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AROUND ACWORTH | March 2018
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Contents
32 & 33 On the Cover Acworth Art Fest
March 2018
Features
In Every Issue
15 New Regional Library
Groundbreaking Set for March.
18 Daddy-Daughter Dance Photos
400 attend the tropical-themed city event.
22 New on Allatoona
Campsite and park pass information.
24 Hop on Over
24
22
18
A guide to egg hunts throughout the area.
Contributors
4 Around Acworth
9
8 Birthdays & Celebrations
26 Ryan Blythe
12 Community News 34 School News 38 Rob’s Rescues 50 Calendar 52 Cobb Photographic Society 54 Senior News 56 Lake Allatoona Map
Tommy Allegood
29, 36 Jennifer Bonn 18 Carla Caldwell 10 Wayne Dennard 27 Malinda Howe 30 Tiffany Hughes 42 Dr. Thomas Jordan 58 J.R. Lee 42 Dr. Sarah Licht
59 Clubs & Organizations
40 Dave Loudin
60 Church Listings
16 Dave McClanahan
62 Directory of Advertisers
22 Christopher Purvis
Voting ends March 10
Advertising Katherine Amick, Market Manager 678-279-5502 Katherine@AroundAboutMagazines.com www.AroundAcworthMagazine.com Around Acworth Magazine 2
AROUND ACWORTH | March 2018
@AroundAcworth
around_acworth
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AROUND ACWORTH | March 2018
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AROUND ACWORTH From the Editor I had the opportunity to hear Mayor Tommy Allegood’s “State of Our City” address at the Acworth Business Association’s February luncheon. Allegood said Acworth is the “right place at the right time.” Many others think so, too. Information Allegood shared includes: • There are now 25,000 residents in Acworth, and 9,000 households. • The city ended 2017 with 1,100 businesses. About 100 businesses were added within the past year. • The city enjoys a tax base that is made up of 58 percent residential properties and 42 percent commercial. • Since 2000, Acworth has been the fastest-growing city in Cobb County. • The median price for a home in Acworth is now $224,000. • The city’s award-winning parks and recreation department provides more than 50 programs that serve 3,200 children and 1,200 adults. • Several studies rank Acworth among the top 10 safest cities in Georgia. • Nine quality of life projects are underway, including a new community center and more revitalization of historic Downtown Acworth. The revitalization project includes a history center, more parking, and a pedestrian bridge over the railroad tracks on Main Street. Allegood said Acworth is a city with heart. He recognized several people, including Police Chief Wayne Dennard, who recently was named Acworth Citizen of the Year, and Marlon Longacre, with Piedmont Church, who recently was named Acworth Business Association Person of the Year. The city’s success is due to its residents, and community partnerships that involve county government, businesses, schools, nonprofits and others, the mayor said.
People, The Places and The Pleasures that make Acworth
The city’s quality of life continues to affect home values positively, Allegood said. The home appreciation rate is about 5 percent, he said. The economy is “strong and healthy,” Allegood added. There are no plans at this time to raise the millage rate, he said. Speaking of quality of life, several fun events are just around the corner. The city of Acworth and Freedom Church will host an Easter egg hunt March 23 at Acworth Sport Complex, 4000 S. Main St. The hunt will include 50,000 eggs. Read more about that egg hunt and others on pages 24 and 25. The seventh annual Acworth Art Fest is April 14 and 15 on historic Main Street. The festival will include more than 100 artisans from across the country. The festival’s Kidz Zone will offer a play area, art projects and activities. For more information, see pages 32 and 33. On April 17, Acworth Business Association will host its annual charity golf tournament at Cobblestone Golf Course. Proceeds benefit ABA Education Outreach and Horizon Field. For more information, see the Community News section in this issue of Around Acworth magazine. I hope to see you around town.
Carla Caldwell Carla Caldwell is editor of Around Acworth. Send your comments or questions to Carla@AroundAboutMagazines.com
Ribbon Cuttings
Ground Blessing
1. Encounter Church 3450 Acworth Due West Road, Suite 360, Acworth
3. The Holbrook Acworth 4491 S. Main St., Acworth 678-591-1074 www.holbrooklife.com
2. Synergy Home Care 4500 S. Main St., Suite 106, Acworth 770-766-8787
1 3
2 4
The
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Expert Surgical Care for the Cherokee Community
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COMMUNITY BOARD The Around Acworth community board consists of well-respected community leaders from different walks of life. Our board members assist us in many ways that range from serving as contributing writers to providing valuable feedback.
Tia Amlett, the principal of Barber Middle School, has
been an educator for the past 19 years. Prior to becoming a principal, Tia served as an assistant principal at Garrett Middle School and North Cobb High School. She is a native of South Carolina who earned her bachelor’s degree at Clemson University and master’s and education specialist’s degrees from Nova Southeastern University. Tia is married to Jonah, and they have two children, Nia and Jordan, who attend Cobb County schools.
Ellen Kennerly has lived in Acworth since 1992. She has worked as a journalist for more than three decades, most of it with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution holding positions as Olympics News Editor, Design Director, A1 Editor and Director of Content Development and Operations for ajc.com, among others. More recently, she worked as Professional in Residence at Louisiana State University and as Director of Asset Intelligence for WebMD. Her business, Kennerly Digital Directions, provides consulting and hands-on deliverables in communications, design and web development, largely for Acworth business people. Bob Weatherford has been a Cobb County resident for
two decades. Bob was a reserve police officer for more than 20 years, eight of those with Acworth PD including time as Captain. He is active in local charities, numerous civic organizations, and co-founded Shop with a Hero. He was elected Cobb County District 1 Commissioner in 2014. In addition to his duties as commissioner, he teaches motorcycle safety courses for the Department of Driver’s Services.
Danielle Hilderbrand is a Cobb County native. She has
been a business owner on Main Street in Acworth for more than six years. Danielle is the proprietor of Pearl’s Spa and Boutique, a partner in Rustic Ruby gift shop and an active volunteer in Acworth. She has been a member of the Acworth Downtown Development Authority for several years and is the 2017 president of the Acworth Business Association. She is a graduate from McEachern High School and Acworth’s North Metro Technical College (now Chattahoochee Tech).
Malinda Howe has lived in Acworth since 1996. She is owner and broker of Anchor Realty Partners and vice chairman of Acworth Tourism Board. She has been a member of the board for nine years. Malinda is originally from Alexandria, Va., and attended George Mason University. She always loved real estate and began her career in commercial real estate working with Savage/ Fogarty, which acquired and managed Class A office buildings on behalf of Dutch pension funds. She moved to Georgia with TMW Management, assisting in acquisitions and leases from 1997-2003, and then pursued her career in residential real estate. Malinda and her husband, Rick, have one daughter, Kara. Malinda lives, plays and works in Historic Downtown Acworth. 6
AROUND ACWORTH | March 2018
Publisher Aroundabout Local Media, Inc. ALM President Patty Ponder 770-615-3322 Patty@AroundAboutMagazines.com Market Manager Katherine Amick 678-279-5502 Katherine@AroundAboutMagazines.com Title Editor Carla Caldwell 770-852-8481 Carla@AroundAboutMagazines.com Executive Editor Candi Hannigan 770-615-3309 Candi@AroundAboutMagazines.com Art Director Michelle McCulloch 770-615-3307 Michelle@AroundAboutMagazines.com Page Designer Laura Latchford Laura@AroundAboutMagazines.com Controller Denise Griffin 770-615-3315 Denise@AroundAboutMagazines.com Market Support Associate Christie Deese Christie@AroundAboutMagazines.com
Around Acworth, a publication of Aroundabout Local Media, Inc., is a monthly community magazine. The magazine’s goal is to build a sense of community and pride in Acworth and surrounding area by providing residents with positive stories and timely information. It distributes a total of 16,500 free copies. Approximately 15,400 are direct mailed to homes and businesses and an additional 1,100 are placed in racks around the community. See page 64 for a distribution map. Around Acworth also has many digital viewers of the magazine online each month. Around Acworth welcomes your comments, stories, and advertisements. The deadline is the 10th of the previous month. Subscriptions are available for $24 per year. Send check or money order to the address below. The viewpoints of the advertisers, columnists and submissions are not necessarily those of the editor/publisher and the publisher makes no claims as to the validity of any charitable organizations mentioned. Around Acworth is not responsible for errors or omissions. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the publisher. All rights reserved. © Copyright 2018 Around Acworth
PMB 380, 1025 Rose Creek Dr., Ste. 620, Woodstock, GA 30189
Website: www.AroundAcworthMagazine.com
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COMMUNITY
Celebrations!
Emily Michelle Fletcher
Ansley Giesler
Happy 14th birthday! We love you!
Happy 11th birthday! Love, Mommy, Daddy and Lauren
Adriane Larson
Carmela Pintacuda
March 5 I am so proud of you and so thankful for you! Happy birthday! Love, Conner
Age 3 on March 20 Happy Birthday Sweet Carmela! We love you! Love, Daddy, Mama & Carina
Jillian Welch
Age 13 on March 20 Happy Birthday young Jedi! You are officially a teen! Love, Mom, Dad, Jazzy and Adam
Eva Delgado
Age 10 on March 20 We are so proud of you and love you so much! Love, Mom, Dad, Mia and Liv
Ava Lakhansingh
Age 7 on March 30 Wishing the happiest of birthdays to our legendary cowgirl! Love, Mommy and Daddy
8
AROUND ACWORTH | March 2018
Tyler
Age 10 on March 2 Happy Birthday Tyler! Thank you for being the best kid ever! Love You Very Much, Mom, Dad and Lia
ANNOUNCEMENTS ARE FREE!
E-mail to: Carla@AroundAboutMagazines.com April deadline is March 10. Please specify Around Acworth.
A Message from the
If
you’re in Acworth, you’re at the right place at the right time. On Feb. 1, we had the honor of sharing the “State of Our City” with members of the Acworth Business Association and community partners. This year’s theme was “Right Place, Right Time.” The presentation celebrated the journey we have been on as a community, and our vision for where we are headed. Quality of life is a journey. Our city team has been working diligently over the past 20 years to bring our citizens a quality of life unlike anywhere else. We strive to offer incredible incentives that will entice business owners to invest in our community. Our business community has increased by 100 new businesses in the past year, and they know that they are in the right place at the right time. Another huge component, when it comes to quality of life, is quality housing. We have steadily built partnerships over the past 20 years that have resulted in meaningful developments for our “active adults.” Developments include Celebration Village, Dogwood Forest of Acworth, which is working on Phase II and Phase III of their development, and two Walton properties. We have partnered with Fortress Builders, which is responsible for three single-family home neighborhoods within the Acworth community. Infill is something we have focused on, and you may have noticed new houses popping up on streets throughout our community. These homes are owned by people who were in the right place at the right time and jumped at the chance to call Acworth home.
We are proud to inform residents that Milholland Enterprises will work on our Lombardy Transformation! The old apartments are coming down, and 12 singlefamily homes will take their place. These new homes and businesses all contribute to the sustainable tax base that we have in our community. Thanks to our partnership with SPLOST, we have been able to complete 20 miles of new road improvements and more than 100 acres of park expansions. We also became the first city in Georgia with all silent railroad crossings. We have started construction on our Acworth Community Center, and will be home to a new regional library, and a community health center that is scheduled to open this spring/summer. As a community, it is our vision to build the right place for millennials. We have placed an emphasis on marketing our downtown restaurants and events with this age group in mind. With our Downtown Redevelopment and Acworth History Center projects underway, we are making the necessary additions that will draw new businesses and housing with walkability to the community. As always, for more information on these projects, events and programs, visit www.acworth.org, sign up for our e-news blasts on our home page, “like” Visit Acworth on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter at @VisitAcworth. God bless, Tommy
Atlanta native Tommy Allegood is a University of Georgia graduate. He was elected to Acworth’s city council in 2000 and has served as mayor since 2002. The mayor is director for the Cobb Community Foundation, building community through creating charitable resources.
AROUND ACWORTH | March 2018
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Acworth DUI Arrests
The overall number might surprise you. BY WAYNE DENNARD
Over many years, the Acworth Police Department has built a strong reputation of providing dedicated service to the community. Community outreach is the fun side of the police department. When we open our doors and invite the community into the department for events such as the Citizens’ Police Academy and the Halloween Cop-a-Treat, everyone leaves with a smile. However, as much as we all enjoy community outreach, not every interaction with the police is a happy occasion. We respond to thousands of 911 calls each year, and we see our citizens at the worst times in their lives. We strive to help when we can and, sometimes, the best way that we can help is to take someone to jail. One of the biggest recurrent problems in our community is driving while intoxicated. While we have seen a slight statistical decrease in DUIs over the past few years, the overall number of DUI arrests in the city might surprise you. Over the past five years, there have been 420 intoxicated drivers arrested in the city limits of Acworth. Each one of What might those drivers could have killed themselves or others, and each seem like a was taken off the road by one minor traffic of our officers. I am proud of infraction has the work that our officers do, and I am grateful for the small the potential decrease in the number of intoxicated drivers overall. It’s a to become a good start, and, hopefully, the life-changing trend will continue. However, in the same time event ... that we have seen a decrease in DUIs, we have seen an almost 50 percent increase in citations for texting while driving. Texting while driving is just as dangerous as driving while intoxicated, but can be more difficult to prove, as there is no standardized field test for texting while driving. Traffic enforcement is a difficult job that all of our officers must do. It is not as much fun as other community outreach, but it is a form of community outreach. Our officers interact with thousands of people through traffic 10
AROUND ACWORTH | March 2018
enforcement, and we strive to make the interactions an opportunity for education as well as enforcement. Most of the people we encounter while providing traffic enforcement are good people. Running a stop sign or speeding on the way to work might not seem like a big deal. Some people who are stopped for minor infractions even ask our officers why they are not out finding “real criminals.” However, when a vehicle speeds through a neighborhood or rolls through a stop sign, and the driver doesn’t see a child playing ball in the street, and that child is killed, the parents will wonder where the police were, and why we weren’t there to protect their child. What might seem like a minor traffic infraction has the potential to become a life-changing event, and that is the message our officers are tasked with sharing with the public during these encounters. Community outreach takes many forms. Sometimes, it’s obvious; we are at a scheduled event and everyone is there to interact and have a good time. Sometimes, it’s not as clear, as with a traffic stop or a 911 call. However, each time that our officers make contact with someone in the community, we have the opportunity for a positive moment of community outreach, and that is our ultimate goal.
Chief Dennard has served as chief since 2012 and has lived in this community for more than 40 years.
SPORTS MEDICINE NEARBY FOR UNEXPECTED BUMPS.
Being active is great for your health, but sometimes it can lead to an injury. The Northside Hospital Cherokee Sports Medicine Program has a team of experts to diagnose and treat all types of musculoskeletal injuries. Their one goal is to get you back in the saddle enjoying life. For information visit Northside.com/Cherokee-Sports. AROUND ACWORTH | March 2018
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YOUR LOCAL NEWS ABA Tourney Seeks Golfers, Sponsors
DAR Liberty Hill Chapter board members.
Acworth Home to New DAR Chapter The Liberty Hill Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) recently was confirmed in Acworth, with 18 members. The name references Liberty Hill Cemetery, which was established in the late 1700s and is one of the oldest historical sites in Acworth. The cemetery is the final resting place of some of Acworth’s earliest residents. The Liberty Hill Chapter NSDAR held an organizing celebration luncheon in January at Rosenwald School Community Center. Acworth’s Abbie Parks, who received her national number in January, spoke on the history of Acworth. Mayor Tommy Allegood presented a proclamation to the Liberty Hill Chapter during a meeting at City Hall. For more information about Liberty Hill Chapter NSDAR, contact the organization’s registrar at LibertyHillDAR@gmail.com.
Recycling Event Cobb EMC will host a recycling event April 21 in celebration of Earth Day. Acceptable items include phones, computer equipment, cameras, metal items (except batteries) and small appliances. TVs and monitors will require a cash-only fee. Free on-site paper shredding also will be available for secure document destruction (limit of five medium-sized boxes). During last year’s event, Cobb EMC members recycled more than 70 tons of paper and 32 tons of metal. For a full list of accepted items, directions and event details, go to www.cobbemc.com/recycle. 12
AROUND ACWORTH | March 2018
The Acworth Business Association is seeking golfers and sponsors for the organization’s annual charity golf tournament at 9 p.m. April 17 at Cobblestone Golf Course, 4200 Nance Road, Acworth. The tournament supports ABA Education Outreach and the Horizon Field. A Fort Lauderdale Scramble will start at 9 a.m. Registration for golfers is $125, or $450 for each foursome. The fee includes greens fees, cart, goody bags, breakfast, lunch and a silent auction. There are numerous sponsorship opportunities. Sponsor a hole for as little as $100, or sponsor an asset of the tournament, such as the putting contest, or be a presenting sponsor. Prizes will be awarded for closest to the pin and longest drive, and to the top three finishing teams. A silent auction will run throughout the tournament. ABA includes more than 300 local businesses that meet the first Thursday of each month. The organization provides business networking opportunities for any size business. For more information about ABA and this year’s golf tournament, contact JRM Management Services, at 770-423-1330.
Rotary Donates $20,000 to The Zone Three Rotary clubs — North Cobb, Marietta and Marietta Metro — joined together to apply for a $10,000 grant from the District Rotary Foundation for The Zone. The clubs pledged a matching $10,000, should the grant be approved. The Zone serves individuals (and their families) who seek support and maintain recovery from substance abuse. The Zone received the grant and matching funds. The organization has since launched ReZoned, a thrift shop to enhance the organization’s ability to be selfsustaining, and to provide support to those in recovery. More than 20 Rotarians from the clubs assisted earlier this year with the demolition of the lower level of The Zone facility to make the space for ReZoned. Once funding was secured from the district grant, Rotary volunteers assisted in getting the store up and running. Rotarians worked to sort clothes and assemble racks. Rotarians will help train volunteers and workers in the thrift store. Donations for ReZoned are accepted at 32 N. Fairground St. N.E., Marietta. For more information about The Zone, go to www.davisdirection.com. For more information about Rotary, go to www.Rotary6900.org.
AROUND ACWORTH | March 2018
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YOUR LOCAL NEWS Acworth Girl Selected for Bert’s Big Adventure Trip
A flower ceremony was held at the close of the 2017 event to honor loved ones who died from cancer, survivors and people fighting the disease. Photo courtesy Linda Evans.
Dragon Boat Festival The second annual Acworth Dragon Boat Race and Festival at Dallas Landing will be held May 5 at 5120 Allatoona Drive, Acworth. Proceeds benefit nonprofit organizations Loving Arms Cancer Outreach and Dragon Boat Atlanta. Loving Arms was founded by two oncology nurses and provides support groups, education and financial assistance for cancer patients in seven northwestern metro Atlanta counties. Dragon Boat Atlanta, which is in its 13th year, is a team dedicated to promoting breast cancer awareness, while providing survivors with the rehabilitation, camaraderie and recreational exercise of dragon boat paddling. To register, and for more information, go to http://lovingarms.support/dragonboats.
Acworth Art Fest The seventh annual Acworth Art Fest takes place April 14-15 on historic Main Street. The festival will include more than 100 artisans from across the country. Booths will offer paintings, pottery, metalwork, folk art, glass, jewelry, yard art and more. A Kidz Zone at Frana Brown Park on North Main Street will offer a play area for creative art projects and activities. The festival also includes food from Acworth eateries. More information is available on pages 32 and 33, and at www.acworthartfest.com.
Acworth’s Nevaeh West and her family were selected for the 2018 Bert’s Big Adventure trip to Walt Disney World. This is the 16th year the nonprofit organization has treated children with chronic and terminal illnesses, and their families, to a trip to Disney World. Thirteen families were chosen this year. In January, the families met during a trip orientation and celebration at The Children’s Museum of Atlanta. Each child was individually announced as they entered the museum, and greeted by Pace Academy cheerleaders. “We are so excited to be taking these amazing kids and their families on this year’s Bert’s Big Adventure trip,” said Bert Weiss, Bert’s Big Adventure founder and host of The Bert Show. “The trip will be an adventure they will never forget, and we feel so honored to be sharing this amazing experience with them and providing the opportunity to be making their days a little brighter.” Bert’s Big Adventure has served nearly 200 children and their families through its trips to Disney, Fairy Godparent volunteer program and Reunion Adventures.
Acworth Farmers Market The Historic Downtown Acworth Farmers Market will begin its new season April 6, continuing each Friday 8 a.m.-noon through Oct. 26. The market is in Historic Downtown Acworth in the Acworth First Baptist Church parking lot on the north end of Main Street. Market customers can select from a wide variety of garden-ripe Georgia-grown vegetables, eggs, cheese, bedding plants, fresh-baked bread, pies, cakes, honey and jams. This year’s market is expected to be larger than previous years and offer a wider selection of items. The Acworth Farmer’s Market is sponsored by the Acworth Downtown Development Authority. For information about the market, and about being a vendor, call 770-917- 1234. 14
AROUND ACWORTH | March 2018
Nevaeh West is greeted by Pace Academy cheerleaders during a trip orientation and celebration at The Children’s Museum of Atlanta. Photo by Sarah Ester Photography.
Work to Begin on Regional Library A groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled at 3 p.m. March 13 for the 25,000-square-foot regional library being built at the intersection of Old 41 Highway and Blue Springs Road, across from North Cobb High School. The facility will be a consolidation of the Acworth and Kennesaw public libraries. Both libraries were constructed in
the mid-1960s. The estimated cost is $8,640,000, which will be covered by money generated from a Special Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST). The new library is scheduled to open in 2019. A closing date for the Acworth and Kennesaw branches had not yet been announced as of press time.
AROUND ACWORTH | March 2018
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Acworth: The Place to ‘Dive In’ for Business in 2018 BY DAVE MCCLANAHAN
around, and one of the best dining values in town (yes they have a bar and great menu!). Our sponsor all month was North Cobb Christian School. Acworth also hosted another event that is dear to our hearts: The Special Olympics Polar Plunge. A few hundred of us gathered on Acworth Beach to jump into Lake Acworth, polar bear style, to support more than 27,000 Georgia Special Olympians. We were “Freezin’ for a Reason.”
February was one of our best months ever around the Acworth business community! We kicked off the month in major style with Mayor Tommy Allegood giving his annual “State of Our City” address at the Acworth Business Association monthly luncheon. It was a packed house of more than 300 business owners and professionals, state and local officials, and Dive In Around Acworth other stakeholders in our While we’re on the topic of city. Our mayor shared why “plunging,” ABA’s theme for 2018 Acworth is the “Right Place at is “Show up, Dive in, Stay at it.” the Right Time.” He outlined What does it mean to dive in? We ABA president Dave McClanahan, Mayor Tommy Allegood and Kim amazing coming attractions, Wigington, director of Brookwood Christian School. Photo by Carla Caldwell. all know the difference between including our new community a casual bystander, and someone center, park expansions, a history museum, a walking bridge over who is diving in. It’s the police officer who invests time serving in the downtown railroad tracks, an “award winning roundabout” his community off the clock. It’s the employee who goes the extra intersection and much more. Acworth is the place to be! mile for her customer day after day. It’s the dad who is rooting in the ABA rounded out the month with great crowds at our two stands at every game — and maybe even signs up to coach. Morning Jolt referral meetings, and our Alive After Five with our Around ABA, we have amazing men and women who are diving honored guests from the West Cobb Business Association. Both in, and we always need more. They roll up their sleeves alongside events were at the American Legion Post 304, one of the best Posts their fellow business men and women and help make this city and organization better. Many of them serve on our ambassador team or on our board. One group of “Dive In-ers” that we could not live without is our UPCOMING EVENTS: Presidential Sponsors. These businesses, and the women and men March 13, 27 behind them, dive in to make much of the good that happens Morning Jolt: 7:45-9 a.m. through the ABA possible. Our Presidential Sponsors make a slightly American Legion Post 304, 4220 S. Main St., Acworth larger, one-time investment with the ABA in order to promote their Networking event that focuses on passing referrals with one business at the largest events in Acworth, including our annual charity another. Coffee and breakfast provided. golf tournament, the Superior Plumbing Taste of Acworth, and a boatload more. By diving in this way, they make an investment in March 18 their business, an investment in their community and an investment ABA Alive After Five: 5:30-7:30 p.m. in themselves. We love our Presidential Sponsors! Head over to Brix on Main, 4843 N. Main St. Acworth AcworthBusiness.org/join to learn more. Open social networking that promotes relationship building in a relaxed atmosphere for members, drink ticket and food provided. Come Golf with Us Free for members. Our annual golf tournament is April 17 at Cobblestone Golf Course. March 15 Trust me, you want to be there! Calling all golfers, hackers and folks Women’s Business Network lunch: 11:30 a.m. -1 p.m. just looking to have a blast while promoting their business and getting Logan Farm House, 4756 Logan Road, Acworth to know local business men and women. This is not your grandma’s Ladies networking specially formulated to connect and empower golf tournament. Go to the ABA website to sign up and find out more. women in business. RSVP must be completed in advance at www.acworthbusiness.org. Speaker: Jill Goodrich (Women’s Chamber of Commerce). $20 per person.
April 5 Monthly Luncheon: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
NorthStar Church, 3413 Blue Springs Road, Kennesaw
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AROUND ACWORTH | March 2018
Dave McClanahan is 2018 president of the Acworth Business Association and a Certified Financial Planner™ . Dave, his wife Heather, and their four children happily have called Acworth home for 15 years.
Natural Wonders It’s lunchtime. Colorful plates of Thai food dot the table between me and Charles Seabrook, the longtime science and nature writer for The Atlanta JournalConstitution. Charles and I have just met, but we share the common interests of writing about and painting the natural world, and there is no shortage of things to talk about. He launches into a story: “I just visited a friend whose daughter came back from biology research in Costa Rica. The daughter was enthusiastically telling us all about Costa Rica’s native hummingbirds. There were 54 species, and she knew all their names, how to identify them … “And then, as we were talking, she looked outside the window beside us and noticed a bird outside on a tree. ‘What kind of bird is that!?’ she asked. She was very interested, having just gotten back from her project.” Charles smiles. “Well, it was a tufted titmouse! One of the most common birds in all of Georgia. And then she asked, ‘So what kind of tree is that?’” He laughs. “Here she’d just spent two months memorizing dozens of birds in another country, and she didn’t know one of the most common birds in her home state of Georgia, perched on one of the most common trees — a dogwood.” Charles says this not with the bite of a critic, but more with the smile of a philosopher, ruefully noting the state of the world. Seabrook’s nature column is a longtime favorite of mine, and of thousands of Atlanta readers. I had sought this meeting, however, because of one specific column he authored 10 years ago. It’s a “bucket list” still floating around on the internet: “35 Natural Wonders in Georgia to See Before You Die.” The descriptions light the imagination — with nicknames like “Georgia’s Amazon” for the Altamaha River, and “Little Grand Canyon” for Providence Canyon. I decided to paint every spot. “So, what are you trying to do again?” Charles asks, as our lunch conversation winds to a close. “You know how all of us are glued to our phones 24/7?” I say. “No one really sees the nature right in front of their noses – outside the window. “We have this idea that ‘nature’ is the rainforests, or the oceans rising, but it’s not the ‘nature’ right in our own backyards. I want to paint what’s around us – so people actually see it!” As we leave the restaurant, Charles shakes my hand encouragingly and promises to help. “Keep it up! It’s a worthwhile effort!”
ART BY ANN LITREL, ANNLITREL.COM
BY ANN LITREL
I do worry that art and writing are too quiet to get people’s attention. As I type this, outside the window a pair of Carolina wrens hunt for food I’ve left for them in the leaves, under a white oak tree. To me, it looks like just another “Natural Wonder” – right in my own backyard. Resources: Check out Charles Seabrook’s list, “35 Natural Wonders in Georgia to See Before You Die.” http://annlitrel. com/35-natural-wonders-in-georgia-to-see-before-you-die/
Ann is an artist who lives in Towne Lake with her husband Dr. Michael Litrel and their two sons. Ann can be reached at Ann@annlitrel.com. AROUND ACWORTH | March 2018
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Braxton, Daviana and Phoenix Foster.
Aloha!
PHOTOS BY REBEKAH GREGG PHOTOGRAPHY. WWW.REBEKAHGREGGPHOTOGRAPHY.COM
Brian and Mylee Rogers and Mira Dean.
More than 400 people attended the annual Daddy-Daughter Dance hosted by Acworth Parks, Recreation and Community Resource Development Department. This year’s theme was Hawaiian luau. The dance was held Feb. 10 at North Cobb High School. The event was hosted for girls age 13 and younger and their dads. There were also granddads, uncles and brothers at the dance. - Carla Caldwell
Maurice and Norah Daniel.
Nate and Nora Berryman, the husband and daughter of Acworth Recreation Director Michelle Berryman. 18 AROUND ACWORTH | March 2018
Fun on the dance floor.
Diondre and Alyssa Russell.
Diondre and Alyssa Russell.
Brandon and Leightyn McCarthy.
Cupcakes were among treats provided to party-goers.
Durand McCoy and granddaughter Nevaeh West.
Left: Party-goers enjoy the fun. Above: Reginald, Mariah and Alayna Brun. AROUND ACWORTH | March 2018
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Aloha!
continued from page 19
A group enjoys the party.
Ben and Eleanor Harris.
Layla and Mark Kowal. 20
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Aaron and Abby England.
Party-goers enjoy the fun.
Brooklyn and Andrew Guth.
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Galts Ferry day use area #2.
Check Out the Changes at Allatoona Lake BY CHRISTOPHER PURVIS
Spring is quickly approaching which means it’s time to gear up for the recreation season on Allatoona Lake. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers manages seven campgrounds and 14 day-use areas that offer a variety of great outdoor experiences. Now is a good time to familiarize yourself with what is new at the lake!
•
Campgrounds
Campsites are now 100 percent reservable at every campground managed by the Corps at Allatoona. The campground booking window is now one day, therefore, reservations can be made up to one day before you want to go camping. Walk-in sites still will be available at all campgrounds if not already reserved. Campsite pricing stays the same and is based on the location and campsite amenities. Prices differ for waterfront and interior campsites with either 30 amp and 50 amp electrical and water hookups. Call 1-877-444-6777 to make a reservation, or visit Recreation.gov which links to various recreational sites around the nation. Another big change for the 2018 recreation season will be that Clark Creek North Campground and Clark Creek South Campground and Ramp will be leased to Bartow County effective immediately. For questions concerning the management of these campgrounds, please contact the Bartow County Parks and Recreation Department at 770-387-5149.
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Day Use Areas
•
Passes
In December, the Corps and Etowah Disc Golf officially opened the new Etowah Disc Golf Course at Riverside Park. Several years in the making, the course offers moderate to challenging disc holes, great exercise and the beautiful scenery of the Blue Ridge Foothills and the Etowah River. The course is already being ranked as one of the top courses in North Georgia. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers sells and issues most of the
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federal America the Beautiful Passes from the Allatoona Lake Operations Project Management Office. Visitors who hold one of these passes receive free admittance in our Corps-managed day use areas and ramps. America the Beautiful Senior and Access Pass holders will also receive 50 percent off camping. All other passes will continue to be charged full price for camping. The “Every Kid in a Park” pass program is a federal initiative started two years ago to get children to our national parks. All current fourth-graders can receive a free annual pass that covers entrance fees for the entire family at all federal lands and waters for a full year. In the last year, Allatoona staff has issued more than 1,000 of these cards. If you are a parent or a teacher with current fourth-graders, contact our offices to receive this pass.
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Work on the Lake?
The Corps still has a number of Park Host Volunteer and Park Attendant Contractor positions available for qualified couples this summer. Among the paid positions are Sweetwater Day Use, Sweetwater Campground and Victoria Day Use Area. Volunteer positions are still available at Riverside and Old Highway 41 No.1 Day Use Areas. Applicants must be a two-person team at least 21 years of age and furnish their own factory built recreation vehicle. For more details, contact the ranger in charge of the Campground or Day Use Area Programs. For questions concerning Allatoona Lake or the recreation program, call Allatoona Lake Operations Project Management Office at 678-721-6700, visit us on the web at www.sam.usace. army.mil/Missions/CivilWorks/Recreation/AllatoonaLake.aspx or on Facebook @USACEAllatoonaLake.
Christopher Purvis is the lead ranger at Lake Allatoona over Partnerships, Volunteers and Project Security. He has been a ranger on Allatoona Lake since 2005.
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Call us today to schedule your complimentary consultation and let our trained staff assist you in selecting a medical plan and aesthetic services that will help you reach your health and body goals for 2018! Check out our website for a full list of all medical and aesthetic services www.governorsmedicine.com. AROUND ACWORTH | March 2018
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Egg Hunts Grab your Easter basket and hop over to Acworth’s egg hunt and others nearby.
March 9
• Glow in the Dark Egg Hunt
Check in 6:30 p.m., hunt is 7-8:30 p.m. for ages 1-12. $10 per child. Craft and snack stations, along with a visit from Easter Bunny. At Cherokee Veterans Park, 7345 Cumming Highway, Canton. 770-924-7728. www.crpa.net/special-events/glow-in-the-dark-egg-hunt.
March 17
• Spring Fest at Grace Community Church 4-6 p.m., 770 Kennesaw Ave. N.W., Marietta. Free egg hunt for children age 2 to 12, face painting and more. For information, go to gracespringfest.com.
March 23
• Acworth Egg Hunt
Acworth Sports Complex, 4000 S. Main St. The hunt will include 50,000 eggs. The Easter Bunny will skydive in. Sponsored by the city of Acworth and Freedom Church. Hunts will be held on the baseball fields. Participants are asked to park on the baseball side of the complex. Gates and concessions open at 6:30 p.m. First hunt begins at 7:30 p.m. The event is broken down into five age groups. Start times alternate between fields. For more information, or to volunteer, please go to www.acworthegghunt.com.
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March 24 • Sutallee Baptist Church
At 2 p.m. at 895 Knox Bridge Highway. 770-479-0101. For children up to fifth grade. www.sutaleebaptistchurch.com.
• City of Holly Springs’ 17th annual Hunt
At Barrett Park, 120 Park Lane. The egg hunt will begin promptly at 11 a.m., but guests can arrive early for the petting zoo, face painting, spin art and to have their picture taken with the Easter Bunny. Each family will receive one complimentary printed picture. More than 15,000 eggs will be hidden for children infant to 12 years old. Every child will receive a special prize. In case of inclement weather, the egg hunt will be rescheduled to March 31 at 11 a.m. For more information visit www.hollyspringsa.us/easteregghunt.
• Northside Hospital Easter Eggstravaganza
Is moving to Etowah River Park, 600 Brown Industrial Parkway, Canton. The event includes activities and fun for all ages, such as a petting zoo, moonwalks, carnival games, face painters, arts and crafts, snacks, music and more. Activities, snacks and selfies with the Easter Bunny are free. Souvenir T-shirts are $10 each. Guests also are encouraged to bring donations of diapers, wipes and baby food for MUST Ministries in Cherokee. No glass bottles or jars. Collection bins will be available at the event. Egg hunt times are: 1:30 p.m. for children up to age 3, and for those who have special needs and require assistance; 1:45 p.m. for ages 4-6; 2 p.m. for ages 7-9 and 2:15 p.m. ages 10 years and older. In case of inclement weather, the event will be held March 25. In case of inclement weather on March 25, the event will be canceled. https://give.northside.com/events/ easter-eggstravaganza.
March 31 • Bascomb United Methodist Church
At 11 a.m. The church is at 2295 Bascomb Carmel Road, Woodstock. For more details, contact Tammy Smith at tammysmith.bumc@live.com or visit www.BascombUMC.org.
• City on a Hill
7745 Main St., Woodstock. Free community event. Three opportunities to bring the kids for an egg hunt: 9:30 and 11:30 a.m., and 12:30 p.m. Children will be divided by age during each hunt. There will be hotdogs, cotton candy, a petting zoo, bounce house and the Easter Bunny will make an appearance. For more info, call 678-445-3480 or email coah@cityonahillumc.org.
• Eggs-traordinary Extravaganza
At the Cherokee County Aquatic Center, 1200 Wellstar Way, Canton. There will be an egg hunt for ages 1-3 on the outdoor grounds of the Aquatic Center (participants must provide their own baskets), a shallow water egg hunt for ages 4-6 and an underwater egg dive for ages 6-10. (The pool depth is 3 ½ feet to 5 feet.) Baskets are provided for all water egg hunts, but must be returned after the hunt, along with the eggs. There will be inflatables, face painting, crafts, prizes and a visit from the Easter Bunny. Times and registration are listed on the website: www. crpa.net/special-events/eggs-traordinary-extravaganza. For more information, contact Jordan Kenney at Jlkenney@ cherokeega.com.
• Fourth annual Easter Egg Hunt at Smith-Gilbert Gardens
2382 Pine Mountain Road, Kennesaw. 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. Fee includes garden admission, one Easter egg hunt, games, crafts and a chance to meet the Easter Bunny. Hunts for four age groups. Easter eggs will be filled with tickets that can be used for prizes. Pre-registration is required online at www.smithgilbertgardens.com. No walk-up registrations will be accepted. Pre-registration is available for each age group/time slot. $10, nonmember children; $7, adults and $6, seniors. Discounted rate for members. Rain or shine. If there is severe weather, tickets can be used for general admission for another date. No parking on-site for the hunt. Parking is available at Adams Park, 2600 Park Drive, Kennesaw (Ben Robertson Community Center). Shuttles will provide transportation to the gardens. For information, contact Anna Bell King at 770-919- 0248, or at info@smithgilbertgardens.com.
• Little River United Methodist Church
At 10 a.m. Children will be divided into three age groups, 3 and younger, 4-7 and 8-12, to hunt for more than 3,000 eggs. Refreshments available. 12455 Highway 92, Woodstock.
• New Victoria Baptist Church
11 a.m-12:30 p.m. at 6659 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock. For toddlers through fifth-graders. Activities include a cake walk, inflatables and face painting. 770-926-8448.
• Northeast Cobb Community Egg Drop
10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sprayberry High School, 2525 Sandy Plains Road, Marietta. Food, games, a DJ, activities and, of course, egg hunts for all ages. A helicopter will drop thousands of eggs onto the football field to kick-off the hunt. More than 90,000 eggs and candy will be given away. Money raised will support the Shop With a Yellow Jacket and Shop With a Longhorn programs at Sprayberry and Kell high schools. Last year, more than $4,000 was raised for the community. For more information, go to http://www. communityeggdrop.org. AROUND ACWORTH | March 2018
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The Problem With College BY RYAN BLYTHE
George Mason University Professor Bryan Caplan argues in his book “The Case Against Education” that only 5 percent of high school graduates should matriculate to college. Caplan considers himself a whistleblower. As a leading member of the academic community and a scholar at the Cato Institute, Caplan is viewed as a highly credible economist. But, what does all this mean, when studies consistently show that college graduates earn considerably more in their careers than their counterparts with only a high school education? Caplan isn’t advocating a dumbing down of the country. He simply thinks higher education needs to be reimagined. Instead of a “college for all” mentality, we should send more young people into vocations — from plumbers to electricians, millwrights to machinists. These so-called “successful middle class” jobs directly result from technical colleges, apprenticeships and trade schools. The skills employers need are harder to find from philosophy lectures or renaissance studies. Caplan worries that today's college students are simply learning to take a test, rather than becoming champions of life. Two-thirds of his students don’t possess basic economic literacy, and college has become part-time, with students logging far fewer hours studying and taking fewer classes than their parents’ generation.
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He also is concerned by the porous graduation rates at institutions of higher learning. Just 45 percent of students graduate within five years, while student loan debt has soared. Forty million Americans collectively hold more than 1 trillion in debt. If students aren’t graduating, then they will not receive the additional income college has promised them. While Caplan may be considered a firebrand, he is hardly alone in his concerns. Leaders from across the political spectrum, including former U.S. Education Secretary Bill Bennett, have wondered if colleges are becoming too big to fail. There are concerns about the financial stability of for-profit schools and smaller liberal arts universities. While many university administrators argue that college is crucial for “citizen formation,” the optics of student-center lazy rivers is not helpful. I am not “anti-college,” as my own experiences helped me with critical thinking and communication skills. But, I am certainly anticollege for all. With 6 million jobs unfilled in our country, higher education needs major changes.
Ryan Blythe is founder of Georgia Trade School, and a two-time recipient of the Cobb Chamber Top 25 Small Businesses of the Year. A leading voice on “skilled trades,” Ryan has appeared in dozens of media forms.
A new pedestrian overpass will be a gateway to our city on Cherokee Street.
Acworth’s Housing Market Is Hot A recap of our fantastic 2017 market:
BY MALINDA HOWE
So many exciting things happened in Acworth in 2017, and more are planned for 2018.
• Cobb County, Acworth. The 2017 median home sales price was $230,000 (a 10 percent increase from 2016). The average number of days on the market was 17, and 1,039 homes were sold.
• Logan Farm House was
renovated and is now a premier event center that can be leased.
• Art House was created
through the renovation of another historic home, and now houses an art gallery and classes.
• Construction of a pedestrian
• Paulding County, Acworth.
overpass has started, and will be a new gateway to our city on Acworth’s new Art House offers art exhibits and classes. Cherokee Street.
• Construction is starting on The Holbrook Acworth, an independent living community on Main Street.
With so many great things happening in Acworth, home values continue to climb. Everyone wants to be a part of this work, live and play community. And, why not? We have two beautiful lakes, amazing restaurants, parks and green space. Mayor Tommy Allegood had it right in his state of the city address when he said Acworth is the right place, right now. There truly never has been a better time to be in Acworth. The Historic Downtown Acworth market continues to be one of the hottest areas for sales. Homes are sold under the radar, and buyers are knocking on doors and flooding the streets with letters begging homeowners to sell their homes. Inventory is very low. Soon, construction will begin on 12 single-family homes — infill building — nestled between Lombardy and Academy streets. Demolition has started on the old structures, and new homes will be ready by summer. Homes will offer 2,000 to 2,500 square feet, and be priced in the high $200,000s.
The 2017 median home price was $291,677 (a 7 percent increase from 2016). The average number of days on the market was 36, and 316 homes were sold.
• Cherokee County, Acworth. The 2017 median home
price was $226,191 (a 26 percent increase from 2016). The average number of days on the market was 18, and 386 homes were sold.
• Bartow County, Acworth. The 2017 median home
price was $159,800 (a 29 percent increase from 2016). The average number of days on the market was 15, and 71 homes were sold.
(Data is from FMLS. Figures do not reflect homes sold under the radar. Sales represent detached homes only.) I look forward to seeing what 2018 holds.
Malinda Howe lives, works and plays in Historic Downtown Acworth and is a broker and owner of Anchor Realty Partners. Howe is also vice chairwoman of the Acworth Tourism Board. AROUND ACWORTH | March 2018
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IN THE SPOTLIGHT your business. • Describe The Holbrook Acworth offers an unequalled place to live and love life.
Intentionally designed, every detail supports our vision to create a one-of-akind living experience where active adults can pursue dreams, personal goals and all of life’s possibilities.
makes you unique? • What From magazine-worthy architecture and residential interiors, to endless offerings of programs and amenities, The Holbrook is designed for active, passionate living.
customers say: • Our The Holbrook is especially designed for active, passionate living. Featured
within The Holbrook is Dogwood Forest Assisted Living and Memory Care, which was created with the same focus and attention on living life to the fullest.
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A C W O RT H 4491 S. Main St, Acworth
678-591-1074 Open seven days a week
www.holbrooklife.com
Dining With Purpose desperate need for wells. Engage Burkina installs When you eat at Arise wells, and with the wells Kitchen, not only can you there is construction of have a meal that will make gardens to sustain a food your mouth water, you can source. help feed others. Magel’s dream is that Arise Kitchen is tucked wherever there is a well, inside Buffalo’s Café at 3161 there also is a garden. Cobb Parkway in Kennesaw. Lexi Canada, a waitress Colleen Magel, the founder at Arise Kitchen, said of Arise Kitchen, asked the everyone wants to help owner of Buffalo’s if she out in the mornings. could use the space from The atmosphere 8-11 a.m. Saturday and makes it easy to see why. Sunday mornings. Magel Christian music is playing, also partners with Engage amazing smells waft out of Burkina. Fifty percent of the kitchen, and the staff every meal goes to feed the is friendly and attentive. hungry in our community Magel hopes to grow and Burkina Faso, a country Colleen Magel operates Arise Kitchen to raise money to help feed others. her idea, and to expand to in West Africa. include other restaurants The menu is full of delicious items such as cinnamon roll that would allow her to use the model she has used at pancakes, and a variety of skillets. The Joe and the Josie are Buffalo’s. She would also love to partner with a bakery. named for Magel’s parents. Just when you are sure that you If you drop by Arise Kitchen, remember to save room for cannot eat one more bite, the waitstaff will bring out Arise the doughnuts. Kitchen's signature homemade doughnuts drizzled with icing. Magel is a warm and friendly person. It is easy to imagine that she cannot stand to see someone go hungry. Food is life sustaining, but it is also a way to spread love. She feels that God has a mission for her. Jennifer Bonn is a teacher at Mount Paran Christian School Magel visited Burkina Faso on a mission trip, and knew and lives in Kennesaw. she had to do something to help the people. There is a BY JENNIFER BONN
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C oo k i n g
BY TIFFANY HUGHES
Celiac disease is the body’s inability to process gluten. Years ago, the menu options for celiacs were extremely limited. Fortunately, times have changed, and there are more products that make gluten-free cooking a lot easier. GF pancake mix can be used for many more dishes than just pancakes and waffles. For instance, to make an easy chicken pot pie, cube 3 boneless, skinless, chicken breasts and cook in a frying pan in some extra virgin olive oil, seasoning to taste. Add a bag of frozen peas and Fortunately, carrots, about 1 cup chicken times have broth and 8 oz. cream cheese. Cook until the changed, and cream cheese has melted, there are more stirring occasionally. In a separate bowl, whisk products that 2 cups GF pancake mix with make gluten-free 2 cups milk and ½ tsp salt. cooking a lot Spread the chicken mixture in the bottom of a casserole easier. dish coated with cooking spray, then pour the batter across the top. Dollop a few pats of butter across the top, then bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden. Like crispy coating on your fried chicken, fish or shrimp? Puree rice cereal in a blender, or put in a zip-top bag and beat with a rolling pin. Dredge your chicken pieces in GF pancake mix or masa (finely ground plain, cornmeal), then beaten eggs or buttermilk, then the rice cereal. If frying, heat approximately 1-2 inches canola oil in a cast iron skillet before adding the meat. Cook the chicken at 30
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least 4 minutes before turning. Make sure that it’s golden brown halfway up before flipping. If frying fish or shrimp, you’ll only need to coat the bottom of the pan with oil and cut the cooking time. Want a healthier version? Place your coated meat on a cooling rack that has been coated with cooking spray and placed inside a cookie sheet. Bake chicken at 400 degrees, approximately 30 to 45 minutes depending on your oven. Fish or shrimp will take less time. No good meal is complete without dessert. Melt 2 sticks butter, then whisk in 2 eggs. Stir in 1 box of your favorite flavor GF cake mix and a bag of flavored chips of your choice (i.e. chocolate cake with peanut butter chips). Spread the mixture in a casserole pan coated with cooking spray, and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. These make the best “easy” cookies you’ve ever tasted! Another idea is to bake the cake mix according to package directions, let cool, then crumble and mix with a container of your favorite flavor frosting. Roll into balls then lay on a cookie sheet and put in the freezer to chill slightly. Dip into melted chocolate and voila! You have gluten-free cake balls! Being on a gluten-free diet doesn’t mean you can’t eat well. There are many options available now, and most can be used in a variety of ways. So be adventurous and try new things outside the box. Who knows, you might just enjoy it! Happy cooking!
Tiffany Hughes is an Acworth resident, who is an educator at Tellus Science Museum. She enjoys spending time with her family and furbabies. Contact her at creativecook11@ yahoo.com.
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SCHOOL & SPORTS
YOUR SCHOOL NEWS Cornerstone STAR Student and Teacher
Cobb Schools Release Teacher Contracts Early
Barry Francis of Acworth is Cornerstone Preparatory Academy’s 2018 STAR student. Francis selected Terri Haas, the school’s science department head, as the 2018 STAR teacher. The Student Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR) program honors Georgia's highest-achieving high school seniors and the teachers who have been most instrumental in their academic 2018 STAR Teacher Terri Haas and STAR Student Barry Francis. development. Since its creation in 1958 by the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, the STAR Program has honored almost 25,000 high school seniors, who have in turn picked their STAR teachers to share in the recognition. "I was super excited and surprised when I won," Francis said. Francis said he chose Haas as the STAR teacher, "because she really sparked an interest in chemistry for me and made that class super enjoyable and interactive." This is second time Haas was chosen as Cornerstone Prep's STAR teacher. “I have had the pleasure of teaching Barry for three years,” Haas said. “Barry has an incredible work ethic, a great attitude and strong leadership skills. Not only is he a strong academic student, but, more importantly, he exhibits good character and integrity. The future looks very bright for Barry." Haas said she “was surprised and humbled” to be chosen as the STAR Teacher. Francis plans to attend Samford University with an athletic training major. He has attended Cornerstone for 10 years. He is a Beta Club member, and has played football, baseball and basketball. Francis and Haas will be honored at a regional banquet held at First United Methodist Marietta, hosted by the Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE ) Foundation.
The Cobb County School District in early February issued about 8,000 contracts to certified employees for the 2018-19 school year, the earliest for any school system in Georgia and about a week earlier than the district issued contracts last year. “The early issuance of contracts recognizes our outstanding teachers and leaders, allowing continued focus on student success,” Superintendent Chris Ragsdale said in a prepared statement. “Thank you to all our teachers for making the Cobb County School District the best place to teach, lead and learn.” Early release of contracts improves teacher morale and school climate by reducing any uncertainty of employment among the great teachers that work in Cobb, the school system said. The district is also able to begin the hiring process sooner, and get the “first crack” at the best candidates to fill any vacancies, officials said. Of the total number of contracts issued, more than 4,000 contracts were signed the day they were issued.
Acworth Schools Receive Cobb EMC Grants
Cobb EMC recently awarded 53 “mini-grants” to elementary, middle and high school teachers, including teachers at Acworth schools. The recipients applied for grants by outlining their specific projects, and how each would benefit students. The grants will fund experiential and active learning projects, including career prep, community gardens, STEM, art and music expansions. “We’re proud to support these incredible teachers and the creativity they bring to their classrooms,” said Mark Justice, director of education and community relations at Cobb EMC.
Grants were awarded to the following Acworth-area schools.
Mark Justice, with Cobb EMC, presents a $500 check to Landon Cunningham, IT Director at Cornerstone Prep, and Jeanne Borders, Head of School, Cornerstone Prep. 34
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• Allatoona High School: three $500 grants. • Baker Elementary School: $500. • Barber Middle School: $500. • Barber Middle School: $495. • Cornerstone Prep: $500. • Ford Elementary School: $500. • Ford Elementary School: $480. • Pickett’s Mill Elementary School: $450.
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A Survivor’s Story BY JENNIFER BONN
The Georgia Commission on the Holocaust collaborated with Mount Paran Christian School to host presentations by Holocaust survivors Robert Ratonyi and Helen Weingarten. Curtis and Lisa Shoch, a Mount Paran family, were pivotal in bringing both survivors to our community. They wanted MPCS students to experience living history, while listening to first-hand accounts of the horrors of Adolf Hitler, and the survivors’ stories. In February, Ratonyi spoke to a packed house at Mount Paran’s Kristi Lynn Theatre. His story is a history lesson with depictions of unthinkable evil, but also of survivors, who used ingenuity, grit and determination to keep going day by day in situations that might seem insurmountable to most people. Holocaust survivor Robert Ratonyi continues to speak to groups so that no one forgets what happened.
Ratonyi said he continues to speak so that no one forgets what happened, and so that an event like the Holocaust will never occur again. He advised the audience to never tolerate apathy toward the suffering of others, and to always speak up. Ratonyi told of his parents’ decision not to have more children, because of the danger. He mentioned that this was the first deprivation at the hands of the Nazi Germans, as he was denied brothers or sisters because of them. Fourteen members of his family were killed during the war. He told of Jews who were shot and thrown into the Danube River, because they did not have a bribe to give the group that policed the ghetto called the Arrow Cross. He also told stories of luck, such as the time his Uncle Mike found an Arrow Cross armband and was able to impersonate a member of the group to save some Jews from being shot. He explained that while in the ghetto, people were dying faster than they could be buried. Ratonyi never considered giving up. There was always hope for survival. The day after Ratonyi’s visit, Mount Paran students in grades 5-12 had the opportunity to listen to Helen Weingarten during chapel. As a teenager, Weingarten and her family were sent to Auschwitz. Several of her family members were gassed upon arriving at the camp. A brother was killed later, and a sister died of disease. She was able to save her younger sister by pulling her from the line going to the gas chamber. Weingarten was scheduled to go to the gas chamber herself, when an order came through that women were needed for labor. Close to 6 million Jews were killed by the Nazis and Nazi sympathizers. Ratonyi and Weingarten want to send the message, “Never again.”
Jennifer Bonn is a teacher at Mount Paran Christian School and lives in Kennesaw.
Helen Weingarten, seated, and a representative of the Georgia Commission on the Holocaust. 36
AROUND ACWORTH | March 2018
Some things you just can’t put off. Getting screened for colon cancer is one of them. Don’t procrastinate. Schedule your colonoscopy today.
March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month
Acworth | 678.631.4600 www.atlantagastro.com
AGA, LLC and its affiliates are participating providers for Medicare, Medicaid, and most healthcare plans offered in Georgia. We comply with applicable Federal civil rights laws and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. CHÚ Ý: Nếu bạn nói Tiếng Việt, có các dịch vụ hỗ trợ ngôn ngữ miễn phí dành cho bạn. AROUND ACWORTH | March 2018
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Rob’s Rescues This dog is a Black Mouth Cur. It’s the first time I have heard about that breed of dog. His name is Dolla, and is an owner surrender. Dolla is going to need training because he is 9 months old and super active. But he is a sweet dog and will make a great pet. This cat's name is Thomas. I hung out with him in the bonding room at Cobb County Animal Services. He is super-friendly and peaceful. He likes to be held. This cat would be a good cat to have, because he likes to play with a dangly cat toy and loves to lie on your lap. He is a small cat with really long white whiskers.
I received an email from Haley Williams, who is the director of the Street Dog Dash, and wanted to have an interview so I could let everyone know about this 5K run and why she is organizing it.
Above, Rob and Thomas the cat at Cobb County Animal Services. Left, Dolla.
What made you want to organize a 5K run? I am working to raise funds and awareness for two organizations that are on the ground in Asia, fighting against the dog meat trade: Soi Dog Foundation (www.soidog.org) and the Animal Hope and Wellness Foundation (https:// animalhopeandwellness.org). Thirty million dogs are killed for human consumption through the horrific dog meat trade each year across Asia. The dogs are beaten and tortured before they are killed. Something has to be done to stop this, so I have organized the Street Dog Dash to try and bring awareness and help where I can. What are the details for the run? The first Street Dog Dash 5K will be held at Etowah River Park (http://streetdogdash5k.com) at 8 a.m. April 14 (race packet pickup at 7 a.m.). This is a dog-friendly event, so feel free to bring your (leashed and vaccinated) best friend. After the race, there will be fun events, including a DJ, face-painting, snacks and adoption events by local rescues. A collection bin will be out for contributions to Cherokee County Animal Shelter. Register online. You also can mail in an entry form. Is there anything more you want people to know? I want to try and educate people about what is happening to dogs in Asia. A sickening reality of the trade is that many of these dogs are stolen pets. In South Korea, dogs are specifically bred for the dog meat trade.
Rob and Haley Williams, organizer of the Street Dog Dash 5K Race logo.
Follow Rob on Facebook! @robsrescues 38
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People need to know that, if they see a need, they should do something about it, and I thought, why not me? Individuals can make a difference in the world around them if they act.
I’m Rob Macmillan, and I am on a mission to help shelter dogs and cats. Contact me at robsrescues@gmail.com.
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Owls and Eagles Soar Local college football teams look to build on last year’s success. BY DAVE LOUDIN
The state of Georgia has a long tradition of being home to some excellent college football teams. We are fortunate to have two universities in our area that are building championshiplevel football programs.
Kennesaw State University
The Kennesaw State University Owls completed a record-breaking season in Big South Conference football. The Owls are coming off a programrecord 12-2 overall campaign, which included a string of 12 straight victories. The team was the first KSU squad to advance to the NCAA Division 1 Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) quarterfinals in just its third year of existence, defeating three ranked opponents along the way.
The season came to an end at the hands of sixth-ranked Sam Houston State in a 34-27 loss in Huntsville, Texas. The 12 wins tied a Big South Conference single-season record, and the school’s appearance in the FCS Playoffs quarterfinals marked the farthest a KSU team has advanced in the NCAA postseason since moving to the Division I level in 2005-06. In only his third season, Coach Brian Bohannon guided Kennesaw State to a Big South Conference championship and a No. 8 final ranking in the STATS FCS Poll. In addition, he was named the 2017 AFCA FCS coach of the year by the American Football Coaches’ Association. Bohannon has built a program that produced the nation’s No. 1 ranked rushing offense, totaling 4,623 yards, or 330.2 yards per game, in 2017. They became the first team in Big South
Conference history with 4,000 yards on the ground in a season. On the defensive side of the ball, the Owls finished the season ranked first in turnover margin, second in interceptions and seventh in scoring defense in the FCS. Kennesaw State redshirt freshman linebacker Bryson Armstrong and junior placekicker Justin Thompson headlined the 2017 AFCA FCS Coaches' All-America First Team selections for the Owls. Armstrong, a Marietta native, has garnered numerous postseason awards, including the prestigious Jerry Rice Award as the national freshman of the year, in addition to the AFCA Coaches' First Team ballot. Thompson was the fourth Owl to be named to an All-America Team this postseason. The junior place kicker garnered Big South special teams player of the year and league all-conference honors. Although its historic season came to a disappointing conclusion, KSU plans to remain a force at the national level as it continues to build the program in the coming season. On Nov. 17, KSU will play Jacksonville State University in the first football game played at Suntrust Park, the 41,000-seat home of the Atlanta Braves. Keep up with Kennesaw State Athletics on Twitter (@KSUOwlNation) and Facebook (@KennesawStateFootball).
SunTrust Park's baseball playing surface will be converted to a football field Nov. 17, when Kennesaw State University meets Jacksonville State University. Photo courtesy Atlanta Braves. 40
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Reinhardt's defensive line was led by conference defensive player of the year, number 10 Tevin McCoy.
Reinhardt University
The Reinhardt University Eagles are looking to build on a phenomenally successful 2017 campaign. Led by firstyear head coach James Miller, the Eagles finished their season with a record of 131. They capped off an undefeated regular season, easily winning the Mid-South Conference with three straight playoff wins at Ken White Field in Waleska, including a thrilling, 37-34 doubleovertime win over Southern Oregon University. Unfortunately, Reinhardt came up short at the NAIA National Championship game in Daytona Beach, Fla., with a 24-13 loss at the hands of the University of Saint Francis, to finish the season ranked second in the nation. Miller, a former college football player at Virginia Tech, has been with Reinhardt since 2014. He also has served as the program's recruiting coordinator, in addition to being the assistant coach in charge of the offensive line. He has used that experience to develop a dominating running game. This year,
the Eagles averaged 350.5 rushing yards per game to lead the NAIA Division, while averaging 46.2 points per contest. Paving the way for the rushing attack were two first-team AP All-American offensive linemen, Xavier Carter and Trey Coney. In addition, Carter won the Rimington Trophy, given each year to the nation’s most outstanding offensive center. On the defense, the team was led by second team All-American defensive end Tevin McCoy. He was named the conference defensive player of the year. At the conclusion of the Eagles’ recordbreaking season, Miller signed a threeyear contract extension that will keep him at Reinhardt through 2020. With recruiting season and preparations for spring practice in full swing, he laid out his expectations for the coming year: “The offseason has been very busy for our staff,” Miller said. “Playing in the championship game, we got a late start getting on the road recruiting and in front of kids across this great state, but we have
worked extremely hard to see as many kids since Dec. 16. We have a lot of really good kids committed, and must continue to work hard. Our guys on campus have been training their butts off every day since they got back on campus Jan. 9. We will start drills in February and spring ball March 15. “We must continue to work hard and keep our nose down to achieve our goals. Our expectations for next year are to pay the price for success. All we can focus on is the process, not the outcome, and we will work hard to achieve that.” For up-to-the-minute Eagles sports news, follow Reinhardt Athletics on Facebook (@ReinhardtAthletics), Twitter (@RU_Eagles) and Instagram (@ru_eagles). AROUND ACWORTH | March 2018
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HEALTH & WELLNESS
The Importance of Heart Health BY DR. THOMAS JORDAN
There is a range of factors that can raise your risk of developing heart disease and having a heart attack or stroke. The more factors you have, the greater your risk. Although you can’t do anything about your age, gender, race and family history, there are factors you can modify, treat or control by making lifestyle changes or taking medication. • Quit smoking. A smoker’s risk of developing heart disease is two to four times greater than that of nonsmokers. • Lower your blood cholesterol. As blood cholesterol rises, so does the risk of heart disease. When other factors (such as high blood pressure and tobacco smoke) are present, the risk is even higher. • Lower your blood pressure. High blood pressure makes the heart work harder than normal and makes your arteries more prone to injury. • Get active. Regular, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity helps prevent heart and blood vessel disease. The more vigorous the activity, the greater your benefits. • Lose excess weight. Excess weight increases the heart's workload. People with excess body fat, especially around the waist, are more likely to develop heart disease and stroke, even if they have no other factors.
• Manage your diabetes. Diabetes seriously increases your risk of developing cardiovascular disease, even when glucose (blood sugar) levels are under control. • Reduce stress. Too much stress over time, and unhealthy responses to it, may create health problems in some people. Find healthy ways to manage stress, exercise and eat right. • Limit alcohol. Alcohol raises blood pressure, can cause heart failure and lead to stroke. It also adds calories, contributing to obesity and making it harder to lose weight. If you don't drink, don't start. If you do, limit yourself to one drink a day. You are at a higher risk if your father or brother developed heart disease or a stroke before they were 55; or, if you have a mother or sister who developed heart disease or a stroke before they were 65. You can protect yourself by taking care of your heart.
Dr. Thomas Jordan is a board certified physician in internal medicine and cardiovascular medicine. He practices at Northside Heart’s Cumming, Roswell, Sandy Springs and Woodstock offices. northsideheart.com.
Tips for Healthy Listening BY DR. SARAH LICHT
Noise induced hearing loss can occur from exposure to a one-time burst of extremely loud noise or repeated exposure to loud noise over time. You can conserve hearing by wearing hearing protection around loud sounds and limiting noise exposure. Audio players have been the subject of hearing loss research since the popularity of iPods and MP3 players has increased in recent years. While loud environmental sounds may not be easily escapable, personal listening habits are optional. There are steps consumers can take to diminish the risk audio players have on hearing loss. Volume, time listening and earphone style can all be optimized to find the best combination for hearing conservation. For example, to preserve your hearing, doctors recommend headphones, which sit on your head like earmuffs, rather than earbuds, which fit inside your ear. The main reason is earbuds naturally add about 9 decibels of volume because they are closer to the ear canal. In addition, earbuds do not block out as much background noise, so most of us will increase the volume to unsafe levels. There are many cheap earbuds on the market, which may be great in a pinch, but these poorly made products will distort sound or produce uneven levels of sound, which leads to increasing the volume to harmful levels. 42
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Listening tips:
• If you hear ringing, roaring or buzzing after wearing earbuds or headphones, you could be damaging your ears. Make sure to turn down the volume. • If you go to a concert or club, sit in the middle of the room and make sure to wear hearing protection. The effects of loud noise exposure are cumulative and can damage your ears over time. • The chance of over exposure to loud sounds can be reduced by wearing headphones instead of earbuds. • Custom ear protection is important for people such as musicians and hunters. • If you hear your friend’s music while sitting next to them, ask them to turn it down. • Make sure to visit a hearing care professional to get a hearing health evaluation. Everyone over the age of 40 should have a baseline hearing test, even if you do not feel you have a problem. It is beneficial to have something to compare with five, 10 or 20 years down the road.
Sarah Licht, Au.D. is a Doctor of Audiology and provider at North Georgia Audiology in Woodstock. She has been practicing since 2016.
Boating Safety Course Mandatory for Many Boaters U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 22 will offer a one-day boating safety class.
The class, called About Boating Safety, covers topics that include: • Know Your Boat • Before Getting Underway • Navigating the Waterways • Operating Your Vessel Safely • Legal Requirements • Boating Emergencies Individuals who successfully complete the program and exam meet the Georgia boating certification requirements and are awarded certificates and wallet cards. Boaters born after Jan. 1, 1998 must complete a National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) approved boating safety class to legally operate a boat or personal watercraft in the Georgia.
Class Dates
(Only one day needed to complete the course)
• April 7 • May 5 • June 2 • July 7 • Aug. 4 • Sept. 8 Classes are located at Roberts School Community and Education Center, 4681 School St., Acworth. Fee for the program materials is $20 each. Family discounts are available. To register for a class, or to request a gift certificate for someone else, email Greg Fonzeno at flotilla22pe@gmailcom. AROUND ACWORTH | March 2018
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Consignment Sale Guide March is a great month to catch bargains for your little ones. Here’s a list of sales in Cobb County and a few more communities.
March 8-10
All 4 Kids Cobb County
Times: 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday Location: Cobb Civic Center, 548 South Marietta Parkway SE, Marietta http://all4kids.com
March 9-10
Due West Treasure Chest
Times: 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m.-noon Saturday Location: 3956 Due West Road, Marietta www.duewest.org
Mt. Bethel UMC
Times: 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-noon Saturday Location: 4385 Lower Roswell Road, Marietta www.mtbethel.org
Green With Envy
Times: Preview Thursday night, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday Location: TBD in Alpharetta or Cumming area www.greenwithenvykids.com
March 15-18 Angel’s Attic
Times: 6-8 p.m. Thursday, 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday Location: Johns Creek UMC, 11180 Medlock Bridge Road, Johns Creek www.johnscreekumc.org
March 16-17
Canton First Baptist Kids Sale
Times: 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday Location: 1 Mission Point, Canton www.fbckidssale.com
CCC MOPS
Times: 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-noon Saturday Location: Riverstone Church, 2005 Stilesboro Road NW, Kennesaw www.bornagainblessings.com
Times: 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday Location: Cumberland Community Church, 3110 Sports Ave., Smyrna www.cccmopssale.com
March 10
Roswell UMC
Born Again Blessings
Tots to Tweens
Time: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Location: Sandy Plains Baptist Church, 2825 Sandy Plains Road, Marietta www.nowamom.org
March 15-17
Cumming First UMC
Times: 8:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Location: 770 Canton Highway, Cumming http://cfumcga.com/kids-consignment-sale/ 44
March 15-17
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Times: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m.-noon Saturday Location: 814 Mimosa Blvd., Roswell www.roswellumc.org/rumck
March 22-24
All 4 Kids East Cobb/Marietta
Times: 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday Location: Mount Paran North Church of God, 1700 Allgood Road, Marietta http://all4kids.com
If you are over the age of 35 and suffer from the following…. • Sciatica • Neck Pain • Disc Herniations • Lower Back Pain • Numbness in the Legs & Feet …there may be hope. Now a local doctor has what may be the most important treatment in helping these conditions.
treatment will be your pain solution, like it had been for so many patients. The normal price for this type of evaluation including x-rays is $250.00, so you’re saving a considerable amount by taking me up on this offer.
Finally, there’s a treatment to conquer back and leg pain without dangerous medication or painful surgery. Nothing is worse than feeling great mentally, but physically feeling held back from life because you hurt and the pain won’t go away! Spinal are very gentle. fact, and Back Pain Sufferers If you’re over the agedecompression of 35 and suffer fromtreatments the following.... ForInSciatica Call Today and every once and awhile I even catch a patient sleeping • Anduring in-depthsessions. consultation about your health and well-being • Sciatica • Neck Pain • Disc Herniations fortheONLY where Ibest will listen... really listen...to details of$20 your case. Most patients feel better with just a few treatments, and of all • Lower Back Pain • Radiating Hip Pain • A complete neuromuscular examination. we can get you • Numbness in the Legs & Feet there will be… • A full set of specialized x-rays (When clinically necessary)
scheduled forsoawe can No Dangerous Drugs, • A thorough analysis of your exam and x-ray findings ....there may be hope. Now a local doctor has what may be the start mapping out your plan to being consultation as pain free. No Invasive Procedures, most important treatment in helping these conditions. • You’ll get to see everything firstsoon hand and findthere out if this as And No Painful Exercises.amazing treatment will be your pain solution, like it hasis an opening been for Finally, there’s a treatment to conquer back and leg pain withso many other patients. out dangerous medications or painful surgery.
When you call, tell My name is Dr. Amy Valente, D.C. DNM ownerThe of normal Northprice Cobb for this type of evaluation including x-rays is Nothing worse than feeling great mentally, but what physically the amount receptionist Spine &isNerve Institute. I understand it feels $250, like so toyou’re live saving in pain, a considerable by takingyou’d me up feeling held back from life because you hurt and the pain won’t on this offer. like to come in for the because I see it every day go away! Back Pain and Sciatica I’ve seen hundreds of people with back pain, numbness and sciatica Call today and for ONLY $20 we can get you scheduled Spinal decompression treatments are very gentle. In fact, every soopening. we can for a consultation as soonEvaluation as there is an leave the office pain free. once in awhile I even catch a patient sleeping during sessions. record the date and give Most patients feel better with just a few treatments, and best of When you call, tell the receptionist you’d like to come in for the allThis why very special you proper credit for thereis will be.....for 14 days ONLY, I’m running aBack Pain and Sciatica Evaluation so we can record the date and offer where you can find out if you are a candidate give for you spinal thisoffer. special offer. proper credit for this special No Dangerous Drugs, decompression. No Invasive Procedures, But remember this special offer is only good until March. 14, 2018 But remember this special offer is only good until Dec 14, 2017. And No Painful Exercises.
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should seriously consider this less invasive approach. • A complete neuromuscular examination. Don’t wait and let your problems get worse, disabling you I’ve seen hundreds of people with back pain, numbness, and let your problems get worse, disabling you for life. • sciatica A fullleave setthe ofoffice specialize x-rays (When clinically necessary) for life. Take me up on my offerDon’t and callwait todayand 678-574pain free. Take me up on my offer and call today 678-574-5678. • A thorough analysis of your exam and x-ray findings 5678. so we can This mapping is why for 14out DAYS ONLY, very special start your planI’mtorunning beingapain free. Call Our 24 Hour Help Line at whereget youto cansee findeverything out if you are afirst candidate spinal Call Our 24 Hour Help Line at 678-574-5678 • offer You’ll handforand find out if this amazing
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See What Some of Our Patients are Saying: The attack of sciatica brought me to North Cobb Spine and Nerve Institute. The Spinal Decompression Therapy has helped me in several different ways. My life is back, I don’t walk with a limp, I sleep better at night and my pain is gone. My symptoms of leg cramps, and hip aches have gone away. Getting well has affected my family too. They would hurt and stress seeing me so miserable and in so much pain. I feel alive, my house is cleaner, and my thinking is clearer. I would describe the atmosphere and care as family like. Thank you, Pamela Elrod
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I started at North Cobb Spine & Nerve Institute for pain in my low back that traveled down my right leg. The pain felt like a burning sensation down my leg and numbness into my toes. I was unable to walk my normal five miles. Since starting the spinal decompression therapy I am now able to walk again without any pain. The pain and numbness down my right leg is completely alleviated. I was surprised to find that I am even sleeping better at night and that the tension in my upper back has also been relieved. The staff here has treated my great and is very caring! Thanks, Bill Norman
Dr. Amy Valente, D.C. DNM
EXPIRES 3-14-18 Federal and Medicare Restrictions Apply.
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Acworth Parks
Acworth has an abundance of wonderful parks. It’s a great time to get out and about. Acworth Sports Complex. 4000 S. Main St. 7 a.m.-11
p.m. A 42-acre complex with six baseball fields, two football fields, multiple practice areas, batting cages, restrooms, two concession stands and parking. The complex is home to the Acworth Baseball Association and the Acworth Football and Cheerleading Association. The complex accommodates players ages 5 through 14 for baseball and 5 through 12 for football. The complex includes Horizon League, which provides team sport opportunities to children with cognitive and physical disabilities for ages 5 and older.
Baker Plantation Park. 4790 Baker Plantation Drive. Sunrise to sunset. A half-acre neighborhood park in the Baker Plantation subdivision. Playground, two grills and a picnic pavilion. Cauble Park. Home of Acworth Beach, Lake Acworth and Veterans Memorial Patriots Point. 4425 Beach St. A 25-acre park with fishing points, public restrooms, a boat ramp (for electric motor-driven boats only), a boardwalk, beach, rental facilities, two playgrounds and an open play area. Rental facilities include four pavilions, a lakeside gazebo and a beach house. Acworth Beach opens on Memorial Day weekend and closes Labor Day weekend. No lifeguard on duty. Parking is free Monday-Friday. On weekends, non-residents pay a $10 (cash only) per-vehicle fee from 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. No pets are allowed on beach areas and must be on a leash at all times while in the park. Dallas Landing Park. 5120 Allatoona Drive. 8 a.m.-9 p.m.
An 82-acre park located on Allatoona Drive off Main Street. Dallas Landing overlooks Lake Allatoona. The park contains a beach, group pavilion, picnic tables, grills, volleyball court, horseshoe pit and public restrooms. The group pavilion is available for rental. The park is open to Acworth Slide, the world’s largest inflatable water slide, according to the city. The park is open from mid-April through mid-September and there is a $5 parking fee every day.
East Lakeshore Park. 4449 East Lakeshore Drive. 7 a.m.-11
p.m. The 1.5-acre park includes a playground, picnic benches and an open play area.
Frana Brown Park. 4901 N. Main St. 7 a.m.- 11 p.m. The
quarter-acre park contains a fountain and benches for relaxation. The park also contains the original bell from the Acworth Methodist Episcopal Church South. The church congregation was established in 1905. The park can be rented for weddings or other small gatherings.
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Logan Farm Park expansion. Photo courtesy City of Acworth.
Logan Farm Park. Central Entrance is at 4762 Logan Road. 7 a.m.-11 p.m. A 120-acre park that encompasses the parks formally known as Terrace Drive Park and Tanyard Creek Park. Logan Farm Park includes a nature trail that connects to Cowan Road, Terrace Drive, Cherokee Street, School Street, and McClain Circle. Park contains a lighted walking track around a multipurpose recreational field, a half-acre fishing pond, a playground and public restrooms. This park is also home to the Parks and Recreation Offices. A 15-acre expansion was completed in late 2016 that winds along Cherokee and Taylor streets. The addition includes a large playground, a group shelter, restrooms, more walking trails and greenspace.
Newberry Park. 4321 Toccoa Drive. 7 a.m.-11 p.m. The 12-acre park contains a baseball field, concession stand and batting cages. Home to the Acworth Baseball Association's Senior League. The baseball field is known as the historic Coats and Clark Field and is for kids ages 13 through 16. The park also includes a passive recreation atmosphere great for picnicking and relaxation. Overlook Park. 4636 Lake Acworth Drive. 7 a.m.- 11 p.m. The 1.5-acre park overlooks beautiful Lake Acworth. The park offers great fishing and picnicking opportunities. Proctor Landing Park. 5260 Proctor Landing Road. 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Proctor Landing is an 82-acre park along the banks of Lake Allatoona. A beach, two group pavilions, picnic tables, grills, two volleyball courts, two horseshoe pits and public restrooms. Group pavilions are available for rental, except Sundays in May, June and July. The park is open from mid-April through mid-September. $5 parking fee everyday. South Shore Park. 4555 Ragsdale Road. 7 a.m.-11 p.m. A 30-acre park
with a beach and fishing areas. Information compiled by Acworth Parks and Recreation. For more information on the Acworth Sports Complex, tournament listings, registration dates or directions, please contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 770-917-1234.
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Around ONGOING Jacob’s Ladder. First Baptist
Church Acworth, 4583 Church St. Registration for fall 2018 is underway. The program offers a Christian-based curriculum for students ages 12 months through 4 years. Classes are 9:15 a.m.1:15 p.m. Mondays-Fridays. Information is online at www.fbcacworth.com. Contact the church at 770-974-3021, or email jl@ fbcacworth.com.
Awana. First Baptist Church Acworth.
4583 Church St. 6 p.m. Wednesdays. For children ages 3 through grade 5. For more information, contact the church office at 770-974-3021.
MARCH Through March 27
Art House. “For the Love of Art” exhibit. 4425 Cherokee St., Acworth.
Noon-6 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays. Closed Sundays, Mondays and holidays.
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Save Acworth History Foundation Speaker Series. 7 p.m.,
Roberts Community and Education Center, 4681 School St., Acworth. Robert Jones, “Lost Gold Robert Jones of the Confederacy.” Jones served as president of the Kennesaw Historical Society for 21 years (1994-2015), and as a member of the executive board of the Kennesaw Museum Foundation for 17 years (1998-2015). The Museum Foundation helped fund the 45,000-square foot Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History in Kennesaw. Jones has written 40-plus books on historical topics, including "South Carolina and Georgia in the American Revolution," "A Guide to the Civil War in Georgia" and "Lost Gold of the Confederacy." Jones will sell and sign books. 50
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&
About
APRIL annual Acworth 14-15 Seventh Art Fest. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
April 14, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. April 15, Historic Main Street. More than 100 artisans from across the country. Paintings, pottery, metalwork, folk art, glass, jewelry, yard art and more. A Kidz Zone will offer a play area for creative art projects and activities. The festival also includes food from Acworth eateries. For more information, go to www.acworthartfest.com.
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Acworth Business Association (ABA) Charity Golf Tournament.
9 a.m., Cobblestone Golf Course, 4200 Nance Road, Acworth. Tournament benefits ABA Education Outreach and Horizon Field. Registration for golfers is $125, or $450 for each foursome. Fees include greens fees, cart, goodie bags, breakfast, lunch and a silent auction. For more information about ABA and this year’s tournament, contact JRM Management Services at 770-423-1330.
Plumbing 21-22 Superior Kennesaw/Big Shanty
Festival. Downtown Kennesaw.
10 a.m.- 6 p.m. April 21, noon-5 p.m. April 22. A parade kicks off the festival at 9:30 a.m. April 21. More than 2,000 area youth participate. High school marching bands, sports associations, beauty pageant winners, 250 arts and crafts booths, 25 food booths, two entertainment stages. Free. For more information call 770-423-1330, e-mail jonathanjenkins@jrmmanagement.com, or go to www.kennesawbusiness.org.
annual Brookwood 26 Fourth Christian Ladies’ Tea and Silent
Auction. 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Acworth Beach House, 4425 Beach St. N.W., Acworth. Attendance is limited to 80 due to space. Individual tickets are $20, table sponsor is $150, and gold table sponsor is $250. Sponsorship packages include tickets for eight. Sponsored by Lake City and Acworth animal hospitals. To purchase tickets, go to www.brookwoodchristian.com and click on the fundraising tab.
MAY annual Acworth Dragon 5 Second Boat Race and Festival at Dallas
Landing. 15120 Allatoona Drive, Acworth. Proceeds benefit Loving Arms Cancer Outreach, and Dragon Boat Atlanta, a breast cancer awareness team. Loving Arms, founded by two oncology nurses, provides support groups, education and financial assistance for cancer patients in seven northwestern metro Atlanta counties. For information and to register, go to http://lovingarms.support/ dragonboats/.
Club of North 11-12 Rotary Cobb’s Ninth Annual
Smoke on the Lake BBQ Festival Charity Fundraiser. In partnership with
City of Acworth. Cauble Park at Acworth Beach, 2293 Beach St. in Acworth. 100 percent of net proceeds go to the community. For information about cook teams, sponsorships and to view a schedule of events, go to www.smokeonthelake.org.
Coming Up at Art House, 4425 Cherokee St., Acworth. Hours: Noon-6 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays. Closed: Sundays, Mondays and Holidays. 678-543-5777
• “Spring is in the Air” featured exhibit artist submission. Deadline for submission
is March 15 at midnight. The exhibit will run March 31-April 28. Artist reception is 6-9 p.m. April 7. Works must be original. Works in all mediums will be considered. Two-dimensional pieces as large as 30 inches by 40 inches will be considered for this exhibit. However, Art House is looking for most pieces to be smaller. Two- and three-dimensional works will be considered. Please submit three to 10 pieces of two- or three-dimensional work.
• Spring Classes. Go to www.acworthartsalliance.org for a list of art classes for adults
and children.
Preschool Sports Camp
REGISTRATIONS
A noncompetitive program to help 3 and 4 year olds develop basic skills for sports programs in the future. The program gives children a chance to explore a variety of different sports in one program, such as soccer, T-ball, and basketball. Camp is each Tuesday and Thursday for four weeks beginning April 10. Camp is 9-9:45 a.m. Cost is $50 for city residents and $65 for nonresidents. Campers receive a T-shirt. Register at www.acworthparksandrec.org.
Acworth Introductory Lacrosse
Boys and girls grades one through five, can learn to play one of the fastestgrowing sports in the United States. Equipment is provided. Coaches from Jump Start Sports will teach fundamentals of the game, including passing and catching, fielding ground balls, cradling, spacing and positioning and defense. Sessions will be held 5:30-6:30 p.m., Thursdays, March 15-April 26 on the lower field at Logan Farm Park. Cost is $80 for city residents and $90 for nonresidents. For more information and to register, go to www.acworthparksandrecreation.org.
Tai Chi
Beginner classes are 6:30 p.m. Mondays. Advanced classes are 7:30 p.m. Mondays. Roberts School Community Center in Acworth. Classes are taught by Phil Robinson and his certified instructors. $100 for residents, $105 for nonresidents. Register at www.acworthparksandrecreation.org.
Adult Flag Football
Records, statistics, player(s) of the week, write-ups and box scores are posted online after each game, and the AAFFL Cotton Bowl will end postseason play. Game play is seven-on-seven and teams may have a roster of up to 17 players. Games are played at the football fields at the Acworth Sports Complex with no cost to spectators. Games begin March 13. Men and women are welcome! Register your team now and start building your team dynasty. Register at www.acworthparksandrecreation.org.
Horizon League
Registration is underway for Spring Horizon League. The Horizon League is a noncompetitive baseball league for athletes ages 5 years and older with physical and/or cognitive disabilities. Games will be played on the Horizon Field at the Acworth Sports Complex. The cost of the league is $15 per player. The deadline to register without a late fee is March 20. Games for the youth and teen league begin April 14. Adult games will be played Thursday nights beginning April 12. Register at www.acworthspecialneeds.com.
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Cobb Photographic Society Winners Novice:
1st Place Eric Swalberg “Reading”
2nd Place Melissa Chalk “Spanish Rose”
3rd Place Ellen Hayes “Straight Away
Black & White:
1st Place Dee Dee Bonesteel “Until Tomorrow”
Honorable Mention Yolanda Santiago White “Chae's World” 52 AROUND ACWORTH | March 2018
2nd Place Elaine Bullard “A Smile is Worth a Thousand Words”
Honorable Mention Jeff Westland “A Few Small Stones”
3rd Place Phyllis Westland “Contemplation”
s
Congratulations to each of you who entered the Cobb Photographic Society competition. The topic for the January contest was "General.” The judge was Larry Winslett. The Cobb Photographic Society is a photography club open to photographers of all skill levels. The club meets the first and third Monday of each month. For information about the club, please go to www.cobbphotosociety.com.
y”
Honorable Mention Melissa Chalk “Guarding the Palace”
Honorable Mention Eric Swalberg “Dinghies”
Color:
3rd Place Heather Finley “Kaitlin”
Honorable Mention Paul Shimek “Desert Oasis”
1st Place Jeff Westland “A Day in the Life”
2nd Place Jeff Westland “A Perfect Day on the Lake”
Honorable Mention Diane Powell “Artist Palette, Death Valley” AROUND ACWORTH | March 2018
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Senior Activities
City of Acworth March 20
Senior Lunch.
Noon. Bingo and other activities. Roberts School Community and Education Center, 4681 School St., Acworth. Free to all seniors.
Register for the April 13 Seniors Got Groove day trip to world-renowned folk artist Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden. Finster began creating Paradise Garden in 1951. It is listed as one of Georgia’s noted art attractions. Finster’s outsider art, sculpture and paintings draw tourists from around the world. Lunch is at the Crushed Tomato. The cost of lunch is not included. Registration opens March 7 for city residents and March 14 for nonresidents. Cost is $15 for residents, and $20 for nonresidents.
Aloha to Aging The following programs are offered at Aloha to Aging, 4608 Lower Roswell Road, Marietta, unless specified in the listing. The nonprofit serves Cobb, Cherokee, DeKalb, Fulton and Paulding counties. To register for classes, and for more information, call 770-722-7641, or email info@alohatoaging.org.
March 5
Alzheimer's Caregiver Support Group, 10:30 -11:30 a.m. Open to family members who are assisting an aging loved one, both inside and outside of the home. Free respite care is provided for your loved one during the meeting, but reservations are required. For additional evening support group, go to www. alohatoseniors.com/events, or call 678-777-7241.
March 6
Parkinson's Disease/Care Partner Support Group, 11 a.m.-noon. Group discussion for both the person with Parkinson’s and their care partner, on helpful tips and resources that provide comfort and encouragement.
March 13
EAST COBB: Effective Communication Strategies Class, 11 a.m.-noon. Learn to decode the verbal and
behavioral messages delivered by someone with dementia, and identify strategies to help you connect and communicate at each stage of the disease. Presented by Kayley Fleming, Alzheimer’s Association.
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March 20
WEST COBB: Understanding and Responding to DementiaRelated Behaviors, 11 a.m.-noon. Behavior is a powerful form
of communication, and is one of the primary ways for people with dementia to communicate their needs and feelings. Learn to decode behavioral messages, identify common behavior triggers, and learn strategies to help intervene with some of the most common behavioral challenges of Alzheimer’s disease. Presented by Kayley Fleming, Alzheimer’s Association. Free respite care is provided for your loved one while we meet, but you must call in advance for care to 770-722-7641. Program is held at Burnt Hickory Baptist Church, 5145 Due West Road, Powder Springs.
March 15-April 26
Preparing for the Future Series: Free Technology Workshops: “Staying Connected, Not Confused.” Thursdays for six weeks.
11 a.m.-noon. No class April 5. Workshops to help seniors with smartphones and tablets discover how personal devices can benefit their daily life. Sign up for any workshop that interests you. There will be hands-on exercises so be sure to bring your personal devices appropriate for each workshop. Class size is limited to 10 participants per workshop. Donation to Aloha to Aging is appreciated.
March 27
Fall Prevention and Balance Workshop, 11 a.m.-noon. Help prevent that life-changing stumble. Presented by Foundation Therapy Center.
Every Tuesday
Gentle Yoga. 10-11 a.m. Join Carolyn Purvis, licensed yoga instructor.
Appropriate for every level of experience. The class is gentle, but not EASY! You will stretch, strengthen and practice balance poses. We start seated on a chair (for stretching/centering) and then move to standing positions (strength/balance) and move onto the floor, ending in a deep state of relaxation. MANY modifications will be given. All floor poses can be modified for the chair if unable to do floor. Class size limited. $25 per month, no daily rate. Bring your own, block(s), blanket and water. RSVP by emailing info@alohatoaging.org or call 770-722-7641.
ALOHA DAY CLUB: 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. East Cobb: Mondays and Wednesdays. West Cobb: Tuesdays. We keep the Aloha spirit alive in our social day program for those 55 and older who need engaging activities outside of their residence. Our weekday program incorporates exercises, music and stimulating games and discussions into each session. Our fun-filled 3.5-hour program includes a morning snack and lunch. Call 770-722-7641 for more information. Volunteers needed at Aloha to Aging in East and West Cobb:
Are you looking for a place to fulfill that New Year’s Resolution of giving back? If so, join our team! We currently have openings for activity, food and program volunteers in our Aloha Day Club in both East and West Cobb. You must enjoy engaging in conversation and want to make a difference in the lives of others! We also are looking for administrative/ computer volunteers, fundraising/grant writing volunteers and team facilitator volunteers for our education and wellness programs at Aloha to Aging in East Cobb. Check out our website at www.alohatoaging.org for more information. You can reach us at info@alohatoaging.org or call 770-722-7641.
Wellness Center The following activities are held at the Cobb County Senior Wellness Center, 1150 Powder Springs St. S.W., Marietta, unless noted.
March 6
Meetup: Sewell Mill Library and Cultural Center— Program 2692
10:30 a.m.-1 p.m., free. Registration required. Visit the coffee bar and watch a screening of a film, which is part of the center’s Murderino series. Activity Level 3: Longer walking, many stairs and/or inclines. Meet Up location: 2051 Lower Roswell Road, Marietta.
March 7
Taste of Italy with John Gifaldi
10-11:30 a.m. — Program 2597, 12:30-2 p.m. — Program 2598 $8 Cobb resident; $10 nonresident. Classic Italian menu. John will prepare classic Italian favorites: chicken saltimbocca, cacio de pepe pasta and Swiss chard sautéed with garlic and olive oil.
March 9
Stamped Metal Jewelry Workshop — Program 2596
10 a.m.-noon, $5 Cobb resident, $6 nonresident; plus $15 supply fee. Metal stamping is a wonderful way to personalize jewelry, and is an easy form of jewelry making. Join Ileana Martin, owner of Evenfall Creations, as she teaches how to design, develop and complete a piece of jewelry to take home.
March 14
In the Teaching Kitchen: Easy Meals for One
10-11:30 a.m. — Program 2734, 12:30-2 p.m. — Program 2735 $8 Cobb resident; $10 nonresident. Prepare a variety of items that easily can be scaled down to one serving size: Thai noodle salad, lettuce wraps, French onion soup and rice pudding.
North Cobb Senior Center The following programs are offered by Cobb Senior Services at North Cobb Senior Center, 3900 S. Main St., Acworth, located inside Kennworth Park. 770-975-7740. Go to www.cobbseniors.org for more information, classes and events.
March 5
Garden Club. 11:15 a.m.
March 13
Let’s Do Lunch – Program 2546
11:30 a.m., lunch on your own; reservations required. Longhorn, 3366 Cobb Parkway, Acworth.
Friends of North Cobb Club, noon
March 16
Nutritional Health Fitness for Seniors — Program 2692
March 21
Noon-2 p.m.; $5 Cobb resident, $6 nonresident. Being physically healthy takes two major steps to accomplish — working out and making healthy eating choices. Comforting Arms will discuss nutritional challenges for seniors, proper eating, portion control, food safety and much more.
March 23
March 20
National Nutrition Month: Go Further with Food! — Program 2599 1-2 p.m., free, registration required. Find ways to cut back on food waste. Learn how to manage food resources at home. Taught by Jobcy Alexander, registered dietitian with Cobb Senior Services. Healthy Cooking with Chef Lynn Ware, Mediterranean Diet: A Healthy Eating Plan, 10-11:30 am — Program 2600; 12:30-2 p.m. — Program 2601
Photography Club, 9 a.m.
$8 Cobb residents, $10 nonresidents. Many believe a Mediterranean-style diet may protect against the development of certain conditions such as heart disease, metabolic complications and type-2 diabetes. Mediterranean chicken with olives and artichokes; quinoa chickpea salad with roasted red pepper hummus dressing and a healthy almond milk smoothie.
March 28
Spring Container Gardens — Program 2602 1-3 p.m., free, registration required. Learn to create your own spring container garden containing lettuce, greens and herbs. Supply list: 1 large garden container and three plants (lettuces and herbs).
March 29
Cooking Lighter with Diane — Love the Lentil
10 -11:30 a.m. — Program 2603; 12:30-2:00 p.m. — Program 2604 $8 Cobb residents; $10 nonresidents. Indian-style lentils, earthy lentil soup and the best lentil salad.
New Life Walkers Club, planning meeting first Thursday of each month. 10-11 a.m.
March 22
Edible Flowers — Program 2691
1-2 p.m., free. Registration required. Enjoy the flavor of flowers in fresh salads or cooked dishes, or enjoy their beauty as cake and dessert decorations. Presented by North Cobb Senior Center staff. AROUND ACWORTH | March 2018
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FAITH
A Great
Marriage Takes Work BY PASTOR J.R. LEE
If you want a great marriage, it isn’t going to be easy! If an easy marriage is what you expect, then you are setting yourself up for a discouraging ride. You are smarter than that! You probably have figured out by now that, if you want your marriage to be great, you are going to have to fight! You just have to choose to fight FOR the relationship and not just IN the relationship. Here are a few things we have learned (sometimes the hard way) that I bet can help you …
What Attracts Initially Will Attack Eventually! Isn’t that so true? You were attracted to your spouse’s passion at the beginning, but now it drives you insane! You were attracted to their passion for life, but now you realize that passion doesn’t go away during stressful situations or heated debates. My wife (Devin) and I have had to learn to embrace the nuances of our personalities. When something drives you crazy, ask yourself, “Is this the thing that actually attracted me to him/her?” Perspective can shift your thinking, and help you form a strategy to overcome any obstacle.
Choose Your Battles This one is huge! Don’t win the argument and lose the relationship! I see this happen online all the time. Far too many people have sacrificed their platform and/or influence because they try to make a point instead of making a difference. Choose your battles wisely! Not every hill is one worth dying on! This is true politically, relationally, and in every other area of life as well. 58
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J.R. and Devin Lee.
Speak to Their Potential – Not Their Problems
Focus on the Future, Not the Past
Proverbs 18:21 – The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.
Conflict is NOT the time for a history lesson! Do your best to stop bringing up stuff that happened years ago. Relationships can’t win when bones from the past are dug up and used as weapons. Are relationships easy? NO!!! Are they worth it? YES!!! The process can be painful, but the payoff is worth it! Devin and I are praying for you, believe in you, and would love to hear from you. You can contact us at Pastor@FreedomChurch.TV or on Instagram: @PastorJRLee or Twitter: @JRLee.
Are your words bringing life or death into your relationships? Constantly nitpicking and pointing out failures can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. Point out what they are doing right! Men are like puppies, in a lot of ways. Tell us what we are doing right and we will want to do it again! It’s not complicated! By the way, this also applies in the words you speak to yourself. I’ve talked myself out of making important decisions over the years because the words in my head spoke death instead of life! You have what it takes to do everything God has called you to do! Don’t let your words sabotage your potential!
J.R. Lee is the lead pastor of Freedom Church, with locations in Acworth and Kennesaw. To connect with him visit www.JRLee.tv or visit www. FreedomChurch.tv. 770-529-6006.
ACWORTH AREA CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS Acworth Business Association 770-423-1330 www.acworthbusiness.org
Southern Hope Humane Society 770-445-7294 www.hopehumane.org
Cherokee Chamber of Commerce 770-345-0400 www.cherokeechamber.com
CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS Acworth Optimist Club Contact: Debbie Ward 770-974-0670
Cobb Chamber of Commerce 770-980-2000 www.cobbchamber.org
Acworth Masonic Lodge 4497 McLain Circle 770-974-3577
KSU Small Business Development Center 470-578-6450
Air Force Aviation Heritage Foundation 770-529-9003 Ext. 40 www.afahf.org
LeadsNet Business Referral Group 404-819-8896 No Fee Referral Network - Acworth Contact: Betty Motter 770-256-4864 West Cobb Business Association www.westcobbbusiness.com CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS Cherokee Child Advocacy Council 770-345-8100 www.cherokeechildadvocates.org Cherokee County Habitat for Humanity 770-345-1879 www.cherokeehabitat.net Cherokee County Humane Society 770-928-5115 www.cchumanesociety.org Cobb County Habitat for Humanity 770-432-7954 www.cobbhabitat.org Forgotten Paws Animal Rescue 404-993-7958 www.forgottenpaws.com Here Am I Ministries, Inc. 770-529-4644 Contact: Rev. DeAnna Fountain Homeward Bound Pet Rescue 706-698-HOME www.homeward.petfinder.com Humane Society of Cobb County 770-428-9882 www.humanecobb.org Lung Cancer Alliance Georgia Contact: Edward J. Levitt 770-590-7898 MUST Ministries 770-427-9862 www.mustministries.org Mostly Mutts Animal Rescue & Adoption 770-325-PETS www.mostlymutts.org Papa’s Pantry 770-591-4730 www.papaspantry.org
RECREATION & HOBBIES Atlanta Yacht Club www.atlantayachtclub.org Atlanta Water Ski Club 770-425-3679 Cherokee Soccer Association 770-704-0187 www.csaimpact.com Children’s PEACE Center 770-917-8815 www.childrenspeacecenter.org Cobb County Radio Control Modelers Club www.ccrc.info
American Legion North Cobb Post 304 www.post304.org
Friends and Neighbors Club (F.A.N. club) Judy, 770-514-7819
Atlanta Area Council Boy Scouts of America 770-989-8820
Kennesaw Futbol Club Carrie Crawford, 404-630-8805 www.kennesawfc.org
Girl Scout Council of North Georgia 770-974-4278 Girl Scout — Camp Pine Acres 770-974-6696 Junior League of Cobb — Marietta 770-422-5266 www.jlcm.org
Northwest YMCA (Brookstone Area) 770-423-9622 West Cobb Lacrosse Club 770-641-2222 http://eteamz.active.com/westcobblacrosse
Kiwanis Club of Kennworth Golden K Contact: Ken Leone 470-422-0382
SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS Active Adults Living with Arthritis (AALA) Contact: Marcia 770-605-7960
Liberty Hill Chapter DAR Contact: libertyhilldar@gmail.com
Celebrate Life International www.CelebrateLife.org
North Cobb Lions Club www.facebook.com/NorthCobbLions
Celebrate Recovery Contact: Sheryl Banister 770-428-2100
Rotary Club of North Cobb www.northcobbrotary.org Sigma Gamma RHO Sorority Contact: Jackie Ajudua 770-529-5654 VFW Post 5408 (Acworth & Kennesaw Post) 770-974-0958 www.vfwpost5408.org POLITICAL ORGANIZATIONS Acworth Business and Professional Chapter of the John Birch Society Contact: Boyd Parks 770-975-3303 Cherokee County Democratic Party 770-345-3489 Cherokee County Republican Party 770-592-0575 Cobb County Democracy For America www.dfalink.com/cobbcounty Cobb County Democratic Party 770-420-7133 Cobb County Libertarian Party 770-425-2856 Cobb County Republican Party 770-421-1833
Grandparents Support Group 678-699-3400 MOMS Club of Acworth-West www.acworthwestmomsclub.weebly.com MOMS Club of Acworth-East www.momsclubacwortheast.clubspaces.com Moms in Ministry @ Summit Baptist Church Every other Tuesday AM 770-794-0442 mnm@summitchurch.org Newcomers of Cobb County Meets 3rd Tuesday 770-234-5068 www.newcomersofcobbcounty.com Parents of Prodigals Mt. Calvary Baptist Church Meets 1st & 3rd Wednesday 770-424-4387 Sisters of Support (Breast Cancer Support) Contact: Sandy, 770-926-3488 Widows / Widowers Grief Support Recovery 770-590-0334 www.burnthickory.com
Paws for Disabilities www.pawsfordisabilities.org
Cobb County Republican Women’s Club 770-785-2522
West Cobb CHADD Meets 1st Thursday at Due West United Methodist Church 404-368-9394
Pet Buddies Food Pantry 678-310-9858 www.petbuddiesfoodpantry.org
Republican Women of Cherokee County 404-747-3353 www.rwccga.com
West Cobb Mothers and More www.westcobbmothersandmore.weebly.com 770-314-1211 AROUND ACWORTH | March 2018
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COMMUNITY OF FAITH BAPTIST
Antioch Baptist Bible Church 5871 Glade Road SE, 770-529-1546 Awtrey-Westwood Baptist Church 5855 Awtrey Church Road NW 770-974-0023 Calvary Baptist Church of Acworth 4361 Westside Drive 770-974-4965 www.CalvaryBaptistAcworth.org Cedarcrest Church 4600 Cobb Pkwy NW 678- 460-3500 www.CedarcrestChurch.com First Baptist Church of Acworth 4583 Church Street 770-974-3021 www.FBCAcworth.com Glade Road Baptist Church 6570 Glade Road SE 770-975-1143 www.GladeRoadBaptist.com Harvest Baptist Church 3460 Kellogg Creek Road 770-974-9091 www.HBCGA.org Hickory Grove Baptist Church 2862 Hickory Grove Road Hickory Heights Baptist Church 221 Dabbs Bridge Road, Dallas GA 30132 404-488-3667 www.HickoryHeights.org Hillcrest Baptist Church 6069 Woodstock Road 770-917-9100 www.HBCAcworth.org Iron Hill Baptist Church 5172 Groovers Landing Road SE 770-974-2951 www.IronhillBaptist.org Keystone Baptist Church 3303 Dallas Acworth Highway Acworth, Georgia 30101 www.KeystoneOnline.org Lost Mountain Baptist Church 5400 Old Dallas Road Powder Springs www.lmbc.us Morning View Baptist Church 3750 Dallas Acworth Hwy. www.MorningViewBaptistChurch.org 60
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Mount Olivet Baptist Church 2385 Acworth Due West Road 770-974-8335 New Hope Baptist Church 3814 New Hope Church Road 770-974-7612 Pickett’s Mill Baptist Church 7147 Hiram Acworth Hwy 770-423-0955 www.PMBChurch.net Piney Grove Baptist Church 1605 Mars Hill Road 770-428-5122 www.PineyGrove.net Redemption Baptist Church 4160 New Hope Church Road SE 770-529-0509 Sardis Missionary Baptist Church 2741 S. Main St., Kennesaw 770-428-4031 www.SardisMBCKennesawGA.org Summit Baptist Church 4310 Moon Station Lane NW 770-975-4595 www.SummitChurch.org Thankful Baptist Church of Kennesaw 928 Kennesaw Due West Road NW 678-797-0611 www.ThankfulBaptistKennesaw.org The Entire Bible Baptist Church 4980 Cobb Parkway North NW 770-975-1100 Three Taverns Church 3575 Acworth Due West Road 678-856-8002 www.ThreeTavernsChurch.org Victory Baptist Church 5717 Priest Road 770-337-0952 www.VictoryBaptist.net
Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church 4255 Taylor St. 770-974-8221 www.ZionHillAcworth.com
EPISCOPAL
Christ Episcopal Church 1210 Wooten Lake Road NW 770-422-9114 www.ChristChurchKennesaw.com St. Teresa’s Episcopal Church 5725 Fords Road 770-590-9040 www.StTeresasAcworth.com
JEHOVAH’S WITNESS
Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witness 2515 Old Highway 92 770-672-6838
JUDAISM
Chabad Jewish Center of Acworth 1480 Shiloh Road NW #500 678-460-7702 www.JewishWestCobb.com Congregation Ner Tamid Reform Jewish Synagogue Old 41 Highway NW suite 220 678-264-8575 www.MyNerTamid.info
LUTHERAN
Christ Lutheran Church 176 West Sandtown Road SW Marietta 770-424-2850 www.clcwestcobb.org Living Hope Lutheran Church 3450 Stilesboro Road 770-425-6726 www.LivingHopeGA.com First United Lutheran Church 3481 Campus Loop Rd., Kennesaw 770-427-0325 www.FULC.org
PRESBYTERIAN
Acworth Presbyterian Church 4561 Church Street 770-974-6552
West Ridge Church 3522 Hiram Acworth Hwy 770-222-2125 www.Westridge.com
Christ Community Church 2753 Watts Drive 770-529-2600 www.ChristCommunityCobb.org
Western Hills Baptist Church 700 Mars Hill Road, Kennesaw 770-425-7118 www.WesternHillsBaptist.net
Heritage Presbyterian Church 5323 Bells Ferry Road 770-926-3558 www.HeritagePres.com
Wildwood Baptist Church 4801 Wade Green Road NW 770-428-2100 www.WildwoodBaptist.org
Kirkwood Presbyterian Church USA 618 Acworth Due West Road NW 770-427-3545 www.KirkwoodPC.org
Mars Hill Presbyterian Church 3385 Mars Hill Road NW 770-974-4395 www.MHChurch.com
ROMAN CATHOLIC
St. Catherine of Siena Roman Catholic Church 1618 Ben King Road, NW 770-428-7139 www.StCatherineRCC.org St. Clare of Assisi Roman Catholic Church Meets at St. Teresa’s Episcopal, 5725 Fords Road 770-485-0825 www.StClareCC.org St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church 680 West Memorial Drive 770-443-0566 www.SaintVincentDePaulChurch.org
UNITED METHODIST
Acworth United Methodist Church 4340 Collins Circle 770-974-3312 www.AcworthUMC.org County Line United Methodist Church 1183 County Line Road, NW 770-428-0511 www.CountyLineUMC.org Due West United Methodist Church 3956 Due West Road 770-427-3835 www.DueWest.org Kennesaw United Methodist Church 1801 Ben King Road 770-428-1543 www.KennesawUMC.org New Beginnings United Methodist Church 2975 Cobb Parkway NW, Kennesaw 770-421-9980 www.NBUMC.org
OTHERS
Abiding Church 1370 Lockhart Drive 678-888-1515 www.Abiding.church Activation Church 3415 Old Highway 41, Suite 720 www.ActivationOnline.org
Bethel A.M.E. Church 4826 School Street 770-905-9539 Calvary Chapel River Oaks Meets at Brookwood Christian Academy, 4728 Wood Street 770-881-4862 or 678-977-0087 www.CalvaryChapelRiverOaks.org
Love Community Church 5598 Bells Ferry Road 404-663-1828 or 770-975-8042 www.LoveCommunityChurch.com Masjid Suffah 2750 Jiles Road, Kennesaw http://www.masjidsuffah.com/
Christ the King Church of Greater Atlanta 6464 Highway 92 770-924-9161
Mission For Life Church 2655 Cobb Parkway, Suite 105 678-401-2675 www.MissionForLife.com
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 5055 Holt Road NW 770-974-9697
Mount Olives Church of God 5065 Cherokee Street 678-651-9042
Cobb Vineyard Church 3206 Old Highway 41 NW 678-574-0005 www.CobbVineyard.com
New Covenant Full Gospel Inc 5653 Priest Road 770-974-0685
Dayspring Church 6835 Victory Drive 770-516-5733 www.DayspringChurch-Online.com Eagle Pointe Church 5100 Old Stilesboro Road NW 770-421-1643 www.EaglePointe.org Empowerment Worship Center 4192 Main Street 770-609-9062 www.EmpowermentWC.org Faith Family Church 5744 Bells Ferry Road 770-926-4560 www.FFCAcworth.com Four Points Church Meets at Picketts Mill Elementary 6400 Old Stilesboro Road 678-402-6632 www.FourPointsChurch.tv
NorthStar Church 3413 Blue Springs Road 770-420-9808 www.NorthStarChurch.org Northwest Christian Church 3737 Dallas-Acworth Hwy 770-425-2525 www.NWCC.net Open Doors Church 2011 Hickory Grove Road Prayer & Praise Christian Fellowship Church 6409 Bells Ferry Road 770-928-2795 www.PrayerAndPraise.org River’s Edge Church 3450 Acworth Due West Road NW 678-318-1918 RiverStone Church 2005 Stilesboro Road 678-384-5200 www.RiverStoneOnline.org
Freedom Church 3611 Cobb Parkway 770-529-6006 www.FreedomChurch.tv
Sanctuary Church 700 Mars Hill Road 770-884-1963 www.SanctuaryInHim.org
Gateway Church 1455 Ben King Road 770-701-0003 www.GatewayKennesaw.org
Unity of Kennesaw Meets at Big Shanty Elementary, 1575 Ben King Road 404-644-0512 www.UnityOfKennesaw.org
Acworth Christian Church 4476 Northside Drive 770-974-1358
Household of Faith Bible Church Meets at North Cobb Christian School 4500 Lakeview Drive NW 770-365-6723 www.HOFBC.org
Acworth Church of God of Prophecy Ministry 3891 Nance Road NW 770-975-1124 www.AcworthChurch.com
Kellogg Creek Church of Christ 3510 Kellogg Creek Road 770-974-2814 www.KelloggCreekChurchOfChrist.org
Vintage 242 Church 8492 Hiram Acworth Highway 678-383-2299 www.Vintage242.com
Branches of Christ 5946 Jacobs Road 770-917-4964 www.BranchesOfChrist.com
LifeBridge Church 3102 Loring Road 770-422-3010 www.MyLifeBridgeChurch.com
Wholistic Life Ministry 1719 Nemours Dr. NW, Kennesaw 678-836-9586 www.WLMinistry.org
Victory Church 4625 Highway 92 770-794-7366 www.VictoryGA.com
AROUND ACWORTH | March 2018
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Advertisers
For advertising rates and information Katherine Amick 678-279-5502 Katherine@AroundaboutMagazines.com
MARCH 2018
BEAUTY SALON & SPA élon Salon
21
770-427-8698 www.elonsalon.com CHIROPRACTIC Lake City Chiropractic
5
770-529-0566 www.LakeCityChiropractic.com North Cobb Spine & Nerve Institute
45
678-574-5678
28
678-368-5991 www.carpetdrytech.com MiniMaid 31 770-656-2726 www.minimaid.com COUNSELING Thrive Counseling
31
678-217-7529
Gentle Dental Care/Georgia Dental Implants Inside back 770-926-2784 www.georgiadic.com Williams Orthodontics Woodstock: 770-592-5554 Canton: 770-345-4155 www.DrWilliamsOrthodontics.com
29
CREDIT UNION LGE Community Credit Union
48, 49
www.LGEccu.org
Acworth Family Dentistry 770-974-8211 www.AcworthFamilyDentistry.com
AROUND ACWORTH | March 2018
13
47
Wikenhofer Pine Ridge Funeral Home, Cemetery & Crematory 26 770-422-7299 www.WikenhoferPineRidgeFuneralHome.com HOME & GARDEN Dr. Fixit, Ph.D. 770-974-2390 www.DrFixitPHD.com
26
13
Jeffery C. Glover, LLC 404-694-0550 www.bren-abby.com
3
Georgia Trade School 770-590-9353 www.georgiatradeschool.com
15
Mr. Junk 678-Mr-Junk1 www.MrJunk1.com
31
Red Top Roofing & Exteriors 678-632-4077 www.RedTopRoofing.com
31
North Cobb Christian School 770-975-0252 www.ncchristian.org
3
Bay Equity Home Loans Jay White, Area Sales Manager 770-870-0644 www.jayclosesloans.com
37
Dream Land Pet Memorial Center 678-594-0041 www.DreamLandPetCremation.com
Reliable Heating & Air 770-594-9969 www.ReliableAir.com TK & Sons Plumbing 770-529-0799 www.tkandsonsplumbing.com
FUNERAL SERVICES
DENTAL
Georgia Funeral Care & Cremation Services 678-574-3016 www.GeorgiaFuneralCare.com
Cornerstone Prep 770-529-7077 www.cornerstoneprep.org
FINANCIAL SERVICES
www.thrivecounseling.com
62
43
EDUCATION/TUTORING
CLEANING SERVICES Carpet Dry-Tech
Daniel Lee DMD, PC 770-974-4146 www.AcworthDental.com
Back cover
39
OPTOMETRIST 47
Acworth Family EyeCare 770-974-3153 www.acwortheyes.com
43
PEST CONTROL One Dead Bug 404-704-4685 www.onedeadbug.com
7
PHOTOGRAPHY Rebekah Gregg Photography 678-637-7518 www.rebekahgreggphotography.com
35
Atlanta Gastroenterology Assoc. Acworth: 678-631-4600 www.atlantagastro.com
37
Cherokee Internal Medicine 678-238-0301 www.cherokeeim.com
28
Northside Cherokee Surgical Assoc. 770-924-9656 www.ncsurgicalassociates.com
7
13, 23
5
Cover, 32, 33
www.splashfestivals.com
Northside Hospital Cherokee www.northsidecherokee.com WellStar Health System www.wellstar.org/mayo
RECREATION/ENTERTAINMENT Acworth Art Fest
11 Inside front
ABA Golf Tournament
1
www.acworthbusiness.org/events Ride2Read 1 678-401-5855 www.brookwoodchristian.com
REAL ESTATE & RELATED SERVICES
PHYSICIANS AND MEDICAL SERVICES
Governor’s MedSpa & Concierge Medicine 678-888-5181 www.GovernorsMedicine.com
North Georgia Audiology and Hearing Aid Center 770-726-8948 www.YourHearingLink.com
Anchor Realty Partners Malinda Howe, Broker D: 404-444-0225 / O: 770-917-0322 www.anchorrealtypartners.net
37
Bercher Homes Thornton Township 770-851-8492 BercherHomes.com
39
Debi Smith Properties C: 404-660-6652/O: 770-240-2004 www.DebiSmithProperties.com
26
Magnolia Cottages by the Sea www.magnoliadreamcottage.com
47
Smoke on the Lake BBQ Fest
51
www.smokeonthelake.org RESTAURANT JD's Bar-B-Que
1
770-974-8434, www.jdsbbq.com SENIOR LIVING/SERVICES DayBreak Village
7
770-790-7008 www.daybreakvillage.com The Holbook of Acworth
3, 28
404-445-777 wwwHolbrookLife.com
AROUND ACWORTH | March 2018
63
Since 1996, we have brought relevant, uplifting and reader-driven content to readers. We publish Around Acworth, Around Canton, Around Woodstock and TowneLaker. We look forward to serving you, our readers and advertisers, every month. Thank you for your continued support and participation in making this truly your community magazine.
Patty Ponder
Katherine Amick
Christie Deese
Candi Hannigan
Jackie Loudin
Carla Caldwell
Michelle McCulloch
Laura Latchford
Denise Griffin
At Aroundabout Local Media, we believe the world functions at the community level: diverse groups of people living in close proximity, sharing commonality of culture, values and local pride, developing safety nets for those in need, and helping each other to live richer lives. It is our heartfelt desire to contribute to the fabric that helps make a community happen. Through our magazines, we aim to provide everyone in the communities we serve with uplifting, interesting information about the community they are proud to call home. We encourage you to send us your photos, ideas, stories or anything else you think the community would like to know about. It’s your community. It’s your magazine. Look on page 6 for our contact information. Photos by J King Images.
Karen and Jon Flaig
Around Acworth Distribution Map Circulation: 16,500
64
AROUND ACWORTH | March 2018
UNEXPECTED REPAIR BILLS NO MORE! Get your next system from Reliable and NEVER pay for another heating or cooling repair again.
IT’S GETTING COLD IN HERE!
FURNACE SPECIAL
$1795
INSTALLED
Doing it great since ‘78! 24/7 EMERGENCY SERVICE
LICENSED, BONDED AND INSURED
WE TAKE PRIDE IN OUR FAIR PRICES
COMPLETE HEATING & COOLING SYSTEM
COMPLETE SYSTEM TUNE-UP
$3995 installed
$89 1ST SYSTEM $59 2ND SYSTEM
TRANE 1.5 ton A/C, cooling coil, 80% AFUE 40K furnace and programmable thermostat. 10 year parts warranty. Standard installation. Call for details. Cannot be combined with other offers. Cash, check, or credit card only. Expires 4/1/18.
trane 40k btu 80% gas furnace and programmable thermostat. standard installation. 10 year parts warranty.
100% FINANCING AVAILABLE AND BAD CREDIT OK
Standard installation. Call for details. Cannot be combined with other offers. Cash, check or credit card only. Expires 4/1/18.
COMPLETE AIR DUCT CLEANING
WATER HEATER SPECIAL
$25 OFF
$1395 INSTALLED
Keep your home safe each season and save energy! Includes 1” pleated filter.
Camera inspection, high power vacuum, power whip all duct work, wash & scrub all HVAC grills & registers, blower & drain pan, 1” pleated filter, indoor evaporator coil, deodorize system.
Call for details. Cannot be combined with other offers. Expires 4/1/18.
Call for details. Cannot be combined with other offers. Expires 4/1/18.
RELIABLEAIR.COM
CALL/TEXT (770) 594-9969
Includes up to 5 ft. of flue & thermal expansion tank. Call for details. Cannot be combined with other offers. Expires 4/1/18.