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Around Kennesaw

Readers’ Choice 2023!

See Page 19 for details. Nominations are open at www.aroundkennesawmagazine.com.

What’s New

Patel Brothers, an Indian food-oriented grocery store and market, celebrated the grand opening of its new location in Kennesaw last month. The store is located at 2646 George Busbee Parkway, next to Town Center at Cobb, in the 22,000-square-foot building formerly occupied by Rec Warehouse.

Kudos

Several awards were handed out recently during the Cobb Chamber of Commerce’s 81st Annual Dinner at the Cobb Galleria Centre.

Outgoing chamber Chairwoman Britt Fleck presented the 2023 Mack Henderson Public Service Award to Kat Schwaig, president of Kennesaw State University. This award recognizes an individual who embodies the philanthropic legacy of Mack Henderson through outstanding commitment and dedication to building a better quality of life for Cobb County residents. Schwaig has focused attention on enrollment growth, the university’s research infrastructure, engaging first-year students and relaunching a business incubator called HatchBridge.

Dwight “Ike” Reighard, senior pastor of Piedmont Church and CEO of MUST Ministries, was presented the 2022 Cobb County Citizen of the Year Award by Marietta Daily Journal Publisher Otis Brumby III. Reighard, who became the head of MUST in 2011, was recognized for his leadership of a ministry that serves nearly 60,000 people in need each year. During his tenure, the Marietta-based charity launched the MUST Hope House shelter in Marietta and its mobile pantry, which served 17,000 families in its first year. Reighard has been Piedmont’s senior pastor since 2007.

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Letter From the Editor

Having the Super Bowl in the rearview mirror means one thing — it’s baseball season. Don’t get me wrong. I like football, particularly college football (go, Yellow Jackets!), and I enjoyed the big game this year, especially watching Georgia Tech alum Harrison Butker kick the gamewinning field goal.

But I love baseball! 2023 is a milestone for me — I will mark my 50th year as a Braves fan. My interest began when Hank Aaron was chasing Babe Ruth’s home run record. My interest grew along with Dale Murphy’s career (he should be in the Hall of Fame!), reached formerly unfathomable heights during the 1991 worst-to-first miracle season and has remained steady through the Bobby Cox-led 14 consecutive division titles and the new streak of five titles under Brian Snitker.

Through those five decades, I’ve been on some roller-coaster rides — really lean years followed by some unbelievable years then back to the lean years. I’ve been excited to get players like Terry Pendleton, Sid Bream (“Slide, Sid, slide!”), Fred McGriff, Andres Galarraga and Greg Maddux. I’ve loved watching players in the Braves’ minor league system, like Tom Glavine, Chipper Jones, Steve Avery, Jeff Francoeur, Austin Riley and my beloved Murph, develop into superstars. But I’ve been upset with the Braves a lot, too, especially when they

traded the aforementioned Murph to the Phillies (a team I hate, hate, hate!) and didn’t re-sign many of my favorites (Freddie Freeman, Adam Duvall and Kennesaw boy Dansby Swanson being the most recent). And I was not happy when my team handed the 2020 National League Championship title to the Dodgers, another team I hate, hate, hate, after being up 3-1 in the series. But win, lose or draw, the Braves are my team.

I’m grateful I was able to pass on my love of baseball to my son, who played every spring and fall and many summers for 13 years. He was really good. Even other coaches said so. There was nothing like watching him play each week, and I miss those days more than you can imagine.

There are lots of reasons I’ve favored baseball all these years, but the main one is it’s made me feel passionate about something for a very long time. And that has to be a good thing.

Speaking of baseball, check out our feature on Mark Owens, whose two-year stint as an entertainment host for the Braves turned into a 16-year gig that ended last season, on Pages 16-18.

Also, view a photo spread on Pages 1011 that shows the joy of the 2023 Night to Shine special-needs prom, and read about the inclusive playground at SwiftCantrell Park in Nicole Smith’s article on Pages 24-25.

Happy reading!

America’s Community Magazine

Volume 2, Issue 7

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

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

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

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 2023.

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

Donna Harris

The Interdependence of Dependency

BY BILL WESTENBERGER

Unfortunately, our officers often are exposed to extremely depressing scenes and situations. There aren’t many tragedies more horrifying than an accident that claims a life, especially a child. Although there are preventive measures that can help, most are just accidents, with no harm intended. Then there are scenes where a victim has been brutally attacked by an assailant without regard.

Another tragedy our officers see much too frequently is drug addiction (substance abuse disorder). Although the initial act of ingesting might be a poor choice, it easily can morph into an addiction that ultimately can take a life, leaving a horrific trail of pain, mental health illness and loss of employment, family and friends. An addiction affects more than just the addict’s inner circle. It also can create a huge drain on our community in terms of health consequences, government (tax) resources and expenses, unemployment and homelessness.

Over the years, our society has had a tendency to misdiagnose those with addictions and to believe they chose their lifestyle. Mayo Clinic defines a substance abuse disorder as “a disease that affects a person’s brain and behavior and leads to an inability to control the use of a legal or illegal drug or medicine. Substances such as alcohol, marijuana and nicotine also are considered drugs.” Physical addiction appears to occur when repeated use of a drug changes the way your brain “feels pleasure,” the clinic says, by causing “physical changes to some neurons’ use of neurotransmitters to communicate.”

Our medical and public safety officials have been seeing more and more overdose incidents. The increased use of opioid drugs has led to fentanyl turning up in other, more common drugs. What’s even more disturbing is the need to get high now is leading some down a path of choosing fentanyl. Precious lives and families are being destroyed daily. As a society, we have to do a much better job of recognizing the tragedies in our family, friends, neighbors, classmates and coworkers. Beyond the health, financial and social impacts, addictions are leading to domestic and international

crimes, abuse and terrorism.

If you suffer from this disorder, I beg you to seek help. If family members or friends suffer from it, beg them to get help. We can’t afford any more preventable loss of life. Recognize risk factors: family history, mental health disorders, peer pressure, lack of family involvement, early use, ingesting highly addictive drugs. Help is just a phone call away. In Georgia, contact the Georgia Crisis and Access Line 24/7 at 800-715-4225. It might be the call that saves your life or the lives of others!

Until next time, stay safe.

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

Their Time to

NorthStar Church in Kennesaw welcomed 152 guests from Cobb, Cherokee, Bartow, Paulding, Gordon, Polk, Floyd, Fayette, Fulton and Gwinnett counties — and even one from Fruithurst, Alabama! — to the 2023 Night to Shine, an unforgettable prom night experience for people with special needs, ages 14 and older. The event, sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation and hosted by local churches, is centered on God’s love.

Participants, who ranged in age from 14-67, were invited to attend a pre-party at the Acworth Community Center and to ride the limousine party bus to the red carpet at the church on Blue Springs Road, according to NorthStar Special-Needs Director Courtney Miller. The three-hour prom featured limousine rides, a deejay, dancing, karaoke, face painting, balloon artists, airbrush tattoos, a sensory room, games, shoe shining, hair and makeup appointments and touch-ups, nail artists, photo booths and visits with 10 princesses, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse. Chick-fil-A Brookstone/ Acworth donated dinner for the guests and volunteers, who came from NorthStar, North Cobb and Allatoona high schools, Lewis Elementary School and other organizations.

For the caregiver event, the church treated 296 guests to live music, ballroom dance lessons, massages, nail artists, raffle prizes, dinner donated by 1885 Grille and bundtlets donated by Nothing Bundt Cakes.

A face-painting artist gives this guest a unique look.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF NORTHSTAR CHURCH

Guests arrive at the red carpet in style via the limousine party bus.

Guests and their buddies get down on the dance floor.

Time for a selfie! Everybody smile!

Each guest was paired with a buddy.

Events in Cobb County Easter

March 25

Covenant Church is hosting Breakfast With the Bunny and an Easter egg hunt on its campus at 3375 Atlanta Road, Smyrna. The pancake breakfast begins at 10 a.m. and will include crafts, a read-aloud and a photo opportunity with the bunny (bring a camera). The egg hunt will follow at 11 a.m. Kids will be divided into age groups.

March 31

The skydiving Easter Bunny will be back for the Acworth Egg Hunt, sponsored by the city of Acworth and Freedom Church, on the baseball fields at the Acworth Sports Complex, 4000 S. Main St. Besides the bunny’s grand entrance, the event will include games, crafts and egg hunts by age groups. Gates open at 6 p.m. The egg hunt schedule is:

• Ages 0-2 at 7:30 p.m. on Field 1.

• Ages 3-4 at 7:40 p.m. on Field 2.

• Ages 5-6 at 7:50 p.m. on Field 3.

• Ages 7-8 at 8 p.m. on Field 4.

• Ages 9-10 at 8:10 p.m. on Field 1.

April 1

The Kennesaw Bunny Breakfast will be held 8-11:15 a.m. at the Ben Robertson Community Center, 2753 Watts Drive. Enjoy a hot breakfast and personal visits with the Easter Bunny as he makes his way from table to table to say hello to the kids. https://bit.ly/4193yUs

The annual Smith-Gilbert Gardens Easter Egg Hunt will take place 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the gardens, 2382 Pine Mountain Road, Kennesaw. https://bit.ly/3xBD6VX

April 7

The 2023 Marietta Community Egg Hunt, 5-9 p.m., will be held at the Life University Athletic Complex, 1415 Barclay Circle, Marietta. Events include games, music, activities, food vendors and egg hunts featuring more than 60,000 eggs and candy. The hunt schedule is:

• 5:30 p.m. for ages 3 and younger.

• 6 p.m. for kids with special needs.

• 7 p.m. for ages 4-7.

• 8 p.m. for kids with special needs.

• 8:30 p.m. for ages 8-10.

Toddler hunts will be in a separate area at 5:30 p.m., 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

Admission is free. A kids’ zone will offer unlimited rides for $10 per child. Funds raised from the event will support Marietta City Schools via the Marietta Business Association Education Programs. 770-423-1330

April 8

Kennesaw United Methodist Church at 1801 Ben King Road will have its Easter Eggstravaganza at 10 a.m. on the front lawn of the church. The free event will include egg hunts for kids birth through fifth grade, prizes, Easter prayer stations, snacks and a reenactment of the Easter story. Kids can keep the candy and return the plastic eggs for prizes, a hot dog lunch, bouncy house access and face painting. https://bit.ly/3I1opjH

The 14th annual Northeast Cobb Community Egg Drop, hosted by Piedmont Church and the Cobb County School District, is set for 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Sprayberry High School, 2525 Sandy Plains Road, Marietta. More than 90,000 eggs and candy will be dropped from a helicopter and scattered onto the football field for the egg hunts. Also featured will be games, a deejay, an ultimate kids’ zone (unlimited rides for $10 per child), a food court and free photos with the Easter Bunny, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Admission is free. The hunt schedule is:

• 11:30 a.m. for the helicopter drop and egg hunt for ages 3 and younger.

• Noon for kids with special needs.

• 1:30 p.m. for the helicopter drop and egg hunt for ages 4-7.

• 2 p.m. for kids with special needs.

• 3:30 p.m. for ages 8-10.

Toddler hunts will be in a separate area at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.

For information, visit www.communityeggdrop.org or call 770-423-1330.

Basil Pesto

Ingredients

• 4 cups loosely packed fresh basil leaves

• 4 tablespoons toasted pine nuts

• 4 tablespoons grated fresh Parmesan

• 1 teaspoon minced garlic

• 1 teaspoon salt (or more to taste)

• ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil

• Fresh ground black pepper

• Fresh lemon thyme, to taste

Directions

In a food processor, combine basil, pine nuts, Parmesan, garlic and salt and puree. While the motor is running, drizzle in olive oil until incorporated. Season with pepper and lemon thyme to taste. Store in refrigerator in a glass jar with plastic wrap laying on top of the pesto to prevent discoloration. Note: If lemon thyme is unavailable, use regular thyme with some lemon zest.

Greek Spinach Frittata

Ingredients

• 8 eggs

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon oregano

• Extra-virgin olive oil

• Olives

• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese

• 8 ounces frozen, chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry

Directions

Preheat broiler. In a large bowl, whisk eggs with salt, pepper, garlic powder and oregano and set aside. Drizzle olive oil in a medium ovenproof skillet. Add spinach and saute on medium-high until reheated. Add egg mixture and stir to combine. Reduce heat to medium-low then top with olives and feta. Cook until edges are set, about 3-4 minutes. Place skillet in oven and broil until top is golden-colored, about 1-2 minutes.

Eating Green on

BY TIFFANY HUGHES

Everyone is familiar with the revelry associated with St. Patrick’s Day, but not everyone knows St. Patrick was a real person who was the patron saint of Ireland. Born in the Roman-controlled part of Britain, he was kidnapped at age 16 and taken to Ireland as a slave, according to Britannica.com. He escaped but returned years later to convert the country to Christianity. Numerous legends surround St. Patrick, including one about his driving snakes out of the country (there are no snakes in Ireland). Today, St. Patrick’s Day is a celebration of all things Irish. No get-together is complete without ample offerings of green food because, after all, everyone goes green on St. Patrick’s Day.

Pesto is about as green as you can get and is a wonderful condiment that can be used in a variety of ways. For instance, mix some into your deviled egg recipe (substitute for the mustard), toss cooked shrimp in it or use it as a spread for cheese on a charcuterie board. Thread fresh mozzarella pearls with cherry tomatoes and salami slices on a skewer, then drizzle with pesto. Toss it with warm pasta and fresh grated Parmesan cheese for a quick dinner. You also can top a block of cream cheese with pesto for a tasty dip.

Cucumbers are a green veggie with a lot of uses. Spread your favorite cracker with cream cheese, minced cucumbers and feta cheese crumbles. Drizzle with some balsamic vinegar just before serving. Cucumbers also can be turned into pickles. Drain a 46-ounce jar of whole dill pickles, cut them into thick slices

and put back into the jar. In a medium saucepan, heat 1 cup white vinegar with 1¾ cups white sugar. Cook to boiling, then pour over the pickle slices in the jar. Cover and refrigerate. The dill pickles will become sweet pickles, and the longer they’re in the fridge, the crispier they become.

Spinach is a great ingredient for your green theme. Toss it in a salad or on top of a pizza. Saute it with some crumbled, cooked bacon, then add it to some warm pasta. Drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil and top with fresh Parmesan. Another idea is to combine chopped spinach with 4 ounces softened cream cheese, ¾ cup minced chopped onion, ½ cup crumbled, cooked bacon and ½ teaspoon salt. Stuff into chicken breasts sliced horizontally. Season as desired and bake at 350 degrees until done.

For dessert, try lime options — lime sherbet topped with whipped cream and green sprinkles or lime gelatin in your favorite poke cake recipe. Or use greencolored frosting on cookies or a cake. For drinks, put some fresh mint in your iced tea or lemonade or drop cucumber slices and fresh basil leaves into your water. No matter what food you serve, just remember the day is about celebrating and having fun! Happy St. Patrick’s Day, everyone!

Cowboy Caviar

Ingredients

• 1 can black-eyed peas, drained

• 1 can black beans, drained

• 1 large cucumber, chopped

• 1 cup corn

• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro

• 8 ounces salsa verde

Directions

Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl. Top with feta cheese, if desired. Serve with fresh veggies or tortilla chips, on crackers or in tacos.

Marshmallow Key Lime Pie

Ingredients

• Graham cracker crust

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened and divided

• 1 can sweetened condensed milk

• ½ cup Key lime juice

• Zest of 1 lime

• Dash salt

• One egg yolk

Marshmallow topping

• 2 cups miniature marshmallows

• 5 tablespoons butter

• ½ cup heavy whipping cream

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, beat 5 ounces cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, lime juice, zest and salt until well blended. Add egg yolk and mix on low speed just until combined. Pour into crust and bake 15-20 minutes or until center is set. Cool on wire rack. While pie is baking, melt marshmallows and butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and pour mixture in a large bowl, along with whipping cream and remaining cream cheese. Blend on low until smooth. Cover and refrigerate until chilled. When the pie and marshmallow mixture are sufficiently chilled, beat marshmallow mixture on medium-high until light and fluffy. Spread on pie and serve.

Tiffany

Hughes is an Acworth resident and works for the Booth Western Art Museum. Contact her at creativecook11@yahoo.com.

Mark Owens celebrates with his wife, Gretchen, and daughter, Caroline, at Truist Park after the 2021 World Series parade.

‘Time to Step Back’

Owens Leaves Gig as Braves’ In-Game Entertainment Host

BY DONNA HARRIS

What started out as a two-year gig to make some extra money turned into a 16-year part-time job Mark Owens absolutely loved.

For 16 seasons, the 1997 Harrison High School graduate worked for the Atlanta Braves, first as the pre-game plaza host for two years, then as the in-game entertainment host for 14 years. If you remember the guy who conducted the cap shuffle game or introduced the Home Depot Tool Race contestants on the big screen at Turner Field and Truist Park, then you’re familiar with Mark.

But at the end of the 2022 season, Mark decided it was time to “retire” from his side hustle to spend more time with his wife of 12 years, Gretchen, and daughter, Caroline, 9, who “100% owns me.”

“It was time, and I was burned out,” he said. “The Braves have always been an amazing part-time gig, but it was just part time. When the team is in town, those are 15-hour days, and the 10-game homestands where your energy must be cranked to 10 in the 95-degree heat can be brutal. More importantly, I owed it to my girls. I’ve never had a full summer with Gretchen or Caroline. She’s already 9, and I don’t want to miss any more birthdays, holidays or vacations.”

Mark — who moved to west Cobb at age 7, lived there until he finished college, then moved back to his native Smyrna — worked as the plaza host during the 2007 and 2008 seasons and took over the in-game hosting duties in 2009.

“I was working on ‘The Bert Show’ on Q100 and got word the Braves needed a pre-game plaza host,” he said, noting he worked in Atlanta radio for 20 years. “I was single, had the evenings off and had plenty of energy, so I auditioned and got

the job. After the conclusion of the 2008 season, the then-in-game host stepped away, and I moved into the spot. It was originally going to be a two-year gig for extra cash, but I fell in love with the gig, the fans and the atmosphere and wouldn’t leave. (It) lasted for 14 seasons.”

As the in-game host, Mark’s responsibility “on paper” was to “host features and keep the crowd entertained and informed.”

“However, I gave myself the task of being the voice of the fans,” he said. “I was born and raised a Braves fan, so I experienced the same emotions they were going through. When they won, I cheered. When the Braves lost, I was also bummed. I was not only the guy giving away prizes on the big screen, I was also a fan.”

Mark said Beat the Freeze — former college track star Nigel Talton — is the most popular feature at the games, and he loved “how involved the fans would

get watching a contestant try to outrun a track star.”

“(But) my favorite games were the ones families played together,” he said. “Sundays were family days, so we would have parents and their kids participate together in a feature. Watching the sheer joy from a dad who won the Napa Cap Shuffle with his son or a mother and daughter winning a seat upgrade made my day. I would have adults tear up talking about experiencing Braves games with their parents, and then they would have their own bucket-list moment that they would never forget with their kids.”

During his 16 years with the team, Mark has experienced more memorable moments than he can count, but a few are seared into his memory forever.

“Sitting with my dad in the fancy seats watching a post-game concert on Father’s Day and getting my mom tickets to the World Series are top three,” he said. “Mom was so proud to

The prize everyone in the Braves organization works for each season.

see her baby boy on the big screen at the World Series. However, my favorite moment would be after the World Series parade, celebrating on the field, covered in confetti, with Gretchen and Caroline. It’s not just a top Braves moment; it’ll be one of my all-time cherished memories.”

Speaking of the World Series, Mark also is the proud owner of a 2021 championship ring, a feeling he described as “surreal.”

“I played baseball at Oregon Park, but once I got to Harrison, I realized I was not as good as I thought,” he said. “So, for someone with little to no athletic ability to be part of a World Series championship is, in a word, surreal.”

As a Cobb native and lifelong Braves fan, Mark said he loved having the team relocate to his home county and build its new stadium practically in his backyard.

“When the announcement was made, my phone blew up with people

wanting details,” he said. “I had no clue and found out just like everyone else. I loved Turner Field, but it was too big, and there was nothing for the fans, aside from baseball. To grow a new fan base, you need bars, restaurants, hotels, music, etc. The Battery offers the fans more than just a baseball game.”

Working for the organization for a decade and a half, Mark couldn’t help but develop some “favorites.” His favorite Brave, for example, is Brian McCann, whom he called “gracious, humble and kind to every fan wanting a picture or autograph.”

“Plus, I was also a catcher growing up, so I respect his ability and longevity in such a tough position,” he said.

But his favorite visiting team? “None.”

“Any team that comes to Truist (Park) is our enemy and could ruin our season,” he said. “I really don’t like the Mets, Dodgers and Cubs. It’s less

about the teams, more about the fans. Mets fans are obnoxious, Dodgers fans want to fight everybody, and Cubs fans have a weird sense of entitlement.”

Leaving the stadium for the last time as an employee made Mark feel “proud.”

“Proud because I know deep down, I gave the team, the organization and the fans 100% for 16 seasons,” he said. “There was never a game or event that I didn’t try to make that experience a little more memorable for the fans. Plus, I was proud that my family got to join me on this journey along the way.”

Mark said it will be “very odd” for him to not be at the Braves’ 2023 home opener April 6 as a team employee.

“I haven’t been a beer-drinking, hooting-and-hollering paying fan since 2006,” he said. “It’ll be weird, but I’m very excited to experience a game from the other side. I’m also excited to watch a home game while on vacation. I was born and raised a Braves fan, and that will never change. However, you had better believe I’ll be wearing my World Series ring to the games. I earned that!”

But Mark, whose day job is working in the radio/TV department at Impact Partnership in Kennesaw, said he doesn’t plan on being “that former employee hanging around, asking for free stuff or getting in the way.”

“It’s time to step back,” he said. “They know if they need me, I’m here.”

Mark summed up his long stint with the Braves in one rather surprising word — quick.

“The days were long, but the seasons were short,” he said. “I had some unforgettable bucket-list moments, from closing Turner Field to opening Truist Park, opening the new spring training facility in Florida, working the Fort Bragg game (July 2016 against the Miami Marlins), and I was in the World Series parade. Moments I am forever grateful to have experienced and will never forget.”

The former employee offered a heartfelt shoutout to Braves Country for all the support through the years.

“Thank you to the fans for allowing and trusting me to be part of your game-day experience,” he said. “I hope I made you proud and allowed you to make some memories. Go Braves!”

Mark gets help on one of his segments from Braves mascot Blooper.

The Storied of Depot

BY ANDREW J. BRAMLETT

On Jan. 19, the city of Kennesaw broke ground on a new amphitheater for Depot Park. The amphitheater is one of the finishing touches on the park, which has a long and storied history.

The first depot in our community (a wooden structure built before the Civil War) was located near the Big Shanty Eating House, later known as the Lacy Hotel. The railroad built the hotel in 1859 to serve passengers, and it became famous in April 1862 as the starting point of the Great Locomotive Chase. Both the hotel and the depot were burned in 1864, during the war.

The depot’s replacement was another small wooden structure, built shortly after the war, and a new hotel was built around the same time. When Kennesaw was incorporated in 1887, the city limits were set at “one-half mile from the depot of the Western and Atlantic Railroad Co.”

After 20 years of use, the depot needed improvements. In 1891, the Nashville, Chattanooga and St. Louis Railroad announced a replacement was in the works. It opened in 1893, and the Marietta Journal’s correspondent called it “an honor to the place and very much needed.”

That same year, the old structure was moved away from the railroad tracks, near where the amphitheater will be built. Its ultimate fate is not known.

The 1893 depot was expanded in 1902 and again during the 1920s. By the 1950s, the days of passenger service were numbered, and city officials began planning for the structure’s future. In 1954, the City

This photo shows the Kennesaw Depot, the white building in the center, sometime after 1893. Photo courtesy of Georgia State University.

The Kennesaw Depot is the focal point of the new Depot Park.

Storied History Depot Park

Council considered turning it into City Hall. There also were plans in 1959 to turn it into a museum about the Great Locomotive Chase. Neither of those plans came to pass. Passengers last used the depot in the early 1960s, and the city purchased it in 1962. Since then, it has been used for a variety of purposes and now is a local history museum and specialevents space.

The city first leased the area around the depot in 1975 and eventually purchased it from the state. Other pieces of land in what is now Depot Park were bought in 1987 and 2017. One of these properties is the historic B.H. Carrie House at the corner of Big Shanty Drive and Cherokee Street. The yellow house was built around 1890 by Benjamin H. Carrie, a former mayor. It was relocated a short distance from its original site in the 2000s to make it more accessible. Currently, it’s being refurbished to be the green room for the new amphitheater.

Plans for Depot Park have been in the works since 1995, when a “historic village” was proposed. Homes from the 19th century would have been relocated to the site, along with a blacksmith shop and a tannery. A replica of the Big Shanty Eating House also would have been constructed. The plan did not come to fruition.

Another project, announced in 2008, involved building the tunnel under the railroad tracks and a new home for the Kennesaw Library. The tunnel opened in 2010, but the library plan never was realized.

The ribbon cutting for Depot Park was held on June 22, 2021. The park features a walking path, several bridges and its highlight and namesake, the Kennesaw Depot. The addition of an amphitheater will complete the middle portion of the park.

Gateway Park is just to the south of Depot Park, on the same block. It opened in 2018 and features a large sign designed by students from Kennesaw State University. Interestingly, there once might have been another park on the site. Local historian Mark Smith, writing in the 1980s, described a baseball field with “home plate … near the present intersection of Sardis and South Main Street, with the batter hitting towards the northwest.” When a bridge was built on Main

Street over the railroad tracks, the ball field was closed. Council minutes indicate this happened before 1936.

The Kennesaw Depot originally was the heart of the community, as it was the railroad that created Kennesaw. When the city was incorporated, the depot kept its status as the literal center point of our town. With the construction of Depot Park, it once again can return to its rightful place as a focal point for the community.

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

The tunnel underneath the railroad tracks opened in 2010. Photo courtesy of Kennesaw Parks and Recreation Department.

Playground

BY NICOLE SMITH

Most of us can recall childhood memories of playing with friends at a local playground. But imagine not being able to fully enjoy having fun with your peers because you weren’t able to access the equipment. This is a reality for many children who have disabilities.

Kennesaw residents contacted city officials about the need for a playground that could be used by all children, and the vision for a more inclusive experience has become a reality at Swift-Cantrell Park at 3140 Old 41 Highway. Through a collaborative effort, Kennesaw has become the home of one of the largest inclusive playgrounds in Georgia.

The universal design with sensoryrich options allows children to develop their physical, social and emotional well-being, according to inclusiveplaygrounds.net, an authority on inclusive play. Besides benefiting the kids, these spaces also benefit their adult caregivers by allowing them to actively engage with the children in their care.

The idea for an inclusive playground was sparked in 2017 by Kennesaw resident Ann Pratt, who suggested it to a council member. Pratt is a retired teacher who worked with children with special needs and understands the value of inclusion. As a member of the Inclusive Playground Committee and the Swift-Cantrell Park Foundation, she did not waver in her determination to have Kennesaw take an idea of a wheelchair swing and turn it into an 18,500-square-foot, fully accessible playground. Pratt’s commitment to the project earned her one of the four inaugural Follow the Leader Awards from the city in June 2022. The awards acknowledge local leaders who are making a difference in the community through their service.

City officials and the Parks and Recreation Department held the initial groundbreaking ceremony in September 2019, with Mayor Derek

The We-Go-Swing at Swift-Cantrell Park’s inclusive playground.

A family tries out the new We-Go-Swing as Ann Pratt and Mayor Derek Easterling watch.

Playground Provides Fun for All

Easterling and members of the City Council and the foundation in attendance. At that time, plans called for adding 5,000 square feet of sensoryfriendly features for children to the existing playground. The addition would expand it to 18,500 square feet of space that would be accessible to all once the existing wood chips were replaced by turf. There also were plans for a sensory play center to help children with their development while they play. This would include tactile elements, so kids could experience shapes, as well as rough and smooth textures.

On Jan. 9, 2020, the city of Kennesaw partnered with the Swift-Cantrell Park Foundation for a grand-opening celebration. The inclusive playground features a large, wheelchair-accessible play structure with a ropes tower, sensory stations, an eight-person wheelchair glider and a slide. Ramps enable the use of pod climbers, a tunnel system and climbing features. No detail was overlooked — there’s

even a 40-foot shaded area to keep kids cool while they’re having fun.

In January, the city and the Parks and Recreation Department had another ribbon cutting for the inclusive swing, the main piece of the initial inclusive playground vision. Thanks to funding provided by T-Mobile’s Hometown Grant, it is now available for all to enjoy.

“We are excited to be able to grow our inclusive playground with this new inclusive swing,” Parks and Recreation Director Steve Roberts said. “This entire playground started with the desire to have an inclusive swing, and today, we can make that dream come true. We want to thank T-Mobile for the Hometown Grant; this is a great example of companies giving back to their communities.”

The We-Go-Swing has a 60-by72-inch entry deck and does not require a transfer from a mobility device. Since it is connected to the ramp, users can easily roll onto it. It

also offers enough room for caregivers to ride along with the children.

“Handlebars assist in moving the swing and keeping the users in place and rotate up for easy entrance and exit,” a city spokesperson said. “With all kids on board working together, it is a collaborative effort that builds cooperation and inclusive fun for everyone. Parents in wheelchairs or scooters can give their small child a swing experience on their own, without the need for assistance. The swing also is ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)-compliant.”

The inclusive playground is another example of how the people of Kennesaw come together for the good of all and create a space for multigenerational play and growth.

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

Among those attending the ribbon cutting for the inclusive swing are Steve Roberts, left, Ann Pratt (plaid shirt) and Mayor Derek Easterling (white shirt).

Chamomile Your New Best Friend

BY ROLVIN LENTSCH

Chamomile just might be an age-old solution for many nagging issues you have. Sounds great, right? And you can grow it in your yard. Even if you don’t use it for your maladies, these beauties look like daisies, which they are, waving at you in the wind. What could be better than a friendly wave? Maybe some help with how you feel.

Daisies and chamomile are members of the family Asteraceae. The two types of chamomiles I will focus on are Matricaria recutita and Anthemis nobils. Matricaria recutita is also known as German chamomile or, in some cases, true chamomile. Anthemis nobils is also known as Roman chamomile. The difference between the two usually is fragrance. M. recutita has a light fragrance of apples, while A. nobils smells like sweet straw. Both are used medicinally.

Besides lifting your spirits when you look over a garden of white waving at you, what else can chamomile plants do? For thousands of years, these little flowers have been used to treat anxiety, sleep disorders, inflammation, wounds, skin irritation, menstrual disorders and vomiting. But when you’re taking medication, do some research to ensure that chamomile does not affect the metabolism of your meds. One of the primary side effects is drowsiness, so be careful when you go for a drive.

How do you grow chamomile? This plant is a perennial that bees and other pollinators love. It’s easy and cheap to grow, especially since it comes back year after year. German chamomile can reach a height of 24 inches, and the Roman type is about half that height. The German variety has a little more chamazulene — a natural anti-inflammatory agent — making it a slightly better choice for relaxing drinks. Consider these factors when growing chamomile:

• Planting zones. This plant grows between Zones 3 and 9. Cobb County is in 7A; south and west of Cobb is 7B.

• Drainage. You will have to amend your typical Georgia clay. Too much water around the roots will ruin your crop. Compost mixed with river sand will allow for drainage and nutrients needed by growing plants.

• Starting seeds. You sow seeds in fall or spring, so cold weather doesn’t usually pose a problem. If you purchase plants, plant them in your garden in the spring. If planting the German variety, start with one or two plants; they can grow to 3 feet. The Roman variety, which can thrive in cracks, grows about 4-6 inches tall, so you will need more plants. If you plant in an area that can be mowed, cut the first-year flowers, and this will help the plants spread. The German variety reseeds easily and can become a problem to control.

• Water needs. Water only in case of severe drought. Harvest when the florets begin to bend backward. Remove the stems; they will cause your tea to taste bitter. Store flowers in a tightly sealed glass jar after they have been airdried. You also can make tea from freshly harvested flowers. Boil 8 ounces of water, add a handful of flowers and steep for five minutes. You can strain the petals after brewing or place the flowers in an infusion device, such as a tea ball or cheesecloth, before adding to the water.

Chamomile tea has long been used to treat a number of health issues.

Matricaria recutita, known as German chamomile or true chamomile.

• Location. Plants need eight to 10 hours of full sun daily. Partial shade might help in the hot periods like July and August.

If you need to make a compress, make a tea bag out of cheesecloth. After submerging the tea bag for three minutes, pat it dry (only to remove excess water). Refrigerate it for 15 to 30 minutes to cool, then place it on the swollen area.

I hope this information will encourage you to plant this ancient remedy for its medicinal properties or just for a cup of wonderful tea.

The Master Gardener Volunteers of Cobb County supports the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service and strives to improve the quality of life in our community by delivering research-based horticultural information, educational programs and projects.

University

Georgia Extension.

BY M.JAE

Ready for the Next Great Adventure

North Cobb Christian School students are well prepared for life beyond high school.

BY KATE HARTLEY

In middle school, Cole Carden was struggling. It’s not an uncommon story: Boy gets to middle school, starts questioning authority, gets in a bit of trouble and doesn’t find God very relevant. What was uncommon about Cole’s story is what happened next. Cole had started attending North Cobb Christian School (NCCS) in fifth grade, and he knew the middle school principal, Craig Konchak. In fact, they had butted heads. But, rather than dole out detentions, Konchak issued an invitation.

“I was getting into a little bit of trouble after transitioning to a new school, and I was struggling with my faith. Mr. Konchak noticed that,” Cole said. “He called me into his office once a month to have lunch with him. At first, it was against my will, but he said, ‘You’re coming to lunch with me, and we’re going to talk.’ He showed me compassion and modeled what it looks like to live out your faith in an authentic way. He took time to invest in me, and to this day, that bond has greatly impacted my walk with God.”

NCCS senior Cole Carden.

PHOTOS

Spiritual Truth in Surround Sound

A powerful phenomenon happens when children are brought up learning foundational biblical truth from their family, their church and their school. North Cobb Christian School calls this the “three-legged stool.” It’s hard to sit firmly on a stool with only two legs — and even harder to go through life on a pogo stick!

“Hearing the same truths from three different places gives you a solid foundation,” NCCS senior Cole Carden said. “With my faith, I have a solid community building me up and strengthening me to go out into the world.”

Ready to Launch

This spring, Cole will graduate from North Cobb Christian School and head to the U. S. Coast Guard Academy, where he has been recruited to swim for the school’s elite swimming and diving team. Cole said he feels very prepared for this next journey, largely because of the investment of the administrators and teachers at NCCS.

“The school is very transparent. They don’t sugarcoat discipline issues, and they don’t dodge social issues. Instead, they try to resonate with kids and show them how to address issues head-on,” Cole said. “For example, Mr. Shaffer, my Bible teacher, leads us in debating real ethical issues you hear about in the news, but with the Bible as the authority.”

The Christian School Bubble Myth

Countering the thought that Christian schools are a “bubble” that keeps students from the real world, Cole said, “Our school is definitely not a bubble. Inside our school, we have all the same issues teenagers have at any school. I think the issues breed more in other schools, where they can’t address them how we do, though. At NCCS, we can attack the issue and get to the root of the problem.” Christina Surcey, a junior at NCCS who

transferred from another school her sophomore year, agrees with Cole.

“I wanted to come to NCCS because my previous school was becoming very unsafe, with a lot of gun and bomb threats. Seven police officers had to show up one day. I felt instantly safer at NCCS because it’s fully gated, and there’s a guardhouse and a security team — but it’s the teachers that really make this school feel safe,” Christina said. “The teachers here are absolutely amazing. They’re challenging — my classes are harder here — but they really care and give students a safe space to process life.”

Standing for Truth in a Fallen World

Christina remembers her first day at NCCS and being amazed that another student held the door for her, her teachers asked how she was doing, and everyone stood for the pledge to the flag.

“When they said to stand for the pledge and everyone in the class did it without question, I felt such a flood of relief,” Christina said. “Here, there’s just a foundation of respect being built in us. There’s an emphasis on God that pervades everything. It’s awesome that

we can talk about Jesus, worship during chapel, and all come together and pray. Coming from a public school, I am so grateful.”

Head of School Todd Clingman, who has led NCCS since 2007, said that the school’s mission is to help students navigate a world where truth is eroding.

“Our children face so many attacks on their identity,” he said. “We aren’t only equipping students to get into college. We’re giving them a firm foundation in Christ, so they’re equipped to stand for truth in a fallen world.”

Cole echoed this mission: “NCCS is not a bubble that keeps kids from the real world. It’s a training ground that equips kids for the real world. I know I’m ready.”

NCCS junior Christina Surcey.

Clean and Dry 5 Ways to Keep Entryways

BY ELISABETH STUBBS

If you have a mudroom, you likely have put it to the test lately. January through March is our rainy season in Georgia, with March being the wettest month, according to www.weather.gov. If you don’t have a mudroom, here are five tips to better utilize your entry points:

1. Use practical doormats. Shoes are the main reason outside elements don’t stay outside. To lessen what you track inside, use a high-quality exterior doormat. Decorative doormats are cozy, welcoming accessories, but they mostly are for show. Consider placing an initial decorative doormat followed by a durable runner rug through your entryway or mudroom. This way, your shoes won’t touch as much of the floor.

Any mats you place down should be rinsed and washed at least once a week. If you notice leaves and debris becoming an issue, mount a broom to the wall, and sweep any materials back outside for removal. Just make sure leaves and dirt aren’t left on the porch or steps where they can be tracked back inside.

2. Create a shoe tray. Muddy, wet boots can wreak havoc on hardwood flooring or carpet. Instead of storing boots outside in the cold, keep them warm and dry by creating a tray for them inside. You will need a rubber or plastic boot tray, smooth stones and a poly cement adhesive to glue the stones to the base of the tray. As a bonus, the tray can add a natural decorative touch to your space.

3. Stay organized. Place a bench against the wall in your entryway or mudroom, where you can take off shoes and unpack bags after a long day of activities. Choose one with a lift top and cubbies to maximize storage space.

When you’re in a rush, the tendency is to leave items strewn about. Take time to devise an organization plan that suits your household’s needs, so you’ll be able to find things faster and keep everything looking presentable for guests.

4. Choose the right flooring. A medium to dark tile with a nonslip texture and stainresistant grout is a good choice for mudrooms or entryways. Other options include water-resistant luxury vinyl plank, luxury vinyl tile and laminate floors. Color variation is a plus, and choosing a floor that blends with what is being tracked in (dirt, leaves, etc.) is smart.

5. Keep it clean. Have a broom and small towel handy to wipe down any debris on your entryway flooring and seating. Consider keeping a basket of supplies nearby for cleanups.

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

A bench in the entryway provides a place to store shoes and bags.

A shoe tray allows boots to drain inside, where it’s warm.

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Rob’s Rescues

This month, I met with Sam Shelton, CEO of Furkids. Headquartered in Cumming, Furkids is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization that operates the largest cage-free, no-kill shelter in the Southeast for rescued cats, as well as Sadie’s Place, a no-kill shelter for dogs. Furkids also operates one of the few facilities in the Southeast dedicated to the care of feline immunodeficiency virus-positive cats.

Tell us about what Furkids does. We save lives — more than 5,000 dogs and cats each year. We get some of the most at-risk animals, the sick and injured. Animal Control (AC) often will call us before euthanasia. We seek to restore health and find loving homes.

Describe your new facility.

This dog needs urgent help, and his name is Fushi. He is a 13-year-old Shar-Pei. He was an owner-surrender, turned in with a tumor at a very old age. He is a very sweet dog who really needs a home. It would be amazing if someone would adopt and help this dog.

In 2018, we bought 9 acres in Cumming, the original Wakoola Water Gardens. We renovated the existing buildings and now have our headquarters there. The land gives us an opportunity to expand, and we are getting ready to break ground on a new medical facility and cat and dog shelter. We will also have a special events venue in our beautiful setting. We welcome the community to the campus.

How many cats get help each year?

We help more than 3,000 per year. The majority come from AC or are strays that people find. On the dog side, we help about 1,200. Our Community Cat Program helps more than 100 cats each month. We have brought the Cobb County Animal Services euthanasia rate down substantially and are focused on making Cobb County cats non-kill.

Do you transport out of Georgia?

In 2018, we started transporting cats and dogs north to no-kill partners in Vermont, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Maine.

What did you do before you started Furkids?

This cat’s name is Princess. She is a medium-sized white cat. She is very friendly and very soft, as well. She was a stray and would be a very chill cat that would love you.

I have always loved animals and children. Before I started Furkids, I worked in the corporate world for Turner and Equifax. One day, I found a mother cat and kittens in my backyard. I called Fulton County AC, and they told me they had no space, and, if I brought them in, they would be euthanized. I then went to an adoption center in Buckhead, Friends of Animals. I learned so much. I started Furkids by just putting a “Volunteers Needed” sign up, and the rest is history.

What do you want people to know?

We love animals. We love placing them in loving homes. If you are looking to adopt, visit us. If you want to volunteer, we have opportunities for adults, and for kids, too. The FurTales Program for children allows them to read to cats. And children can help their parents volunteer.

We have kids that help out in our thrift stores, too. We want to help the community. We have vaccine clinics, and we are working on a food pantry for struggling families.

You can make a difference. Apply yourself. Don’t turn your back on an animal in the street.

How can the community help you?

Fix your pets. Adopt. Support the work we do by donating and volunteering. We truly appreciate community support. Donate to one of our thrift stores based in Marietta, Johns Creek, Peachtree Corners and Lawrenceville. For more information, visit Furkids.org.

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

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

Rob and Sam Shelton, CEO of Furkids.

Celebrations!

ANNOUNCEMENTS ARE FREE!

Email: edit@aroundaboutmagazines.com

April deadline is March 10.

Please specify Around Kennesaw. Word limit: 25.

Presleigh

Happy ninth birthday, Presleigh!

Cheers to you, sweet one.

We love you so much!

Love, Dad, Mom, Braxton, Kinsley, Hudson and Wyatt

Kaden Mosely

10th birthday

March 17, 2013

Double digits! Happy birthday to the smartest, funniest, most handsome and awesome fisherman! We love you!

Mommy, Daddy and Jayden

Casey

Feb. 17

Happy Birthday, Casey! We love you!

Love, your in-laws

Christina March 24

Happy birthday, Mommy/ Babe! Thank you for being amazing. We pray this next year is the best one yet.

Love, Christian, Alexander Jr. and Sr. Quinn

Happy fourth birthday, Quinn!

We love you so much!

Love, Mommy, Daddy, Keano, Olivia and Mallory

Building for

Firestorm Robotics Students Design, Construct, Test 120-Pound Robots

BY JESSICA FORRESTER

In January, the annual FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Competition season began, with 3,300 teams from 32 countries competing. This year’s challenge is to build a robot to retrieve and place cones and cubes on pegs and shelves, as well as parking robots on “charging stations” on a playing field. Since January, the Cherokee and Cobb County high school students, who make up the Firestorm Robotics team, based in Cherokee Makerspace in Acworth, have been working on strategizing, sketching ideas and creating designs and prototypes for their robot.

Teams have about two months to prepare for competitions, which end in April. Firestorm Robotics team members include Kennesaw State University dual-enrollment students Maura Zaccagnino, Elijah Wells and Tyler Clarke, Etowah High sophomore Alexis Cua, Marietta High sophomore Beatrix Bosak, junior Everette Slade (homeschooler), Chattahoochee Tech dual-enrollment student Alexander Bouchard, as well as middle schoolers who have shown an interest in the program.

During the competition season, team members put in long hours. Each team member is assigned a subteam and role, so every part of the robot is worked on. However, Firestorm is a year-round team, and, outside of competition season, students learn and expand their skills on platforms such as OnShape

Alexis Cua solders a circuit board at Cherokee Makerspace.

Alexis Cua, left, and Maura Zaccagnino prepare their robot at the 2022 Georgia Robotics Invitation Tournament and Showcase.

for the Future

CAD, MasterCAM, VCarve Pro and Lightburn. They also are trained to use the equipment in their shop (Cherokee Makerspace — also a center of innovation for community makers of all ages), which includes a manual mill and lathe, CNC router, CNC plasma table, 3D printers, laser cutters and various power tools.

“I have grown and learned so much in my time on the team. Robotics increased my knowledge of all the different aspects of STEM,” Zaccagnino said. “When I first joined the team (two years ago), I was the shy girl who barely talked. We went to a competition, and I watched on the side as my brother and other teammates drove the robot and qualified for state championships. Being at a competition inspired me.”

The current team designed and built their first robot during the offseason, for the Georgia Robotics Invitation Tournament and Showcase. At this event, the game was to design a robot to quickly pick up tennis balls, aim and shoot them at a goal 15 feet away. At the competition, the game lasted approximately two minutes, with the first 15 seconds being devoted to autonomous operation. Then, the team took control to drive the robot. During the last 30 seconds, the robot had to climb monkey bars. The team named the robot Amaurable, as a tribute to Zaccagnino, one of the lead designers.

“This was the first robot we designed and built. A year ago, we didn’t know much about building a robot. Now, we are the drivers, too! This was an amazing experience for both of us. It’s hard to imagine how far we’ve come,” Zaccagnino and Cua said.

Cua joined the team two years ago as a freshman, although she had been introduced to the team

in sixth grade. Her dad, Alexander, is one of the creators of Firestorm Robotics. And, her brother was on the team before graduating from Etowah High. Alexander is a mentor as well, and, this year, the Firestorm Robotics lead mentors are Christie Clarke and Terri Talton. Zaccagnino and Cua recognize the importance of increasing the number of women in STEM fields, and they hope to inspire other girls to become involved in robotics and engineering.

FIRST is a nonprofit dedicated to inspiring young people to be science and technology leaders and innovators, and the Firestorm Robotics team helps drive that mission by educating students on STEM opportunities. Prior to joining the team, Zaccagnino and Cua were unsure of what they wanted to pursue in college. Now, Zaccagnino said she and her teammates want to pursue careers in engineering.

“I used to want to be a physical

therapist. But, after the build on Amaurable, I decided I wanted to be in the engineering field, too, specifically biomechanical,” Cua said. “I love this team. I have made lifelong friends and will have lasting memories that will stay with me for the rest of my life.”

The team competes in the Peachtree (PCH) District, which encompasses Georgia and South Carolina. The events can change yearly, and this year, there are a few venues for competitions. This month, district qualifiers are in Albany, Dalton, Gwinnett, Carrollton and Macon. In April, the PCH State Championship will be held at the LakePoint Sports complex in Emerson, and the FIRST Worlds Championship will be in Houston and Detroit.

To learn more about Cherokee Makerspace, Firestorm Robotics and FIRST, visit www.cherokeemakerspace.org, www.firestormrobotics.org and www.firstinspires.org.

Terri Talton, mentor, shows the Firestorm Robotics team how to operate a drill press.

Harrison Student Learns Political Ropes

SUBMITTED BY COBB SCHOOLS

As someone who loves politics, Jack Lakis is having the time of his life. The senior is the first student from Harrison High School — and the first Cobb student since 2008 — to represent the Cobb County School District at the United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP). Lakis will be in the nation’s capital through March 11 representing Georgia during the 61st annual USSYP Washington Week.

Lakis and 103 other national student delegates — two from each state, the District of Columbia and the Department of Defense Education Activity — are meeting this week with all 100 senators, a Supreme Court justice, the president and leaders from several executive agencies as part of an intensive weeklong study of the federal government and the people who lead it. In addition, The Hearst Foundations award a $10,000 undergraduate college scholarship to each student, with encouragement to continue coursework in government, history and public affairs.

Each year, the nation’s most outstanding high school students vie for a spot in the extremely competitive merit-based program after being nominated by their teachers and principals. Delegates and alternates are selected by the state departments of education nationwide, as well as the District of Columbia and the Department of Defense Education Activity. The chief state school officer for each jurisdiction — State School Superintendent Richard Woods, for Georgia — confirms the final selection.

Besides possessing exceptional leadership abilities and a solid commitment to volunteer work, the student delegates rank academically in the top 1% of their states among high school juniors and seniors.

Lakis serves as the student body secretary at Harrison and as the Georgia state lead in Project TEAL, an organization dedicated to promoting civic education. He oversees curriculum, policy and

the group’s efforts to lobby at the Georgia General Assembly.

The Georgia USSYP delegate also recently founded the Atlanta chapter of the History Retold Project, promoting inclusive, civics-based classrooms. And as a narrative media specialist for the Georgia Youth Justice Coalition and a staff writer for Vox Atlanta, Lakis works to ensure students’ voices are represented in the political sphere. At school, he founded Political Converse, an organization that supports student engagement with current events and government in a nonpartisan atmosphere.

In college, Lakis plans to major in political science or international politics before continuing to law school. He hopes to become a Supreme Court clerk and one day serve as a Supreme Court justice.

The USSYP was created in 1962 by Senate Resolution 324 and has been sponsored by the Senate and fully funded by The Hearst Foundations since its inception. The program, as stated in Senate testimony, aims to “increase young Americans’ understanding of the interrelationships of the three branches of government, learn the caliber and responsibilities of federally elected and appointed officials, and emphasize the vital importance of democratic decision-making not only for America but for people around the world,” while also instilling within them a lifelong commitment to public service.

Now more than 6,000 strong, alumni of the program continue to excel and develop impressive qualities that often are directed toward public service. Lakis will join a long list of distinguished alumni, including Sen. Susan Collins, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, former Sen. Cory Gardner, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, former Chief Judge Robert Henry, former White House Chief of Staff Thomas “Mack” McLarty, Karl Rove and many more.

Jack Lakis

School News

Harrison Runner Honored

Samantha McGarity, a senior at Harrison High School, was recognized recently by Cobb County School Board members for winning the 2022 Georgia High School Association (GHSA) Class 7A women’s individual cross-country state championship by more than 40 seconds. Her time of 18:34 was the fastest in all GHSA classifications. This marks McGarity’s second individual state championship in cross-country and her sixth overall, including her four relay and individual state titles in track and field.

Mount Paran Names New Leader

Team Wins Third Championship

The Black History Bowl team from Mount Paran Christian School won its second consecutive championship — and third title in four years — last month after defeating 27 other teams. Led by sixth-grade teachers Ashley Lovato and Hasani George, middle school students Easton George, Sam Harris (team captain), Claire Broggi, Jackson Lim and Asher Michael had to memorize more than 900 facts about significant moments in Black history to participate. During the Sweet 16 tournament, the undefeated team scored 425 points, just 10 points shy of a perfect game, and earned the most points of any team since the bowl’s inception five years ago.

Peter Hill

After a nationwide search, Mount Paran Christian School (MPCS) has named Peter Hill the new head of middle school, beginning with the 2023-24 academic year. Hill comes to MPCS from Catholic Memorial School in Boston, where he is a member of the Academic Leadership Team, teaches history and serves as the head coach of varsity soccer. He also taught at Marianapolis Preparatory School in Connecticut and St. Paul’s School in New Hampshire. Hill has a bachelor’s degree in history from Dartmouth College and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Boston College. He will begin his tenure at MPCS this summer.

Cobb Schools Announce Graduation Dates

The Cobb County School District has announced graduation dates for the Class of 2023: Kennesaw Mountain High School, 7 p.m. May 25; Harrison High School, 10 a.m. May 26; and North Cobb High School, 10 a.m. May 27. All ceremonies will be at the Kennesaw State University Convocation Center and will be livestreamed via the school district website.

Making up the championship team are, from left, coach Hasani George, Jackson Lim, Easton George, Asher Michael, Claire Broggi, Sam Harris and coach Ashley Lovato.

Celebrating

BY CLAIRE BECKNELL

Y E A R S

Margaret Hatcher celebrated her 104th birthday Feb. 2 with friends at a festive party featuring live music, cake and a special appearance by local firemen, with whom she enjoyed dancing. Canterfield of Kennesaw, where Margaret lives, received more than 100 birthday cards for her from across the United States.

Born in 1919, Margaret braved World War II in her 20s and remembers it clearly. She was working in a department store to pay the bills, but by 1945, everyone was joining the war effort, she said. She knew she wanted to do something else in life, so she decided to join the American Red Cross.

Margaret’s favorite memory from that time was saluting Gen. Douglas MacArthur outside the Dai-Ichi building in Tokyo. Her husband admired MacArthur tremendously, so she decided one day to walk to the building where he waited for his chauffeur. “He was the epitome of a good soldier, and I needed to see this man,” she said. “There are things to not admire him for, but we all have those.”

A not-so-pleasant memory from the war was when Margaret lived in Japan. She said she went out on the beach and saw a group of Japanese soldiers who had been taken prisoner by the Americans. The first prisoners she’d ever seen, she said their stare felt like a bullet going through her. “There was a group of maybe 25 men that looked at me with such hatred,” she said. “It was very difficult for me, and I will never forget it.”

Margaret believes the most important lesson in life is to be honest with yourself and others. “You would want people to be honest with you when you ask them a question,” she said. “Even if you have to belittle yourself sometimes, it does not matter. Still be honest always.”

Although each person’s story is different, everyone can agree that life comes with regrets. Margaret’s biggest regret was not going to college, but for people growing up in the 1930s and ’40s, that wasn’t always an option. She said she is not sure what she would have studied, but her youngadult years were not the life she wanted. “I was living by myself and made enough money to take care of myself, but I wish I had more education and a degree, where I could be more choosy with my work,” she said.

Despite her regret, Margaret enjoyed traveling the world with her husband. Her career allowed her to see many things that other people would never get to see, she said. The tulip fields in Holland were the most unforgettable place she ever visited.

Margaret’s best advice to young people is to be good, nice and helpful to everyone they meet. You never know what people are going through, so a simple act of kindness could change someone’s life, she said.

Margaret Hatcher in Japan in 1945.

Margaret Hatcher celebrates at a party for her 104th birthday. Photo by Claire Becknell.

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

Mostly Mutts Market IS

Georgia Food +Wine Festival

MARCH 23 - 26, 2023

JIM R. MILLER PARK, MARIETTA, GEORGIA

The Georgia Food + Wine Festival presented by Georgia Grown celebrates the best of Georgia and the South, from its culinary superstars and beverage experts to its farmers, artisans, live musicians and more. A variety of events for all taste buds starting with Cobb Life Magazine’s “Best of Cobb” event and the legendary barbecue event, “Fired-Up” an all-inclusive, food and drink tasting event. Saturday’s main event, “Savor” offers hundreds of unlimited beer, wine and spirits tastings, a Georgia Celebrity Chef Stage, VIP Lounge, artisans, and live music. “Sunday/ Funday” is the budget friendly and family-friendly day, with Kids Zone, VIP Lounge Oyster Roast, live music and more. Savor the Flavors!

Last month, Anthony Sant’Anselmo detailed what inspired him to turn his basement into an ’80s video “store.”

If you missed Part 1, read it at www. aroundkennesawmagazine. com/archives-2/.

How I Transformed My Basement Into an ’80s Video Store

BY ANTHONY SANT’ANSELMO

During summer 2018, I started sketching the floor plan of my dream ’80s video store. The idea was to utilize the wall space for shelving and have standing aisle racks in the center of the room for VHS tapes. I asked myself: What about those old video stores did I miss, and how could I merge my personality into the project, so that it would be more meaningful to me? I surveyed my collection of tapes and knew that I needed a lot more to flesh out the store. I took to the local Goodwills and thrift shops in Woodstock, and on Craigslist, eBay and in VHS social media groups, and I chose films that I loved, liked or hadn’t yet seen.

I ripped out carpet from four rooms and prepped it for flooring. I chose vinyl composite tiles, for practicality. (Choosing checkered flooring was the easy part; I wanted the video store to have a certain energy.) They were peeland-stick tiles, and I also used flooring adhesive on the concrete. So, it really became part of the floor, which just made things trickier — and annoyingly stickier!

The flooring was the most tedious part of the project, along with the custom cutting of trim for the room’s perimeter. But, piece by piece, failure by failure,

I got through it. Once the main room and small hallway were done, I swore I’d never lay tile again, as long as I lived.

I placed blue painter’s tape on the floors and walls, where I visualized the shelves, the counter, future posters, etc. That was key to seeing the project through. I’d rip off the tape as I acquired certain items. Thankfully, I scored wire movie racks and grid walls from Lee’s Discount in Douglasville, when they were closing down. Once I installed the wire shelving, it was much easier to see it as a “shop.”

Initially, I had a kids shelf on one of the racks, but felt I couldn’t really celebrate it, since they were just bookended tapes. That’s when the mud room was absorbed and dedicated 100% to kids movies, ’80s toys, posters and more. It was a chance for me to build a shrine to the movies I loved growing up and introduce these gems to my kids. (Remember when I said I’d never lay flooring again?) Of course, I couldn’t allow the main video store’s checkered flooring to just stop at the threshold of Mondo Kideo! So, the flooring

nightmare began again, and I got better as I went. Still, I was done with flooring forevermore.

I knew I’d need custom shelving for the kids section, and it required a skilled carpenter to help me realize this vision. I turned to my friend, Woodstock resident Jeff McCall. This guy can build anything — and has. The shelving produced was naked wood and had to be painted. (Big shout-out to the paint department at the Holly Springs Home Depot, as I must’ve visited more than 50 times with paint orders. Morgan’s Ace Hardware also helped with any additional tools and such acquired along the way.)

I painfully pored over every detail of this project, and it became an obsession to reach my goal. (And, moving to a state where you don’t know anyone really frees up your evenings and weekends.) Faux brick paneling was installed down the stairwell and into the video store. My intention was to make it feel like you’re descending down backalley stairs under the night sky above and into a hidden video store shop. So,

The kitchen houses food-related movies, with sections like Comfort Food and Culinary Horror.

Anthony’s wife, Fabienne, also enjoys reminiscing about videos they enjoyed as children. Photo by Michael A. Martinez.

it was important for me to distress the bricks on the stairs, to appear as if they had been weather-beaten for years. As you step into the shop, the bricks show less age, due to being sheltered.

Painting various bricks different colors, smearing plaster here and there, hand squeezing mortar in between every brick — one could go on forever, giving it little touches, and I kind of did. The whole “aging” process took a few months, from pristine brick paneling to the state it’s in now. My main goals were to focus on details, never cut corners and to finish.

Once 2020 hit, I started working remotely from home, so the video store build continued! As the project was inching into other rooms, the home gym couldn’t just be a gym, of course — it had to be an ’80s gym! In all the neon glory that the ’80s brought us, we celebrate the workout craze, wrestling, skateboard films, beach movies and more.

I mentioned that I was done with flooring forevermore? (Facepalm.) The basement kitchen had laminate flooring, which I ripped out, and,

yeah, I laid more checkered tiles. The kitchen area is a fun one, as it houses food-related movies, with sections like Comfort Food and Culinary Horror. Lots of cheesy movies from yesteryear — pun intended. And, the diner-like checkered flooring doesn’t hurt for that area, either. Having a master carpenter as a friend can be dangerous, because I also asked him to build me a secret door to the kitchen, which houses VHS tapes.

As the shop was coming together, I needed genre signs for each section: Comedy, Drama, Action, Horror, Sci-Fi, Special Interest, etc. John Hotaling at Signarama on Highway 92 helped tremendously. For the shop’s logo, I asked myself what kind of video store could even compete in today’s streaming world. So, I designed a sort of pizza delivery girl on a Pee-wee-Herman-inspired Vespa scooter, delivering VHS rentals in 30 minutes or less! My good friend Andy Bernet in Los Angeles brilliantly did the illustration off my sketch, and Signarama produced the large,

color Mondo Video! logo behind the “employee” counter.

Over the course of the project, I certainly lost a lot of sleep, probably put my health in jeopardy by overextending myself and, many a time, could be found on the floor painting quarter-round trim. There isn’t one section of this basement project that I didn’t alter in some way. Fabienne calls it “One More Thing Video!” since I’m never really done with the place. Thankfully, she really enjoys it and thinks it’s something special to reminisce about our own childhood while sharing it with our children.

Once I revealed this project online, I didn’t anticipate the level of response I’ve received. It has been pretty surreal. I’ve read some incredibly humbling comments and, thankfully, the video store has helped people remember some of their own youthful experiences a bit more. I’ve received questions asking what the operating hours are, as many people think it’s open to the public. (It’s not, as it’s not a real store. But, every now and again, I will give a tour.)

It’s kind of weird, however, to head downstairs every morning, flip on lights and there’s a functional video “store” from the ’80s just staring at me. There is one unfinished room in our basement, and I have designs on finishing it out with drywall and the like, because, of course, an ’80s Home Video Store isn’t complete without an ’80s arcade.

P.S. To anyone who wishes to donate their old physical media — VHS, Beta, CEDs, Laserdiscs or VCRs — I’d love to give them a forever home. A friend of mine calls Mondo Video! a “no-kill shelter for VHS.” And, for any local actors, producers or camera crew, if you’d like to link up on some projects and make some fun stuff in the video store together, let me know! (You can connect with Anthony via email at goondocksainter@gmail.com or on Instagram (@mondo_video) and Facebook/Twitter/Youtube: @ mondovideostore.)

Woodstock resident Anthony Sant’Anselmo works as a “South Park” animator, and he is a writer and director.

The bright, neon lighting outlining the shop is reminiscent of “Tron” or “Blade Runner.”

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UPCOMING EVENTS

March 17

p.m.

Copeland’s Kennesaw

1142 Barrett Parkway

March 21

Alive After 5

5:30-7:30 p.m.

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Ace Handyman Services

5150 Stilesboro Road, Suite 510

Kennesaw

March 28

Wake Up KBA

7:45-9 a.m.

Horned Owl Brewing 2765 S. Main St.

Kennesaw

Young Professionals

Happy Hour

5-8 p.m.

Copeland’s Kennesaw

1142 Barrett Parkway

Join

Set SMART Goals to Boost Business

BY KEVIN JABBARI

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March is all about getting lucky in business! Spring is coming, and that’s a time for new beginnings and new goals for you and your company. Setting goals for you and your employees will increase performance and influence motivation. Goals provide a clear focus and a set of targets for your employees to hit.

When I’m setting business goals, I make sure they are SMART goals. To start, you need to decide on your overall goal. Once that is determined, you can break it down to specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and timely tasks.

• SPECIFIC. Your goal should be specific and outline exactly what you want to accomplish. By creating specific goals throughout the year, your company has a greater chance of being successful.

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• MEASURABLE. Goals need to be measured, so progress can be tracked. You want to see results and whether you’re having success, backed by data, feedback and surveys.

• ACHIEVABLE. Goals should be challenging, but not to the point of being unattainable. Each goal needs to be something your company has the time, money and staff to achieve.

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• RELEVANT. The goals you set should be geared toward the direction in which you want your business to go.

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• TIMELY. Determine a time frame for your goal, so you and your employees can set target dates for achieving it.

It’s never too late to set new goals for your business, and going into this new season is the perfect time to start.

Besides fresh goals, spring also has great events for our community to attend this month.

Our Kennesaw Business Association (KBA) luncheon will be March 14 at the Recreation Center at Adams Park. Economics professor Roger Tutterow, director of the Econometric Center at Kennesaw State University, will give the financial state of the union. This will be a great time to learn about and understand where we are headed financially.

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Rise and shine March 28 for our Wake Up KBA, led by Brent Rittesdorf, at Horned Owl Brewing. Enjoy breakfast and networking with some great businesses at 7:45 a.m., which is a good time of day for those who can’t attend our midday or after-hours events.

Important dates to mark on your calendar:

April 11, we will be moving our monthly luncheon back to the KSU Center, 3333 Busbee Drive. We are so excited to be partnering with KSU again.

April 22-23 is reserved for our biggest event of the year — the Big Shanty Festival. You don’t want to miss our largest fundraiser, which will feature food, live music, shopping and a parade.

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Warm weather and amazing events, who could ask for more? We are so excited to see everyone in our community this month as we welcome spring!

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

Don’t Face Income Tax Problems Alone

BY DENSON PEPPER

Do you or your company need to catch up on the required filing of income tax returns to the U.S. Treasury or the Georgia Department of Revenue? For peace of mind, reach out to a trusted tax professional, specializing in nonfiled returns. If you have a tax liability, a tax professional can represent you to tax authorities and negotiate the best available settlement.

Generally, the IRS only requires you to file the most recent six years of returns, from 2017 to 2022 this year. The IRS will not consider a repayment plan for prior years’ taxes unless all required returns have been filed.

Why Do I Have to File?

• The IRS can file your return for you and send you the bill. Usually, the tax will be greater than it would have been if you filed it yourself. Plus, if you don’t file a return, the statute of limitations never begins to run.

• People in their 50s and 60s who haven’t filed their returns, or have tax liabilities for multiple years and haven’t contacted the IRS to arrange a repayment plan, often have tax liens placed on their home.

• If you are due a refund, you must file within three years of the return’s original due date, or the IRS can keep your money.

• Once again, the IRS is using software to find nonfilers. Enforcement labor shortages will dictate more of its usage in our foreseeable future.

• The IRS can take up to 15% of your Social Security each month, and it’s possible that this attachment can extend beyond the statute of limitations.

If you’re worried about going it alone, a tax professional can help you navigate a confusing maze of laws, to protect your appeal rights after returns have been filed and assessed.

When Trouble Comes Knocking

BY THOMAS TANNER

Testimonies are meant to encourage. Most of the time, they do, but occasionally, they make us wonder, “What about me?” Why has that person’s life turned out so well, while mine seems to be stuck in reverse? Every life is different. God has a design for your life. Are you willing to trust him, even when trouble comes?

Job was a man who lived righteously before God. Satan believed Job only loved and trusted God because he was so blessed, so God gave Satan permission to test Job. He lost everything — property, cattle, even children. But Job’s response was to worship. “Naked I came into the world, naked I will leave,” he said. Satan then said taking Job’s possessions wasn’t enough. Surely, if God allowed Job to go through hardships, he would crumble. So Job’s body was covered from head to toe with sores. His friends came to him and said, “Obviously, you have sinned.” Job remained true to God and maintained his innocence.

At one point, Job began to ask God some questions, and God responded by asking Job a few questions of his own. “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Have you ever given orders to the morning? Does the rain have a father? Do hawks fly because of your design?”

So, what can we learn from Job’s story?

God’s ways are not like ours. We can’t understand him by human logic and reason. We can’t hold him captive to what we think is right or fair. God has a reason and a purpose for the things he does. Psalm 18:30 says: “His ways are perfect.”

God is good. He is for us. We were created as the object of his affection. When things go well, God is good. When things go badly, God is good. When we have a lot, God is good. When we have little, God is good. His character doesn’t change.

God can be trusted all the time. Good and bad, easy and difficult, fruitful and barren — blessed be the name of the Lord.

There is a new day coming. God’s nature is to redeem and restore. Even though we don’t always understand his ways, we can know his heart. No matter how bad or how long, there is a new day coming.

Blessing will come to those who trust in him. It might not come when or how we expect it, but it will come.

Dr. Thomas Tanner is lead pastor of RiverStone Church and president of the Transformation Network. He and Melissa have two children and five grandchildren. tom@riverstoneonline.org.

CPA Denson Pepper is your neighbor, with 30-plus years of IRS experience. He is an expert at helping people resolve their income tax problems. 678-797-5241.

The Empire State Building isn’t the only thing that’s been attacked by King Kong.

The Big Chicken is an interesting focal point in this model train display.

One of the massive displays at the train event.

All Aboard!

PHOTOS BY CHRISTOPHER NOWAK OF PRESTO PHOTOGRAPHY

Train enthusiasts from near and far chugged their way to the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History in Kennesaw in January for its biggest, most popular event of the year — Trains, Trains, Trains! The two-day family-friendly event featured the museum’s biggest model train display to date, along with train-themed activities and historic trains.

The model train layouts came in all sizes and featured a variety of themes. Many of them had interactive buttons for young visitors to enjoy. Train lovers also were able to touch railroad artifacts that were on display and learned how they were used.

This young visitor points out something he likes.

This train lover is ready for his potential future career.

The wintry display catches the attention of this young girl.

Around & About Around & About

10 Congregation Ner Tamid is having its 10th annual Scout Shabbat , 7:30 p.m., at the synagogue, 1349 Old Highway 41, Suite 220, Marietta. Scouts will perform a flag ceremony, and Rabbi Joseph Prass will lead a Shabbat evening prayer service. A Scout-themed “Oneg” reception will follow. Scouts of all faiths are welcome. Boy Scout and Girl Scout Shabbat patches will be provided for the first 25 Scouts/uniformed adults to register at scoutshabbat@ mynertamid.org. For information, email Matt Berenson at amberenson@gmail.com.

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

MARCH Through April 18

The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) is offering free income tax preparation for low- to moderate-income Cobb residents by appointment only on the following days:

• Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Ward Recreation Center, 4845 Dallas Highway, Powder Springs. Appointments at wardrctaxes@gmail.com.

• Fridays, 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Ben Robertson Community Center, 2753 Watts Drive, Kennesaw. Appointments at taxesrobertson@gmail.com or visit the center.

You do not need to be an AARP member to participate. For a full list of locations, visit https://bit.ly/3RD2Meb. 8, 15

The Cobb County Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)

Program office is soliciting grant applications from nonprofit agencies for the CDBG, Emergency Solutions Grant and the Home Investment Partnerships programs. Two workshops have been scheduled to provide nonprofits an opportunity to learn more about the application process:

• A virtual workshop, 11 a.m. March 8. Meeting link: dial-in: (872) 240-3212, access code: 341-031-621.

• Last workshop, 11 a.m. March 15, West Cobb Regional Library, 1750 Dennis Kemp Lane, Kennesaw.

Grant applications will be accepted until 5 p.m. April 7. www.cobbcounty.org/cdbg/programs

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

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The Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History will have a Women’s History Month Celebration , 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m., featuring historical presentations and artifact displays.

APRIL 1

Todd DeFeo, publisher and editor of Railfanning.org, will lead a W&A Bus Tour of the historic Western & Atlantic Railroad, 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., on behalf of the Kennesaw Museum Foundation and the Southern Museum. The daylong escapade will highlight the line’s unique history and showcase places where famous events transpired. Tickets are $65 for Southern Museum members and $75 for nonmembers and can be purchased at https://bit.ly/3lJ9SSh.

Enjoy a variety of food and music at the Georgia Food + Wine Festival.

THE ART STATION - BIG SHANTY

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

Through March 25

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

March 29-April 28

Asian American and Pacific Islander Month is an exhibit showcasing inspirational artwork by artists of Asian American and Pacific Islander descent.

March 29-May 5

Tikva Lantigua will have a solo exhibition in the featured artist gallery. The opening reception will be 6-8 p.m. March 30.

April 6, 20

Dinner and Art in the Park celebrating the Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage will take place from 6-8 p.m.

Ongoing

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

SCHOOL PRODUCTIONS

March 9, 10, 12

“Spamalot.” Kennesaw Mountain High School, 7 p.m. March 12 is a 2 p.m. matinee only. Tickets: Presale, $15 adults, $10 students.

April 12-15

“Steel Magnolias.” Allatoona High School, 7 p.m. There’s also a 2 p.m. matinee April 15. Tickets: TBD.

April 13-15

“Shrek Jr.” Kennesaw Mountain High School, 7 p.m. Tickets: $10 adults, $5 students.

April 27-29

Spring Musical. North Cobb High School, 7 p.m. There’s also a 2 p.m. matinee April 29.

Tickets: TBD.

KENNESAW PARKS AND RECREATION

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

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

Mondays

Painting and Drawing With Jessica Geist, through May 1, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Ben Robertson Community Center, 2753 Watts Drive. Intermediate and advanced oil painters, ages 18 and older, can expect to learn or improve on techniques for creating depth and realism, as well as color theory and color mixing.

Mondays, Wednesdays

BSD Taekwondo, 6-7 p.m. through May 17 at the Ben Robertson Community Center, 2753 Watts Drive. Ages 6 and older will develop focus, self-control and confidence.

Tuesdays

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

Wednesdays

Pottery: Advanced Hand Building and Wheel Class, 5-7 p.m. or 7-9 p.m. through April 12 at the Ben Robertson Community Center, 2753 Watts Drive. Adults with one to two years of pottery experience will improve skills, work on surface designs and techniques, and develop their artistic voice.

Thursdays

Painting and Drawing With Jessica Geist, March 9-May 4, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Ben Robertson Community Center, 2753 Watts Drive. Intermediate and advanced oil painters, ages 18 and older, can expect to learn or improve on techniques for creating depth and realism, as well as color theory and color mixing. Pottery: Hand Building and Wheel Class, 5-7 p.m. or 7-9 p.m. through April 13 at the Ben Robertson Community Center, 2753 Watts Drive. Adults will learn the coil, pinch and slab methods of hand building then learn to throw pottery on the wheel.

Little Dragons Taekwondo, 5:30-6 p.m. through May 18 at the Ben Robertson Community Center, 2753 Watts Drive. This class teaches kids ages 4-7 about focus, self-control and discipline.

Karate for Adults: Practical and Applied, 7-8 p.m. March 9-May 18 at the Ben Robertson Community Center, 2753 Watts Drive. This class, for ages 20-70, balances traditional karate techniques with real-world self-defense applications.

Saturdays

BYOB (Beat Your Opponent Back), 1-3 p.m. March 11May 13. Instructor Omar Welch will teach females and teens the skills needed to protect themselves from an attacker.

Cobb Photographic Society

Novice Color

Mark Chandler - First Place (Beach Sunrise)

Janine Hamaker - First Place (Tybee Sunrise)

Jeffrey Whittingham - Second Place

Society Monochrome

Congratulations to everyone who entered the Cobb Photographic Society competition. The topic for January was “General” (any topic). The guest judge was photographer Marvin Price. The Cobb Photographic Society is a club open to photographers of all skill levels. It meets the first and third Monday of each month. For information, visit www.cobbphotosociety.com.

Mark Chandler - First Place (Little Rider)

(Angry Hippo)

Paul Shimek - Third Place (Dasenech Man)

This

Please continue to support our past cover clients with your business and let them know you saw them in Around Kennesaw.

For more information about how to nominate, see Page 19.