A prime example of the benefits from a prescribed burn is the Longleaf Pine Restoration Site. In partnership with state agencies and local non-profits, the USACE Allatoona Lake staff manages a 350-acre Longleaf Pine stand on the north shore of the lake. To maintain the ecosystem’s balance, the stand and the microcosm require fire. The system prefers fire on frequent cycles of 3 to 5 years between burns. With the high density of homes and development near the lake, smoke management is a primary concern during a prescribed burn. Careful planning is taken by prescribed fire managers to minimize any potential smoke impacts on public health and safety. For more information, visit www.garxfire.com and www.gfc.state.ga.us/forest-management/prescribed-fire/

Josh Davis is a Natural Resource Specialist with USACE, Allatoona Lake, and a B.S. graduate of NC State in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management.

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2016: An Exceptional Year and Blessing For many, the holidays are a time has truly been an honor and privilege for friends and family to gather to serve our community. With an together and create memories of a exciting 2017 quickly approaching, lifetime. As 2016 draws to a close, I invite you to commit 2017 as the we come together as a community best chapter of your story yet. Get to celebrate an exceptional year. On Involved, Give Back and create your Dec. 1, Acworth Business Association ABA Story. Our formula for success is members gathered for lunch catered simple, visit www.AcworthBusiness.org by Gabriel’s at the Old Mill, a special today and join us as we: Dec. 13 message from Freedom Church’s J.R. Morning Jolt • Connect with the 300-plus Lee and the program “Celebration of 7:30-9 a.m. at the American Legion members at our monthly luncheon and Acworth – A Year of Service, Superstars 4220 S. Main St., Acworth 30101. Alive After 5 events. and Success.” The ABA recognized our • Inform our members and Business of the Year, Member of the community about your business and Year, Partnership of the Year and more. how to get involved in great events like our annual golf The celebration recognized our community’s many successes tournament and Taste of Acworth. in 2016, and offered a taste of how sweet 2017 will be. • Promote and grow your business with Morning Jolt, [Editor’s note: Winners were not announced prior to Around Member Spotlights and event Sponsorship. Acworth’s publication deadline. A list will be published in the • Give as we partner with our schools, kick off student January edition.) mentor programs, and host appreciation events for Don’t miss out on the 2016 Morning Jolt finale Dec. 13 teachers. at American Legion. Close your books with a bang and May your family be blessed beyond measure this holiday remember to support Acworth merchants and businesses as season. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! your shop, celebrate and create holiday memories. Shop local and share the gift of Acworth. Connecting and Sharing, While my days as Chief Storyteller are now few, it is with joy and confidence I share that our greatest stories have yet to be written. I know this to be true because each of you makes Acworth special. Your unending efforts and support have made 2016 historical, special, and a blessing to me personally. My love and appreciation for this great Andrew Windham community has only grown, inspired daily by each of you. It ABA Chief Storyteller

to attend:

AROUND ACWORTH | December 2016

PHOTO BY DARLEEN PREM

School & Sports

School District Releases Magazine The second issue of the Cobb County School District Magazine is available on the district’s website. The edition is the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) issue, and features stories from across the district. To view the magazine, go to the district’s website at www.cobbk12.org.

Harrison High Athletes Sign With Colleges Harrison High School students committed to colleges during Fall Signing Day at the school. Basketball: Sydne Wiggins - Rice University Avery Jordan - Young Harris College Softball: Emily Kachel - University of Alabama at Birmingham Volleyball: Katie Doering - High Point University Men’s Lacrosse: Nick Rockefeller - Mercer University Dillan Bousquet - Reinhardt University Tyler Henschel - Reinhardt University

KSU Athletics’ Vaughn Williams Appointed to NIT Committee Kennesaw State University Director of Athletics Vaughn Williams has been appointed to the selection committee for the NCAA’s longest-running postseason basketball tournament. Williams was one of eight people selected to serve on the National Invitation Tournament Committee, starting with the 2016-17 men’s basketball season. The committee is responsible for the selection, seeding and bracketing of the 32-team NIT postseason championship. NIT Committee members are appointed to serve a maximum four-year term. The committee is composed of current athletic administrators who work at NCAA institutions/conferences and former college basketball Vaughn Williams head coaches. AROUND ACWORTH | December 2016

School & Sports

Allatoona High Wins Drama Award The Allatoona High School Theater Department won the 6A Georgia High School Association Regional One-Act Championship for the performance of the play “The Miracle Worker.” A cast and crew of 18 Allatoona High School students, instructed by theater director Traci Kemp, competed against seven Georgia high schools in the GHSA 6A Region. Students performed the 55-minute play and were scored by GHSA judges in the areas of ensemble, listening and response, individual characterizations, vocal interpretation, movement, overall effect, composition and interpretation and rhythm and tempo. “We are honored to have been named Regional One-Act Champions for the third consecutive year,” said Kemp in a prepared statement. Allatoona seniors Molly Layne and Alexis Watson and junior Nicole Frothingham were recognized with individual awards. Layne was named Regional All-Star Cast Member for her portrayal of Kate Keller, Watson was named Regional Best Actress for her role as Helen Keller, and Frothingham was honored as Regional Best Supporting Actress for her part as Annie Sullivan. The high school theater company will next perform the full-length play “The Miss Firecracker Contest” by Beth Henley. Performances are Jan. 19-21. The musical “Legally Blonde” by Heather Bach, with music and lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe and Neil Benjamin, is scheduled for community performances March 9-11. Tickets will be available for all performances through the Allatoona Theatre Department.

Cobb Graduation Rate Rises to New High With Class of 2016 The Cobb County School District graduation rate rose to a new high of 84 percent with the Class of 2016. The rate continues a six-year upward trend and once again surpasses the state average, according to a statement released by the district. The graduation rate for the class of 2016 increased by 2.4 percentage points from the previous year. The state graduation rate average is 79.2 percent. “I am proud of the continued success of our CCSD graduates,” said Cobb County School District Superintendent Chris Ragsdale in a prepared statement. “The increase in the high school graduation rate demonstrates the excellence that occurs in our classrooms each and every day. I am thankful 36

AROUND ACWORTH | December 2016

for how hard our teachers work to prepare our students for college and career success.” Fifteen Cobb County schools saw graduation rates climb, and Allatoona, Harrison, Hillgrove, Lassiter, Pope and Walton high schools experienced rates exceeding 90 percent. Three CCSD high schools have seen their graduation rates rise by double digits in the past five years: Pebblebrook has increased by 19 percentage points, Campbell by 16 percentage points and South Cobb by 12.4 percentage points. The Cobb County School District is the second-largest school system in Georgia and the 24th largest in the nation. The district serves 112,000 students and 114 schools.

Allatoona High Students Raise Money To Provide Gifts to Children Students at Allatoona High School are raising money to provide gifts to hundreds of children. The “Shop with a Buccaneer” program was started to ensure that children in the school’s feeder program have a nice holiday. Students raise money so that they can take children shopping for holiday gifts. The school plans to take more than 70 children shopping at Target on Dec. 10. Allatoona students who participate must make a minimum $50 donation. The school’s goal is to raise $10,000. Shopping pairs are created the morning of the event to ensure that at least $100 is available to spend per child. The goal for Shop with a Buccaneer is to make a positive difference in the lives of children the program assists.

KSU’s Edwards is Governor’s Teaching Fellow Belinda Edwards, an associate professor of mathematics at Kennesaw State University, has been selected as a 2016-17 Governor’s Teaching Fellow. Edwards is one of 13 faculty members selected from institutions of higher education across the state. The Governor’s Teaching Fellows Program was established in 1995 by Gov. Zell Miller to provide Georgia’s Belinda Edwards higher education faculty with expanded opportunities for developing important teaching skills.

North Cobb Christian Robotics Team Advances to Competition North Cobb Christian School’s robotics team placed second out of 20 teams in the BEST robotics competition at Georgia State University-Clarkston Perimeter College in Clarkston. The team advances to the Southeast BEST competition at Auburn University, where the top 55 teams in five states will compete.

Cobb Regional Technology Competition is Jan. 21 The Cobb Regional Technology Competition is Jan. 21 at Wheeler High School. Registration is $10 per student and must be postmarked by Dec. 16. For more information, go to www.cobbk12.org and type Regional Technology Competition in the search field in the top right corner.

LakePoint Sports Hosts Basketball Showcase LakePoint Sports will host a Basketball Showcase presented by Georgia Sports Hall of Fame Dec. 10 at Champions Center in Emerson. The showcase will feature boys and girls high school teams from Georgia, Tennessee and North Carolina. For information about games and tickets, go to www.lakepointsports.com/basketballshowcase/. AROUND ACWORTH | December 2016

Spotted Around Town

Members of American Legion North Cobb Post 304 host a barbecue to benefit veterans in need and their families. Front row, left to right, Archie Nalbandian, Pat Cowart, Dave Sibley, Jerry Philips, Ron Asby and Betty Wilkinson. Back row, left to right, Mike Turner, Bob Kozora, Steve Gantt, Jay Thomas and Bob Hughes.

Above: Chef Henry Chandler, owner of Henry’s Louisiana Grill, at Acworth’s Veterans Day event. Left: Sister Velyna Johnson, left, Rev. Frank W. Johnson Jr. and Marcia Beasley at a church event for Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church. 38

AROUND ACWORTH | December 2016

PHOTOS BY CARLA CALDWELL

Ron Dean, who served in the Army in Vietnam in 1967, at Acworth’s Veterans Day event.

Jay White, left, Danielle Hilderbrand, and Michael J. Coles, at the November ABA luncheon.

Magdalena and Costin Constantin, enjoyed a beautiful day at Lake Acworth, with their daughter, Sabina Carlson, and granddaughter, Emmalena Carlson.

The fun Seniors Got Groove exercise class at Roberts School Community Center with instructor Lauren Ham, front row, center.

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w w w.dogwoodforest.com AROUND ACWORTH | December 2016

Health & Wellness

Grinding Your Teeth Away BY DR. SCOTT R. HARDEN

Humans typically grind their teeth during sleep as a subconscious and involuntary habit. Grinding teeth, also called bruxism, occurs at all ages and it is estimated that 30 million to 40 million children and adults are affected. Bruxism is better defined as excessive teeth grinding or jaw clenching. It is not related to normal functions such as eating or talking. Most people probably grind and clench their teeth from time to time; occasional teeth grinding is not usually harmful. It is the regular habit of grinding your teeth that causes damage and other oral health issues. Teeth grinding is often associated with stress and anxiety, but it is more likely caused by an abnormal bite, missing teeth or crooked teeth. Tooth abnormalities trigger the brain into trying to correct the problem by invoking the action of grinding. It can also be activated by a sleep disorder such as sleep apnea. Grinding of teeth often occurs during sleep, so the person isn’t aware they are doing it. Awareness may happen indirectly based upon a dull, constant headache or sore jaw muscles or sore teeth. Teeth may fracture or become loose. A frequent grinder with strong intensity can wear the enamel off their teeth over time, exposing dentin, which can

AROUND ACWORTH | December 2016

make teeth sensitive to hot and cold. The best evidence of someone consistently grinding is when their loved one hears them and reports the problem to them. If grinding does enough damage over time, a person may require root canals, crowns, bridges, implants, partial dentures or even complete dentures. The simplest and quickest way to prevent damage from grinding is to be fitted by your dentist with a mouth guard. The most sophisticated appliances have a comfortable soft inner lining with a hard outer shell. Other techniques to reduce bruxism include alleviating stress through exercise and the use of prescription muscle relaxers. Avoid alcohol and decrease caffeine intake. Don’t routinely chew gum or other objects; which stimulate the jaw muscles used in grinding.

Dr. Scott Harden, a dentist at Fountain View Family Dentistry, has served Woodstock for more than 25 years. 770-926-0000. www.FountainViewSmiles.com

AROUND ACWORTH | December 2016

BY CARLA CALDWELL

The eighth annual Acworth Turkey Chase 5K Fun Run, 2K Walk and the Little Pilgrim Trot took place Nov. 19 in historic Downtown Acworth, hosted by City of Acworth Parks, Recreation and Community Resource Department. Runners were required to donate a nonperishable food item to benefit the Tackle Hunger program. The food was delivered to area families the week of Thanksgiving.

Cory and Alicia Wofford and their son, Rael.

From left, Michelle and Maya Henschel, Sterling Morgan and Melanie Simington.

Laura Favero and her son, Logan.

AROUND ACWORTH | December 2016

Michelle Ridgeway and her daughter, Lucy.

Bret Jones, left, and his mother, Cathy Jones.

Melissa Craft, left, and Laura Carlino.

Ginger Oliveto and her grandson, Christopher McDill, who is holding a medal he received.

Bill and Colleen Nowell and their family, front row from left, Evan and Eoin, and second row from left, Ethan and Emerson.

Leighann Raksasouk arranges bananas for the runners.

From far right, Christa West holding her daughter, Nevaeh, Isabell Martinez, a family neighbor, and Durand McCoy, Westâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s father.

Rachel Carmichael (in costume) leads the Little Pilgrim Trot through downtown Acworth.

AROUND ACWORTH | December 2016

Responsible Remodeling BY JEFF GLOVER

The concept behind responsible remodeling is to improve the air quality in your home and to also make less of an impact on the environment. There are health hazards that could arise when remodeling. Paints used in most homes built before 1978 often contain lead. Pipe, duct and furnace insulation, exterior siding and roof shingles often contain asbestos. Opening up walls can reveal hidden mold or a vermin issue. When work begins, mold spores and vermin particulate can become airborne. The mold spores and other dust particulate can aggravate allergies, asthma and cause nose and throat irritation. When remodeling, you will want to control the dust where work is being done. It is important to seal off HVAC system vents and cracks around doors. When it comes to mold, a simple solution of bleach and water will kill it. However, dead mold spores can still be harmful so make sure to remove any furnishings in the rooms or to cover and seal them in plastic. Asbestos and lead paint are more tricky. If materials are found to contain lead or asbestos, they must be placed in special bags and taken to a state-approved dump facility. A

certification letter is issued after disposal and should be kept in the property files. There are exceptions. For information, visit the EPA’s website. Select products that are environmentally friendly when selecting materials for a remodel. Green products include low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints, adhesives and floor coatings, and certified lowemissions carpet and laminate wood flooring made from recycled materials. And don’t forget to select CFL (compact fluorescent) light bulbs or, better yet, LED bulbs, which last longer and use less energy than many other types of lighting. A green remodel will be safer for your family and might just make your neighbors “green” with envy.

Select products that are environmentally friendly when selecting materials for a remodel.

Jeff Glover is a licensed and insured general contractor. He is a lifelong resident of Cobb County and lived in the Acworth community for the past 17 years.

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AROUND ACWORTH | December 2016

COME SEE US AT OUR NEW LOCATION ACWORTH SALES OFFICE 4450 Celebration Boulevard Acworth, GA 30101 (800) 762-1194 • CVillage.com

DECEMBER

O u t & Ab o u t

1-23

Acworth Cultural Arts Center Small Works Show and Artist Market. 4367 Senator Russell Ave., Acworth 30101. Small affordable works by local artists will be featured along with holiday events. For more information, stop by or call 770-231-7751.

9-12

Change the Story: The Compassion Experience. Summit Baptist Church. 4310 Moon Station Lane, Acworth 30101. Traveling exhibition allows visitors to walk through the life of a child who has suffered the crippling despair of severe poverty. In less than 20 minutes, the child’s story changes from hardship to hope. Free. For hours and to make a reservation, go to CompassionExperience.com.

Regular Meeting/Mayor and Board of Aldermen. 6:30-7:30 p.m. City Hall Council Chambers 4415 Senator Russell Ave., Acworth 30101. 770-974-3112

Jan. 21

Upcoming

Cobb Regional Technology Competition. Wheeler High School, 375 Holt Road, N.E., Marietta 30068. Registration is $10 per student and must be postmarked by Dec. 16. For more information, go to www.cobbk12.org and type Regional Technology Competiton in the search field in the top right corner.

Feb. 11

Daddy-Daughter Dance. 7-9 p.m. North Cobb High School in the Old Gym, 3400 Old 41 Highway, N.W., Kennesaw 30144. Hosted by Acworth Parks, Recreation and Community Resource Department. For girls ages 13 and younger and their dads or adult male escort. Cost per couple for city residents is $25 and $35 for non-residents. The fee for additional daughters is $10 each. For more information and to register, go to www.acworthparksandrecreation.org.

Feb. 24

Christian recording artist Selah. Presented by Laban Ministries. 7 p.m. Piedmont Church, 570 Piedmont Road N.E., Marietta 30066. Tickets are $15. To purchase tickets, go to www.hopeforcongo.com and scroll to the Piedmont Church performance. Please register or purchase tickets now for these events.

AROUND ACWORTH | December 2016

@ the Library Cobb County Public Librar y System

Acworth Library • 770-917-5165 4569 Dallas St., Acworth, GA 30101 www.cobbcat.org/venue/acworth-library/ Hours: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Wednesday • 1-6 p.m. Saturday Closed Thursday, Friday and Sunday Dec. 6, 20

CAREing Paws: Read to a Dog! 4-5 p.m. Read a favorite book to Polly the dog. She loves to hear stories! Registration is required. Sign up for a 15-minute reading session by visiting or calling the Acworth Library. Polly is available the first and third Tuesday of every month. This program is intended for independent readers who will either enjoy or benefit from practicing reading aloud to a furry listener.

Dec. 7, 14, 21

Color Yourself Calm: Creative Coloring Page Meet-UP. 6-7 p.m. Join budding artists in Acworth who are part of the adult creative coloring page phenomenon. Bring coloring materials, or feel free to use coloring pencils and pages supplied by the library.

Dec. 14

Party With the Force, You Will! 3:30-5 p.m. Not so long from now, in a galaxy quite close by, the most amazing “Star Wars” party will go down at the Acworth Library! Prepare for the release of the new film, “Rogue One,” with our “Star Wars”-themed crafts, games and stories, plus a photo booth to capture your best Rebel (or Empire) poses. All ages are welcome and costumes are strongly encouraged! May the force be with you!

Dec. 27

LEGOMania! 4-5 p.m. Everything is awesome the fourth Tuesday of the month at the Acworth Library! Library provides the LEGOs.

Kennesaw Library • 770-528-2529 2250 Lewis St., Kennesaw, GA 30144 www.cobbcat.org/venue/kennesaw-library/ Hours:

Dec. 7

Toddler Time. 11:15-11:45 a.m. Songs, stories and rhymes that enhance early literacy and social skills. Geared to children ages 18 months to 3 years. School-Age Storytime. 3:45-4:25. A movie or craft may be included. Geared to children age 5 and older.

Dec. 8, 22

CAREing Paws: Read to a Dog! 3:30-4:30 p.m. For independent readers who would benefit from or enjoy reading to a dog who loves stories! Registration is required. Each child is scheduled for a 15-minute time slot to read one-on-one to Polly.

Dec. 15

Star Wars Rebel Alliance Training. 3:30-5:30 p.m. Prepare for the release of the new “Star Wars” film. Train in target practice, covert operations, droid maintenance and more. All ages and costumes are strongly encouraged. A photo booth will be available.

Dec. 19, 27

Winter Crafternoon. 3-4 p.m. Make a fun and creative art project. All ages are welcome. Younger children may need assistance from their caregiver.

Dec. 19

Family Movie Night. 5-7 p.m. Watch “The Muppets” (2011 version, rated PG). Bring a dry snack and comfy blanket/pillows.

Dec. 20

Tuesday Afternoon Book Discussion. 2-3:30 p.m. The fourth Tuesday of the month groups read and discuss a variety of works including fiction and nonfiction classics, a variety of genres, and a mix of cultures and time periods. Due to the holiday, the December meeting is the third Tuesday afternoon of the month. The library aims to have the book selections available for checkout at the Kennesaw Branch. The Dec. 20 title is The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry, by Gabrielle Zevin.

10 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Wednesday • 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursday-Friday • 1-6 p.m. Saturday • Closed Sunday Dec. 6

Tuesday Evening Book Discussion. 6:30-7:30 p.m. The fourth Tuesday of the month groups read and discuss a variety of works including fiction and nonfiction classics, a variety of genres, and a mix of cultures and time periods. Due to the holiday, the December meeting is the third Tuesday afternoon of the month. The library aims to have the book selections available for checkout at the Kennesaw Branch. The Dec. 20 title is The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry, by Gabrielle Zevin.

Preschool Storytime. 11:30-noon. Songs, stories and rhymes that enhance early literacy and social skills. Geared to ages 3-5.

Dec. 21

Toddler Time. 10:30-11 a.m. Songs, stories and rhymes that enhance early literacy and social skills. Ages 18 months to 3 years.

Dec. 7

Baby Bookworms. 10:15-10:40 a.m. Songs, stories and rhymes that enhance early literacy and social skills. Geared to children up to age 18 months old. 46

AROUND ACWORTH | December 2016

Kennesaw Candy Walk. 3-4 p.m. A candy walk (similar to a cake walk) and a mystery candy guessing game. All ages.

Dec. 28

Afternoon Family Movie. 3-5 p.m. Watch “Happy Feet” (rated PG). Bring a dry snack and blanket/pillows.

Rob’s Rescues

This dog does not have a name. His tag number is 589972. He is a Beagle and he likes attention. He is a sweet and perfect dog. He was a stray and is really calm. He just wants to get his stomach scratched. He is not interested in toys, but that could change. This cat’s name is Scarlett. Her tag number is 589686. She is a gray Tabby and would be a perfect pet. She is 7 years old and has really big green eyes.

I went to Rochester, Minn., to interview Roo Yori. He is an American Ninja Warrior and was a world champion with his rescue dog Wallace in Frisbee dog competitions. How were you feeling when you were on “American Ninja Warrior?” Very excited and nervous. Excited for the opportunity; I had wanted to do it for a long time. Nervous because you only get one shot. The better I do the better the chance that my message of advocating for shelter dogs can be put out there. How many dogs do you have, and what are their names and breeds? We have three very old dogs: Angus is black lab mix, MindyLou is a toy Aussie mix and Scooby is a rat terrier mix. Johnny is a 2-year-old pit bull. He is a court case dog, which means that when his owner was arrested, he went to a shelter and was held as evidence in a dog-fighting case. It used to happen in these circumstances that these dogs would be routinely euthanized but Safe Humane Chicago changed that and these days these dogs are mostly able to be adopted. What made you think that Wallace would make a good Frisbee dog? It was my wife Clara’s idea. She suggested I give Wallace a try since he liked playing fetch at the shelter. He took to it immediately and was a natural. Besides a pit bull, what is your best dog breed? A medium-sized mutt.

When did you create the Wallace the Pit Bull Foundation? In 2014 after Wallace passed. I wanted to do something to have his memory continue. He had a large Facebook following and I wanted to continue the work we did with pit bulls and shelter dog advocacy. What does the foundation do? It raises money for donations to other dog advocacy organizations and programs. Safe Humane Chicago is one. The Pit Bulletin Legal News created the annual Wallace Award for an individual who is a voice for pit bulls. The foundation gives $1,000 to a charity of the winner’s choice. The foundation also focuses on education. I talk to schools and encourage awareness of shelter needs. Social media is also utilized to educate on the needs of shelter dogs. How can I help you? Do what you are doing. Encourage people to adopt dogs and cats in your area. Do you have a tattoo of Wallace? No. Not yet. Do your dogs right now compete in tournaments? No. Scooby used to; he is retired now. Johnny is not a competitive Frisbee dog, we just have fun in the backyard. What makes a good Frisbee dog? Dogs that like to play fetch. If a dog likes to play with toys you can sometimes teach them. Some dogs are just natural fetchers. What was your favorite and least favorite obstacle on “American Ninja Warrior?” Salmon ladder is my favorite and the rolling log is definitely my least favorite.

Top: Clara Yori, Rob, Roo Yori with Scooby, MindyLou and Angus Left: World champions Roo and Wallace show off their Frisbee skills.

Rob’s Rescues

Follow Rob on Facebook!

Why do you do “American Ninja Warrior?” I enjoy the physical challenge. I have always loved obstacle courses and to see what’s possible. It is also a great platform to spread a message that I am passionate about: shelter dogs. This interview will continue in the January 2017 edition.

I’m Rob Macmillan and I’m on a mission to help shelter dogs and cats. These animals are at the Cobb County Animal Control. Contact me at robsrescues@gmail.com. AROUND ACWORTH | December 2016

Celebrations!

Marc Entrekin

Age 46 on Dec. 5 Happy Birthday from Mom and Dad. We love you!

Grant Harp

Age 2 on Dec. 31 Happy Birthday to our New Year Baby! Love, Mommy, Daddy, Connor and all of your family. You crack us up, sweet boy.

Dylan Hughes

Age 15 on Dec. 17 Happy Birthday! Love, Mom, Dad, Bella, Carly, Emmie and the rest of the furbabies

Rozilyn Crowder

Age 2 on Dec. 28 Happy Birthday! Love, Mother, Father, Mema and Pa Pa

Caleb Cooley

Celebrated his birthday Nov. 28 Happy Birthday! Son of Calvin and Angela Cooley and brother of Autumn Cooley. We love you!

Brandon Scott

Age 5 on Dec. 11 Happy 5th Birthday! Love, Mommy, Daddy, Devin, Grandma and Grandpa

Harrison and Pamela Abbott

Celebrating 5 years of marriage on Dec. 31

ANNOUNCEMENTS ARE FREE! Adam Welch

Happy 4th Birthday! You are the best! Love, Mom, Dad, Jillian and Jasmine

AROUND ACWORTH | December 2016

E-mail to: Carla@AroundAboutMagazines.com January deadline is Dec. 10. Please specify Around Acworth.

Zuzu

ADOPTION INFORMATION: Please call first to see if we have what you are looking for. We have many resources to help you find what you are looking for if we do not have it. (770) 428-5678 We screen potential adopters to make sure our pets will be a good match for your family and vice versa. New adoptive dog owners will also need a home check before they can take their new dog home.

Canon

Shark

DOGS: We only house small breed dogs. Our adoption fee is $200 for dogs. All of our dogs or puppies will be altered before they can be adopted. They will have as many vaccines as we can give them for the time they have spent here. If the dog is over six months old it will have been heart worm tested negative and be on preventative. All of our pets are micro chipped and will have flea preventative on them.

Animals like us need a home!

Pocus Progresso

CATS: Our adoption fee for cats is $125. All of our cats and kittens (10 weeks and up) will be altered before they are adopted. If you would like a kitten younger than 10 weeks old, we can refer you to other resources. Our cats or kittens will have as many vaccines as we can give them for the time they have spent here. They are all tested negative for Feline Leukemia and FIV, and will have been micro chipped.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO HELP: Please visit our wish list on Amazon at www.humanecobb.com. It is a fast and convenient way to support the pets at our shelter.

Like us on Facebook HumaneCobb

Items chosen can be shipped directly to our shelter. Use the, â&#x20AC;&#x153;this is a giftâ&#x20AC;? section to let us know your name and address so we may acknowledge your kind gift(s). AROUND ACWORTH | December 2016

Faith

Let’s Not Lose Sight of Jesus This Christmas BY PASTOR BRYANT HARRIS

With Christmas just around the corner, I am reminded of my favorite manger scene and how we lost “Baby Jesus!” The manger and all of its characters were made of a cloth material and stuffed with cotton. I think what I enjoyed the most about it was that it was simple and childfriendly. Our children were young at the time. One Christmas we began to decorate and when we came to the manger, Jesus was missing! We looked and looked but he was nowhere to be found. We never did discover what happened to Baby Jesus and we eventually discarded this manger set as we could not find a suitable replacement for Jesus. Although my favorite manger set is no longer with us, I do keep a couple of manger sets up year round to remind

One Christmas we began to decorate and when we came to the manger, Jesus was missing!

AROUND ACWORTH | December 2016

me that God’s gift is one that was meant to stay with us beyond the Christmas season. I also am reminded that the reason Jesus was found in a manger was due to there being no room in the inn (Luke 2:6-7). As the Christmas season approaches, I pray that we will not miss the meaning of the season because we have lost sight of Jesus. May you find peace and joy in this season that is often accompanied by stress and worry. After the shepherds had seen Jesus in the manger, the shepherds left “glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen” (Luke 2:20). My hope for you is that you will see the light of Jesus shining in your life this Christmas. God bless.

Bryant Harris is senior pastor at Mars Hill Presbyterian Church. He began his ministry at the church in 1995.

Look Forward to 2017, But Don’t Miss Out on the Present BY REV. LEELA WALLER

Wow! 2016 is almost gone. Many of us have already scheduled meetings, set events, planned vacation and made New Year’s resolutions. But wait, December is the month of great expectation and miracles! What are you expecting in this season of joy, gratitude and love? I remember how at the age of 8 I waited for Santa Claus, led by Rudolph, to bring the brand-new red bicycle I requested while sitting on Santa’s lap. I was so excited that I retreated to bed early that Christmas Eve. It seemed as if I could hear sleigh bells ringing through the night sky. I was expecting a great gift to be under the Christmas tree the next morning. When I woke, there it was. My brand-new red bicycle. Growing up I found Christmas to be a special time of expectation. Not only did I look forward to miracle gifts, but I also looked forward to dinner with family, which was held every year at my cousin’s house. The table was filled with collard greens, sweet potato soufflé, turkey and dressing, cranberry sauce, honey-baked ham, macaroni cheese, blackeyed peas, rice and, yep, some chitlins. And I can’t forget the five to six sweet potato pies and homemade German chocolate cakes and pound cakes sitting on the side. The house was filled with so much love. As life happens, things change. Life can change your spirit of expecting. What are you expecting this last month of 2016? Some of you might be ready to move on to 2017, because this year has brought you heartache, pain and disappointment. However, I encourage you to hold on to the present. I love the quote by Bil Keane, “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift of God, which is why we call it the present.” We are reminded in the Christian faith of the real reason for Christmas. It’s the story of Mary, a young virgin woman, whom the angels declared that “For nothing is impossible with God.” It’s the story of the gift of God to this world. Jesus said, “I have come that you might have life, and that you might have it more abundantly.” In order for God to do great things in your life, you must be EXPECTING. Here are a few thoughts that I believe can help

Growing up I found Christmas to be a special time of expectation. Not only did I look forward to miracle gifts, but I also looked forward to dinner with family.

set your mind to expecting more, not just for this season but for your life. • Serve a cause bigger than yourself • Surround yourself with positive people • And most of all, have the mindset of abundance living. Abundance living is not based on your bank account, but rather your expectation of living in the overflow of God. Abundance living is rooted in gratitude. That is why we can anticipate, hope and expect. It’s great to expect 2017, but don’t miss the present! May you and your family have a wonderful Christmas season.

Rev. Leela Brown Waller is pastor of Bethel A.M.E. Church, 4826 School St., Acworth 30101.

AROUND ACWORTH | December 2016

Reference

COMMUNITY OF FAITH BAPTIST

Antioch Baptist Bible Church 5871 Glade Road SE, 770-529-1546 Awtrey-Westwood Baptist Church 5855 Awtrey Church Road NW 770-974-0023 Calvary Baptist Church of Acworth 4361 Westside Drive 770-974-4965 www.CalvaryBaptistAcworth.org Cedarcrest Church 4600 Cobb Pkwy NW 678- 460-3500 www.CedarcrestChurch.com First Baptist Church of Acworth 4583 Church Street 770-974-3021 www.FBCAcworth.com Glade Road Baptist Church 6570 Glade Road SE 770-975-1143 www.GladeRoadBaptist.com Harvest Baptist Church 3460 Kellogg Creek Road 770-974-9091 www.HBCGA.org Hickory Grove Baptist Church 2862 Hickory Grove Road Hickory Heights Baptist Church 221 Dabbs Bridge Road, Dallas GA 30132 404-488-3667 www.HickoryHeights.org Hillcrest Baptist Church 6069 Woodstock Road 770-917-9100 www.HBCAcworth.org Iron Hill Baptist Church 5172 Groovers Landing Road SE 770-974-2951 www.IronhillBaptist.org Keystone Baptist Church Meets at Allatoona High School 3300 Dallas Acworth Hwy NW, www.KeystoneOnline.org Morning View Baptist Church 3750 Dallas Acworth Hwy. www.MorningViewBaptistChurch.org Mount Olivet Baptist Church 2385 Acworth Due West Road 770-974-8335 52

AROUND ACWORTH | December 2016

New Hope Baptist Church 3814 New Hope Church Road 770-974-7612 Pickett’s Mill Baptist Church 7147 Hiram Acworth Hwy 770-423-0955 www.PMBChurch.net Piney Grove Baptist Church 1605 Mars Hill Road 770-428-5122 www.PineyGrove.net Redemption Baptist Church 4160 New Hope Church Road SE 770-529-0509 Sardis Missionary Baptist Church 2741 S. Main St., Kennesaw 770-428-4031 www.SardisMBCKennesawGA.org Summit Baptist Church 4310 Moon Station Lane NW 770-975-4595 www.SummitChurch.org Thankful Baptist Church of Kennesaw 928 Kennesaw Due West Road NW 678-797-0611 www.ThankfulBaptistKennesaw.org The Entire Bible Baptist Church 4980 Cobb Parkway North NW 770-975-1100 Three Taverns Church 3575 Acworth Due West Road 678-856-8002 www.ThreeTavernsChurch.org Victory Baptist Church 5717 Priest Road 770-337-0952 www.VictoryBaptist.net West Ridge Church 3522 Hiram Acworth Hwy 770-222-2125 www.Westridge.com Western Hills Baptist Church 700 Mars Hill Road, Kennesaw 770-425-7118 www.WesternHillsBaptist.net Wildwood Baptist Church 4801 Wade Green Road NW 770-428-2100 www.WildwoodBaptist.org Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church 4255 Taylor St. 770-974-8221 www.ZionHillAcworth.com

EPISCOPAL

Christ Episcopal Church 1210 Wooten Lake Road NW 770-422-9114 www.ChristChurchKennesaw.com St. Teresa’s Episcopal Church 5725 Fords Road 770-590-9040 www.StTeresasAcworth.com

JEHOVAH’S WITNESS

Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witness 2515 Old Highway 92 770-672-6838

JUDAISM

Chabad Jewish Center of Acworth 1480 Shiloh Road NW #500 678-460-7702 www.JewishWestCobb.com Congregation Ner Tamid Reform Jewish Synagogue Old 41 Highway NW suite 220 678-264-8575 www.MyNerTamid.info

LUTHERAN

Living Hope Lutheran Church 3450 Stilesboro Road 770-425-6726 www.LivingHopeGA.com First United Lutheran Church 3481 Campus Loop Rd., Kennesaw 770-427-0325 www.FULC.org

PRESBYTERIAN

Acworth Presbyterian Church 4561 Church Street 770-974-6552 Christ Community Church 2753 Watts Drive 770-529-2600 www.ChristCommunityCobb.org Heritage Presbyterian Church 5323 Bells Ferry Road 770-926-3558 www.HeritagePres.com Kirkwood Presbyterian Church USA 618 Acworth Due West Road NW 770-427-3545 www.KirkwoodPC.org Mars Hill Presbyterian Church 3385 Mars Hill Road NW 770-974-4395 www.MHChurch.com

ROMAN CATHOLIC

St. Catherine of Siena Roman Catholic Church 1618 Ben King Road, NW 770-428-7139 www.StCatherineRCC.org

St. Clare of Assisi Roman Catholic Church Meets at St. Teresa’s Episcopal, 5725 Fords Road 770-485-0825 www.StClareCC.org St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church 680 West Memorial Drive 770-443-0566 www.SaintVincentDePaulChurch.org

UNITED METHODIST

Acworth United Methodist Church 4340 Collins Circle 770-974-3312 www.AcworthUMC.org County Line United Methodist Church 1183 County Line Road, NW 770-428-0511 www.CountyLineUMC.org Due West United Methodist Church 3956 Due West Road 770-427-3835 www.DueWest.org Kennesaw United Methodist Church 1801 Ben King Road 770-428-1543 www.KennesawUMC.org New Beginnings United Methodist Church 2925 Mack Dobbs Road 770-421-9980 www.NBUMC.org

OTHERS

Abiding Church 1370 Lockhart Drive 678-888-1515 www.Abiding.church Activation Church 3415 Old Highway 41, Suite 720 www.ActivationOnline.org Acworth Christian Church 4476 Northside Drive 770-974-1358

Christ the King Church of Greater Atlanta 6464 Highway 92 770-924-9161 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 5055 Holt Road NW 770-974-9697 Cobb Vineyard Church 3206 Old Highway 41 NW 678-574-0005 www.CobbVineyard.com Dayspring Church 6835 Victory Drive 770-516-5733 www.DayspringChurch-Online.com Eagle Pointe Church 5100 Old Stilesboro Road NW 770-421-1643 www.EaglePointe.org Empowerment Worship Center 4192 Main Street 770-609-9062 www.EmpowermentWC.org Faith Family Church 5744 Bells Ferry Road 770-926-4560 www.FFCAcworth.com Four Points Church Meets at Picketts Mill Elementary 6400 Old Stilesboro Road 678-402-6632 www.FourPointsChurch.tv Freedom Church 3611 Cobb Parkway 770-529-6006 www.FreedomChurch.tv Gateway Church 1455 Ben King Road 770-701-0003 www.GatewayKennesaw.org

Mission For Life Church Meets at Pitner Elementary School 4575 Wade Green Rd. 678-613-9256 www.MissionForLife.org Mount Olives Church of God 5065 Cherokee Street 678-651-9042 New Covenant Full Gospel Inc 5653 Priest Road 770-974-0685 NorthStar Church 3413 Blue Springs Road 770-420-9808 www.NorthStarChurch.org Northwest Christian Church 3737 Dallas-Acworth Hwy 770-425-2525 www.NWCC.net Open Doors Church 2011 Hickory Grove Road Prayer & Praise Christian Fellowship Church 6409 Bells Ferry Road 770-928-2795 www.PrayerAndPraise.org River’s Edge Church 3450 Acworth Due West Road NW 678-318-1918 RiverStone Church 2005 Stilesboro Road 678-384-5200 www.RiverStoneOnline.org Sanctuary Church 700 Mars Hill Road 770-884-1963 www.SanctuaryInHim.org Unity of Kennesaw Meets at Big Shanty Elementary, 1575 Ben King Road 770-422-9552 www.UnityOfKennesaw.org

Acworth Church of God of Prophecy Ministry 3891 Nance Road NW 770-975-1124 www.AcworthChurch.com

Household of Faith Bible Church Meets at North Cobb Christian School 4500 Lakeview Drive NW 770-365-6723 www.HOFBC.org

Branches of Christ 5946 Jacobs Road 770-917-4964 www.BranchesOfChrist.com

Kellogg Creek Church of Christ 3510 Kellogg Creek Road 770-974-2814 www.KelloggCreekChurchOfChrist.org

Bethel A.M.E. Church 4826 School Street 770-905-9539

LifeBridge Church 3102 Loring Road 770-422-3010 www.MyLifeBridgeChurch.com

Vintage 242 Church 8492 Hiram Acworth Highway 678-383-2299 www.Vintage242.com

Love Community Church 5598 Bells Ferry Road 404-663-1828 or 770-975-8042 www.LoveCommunityChurch.com

Wholistic Life Ministry 1719 Nemours Dr. NW, Kennesaw 678-836-9586 www.WLMinistry.org

Calvary Chapel River Oaks Meets at Brookwood Christian Academy, 4728 Wood Street 770-881-4862 or 678-977-0087 www.CalvaryChapelRiverOaks.org

Victory Church 4625 Highway 92 770-794-7366 www.VictoryGA.com

AROUND ACWORTH | December 2016

ACWORTH AREA CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS Acworth Business Association 770-423-1330 www.acworthbusiness.org Cherokee Chamber of Commerce 770-345-0400 www.cherokeechamber.com Cobb Chamber of Commerce 770-980-2000 www.cobbchamber.org KSU Small Business Development Center 470-578-6450 LeadsNet Business Referral Group 404-819-8896 No Fee Referral Network - Acworth Contact: Betty Motter 770-256-4864 West Cobb Business Association www.westcobbbusiness.com CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS Cherokee Child Advocacy Council 770-345-8100 www.cherokeechildadvocates.org

Southern Hope Humane Society 770-445-7294 www.hopehumane.org CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS Acworth Optimist Club Contact: Debbie Ward 770-974-0670 Acworth Masonic Lodge 4497 McLain Circle 770-974-3577 Air Force Aviation Heritage Foundation 770-529-9003 Ext. 40 www.afahf.org

Atlanta Water Ski Club 770-425-3679 Cherokee Soccer Association 770-704-0187 www.csaimpact.com Children’s PEACE Center 770-917-8815 www.childrenspeacecenter.org Cobb County Radio Control Modelers Club www.ccrc.info Friends and Neighbors Club (F.A.N. club) Judy, 770-514-7819

American Legion North Cobb Post 304 www.post304.org

Kennesaw Futbol Club Carrie Crawford, 404-630-8805 www.kennesawfc.org

Atlanta Area Council Boy Scouts of America 770-989-8820

Northwest YMCA (Brookstone Area) 770-423-9622

Girl Scout Council of North Georgia 770-974-4278

West Cobb Lacrosse Club 770-641-2222 http://eteamz.active.com/westcobblacrosse

Girl Scout — Camp Pine Acres 770-974-6696 Junior League of Cobb — Marietta 770-422-5266 www.jlcm.org

SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS Active Adults Living with Arthritis (AALA) Contact: Marcia 770-605-7960

Kennesaw-Acworth Lions Club www.kennesawacworthlions.org

Celebrate Life International www.CelebrateLife.org

Kiwanis Club of Kennworth Golden K Contact: Marjory Everett 770-966-0100

Celebrate Recovery Contact: Sheryl Banister 770-428-2100

Rotary Club of North Cobb www.northcobbrotary.org

Forgotten Paws Animal Rescue 404-993-7958 www.forgottenpaws.com

Grandparents Support Group 678-699-3400

Sigma Gamma RHO Sorority Contact: Jackie Ajudua 770-529-5654

MOMS Club of Acworth-West www.acworthwestmomsclub.weebly.com

Here Am I Ministries, Inc. 770-529-4644 Contact: Rev. DeAnna Fountain

VFW Post 5408 (Acworth & Kennesaw Post) 770-974-0958 www.vfwpost5408.org

Cherokee County Habitat for Humanity 770-345-1879 www.cherokeehabitat.net Cherokee County Humane Society 770-928-5115 www.cchumanesociety.org Cobb County Habitat for Humanity 770-432-7954 www.cobbhabitat.org

Homeward Bound Pet Rescue 706-698-HOME www.homeward.petfinder.com Humane Society of Cobb County 770-428-9882 www.humanecobb.org Lung Cancer Alliance Georgia Contact: Edward J. Levitt 770-590-7898 MUST Ministries 770-427-9862 www.mustministries.org Mostly Mutts Animal Rescue & Adoption 770-325-PETS www.mostlymutts.org Papa’s Pantry 770-591-4730 www.papaspantry.org Paws for Disabilities www.pawsfordisabilities.org Pet Buddies Food Pantry 678-310-9858 www.petbuddiesfoodpantry.org

AROUND ACWORTH | December 2016

POLITICAL ORGANIZATIONS Cherokee County Democratic Party 770-345-3489 Cherokee County Republican Party 770-592-0575 Cobb County Democracy For America www.dfalink.com/cobbcounty Cobb County Democratic Party 770-420-7133 Cobb County Libertarian Party 770-425-2856 Cobb County Republican Party 770-421-1833 Cobb County Republican Women’s Club 770-785-2522

MOMS Club of Acworth-East www.momsclubacwortheast.clubspaces.com Moms in Ministry @ Summit Baptist Church Every other Tuesday AM 770-794-0442 mnm@summitchurch.org Newcomers of Cobb County Meets 3rd Tuesday 770-234-5068 www.newcomersofcobbcounty.com Parents of Prodigals Mt. Calvary Baptist Church Meets 1st & 3rd Wednesday 770-424-4387 Sisters of Support (Breast Cancer Support) Contact: Sandy, 770-926-3488 Widows / Widowers Grief Support Recovery 770-590-0334 www.burnthickory.com

Republican Women of Cherokee County 404-747-3353 www.rwccga.com

West Cobb CHADD Meets 1st Thursday at Due West United Methodist Church 404-368-9394

RECREATION & HOBBIES Atlanta Yacht Club www.atlantayachtclub.org

West Cobb Mothers and More www.westcobbmothersandmore.weebly.com 770-314-1211

AROUND ACWORTH DIRECTORY OF ADVERTISERS ASSISTED LIVING

Celebration Village 800-762-1194 www.CVillage.com

Dogwood Forest 678-831-4999 www.dogwoodforest.com

BEAUTY, MASSAGE & SPA Massage Envy 770-974-0880 www.MassageEnvy.com

UpperCuts 3 770-974-9000 www.UpperCuts-Salon.com CHURCHES Acworth UMC

Compassion Experience www.compassionexperience.org

Wildwood Baptist Church 770-428-2100 www.wildwoodbaptist.org

CLEANING SERVICES Carpet Dry-Tech 678-368-5991 www.carpetdrytech.com

PHYSICIANS AND MEDICAL SERVICES

Williams Orthodontics Woodstock: 770-592-5554 Canton: 770-345-4155 www.DrWilliamsOrthodontics.com

Cartersville Medical Center 11 800-242-5662 www.CartersvillMedical.com/JointPain Cherokee Internal Medicine 678-238-0301 www.cherokeeim.com

EDUCATION/TUTORING

ATTORNEY

James D. Haley, PC 770-974-1494

Kragor Orthodontics 770-485-8827 www.kragorortho.com

Brookwood Christian 678-401-5855 www.brookwoodchristian.com

FUNERAL SERVICES Poole Funeral Home & Cremation Services 678-932-2097 www.poolefuneralhome.net

HOME & GARDEN Albritton Construction 678-907-4931

AquaDoc Plumbing 770-516-9000 www.plumdr.com

Dr. Fixit, Ph.D. 770-974-2390 www.DrFixitPHD.com

Hortonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Inspection Services, LLC 404-545-5364

Jeffery C. Glover, LLC 404-694-0550 www.bren-abby.com

Mancilla Roofing & Construction 678-855-1919 www.MancillaRoofingEtc.com

5 5

CREDIT UNION

Squirrel Tree Services 404-397-5820 www.squirreltreeservices.com

LGE Community Credit Union Inside front www.LGEccu.org

TK & Sons Plumbing 770-529-0799 www.tkandsonsplumbing.com

Trinity Reconstruction 404-250-2707

COUNSELING Thrive Counseling 678-217-7529 www.thrivecounseling.com

DENTAL (Cosmetic, Family, Orthodontics, Prosthodontics and Pediatric) 25

Daniel Lee DMD, PC 770-974-4146

Family Orthodontics 678-212-1151

Fountain View Dentistry 770-926-0000 www.FountainViewSmiles.com

Gentle Dental Care/Georgia Dental Implants Inside back 770-926-2784 www.georgiadic.com

D Ward Insurance 770-974-0670 www.DWardInsurance.com

Red Carpet Pharmacy 770-529-9277 www.redcarpetpharmacy.com Towne Lake Primary Care Family Medicine 678-445-0819 www.TowneLakePC.com Wellstar 770-956-STAR (7827) wellstar.org

Inside front

REAL ESTATE & RELATED SERVICES Debi Smith Cell: 404-660-6652 Office: 770-240-2004 www.DebiSmithProperties.com

RECREATION/ENTERTAINMENT Lakepoint Station Cover, 28, 29 678-719-0921 www.LakepointStation.com

World of Gymnastics and Cheer 3 770-516-6898 www.worldofgymnasticsandcheer.com

RETAILERS/SHOPPING

PETS Cobb County Humane Society 770-428-5678 www.HumaneCobb.com

Northside Hospital-Cherokee Back cover www.Northside.com

OPTICIAN Acworth Family EyeCare 770-974-3153 www.acwortheyes.com

Northside Cherokee Pediatrics 7 Holly Springs: 678-388-5485 Towne Lake: 770-852-7720 www.northsidecherokeepediatrics.com

Southern Soccer Academy Cobb: 678-594-5041 Kennesaw: 678-5041 Paulding:770-712-7698 www.ssaelite.org

INSURANCE

Acworth Family Dentistry 770-974-8211 www.AcworthFamilyDentistry.com

Dream Land Pet Memorial Center 15 678-594-0041 www.DreamLandPetCremation.com

Blue Frog Imports 770-592-0122 www.BlueFrogImports.biz

TRANSPORTATION Airport Limo 404-444-6622 AROUND ACWORTH | December 2016

27 55

Since 1996, we have brought relevant, uplifting and reader-driven content to the residents of Acworth, Towne Lake, Canton and Woodstock. We look forward to serving you, our readers and advertisers, every month. Thank you for your continued support and participation in making this truly your community magazine.

Seated, from left: Patty Ponder, Jon and Karen Flaig and Jackie Loudin. Standing, from left: Katherine Amick, Denise Griffin, Susan Rodney, Michelle McCulloch, Carla Caldwell, Laura Latchford, Candi Hannigan and Christie Deese. Not pictured, Terri Spencer. Photo by J King Images

At AroundAbout Local Media, we believe the world functions at the community level: diverse groups of people living in close proximity, sharing commonality of culture, values and local pride, developing safety nets for those in need, and helping each other to live richer lives. It is our heartfelt desire to contribute to the fabric that helps make a community happen. Through our magazines, we aim to provide everyone in the communities we serve with uplifting, interesting information about the community they are proud to call home. We encourage you to send us your photos, ideas, stories or anything else you think the community would like to know about. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your community. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your magazine. Look on page 6 for our contact information.

Around Acworth Distribution Map Circulation: 16,500

AROUND ACWORTH | December 2016

NORTHSIDE HOSPITAL-CHEROKEE IS WORKING TO KEEP CHEROKEE GREAT. BECAUSE, IT’S OUR HOME,TOO. Northside Hospital-Cherokee has served the residents of this county for many years. And our commitment to bring you the very best possible care goes well beyond our walls.

BEING NEIGHBORS Most of the people who work at Northside Hospital-Cherokee live in Cherokee. They’re not just your doctors or nurses, they’re your neighbors.

INVESTING

VOLUNTEERING

We’ve invested more than $100 million to bring the best the medical world has to offer right here to Cherokee.

Our employees and physicians have volunteered more than 10,000 hours to Cherokee County schools and organizations.

CONTRIBUTING We contribute to Cherokee County schools and support local venues and community activity centers.

Cherokee’s community hospital. Northside.com