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Around Kennesaw

Readers’ Choice 2023!

Nominations open March 1. Stay tuned for details.

Kudos

Congratulations to Kennesaw resident Candice Saunders, president and CEO of Wellstar Health System, for being named one of Georgia Trend’s 100 Most Influential Georgians last month. Additionally, Kennesaw residents Kathy “Kat” Schwaig, president of Kennesaw State University, and Tracy Rathbone Styf, executive director of the Town Center Community Improvement District, were named to the magazine’s Notable Georgians list.

The Kennesaw Business Association (KBA) presented its annual awards at its December luncheon.

Carol Thompson, the only remaining original KBA member, was presented the 2023 Legacy Award for her almost 50 years of serving and promoting the Kennesaw community. Thompson, who joined KBA when it was started in 1975, is founder of the Bright Side monthly community newspaper.

Marlon Longacre, associate pastor of Piedmont Church, was named KBA Member of the Year. The 2003 KBA president, Longacre has been a member since 1999 and has served on the board since 2000, making him the longest-tenured board member. He supports more than 120 nonprofits through his church and has been chairman of the Big Shanty Festival for the past 20 years.

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Three-13 Salon, Spa & Boutique took home Business of the Year honors for its support of such community groups as MUST Ministries, Cobb County Police, Blue Thanksgiving, Our Pal’s Place, local schools and the Georgia Transplant Foundation. The salon has been part of the community for 48 years.

Ribbon Cutting

Board & Brush Kennesaw, 3103 Cobb Parkway, Suite 114 404-697-3440, https://boardandbrush.com/kennesaw

Candice Saunders

Carol Thompson

Marlon Longacre

Three-13 Salon, Spa & Boutique, Business of the Year

Letter From the Editor

The Super Bowl — the game every football fan anticipates from the first kickoff in September. I like football, but I admit I’m only interested in the game if it includes the Falcons or whatever team Harrison High graduate Justin Fields is quarterbacking, and I really watch it for the commercials.

Since the Falcons or Bears didn’t make it this year, I’ll be focusing on the commercials. I Googled the best Super Bowl commercials of all time and found a list that included several of my favorites. But just a warning: I’m old-school, so my favorites aren’t from this century. In fact, the most recent one is from 1996 and featured a Coca-Cola delivery guy stocking a store’s cooler with his product, then being caught on a security camera sneaking a Pepsi from another cooler and causing a chain reaction that sends cans sprawling across the floor, all while “Your Cheatin’ Heart” plays in the background.

In 1995, Budweiser gave us a trio of frogs that burped “Bud,” “Weis,” “Er” in sequence. They were so hilarious, they almost rivaled the Clydesdales as my favorites. But not quite. The Clydesdales still command my top spot for Budweiser ads.

Wendy’s supplied us with an iconic catchphrase in 1984 after an elderly

lady expressed her displeasure with the size of her hamburger patty: “Where’s the beef?” Everyone from little kids to presidential candidates was asking that magical question.

In 1973, Americans were trying to learn the Big Mac song that McDonald’s created for its Super Bowl commercial: “Two all-beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions on a sesame-seed bun.” Once you learned it, it was stuck in your head, and you never forgot it.

But my all-time, unchallenged favorite is from 1980, another Coke ad showing a dejected Mean Joe Greene limping to the locker room and a 9-year-old kid offering him a Coke. In return, the Pittsburgh Steeler legend says, “Hey, kid — catch” and tosses him his game-worn jersey. So much for the “Mean” moniker. If that commercial didn’t touch your heart, you don’t have one.

Besides commercials, another important ingredient of Super Bowl Sunday is food, so try our party recipes on Pages 42-43. But February isn’t just about football. Winter is a great time to catch up on reading, so check out our library package on Pages 16-20. We’ve also included a couple of pieces on Pages 32-37 to celebrate Black History Month.

Happy reading!

America’s Community Magazine

Volume 2, Issue 6

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

Around Kennesaw welcomes your comments, stories, and advertisements. Editorial deadline is the first and advertising deadline is the fifth of the previous month.

Subscriptions are available for $24 per year. Send check or money order to: Around Kennesaw, 1025 Rose Creek Drive, PMB 380, Suite 620, Woodstock, GA 30189. The viewpoints of the advertisers, writers and other submissions do not necessarily reflect those of the editor/publisher. And the publisher makes no claims to the validity

of any opinions expressed by charitable, business or civic organizations mentioned, or statements made within the editorial content. The cover and inside related article, and other editorial-type submissions labeled SPONSORED CONTENT, are paid content. The publisher neither guarantees nor supports any product or service mentioned in this magazine, nor does it guarantee any assertions made by the manufacturers or providers of such products or services, or claims regarding the status of such businesses.

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

Donna Harris

Domestic Violence Displays Power, Not Love

BY BILL WESTENBERGER

This month, we celebrate Valentine’s Day, a day that highlights your love for that special someone. Many take time to profess their love in special ways. But, unfortunately, there are too many people in our communities who don’t live in a world of safe love. They are victimized by the one they love the most and are left in a trap that can be very difficult to escape. Since 2020, we have seen a significant increase in domestic violence cases.

According to OCGA 19-13-1, “family violence” means the occurrence of one or more felonies or commission of offenses of battery, simple battery, simple assault, assault, stalking, criminal damage to property, unlawful restraint or criminal trespass between past or present spouses, people who are parents of the same child, parents and children, stepparents and stepchildren, foster parents and foster children or other people living or formerly living in the same household.

Violence is becoming more prevalent in our culture. Our ability to cope with emotions has given way to violent expressions to one another. Increasingly, those expressions are targeting the people the aggressors claim to love. Historically, violence of this nature has been related more to power and manipulation. The victims are held captive by the belief that it will stop or that there’s nowhere else to go. Violence brings physical and mental anguish.

Too frequently, our officers encounter domestic incidents that result in strangulation by the aggressor. It’s extremely important for victims to realize strangulation is serious and can cause internal injuries, brain damage and/or delayed health consequences,

THERE IS HELP

• LiveSafe Resources (Cobb County) — 770-427-3390

• Georgia Domestic Violence Hotline — 800-334-2836

• National Domestic Violence Hotline — 800-799-SAFE (7233)

such as strokes, thyroid issues, miscarriage and death. Research shows that if you are strangled even one time, you are 750% more likely to be killed.

It’s clear there is no quick fix to this problem, but we have to start somewhere. If you are a victim, please reach out for help. You don’t have to endure life this way. There are resources available to assist you, and they are becoming more accessible. Your law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and advocates are here to point you in the right direction. If you are an aggressor, you need help, too. Reach out to a

counselor, and get help before you hurt the person you love the most again.

In Cobb County, victims can seek assistance through LiveSafe Resources by calling 770-427-3390. The Georgia Domestic Violence Hotline is 800334-2836, and the National Domestic Violence Hotline is 800-799-SAFE (7233).

Love really is a powerful emotion. We all have the power to love. But remember that power creates a responsibility to protect yourself first, and then those you love.

Until next time, stay safe.

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

City Breaks Ground for Amphitheater

The city of Kennesaw and Kennesaw Parks and Recreation celebrated the beginning of Phase 8 of the Depot Park Master Plan at a groundbreaking ceremony last month. The eighth phase includes an amphitheater that will hold 2,000 people on a turf lawn, a 50-by-42-foot stage, a restroom, a storage facility and the renovated Community House to serve as the green room for performers, as well as a festival area.

In 2015, the city began planning for updates and improvements to the original Depot Park Master Plan that had been adopted in 2008. So far, Phases 1-7 have been completed:

Phase 1: Museum American Disabilities Act path and underpass

Phase 2: Land acquisition

Phase 3: Gateway Park

Phase 4: Engineering and permitting

Phase 5: Grading and wetland mitigation

Phase 6: Depot Park parking improvements

Phase 7: Parking lawn and upper meadow

Phase 8: Amphitheater and festival area

The Depot Park project is funded entirely through the 2011, 2016 and 2022 special-purpose local-option sales tax referendums. The park is in front of the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History and adjacent to the city’s recently completed Gateway Park.

Company Donates Life Jackets to Promote Boating Safety

Last month, Sea Tow Foundation distributed 320 new adult-size life jackets, donated by Yamaha Motors Kennesaw, to its franchises at Lake Sinclair, Lake Allatoona, Lake Oconee and Clarks Hill Lake. The life jackets will be used at 12 loaner stations, as well as at local state parks through a partnership with Georgia’s Department of Natural Resources law enforcement division. Life jackets also will go to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Lake Allatoona, which manages 22 loaner stations in the region. The loaner program allows boaters to borrow and return life jackets for a safe day on the water. The foundation aims to prevent drowning by ensuring free access to life jackets in all sizes for boaters, so money doesn’t get in the way of having a life jacket to wear.

Eagles TD Wins Play of the Year

The North Cobb Christian School Eagles’ five-lateral-pass touchdown was named the 2022 Play of the Year by SBLive Sports. Bob Cramer with SBLive Sports visited the school’s campus recently to present a $1,000 Academy Sports award to coach Matt Jones and players Skyler Parker, Brayden Williby, Jadin Coates, Jacob Cruz, Matty Go and Trey Priester. The SBLive Sports staff watched countless high school football highlights from across the nation during the weekend of Sept. 1-3 and then picked their top 10. The five-lateral touchdown, finished off by Coates, came out on top.

Receiving the $1,000 award are coach Matt Jones, center, and players, from left, Skyler Parker, Brayden Williby, Jadin Coates, Jacob Cruz, Matty Go and Trey Priester.

Jon Gridley, third from left, from Sea Tow and James Mills, right, from Yamaha Motors Kennesaw present life jackets to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-Lake Allatoona volunteers

At the groundbreaking are, from left, David Carl, Holly Quinlan, Lynette Burnette, Tracey Viars, Mike Everhart, Pat Ferris, Jeff Drobney, Derek Easterling and Steve Roberts.

Celebrations!

ANNOUNCEMENTS ARE FREE!

Email: edit@aroundaboutmagazines.com

March deadline is Feb. 10.

Please specify Around Kennesaw. Word limit: 25.

104th birthday

Born Feb. 2, 1919

She was in the American Red Cross and is an avid University of Georgia and Atlanta Braves fan.

Turning 85 on Feb. 9

She’s having her first-ever birthday party.

Happy birthday!

Happy 10th birthday, Bailey Grace Arnold!

We are so proud of you!

We love you more than you know!

Love, Mom, Dad, Ella, Paisley, Hunter, Georgia and Bama

Happy sixth birthday, Olivia!

We love you so much!

Age 2 on Feb. 17

Happy birthday, darling Kemi! We love and treasure you so dearly! Kusamia, Mommy and Daddy

Turning 6 on Feb. 23

Happy birthday, Madeline!

We love you!

Mom, Dad and Charlotte

Happy third birthday to our girls, Andi and Evie!

We love you so much!

Mommy, Daddy, Cam and Benny

Andi and Evie

Christine Smith

Madeline Montaña

Kemi Ntwoku

Bailey Grace

Margaret Hatcher

Olivia

Tips for Making Your House a Home

BY JOANNIE BATES

Have you ever walked into someone’s home and instantly felt calm and relaxed, but you couldn’t put your finger on why it felt so good? I remember going home from college after a long semester and feeling the weight of the world lift as I entered my childhood home. Was it the smell of chicken soup? Or the television turned up loud with the Detroit Lions winning? Most likely, it was neither. It simply was home. What makes a house a home? As an agent, I’ve walked through hundreds of houses. Each one has a certain feel to it. After being inside so many, I’ve noticed a couple of simple things that can make any space calm, relaxing and inviting. Try these suggestions this month, and show your home some love!

• Clean the sink. When you have a clean kitchen sink, it makes your entire kitchen feel better. Let’s face it, a full sink is like a to-do list that never gets done.

• Make your bed. There is a reason luxury linens exist. Fancy hotels have fluffy sheets and towels that make you feel special. Why not spoil yourself and get new sheets and pillows for your bed? You are worth it.

• Bring nature inside. Be your own valentine and best friend, and buy yourself some fresh flowers. Get your favorite blooms, and put them on your cleared, tidy counters next to your empty sink.

• Clear the clutter. We all have too much stuff. Take time to clear countertops and surfaces. Clutter can drain your energy.

• Add your favorite scent. What makes you feel like you are on vacation? The beach? Light that beachy-smelling coconut candle.

• Do the maintenance. When something breaks, be kind to your home, and fix it the right way. Not doing so can cause significant expenses and damage to your property value.

• Honor the memories. Fill your home with meaningful framed art. I took old wallpaper from a home my client was gutting. We wanted to remember the history and remind ourselves of the hard work put into the renovation. We signed the wallpaper — contractors, plumbers, all of us. It still hangs in her kitchen.

Loving your home is like loving yourself. It matters. Your home is not just a place to lay your head. It’s your safe space. Take care of it and love it, and it will love you back.

Joannie Bates is a Realtor for Keller Williams Signature Partners. She works with clients in the surrounding area,

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UPCOMING EVENTS

Broken Anchor Winery

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3335 Cobb Parkway, Suite 930

Acworth

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Alive After 5 5:30-7 p.m.

Location TBD

Feb. 28

Wake Up KBA

7:45-9 a.m.

Credit Union of Georgia

4178 Jiles Road, Suite 200

Kennesaw

2023 Business Expo 4-7:30 p.m.

KSU Continuing Education Center

3333 Busbee Drive Kennesaw

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The Month of Love Filled With Events

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BY KEVIN JABBARI

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February is the month of love, and we love the Kennesaw Business Association (KBA)! We kicked off our new year with a bang. At our first luncheon, we heard from Kennesaw Mayor Derek Easterling, who gave his annual State of the City address, sharing with us all the exciting plans for the city. We also enjoyed some great networking at Wake Up KBA, Alive After 5 and our brand-new Young Professionals Happy Hour last month.

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Throughout this year, we want you always to remember to “Choose Happy.” As we promote the 2023 KBA theme, we ask you to choose happiness in whatever you do. Choosing happy is making the choice to push through any negative emotions or feelings you might have, so you can move beyond them. Choosing happy is not something that will just happen. Make sure you intentionally choose it every single day, and see how your future brightens.

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February might be a short month, but the KBA is not short on activities. We would love to see you at our upcoming events. Valentine’s Day is a time to celebrate love, so why not spend it with the business association you love? Our monthly luncheon will be Feb. 14, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., at the Recreation Center at Adams Park in Kennesaw. Tracy Styf, executive director of the Town Center Community Improvement District, will be talking about the community improvements that will be made this year.

Feb. 21 will be our second Young Professionals meeting, 5 p.m., at Broken Anchor Winery. Get your tickets quickly, so you don’t miss out.

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Mark Feb. 28 as a KBA-filled day. We start with Wake Up KBA at the Credit Union of Georgia. Enjoy breakfast and networking at 7:45 a.m. After your workday ends, join us for the free 2023 Business Expo at 4 p.m. at the Kennesaw State University Continuing Education Center. This is a great place to network, showcase your business and enjoy complimentary food and beverages.

Another important event to mark on your calendar is the Big Shanty Festival, April 22-23. Vendor applications are available, so if your business wants the opportunity to get in front of thousands of people, this is the place to do it.

Spend the month of love with the people and business association you love. Enjoy all the benefits KBA has to offer, and, remember, always choose happy!

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

Get to Know

Ashlynn Campbell Harrison High School Principal

What are your main job responsibilities?

The responsibility as a high school principal is endless, but my top priority is always student safety. Beyond school safety, my focus is ensuring that the learning environment at Harrison is positive and productive for our students and teachers. I am certainly thankful for my exceptional administrative team, as we (work) together to support our students and teachers.

What is your background?

This is my eighth year as principal at Harrison. I began my teaching career at Lassiter High School as a language arts teacher and later taught at Kennesaw Mountain High School. I also have served the Cobb County School District as an area lead teacher at Barber Middle School. I later returned to Lassiter as an assistant principal and stayed until I found my way to principalship at Harrison. I have a Bachelor of Science in English education from the University of Georgia, a master’s degree in educational leadership from Kennesaw State University (KSU) and a specialist degree in educational leadership from KSU.

What has been the biggest job surprise?

One of the things I love about being a principal is that every day is different, so I have learned to expect the unexpected. I would say the biggest surprise, though, after being in education for so long, is I still love working with students and teachers. They inspire me and make me want to do the best job I can to support them.

What is the oddest request you’ve had?

I don’t know that I can pinpoint one thing that has been the most unusual, as I have experienced some intriguing things during my time as principal. The 2017 solar eclipse was interesting, and overseeing a massive SPLOST (special-purpose local-option sales tax) project for our campus required a lot of planning that impacted traffic

throughout west Cobb. Of course, any educator would agree that the pandemic rocked the education world. And as long as I have been a school leader, dealing with the loss of a student or teacher never gets easier. Schools are like families, and you connect with the people in your building. Something unique for me as principal at Harrison was navigating the media when Justin Fields was a student. Having a five-star quarterback generated a lot of college coaches visiting campus. I remember one day, specifically, when Justin announced his college plans; numerous reporters flocked to Harrison, including a helicopter circling overhead. Within 30 minutes, I had to set up a press conference for Justin and his family. There are just some things they don’t teach you when you are taking graduate courses for school leadership!

What do you like most about your job and the high school?

What I love most about Harrison is the family atmosphere among our faculty and staff. Many of our teachers and staff live in or near our community, and their children are students at Harrison. We also have several teachers on staff who are Harrison graduates. This camaraderie is important because it ultimately trickles down to the students in our classrooms. I also love that our parents, feeder schools and local businesses take great pride in supporting our students. The Harrison community truly

Ashlynn Campbell with the Harrison mascot, Hoya II, whose real name is Rex.

has embraced our school’s vision of Helping Our Youth Achieve Success. It’s a reminder that a school is always about the people and not any specific program.

What school accomplishment makes you most proud?

School accomplishments since I have been principal include positive trends with academics (SAT and ACT scores), Advanced Placement exams and EOCs (endof-course exams). Harrison has introduced our STEM program, which has since received several certifications and recognitions. We also have strengthened our Sources of Strength program, which focuses on increasing the student-adult connectedness. We talk a lot about the physical safety of a school, but the emotional safety of a student is equally important.

I also am proud of our Hoya Squad, an inclusive cheer team that blends members of the main cheer squad with special-needs cheerleaders. As principal, my proudest moments are seeing students excel in their everyday lives, whether it is in the classroom or with an extracurricular activity. I also love to see our Hoyas give back to our community. Our students have big hearts, and they definitely have a presence in our feeder schools and other areas of our community. These are just a few things that I am so proud of at Harrison.

What are you most excited about for the school’s future?

There always is work to do and ways to improve. Looking ahead, I want to make sure our students are competitive in the college admissions process and ready for where life will take them after graduation. I also want to continue strengthening our clubs and organizations, so every student has something he or she loves to do outside the classroom.

What are some of your personal and professional goals?

My goal is to keep evolving as a person and an educator. I don’t ever want to become complacent. As soon as I feel myself getting comfortable, I look for an opportunity to help me or Harrison grow.

Tell us about your family and hobbies.

I have been married for 30 years, and my husband and I have two sons. We all are products of the Cobb County School District. When I am not at a Harrison event, I love to hike, travel and watch University of Georgia football. Go Dawgs! My family is very sports-oriented, so it’s likely that you will see us out and about at various athletic events.

P.

Financial Advisor

Erika K. Orcutt, Esq.

SHARE LOVE B ooks of ON FEB. 14

BY NICOLE SMITH

Love is not the only reason to celebrate on Feb. 14. This day also is known as International Book Giving Day, a holiday observed all over the world by sharing new, used or borrowed books with other book lovers, especially children who might not have access to them. Amy Broadmoore, a K-5 school librarian and blogger, sparked the idea in 2012 as a way to get books to children in communities of need. Emma Perry, a children’s book author in the United Kingdom, saw the social media frenzy and reached out to Broadmoore to offer help. In 2013, Perry took over the project, and it has grown into a volunteer initiative reaching more than 44 countries.

For many of us, the love of books started early in life, with something as simple as a picture book. But not all kids have the opportunity to access books, and those that do often can’t find much variety in their reading choices. According to Scholastic, four in 10 kids said they have trouble finding books they like.

The North Cobb Regional Library in Kennesaw recognizes the importance of children having access to a variety of books from an early age. Children’s librarian Janet Wingard said International Book Giving Day is “a great idea. Having access to books is a major factor in a child’s ability to read and excel in all other subjects. Access to books at home is just as important as access to books in school.”

The library is committed to strengthening the reading experiences of Kennesaw’s youth by offering community sessions to teach parents to effectively read to their kids during storytimes. “Reading every day to kids is essential, as is setting a routine, such as pajama storytime,” Wingard said. “Repeating books is also helpful because after time, they can tell the story back to you. They’re doing more than just listening; they are following along and retaining the story.”

Children’s librarian Janet Wingard’s recommendation for kids for International Book Giving Day.

Wingard’s recommendation for a great children’s book gift is “It’s a Tiger” by David LaRochelle.

“There’s a tiger hiding on every page, which makes it an interactive book for kids,” she said.

The library offers children’s book swaps, family storytimes and more. Of course, the library has events and books for all ages and is a great place to visit for book-giving recommendations.

International Book Giving Day might be focused mostly on children, but that doesn’t mean adults can’t receive book gifts as well. Kennesaw author C.D. Gill said a special day devoted to books is a great idea — “There are a lot of posts for book swaps and give/get events,” she noted — but it can be overshadowed by Valentine’s Day.

Gill’s love of reading was hard to escape, as her mother and grandmother were English teachers.

“When you start reading really good books when you’re little, literature that inspires your imagination, it’s hard to let go,” she said. “Stories are intrinsic to our being human — we all love a good story. Even if we don’t like books, we like listening to other people’s stories. Books offer the ability to escape and to learn.”

The award-winning fiction writer’s books come from a point of cultural interest and awareness of social injustices. She had written stories from time to time, but when her father died in 2011, she recalled him telling her to finish what she started. “Behind Lead Doors,” her first self-published novel, was the result.

As for books to give as gifts, Gill recommended “The Little Paris Bookshop” by Nina George for adults and “The Detective Dog” by Julia Donaldson for kids.

To celebrate International Book Giving Day:

1. Donate to the library. Visit www.cobbcounty. org/library to learn how to donate books. Also, consider making a financial donation to a book-related charity or give books to a local children’s organization or school.

2. Leave a book surprise. Keep a few copies of your favorite book handy to leave behind while out running errands. Include a note that it’s free and to pass it on. Also, leave a book in a local Little Free Library, like the one in Swift-Cantrell Park.

3. Host book swaps. Set up a book swap for children or adults in your community, so book lovers can trade books they’ve read for ones they haven’t read.

4. Gift a bookmark. Every good book needs a bookmark. Share your creations with others to encourage them to read more.

Nicole Smith is a writer, book influencer, dog mom and plant enthusiast living in Kennesaw. Connect with her on Instagram at booked4joy.

Giving picture books as gifts develops a child’s love of reading.

The Little Free Library at Swift-Cantrell Park.

Book Clubs Can Lead to Lasting Friendships

BY KATE JACOBSON

The first time I attended a book club, I was unprepared. I didn’t know anybody in the group, and I hadn’t done any research — I hadn’t even finished reading the book! I was nervous. But I shouldn’t have worried because, as I soon discovered, book clubs are just as much about making social connections as they are about discussing books, whether you’ve finished them or not. I was welcomed with open arms to the magic of a book club.

When you join a book club at a Cobb County Public Library branch, you’ll not only get to read a wide variety of books, you’ll meet new friends.

“The best part of a book club is the shared experience,” said Helen Cauley, who leads the North Cobb Regional Library's monthly discussion of Sherlock Holmes stories and recently organized the Make Mine a Mystery! group. “The discussions start with the book, but often they spin into other fascinating topics. And it never fails to surprise me that I overlooked something another reader caught or that someone looked at a situation in an entirely different light. Having others' viewpoints makes reading so much more dynamic.”

The bonds that form through this shared reading experience and exchange of ideas are meaningful. For longtime book club member Matilda Mestre, the beauty of book club is not only being exposed to different books but also the relationships she has formed. “I have met amazing people I now consider my friends,” she said.

The four libraries making up the system’s West Cobb region offer eight book clubs. New members always are welcome.

Kemp Memorial Library

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

• Around the Library Book Club: 1 p.m., second Monday of each month. No required reading. Instead, a new genre or theme is selected each month, and club members choose any book that fits. February’s theme is “Any Book with a Red Cover.”

• Book Chat: 1 p.m., second Thursday of each month. Features fiction and nonfiction.

February’s selection is “The Three Mothers: How the Mothers of Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X and James Baldwin Shaped a Nation” by Anna Malaika Tubbs.

North Cobb Regional Library

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

• The Game is Afoot! Sherlock Holmes Story Discussions With the North Cobb Irregulars: 6:30 p.m., second Monday of each month, led by Helen Cauley, writer and president emerita of the Atlanta Sherlock Holmes Society.

• Wednesday Afternoon Book Discussion:

1 p.m., third Wednesday of each month. The group reads mysteries, thrillers, romances and fiction. February’s selection is “All Her Little Secrets” by Wanda M. Morris.

• Make Mine a Mystery! Book Club: 6:15 p.m., fourth Monday of each month. Led by Helen Cauley, the club focuses solely on mysteries.

February’s selection is “The Club” by Ellery Lloyd.

• Cover to Cover: 2 p.m., fourth Tuesday of each month. Members read a variety of fiction. February’s title also is “All Her Little Secrets,” and the author will host a book talk at 1:30 p.m. Feb. 28.

Stratton Library

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

• African American Book Discussion: 6:30 p.m., second Monday of each month. Features books by African American authors. February’s selection is “Sisters in Arms: A Novel of Daring Black Women Who Served in WWII” by Kaia Alderson.

West Cobb Regional Library

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

• Fourth Monday Book Discussion Group: 6:30 p.m. Members explore a variety of literature, including fiction, nonfiction, classics and new releases. The February selection is “The Personal Librarian” by Marie Benedict.

Kate Jacobson is the assistant branch manager at the North Cobb Regional Library. She enjoys reading nonfiction, romances and graphic novels.

Good Reads

Instead of spending their winter playing video games or watching TV, kids should make the most of the cold, dreary, less-hectic days by curling up in front of the fire with a cup of hot chocolate and a good book. Janet Wingard, a youth services librarian at North Cobb Regional Library in Kennesaw, has compiled a winter reading list, along with some great recommendations for Black History Month, for children and teens to enjoy. How about checking out a few for the upcoming winter break? Remember, the library also offers titles in e-book and audiobook.

Winter Recommendations

Preschool (ages 2-5)

1. “The Mitten” by Alvin Tresselt

2. “The Snowy Day” by Ezra Jack Keats

3. “Waiting for Winter” by Sebastian Meschenmoser

4. “Froggy Gets Dressed” by Jonathan London

5. “Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear?” by Bill Martin

K-2nd Grade

1. “Owl Moon” by Jane Yolen

2. “Snow” by Uri Shulevitz

3. “Katy and the Big Snow” by Virginia Lee Burton

4. “Bear Snores On” on by Karma Wilson

5. “Winter Bees & Other Poems of the Cold” by Joyce Sidman

3rd-5th Grade

1. “Over and Under the Snow” by Kate Messner

2. “Snowmen at Night” by Caralyn Buehner

3. “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” by Robert Frost

4. “Snowflake Bentley” by Jacqueline Briggs Martin

5. “Mr. Popper’s Penguins” by Richard and Florence Atwater

Middle School

1. “The Long Winter” by Laura Ingalls Wilder

2. “The Sea in Winter” by Christine Day

3. “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” by C.S. Lewis

4. “Greenglass House” by Kate Milford

5. “Winterfrost” by Michelle Houts

High School

1. “Clementine: Book One” by Tillie Walden

2. “Seasons of the Storm” by Elle Cosimano

3. “Echo North” by Joanna Ruth Meyer

4. “After the Snow” by S.D. Crockett

5. “Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares” by Rachel Cohn

Black History Month Recommendations

Preschool (ages 2-5)

1. “Count to Love!” by Andrea Davis Pinkney

2. “Mae Among the Stars” by Roda Ahmed

3. “Follow Your Dreams, Little One” by Vashti Harrison

4. “Firebird” by Misty Copeland

5. “Black is a Rainbow Color” by Angela Joy

K-2nd Grade

1. “A Day for Rememberin’” by Leah Henderson

2. “Alaina and the Great Play” by Eloise Greenfield

3. “The Case for Loving: The Fight for Interracial Marriage” by Selina Alko

4. “Shirley Chisholm Is a Verb!” by Veronica Chambers

5. “The ABCs of Black History” by Rio Cortez

3rd-5th Grade

1. “Legacy: Women Poets of the Harlem Renaissance” by Nikki Grimes

2. “Miles Morales: Shock Waves” by Justin A. Reynolds

3. “The 1619 Project: Born on the Water” by Nikole Hannah-Jones

4. “The Highest Tribute: Thurgood Marshall’s Life, Leadership and Legacy” by Kekla Magoon

5. “Young, Gifted and Black: Meet 52 Black Heroes from Past and Present” by Jamia Wilson

Middle School

1. “Amari and the Night Brothers” by B.B. Alston

2. “Fast Pitch” by Nic Stone

3. “Forever This Summer” by Leslie Youngblood

4. “Root Magic” by Eden Royce

5. “African Icons: Ten People Who Shaped History” by Tracey Baptiste

High School

1. “Black Birds in the Sky: The Story and Legacy of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre” by Brandy Colbert

2. “Stamped: Racism, Antiracism and You” by Jason Reynolds

3. “March” graphic novel trilogy by John Lewis

4. “X: A Novel” by Ilyasah Shabazz

5. “A Matter of Souls” by Denise Lewis Patrick

@ the Library

WEST COBB REGIONAL LIBRARY

www.cobbcat.org/venue/west-cobb-regional-library

10 a.m.-8 p.m. Mondays-Wednesdays

10 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursdays-Fridays ● 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays

1-5 p.m. Sundays

Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27, March 6

The West Cobb Pokémon Club, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Mondays. Pokémon enthusiasts ages 6-12 are invited to battle and train with each other, using their favorite Pokémon video game, Pokémon GO or a 60-card Pokémon deck.

Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28, March 7

The Dungeons and Dragons Group, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Ages 13-17 of all skill levels are welcome to discover the world of Dungeons and Dragons.

Feb. 8, 15, 22, March 1

Open Play and Family-Style Chess Instruction, 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Enjoy a quiet game of chess with other experienced players, learn to play chess with five-minute mini games or be a mentor to less-experienced players. The first Wednesday of each month is black-light chess.

Feb. 9

Alma Woodsey Thomas Mosaic Hearts, 3-5 p.m. In honor of Black History Month and Valentine’s Day, create colorful collage heart mosaics in the style of artist Alma Woodsey Thomas. All materials are provided, and no registration is required.

Feb. 9, 16, 23, March 2

Join the West Cobb Craft Club, 10 a.m.-noon Thursdays. Do you knit, crochet, needlepoint or create jewelry? Or do you want to learn how, while making friends? Join the group to craft and get inspired. All skill levels are welcome (especially beginners). Bring your craft supplies.

Feb. 11

My First Book Club, 11-11:30 a.m., is for kids ages 4-7. Parents should register their kids and check out this month’s picture book, “Nana Akua Goes to School” by Tricia Elam Walker, in honor of Black History Month. Read it at home and attend the program for a brief discussion and a craft related to the story.

Feb. 14

Perennials: Divide and Conquer, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Cobb County Master Gardeners Night Out returns with a handson presentation on managing perennials and learning the proper way to divide them. Take home free plants and seed packets.

Cobb County Public Library System www.cobbcat.org

Feb. 14, 28

How Do They Do That?, 3:45-4:45 p.m. the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month. An after-school program in which students in grades 3-5 will learn how to do or make something different each week. This month’s activities will be a pop-up Valentine’s Day card and a 3D sculpture using everyday items. Registration is required.

Feb. 16

Thursday Explorers: Black History Month STEM, 3:45-4:30 p.m. the first and third Thursdays of each month. Preschoolers through second-graders are invited to participate in a different program (storytime, STEM, seasonal craft) each week. Registration is not required.

Feb. 18

Celebrate Black History Month: Mae Jemison, 10:30-11 a.m. Kids ages 4-7 will hear a story and make a craft in honor of Mae Jemison, the first African American woman to become an astronaut and to fly into space on the space shuttle Endeavour. The book will be “Mae Among the Stars” by Roda Ahmed, and the craft will be a painted foil moon. Registration is not required.

Feb. 21

Winter Break Fun: Black History Month Art, 2:30-4 p.m. Kids in grades K-5 can create a popsiclestick house inspired by sculptor Beverly Buchanan’s found-object “shacks.” Materials provided; registration required.

Winter Break Fun: Mardi Gras Masks, 2:30-4:30 p.m. Kids of all ages can decorate a festive Mardi Gras mask. Materials provided; registration not required.

Feb. 22

Winter Break Fun: Pet Rocks, 2:30-4:30 p.m. All ages are welcome to make a pet rock, complete with a bed, adoption certificate and care instructions. Materials provided.

Feb. 23

Winter Break Fun: DIY Pompom Wall

Hangings, 3-4 p.m. Teens ages 12 and older will learn how to make pompoms and create a flower-shaped wall hanging. Registration is required.

Feb. 27

The West Cobb Fourth Monday Book Discussion meets 6:30-7:30 p.m. and covers a variety of literature, including fiction, nonfiction, classics and new releases. The February book will be “The Personal Librarian” by Marie Benedict.

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

What Happens at an Injury Case Trial?

BY JOEL WILLIAMS

If a personal injury case cannot be settled, it will go to trial in front of a judge and jury. A personal injury case is a civil case, which simply means a legal dispute between two or more parties. Here are the steps you can expect at the trial of most personal injury cases.

Step 1: Voir Dire — Jury Selection

The case begins with the judge calling 36-40 people from a jury pool into the courtroom. The plaintiff and defense attorneys will ask the potential jurors a series of questions to eliminate any jurors who cannot be impartial. In most cases, 12 jurors will be selected to decide the case.

Step 2: Opening Statements

Both attorneys will provide to the jury their opening statements, which are an outline or summary of what each side expects the evidence to show during the trial.

Step

3: Plaintiff’s Case in Chief

Next, the plaintiff gets to present his or her side of the case to the jury. The attorneys will call witnesses and present evidence, such as documents and testimony.

Step

4: Defendant’s Case in Chief

The next step is the defendant’s case, where the defense puts up any evidence it has to dispute the plaintiff’s evidence. Sometimes, the defense will not present any evidence if it believes the plaintiff has not proved his or her case.

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Step 5: Closing Statements

In this step, the attorneys argue their case based on the evidence that has been presented. Their job is to explain to the jurors why they should decide in favor of their client and what, if anything, to award.

Step 6: Jury Instructions

At this point, the judge will read the law(s) to the jury and offer instructions regarding what jurors may consider when trying to reach a decision.

Step 7: Jury Deliberations and Verdict

After the judge finishes giving jury instructions, jurors are excused from the courtroom to begin their deliberations. If they are able to reach a unanimous decision, they inform the bailiff, who notifies the judge that a verdict has been reached. The jury then will return to the courtroom, and the verdict will be read in open court. If a unanimous decision is not reached, a mistrial will be declared, and the case will have to be tried again.

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KENNESAW MOUNTAIN HIGH

Mustangs Teams Prepare for New Season

Baseball

Head Coach George Hansen

Last year, the Kennesaw Mountain baseball team made it to the playoffs. This year, the Mustangs are returning to the field a talented team with a good deal of playoff experience.

The Mustangs should be right in the middle of the playoff mix as they enter into region play. The team is led by Mercer signee Eliud Povedtud, Georgia State signee Sam Parker, Abraham Baldwin signee Dhruva Narine, Oglethorpe signee Trey Kinnan, Wallace Dothan signee John Locurto, Marshall signee Daniel Berry and junior Kennesaw State signee Pete Jezerinac.

NORTH COBB HIGH

A Preview for Warriors Fans

Baseball

Head Coach Tom Callahan

Assistant Coaches Mike Turchan, Mike Young, Evan Hester, Tyler Queen, Trent Stapleton

In 2022, the Warriors went 21-11 and advanced to the second round of state playoffs before losing to eventual state champion Woodstock. The team finished in second place in the region and hosted a playoff series for the first time since 2014.

While the Warriors lost a number of key contributors on the mound and at the plate, they hope to compete for a playoff spot if some of the younger players are able to step in to fill those vacancies. The offensive attack should be led by second-team allstate selections Kyle Robitzsch (senior catcher, North Georgia signee) and Jay Abernathy (junior shortstop, Tennessee commit). Andrew Trelles (senior outfielder), T.J. Smith (junior outfielder) and Haruki Kawano also played significant roles on last year’s squad. Senior right-handed pitchers Jakob McKinney and Will Tarwater were dependable on the mound last year, but the team will need others to step up. Kendall Vincent (junior left-handed pitcher/first baseman), Sydney Grimstead (senior left-handed pitcher/first baseman) and Garrison Markwalter (senior left-handed pitcher/ outfielder) will look to fill those roles. Sophomores Jamauri Major, Parker Bare, Nick Grimstead and Keenan Mobley also will be counted on.

Girls Varsity Tennis

Head Coach Joseph Jezequel

Joining a new region in 7A, the Mustangs are looking to qualify for state and advance in the state tournament. The team has six seniors but also an influx of five freshman players who should make an impact on the season for the squad. The seniors will provide great leadership to mold the new team members and hopefully prepare them for a tough season ahead. Facing two state champions from last year — including region-rival Walton — the team will face stiff competition all season, which hopefully will prepare it to qualify for state. Last season was the first time in history that the girls tennis team did not qualify for state, but members are preparing to rebound from last year’s shortcomings with tough competition and talented new players. Led by junior Clarissa Cortopassi, the starting lineup will be intertwined with upperclassmen and lowerclassmen. Other impact players include seniors Reece Pechenino and Isabella Insignares, sophomore Evan Reames and freshmen Sejal Joshi and Ella Nguyen.

HARRISON HIGH

Coaches Share Spring Season Scoop

Boys Varsity Lacrosse

Head Coach Kyle Norris

The Harrison men’s lacrosse team is preparing for another successful season. The team has won back-to-back area championships and has eight seniors and 12 juniors returning. Tillman Griffeth, John Rockefeller, Elijah Marshall, Brett Maguire and Ryan Doering will serve as team captains for the 2023 season. The team is full of talented young men with extraordinary character, and their heart and work ethic are unmatched. The team is looking to win a third straight area championship and to keep that momentum going all the way to the state championship game. The season will kick off Feb. 6 with a game at Creekview. The team’s first home game will be Feb. 11, when the Hoyas take on Buford in a rematch of their epic overtime battle during the 2022 season, which the Hoyas won.

Boys and Girls Golf

Boys Head Coach Travis Farmer

Girls Head Coach Carianne Good

The 2023 season is off to a greatly anticipated start for the Harrison golf teams. Both the Hoya and Lady Hoya teams have returning veteran upperclassmen, as well as a large crop of very promising underclassmen. Each season, the teams have a long and competitive tradition they are trying to uphold — making it to state. For more than 25 years, the Hoyas have reached their respective state championship tournament every season. This year, they will swing into their season with high expectations of carrying on that tradition. Last year, the girls placed ninth at state, and the boys placed 10th. We have the talent and potential to win the area title this year, along with placing in the top five at state under the leadership of our senior captains, Olivia Kirkman and Will Perkins. Look for the teams at their host course, Brookstone Country Club, again this season.

Boys Varsity Tennis

Head Coach Jeff Mayr

Entering a new region and moving up in classification from last year, the Kennesaw Mountain boys tennis team returns three lineup regulars from last year’s squad, senior Julian Jahde and sophomores Braden Sanchez and Pavan Katragadda. The Mustangs also expect contributions from a combination of newcomers and returners moving up from the junior varsity (JV) team. The singles lineup expects to rely on the skilled Sanchez, who finished last year as the No. 1 singles player on the team and has played competitively during the offseason. Katragadda and Jahde both spent time in singles and doubles roles in the lineup last season and project to be lineup regulars again in the 2023 campaign. Freshman Graham Lennox also will vie for significant time in the varsity lineup, along with other returning JV/varsity combo players, like Maan Patel and Sam Thompson. The tennis Mustangs opened the season Jan. 23 against North Paulding and will play nonregion matches throughout the first portion of their schedule before moving into largely region play in early March.

Boys Varsity Tennis

Head Coach Jeff Meese

The Harrison boys tennis team is looking forward to an exciting spring season. The team is hoping to build on its success over the last two seasons, having reached the state semifinals in 2021 and the state quarterfinals last season. This year’s squad has a wealth of experience and talent, with six seniors and two juniors returning from last year’s team. With a pipeline of young talent coming up, the team looks to do good things this season. Its goals are to compete for a region title and to make a strong run for a state championship.

The team will kick off its season at the Carrollton Tennis Classic tournament Feb. 10-11. The highlights of the season will be participating in the Marietta Tennis Classic and the North Cobb Tennis Classic tournaments. The regular season will include matches against tough region opponents North Paulding, McEachern, North Cobb and Hillgrove.

Girls Varsity Tennis

Head Coach Deanna Stewart

The Harrison girls tennis team is anticipating an exciting season. The team hopes to continue to rebuild. Last season, it made a return trip to the state tournament by finishing in the top four in its region tournament. This season, players and coaches are looking to compete for the region championship and return to the state tournament. This year’s squad has eight returning players from last season, and they have been working hard in the offseason to prepare for 2023. The team’s goals are to compete for a region title and make the state tournament.

The Lady Hoyas will begin the season at the Carrollton Tennis Classic tournament Feb. 10-11 and also will participate in the Marietta Tennis Classic and the North Cobb Tennis Classic. The regular season will include matches against North Paulding, McEachern and Hillgrove, all tough region opponents.

•

Woodstock resident Anthony Sant’Anselmo grew up in Los Angeles, California, with a love for movies. He works as a “South Park” animator, and he is a writer and director. His father is co-creator of the ‘80s toy Teddy Ruxpin and he would take Anthony to his office on weekends — that’s where he found his love of writing.

Anthony completed a four-year project: turning his basement into an ‘80s video “store,” Mondo Video!, equipped with a kids section, home gym, kitchen and more. Get to know Anthony and what inspired him to start the project in Part 1 and look for Part 2 in the March issue.

Transforming My Basement Into an ‘80s Video Store

BY ANTHONY SANT’ANSELMO

When we drove our 26-foot moving truck into our new neighborhood one evening in 2017, fireworks were being shot high into the sky from almost every driveway. We felt that it was quite the welcoming committee from Woodstock. Of course, it was the Fourth of July, but, nevertheless, it was like that scene in a movie where the main characters finally reach their destination and all is well. My wife and I searched far and wide around Atlanta for the right home, in the right town. We wanted that idyllic, charming Southern downtown, with a real sense of community, but with the spoils of, perhaps, a Costco nearby. Little did we know, one would actually manifest a few years later! Stumbling upon Woodstock, however, we knew we had found something special.

Cut to Flashback Sequence:

I’ve loved movies as long as I can remember. I’m the kind of guy who would pause “Home Alone 2” and order, “a lovely cheese pizza just for me,” and eat it during the same time Macaulay Culkin ate his, to have a sort of 4D experience. (And, likewise, with the KFC scene in “Mr. Mom.”) As I’m writing this piece about taking a basement and creating something fun and over-the-top, it made me think back to the fourth grade, where I had to construct a volcano at home for a class project. My dad and I built the

largest and, probably, most obnoxious volcano model ever made — complete with a surrounding town and residents being decimated by lava — like some scene from a ’70s or ’90s disaster movie. It took four people to carry it to the classroom.

Fast-forward to 2004; I commissioned one of my best friends, Martin Nilchian, to create a 360-degree “Goonies” mural on the bedroom walls of my apartment. As a massive fan, I had a specific vision of turning my room into a total cavern, where each wall would be dedicated to a scene from the film. The bedroom door was the bone organ, with the skeleton and piano keys — I still have that door! — and, upon entering, there were images of booby-trap boulders hanging from chains on one wall, a treasure chest and skeletons on another, a depiction of the pirate ship (The Inferno) and the waterfall chutes nearby. Shortly thereafter, I bought a black Jeep Cherokee and replicated the Fratellis’ getaway car in the film with “bullet holes the size o’ matzah balls” in the back. So, this fascination of getting

as close to movies as possible, by using artistry and fabrication, has been an ongoing thing in my life.

Growing up on the West Coast, we didn’t really have basements, and it was important that our new house in Woodstock have one, so I could use it as a creative workspace. I’d had home offices before, but the thought of utilizing a basement was totally next level — and Fabienne wanted to take the lead on the direction of the main house, so it was a deal! I looked at the opportunity as a blank canvas to create something fun that would inspire me daily as a writer-director. But, the million-dollar question was, to create what exactly?

There are seven rooms in the basement, and I knew that certain areas needed to be functional: a production office, a gym and a home theater. Those became useful pretty quickly, but I had trouble figuring out what to do with the main room, initially thinking I’d use it as a movie prop area. Then, I pivoted to wanting to replicate “The Haunted Mansion” in that space. I started researching the

The main section is outlined with bright, neon lighting, as well as shelving and standing aisle racks for VHS tapes.

proper wallpaper, lighting effects and items I’d need to help bring it together: candelabras, gothic furniture, even animatronic squawking crows. Still, it didn’t sit right, and simply would have been decor, rather than decor plus functionality.

When I got the idea to build an actual video “store,” it sounded like the most fun idea ever for the basement. When I was 5 years old, I knew I wanted to make movies — and nothing has changed. A lot of my earlier movie memories stemmed from the independent, mom-and-pop video shops that existed pre-Blockbuster Video. No two looked alike. They celebrated cinema, and there always was someone who knew something about the film you wanted to rent — no matter the genre.

The plan was to treat the project as if I were creating a movie set and really lean into the visual side of it. That way, my kids would know what a video store was kind of like, and I also could use it as a working set for my own film and video projects: ’80s tribute online accounts and a weekly movie podcast. (Because, there just aren’t enough movie podcasts already on YouTube!)

I wish I had footage of when I shared my glorious plans with Fabienne. Suffice it to say, she was supportive — with, maybe, a slight eye roll, ha ha. But, I could live with that, because I believed in myself! Even though I was embarking into the total unknown … OK, this is probably the part where I should cram in four years of building into a montage. (Cue super-rad ’80s song “Push It to the Limit” to pump up the underdog!) But, before I could take any sort of victory lap, I went through every DIY challenge — stay tuned for next month’s issue!

If you have a basement that is not being used to its full potential, ask yourself what your dream basement would be. It’s a blank slate to create something cool that inspires you daily, so make it count. This area has the tools, materials and, if needed, craftsmen, to help you realize your goal. If you’re not sure how to achieve something, turn to YouTube, check out some tutorials, and learn by doing.

The kids section, Mondo Kideo!, is dedicated to kids movies, toys and posters.

The ‘80s gym celebrates the workout craze, wrestling, skateboard films, beach movies and more.

QUIET ON THE SET

Bringing TV Production From Los Angeles to This Area

BY CHERYL MCKAY PRICE

In 2021, I wrote an article for this publication about the Christian Worldview Film Festival, held at First Baptist Church Woodstock. I ended that article with this hope: “My desire is to see more movies made right here in Woodstock. Soon, I hope we can hear that familiar chime, ‘Quiet on the set.’”

I couldn’t have imagined that, just more than a year later, I’d be in production on a streaming TV series, “These Stones,” a faith-based, modern story with a biblical twist. However, during September and

October 2022, we got to hear “Quiet on the set” all over Cherokee County. (You can read more about the show at stoneimpactmedia.com. Follow on social media to keep up with the show, see behind-the-scenes clips and be notified when it is released.)

Ever since my husband, Chris, and I relocated to Woodstock from Los Angeles in 2015, it’s been on my heart to create something here. While I’ve written movies and TV specials since moving here, none of them has been produced in Georgia. I wasn’t on those teams as a producer, so I didn’t have control over that.

This time, it was different. An opportunity came up to form Stone Impact Media with some friends and business partners in California — Jeanette and Sam Towne and Mike Burns. They were open to us starting this venture in Cherokee County to take advantage of Georgia’s generous film incentives and to film where our county is so beautiful. Jeanette introduced me to her pastor, Tim Stevenson, who wrote a book with Peggy Porter called “These Stones.” We loved it so much, we decided to adapt it into a series.

Our team sought out Kennesaw filmmakers Drew Waters and Erin Bethea at Argentum Entertainment, who have been guest speakers at the Cherokee Film Summit in previous

years, to help us produce the show here.

And in January 2022, I started writing six episodes of what we hope is the first of many seasons. I even wrote large portions of the script with specific locations already in mind.

It meant the world to me to bring a creative project here, to add to our economy by hiring local actors and crew or booking out-of-towners in local hotels or Airbnbs in downtown Woodstock. (Many said they want to move here now!)

The local filmmaking work doesn’t end there; I built my postproduction team from Cherokee County residents. When we called “that’s a wrap,” I realized I had used barely more than one tank of gas over the entire five weeks of filming — an unexpected benefit of making something right here in our “live, work, play” community. It’s an experience I hope to repeat many times in Cherokee County because there’s no place like home.

The crew prepares to film at the Canton farm.

Cheryl McKay Price writes faith-based movies, TV shows and novels. She and her husband, Chris, have called Woodstock home since 2015. Their Woodstock-based production companies are Roads & Rivers Media and Stone Impact Media.

Cheryl McKay Price and Susan Rohrer, “These Stones” director, at Twelve Oaks in Canton.

Each year, 100% of the graduating class at Mount Paran Christian School (MPCS) is accepted to a college or university. One reason all seniors are accepted is they are well-prepared for a 21st century education, all within small classes on a collegiate-style campus. MPCS also offers 56 Advanced

Placement/Honors courses, allowing many students to enter their first year of college with numerous course exemptions under their belt. These seniors have experienced firsthand the benefits of a curriculum, taught from a biblical worldview, that is built on liberal arts, innovation, STEAM principles and a growth mindset. The result is a group of graduates who crave deeper faith, embrace intellectual curiosity, are well-prepared, live courageously and pursue excellence.

In the May 2022 graduating class, 101 MPCS seniors were accepted into 108 colleges or universities. Of the top five colleges that members of the Class of 2022 joined last fall, Kennesaw State University (KSU) tops the list.

From One Nest to Another

Kennesaw State is a favorite choice because the school is listed among the nation’s top national universities by U.S. News. As one of Georgia’s most innovative institutions in teaching and learning, KSU offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees on two suburban campuses in Kennesaw and Marietta.

According to Viola Lussier, MPCS director of counseling, strong nursing, business, education and engineering programs draw the students to KSU. Dr. Trici Holmes, MPCS director of college counseling, credits the university’s popularity to its strong performing arts program, variety of majors, academic and sports programs and financial assistance available through the HOPE/Zell Miller Scholarship.

Another appeal for MPCS graduates is KSU’s proximity to their alma mater. Courtney Barbito, MPCS director of auxiliary and volunteer services, said KSU and MPCS have a strong relationship that benefits both.

“We have current KSU Bagwell School of Education students working in our after-school and summer camps programs and hope to deepen that partnership in the future,” she said.

MPCS graduates heading to KSU.

MPCS pre-K4 student Hoyt Wallace with Shelton, the Eagles mascot.

Jessica Davis, an MPCS Class of 2019 graduate, attends KSU and returns to her alma mater to tutor students in the extended-day program.

“I chose Kennesaw State University because of its incredible education program, as well as its location,” Davis said. “Kennesaw and Mount Paran have both been great partners to prepare me as a future teacher. I have been able to get great practical experience in how to work with students through the afterschool care program and summer camps at MPCS while I learn to be an educator in the classroom at Kennesaw State.”

Flying to New Heights

The MPCS college-preparatory coursework prepares graduates to excel in college and beyond. MPCS alumna Ashton Duncan Hilbrands, Class of 2008, was encouraged to participate in dual

enrollment during her senior year and was able to complete most of her freshman-year KSU requirements while still in high school.

Hilbrands earned a bachelor’s degree in biology and a master’s degree in exercise physiology. As a physical therapist, she knew she needed more education to advance her career.

“After working in health care for several years, I became more aware of the need for health care providers to have a stronger

background in business management,” Hilbrands said. “Physical therapy school prepared me very well to take care of patients but did not prepare me for the business side of health care.”

She entered the KSU Part-Time Evening MBA program because she wanted a program that met in person and would provide a great networking platform.

“KSU’s MBA program continually ranks high when compared to other schools, and I truly saw the value in their program,” she said. Hilbrands has found that her MBA has opened doors, allowing her to step into her current role as a clinic director and set her apart in the field of physical therapy.

In her third year at KSU, Emily Roberts, a 2020 MPCS graduate, is a psychology major who has always felt a calling to guide others by incorporating faith: “Psychology would set me on the path to seminary, ministerial work or counseling for churches,” she said.

Currently, Roberts works with the MPCS extended-day program, in addition to her studies at KSU. Returning to her alma mater, Roberts said that, above all, “Mount Paran taught me how to stand firm in my faith on campus. Obviously, being at a liberal arts school (like KSU) means different religions and ideas will be presented. Whether it be through one-onone conversations or group interactions, I would like the opportunity to share faith with those who are struggling in life.”

MPCS alumna Emily Roberts reading with second-graders Scarlett Foster and Abbie Pointer.

Some Love 3 Ways to Show Your Home

BY ELISABETH STUBBS

If you’ve been dreaming of making some changes to your home for years, it might be time to finally create the home you’ve always wanted. Product availability is good, and cost is back to pre-pandemic prices for many products. If you select the right home projects, they can increase your home’s value.

Installing a curbless shower, new countertops and smart window coverings are just three ideas for practical projects that will show your home some love and enhance your home’s value. These renovations also can show a prospective buyer — someday — how much you loved this home, and how much they can love it, too.

1. Curbless shower. Eliminate barriers and get a sleek look by switching to a shower that lacks the lip or edge of a traditional shower floor. Curbless showers can involve a bit more work and expense, but they are worth it for those who are aging or injured. A bathroom renovation is a great investment, and this accessible design style is practical and stylish.

2. Updated countertops. A big part of your kitchen’s style and function, countertops visually make a big statement, and physically have to withstand food prep, spills and frequent cleaning. If you have quality cabinetry, but your countertops are an eyesore or they’re difficult to maintain, it’s worth investing in new countertops. Choosing a material like quartz offers a fresh look while making your kitchen more functional. However, it’s important to note that replacing countertops can impact the existing backsplash, sink and faucet, too. This easy kitchen renovation is the perfect opportunity to consider new touchless faucets, an under-mount sink or an updated backsplash.

3. Smart window coverings. From robotic vacuums to automated faucets, many people love the convenience that home automation brings to our lives. The same holds true for your window treatments, as more homeowners are choosing motorized shades and blinds for their windows. Being able to control your window treatments from your smartphone or tablet allows you to easily operate them, as well as place them on a schedule so that they open and close when you desire. Not only are they extremely functional, they’re available in many different colors, sizes and designs, which allows them to match virtually any space’s style.

Tip: If you plan to stay in your home five years or more, decorate or renovate to please yourself. If you think you’ll be leaving in five years or less, base your decisions on a more generic look, to enable potential buyers to see themselves living and loving there.

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

Quartz countertops can give your kitchen a fresh look and increase functionality.

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Eldren Bailey, Tombstone Artist

BY ANDREW J. BRAMLETT

For Black History Month last year, I mentioned the cemeteries at Sardis Missionary Baptist Church included grave markers designed by a man named Eldren Bailey. While Bailey did not live in our community, he has had a longlasting impact on our area through his gravestones.

Born in 1903 in Flovilla, Georgia, Eldren Mathew Bailey received only a third-grade education. He moved to Atlanta at age 13 and worked on the railroad. In 1929, he began creating tombstones for many African American funeral homes, something he did for more than six decades. His work has been found as far north as Cartersville, while other pieces have been located in the Macon area. Each stone is made of concrete, covered with a white plaster front where the name of the deceased, dates from his or her life and the name of the funeral home was inscribed. Some stones have small flower decorations, also made of plaster.

In Kennesaw, Bailey’s work can be found in four cemeteries. Two of these are adjacent to each other near Sardis Missionary Baptist Church. Not all of the individuals in these cemeteries who have his gravestones lived in Kennesaw, as some died in Atlanta and others near Milledgeville. But almost all of them have the same funeral home listed on the stone — Hanley, which now is Hanley-Shelton Funeral Home in Marietta.

Some of the people buried at Sardis led unique lives. Myles Burge, who died in 1961, had 15 children, 33 grandchildren and nine greatgrandchildren, according to his obituary. When his wife, Ethel, died in 1973, the numbers had grown to 39 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. Both of their headstones were made by Bailey, as was their daughter’s. The Burge clan was one of several families who had stones produced by him.

Eldren Bailey created this airplane sculpture as a memorial to President John F. Kennedy. Courtesy of Souls Grown Deep Foundation.

The third cemetery with Bailey gravestones is at Mount Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church on Wade Green Road near Interstate 75. This church was founded in the 1880s by Henry McNeal Turner, and the cemetery dates to around 1900. Like Sardis, there are several families who used stones made by Bailey, and many used the same funeral home.

The final cemetery is Henderson Cemetery, on top of a hill near power lines on Moon Station Road. Very little is known about its history.

According to Mayzelle Hill, who has family members laid to rest there, it originally was the Kilgore family cemetery. It is unknown how the cemetery got its present name, as only one tombstone with the Henderson surname can be found. Six of the 30-odd gravestones in the cemetery were designed by Bailey, but practically nothing is known about their life stories.

As important as his gravestones are, they are not Eldren Bailey’s claim to fame. He began his artistic career in 1945, sculpting art out of concrete in his front yard. His work included depictions of Hank Aaron, the crucifixion and John F. Kennedy. One of his pieces, “Pyramid,” was a memorial to a friend and now is on display at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta. His art was known for its funerary symbolism, including references to African funeral customs.

During his life, Bailey never was widely recognized as an important artist, though folk art enthusiasts did visit his home in south Atlanta, where he kept his sculptures. When artist James Smith Pierce visited in the 1970s, he filmed Bailey and his work, and the three minutes of footage has been made available online by the University of North Dakota. A second interview is offered by the Walter J. Brown Media Archives at the University of Georgia.

Bailey suffered a fatal heart attack in 1987 and was laid to rest in Atlanta’s South-View Cemetery. His gravestone

is a large urn made of the same white plaster used on the hundreds of gravestones he produced for Georgia’s African Americans.

After his death, many of his larger artworks were lost. The pieces that were saved have been preserved at art museums across the nation, including the High in Atlanta, the Minneapolis Museum of Art and the Rockford Art Museum in Illinois. Because his gravestones are unsigned, many of these important works of art still are waiting to be found across our area.

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

One of Eldren Bailey’s tombstones, located at Mount Zion AME Church, belongs to John T. Johnson.

Eldren Bailey shows the sculpture garden in his front yard in 1986. Courtesy of Souls Grown Deep Foundation.

Celebrating

With February being designated Black History Month, there are a number of activities and events taking place in Cobb County. Visit https://bit.ly/3Xdrcwd for more information on Cobb library and senior center events. Websites are listed with each entry for other events.

Feb. 4

• Black History Month Lecture: “The Real Hank Aaron” by Terence Moore, Smyrna Public Library, 100 Village Green Circle, https://bit.ly/3GnSJV5.

• Black History Month Charity Concert, North River Church of Christ, 320 Austin Ave., Marietta, https://bit. ly/3ZB1jIz.

Feb. 5

• Black History Month Celebration: Learn African Dance for Teens — Switzer Library, 266 Roswell St., Marietta.

Feb. 7

• Black History Month crafts (Garrett Morgan) — Lewis Ray Library, 4500 Oakdale Road, Smyrna.

• Movie Monday: “The Wiz” — Switzer Library.

• Yes, You Can! Getting Started with African American Genealogy — Georgia Room, Switzer Library.

Feb. 8

• Pocket Poetry featuring African American poets — North Cobb Regional Library.

• Black History Month trivia — West Cobb Senior Center, 4915 Dallas Highway, Powder Springs.

Feb. 11

• Atlanta Black Expo — Cobb Galleria Centre, 2 Galleria Parkway, Atlanta, https://bit.ly/3Xvq33q.

Feb. 14

• Black History Month crafts (Jean-Michel Basquiat) — Lewis Ray Library.

• Movie Monday: “The Princess and the Frog” — Switzer Library.

• African American Authors Book Discussion — Stratton Branch Library, 1100 Powder Springs Road, Marietta.

Feb. 15

• History Connection — Tim D. Lee Senior Center, 3332 Sandy Plains Road, Marietta.

• African American Genealogy — Georgia Room, Switzer Library.

• Pocket Poetry featuring African American poets — North Cobb Regional Library.

Feb. 16

• Read. Think. Talk.: The Sewell Mill Library & Cultural Center Book Discussion Group, “Harlem Shuffle” by Colson Whitehead.

Feb. 17-18

• The Black Student Union’s first Black History Month Fair, Kennesaw State University, https://bit.ly/3GI6X3l.

Feb. 19

• Black History Month Celebration: Learn African Dance for Teens — Switzer Library.

Feb. 21

• Black History Month crafts (Lonnie Johnson) — Lewis Ray Library.

• Family Fun Night: Celebrate Black History Month — North Cobb Regional Library.

• Lunchtime Movie Matinee: “Soul” — West Cobb Regional Library, 1750 Dennis Kemp Lane, Kennesaw.

• Movie Monday: “Akeelah and the Bee” — Switzer Library.

• Moving Forward, Together — Black History Month Festival: Lift Every Voice — Bailey Performance Center, Kennesaw State University, https://bit.ly/3GMSbJG.

Feb. 22

• Pocket Poetry featuring African American poets — North Cobb Regional Library.

Feb. 23

• Black History presentation on Historic Rosenwald Schools — North Cobb Regional Library.

Feb. 24

• Tweens and teens can explore the Harlem Renaissance with KSU Rare Books — Mountain View Regional Library, 3320 Sandy Plains Road, Marietta.

• Moving Forward, Together — Black History Month Festival: Pianist Arlington Jones — Bailey Performance Center, Kennesaw State University, https://bit.ly/3Gr2guB.

• Black History Month Dinner featuring author Erica Armstrong Dunbar — Smyrna Community Center, 200 Village Green Circle, https://bit.ly/3H0gTq1.

Feb. 25

• African American History Month Celebration — The Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History, 2829 Cherokee St., Kennesaw, https://bit.ly/3jXMWho.

• The Masquerade: SABCA Life’s annual Black History Month Gala 2023 — Life University, 1266 Barclay Circle, Marietta, https://bit.ly/3jZX5tK.

Feb. 28

• Movie Monday: “Selma” — Switzer Library.

New Year, Building & Services

Governors MedSpa & Concierge Medicine has a new home in Kennesaw, a 9,000-square-foot facility that has opened the door for Drs. Heath and Ashley Trowell to offer new services and personnel as they begin 2023.

The new two-story office features a sleek and modern medical atmosphere, with more exam rooms to enhance the medical and aesthetic experience. Patients enter a retail space dedicated to skin care and the newly added Jane Iredale mineral makeup line.

“Patients love to come to our clinic because they have the convenience of getting their medications refilled in the same appointment as a flu shot and a Botox touch-up, while their children get their sports physicals,” Dr. Heath said.

WHAT’S NEW...

IN PERSONNEL. Wendy Allard, NP-C, has joined Governors as a medical aesthetician. She is a board-certified nurse practitioner with more than 15 years of clinical experience. Wendy’s career started in intensive care and transitioned to emergency medicine. She

spent almost a decade at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta as a trauma emergency nurse, then moved to Tanner Medical Center. She gained experience in retail medicine when she worked to expand CVS Health, Minute Clinic, before pursuing aesthetics.

IN WEIGHT LOSS. The doctors are seeing a common struggle among their patients. Say goodbye to the freshman 15, and hello to the COVID 25.

“We have many patients still dealing with the aftermath of COVID-19 from a weight perspective,” Dr. Ashley said. “To help, we have several programs in our clinic that assist with this: appetitesuppression medications, energyboosting shots and the newest treatment: Semaglutide.”

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 product that helps the body process foods and sugars, and decreases appetites, and is safe to use for several months to help patients reach their goal weight. Another new injectable medication is Ipamorelin, which is a natural growth hormone that increases cell synthesis and increases ghrelin in the stomach, which releases GH and controls hunger.

IN REJUVENATION. “Let’s talk about sex! No one wants to talk about sex or

Grand Opening Event

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menopause, which are two things that change as we age,” Dr. Ashley said. “We now offer several procedures and medications to maintain your sexual function and desire that may otherwise decrease because of the aging process in men and women.”

Exilis Femme 360 is an FDA-approved procedure to assist in urinary discomfort and increase blood flow to the vagina for lubrication and pleasure. Injectables including the P and the O shot for men and women are available. Biote HRT can assist in desire and comfort for men and women, along with the new PT-141 that works as an injectable Viagra that has fewer side effects and lasts longer than traditional treatments.

IN AESTHETICS. A variety of medicalgrade facials and treatments are available with little or no downtime. The latest options include combination treatment therapies: Microneedling with RF followed by Sculptra or TCA application, or by CoolPeel resurfacing laser with PRP. Vi Peels are being combined with neurotoxins or fillers post-application.

IN COMMUNICATION. Governors has a new app to download that allows patients to schedule appointments, view monthly promotions and purchase flash sales at their leisure.

A large crowd turned out last month to remember the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. during the MLK Celebration and Day of Service in Acworth. The day’s events included a breakfast at the Roberts School Community and Education Center, a Unity Walk, a program at the Acworth Community Center and a service project that included a donation drive to collect food, clothes and toiletries. After the program, volunteers returned to the Roberts School to sort the donated items so local partner churches could pick up and distribute them to those in need.

A large crowd shows up for the MLK Day program.

Photos courtesy of the city of Acworth

Alderman Tim Houston was the guest speaker.

From left, police Chief Jesse Evans, Mayor Tommy Allegood, Cpl. Eric Mistretta and two public safety cadets listen to Maya Janee perform.

Students sort through shoes that were donated to the service project.

Mayor Tommy Allegood, right, with the Acworth Achievers.

Unity Walk participants travel from the Roberts School to the community center. Volunteers at the Roberts School sort through donations.

Senior Activities

WEST COBB SENIOR CENTER

4915 Dallas Highway, Powder Springs // 770-528-8200 www.cobbcounty.org/public-services/senior-services/west-cobb-senior-center

Feb. 8

Music of the American War Between the States, 10-11 a.m. Trace American music leading up to the “Brothers War” and the music of slavery.

Feb. 9

Personal Safety, 9-10 a.m. Learn from a police officer about personal safety techniques and how to identify a scam.

Feb. 10

Reel Good Movie, 1-3 p.m. Call for the title.

Feb. 15

Fancy Fold Cards, 10 a.m.-noon. Create fancy fold cards for those special people.

Walk West Cobb: Black History

Walking Tour, 1-3:30 p.m. Meet at Brown Park, 358 W. Atlanta St., Marietta, for a walking tour of the Marietta Square.

Feb. 16

AARP Smart Driver. 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Feb. 17

Tech Talk: Online Grocery Shopping, 10-11 a.m. Discover all the options available for buying groceries online.

Feb. 18

Death by Chocolate, 2-4 p.m. Take part in an interactive murder mystery. $8. Women’s History Month Tea and Trivia, 2-4 p.m. Celebrate March as Women’s History Month at this fundraiser for the senior center. $5.

Feb. 22

America Rising, 10-11 a.m. Learn about the rise of Americanism in music: jazz.

Feb. 27

Love Files, 10-11 a.m. Create a personal financial organizer to house important documents.

Feb. 28

What You Didn’t Know About Your Public Library, 10-11 a.m. Get the most from the library by learning about everything you can access for free.

Mondays Knit Wits. 10 a.m.-noon. Meet new friends while working on your latest projects.

Woodcarvers. 1-3 p.m. Work on small woodcarving projects. No experience is necessary. Bring your own materials.

Ballroom Dance. 2:30-4:30 p.m. Couples and singles can enjoy ballroom dancing to music provided by a deejay.

Tuesdays

Paper Crafting Fun. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Enjoy making cards and scrapbooking with others. Bring your own supplies. Color Me Happy. 1-4 p.m. Color with others. Bring your own materials.

Wednesdays

Mahjong. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Game knowledge and mahjong cards are required.

Thursdays

Mexican Train Dominoes. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Form domino chains from a central hub. Beginners welcome.

Advanced Bridge. 1-3 p.m. Competitive Standard American Bridge played at an advanced level.

Fridays

Dance N Squares. 1-3 p.m. Square dancing is the perfect activity for couples looking for fellowship, exercise and good, clean fun.

Rob’s Rescues

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

This dog’s name is Coco. She is a great dog, because she is very sweet and walks well on a leash. She is a medium-sized hound dog who would love anyone, and anyone would be lucky to have her. She would make a family very happy, and she would be very happy to get a home outside of the shelter. She warmed up so quickly when we talked to her and took her for a walk. I really like this dog.

This cat’s name is Momo. He is 4 years old and a pretty large orange tabby. He seems like a lovely cat who would be content to just sit with you. He is peaceful and has no crazy energy. He would be a nice and calm companion.

I recently was invited by Cheri Sherill to be a guest of the Cat Club at Holbrook Retirement Community in Acworth. I went to meet the members, and I enjoyed talking to them about their cats (and, in one case, a bird). We also talked about the importance of spay and neuter, and opportunities for volunteering in the community. They were very nice people, and I enjoyed meeting them. I told them about volunteer opportunities at Cobb County Animal Services and Furkids. Stay tuned for my Furkids interview in the March issue!

Rob with members of the Cat Club, at

Retirement Community

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

Holbrook

in Acworth. Front row: Cheri Sherrill, left, and Betty Edwards. Back row, from left: Joan Blanchancy, Kay Chalmers, Martha Miller, Linda Ryan, Larry Miller and Lucy Faint.

Reflecting on Ice Storms and Simple Faith

BY STEVE COLEMAN

If you’ve lived here for a while, you will be well familiar with snow and ice experiences in metro Atlanta. Images of cars stranded on the highways, and stories of children and teachers spending the night in schools have grazed the national media.

Growing up in South Carolina in the 1970s, I remember an ice storm in ‘73 that turned our small state on its head. I was 7 years old, and a family friend picked up my family, along with the contents of our freezer. He loaded us in his truck to drive us to another family’s home, where we stayed for several days. Multiple families converged on this home because of a gas stove (uncommon in our town) and plenty of charcoal and lighter fluid for the grill.

As a youngster, I believed this to be a great adventure — and it was! We played in the snow (mostly ice and slush) and watched our parents thaw and cook feasts from food stored on the screened porch.

I do not remember worrying about when the power would come back on, whether the food supply or the charcoal would run out, or if we had enough blankets. Why? I knew my parents would take care of me. I had complete trust that my needs would be met by those who were responsible.

In the book of Philippians, Paul acknowledges he had troubles. He references life’s difficulties and confirms

God’s created beings have problems with circumstances, relationships and obedience. Paul wrote: “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:19

Paul affirmed a truth: We can have complete trust our true needs will be met by the one who is responsible. Whatever the struggle, the storm or the situation, God is in control of all things. That control does not mean he will prevent all storms and struggles from coming our way; it means he always is at work and can be trusted to guide us through those struggles with peace.

We don’t need to worry about our present or future circumstances. There is no issue, no mountain, no obstacle or circumstance you can’t face with the God of the universe as your protector and guide. Trust him today, and trust him enough to let him define a good day, a good week and a good struggle.

Steve Coleman is an associate pastor and worship pastor at Wildwood Baptist Church in Acworth.

Recipes for the

BY JESSICA FORRESTER

If you’re making a spread of appetizers for your Super Bowl party, here are six touchdown-worthy recipes, with six ingredients — or less! — to make preparations for the big game as smooth as possible. If one of your New Year’s resolutions was to eat healthier… let’s just call this a cheat day. Don’t throw a flag yet; spinach is an ingredient in one of the recipes.

Slap Your Mama Dip

Ingredients

• 1 pound sausage, hot

• ½ white onion, finely diced

• 1 pound Velveeta

• 2 cans tomatoes and diced chilis

• 1 packet taco seasoning

Directions

Brown the sausage and onions, drain. Add the sausage and onions, cubed Velveeta, cans of tomatoes and diced chilis (do not drain) and taco seasoning to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the cheese is melted. Then, turn the knob to warm or serve.

Bye-Bye Bacon Bites

Ingredients

• 30 butter crackers (about 2 sleeves)

• 10 slices bacon

• 1 cup brown sugar

• cayenne pepper

• black pepper

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Set a wire rack into an aluminum-foil-lined baking sheet. Place the crackers (I use Club) on the wire rack, leaving a little space between. Slice the bacon into thirds, and place a piece on each cracker. Scoop a generous amount of brown sugar over the bacon, then sprinkle with cayenne and black pepper. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until sugar melts and bacon is crisp.

Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls

Ingredients

• 1 package cheddar bay biscuit mix (including seasoning packet)

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened

• 1¼ cups shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 pound sausage, uncooked

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Combine all ingredients into a large bowl, and mix until well incorporated (I use a stand mixer). Shape mixture into 1-inch balls, and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until golden.

Pizza Baguettes

Ingredients

• 1 baguette

• 1 cup pizza sauce

• 6 ounces mozzarella

• pepperoni (or preferred toppings)

Directions

Heat the oven’s broiler. Split the baguette longways. Arrange on a baking sheet, cut side up. Place on a rack in the middle of the oven, and broil for 2-3 minutes. Remove from the oven and reduce the temperature to 375 degrees. Spread ½ cup of sauce onto each side of the bread. Top with mozzarella and pepperoni. Bake for 3-4 minutes, until the cheese melts and the bread is crisp.

Spinach-Dip-Stuffed Crescents

Ingredients

• 1 can (14 ounces) artichoke hearts, drained

• 10 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and drained

• ¾ cup mayonnaise

• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

• 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese

• 2 cans crescent rolls

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease an 8-by-8 baking dish. Combine artichoke hearts, spinach and mayonnaise in a large bowl. Mix in cheese, and transfer to the dish. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese melts. Remove from the oven, and allow a few minutes to cool.

Raise the oven temperature to 375. Unroll one package of crescent rolls and place on a baking sheet. Press the dough seams together with your fingers. Spread the dip over the dough, to your liking. Leave a ½-inch border along the edges. Unroll the second package of crescent rolls and place on top of the spinach mixture. Press the edges down to form “sealed” dough. Bake for 18 minutes, or until golden. Serve cut, in small squares. If you have spinach dip remaining, you can use it as a dip for the stuffed crescents.

Chili Cheese Dip

Ingredients

• 2 cans chili

• 16 ounces cream cheese, softened

• 8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spread softened cream cheese in the bottom of a 13-by-9 baking dish. Pour chili on top, then sprinkle cheese over the chili. Bake for 20 minutes.

How Winter Affects Plants in Georgia

BY HEATHER N. KOLICH

This season, winter has tossed Georgia some unusual surprises – an October freeze and a number of balmy December days, followed by several consecutive days of subfreezing temperatures. These conditions can affect the development of fruit crops, including blueberries and peaches — crops that are economically important to our state.

From apples to strawberries, perennial fruits and nuts need a certain number of cold hours, called chill hours or chilling hours, during the winter to convince them to break dormancy for fruiting. The number of required chill hours varies by the type of fruit as well as by the different cultivars within a fruit species. For example, citrus fruits require 0-100 chill hours to produce fruit. An apple cultivar with a low chilling hours requirement, such as Anna, will begin budding with as little as 200 hours, but an apple variety requiring a high number of chilling hours, such as Honeycrisp, will remain dormant until it has accumulated 8001,000 hours of temperatures between 32 and 45 degrees.

If the planting area does not accumulate the requisite number of

chilling hours between October and the end of February, fruit plants produce fewer blossoms, resulting in a lower yield. Alternatively, if the area receives too much chilling, the plants might break bud before winter ends. That is one reason oranges are grown in Florida, and apples and blueberries are grown from Georgia to Michigan.

Subfreezing temperatures, especially when prolonged, can injure or kill fruit buds. Although chill hours historically are counted at temperatures between 32 and 45 degrees, the deep-freeze weekend in December could be beneficial to Georgia’s peach and grape crops by adding chill hours, according to UGA Cooperative Extension fruit specialist Phil Brannen. Extreme cold also helps kill the bacteria that causes Pierce’s disease in grapes, as well as the pest insect that spreads the disease.

The killing cold also benefited south Georgia, where cotton, corn and peanuts are major economic crops. According to Bob Kemerait, UGA professor and extension specialist in plant pathology, the extreme cold contributed to the control of several crop pests, including rust fungi, root-feeding nematodes and kudzu.

On the home landscape front, many plants are showing signs of cold

injury. Time and patience are the best treatment now, as temperatures return to normal for bedding plants, woody perennials and turfgrasses. Wait and see is the advice from UGA Extension horticulture and turfgrass specialists Bodie Pennisi and Clint Waltz.

Pansies and violas planted in beds have a good chance of recovering, but other seasonal color plants, including perennials like heuchera and dusty miller, might not prove as hardy. Plants in containers and raised beds might not recover either, as the roots were more exposed to freezing than those in the ground. Turfgrasses are likely to recover, according to Waltz. Recovery is evidence of green tissue, but don’t apply fertilizer until plants begin active growth.

Perennial shrubs and trees also were affected, especially young twigs at the edges of the canopy. Resist pruning until closer to spring, when the damage can be assessed. Pennisi said the damaged twigs could provide protection to the rest of the plant if we have another freeze event.

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.

Heather Kolich is the UGA county extension coordinator and agriculture and natural resources agent at UGA Extension in Forsyth County.

The crazy weather in Georgia can affect the development of blueberries.

The number of chilling hours needed for apples varies by type.

Good Culture in Company is Vital

BY RYAN BLYTHE

Part 1 of Ryan Blythe’s interview with Cam Marston, author and podcast host of “What’s Working With Cam Marston,” in the December issue of Around Kennesaw revealed his theories on why there is a labor pool shortage currently. Marston is one of the nation’s foremost experts on workplace and marketplace trends. Here’s Part 2 of that interview.

Cam Marston said one thing his 200-plus radio interviews of business leaders have taught him is the importance of a well-groomed, intentional company culture.

“Prior to COVID, I would have rolled my eyes when someone started complaining about culture,” he said. “Since COVID, though, I have become a big advocate of it.”

Marston contends that companies with a well-groomed and intentional culture lost fewer employees during the Great Resignation and are having an easier time finding new ones.

“The interviews with execs who preach the importance of culture have all surprised me, based on how much work they do every single day to promote their culture,” he said. “Culture is never finished; it requires constant vigilance and upkeep, and the company leadership says their primary job is to promote, enhance and embody the culture.”

The strongest cultures emphasize serving one another. “It is nearly spiritual,” Marston said. “The job of every person in the company is to serve — serve peers and colleagues, serve the public, serve the families of their teammates, serve their communities. … They say it this way: ‘Our job is to serve people. We do it through____.’ Selling cars, banking, health care, etc.”

Another factor Marston stresses is the importance of not overlooking Generation Z. While they will challenge their employers, like every other generation, they are the future, and he believes figuring them out early will be helpful in the long run.

“It is important to remember that the attitudes and expectations Gen Z may have about the workplace were not created elsewhere,” he said. “They were not created in a vacuum. Their attitudes and expectations that many employers find so challenging were created by their parents, their teachers, their role models, etc.

“Gen Z is made up of children of Gen Xers who, today, are 50ish years old. I am a Gen Xer. My kids are all Gen Z. Their attitudes have been created by what you and I have told them to do and how they may have modeled our behavior. That fact will not make dealing with them any easier, but it may temper any anger we may have toward them as employees a little bit.”

Ryan Blythe is the founder of Georgia Trade School, which for the seventh consecutive year, was named one of the Cobb Chamber Top 25 Small Businesses of the Year.

Caffeine and

A Vehicle for Car Enthusiasts to Share Their Interests

BY CLAIRE BECKNELL

Rain or shine, Caffeine and Octane is a monthly auto show in Kennesaw that not only allows auto enthusiasts to show off their most prized collectibles but also has created a diverse culture of car owners who dedicate Sunday mornings to sharing their passion.

This free show brings motorheads and spectators from as far away as Australia and England to Town Center at Cobb on the first Sunday of every month, creating an environment that unites people of all backgrounds. Bruce Piefke, CEO of Caffeine and Octane, wanted to form a brand that represented the commitment, friendship and bonding over the common interest of cars.

Caffeine and Octane began in 2005 when a group of auto enthusiasts decided to meet on the weekends to talk about their cars. Everything was planned by word-of-mouth, and the event grew rapidly. The group soon realized it needed a bigger space.

Eight years ago, Piefke was offered the chance to buy Caffeine and Octane, and he spent two years coming up with a plan. The first event under his leadership changed his outlook on what he wanted it to become. That Sunday morning, the weather was brutal — 36 degrees and flash flood warnings, he said. He believed nobody would show but was pleasantly surprised to see about 100 cars already there when he arrived. There were groups of men huddled together under tents at 6:45 a.m. Now 2,000 to 3,000 car owners attend the show each month.

Bruce Piefke with a Lamborghini that was at the show.

Steve Burrell with his 1987 Toyota Minivan LE.

and Octane

The event evolved from a car show to an experience in which the entire community can immerse itself. From the first show, Piefke realized there was more value than people simply coming to look at cars. They might come to Caffeine and Octane to see their dream cars, like a Lamborghini, and see the station wagon in which their mom drove them to elementary school, he said.

A unique aspect of Caffeine and Octane is the wide selection of cars represented. At these shows, every kind of car imaginable is exhibited — vintage Chevrolet pickup trucks and Chevelles, Volkswagens, Ford Mustangs and Thunderbirds, Nissan 370Zs, Toyota minivans, Datsun 280Zs, Corvettes, Ferraris and Jaguars. Piefke said he tries to change it up every month to feature something new, so every car owner can feel included. The January show included VIP-style Japanese righthand-drive cars as a new addition. The levels of customization on the vehicles vary, depending on the car owner’s abilities and experience. Steve Burrell changed the entire appearance of the vintage 1987 Toyota Minivan LE he displays at shows. “I had to come up with something I could do within my skill set, and the car was too damaged to do a lot, so my idea was to get a half gate and cover up the dents,” he said. “I’ve been messing with cars my whole life as far as body repairs, and this was a massive amount of work. I was just winging it, thinking, what can I do next?”

For many, their cars have become a part of who they are. Walt Bailey has had his Datsun 280Z for 40 years, and when he bought it, it was totaled. Bailey said the girl who owned the car had wrecked it and left it on the beach, where she lived. He bought it when he was 36 and has replaced all the metal and customized the rear

end. Now, he drives his car all across the United States and plans to head to Miami in March for another show. Many car owners bond over modifying their vehicles in unique and innovative ways. D.J. Hurst said he most enjoys talking to people and finding out why they got into cars. He said he spent a few years customizing cars, including a Corvette that was modified with wheels, an engine and seats from other models.

Two years ago, Piefke began a television show highlighting the stories of people who show their cars

at Caffeine and Octane; the 65-plus episodes have been shown in 150 countries, and the new season can be seen on MotorTrendTV. Many automotive TV shows showcase the building of cars, but “Caffeine and Octane” focuses on personal experiences, including lifelong relationships they’ve forged with fellow car enthusiasts.

Piefke also recently bought the legendary Lanier National Speedway, so the brand officially has a new 60-acre home now called Caffeine and Octane Lanier Raceway.

Claire Becknell is a third-year journalism and emerging media student at Kennesaw State University. She believes local media is important in modern journalism and is grateful to write for Around Kennesaw.

D.J. Hurst with his customized Corvette. Photos by Claire Becknell

The Joys of a Student-Run Media Class

BY ALEEA WHITE

Students at Harrison High School always have had the freedom to be involved in anything their hearts desired, from running for student council to playing football to joining HoyaVision, a student-run class supervised by audio visual technology and film (AVFT) teacher Bill Phelps. Kids join HoyaVision to test the waters of the broadcast journalism world. Whether it’s being on the desk, talking on a podcast or working behind the camera, the class offers it all.

Junior Kate Kandul shares her story of how she got involved in the class and became the producer of the HoyaVision broadcast.

“I took AVFT my first year, and, eventually, I interviewed to be in broadcast,” she said. “I ultimately started off as a talent, and then Mr. Phelps asked me if I would be interested in applying for producer, and this is how I got where I am today. I learned from our past producer, and it just went up from there.”

Kate has most definitely come a long way in the three years she has been at Harrison. With the class being student-run, she knows what it feels like to have such a big leadership role.

“It is definitely a lot of responsibility on my part because I have so many people I have to make sure get their job done, and I have to make sure everything is set on the right dates and stuff like that,” she said. “Mr. Phelps obviously helps us in any way he can, but honestly, it’s all up to us to make it good. And to me, that seems to be very beneficial because that’s how it would be in the real world.”

The up-and-coming producer has many ideas in store for HoyaVision and is expecting to fill

the role next year in her final year at Harrison.

Senior Jackson Bohannon, who works behind the camera and helps with the “Today in 10” podcast, said the students are mostly in control of the story ideas.

“It’s great that broadcast is student-run,” he said. “We really have the freedom to make whatever we want, however we want.”

He also said Phelps serves as a guide for the students in the broadcast class.

“Mr. Phelps has helped us a lot this semester,” he said. “What he does is give us the tools, connections and feedback, and we are able to just run with that, you know? That’s what I think is amazing.”

With this being Jackson’s last year, he plans to go all-out and do

the best he can with editing and helping the “Today in 10” team reach its full potential.

“What I like most about this class is the amount of creative freedom we are given,” he said. “It’s an important way of letting people express their creative freedom, and I think it is a super good way of learning more about yourself because of the class being student-run.”

Few schools have a studentrun class with as many resources and as much equipment as the students at Harrison. The broadcast students are most appreciative of the opportunities being offered to them. The team is very fortunate to have the creative freedom to run its own broadcast and make it possible for the whole school to see what these students can bring to the table.

Aleea White is a junior at Harrison High School. She is taking yearbook and broadcast classes, works on the school podcast and plans to write for Hoya Headline News.

Members of HoyaVision include, seated from left, sophomore Barrett Schluckebier, senior Courtney Mason, sophomore Madison White and seniors Jessalyn Reinhart and Isabella Hilleary; standing from left, seniors Jackson Foster and Aaron Abshire, sophomore Evan Gardner, junior Ella Andrade, seniors Kayli Chamrin, Kate Kandul and Octavia Strunk, and junior Hailey Petruska. Photo courtesy of Bill Phelps.

School News

Football Standouts Sign Commitments

Two heavily recruited football players from North Cobb Christian School (NCCS) have signed Division I commitments to play for the Georgia Institute of Technology. Jacob Cruz, who played tight end, wide receiver and linebacker for the Eagles, was named Region 6-2A Defensive Player of the Year by Georgia High School Football Daily for the second consecutive year and was named to the all-state team his junior and senior seasons. Gabe Fortson, who played center and defensive line for NCCS, was named to all-state his junior and senior years and won All-Region Lineman of the Year his junior year and All-Region Offensive Line his senior year.

Mount Paran Helps Families at Christmas

Members of the Beta Club and National Honor Society (NHS) at Mount Paran Christian School helped the school’s Mission 1:27 Christmas Market provide a way for parents who couldn’t afford toys and gifts for their kids to have something for them under the tree, without having to take a handout. The school collected more than 500 toys and donations valued at more than $11,000 during a weeklong drive. Then, about 30 Beta Club and NHS members helped at the Christmas Market, a one-day shopping event where parents could buy gifts priced 75%-80% below retail for their kids. This is the third year for the market, the second year for student volunteers to help and the first year to have a schoolwide toy drive as part of the event.

Baseball Player, Coaches Earn Honors

North Cobb Christian School (NCCS) outfielder Michael Mullinax was named the 1A Private Georgia Dugout Player of the Year for 2022, while head coach Jimmy Keane was named the 1A Private Georgia Dugout Club Coach of the Year, and assistant coach Edgar Mercado was named the 1A Private Georgia Dugout Club Assistant Coach of the Year.

Mullinax, a junior, batted .459 with 11 home runs and 39 RBIs last season. He was named all-region and all-state and had a game-winning home run in the playoffs to help send the Eagles to the state finals. Mullinax is committed to the University of Georgia and is regarded as one of the top-rated players in the country. Keane, who is entering his eighth season as varsity head coach, earned his 100th win during the second round of the state playoffs. Entering his fifth season as assistant coach, Mercado also serves as the head strength and conditioning coach for all student-athletes at NCCS.

Lakis Selected for Prestigious Program

Senior Jack Lakis recently became the first student from Harrison High School — and the first Cobb County student in more than a decade — to be chosen as a Georgia delegate to the 61st class of the United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP). After undergoing a highly competitive, merit-based selection process, only two students from each state are selected as delegates. Lakis will receive a $10,000 scholarship and will participate in Washington Week, which allows students to observe the federal government and its policymakers, March 4-11. Activities include meetings with all senators, a Supreme Court justice, the president and leaders from several executive agencies.

Jack Lakis

Gabe Fortson

Jacob Cruz

Sydney McCune and Anna Akopov sort toys donated to the schoolwide drive.

Michael Mullinax

Around & About

25Join the Southern Museum, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m., for its African American History Month Celebration . Featured will be hourly musket demonstrations, gallery tours focusing on African Americans in World War II and the railroad industry, a quilt-making education table, an electrical activity table and an African Americanfocused reading nook selection. This event is included with general admission to the museum.

FEBRUARY

4

The Out of This World Dance Party, 6-9 p.m., will take place at the Ben Robertson Community Center, 2753 Watts Drive. The family-friendly party will include an all-you-can-eat dinner and dessert bar, photo opportunities and dancing to tunes spun by a professional deejay. Tickets are $15 a person. https://bit.ly/3WA8GxE 10

The Kennesaw Museum Foundation and the Southern Museum will host the first Southern Spirits of 2023, 6-9 p.m. Tickets include entry to the museum, hors d’oeuvres, live music and adult and nonalcoholic beverages. Fiber artist Jan Hollins and mural/canvas artist Lawrence Sullivan will showcase their works. Tyler Hartley, the principal harpist of the Gwinnett Ballet Theatre Orchestra and the Georgia Philharmonic, will perform. Tickets are $30 for museum members and $40 for nonmembers. Attendees must be at least 21. https://bit.ly/3D8wjX8

Cobb PARKS is holding one-night women’s self-defense seminars monthly, 6-7:30 p.m., at Ward Recreation Center, 4845 Dallas Highway, Powder Springs. Participants will learn and perform moves based on martial arts techniques. $25. Sign up at https://bit.ly/3Zy9d5G.

Special Olympics Georgia will host the 14th annual Polar Plunge , 9:45 a.m.-1 p.m., at Cauble Park in Acworth. The Polar Plunge is one of the organization’s “coolest” and largest fundraising events. All proceeds help provide 26,620 Special Olympics Georgia athletes with free year-round sports training. polarplungega.org.

28

Author Wanda Morris will present a talk on her debut thriller, “All Her Little Secrets,” at 1:30 p.m. at the North Cobb Regional Library. The Atlanta attorney has made several national bestof lists for her first novel and its prequel follow-up, “Anywhere You Run.” A Showtime series adaptation of “All Her Little Secrets” is in the works (https://bit.ly/3COPZ1S).

MARCH

Through March 3

Place your orders for the annual Cobb 4-H Plant Sale at the Cobb County Extension Office, 678 South Cobb Drive, Marietta, or by mail. Plants are sold on a first come, first serve basis. Pickup will be 9 a.m.-1 p.m. March 18 at the Jim R. Miller Park covered pavilion, 2245 Callaway Road, Marietta. For the brochure, visit https://bit.ly/3WuJkRC.

4

Touch-A-Truck will be 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Adams Park, 2600 Park Drive, Kennesaw. Check https://bit.ly/3J9wxAN for more details.

23-26 The Georgia Food + Wine Festival is back at Jim R. Miller Park in Marietta. Celebrate the best of Georgia and the South, from culinary superstars and beverage experts to farmers, artisans, live musicians and more. https://georgiafoodandwinefestival.com

Celebrate Valentine’s Day at the Out of This World Dance Party.

About

ART HOUSE HAPPENINGS

www.acworthartsalliance.org.

Ongoing

Register for winter classes and workshops offered by the Acworth Arts Alliance. Classes and workshops for kids and adults take place at the Art House in downtown Acworth. acworthartsalliance.org/classes

Through Feb. 15

Open submissions will be accepted for the “Inspired … A Moment in Time” exhibit, running March 4-April 15. Artist receptions are planned for 4-7 p.m. March 4 and April 1.

Through Feb. 24

The “Member Artist Exhibit” will feature works by Acworth Arts Alliance member artists. An artist reception will be held 4-7 p.m. Feb. 4.

THE BATTERY ATLANTA

The Battery Atlanta Walking Trail

A brisk walk can curb cravings, reduce stress and offer a healthy way to catch up with friends and family. Get active on the 1.5-mile loop circling the campus.

THE ART STATION - BIG SHANTY

2050 Kennesaw Due West Road, Kennesaw www.artstationcobb.org

Through Feb. 28

Black History Month is an online showcase of artwork created by local Black artists.

March 1-25

Inspired by the heART is a display of artwork created by Cobb County students with disabilities, ages 5-10, in a variety of mediums.

Ongoing

Register for winter classes and workshops offered for kids, teens and adults. Current offerings for teens/ adults include pottery, acrylic painting, drawing, quilting, guitar, piano, violin/viola, yoga and tai chi. For kids, there’s drawing, pottery, crafts, painting, guitar, piano, violin/viola, choreography and improv acting.

KENNESAW PARKS AND RECREATION

2529 J.O. Stephenson Ave. // 770-424-8274

www.kennesaw-ga.gov/parks-and-recreation

Mondays, Wednesdays

BSD Taekwondo, 6-7 p.m. through Feb. 27 at the Ben Robertson Community Center, 2753 Watts Drive. Ages 6 and older will develop focus, selfcontrol and confidence.

Tuesdays

Pottery: Hand Building and Wheel Class, 9-11 a.m., 11 a.m.-1 p.m. or 5-7 p.m. through Feb. 14 at the Ben Robertson Community Center, 2753 Watts Drive. Adults will learn the coil, pinch and slab methods of hand building then move on to wheel techniques.

Wednesdays

Pottery: Advanced Hand Building and Wheel Class, 5-7 p.m. or 7-9 p.m. through Feb. 15 at the Ben Robertson Community Center, 2753 Watts Drive. Adults with one to two years of experience with pottery will improve skills, work on surface designs and techniques, and develop their artistic voice.

Thursdays

Pottery: Hand Building and Wheel Class, 5-7 p.m. or 7-9 p.m. through Feb. 16 at the Ben Robertson Community Center, 2753 Watts Drive. Adults will learn the coil, pinch and slab methods of hand building then learn to throw pottery on the wheel.

Little Dragons Taekwondo, 5:30-6 p.m. through Feb. 16 at the Ben Robertson Community Center, 2753 Watts Drive. This class teaches kids ages 4-7 about focus, self-control and discipline.

Karate for Adults: Practical and Applied, 7-8 p.m. through Feb. 16 at the Ben Robertson Community Center, 2753 Watts Drive. This class, for ages 20-70, balances traditional karate techniques with real-world self-defense applications.

Saturdays

BYOB (Beat Your Opponent Back), 5:30-6 p.m. through Feb. 11. Instructor Omar Welch will teach females and teens the skills needed to protect themselves from an attacker.

Variety Is the Spice of Life

The new “Member Artists Exhibit” at the Art House in Acworth features works by members of the Acworth Arts Alliance through Feb. 25. On display (and for sale) is a wide variety of styles, subjects and mediums in 2D and 3D.

“We are so fortunate to have such a multitude of talent in our area,” Cathy Green, executive director of the alliance, said. “All of our member artists are local, probably within a 25-mile radius of downtown Acworth. This is a very small sampling of what we currently have available at the Art House.”

Hours for the Art House at 4425 Cherokee St. are noon-6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. A reception will be held 4-7 p.m. Feb. 4. www.acworthartsalliance.org

PHOTOS COURTESY OF CATHY GREEN

An assortment of items on display

“Limonata” by Lorraine Kimsey

“Trois Chevaux” by Norm Ellison

“Nashville Alley” by Sally Evans

“Chevrons Galore” by Teresa Barnes and “Gnomes” by Maria Starr

“Jar with Lid” by Ann Wallin

“Pheasant in Tall Grass” by Linda Riddle

“Cold But Inviting” by Palma Rhoades

Advertisers

February

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For more information about how you can become a winner, see Page 39.

Summer Arts Intensives

NEW! OVERNIGHT Options Available

Department of Dance*

June 5-9 | Day - $295 | Overnight - $580

Department of Theatre & Performance Studies*

June 5-9 | Day - $295 | Overnight - $580 Acting | Musical Theatre | Design/Tech

Bailey School of Music*

Strings | Choral/Voice June 5-9 | Day - $295 | Overnight

Trumpet | May 31-June 2 | 1-5 p.m.

Percussion | May 31-June 2 | 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | $125

School of Art & Design

June 5-9 | Day - $295

Visual Storytelling in Comics and Sequential Art

3D Digital Modeling and Character Development

Original 2D Character Design

Basic Patternmaking & Construction in Textile Design

New this year is our option for OVERNIGHT! Stay overnight on the Kennesaw campus and experience what it might be like to major in the arts at KSU. Enjoy meals at the award-winning Commons and get to know other high school students who are passionate about the arts.*