AROUND ACWORTH | December 2020
1
Contents
Contributors
December 2020
Olive and Bloom
42 Judy Abbott
On the Cover
12 Tommy Allegood
These hair stylists are ready to help you sparkle this holiday season. Back row, from left: Ashley Henson, Tatyana Busik, Lisa Jordan, Emily Pond, Ashley Merckling, Jordan Schaefer, Dawn Futch, Tara Kerr, Amber Sass, Nikki Russo. Front row, from left: Janna Mehlberg, Anna Raudabaugh, Lauren Wheeler.
36 Ryan Blythe 49 Jennifer Bonn 34 Wayne Dennard 22 Rabbi Daniel Dorsch 48 Greg Fonzeno
Pages 28 & 29
43 Rob Macmillan
Cover photo by J. King Images
24 Karen Needle
19
Shop Main Street!
Support local businesses with the help of our holiday shopping guide of downtown Acworth.
22
Spin the Dreidel
Pull out the menorah and fry up the latkes, it’s time for the Festival of Lights.
45 Dr. Haiden Nunn 14 Abbie Parks 44 C.A. Phillips 32 Shannon Stahl 30 Elisabeth Stubbs 46 Jay White 48 Joel Williams
In Every Issue
4 Around Acworth 8 Local News 13 Celebrations 14 Acworth History
40 Community Calendar 42 Growing Gardeners
43 Rob’s Rescues 46 Ribbon Cuttings 47 Dining Guide 50 Community of Faith
51 Clubs and Orgs
38
52 Cobb Photographic Society
Socially Distanced Santa
Visits with the big guy look different this year, but Santa Claus is reinventing the seasonal tradition. 2
AROUND ACWORTH | December 2020
54 Directory of Advertisers
AROUND ACWORTH | December 2020
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Around Acworth Letter From the Editor
One of the biggest adjustments for me in working for the magazine the past two years has been planning a least one month in advance. I know it’s not to the extreme of musicians who record holiday albums in June, but I grew up in a house where our fall decorations actually stayed up throughout Thanksgiving. My mom had the Publix pilgrim salt and pepper shakers with the matching platter for the turkey that sat next to the decorative cornucopia centerpiece. We watched the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and the Christmas season didn’t begin until Santa Claus rolled through at the end. I’m married and have a family, and still refuse to pull out my Christmas decorations until after Thanksgiving. My oldest daughter was born the Wednesday before Thanksgiving three years ago, and we didn’t put our tree up until after we were home from the hospital. Admittedly, that wasn’t the best decision I’ve ever made, but you get the idea. I’m not a Scrooge, but Thanksgiving exists, and my household décor reflects it. You can imagine how I struggle trying to plan the December issue before the trick-or-treating starts. However, like everything else, this year has been different. Planning holiday features was just what I needed. I’ve heard reports of folks decorating for the holidays earlier than ever because, let’s be honest, twinkle lights put everyone in a good mood. If you’re looking for some nostalgia this season, Abbie Parks discusses how Christmas traditions have changed through the years on Page 14. If you’re looking for some new recipes this season, try incorporating these fun Hanukkah dishes (Page 24) into your family celebration. Speaking of traditions, our friend Santa Jay explains how visits with the big guy have changed on Page 38. I’m hoping this will be a welcome change for my 3 year old, as Parker Grace pointed out she likes Santa, but doesn’t want him to hold her as seen in the photo from last year. Let’s remember to show our love to others this season, whether it’s lending a helping hand to those in need (Page 16), or through simple acts of kindness (Page 15). Don’t forget to thank a teacher for their hard work. They’ve had a challenging year as Jennifer Bonn points out on Page 49. I hope this issue puts you in the holiday spirit like it did for me, but don’t be mistaken: the decorations stayed in the attic until Thanksgiving Day. Cheers to a safe and happy holiday season!
Katie Beall Katie Beall is editor of Around Acworth. Send your comments or questions to Katie@AroundaboutMagazines.com.
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AROUND ACWORTH | December 2020
Noteworthy
Congratulations to Miss Teen of Georgia, Caroline Martin, for making the Top 3 of the Miss Teen of America pageant! Martin is a senior at Allatoona High School. Her journey continued at the national competition in Atlanta during the Thanksgiving holiday. Final results were not available at press time. Learn more about Martin in last month’s issue of Around Acworth.
What’s Coming
McAlister’s Deli and Your Pie will open new locations in a recently built outparcel building in the Butler Creek shopping center on Cobb Parkway in Acworth. McAlister’s will be 3,300 square feet and feature a drivethru. Your Pie, a fast-casual pizza concept, will be 2,700 square feet.
What’s Happening
The city of Acworth partnered with Cobb & Douglas Public Health and the Air National Guard to provide free COVID-19 testing at Logan Farm Park (4405 Cherokee St.) between noon and 6 p.m. on Wednesdays through Dec. 16. The self-administered, shallow nasal tests are available to those with or without symptoms. Register at cdphcovid19testing.org.
Acworth’s new Doyal Hill Park is under construction. Located adjacent to the Rosenwald School and Acworth Community Center, this park will serve as an outdoor interpretive history area featuring public art honoring Acworth’s rich African-American History. Prints of the historic Rosenwald School Community Center by artist Ron Huffman are being sold to raise funds for the park’s public art installation. These prints are available for purchase at the Acworth Community Center or at www.acworthparksandrecreation.org.
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AROUND ACWORTH | December 2020
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Publisher
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AROUND ACWORTH | December 2020
Around Acworth, a publication of Aroundabout Local Media, Inc., is a monthly community magazine. The magazine’s mission is helping local businesses grow and prosper by offering affordable advertising opportunities in a quality publication that provides positive, relevant information to our readers. It distributes a total of 16,500 free copies. Approximately 15,400 are direct mailed to homes and businesses and an additional 1,100 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 10th 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 2020 Around Acworth
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AROUND ACWORTH | December 2020
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Local News
Art House to Host Small Works Exhibit
NCCS Holds Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Last month, North Cobb Christian School (NCCS) held a ribbon cutting ceremony for the opening of its new Upper School Building. According to a statement on the school’s Facebook page, “This building represents foundations of faith, where the life trajectories of tomorrow’s leaders will be forever changed. To God be the glory; this is his school, and we thank him for it!” After receiving an anonymous foundation grant of $1 million toward the school’s His Plan | Our Time capital campaign, the NCCS community rallied to raise the additional $1.5 million needed to finalize the $10.3 million campaign goal. NCCS broke ground on the 40,000-square-foot building Oct. 25, 2019, six months earlier than expected. The new building includes 23 state-of-the-art classrooms, a STEM center with a physics lab, makerspace and robotics lab, student collaborative spaces, meeting rooms and administrative offices. Additional parking spaces also will be added.
Acworth Arts Alliance is hosting its “Small Artworks and Gifts” exhibit through Dec. 23. Artwork will be available for purchase, and the smaller sizes are perfect for holiday gifts. Visit the Art House during the exhibit, and decorate a holiday ornament to take home as a gift. Located at 4425 Cherokee St., the Art House’s hours are noon-6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, closed Sunday, Monday and holidays. Exhibits are free and open to the public. The Art House is accepting submissions for its January/February exhibit. Submissions are open to Acworth Art Alliance students, instructors and member artists. The deadline for submissions is midnight Dec. 15. Don’t forget to register for art classes. Registration is open for upcoming workshops and six-week classes begin in January. Register online at, acworthartsalliance.org/ classes.
Bank Helps Local Nonprofit CenterState Bank recently donated $5,000 to The Extension for COVID-19 relief. The Extension is a licensed residential recovery program serving Cobb County homeless men and women who suffer from alcohol and other addictions. Demand for services offered by The Extension increased during the pandemic, and CenterState stepped in to help. The donated funds helped to pay for cleaning supplies, nonperishable food items and personal protection equipment for residents. “CenterState is a regional bank in scope, but laser-focused on the communities served,” said Barbara Allen, CenterState’s community engagement impact analyst. “We value the unique character of our communities and strive to exceed expectations by anticipating needs and responding with a sense of urgency. So, when COVID-19 hit our communities hard, we knew we needed to spring into action. Locally, we identified agencies which were working extra-hard to meet needs and reached out and provided some additional funding to help get past this hardship. The Extension has been a great partner, and we were honored to provide some needed support.” For more information about The Extension, visit, www.theextension.org. 8
AROUND ACWORTH | December 2020
Renee McCormick, The Extension director of community relations; Barbara Allen, CenterState Bank community engagement impact analyst; Tyler Driver, The Extension executive director; and Mary Williamson, CenterState SVP, commercial relationship manager.
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AROUND ACWORTH | December 2020
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Local News
Mount Paran Christian School softball team after winning the state championship.
MPCS Softball Wins State Title The Mount Paran Christian School (MPCS) varsity softball team recently won the program’s first state championship title. The Lady Eagles finished with a 26-4 record after sweeping the final four winner’s bracket in the state tournament. MPCS outscored its final four opponents 20-8. The Lady Eagles advanced to the Elite 8 of the state tournament for the second consecutive year. In postseason play, MPCS outscored its opponents 53-23. The team also recorded the most single-season wins in school history with 26. “The Mount Paran Christian softball program continues to strive for excellence,” Coach Kristy Hubbard said. “As our best regular season comes to a close, we are excited for the future of our program. In a year of such uncertainty, it has been a blessing to watch these girls work so hard to achieve their goals. Our outstanding Lady Eagles are great examples of true Christian athletes, both on and off the field.
Upcoming Public Meetings CobbTV makes it easy to stay up-to-date on all of the happenings of Cobb County government. Many public meetings and hearings are broadcast live and are available on YouTube and Video On Demand. To learn more, visit cobbcounty.org/cobbtv. • Board of Zoning Appeals variance hearing at 1 p.m., Dec. 9 • Board of Commissioners zoning hearing at 9 a.m., Dec. 15 • Board of Commissioners regular meeting at 6 p.m., Dec. 15
Book Your Pet Adoption Appointment Online To keep up with the rise in the number of pet adoptions during the pandemic, Cobb County has launched an online appointment booking option. Cobb Animal Services has been appointment only for adoption, visitation and owner surrenders since the spring. No appointment is required for strays found by residents, for residents looking for their lost pets or for animal reclaim. Shelter staff are available to book appointments and answer questions by calling 770-499-4136. Cobb County Animal Services is located at 1060 Al Bishop Drive, Marietta. To schedule an appointment, visit tinyurl.com/y6r33abs. 10
AROUND ACWORTH | December 2020
KCB Making Meaningful Impact Keep Cobb Beautiful (KCB) was recently recognized for its exemplary work in 2019 and 2020 by the Keep Georgia Beautiful Foundation (KGBF), along with its state and national partners, the Georgia Department of Community Affairs and Keep America Beautiful. As part of a national movement to improve and beautify communities across America, KCB advocates for cleaner, greener community spaces. In Georgia, it’s one of more than 70 local programs that work together to make our state a healthier, more vibrant place to live, culminating in efforts like KGBF’s #reconsiderlitter campaign. Recent achievements and inroads made by KBC include: • Implementing the innovative Hefty EnergyBag plastics recovery program countywide. KCB was the first Keep America Beautiful affiliate to achieve this grant, and helped Dow and Reynolds companies reach a major milestone by collecting and diverting more than 1 million pounds of hard-to-recycle plastic from landfills in February 2020. • Successfully expanding options for the Hefty EnergyBag program — material collected in Cobb County is currently being used for diesel fuel, oil, wax, plastic lumber, and most recently, cinder blocks. • Rebranding itself as a leader in virtual environmental educational workshops, offering sessions for seniors, school children, civic groups and more, and hosting more than 146 sessions total — KCB has reached 96,741 Cobb County residents during the past eight months. • Growing participation in its Adopt-A-Mile Program during the past year, expanding membership to local cities — so far, group members have collected more than 1,100 bags of litter and adopted more than 167 miles of roadsides in Cobb County.
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AROUND ACWORTH | December 2020
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A Message from the C
hristmas is the season of giving, and the city of Acworth truly is blessed to have so many givers in our community. During the pandemic, we have faced challenges, and have made many changes to our daily lives. Christmas may look different this year, but the spirit of Christmas is in our hearts. When we see all the good our friends, residents and partners are doing this holiday season, it reminds us that Acworth is a city like no other. We were unable to hold our traditional Santa’s Arrival event at City Hall this month, but our incredible partners at NorthStar Church generously donated their resources to produce a Santa’s Arrival video that captures many of our traditions, to inspire hope this holiday season. In this video, my friend Santa was kind enough to visit my home, and he assured me that he would pay special attention to all the good boys and girls of Acworth. This video is available on the Acworth Parks, Recreation and Community Resource Department’s Facebook page, and online at www.acworthparksandrecreation.org. On Nov. 5, the Save Acworth History Foundation and the city came together to recognize Mrs. Nancy Maxwell for her many contributions in preserving Acworth’s history. Mrs. Maxwell’s family moved to Acworth in 1911. She grew up on Dallas Street, two blocks from Main Street, and still lives across from the location of her childhood home. With her wealth of historical knowledge, Mrs. Maxwell is a treasured resident of Acworth, and has devoted her time, talents and resources to the community. In honor of her many gifts, and in celebration of her 90th birthday, Mrs. Nancy Maxwell is the first recipient of the Save Acworth History Foundation’s Award for Achievement in Preserving Acworth History, an award that forever will bear her name. It is a blessing to have such a remarkable woman living in our community. Thank you, Mrs. Maxwell, for all you have done for Acworth. Our exceptional Main Street is home to some truly outstanding retailers. Recently, like many businesses,
they have been faced with challenges from the pandemic. We are thankful they are open to the public and bring their unique shopping options to our city. As you explore downtown this holiday season, we ask that you support these small businesses. By shopping locally, you will find special gifts for your loved ones, and invest in your community. Like much of North Georgia, the city of Acworth experienced extreme winds from Hurricane Zeta. Our team at Acworth Power and Public Works did an outstanding job of restoring power and clearing our roads. We are thankful for the team’s services, and the services of the Acworth Police Department and the Acworth Parks, Recreation and Community Resource Department for keeping the public informed, clearing debris, and maintaining the safety and beauty of our shared spaces. We also thank our residents for their patience and support. As we come to the end of a year like no other, we have been overwhelmed by the support from our community. Our city team has worked tirelessly to adapt to a set of challenges no one could have predicted. Our community partners have contributed through donations, food drives, and words of encouragement when they were needed most. Our residents have shown patience and kindness as we have navigated, and continue to navigate, through an extreme set of circumstances. These gifts and prayers, given with love and compassion, for this past year have meant so much to us. Christmas is a special time in Acworth, but the season of giving lasts the entire year. We would like to wish you and your families a very merry Christmas. We look forward to serving you, and celebrating with you, in the year to come. God bless, Tommy
Tommy Allegood was elected to Acworth’s city council in 2000 and has served as mayor since 2002. He is a community builder who is purposed to make it count!
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AROUND ACWORTH | December 2020
Celebrations! Satoshi Kobayashi
ANNOUNCEMENTS ARE FREE!
Email to: Edit@AroundaboutMagazines.com January deadline is Dec. 14. Please specify Around Acworth.
Zoe Salem Woods
Age 1 on Dec. 5 Happy first birthday! We love you so much. Mom, Dad and Big Sister
Age 1 on Dec. 9 Happy first birthday to our wild, determined and sweet baby girl! Love, Ma, Daddy, and Kennedy
Hailey Trout
Jason Michael Deckman
Age 16 on Nov. 29 Happy 16th birthday. We love you! Uncle Mike and Aunt Joslyn
Age 2 on Nov. 28 Happy birthday Jason. We love you! Daddy, Moma, Uncle Mike and Aunt Joslyn
Alex Gatlin
Age 9 on Dec. 28 Happy birthday to a wonderful girl! Love, Mom, Papaw, and Grandma
AROUND ACWORTH | December 2020
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This Month in
Acworth History
Christmas Traditions BY ABBIE PARKS
When Acworth first was incorporated in 1860, Christmas was celebrated differently than it is today. In Colonial days, Christmas was a raucous holiday that started with musket fire or strings of firecrackers, and ended with riotous feasting, gambling, carousing and demands for gifts. In an effort to keep youngsters out of harm’s way and off the streets, the winter holiday began to change by the 1860s. The celebration transitioned and became centered in the home, with a focus on family and children. A quieter approach was taken for the feasting as well, with turkey or goose as the favored centerpieces for the family Christmas dinner. A good example of the changes in Christmas traditions is the family tree. An 1860 Christmas tree would have been a small tabletop version, most likely a variety of a local evergreen, placed in the parlor. A common misconception is that the use of a tree at Christmastime was based on the much publicized tree of England’s Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. But, notations of Christmas trees are found throughout American literature, well before Prince Albert’s time. These small evergreens were decorated with toys and candles behind closed doors, and revealed to the children on Christmas morning. Holiday gift giving also has changed dramatically over the years. Prior to the mid-1800s, gifts were unwrapped and merely set into or underneath the trees. Gifts were small, handmade items, or inexpensive trinkets. By the turn of the century, stockings were being hung at the fireplace, in accordance with 14
AROUND ACWORTH | December 2020
An example of an 1860 Christmas tree on display in the William and Hannah Root parlor at the Root House.
the popular American poem “A Visit From St. Nicholas,” penned by Clement Clarke Moore in 1823. Today, the poem commonly is called “Twas the Night Before Christmas.” Stockings were filled with fruit and nuts. Other small gifts might be included, like a small toy, a piece of jewelry for girls, or a knife for boys, but no large presents. My favorite of the gift-giving traditions, lost in today’s hustle and bustle, is that of “secrets.” According to Eliza Leslie, “secrets” were made by wrapping treats, such as a nut or candy, along with a verse (Bible or poem) in colored papers to be handed out to visitors during the Christmas season. Leslie was the Martha Stewart of her day. In 1837, she published “Miss Leslie’s Directions to Cookery,” an extensive manual for ladies. Included
in the publication were detailed instructions for conversations, manners, dress, introductions, shopping, and the proper conduct in the street, at places of amusement, while traveling, and even at the table. You might want to try some of these older customs as you celebrate the 2020 Christmas season. To get the true flavor of an 1860 Christmas, plan a visit to the William Root House Museum & Garden in Marietta. It is owned and operated by Cobb Landmarks, and offers an accurate portrayal of middle-class life during the 1860s. The house is decorated for Christmas throughout the month, and is open 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. For more information, visit www.roothousemuseum.com. Merry Christmas, y’all!
Abbie Parks, an Acworth resident, co-authored pictorial essays on regional history and collaborated on a book celebrating Acworth’s 150th birthday that featured anecdotal history and family photographs.
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Days of
Christmas Kindness While most people don’t have any use for a partridge in a pear tree, and 12 drummers drumming is enough to give anyone a migraine, we do have some ideas about what you and your family can give this Christmas season - KINDNESS! Here is a list to get you through the 12 days of Christmas, but we hope it doesn't stop there. Let’s keep the goodwill of the holidays going through the new year and beyond.
1
Pay It Backward, and Forward. Pay for the
2
Bake and Take. Bake cookies, brownies, treats,
person’s coffee, lunch, etc. behind you in the drive through. Let someone, especially parents with small children, cut in front of you at the grocery store checkout counter. Bonus points if they have a full cart! etc. for a neighbor, elderly person, the local fire or police station.
3
Make a Joyful Noise. Go caroling with a group of family and friends, and serenade shut-ins, etc. or take a musical tour around your neighborhood.
4
Get Crafty. Create handmade ornaments or cards for the residents of a local nursing or assisted-living home.
5
Card Someone. Buy someone a gift card to
6
use on themselves – for a tasty cup of coffee or quick lunch – for energy for the season.
Take Supplies to the Animal Shelter.
Let’s not forget to share some love with our furry friends. Bring goodies, such as food, treats, blankets, paper towels. etc., for the cats and dogs waiting to be adopted. For more information visit, www.humanecobb.com/ways-to-give/wish-lists.
Leave a Candy Cane Bomb. Make cute, festive cards with a kind note or Bible verse and attach a candy cane. Place underneath the windshield wiper of cars in a local church or school parking lot.
7
Sweeten Someone’s Day. When checking out at the grocery store, ask your cashier what their favorite candy bar is, and buy it for them. A sweet treat is almost always welcomed!
8
Two Thumbs Up. Write a positive review for a local small business that you love. Reviews can be posted on various websites or on the business' individual social media pages.This benefits the local business and potential customers.
9
10
Thank an Essential Worker. Show your
appreciation for your mail carrier and/or garbage pick-up people with a note and a treat.
Give Blood. This might be the most important gift you can give someone this time of year. Visit www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/find-drive to find a blood drive near you.
11
12
Adopt an Angel. Take part in a program that provides gifts for children and adults who may not receive gifts otherwise. AROUND ACWORTH | December 2020
15
Lend a
Helping Hand While the holiday season traditionally is difficult for many, this year’s pandemic has caused even greater need. Here’s a list of local nonprofits working to make sure everyone has a great holiday season. Please do what you can to help, whether it’s donating money or time. To learn about other ways to help throughout the year, visit www.justserve.org.
Acworth Police Department Christmas Shoppe
www.acworthpolice.org Every year, the Acworth Police Department invites parents in need to select holiday gifts for their children at the station’s Christmas Shoppe. The community can assist the Christmas Shoppe by donating new, unwrapped toys and clothes for school-age children. Donations can be dropped off at the police department anytime before Dec. 18. Toy collection bins also are at the Acworth Community Center, City Hall, Center Street Tavern, Henry’s Louisiana Grill, Red Top Brewhouse, J.D.’s Bar-BQue and Fish Thyme. 770-974-1232, Ext. 1115.
Cobb Senior Services www.cobbcounty.org
There are several opportunities to contribute to the Cobb Senior Services programs. Financial donations are accepted year-round for the Senior Care or Meals on Wheels programs, in addition to the Senior Santa program. Taxdeductible donations are used to assist Cobb County seniors in need of meals, transportation, emergency assistance, utilities and more. The annual Senior Santa program benefits current clients who are homebound. 770-528-5368.
Cobb Christmas Stuff-A-Bus
www.cobbchristmas.net/stuff-a-bus The Stuff-A-Bus program helps brighten the holidays for local children in need by donating new toys, food or monetary contributions to Cobb Christmas, a nonprofit, nondenominational organization that helps low-income families during the holidays. It is run 100% by volunteers, so all donations go directly to help the community. Cobb Christmas provides a minimum of three age-appropriate toys to each child, ages infant through 13. Families go through a qualification process. Check the website to find a donation location near you.
Last year’s Acworth Police Department’s Christmas Shoppe was ready for parents to pick gifts for their children. 16
AROUND ACWORTH | December 2020
Encompass Ministries / Papa’s Pantry
https://encompassministriesinc.org Encompass Ministries and its food pantry offers yearround food assistance and stability/life skills training. Food is offered from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays, no appointment necessary. However, you may call ahead to reserve a spot, should there be a wait. Training is one-onone via Zoom. Special holiday needs: Donations of turkeys, ham and nonperishable food items. A list of the top 10 food needs is kept up-to-date on the website. Tax-deductible donations also are accepted online. For more details, call 770-591-4707.
Family Promise Cobb County
www.familypromisecobbcounty.org Family Promise serves housing insecure families with children, by providing shelter through community faith partnerships. While the family has shelter, the day center staff stays busy working to help the adults find jobs, learn budgeting, connect with benefits and services that will help them. The nonprofit has asked for donations of gas cards and Walmart or Target gift cards to help the families being served.
Goshen Valley Foundation
www.goshenvalley.org The holidays are a difficult time for foster children not living with their families. Goshen Valley Boys Ranch attempts to provide a memorable Christmas experience for foster children with the community’s help. This includes building traditions, talking about the true meaning of Christmas, and fulfilling some of the young people’s wants and needs through gift giving, to teach them that they are loved. With 42 kids, Goshen relies on the generosity of the community to fulfill these wishes. A list of gifts has been compiled on the Amazon website through a charity wishlist. For details, visit http://goshenwishlist.org, email Executive Director Stacy Cooper at scooper@goshenvalley.org, or call 770-796-4618 for a clickable link to view gifts the boys have requested.
The Hope Box
www.TheHopeBox.org The Hope Box, a nonprofit dedicated to rescuing abandoned babies and toddlers, needs donations via gift cards to Walmart, CVS and Target to cover the costs of car seats and other needs of mothers and infants in crisis. Mail gift cards to 3330 Cobb Parkway, Suite 324/180, Acworth, GA 30101. For more information, call 770-765-6301.
Hope Center
www.hopectr.com The pregnancy diagnosis and support center can use donations of new, unwrapped toys for children up to age 18 for the Christmas toy closet. Donations will be accepted through Dec. 11 at the HOPE Center, 295 Molly Lane, Suite 120, Woodstock. 770-924-0864.
KSU CARE Center
http://care.kennesaw.edu The Campus Awareness, Resource & Empowerment (CARE) Services office offers support to students who have experienced homelessness, food insecurity and/ or the foster care system. Monetary donations to the scholarship fund can make a huge difference in the life of a student. There is a wish list to help students at Christmas. For details, contact CARE at careservices@ kennesaw.edu or 470-KSU-5260.
MUST Ministries
www.mustministries.org The Cobb County nonprofit provides food, housing, employment and clothing assistance to individuals in distress. Clients are invited to visit the toy shop, and donations are needed to stock those shelves. Donations are needed of new, unwrapped toys, stuffed animals, puzzles, board games, electronics, books, dolls, sports equipment, T-shirts, underwear, hats, coats and gloves. Email ToyShop@mustministries.org for more information. Gifts also are welcome for teens and adults. Drop off donations at the MUST Ministries Donation Center at 1280 Field Parkway, Marietta. The Toy Shop will be open Dec. 8-19.
Simple Needs GA
www.simpleneedsga.org The Spirit of Christmas program helps schooland agency-referred families who were unable to register for other local programs, such as the MUST Toy Shop, Cobb Christmas and Toys for Tots. Volunteer opportunities include buying requested presents, wrapping gifts, making deliveries, sorting and organizing, and more. Top items needed include backpacks for high school students learning books focused on letters, numbers and colors, Dr. Seuss books, books for tweens and teens, and Amazon Fire 7 tablets and cases. Current donation items needed for the organization at large are available at https:// simpleneedsgablog.com/drives/. For information, email brenda@simpleneedsga.org.
Toys for Tots
www.toysfortots.org Toys for Tots is a national program started by the Marine Corps. Through Dec. 14, Toys for Tots will collect new, unwrapped toys to distribute to children in need during the holiday season as a way of spreading joy to the less fortunate. Visit the website for the most updated list of collection sites in Acworth.
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Happy Holidays!
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Local!
SHOP
Our Mission Statement: Help local businesses grow and prosper by offering affordable advertising opportunities in a quality publication that provides positive, relevant information to our readers. At Aroundabout Local Media, our mission statement is more than just words. It’s how we do business and how we do life. To fulfill this mission and help local businesses have a successful holiday season, we created this convenient Shop Local guide. On the following pages, you will find a map of downtown Acworth, provided by the Acworth tourism office. We encourage you to visit the businesses that are highlighted there, supporting local entrepreneurs who will be happy to help you pick out the perfect gift or a gift card for friends and family. We hope you will Shop Local and support our Acworth businesses. Have a blessed holiday season!
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SHOP
Acworth
Y Y O UR WAY & STAY FO
s Lakeshore… Shopping, Histor y, Dining & More
ericans dream about. While it is close enough to Atlanta to exp rovides opportunities for families that offer fun and tranquility. Ric
R E S TA U R A N T R O W
RESTAURANTS
1. 1885 Grill 21 2. Bert & Boo’s St. Bake Shop 38 Cherokee St. 4 815 S. Main 770-974-1110 pening Summer 2020 3. BRIX on Main 22 13 H E N R Y4.’ SCenter LO UStreet I S I ATavern NA GRILL T & BOO’S BAKERY 4835 5. N. Main St. 00 Old McEver Rd. Daddy’s Country Kitchen 770-966-1515 0-582-6717 6. Dogwood Terrace 23 14 J D ’ S B7.ADoro’s R - BItalian - Q U EKitchen X ON MAIN 4424 S. Main St. 43 N. Main St. 770-974-8434 8. Fish Thyme 8-719-0808 15 J U IC E 9.WFlavors I N E BofAHawaii R BY T E R S T R E E T TAV E R N 24 81 Sen. Russell Ave. F I S H 10. T HPizza Y M EBy Fuscos 0-917-0004 397911.S. Main St. Fusco’s via Roma Italian Trattoria 678-574-5242 D D Y ’ S C O U N T R Y K I TC H E N 12. Henry’s Louisiana Grill 16 25 M I S S 13. L ’ SJ.D.’s Bar-B-Que 85 Acworth Due West Rd. 0-974-2281 S A N D W IC H S H O P Wine Bar By Fish Thyme 481714. S.Juice Main St. G W O O D T E R RAC E 770-966-9709 Miss L’s Sandwich Shop 26 75 N. Main St. Dining tor y, & 15. More! Located 0-627-4069 17 Nibbles N I B B L16. E’S G R IGrill L Lexperience enough to Atlanta to 432817. S. Main St. Red Top Brewhouse offer tranquility . Rich in histo R O ’ S I TA L I Afun N K I TC H Eand N 770-382-3982
5 GRILL
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F USCO’S VIA ROMA
& S TA Y F O R T
79 S. Main St. 8-903-2607
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Acworth Bookstore R IC O ’ 18. S M E X2 M1 E X G R I L LA C W O R T H
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TAFG TA PTO N 2 2OutfittersA 21.WAppalachian GAC W O R T H
ALIA CAFE & CREAMERY
09 Baker Rd.
0-608-7684 V IA ROMA Main St. H1110 THYME
79 S. Main St. 4-428-1931 LO UISIANA Main St. V1515 O R S O F HAWA I I 80 South Main St. 8-310-0649 -B-QUE Main St. Z8434 A BY FUSCO’S 15 S. Main St. N E BAR BY 8-426-7503
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Main St. 5242
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Main St. 9709
GRILL
GRILL
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RETAIL
4637 S. Main St. Opening Spring 2020
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Acworth Flowers Dr. & Plants 377019. Southside 4857 N. Ma 770-917-9791 678-403-13
20. Acworth House of Flowers
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4443 Cherokee St. 4829 S. V Ma I S I TA 22. Pearl’sWinter Spa & Boutique Opening 2020 770-966-86
23. Picnic Market and Mercantile 23 AC W O RT H H 24. Serendipity House OF FLOWERS 25. Something Tulle by 35 Kristina Eaton AC W O RT H C UMa LT U R 4 887 N. 4367 Senator R 770-974-46 26. The Spa House 770-672- 0294 27. Star 24 Stuff and Jack’s Gems AL BUMS RE 4805 S. Ma 28. Sweet Repeats Furniture & Décor 770-675-71 29. Two LiRu Antiques & Décor 25 A P PA L A C H I A 30. Wild Blossoms 4683 S. Ma 678-742-81 31. The Art House
GA L L E R I ES & E V E N T V E N U ES
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PEARL’S
S PA 21 S. Ma
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Minor Holiday Attains Major Status BY RABBI DANIEL DORSCH
Hanukkah, which is a holiday that can be spelled any number of ways (none of them more correct than any other), means “dedicated on 25th” day of the Hebrew month of Kislev. It commemorates the Hasmoneans, also called the Maccabees, and their successful war for religious freedom, in which they succeeded in banishing the Greeks from their occupation of Jerusalem and its Holy Temple. Many ritually observant Jews deem Hanukkah to be a minor holiday. This is not due to its lack of adherents, but because the story of Hanukkah occurred too late chronologically to make it into the Hebrew Bible. As a result, while 22
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the holiday is celebrated widely, traditional Jewish restrictions that take place on holidays like Rosh Hashanah or Passover (cessation from labor, large festival meals, etc.), do not apply to Hanukkah. Further contributing to its minor status is that our rabbis grew troubled that the holiday overemphasized the Maccabees’ military prowess at the expense of God’s role in the story. It largely was out of these concerns that our
sages in the Talmud fabricated the now popular story about the miracle of the oil lasting for eight days and nights. Given its widespread use today, it’s safe to argue that they succeeded in adding an important spiritual dimension to the holiday. Ironically, for its emphasis on our freedom to practice as Jews, Hanukkah’s traditional timing opposite Christmas in December sometimes can create a great deal of ambivalence for Jewish families about how best to observe the holiday. Like all American holidays, Hanukkah now has grown very commercial. Walking through stores and seeing a Hanukkah display opposite the Christmas one is terrific, in that my own children feel validated in their religious practice. However, it also begs the question: To what extent, have we allowed a holiday that celebrates the uniqueness of Judaism to become like everything else? American Jewish families observe Hanukkah with traditional Jewish rituals, like lighting candles and playing dreidel (a spinning top). However, they also may choose to give their children presents on Hanukkah or seasonally decorate their homes. The Elf on the Shelf has made room for the wildly adorable Mensch on the Bench. I’ve heard of some families going so far to put up a “Hanukkah bush.” Hanukkah may be a minor holiday for ritually observant Jews, but there is little question that, given its popularity in our country, it has attained a major status. For Americans, its powerful theme of celebrating religious freedom and observance is one that continues to resonate with all of us. The question that none of us may yet answer is what that observance will look like generations into the future.
Rabbi Dan Dorsch serves Congregation Etz Chaim in Marietta. He is a graduate of the Jewish Theological Seminary, and holds a master’s degree in synagogue education.
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Hanukkah
Evokes Memories of Childhood BY KAREN NEEDLE
Hanukkah, Hanakah, Chanukah — however you spell it, it's a wonderful holiday, full of history, traditions, celebrations and memories. The basic story is that Hanukkah celebrates the Jewish people's victory over the SyrianGreek superpower in the second century BCE, during the time of the Second Holy Temple. It also celebrates the miracle of a small amount of oil that lasted eight days after the Jews went to clean the Holy Temple, and there was only enough oil to light the holy menorah for one day. It also is known as the Festival of Lights. It is observed for eight days, starting on the 25th day of Kislev, according to the Hebrew calendar. In 2020, Hanukkah begins the evening of Dec. 10 and ends Dec. 18. On each of these eight evenings, we light a menorah to commemorate the miraculous Jewish victory 2,000 years ago. Some common Karen is pictured here (far right) with her siblings Jeff, Merryl and Larry circa 1956. In the background is the Star of David built by her dad.
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Traditional Hanukkah The Needle family enjoys celebrating Hanukkah each year with food, traditions and time together.
practices are singing holiday songs, eating oily foods, and playing dreidel. This holiday always evokes wonderful memories from my childhood. We decorated the house with the Star of David and dreidels, and made lots of latkes, or potato pancakes, sugar cookies in Hanukkah shapes, and many other traditional foods. We waited in anticipation of lighting our menorah, and, if we were lucky, opening a gift each night. We would play the dreidel game, sing songs, and retell the story of the miracle of Hanukkah. We had a huge blue star in our window, built by my father, and we set out our menorah, to let everyone know how proud we were of our heritage. We raised our three sons with these same traditions, making sure they knew the importance of celebrating them and carrying them on. Today, my husband and I are blessed with 10 grandchildren, to whom we also make sure to pass on the importance of this holiday, to be proud to be Jewish, and to carry these traditions forward to their own families someday. The kids come over before the holiday to bake Hanukkah cookies in the shapes of stars, dreidels, menorahs, candles and even a Maccabee, reminiscent of the brave soldiers who defeated their evil foes. We typically eat a huge meal of latkes, sometimes brisket, other times bagels and lox, and plenty of dessert. And, of course, just like when I was little, the favorite part of the night is lighting the menorah, and opening gifts. The biggest gift of the holiday is being together!
Recipes
Karen shared with us some of her family’s favorite Hanukkah dishes and treats. Whether you celebrate Hanukkah or not, we hope you enjoy these delicious recipes. Happy Hanukkah!
Sufganiyot (Israeli Doughnuts) • • • • • • • • • •
1 packet dry active yeast (2¼ teaspoons) 1 cup warm water 3 tablespoons sugar 1 tablespoon brandy or cognac or vanilla Zest of 1 lemon 1½ tablespoons oil (will need additional oil for frying) 1 egg 3 cups all-purpose flour ½ teaspoon salt 2 cups strawberry jelly
In a gallon-sized plastic bag, add the yeast, warm water, sugar, brandy, lemon zest, oil, egg, flour and salt. Close bag and mix ingredients well. Place bag in a bowl of very warm water for 1 hour. Remove dough from bag onto a floured surface. The dough should be sticky, which makes great sufganiyot! Roll out the dough to ½-inch thickness. Make sure both sides of the dough are floured, so it doesn’t stick to the surface. With a cookie cutter or drinking glass, cut 2-inch circles out of the dough. When you are left with scraps of dough, roll it out again and cut more circles. Cover with a towel for 30 minutes. Fill a pan with 2 inches of oil. Heat oil to 350 degrees. Depending on your stove, the correct temperature will be around medium. You will know if it’s correct when you add the sufganiyot. The oil should bubble around the sufganiyot, but not a ton of bubbles. Fry the doughnuts for about 1 minute on each side. Remove and place on a cooling rack or plate, with paper towels. With a squeeze tube or piping bag, add your favorite jelly or jam to the doughnuts. Just make sure the jelly/jam isn’t too chunky to squeeze through whatever you’re using.
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Chocolate Marshmallow Dreidels
• 1 bag of large marshmallows • 1 bag of pretzel sticks • ready-to-spread vanilla or chocolate frosting • 1 bag of Hershey’s chocolate kisses • edible-ink marker
Challah • • • • • • • • •
5 packages of dried yeast (or 3¾ tablespoons) 4 cups of lukewarm water 1 tablespoon sugar 5-pound bag of flour minus 2 cups (about 14 cups) 2 cups white sugar 1½ tablespoons salt 4 eggs, save 1 for egg wash 1½ cups corn Sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or honey for topping
In a large bowl, dissolve yeast and 1 tablespoon sugar in 4 cups of lukewarm water. Set aside. Wait several minutes until bubbles appear. Mix dry ingredients in a separate bowl — flour, sugar and salt. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add three eggs, oil (I mix the eggs and oil together and beat a little), and yeast mixture. Mix with spoon until well blended. Knead mixture by hand until it has a stiff, but smooth, consistency, about 10 minutes. Add a little more flour if it gets sticky. Knead in bowl, on counter or in hands. Make dough into a ball and rub some oil on both sides. Set in a large bowl. Make sure the bowl is big enough for the dough to double in size. Cover dough with plastic wrap and place bowl in a warm spot to rise. Allow dough to rise until it has doubled, about 1½ to 2 hours. Determine what shape you want to make, and separate the dough accordingly. Shape into loaves (braided, round, etc.). Spray pans/cookie sheets with Pam or use parchment paper. Place challahs on cookie sheets, with plenty of room in between loaves. If it is a large loaf, do it on its own cookie sheet. Let rise another 45 minutes-1 hour, depending on how high you like them. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Glaze challah with beaten egg. Add honey, if you want a sweeter glaze. Sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds, if desired. Bake for 20 minutes, turn the pan around, and then bake for another 10-20 minutes. Do not under- or over-bake. Test with a toothpick. 26
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Decorate outside of marshmallow with dreidel letters — Nun, Gimel, Hay and Shin — using an edible-ink marker, in blue or other color. Let dry. Place a pretzel stick into the top of marshmallow, pressing toward the bottom. Be careful not to go through the other side. Spread ½ teaspoon frosting on the flat side of the chocolate kiss. Press onto the bottom flat side of marshmallow. Repeat with the rest of marshmallows. Have fun!
Classic Latkes
• 4-5 medium to large Yukon Gold or russet potatoes • 1 large onion, shredded • 2 eggs • 1½ tablespoons flour or matzo meal • ½ teaspoon salt • ¼ teaspoon black pepper • oil for frying (don’t use olive oil) Shred the potatoes, using a grater or food processor. Set aside in a colander to drain excess liquid. Grate onion, and squeeze out excess liquid. Mix together potato, onion, eggs and remainder of dry ingredients. Place oil in a pan about ¼ to ½ inch deep. Heat oil until hot. Drop about a ¼ cup of latke mixture (about 3-inch patty) carefully into the frying pan. Cook on medium to medium-high heat for about 5 minutes on one side, and then turn over with spatula and cook about 3-4 more minutes, or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. Serve with applesauce and/or sour cream.
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Business is Blooming at Lo E
PHTOOS BY J. KING IMAGES
Co-owners Emily Pond and Ashley Henson
ven in the middle of a pandemic, Olive and Bloom Hair Studio has managed to thrive. Owners Emily Pond and Ashley Henson feel this is due largely to the salon’s business model – assembling a group of independent stylists. “When creating Olive and Bloom, we had a vision and a dream to help hair stylists bloom,” Henson said. “In an atmosphere that is warm and welcoming, we have inspired seasoned stylists to become independent. In doing so, stylists can set their own hours, allowing more time with their families. I believe this industry should and could offer both.” “With more than 34 years of combined experience, including corporate office and sales positions in the beauty industry, Ashley and I were on a mission to help others grow their business and become their own bosses,” Pond said. Olive and Bloom, located in the Commons at Chastain Shopping Center in Kennesaw, specializes in all hair needs, including cutting, color, balayage, extension, Keratin treatment and full service waxing. “We opened three years ago after the decision to leave our salon,” Pond said. “We wanted to find a way to make clients and stylists both happy. By making the stylists independent, they’re able to create their own destiny. It makes them happy, which in turn, the client is left feeling happy and, like their customer service, expectations have been met to the fullest.” “Our mission at Olive and Bloom is to provide upscale salon products and services, which enhance our guests’ physical appearance, thereby heightening their self esteem and personal image,” Henson said. “Our guests are our number one priority.” Pond and Henson believe that the balance between beauty and sustainability can improve people’s lives and the world. By creating beauty, they want to encourage people to take care of themselves, the environment and what they love. For them, sustainability is about the responsibility they feel for themselves, the people they work with, their customers and the world in which we all live. “Olive and Bloom is a very special venture to me,” Henson said. “One that my family, and most importantly my granddaddy, has always encouraged and provided their utmost support. I am so thankful for all the support I have, and I thank God daily for the continued success of Olive and Bloom Hair Studio.” “Seeing the business model in full effect is amazing,” Pond said. “We started in a smaller operation with three stylists and within a year have grown to 13 stylists and are thriving during the pandemic while taking all the right precautions for everyone to feel safe. We are currently looking to grow more and need additional people for the team and are blooming once again.”
Olive & Bloom Hair Studio | 745 Chastain Road NW, #1110, Ke Online Booking: www.vagaro.com/oliveandbl 28
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Sponsored
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This place is beautiful. The chandelier is gorgeous. Very nice atmosphere that makes you feel at home. All in all, I had a wonderful experience here. The place is beautiful and relaxing. I actually recommend this place to anybody that wants to get a haircut or hair colored; it is awesome! – Amanda L. Olive and Bloom is an amazingly cute salon with lots of sustainable options and animal cruelty-free products! – Allie C. Great ambience for those of us who want to be pampered. Stylists are knowledgeable and patient. The space is open and inviting. I took my 3 year old to her first salon experience here, and she now wants to go every day. – Kelly F. This salon did everything to make me feel safe during this pandemic. Went with my son to get haircuts and couldn’t be happier. I’ve been struggling finding someone who could cut around my cow licks and curls, and I wasn’t disappointed. – Ben. J.
If you want people complimenting your hair ALL THE TIME, I recommend going to see t he girls at Olive and Bloom! – Liliana F. Beautiful atmosphere, very personable and friendly stylists, and my hair looks so amazing. I’ve lost track of how many compliments I’ve received, just today! Ashley is wonderful, and I’ve also heard great things about Emily! I really don’t think you can go wrong with any of the stylists. Every customer’s hair looked beautiful as they left the salon! – Beth D. Great salon, very sanitary, and so cautious about cleanliness and requires the customer to touch almost nothing during this crazy time in our lives. Highly recommend! – Brenda E.
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Ceramic Christmas trees, reminiscent of days gone by, are making a comeback.
Nostalgia
Living through a global pandemic has made us appreciate the small things in life, so we’re fully embracing the nostalgic trends, like the iconic ceramic Christmas trees. Be sure to check your attic for family heirloom decorations. You may find items your kids made years ago that are sure to make everyone smile.
Light It Up
Twinkle lights and candles add magic to any space. Bring in extra cozy light by adding twinkle lights to glass hurricane jars, light tapers on a fireplace mantel, or add candle votives to deep window sills.
Exterior Matters
Don’t forget your home’s exterior. What once may have felt like too much work now will feel like a thoughtful way to send a distanced hug to all your neighbors. Place battery-lit candles in windows, hang simple greenery wreaths in all windows, and add festive bows to the mailbox post.
Set the Table
Use your holiday china for casual meals with your immediate family. Add a simple centerpiece of greenery, fresh flowers or candles to your tabletop. Enjoy the entire month of December, and make each dinner special by sitting together at a beautifully decorated table.
Simple Touches and Traditions
Ideas for
Holiday Decorating BY ELISABETH STUBBS
You probably know a few people who had their holiday decorating completed a couple of weeks ago. But, most of us barely have started, and need a little inspiration.
Color Palette
Popular color combinations include red and green (of course), green paired with pale shades of brown to evoke a winter in the woods look, and red with pink and silver for a glam vibe. A monochromatic white palette also is trending, for a crisp and clean feel. 30
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Use simple, handmade pieces that you can create with friends or little ones. Baked cookies, crafts and even pine cones picked up in the yard are great for decorating. Watching Christmas movies together will be a big trend this year. Rearrange the area around your television so that there is plenty of comfy seating for everyone, and have plenty of throw blankets handy. Since you will spend more evenings at home, don’t forget to have plenty of firewood on hand for quiet time beside the fireplace. Decorate your mantel for the holidays, and be sure to have your chimney cleaned before your first fire. In a time when it feels like everything is changing, people really are embracing the normalcy of their favorite traditions, like baking Christmas cookies together. It’s an activity you typically do at home with your immediate family members, so this is one tradition that won’t have to change to accommodate social distancing guidelines this winter.
Elisabeth Stubbs is one of the owners of Enhance Floors and More, one of Atlanta’s top-rated flooring dealers, located in Marietta.
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Happy Holidays From Your Business Community BY SHANNON STAHL
UPCOMING EVENTS Dec. 8 Morning Jolt
7:45-9 a.m. The Cowan Historic Mill 4271 Southside Drive Networking event that focuses on exchanging referrals with one another. Coffee and breakfast provided.
Dec. 10
Alive After Five 5:30-7:30 p.m. Location TBD
Dec. 17
Women’s Network 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Location TBD
Jan. 7
ABA Luncheon 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Acworth Community Center 4361 Cherokee St.
As we approach the holiday season, and the beginning of a new year, we can’t help but be overwhelmed with gratitude for our amazing Acworth Business Association (ABA) members and our supportive community. This year certainly was unlike most, but we have continued to make tremendous progress. I am excited to see what’s in store for our association, and I am looking forward to watching our town thrive. November was an eventful month, starting with our luncheon catered by Andrienne’s Delectables at the Acworth Community Center, where our guest speaker, Coach Lewis Preston, inspired us. It was so nice to be back at the community center together! We held our Morning Jolt at the beautiful Cowan Historic Mill, with another record turnout, as we enjoyed coffee from Blue Collar Joe. Our Alive After 5 at Qualusi Vineyards was a fun night for all. Wine was provided by Qualusi and pizza by the Mule House. We capped the night with axe throwing provided by Moving Target Atlanta. The monthly events concluded with a delicious meal from Henry’s Louisiana Grill for our women’s networking luncheon. We are so thankful to have such extraordinary restaurants and businesses in our town willing to host us each month. Don’t miss out on our remaining December events to
close out the year strong. Visit AcworthBusiness.org, or our social media pages to get more information, or to RSVP. Text “Acworth” to 72727 to receive text message reminders. With New Year’s quickly approaching, I encourage you to get involved, and be a part of everything the ABA has to offer, if you are not already. While attending any event, please feel free to approach me, a board member, or an ambassador if you have a question about membership. You also can visit AcworthBusiness.org today and join us, as we network, grow our businesses, support our community, and continue to watch Acworth thrive. While my days as the 2020 ABA president are coming to an end, I would like to extend my gratitude for being given this opportunity. A leader is only as good as his or her team, as they say. Thankfully, I was surrounded by many of Acworth’s finest. I confidently can say that Acworth has made, and will continue to make, tremendous progress, thanks to all of you. My love and appreciation for this community continues to grow, and it truly has been an honor and privilege to be your ABA president. I look forward to continuing to serve and assist with the growth of the ABA and our great city. I wish you, your families, and your businesses all the best in the coming holiday season and new year!
Shannon Stahl, an ABA board member for four years, is the current president. She is the co-owner of KAMS Auto Service Center and is raising three children with husband Ken.
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Every Picture Tells A Story Headshots
404.384.2794 404.200.0881
www.jkingimages.com
@ jkingimages
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ACWORTH
POLICE DEPARTMENT
Annual APD Events to Resume in 2021 BY WAYNE DENNARD
The second decade of the 21st century began with many challenges. As a country, we faced unprecedented challenges. With the right attitude, challenges can translate into opportunities, and, in Acworth, they definitely did. I am proud of how well our community has fared in the past year, and I am looking forward to 2021. I am hopeful the new year will bring peace and healing to our country. Our community has great strength, and I know we can achieve anything together. We spent a lot of time adjusting and adapting to the challenges of the pandemic, and unfortunately many of our regular outreach activities had to be canceled. This year, plans are underway to hold events that can safely be resumed. The Polar Plunge will be at Cauble Park on Feb. 20. Last year, teams raised more than $150,000 for the Special Olympics of Georgia. We hope to exceed that amount, and we can’t wait to see all of the creatively dressed teams rush into the freezing waters of Lake Acworth! For more information, visit www.polarplungega.org. We also are looking forward to our 20th annual Citizen’s Police Academy (CPA) class in March. Online registration is open now at www.acworthpolice.org. The class offers the public an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding on the job knowledge, skills and abilities required of those in the law enforcement community. In the past, CPA students 34
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Members of the GBI after their frigid dip in last year’s Polar Plunge.
had the opportunity to learn from members of the Acworth Police Department, the district attorney’s office, the medical examiner’s office and our dispatchers. One of the highlights of the 12week program is the firing range experience. Students learn from a police firearms instructor and are able to participate in exercises on the firing range. At the conclusion of the CPA, we will have a graduation ceremony and celebration. After successful completion of the course, participants
will have the opportunity to schedule a ride along with an Acworth police officer. Classes are free and will meet Tuesdays from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Space is limited, so register early! If we’ve learned anything from 2020, it’s to be ready, willing and able to adapt to and overcome any challenges that come our way. We plan to carry on with our scheduled events, but we are always ready to adjust if needed. Please remember to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the most current information about all of our upcoming events.
Wayne Dennard has served as chief since 2012 and has lived in this community for more than 40 years.
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In October, the U.S. had its strongest manufacturing growth in two years, according to www.manufacturing.net.
New Year a Good Time for New Outlook, Skills BY RYAN BLYTHE
As we round the corner on a tumultuous year, it seems time to look ahead to 2021. The most obvious challenges to overcome are COVID-19 and the accompanying economic damage. COVID likely will be managed differently with a new incoming presidential administration, promising additional testing and contact tracing. However, the approval of an effective and safe vaccine may be the most significant factor in eradicating the pandemic. It is possible front-line workers could receive a vaccine in the near future, followed by the most at-risk, and, finally, the general population. Experts vary, but most contend that wide distribution will occur between the spring and summer. If our scientists and medical professionals can get the virus under control, what can we do to improve our economic condition? Unfortunately, there is no anticipation of a magic pill that can take us back to that pre-pandemic booming economy. For starters, we simply had too many business closures and, in many states, significant restrictions toward reopening economies. Here, in North Georgia, unemployment is at 6%, a number too high, but rather 36
AROUND ACWORTH | December 2020
remarkable, considering where we were several months ago. In some states, like California, the unemployment rate is in double digits and, in an interconnected modern economy, their pain is ours, too. There is some evidence that the economy is returning to form, despite the varied state policies. Approximately 12 million of the 22 million jobs lost now have returned. Unemployment nationally is less than 7%, and 80,000-plus jobs were added last month to both the construction and manufacturing industries, per CNBC. There is a case, and I would argue a strong one, for additional stimulus. But, this one should be targeted toward industries that barely are hanging on, like hospitality, leisure and entertainment. If bars, for example, need to close due to an outbreak, they should be the first in line approved for a Paycheck Protection Program grant. Individuals need help, also, in the form of extended unemployment, if they work in an industry that still is closed, particularly those working for live music and sports venues, and the travel industry. Much like during the great recession, now is an excellent time to improve your skills, perhaps by attending a college or trade school. Maybe you have a bachelor’s degree, but realize a master’s will increase your labor market value. Perhaps a career change into health care would be wise. The Cobb Chamber has identified several health care careers in high demand. And, of course, there’s always skilled bluecollar jobs in welding, plumbing and HVAC, among others. This economy is all about skills. Have them, and you can go anywhere. Without them, it will be challenging. Many states have shown the way to a safe reopening. In the continued push to encourage reopenings, some private sector institutions are trying to help. Disney is mounting an aggressive public relations campaign in Southern California, using evidence from Orlando that its parks can navigate the pandemic and still attract guests. The Anaheim Chamber of Commerce has joined Disney in sharing the often heartbreaking stories of park employees and nearby business owners and workers who are struggling to survive. Recently, I was in New Orleans, and it was a ghost town on a Thursday night, because of so many closed restaurants and businesses. Frankly, it was shocking, considering a couple of days earlier I had lunch in Acworth with my colleagues and saw a thriving central business district. We all hope 2021 means the near end of this terrible pandemic. Let us not wait until 2022 to repair our businesses. Both are possible simultaneously.
Ryan Blythe is the founder of Georgia Trade School, which, for the fifth consecutive year, was named one of the Cobb Chamber Top 25 Small Businesses of the Year.
AROUND ACWORTH | December 2020
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Keep Santa In the Season
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AROUND ACWORTH | December 2020
If it’s been said once, it’s been said a thousand times — the holidays look different this year. From parties to Christmas parades and tree lighting ceremonies, many of our beloved seasonal traditions have been canceled or reimagined. Unfortunately, this includes visits with our good friend Jolly Old St. Nick, who is considered high-risk, after all. After writing about the Legendary Santa University, a Georgia-based school for professional Kris Kringles and helpers, in last year’s November issue, we caught up with Santa Jay, an Acworth resident, to find out what this season looks like for Santa Claus amid the pandemic.
“Things are a little different, a little weirder, but, obviously, all of us in the Santa culture don’t want children to go without Santa this year,” Santa Jay said. “So, we’re trying to reinvent ourselves.” For starters, there is a professional Santa shortage, since many in the trade are opting out this year. Most Santas are older, and at higher risk of becoming seriously ill if they were to contract the virus, so they simply are choosing to sit out this season. “I’m booked and staying busy, but obviously trying to stay safe and checking with the venues,” Santa Jay said. “I was booked every weekend in November. It’s a little more risky, but I’m trying to stay safe about it. I’m working with a photographer in Gainesville. Everyone is temperaturechecked, wearing masks and I’m taking photos with children, no adults this year. Only one family is allowed in the studio at a time, so the schedule is very limited. “The Santa this photographer usually works with is sitting out this year, so she reached out to me. I checked out her setup, before I agreed to work with her. I wanted to make sure I would be safe, too. I felt good about it. She books blocks of time and takes photos. The motif this year is Santa in the kitchen baking cookies. She usually works with 250-300 families, but this year she capped it at 150.” The Santa visits take place in a large studio, with plenty of room for social distancing. Everyone comes in with masks, and the children only take them off for a few minutes for photos, and then put them back on. Only the children are allowed to approach Santa. This isn’t the traditional visit with the bearded fellow, but similar setups will be common at other venues this Christmas. Most shopping malls won’t have Santa available daily, but a few will offer inperson visits and photos on the weekends. There also are options for families to visit with the big guy virtually. Jingle Ring is an Atlanta-based company that offers virtual Santa visits. Families can go online to reserve a time slot. The company has several Santa Clauses on call, who are dressed in their Santa regalia and have a North Pole-like setup for the background of the virtual visit. This allows children to talk with Santa and take a photo. A lot of Santas are choosing to book only virtual visits this year. The cost for families is competitive with typical prices for photos with Santa.
Acworth-based Santa Jay still is visiting with children this year, but at a safe distance.
“This is the year of reinvention,” Santa Jay said. “Hopefully, next year, we’ll be back to normal. I have a couple of home visits scheduled where I’ll read a book, and the children will keep their distance, but maybe come up for a quick photo or something. I don’t want the children to go without Santa this year. I might be putting myself out there a little more, since I’m not doing virtual visits, but I’m also taking certain precautions. I have hand sanitizer on me all the time.” Santa Jay will return to the Battery again this year for visits with children. However, he will be stationed behind a plexiglass partition. Families still will be able to take photos. Visits with St. Nick at the Battery run until Christmas Eve. The Acworth Santa also partnered with 104.7 The Fish this holiday season. He is doing promos and voice-overs on the air and online, in addition to assisting with the radio station’s annual Christmas Wish program. “The important thing is that children will still have Santa Claus in their Christmas,” Santa Jay said. “Children will not go without Santa this year.” You also can find Santa Jay in Ron Cooper’s new photography book, “We Are Santa, Portraits and Profiles.” Fifty professional Santas are featured in the book, including several from the Atlanta area. The author is donating all of the proceeds from the book to the Children’s Hospital Colorado. The book is available on Amazon. AROUND ACWORTH | December 2020
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Around & About DECEMBER Through Dec. 16
Parents and caregivers can bring their children’s letters to Santa to the Acworth Community Center and drop them in one of Santa’s mailboxes. The city will deliver these letters to Jolly Old St. Nick personally, and children will receive a handwritten letter from Santa in return! Although Santa’s eyes twinkle, he will not admit he needs reading glasses, so parents please provide some help for children with creative handwriting. city of Acworth will hold a Drive-in 10 The Menorah Lighting Ceremony on the first night
of Hanukkah at 6 p.m. This year’s ceremony will be held at Logan Farm Park, 4405 Cherokee St. To maintain social distance, the city asks that all attendees stay in, or next to, their vehicles during the ceremony.
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Come celebrate Christmas in Acworth, as Santa will visit downtown, 1-5 p.m., to take socially distanced pictures with families. Pictures are free, but families must pre-register for appointment times at www. acworthparksandrecreation.org or by calling 770-917-1234. Bring your camera, as no photographer will be on-site.
Editor’s Note: Please check each website for the most up-to-date information.
Through Dec. 24
Purchase items from your favorite artists and crafters this holiday season thanks to the Artful Elf virtual sale. The pop-up shop features jewelers, painters, mixed media artisans, woodworkers, glass designers, folk artists, photographers, metalsmiths and more. Shoppers also can find food items and edible treats from members of Georgia Grown. Visit ArtfulElf.com.
Through Dec. 31
Lights of LIFE, every night, rain or shine, through New Year’s Eve at LIFE University, 1269 Barclay Circle, Marietta. The display opens at dark and runs until 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Cost is $10 per car/truck, buses are $20. Fees for individual goods and services are at the discretion of the vendors. www.life.edu/lights-of-life.
Through Jan. 1
While enjoying Acworth’s downtown holiday shopping, don’t miss the eighth annual Festival of Trees. This year, trees decorated by local families, businesses and other organizations will be on display at Cherokee Plaza, located at 4358 Southside Drive. This is an opportunity to get holiday photos with 20 unique trees, and Acworth’s Coca-Cola mural.
Through Jan. 2
Candy Rush, open nightly 6-10 p.m., 250 Cobb
Parkway N., #100, Marietta. The world’s largest holiday drive-through animated light show features life-sized lit-up singing treats, a 40-foot tall candy cane trio and fully animated Christmas characters — all set to music. A mile-long drive-through show featuring nearly 2 million lights, Candy Rush is a socially safe experience for the entire family. https://worldofillumination.com/candy-rush-2/
Help the Grinch’s heart grow three sizes at the Grinch Saves Christmas Toy Drive. The Grinch is collecting toys to support the Acworth Police Department’s Shop With a Cop program. Whos of all ages are invited to visit the Grinch for socially distant photos and fun at Frana Brown Park, 4901 N. Main St., in downtown Acworth, 1-5 p.m. To enter the event, families are asked to donate a toy at the gate. These donations will help spread joy to local elementary school students. www. acworthparksandrecreation.org.
Register by Dec. 14 to participate in Santa’s 14 Gonna Ringa Ding Ding. Santa and his elves
will be making phone calls to children of Acworth 5-6 p.m., Dec. 15, and 6-7 p.m., Dec. 16. Email Jessy Patterson at jpatterson@acworth.org for the registration form. 40
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JANUARY
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The Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service Celebration begins at 9 a.m. with a unity walk from the Roberts School Community and Education Center to the Acworth Community Center, followed by a celebration program with the theme “helping thy neighbor.” Following the program, there will be no in-person community service project. Instead, you are encouraged to spend the remainder of the day “as a day on, not a day off.” Volunteer your time or resources to help improve the community, and share a photo or message with the hashtags #AcworthDayofService #MLKDayofService. RSVP to MLKday@acworth.org.
REGISTRATIONS
Parks and Recreation // Community Center 770-917-1234, acworthparksandrecreation.org
Community Classes BUILD Strength Yoga
7:30 a.m.-8:30 a.m. Wednesdays. Join Marlo from Backbends and Brews for BUILD strength yoga. All skill levels welcome. Bring a yoga mat. Marlo donates 20% of class fees to charity.
Zumba
6:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesdays or Thursdays at the Acworth Community Center. Zumba fitness combines high-energy Latin music and international rhythms with unique and easy to follow moves and combinations that allow participants to dance away their worries. All fitness and skill levels are welcome.
LeanUp Bootcamp
6:15-7:15 p.m. Wednesdays. This class is a medium to highintensity workout that is set up in stations for functional movements to build muscle and shed fat. Burn up to, but not limited to, 700 calories.
Senior Warriors Gentle Movements
10-10:30 a.m. Mondays. This class is for active adults (55-plus). Omar Welch teaches traditional Korean movements to increase balance, mental focus, and movement. $15 residents and $20 for nonresidents.
Pickleball Lessons
Wednesday and Thursday mornings at the Acworth Community Center. All experience levels welcome. Additional information available online.
R.E.D. F.L.A.G. Women’s Self-Defense
The two-part workshop will be 12:15-1:45 p.m. Jan. 30, and 6:30-8 p.m. Feb. 26 at the Acworth Community Center. Learn and perform useful self-defense moves based on martial art techniques. This fun and energetic class encourages and empowers participants. Wear comfortable clothing. $25 for residents and $30 for nonresidents.
OH
WH AT F U N I T I S TO
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Happy Holidays!
Youth Registrations
Art Explosion Winter Break Camp
9 a.m.-4 p.m. Feb. 15-19 for ages 6-13. Each day will focus on a different art style, like fabrics and dyes, paper making, paint, clay and more. Dress in clothes ready to get painted, stained and splattered. Drop off no earlier than 7:45 a.m. and pick up no later than 5:30 p.m. $115 for residents and $140 for nonresidents.
KidZ Bootcamp with VRoK Fitness
One-week sessions 5-6 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays at the Acworth Community Center. For kids ages 6-10. The class incorporates a mixture of Pound fitness and VRoK Bootcamp with high-intensity, upbeat movements to kid-friendly music. It is a fun and creative workout set up in stations for each child.
Special Warriors Taekwondo
10-10:30 a.m. Saturdays at the Acworth Community Center. This class is for youth with special needs. The traditional skills of Taekwondo have been adapted to teach focus, balance, handeye coordination and effective self-defense skills to those with special concerns. AROUND ACWORTH | December 2020
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Tips to Help You Care for Poinsettias BY MASTER GARDENER EXTENSION VOLUNTEER JUDY ABBOTT
No flower signifies the holidays more than the poinsettia. The December blooming bush native to Mexico was discovered in the early 1800s by Joel Roberts Poinsett while serving as U.S. Ambassador to Mexico. Poinsett, who was a botanist, brought cuttings of this new species home to South Carolina, which introduced poinsettias to the United States. The plant was eventually named after the ambassador. However, it was Paul Ecke, Sr., a California farmer, who is responsible for making poinsettias the most popular holiday plant. Using grafting technology, the Paul Ecke Ranch turned the original native plant into countless varieties of multibranched plants with long-lasting color. More than 100 varieties are available today and come in multiple colors: red, white, pink, marbled and speckled. The colored parts of the poinsettia are often mistaken as the flowers but are actually colored bracts (modified leaves). The true flowers are in the center of the colored bracts. To check a poinsettia’s maturity, examine the color of the true flowers. If the flowers are green or red-tipped and fresh looking, the bloom will hold longer than if yellow pollen is covering the flowers. Poinsettias will drop their bracts and leaves soon after the flowers shed the yellow pollen, so be sure to purchase plants whose flowers have little or no yellow pollen showing. To help your poinsettias last throughout the holiday season, there are several tips to keep in mind when selecting plants. • The plant should have dark green foliage down to the soil line. • The bracts should be completely colored without a lot of green around the edges. • Avoid plants with wilted, fallen or yellowed leaves. • If the plant’s soil is wet and the plant is wilted, this may be an indication of root rot. • Check undersides of leaves for insects such as aphids and whiteflies. • When taking the poinsettia home, have it sleeved or covered if outdoor temperatures are below 50 degrees. Once home, the conditions you provide will determine how long your poinsettias will last. • Six hours of indirect light is ideal to maintain the brightest bract color. If placed near a sunny window, make sure the plant does not touch cold windowpanes. • Keep the plant away from warm or cold drafts such as HVAC vents, doors, windows, etc. 42
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The true flowers are located in the center of the colored bracts of this speckled poinsettia.
• Ideal daytime temperatures of 60-70 degrees and nighttime temperatures of 55-60 degrees will extend the life and bloom time of the plant. Avoid temperatures higher than 70 degrees, which shorten plant life. • Check the soil daily, and water only when dry. Make sure the water drains into a saucer, and then discard. Allowing the plant to wilt, causes bracts and leaves to drop. • Do not fertilize while the plant is in bloom. If you keep the plant after the holiday season, begin monthly applications of a houseplant fertilizer. • Poinsettias should last six to eight weeks with proper care. Poinsettias are part of the Euphorbiaceae or spurge family. Many plants in this family produce a milky sap, which may cause a skin reaction in some people with latex allergies. For pets, the poinsettia sap may cause mild irritation or nausea, so it’s probably best to keep pets away from the plant, especially puppies and kittens. Buying young plants and providing proper light, temperature and water should help your poinsettias retain their beauty throughout the holiday season and beyond. If you missed any of the Cobb County Master Gardener fall virtual education classes, they are now available on YouTube. Search for the Cobb Master Gardeners channel to view the following classes: fall gardening, troubled turf, gardening with kids and the case for composting.. The Master Gardener Volunteers of Cobb County supports the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service and strives to improve the quality of life in our community by delivering research-based horticultural information, educational programs and projects.
Master Gardener Volunteers of Cobb County is a part of the University of Georgia Extension in Marietta.
Rob’s Rescues This dog, from Two Tailz Rescue (TwoTailzRescue.org) is desperately looking for a home. Her name is Sugar, and she is a Dogo Argentina. She is deaf and can read some sign language. She doesn’t bark. She walks well on a leash and loves to lean into people. She would be best as the only dog in the house.
DreamPost Productions dreampostproductions.com
I interviewed Jack Winch who is an award-winning cinematographer, actor and founder of DreamPost Productions. He started it in California in 1999 before moving to Woodstock. He is also the guy behind the Dr. Good Unleashed video series on YouTube, which he is hoping to take on national TV. I am on episodes Nos. 127, 128 and 132, and look for me in some more upcoming videos.
What is the focus of DreamPost Films?
To create content that is inspiring and relevant to the world. I search out deep, intellectual, yet entertaining content that is full of human interest. We often work with nonprofits. We are in development of several documentaries and television projects intended to leave an impact on the world's communities and environment.
Why did you move to Woodstock?
My wife, Sunny, is an actress and is aware of Atlanta’s growing film industry. The film business is booming here. Our extended families live in the Southeast, so we looked at various hubs and picked Woodstock because we fell in love with Towne Lake. It reminds us a lot of where we were living in California (Newbury Park).
Tell us about Dr. Good Unleashed.
I met Dr. Good through Steve Monahan, the organizer of TEDx Dupree Park. Dr. Good was in the lineup and has been wanting to do a reality show. The goal of the show is to get every cat and dog that is adoptable into a home. The premise is to raise awareness by promoting the Homeless Pets Foundation, the Underhound Railroad and Pet Clubs of America in schools and introducing rescue groups.
What is a fun story from filming Dr. Good Unleashed?
Rob with Sugar, who is deaf and in need of a forever home.
I met New Country 101.5 radio host Dallas, while shooting Pet of the Week with Dr. Good on her show. She told us about an injured cat that was hanging around her neighborhood. We brought in TrapKing (trapkinghuman.org) to catch the cat and bring it to Dr. Good. It’s paws were in very bad shape. Dr. Good had never seen anything like it, but treated the cat successfully for a few weeks, and Dallas ended up adopting the cat. (Episode Nos. 114, 115 and 117). As far as the most eye-opening moment from the show, it was when I found out about a big puppy mill bust a few years ago. (Episode No. 116 on YouTube, "Dr. Good Unleashed.")
Rob with Sunny and Jack Winch of Dreampost Films and their dog Jenna.
What are some charities you support?
I try to look around for places that are making a difference, like Dr. Good’s Homeless Pets Foundation. I’ve worked with the Los Angeles Children's Hospital and Joan Rivers Foundation to name a few. I also produced the documentary about NOT being disabled, “Stilts and Spokes,” which is on Amazon Prime.
How can the community help you?
Honestly, we love the Woodstock community and the people who live here. It's a community that cares. The Cherokee County Animal Shelter is constantly adopting out cats and dogs, they are so active in the community and people respond. That tells me people care. There are several ways to help, including starting a Pet Club. We are excited to see where the future of pet rescue goes as we have the support of a major Hollywood studio right now, which means our little local YouTube show may be getting nationwide attention very soon. Please email me at: dreampost@yahoo.com if you have any questions or want to start a Pet Club.
Rob Macmillan is on a mission to help shelter dogs and cats. www.robsrescues.com. On Facebook @robsrescues.
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Change Your Perspective to See More Clearly BY C.A. PHILLIPS
I played baseball for 14 years, coached for 15, and have been umpiring for three. I’ve seen the game from four different perspectives: as a player, parent, coach and an official. Each has offered its own unique vantagepoint. If I could do it over again, I would umpire before I coached. Coaching helped me in my knowledge of the game when it came time to umpire. However, when your primary motivation is truly to do your job to the best of your ability and positively influence kids, coaches and parents – without any pressure to win – your eyes and ears work differently. I am constantly surprised by what I witness on the field. Coaches dogging kids, umpires and other coaches. Parents dogging other parents, their own kids and the other team’s kids. Sometimes I am able to just shake my head and move on, but, other times, I have a responsibility to speak up and try to keep coaches, players and parents in line. 44
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A player attempts to steal third base and collides with the third baseman as he slides. He is initially safe, but he begins writhing in pain on the ground, and his foot comes off the bag. The third baseman applies the tag, and now the runner is out. The coach helps the player to his feet, then says, “Next time keep your foot on the bag.” A 10-year old player strikes out. A parent in the stands for the other team yells, “Yeah! Sit down!” When the mom of the player who struck out expresses her displeasure at how the woman is acting, the other woman comes around and begins to hurl obscenities and makes crude hand gestures. A 10-year-old player (the best player on his team) reaches base on an infield single, but fails to score a run. After the third out is recorded, his coach jogs over to him and says, “Next time hit it to the fence!”
A 13-year-old pitcher is shutting out the other team. His team is up 9-0 in the fourth inning. On a 3-2 count, his pitch falls inside, and the batter walks. The pitcher walks toward home plate, signaling with his hand that he didn’t agree with the call. He then says, “Blue (umpire), that pitch was on the inside corner.” His time on the mound, and in the game, came to an abrupt halt. I can tell you in all honesty that the area I struggled most as a coach was being positive and encouraging to my players. I coached them well, and I gave them my all, but I was a perfectionist and likely dropped the ball in helping them feel good about themselves. I have come home from umpiring baseball games, and walked directly into my son’s room and said, “If you ever felt like you didn’t measure up, I apologize.” I’ve said, “I am sorry for all the times I yelled at you during a game when you made a mistake.” I truly am sorry. When you have the ability to step out of the emotion of the moment – the game, the performance, the competition – and see the opportunities you have to positively influence someone, it’s a game-changer. I am still a work in progress when it comes to being a positive force in the lives of those I care about the most. But, I recognize the importance of expressing words of affirmation. Kids are dealing with more anxiety than ever before. And, so are parents, coaches and umpires. If I can help pour water on the fire rather than gasoline, that’s a win! If you struggle with putting pressure on your kids, or players you coach, I challenge you to find a way to remove yourself emotionally from the situation and get a different perspective. Kids may not remember everything you taught them, but they’ll certainly remember the way you made them feel.
C.A. Phillips has lived in Kennesaw for more than 37 years and serves as communications pastor at NorthStar Church.
Helping Holiday Guests with Hearing Loss BY DR. HAIDEN NUNN
It is no surprise conversations at a crowded family gathering are difficult, more so for guests with hearing loss. While the holidays are wonderful to catch up with friends and family, it can be hard for people with hearing loss. Fortunately, there are hearing devices that help you stay more in the moment at your family gatherings. If you already have a hearing device, it is important you wear them. Often, people think noise will just be enhanced with the hearing devices, however modern devices help with noise reduction by filtering out background noise and focusing on speech understanding. You may not have hearing loss, but it is important to think about those guests who might, so help your guests with hearing loss stay involved in the party.
Background Music
When music is in the background, and people are talking, no one hears the music. Consider turning it down or off when people are conversing. There is an acoustic phenomenon called the Lombard Effect, where people tend to speak louder when the noise is louder. Now imagine the guests raising their voices to overcome the background noise; it can be a lot for someone with hearing loss. Music can actually make the party louder.
Dish Duty
It may be hard to leave a sink full of dirty dishes, but consider cleaning once your guests have left. For those with hearing loss, the noise of clattering dishes can be a distraction. Just live in the moment, and save the chores for after the party.
Seating
If your guests wear hearing devices, they are designed to detect background noise behind the wearer and focus in on the person talking in front of them. I tell patients, “Put your back to the noise, your friends and family with their back to a wall.”
The Conversation
The holidays are when people start to notice they struggle to hear. This can be a great time to have the conversation with them about their hearing difficulties. Let them know you don’t want them to miss out. Encourage them that it’s important to see their local audiologist for help with their hearing. This will ensure they are an integral part of every holiday gathering! Remember to keep gatherings safe and socially distanced this holiday season.
Dr. Haiden Nunn joined North Georgia Audiology in 2018. She earned her doctorate from the University of Louisville and her bachelor's degree from the University of Georgia.
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City of Acworth Ribbon Cuttings 1. 1885 Grill
4442 Cherokee St. 770-672-0508 www.1885grill.com/welcome-acworth
2. Brookwood Christian School - Coffee Shop
1
4728 Wood St. 678-401-5855 www.brookwoodchristian.com
Upcoming
Champagne and Co. Hair Salon
Dec. 8, 11:30 a.m. 3969 S. Main St., Suite 120, Acworth
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Understand Capital Gains Taxes on Real Estate BY JAY WHITE
During the recent election season, taxes were a popular topic. Many have questions concerning certain types of taxes. Capital gains taxes are in the headlines, because they affect the selling of real estate. Capital gains tax is levied on the growth in value of investments incurred when those investments are sold. When that happens, the capital gains are referred to as having been “realized.” The tax doesn’t apply to unsold investments or “unrealized capital gains,” so stock shares that appreciate every year will incur capital gains taxes until they are sold, no matter how long you hold them. The U.S. capital gains tax only applies to profits from the sale of assets held for more than a year, referred to as long-term capital gains. The rates are 0%, 15% or 20%, depending on your tax bracket. Short-term capital gains tax applies to assets held for a year, or less, which are taxed as ordinary income. When selling real estate, these taxes are realized, as well, under the tax laws in effect for 2020. If you are single and have lived in a house for two of the previous five years, you owe no taxes if you make $250,000, or less, in profit. For married couples filing jointly, if both of you have lived in the house for two of the previous five years, then the limit is $500,000 in profit. 46
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For any profits that exceed the ceiling for your filing status, you typically will pay the capital gains tax rate, generally 0%, 15%, or 20%, depending on your tax bracket as of 2020. There are exceptions. If you sell property that is not your primary residence, such as a vacation home or rental home that you’ve held for at least a year, you must pay tax on any profit at the capital gains rate of up to 15%. Profit from selling buildings held less than a year is taxed at your regular rate. However, if you decide to sell real estate, you may invoke the 1031 exchange, which will allow you to avoid paying capital gains taxes if you reinvest the gains into another property within a certain time frame. For more details on how this will affect your situation, contact your CPA. No matter what the politicians do, you always can sell real estate, and, in most cases, defer the tax liability, if done properly.
Jay White, top 1% in the nation in mortgage originators according to Mortgage Executive magazine, has 19 years of experience and is a multimillion dollar producer for Bay Equity Home Loans.
Downtown Acworth Dining Fish Thyme Restaurant and Bar
Nibbles Grill
Seafood 3979 S. Main St., Suite 5657 770-974-2323 www.newsite.fishthymerestaurant.com
Grill/Diner-Breakfast Burgers 4628 S. Main St. 404-312-7597 www.nibblesgrillacworth.com
Bert & Boo's Bake Shop
Fusco's via Roma Italian Trattoria
Pizza By Fuscos
BRIX on Main
J.D.’s Bar-B-Que
1885 Grill
Southern Coastal 4438 Cherokee St. 770-672-0508 www.1885grill.com/welcomeacworth
Bakery 3900 Old McEver Rd. 470-582-6717 www.bertandboos.com Facebook: @bertboos Tapas 4843 N. Main St. 770-693-0077 www.brixonmain.com
Center Street Tavern
American/ Traditional 4381 Senator Russell Ave. 770-917-0004 www.centerstreettavern.com
Dogwood Terrace
American/ Traditional 4975 N. Main St. 770-627-4069 www.dogwoodterraceacworth.com
Doro’s Italian Restaurant Italian 3979 S. Main St.,Suite 250 678-903-2607 www.dorositalian.com
Italian 4815A S. Main St. 770-974-1110 fuscosviaroma.com Facebook: @fuscosviaroma Barbeque
4424 S. Main St. 770-974-8434 www.jdsbbq.com
Henry’s Louisiana Grill Cajun 4835 N. Main St. 770-966-1515 www.chefhenrys.com
Pizza 4815B S. Main St. 678-426-7503 www.pizzabyfuscos.com
Red Top Brewhouse
Pub Grub 4637 S. Main St. 470-893-0425 www.redtopbrewhouse.com
Rico’s Mex Mex Grill Mexican 3770 Southside Dr. 770-917-9791 Facebook: @Ricos-Mex-Mex-Grill
L. Marie’s Southern Cuisine Southern
4417 S. Main St. 770-694-1949 www.lmaries.net
Miss L’s Sandwich Shop Sandwiches
4817 S. Main St. 770-966-9709 Facebook: @Miss-Ls-Sandwich-Shop
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Homeowners Insurance and Driveway Accidents BY JOEL WILLIAMS
Typically, homeowners insurance will cover a variety of accidents and injuries on the property of an insured homeowner. Depending on the policy language, this could include anything from damage from a falling tree to a slipand-fall accident. However, not every claim on a homeowners insurance policy will fit neatly into these categories. In 2019, the Court of Appeals of Georgia addressed whether homeowners liability insurance would cover a car accident in a residential driveway. Wilkinson v. Georgia Farm Bureau centers around an automobile accident in the driveway of Paul Buchanan. In 2015, friends of Buchanan visited his home to see a recently purchased Ford F-350. Buchanan parked the vehicle in his driveway, which allowed his friends to inspect the vehicle. While parked in the driveway, Buchanan turned on the truck, set the emergency brake and put the vehicle into neutral. When Buchanan asked a friend, who was in the cab of the truck, to pull the hood latch, she mistakenly pulled the parking brake, instead. The vehicle lurched forward and injured Barbara Wilkinson’s legs. Wilkinson filed a negligence claim against Buchanan, based on the accident. Believing the vehicle accident was not covered by the homeowners policy, Buchanan’s insurer filed a declaratory judgment action seeking a ruling that the insurer was not responsible for defending the claim. Wilkinson’s
insurance company, Georgia Farm Bureau, disputed coverage on several grounds, most notably a policy provision that excluded coverage for injuries arising out of the ownership, maintenance, use, loading or unloading of motor vehicles. The trial court agreed with the insurance company, holding that the incident qualifies as “use” of a motor vehicle, given that the parties were inspecting the vehicle’s ability to operate. The Court of Appeals disagreed with the decision of the trial court. It found the language of the policy to be ambiguous. Citing prior decisions, the Court of Appeals held the truck was not in “use” as a vehicle because it was parked for inspection at the time of the accident. Thus, the policy exclusion did not apply, and the Court of Appeals reversed the trial court. This case would have turned out differently if the truck were being driven at the time of the accident. Pay attention to coverage exclusions in your insurance policies and make sure you are covered for accidents that may occur on your property.
Joel Williams is a partner at Williams|Elleby, a Kennesaw based personal injury law firm. www.gatrialattorney.com.
Resolve to Take a Boating Class in 2021 BY GREG FONZENO
Did you purchase a new boat this year? If so, you are among the thousands of people across the country who sought the calm of our waterways to escape the chaos of COVID-19. The explosive increase in boat sales in 2020 brought with it the need for more educated boaters on our lakes and waterways. To accommodate new boaters, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary has scheduled safe boating classes for 2021. The class covers such topics as knowing your boat, before getting underway, navigating the waterways, operating your vessel safely, legal requirements and boating emergencies. Individuals who successfully complete the course and exam meet the Georgia boating certification requirements, and are awarded certificates and wallet cards. Boaters born after Jan. 1, 1998, must complete a National Association of State Boating Law Administrators-approved boating safety class to legally operate a boat or personal watercraft in Georgia. During the pandemic, the Coast Guard Auxiliary has been unable to hold conventional face-to-face classes. Instead, it developed an online learning course using the Zoom platform. The online version divides the chapters in three sessions. 48
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Just as in the traditional classroom, instructors present the material, answer questions and demonstrate boating safety. If permitted to return to traditional live classroom presentations, the scheduled dates are March 6, April 3, May 1, June 12, July 10, Aug. 7 and Sept. 11. Online courses also will be available Feb. 25, 27, 28; April 22, 24, 25; May 27, 29, 30; June 24, 26, 27; and July 22, 24, 25. Conventional classes will be at Roberts School Community and Education Center, 4681 School St. The course is $25, and family discounts are available. Gift certificates for boating classes are available. For more information, email Greg Fonzeno at flotilla22pe@gmailcom. Register at https://tinyurl.com/cgaux0700202. Let’s all keep our families and friends safe.
Greg Fonzeno is the public education officer and vice commander of the local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Unit (Flotilla 22) at Allatoona Lake.
Jennifer Bonn teaches a class at Mount Paran Christian School that is half in-person and half virtual learning.
Keep communication open.
When we transitioned to virtual learning in the spring, I asked my students every few days how they were feeling, and if they were OK. Though they might not show it, some students are scared and need to express it. While students probably don’t want to talk about the virus every day, adults should still give children the opportunity to release their emotions. Despite receiving one-word answers, parents should avoid trying to fill the silence. Ask simple questions, talk less and listen more. Avoid judgment or becoming overly emotional. Instead, stay calm and reasonable.
Give grace.
Tales From The Front Line BY JENNIFER BONN
As you can imagine, teaching this year is anything but normal, but I am so grateful to be able to interact with my students. For our school, families have the opportunity to choose in-person or virtual instruction. Each classroom is outfitted with a camera that allows at-home learners to join the class in real time. While the marvels of technology have allowed for this synchronous learning, there are additional demands of teachers, such as scanning and loading documents while constantly monitoring in-person students. We are careful to keep our students safe, which means face masks must be worn when transitioning throughout the classroom and school buildings. While I am tired as never before, I would not want to be in any other profession. The routine and social interaction that school provides to students make a huge difference. I encourage you to be supportive of your school’s decision, be it face-to-face, virtual, or a hybrid model of learning. Each version has pros and cons, and administrations have been tasked with making the best choice when there isn’t one correct answer. I understand the hesitation of educators to return to the classroom. The decision for me was rooted mainly in my personal faith – that God has a plan, and I will do my best to carry it out. I also think I can be a source of help to my students. Students need adults to maintain a “normal” daily routine, and provide reassurance that things will be OK. Parents can help students and schools succeed during this pandemic.
At the beginning of the school year, I told my students I would give them grace, and I would need the same from them. The pandemic has put everything into perspective. It is a time to help each other as a community. Parents can help teachers by working with them, and trusting them to do a good job. Teachers can assure parents with regular communication. Also, be respectful of others’ need for safety.
Say thank you.
When things run smoothly, it can be easy to forget how much effort it takes to make that happen. There have been hours of planning, cleaning and strategizing to try to give students the face-to-face school experience. Our dining hall staff deserves medals for the amount of work that goes into daily meal preparation with enhanced health and safety protocols. I invite parents to reflect before reaching out to teachers with minor gripes. Instead, go out of your way to say “Thank you!” It is such an easy thing to do, and can lift someone’s spirit.
Pray.
I am a strong believer in prayer. I pray every day, and have spent more time praying for my students, colleagues and family. It gives me peace.
Don’t let fear consume you.
This is an uncertain school year and 2020 has thrown a lot at us. We will survive this, and I hope we come through stronger and with a better perspective on what matters most.
Jennifer Bonn is a French teacher at Mount Paran Christian School, and is working on a book about lessons she learned in the classroom.
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Community of Faith
Awtrey-Westwood Baptist Church 5855 Awtrey Church Road NW 770-974-0023
BAPTIST
Piney Grove Baptist Church 1605 Mars Hill Road 770-428-5122 www.PineyGrove.net
Calvary Baptist Church of Acworth 4361 Westside Drive 770-974-4965 www.CalvaryBaptistAcworth.org
Sardis Missionary Baptist Church 2741 S. Main St., Kennesaw 770-428-4031 www.SardisMBCKennesawGA.org
Cedarcrest Church 4600 Cobb Pkwy NW 678-460-3500 www.CedarcrestChurch.com
Summit Baptist Church 4310 Moon Station Lane NW 770-975-4595 www.SummitChurch.org
First Baptist Church of Acworth 4583 Church St. 770-974-3021 www.FBCAcworth.com Glade Road Baptist Church 6570 Glade Road SE 770-975-1143 www.GladeRoadBaptist.com
The Entire Bible Baptist Church 4980 Cobb Parkway North NW 770-975-1100
Harvest Baptist Church 3460 Kellogg Creek Road 770-974-9091 www.HBCGA.org
Three Taverns Church 3575 Acworth Due West Road 678-856-8002 www.ThreeTavernsChurch.org
Hickory Grove Baptist Church 2862 Hickory Grove Road 770-943-9856
Victory Baptist Church 5717 Priest Road 770-337-0952 www.VictoryBaptist.net
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 3303 Dallas Acworth Highway Acworth, Georgia 30101 www.KeystoneOnline.org Lost Mountain Baptist Church 5400 Old Dallas Road, Powder Springs www.lmbc.us Morning View Baptist Church 3750 Dallas Acworth Highway www.MorningViewBaptistChurch.org Mount Olivet Baptist Church 2385 Acworth Due West Road 770-974-8335 New Hope Baptist Church 3800 New Hope Church Road SE 770-974-7612 www.NewHopeChurchAcworth.com New Life Community Church 4160 New Hope Church Road SE 770-529-0509 Pickett’s Mill Baptist Church 7147 Hiram Acworth Highway, Dallas 770-423-0955 www.PMBChurch.net 50
Thankful Baptist Church of Kennesaw 928 Kennesaw Due West Road NW 678-797-0611 www.ThankfulBaptistKennesaw.org
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West Ridge Church 3522 Hiram Acworth Highway, Dallas 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 Kennesaw 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
Christ Lutheran Church 176 West Sandtown Road SW, Marietta 770-424-2850 www.clcwestcobb.org Living Hope Lutheran Church 3450 Stilesboro Road, Kennesaw 770-425-6726 www.LivingHopeGA.com First United Lutheran Church 3481 Campus Loop Road, Kennesaw 770-427-0325 www.FULC.org
PRESBYTERIAN
Acworth Presbyterian Church 4561 Church St. 770-974-6552 Christ Community Church 2753 Watts Drive, Kennesaw 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, Kennesaw 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, Kennesaw 770-428-7139 www.StCatherineRCC.org St. Clare of Assisi Roman Catholic Church 6301 Cedarcrest Road 770-485-0825 www.StClareCC.org St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church 680 West Memorial Drive, Dallas 770-443-0566 www.SaintVincentDePaulChurch.org
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, Marietta 770-427-3835 www.DueWest.org Faith Methodist Meets at Harrison High School 4500 Due West Road, Kennesaw 678-995-9595 www.FaithMethodistChurch.org Kennesaw United Methodist Church 1801 Ben King Road, Kennesaw 770-428-1543 www.KennesawUMC.org
The Church At Acworth 6464 Highway 92 770-924-9161 www.TheChurchAtAcworth.com
Mission For Life Church 2655 Cobb Parkway, Suite 105, Kennesaw 678-613-9256 www.MissionForLife.org
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 5055 Holt Road NW 770-974-9697
Mount Olives Church of God 5065 Cherokee St. 678-651-9042
Cobb Vineyard Church 3206 Old Highway 41 NW, Kennesaw 678-574-0005 www.CobbVineyard.com
New Covenant Full Gospel Inc 5653 Priest Road 770-974-0685
Dayspring Church 6835 Victory Drive, Woodstock 678-401-3069 www.ConnectChurchWoodstock.com Eagle Pointe Church 5100 Old Stilesboro Road NW 770-421-1643 www.EaglePointe.org Empowerment Worship Center 4192 Main St. 770-609-9062 www.EmpowermentWC.org
New Beginnings United Methodist Church 2975 Cobb Parkway NW, Kennesaw 770-421-9980 www.NBUMC.org
Faith Family Church 5744 Bells Ferry Road 770-926-4560 www.FaithFamilyAG.com
Shiloh United Methodist Church 3860 Cherokee St., Kennesaw 770-590-1333 www.NGUMC.org
Federation Of Apostles International Ministries Inc. 4192 S. Main St. Suite B, Acworth. 404-436-1100
OTHERS
Abiding Church 132 North Medical Parkway, Woodstock 678-888-1515 www.Abiding.church Activation Church 221 Dabbs Bridge Road, Dallas www.ActivationChurch.com Acworth Christian Church 4476 Northside Drive 770-974-1358 Acworth Church of God of Prophecy Ministry 3891 Nance Road NW 770-975-1124 www.AcworthChurch.com
Four Points Church 3565 Dallas Acworth Highway 678-402-6632 www.FourPointsChurch.com Freedom Church 3611 Cobb Parkway 770-529-6006 www.FreedomChurch.tv Greater Church Meets at Barber Middle School 4222 Cantrell Road 770-927-8667 www.Greater.Church Household of Faith Bible Church 530 Collins Road, Marietta 770-365-6723 www.HOFBC.org
NorthStar Church 3413 Blue Springs Road 770-420-9808 www.NorthStarChurch.org Northwest Christian Church 3737 Dallas Acworth Highway 770-425-2525 www.NWCC.net Open Doors Church 2011 Hickory Grove Road Prayer & Praise Christian Fellowship Church 6409 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock 770-928-2795 www.PrayerAndPraise.org River’s Edge Church 3450 Acworth Due West Road NW, Kennesaw 678-318-1918 www.RiversEdgeATL.com RiverStone Church 2005 Stilesboro Road, Kennesaw 678-384-5200 www.RiverStoneOnline.org RockPoint Church 3900 Legacy Park Blvd, Kennesaw 770-648-3070 www.TheRockPointChurch.org Sanctuary Church 700 Mars Hill Road, Kennesaw 770-884-1963 www.SanctuaryInHim.org Unity of Kennesaw Meets at Big Shanty Elementary, 1575 Ben King Road 404-644-0512 www.UnityOfKennesaw.org
Kellogg Creek Church of Christ 3510 Kellogg Creek Road 770-974-2814 www.KelloggCreekChurchOfChrist.org
Victory Church 4625 Highway 92 770-794-7366 www.VictoryGA.com
Bethel A.M.E. Church 4826 School St. 770-905-9539
LifeBridge Church 3102 Loring Road, Kennesaw 770-422-3010 www.MyLifeBridgeChurch.com
Vintage 242 Church 8492 Hiram Acworth Highway, Dallas 678-506-8550 www.Vintage242.com
Calvary Chapel River Oaks 232 Nelson Street, Cartersville 770-272-6005 www.CalvaryChapelRiverOaks.org
Masjid Suffah 2750 Jiles Road, Kennesaw 770-906-0838 www.masjidsuffah.com
Wholistic Life Ministry 2210 Pine Mountain Road NW, Kennesaw 678-836-9586 www.WLMinistry.org
Branches of Christ 5946 Jacobs Road 770-917-4964 www.BranchesOfChrist.com
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Cobb Photographic Society
Congratulations to each of you who entered the Cobb Photographic Society competition. The topic for the October contest was “portraits.� The guest judge was Ron Sherman. The Cobb Photographic Society is a photography club open to photographers of all skill levels. The club meets the first and third Monday of each month. For information, visit www.cobbphotosociety.com.
Color
Charles Stannard - 1st Place (Amy and Horse) 52
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Black & White
John Ridings - 1st Place (Don’t Be Shy)
Novice
Angie Nasrallah - 1st Place (Who’s That?) AROUND ACWORTH | December 2020
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Advertisers
For advertising rates and information Jennifer Coleman 678-279-5502 Jennifer@AroundaboutMagazines.com
December 2020
ACCOUNTING Newsome’s Tax & Accounting 1-888-360-0484 www.newsometax.com
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AUTOMOTIVE KAMS Auto Service Center 770-956-4060 www.kamsauto.com
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Olive & Bloom Hair Studio Cover, 28-29 678-742-7571 www.oliveandbloomhairstudio.com Online Booking: www.vagaro.com/ oliveandbloomhairstudio CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS MUST Ministries www.mustministries.org
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CREDIT UNIONS Credit Union of Georgia 678-486-1111 www.cuofga.org 54
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Gentle Dental Care/Georgia Dental Implants Inside back 770-926-2784 www.georgiadic.com Chattahoochee Technical College 770-528-4545 www.chattahoocheetech.edu
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KennedyMathews Education Consultants 27 765-721-1212 www.kennedymathewsconsulting.com FINANCIAL SERVICES Bay Equity Home Loans Jay White, Area Sales Manager 770-870-0644 www.jayclosesloans.com
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Georgia Funeral Care & Cremation Services 678-574-3016 www.georgiafuneralcare.com
HEALTH & WELLNESS Your CBD Store-Acworth 678-909-5230 www.acworth459.cbdrx4u.com
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HEARING RELATED SERVICES North Georgia Audiology & Hearing Aid Center 770-726-8948 www.yourhearinglink.com
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HOME & GARDEN Dayco Systems Heating & Cooling 770-336-7888 www.daycosystems.com Enhance Floors & More 770-565-3808 www.enhancefloors.com Legacy Custom Blinds 404-430-5288 www.legacycustomblinds.com Mr. Junk 678-Mr-Junk1 [675-8651] www.mrjunk1.com
FUNERAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY EVENT The Artful Elf Virtual Sale http://artfulelf.com
Daniel Lee DMD, PC 770-974-4146 www.acworthdental.com
GOLD PURCHASING The Gold & Coin Exchange Inside front 770-419-0292 www.goldandcoinexchange.com
EDUCATION/TUTORING
BEAUTY A New You Skin & Body Clinic 678-739-0040 www.anewyouclinic.com
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DENTAL
ATTORNEYS/LEGAL SERVICES Williams | Elleby 833-LEGALGA www.gatrialattorney.com
LGE Community Credit Union 770-424-0060 www.lgeccu.org
One Dead Bug 404-704-4685 www.onedeadbug.com
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Shriver Mechanical 9 770-975-1927 www.shrivermechanical.com
Tom Kris & Sons Plumbing 770-529-0799 www.tkandsonsplumbing.com
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OPTOMETRIST TrueVision Eye Care 770-529-7789 www.truevisioneyecare.com
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PHOTOGRAPHY J. King Images 404-384-2794 www.jkingimages.com
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REAL ESTATE Anchor Realty Partners Malinda Howe, Broker Direct: 404-444-0225 Office: 770-917-0322 www.malinda-howe.com
Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, Justin Koeniger 45 Cell: 470-451-2134 Office: 770-973-8822 www.JustinKoeniger.BHHSGeorgia.com Clear Summit Realty Ken Jones, 770-842-4531 Ryan Jones, 678-327-9326 www.clearsummitrealty.com
PHYSICIANS AND MEDICAL SERVICES Governors MedSpa & Concierge Medicine 678-888-5181 www.governorsmedicine.com
Atlanta Communities, The MC2 Team Back cover Mary Catherine Mintz, 678-333-7541 Mary Catherine Gregory, 678-367-7540 Michele Owens, 678-410-2769
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COMPASS, Mary Catherine Soulsby 470-556-5845
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Debi Smith Properties Direct: 404-660-6652 Office: 770-240-2004 www.debismithproperties.com
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RESTAURANTS Doro's Italian Restaurant 678-903-2607 www.dorositalian.com
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J.D.'s Bar-B-Que 770-974-8434 www.jdsbbq.com
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Red Top Brewhouse www.redtopbrewhouse.com
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RETAILERS/ SHOPPING Bert & Boos Bake Shop 470-582-6717 www.bertandboos.com
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Cotton Mill Exchange 770-992-9294 www.cottonmillexchange.net
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Serendipity House 18 770-966-1301 www.serendipityhouseacworth.com Wild Blossoms 770-529-2620
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SENIOR LIVING/SERVICES Brickmont of Acworth 770-886-4074 www.brickmont.com/senior-livingcommunities/brickmont-of-acworth Celebration Village 678-594-3570 www.cvillage.com
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Since 1996, we have brought relevant, uplifting and reader-driven content to readers. We publish Around Acworth, Around Canton, Around Woodstock and TowneLaker. 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.
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. It’s your community. It’s your magazine. Look on page 6 for our contact information.
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Around Acworth Distribution Map Circulation: 16,500