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Readers’ Choice 2023!

Nominations are open! See Page 26 for details.

Kudos

Acworth City Clerk Regina Russell was sworn in as the 2023 president of the Georgia Municipal Clerks Association (GMCA) during the annual business meeting last month. Russell has served on the GMCA board of directors since 2015.

Congratulations to Chattahoochee Technical College on celebrating its 60th anniversary this year.

Originally called Marietta-Cobb Area Vocational Technical School, the college opened Sept. 3, 1963, with 120 students in one $636,000 building at its current Marietta location. The programs of study included electronics, electricity, machine drafting and design, practical nursing, radio and television repair, machine shop, cosmetology and business education.

Since then, the college has added classroom space at the Marietta campus; was known as Chattahoochee Technical Institute from 1987-2000, until the Georgia Legislature converted the names of all accredited technical institutes to technical colleges; and established campuses in south Cobb, Paulding County and east Cobb.

In 2009, Chattahoochee Tech merged with Appalachian Technical College in Jasper and North Metro Technical College in Bartow County, and the three boards of directors chose Chattahoochee Technical College (CTC) as the single college’s name.

With additional campuses in Woodstock and Canton, CTC is the largest technical college in the state. An additional Paulding campus is under construction for the $35 million Aviation Training Academy.

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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 game-winning 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.

Speaking of baseball, check out our feature on Mark Owens, who “retired” as the Braves’ in-game host after 16 seasons, on Pages 22-24.

This month’s Q&A on Page 18 features Mack Turner, president of the Save Acworth History Foundation, and Tiffany Hughes offers some St. Patrick’s Day recipes (Pages 16-17) that’ll make your friends green with envy.

Happy reading!

America’s Community Magazine

Volume 7, Issue 7

PUBLISHER

Aroundabout Local Media, Inc. www.aroundaboutlocalmedia.com

PRESIDENT

Kim Dahnke | 770-778-5314

kim@aroundaboutmagazines.com

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Candi Hannigan | 770-615-3309 candi@aroundaboutmagazines.com

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MARKET & ADVERTISING SPECIALIST | Michelle Smith michelle.smith@aroundaboutmagazines.com

COPY EDITORS

Bill King, Eliza Somers

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

Around Acworth 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 Acworth, 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

A Message From the

With March’s arrival, we begin to see signs of spring and start to think about getting back outside and enjoying everything the city’s green spaces have to offer. Our wonderful city events are returning to our parks, and the energy downtown is as alive as the blossoming trees!

Last month, we celebrated the many reasons why Acworth is home, and one reason is its great quality of life and numerous recreational opportunities. The city has miles of wonderful trail options throughout our parks and downtown area, and we are looking forward to connecting and expanding our trail system around Lake Acworth. In the next 10 years, the city is planning to add 4 miles to our trail system for our residents and visitors to enjoy. Through this process, Overlook Park also will see upgrades to its amenities, including parking, restroom facilities and designated fishing areas. Additionally, all new trails will be wide enough to accommodate those who take advantage of our status as a golf cart-friendly city. The ultimate goal of the Lake Acworth master trail plan is to create better access to our parks, water features and amenities for our residents and visitors. Our amazing city team is working hard behind the scenes to keep our quality of life at exceptional levels, and we look forward to seeing the master plan come to life.

This month, we welcome kids from across the area to join us March 31 for the Acworth Easter Egg Hunt. We’re looking forward to working again with our friends from Freedom Church, who contribute so much to this event. Our partnerships within the city help us create extraordinary experiences through our parks and recreation department. Make plans to bring your family to see the Easter Bunny make his grand skydiving entrance at the Acworth Sports Complex before the egg hunt begins at 6 p.m. More information about the hunt times can be found at www.acworthegghunt.com.

Speaking of kids, the city’s Parks, Recreation and Community Resource Department has opened its camp registration for a summer of fun. Visit www. campacworth.org for more details and to register.

As always, for the latest information on any of our events and projects, you can visit www.acworth.org, sign up for our e-news blasts on our home page, “like” the city of Acworth on Facebook or follow us on Instagram at @cityofacworthga.

May God bless you and your families,

— Tommy

Tommy Allegood was elected to Acworth’s city council in 2000 and has served as mayor since 2002. He is a community builder who is purposed to make it count!

Spring Brings Increase in Thefts

BY JESSE EVANS

Spring is just around the corner, and most of us are looking forward to spending more time outdoors. But this also is a time of year when we typically begin to see an increase in the number of thefts from mailboxes, porches and vehicles. Thieves capitalize on the nice weather, and they often pick springtime to venture out and target unsuspecting victims. We can’t prevent all thefts, but there are some things we can do to protect ourselves from becoming victims.

Mailbox theft usually involves the thief stealing letters in the hope of finding cash or checks. Often, victims don’t even know their mail was stolen until days later. One way to decrease the delay in detection is to sign up for Informed Delivery through the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) at www.usps. com. When you sign up for this free service, you will receive daily emails that provide a preview of the mail and packages scheduled to arrive, show images of incoming letter-size mail and enable you to track and manage your packages in one convenient place. If you know when things are scheduled for delivery, you will know whether something is missing or stolen. The faster you can detect an item has been stolen, the faster you can stop payment on a check, notify the sender and file a police report. Time is always of the essence and definitely will help our detectives with their investigation.

Another easy way to help prevent mail theft is to place checks in the blue USPS mail collection boxes instead of residential mailboxes. While the red flag on your mailbox notifies the postal worker that there is outgoing mail, it also lets seasoned thieves know there might be something worth stealing.

Additionally, if you are going out of town, you should schedule a hold for your mail. It’s easy to

schedule online, and once you return from your vacation, the USPS will deliver all of your mail. This prevents a buildup in your mailbox and makes it less likely that a thief will notice the house is empty and is a potential target for burglary.

Since we’re on the topic of burglary, it’s also a good time to mention that if you get a large, expensive item, like a TV, please break down the box and try to place it inside your trash can. When thieves see these boxes on the street, they know there is something valuable in the home to steal.

When the weather’s nice, thieves also like to walk through neighborhoods and residential areas, flipping automobile door handles. When they find an unlocked door, they will rummage through the car and steal anything of value. Thieves are opportunistic, and unlocked vehicle doors make an easy target. Occasionally, thieves will break into locked vehicles, typically when something valuable is in plain sight. Avoid becoming a victim by locking your car doors and keeping all valuables out of sight.

We have some beautiful weather and a lot of great city events to look forward to this spring in our incredibly safe community. If we all work together, there are lots of simple ways we can enjoy spending more time outdoors while also preventing thieves from being successful in their endeavors. Stay safe, Acworth!

Chief Jesse Evans has served more than 20 years as a prosecutor and law enforcement professional. He is a native of Acworth and knows there is no better place to live, work and play.

(Thieves) often pick springtime to venture out and target unsuspecting victims. "

Ashley and Dr. Heath Trowell

Celebrations!

ANNOUNCEMENTS ARE FREE!

Email: edit@aroundaboutmagazines.com

April deadline is March 10. Word limit: 25. Please specify Around Acworth.

Happy fourth birthday, superstar! We are so proud of the king you are becoming and love every special inch of you!

Feb. 14, 2018

Happy fifth birthday, our little princess. We all love you. May God’s face shine upon you in your life and bless you always.

March 13

Happy seventh birthday, Emmie!

We love you so much! Love, the Reidy crew

Feb. 13, 1985

Happy birthday to my beautiful wife, JoAnn. Welcome to your 30s!

Love you forever, Jeff

JoAnn

Callie

Wawira Mwaura

Mwaura Wambugu

Emmie

Princeton Dashielle Williams

Lent: Reflect, Repent, Renew

BY JULIE FULLER

On Feb. 22, the church universally celebrated Ash Wednesday, marking the beginning of the season of Lent. I know some of you might be thinking I am referring to the little fuzz balls on your clothes, but Lent actually marks the 40 days leading up to Easter. This season is a time when we remember how Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness, fasting and enduring temptations. For those of us who typically celebrate Lent in the church, it is a time of deep reflection, repentance and renewal with Jesus.

During this 40-day period, many people fast from certain foods or maybe give up social media that takes so much time away from focusing on God and the purpose he has for our lives. Others take on a spiritual discipline, such as being more dedicated to time in prayer and Scripture reading or volunteering more at a nonprofit. In my personal journey of faith, the season of Lent has led to some of my hardest days, yet they were the most spiritually rewarding because I was more intentional about giving God control over every aspect of my life.

Life is hectic and chaotic, to say the least, and we try to tackle it on our own. We let our selfishness and sinful ways rule our mind, words and actions. We love celebrating our risen savior on Easter, but we quickly forget all the pain and torture he went through to get there. During the Lenten season, may we fast and confess where we have fallen short of living out God’s will for our lives. As we journey ever so close to the cross this year, may we ask God to change our hearts and to restore in us the joy of our salvation.

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right and steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from your presence and do not take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and sustain me with a willing spirit.” Psalms 51:10-12 AMP.

“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. … But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:29, 31 NIV.

The Rev. Julie Fuller is mom to Davis and Dallas and pastor at Acworth Presbyterian Church. Connect with her and the church on Facebook and at https://acworthpresbyterianchurch.org/.

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.

The Songs Of John Prine

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.

Get to Know

Mack Turner

President, Save Acworth History Foundation (SAHF)

What are your main responsibilities?

My position with SAHF involves conducting board meetings, chairing the fundraising committee, assisting with our video history program, coordinating with the city of Acworth and speaking at a lot of our plaque and monument dedications and other functions around town. I also am the promoter for the group of our big car show fundraiser, Cars on the Lake, in the fall at Dallas Landing Beach.

Why did you want to be a member?

I am actually one of the founding members of SAHF, formed in 2016, which morphed from the original group Save the Acworth Depot that began in 2013. Our original mission was to try to save the old train depot building, circa 1893. When that effort fell short in 2015, we worked closely with the city to build the new Acworth Depot, and at that time, SAHF was formed.

What are some exciting things you’ve discovered?

Gee, that’s a tough one. There have been so many. I would have to say just the many unique historical items that have been donated to us is incredible, to say the least — everything from the original freight scales from the old depot from 1893, many old documents, photos, minutes from the Carrie Dyar Women’s Club from the early 1900s on and literally hundreds more unique artifacts. It has been amazing, and we are so appreciative.

What is the most unusual request you’ve had?

I’d have to say one of the most unusual projects I’ve been involved in as president of SAHF is the group’s involvement with the Acworth Christian Church project. We started out having a couple of meetings with them to possibly get them some help for a leaking roof. Some 18 months later, we were involved in the total restoration of the old church, proving you never know where involvement in some of these projects will lead.

Why is it important to preserve the city’s history?

It is very important to preserve our great city’s history, from a railroad town in the 1840s to the thriving city it is today and everything in between. I once heard a statement that said, “It’s hard to know where you’re going if you don’t know where you’ve been.” From our awesome Depot History Center to our huge collection of artifacts, photos, documents, our video history series, etc., we feel good about our group’s success.

What are some future projects?

One future project is to continue our Video Oral History program; we’ve done about 75 at this time. We’ve also started teaming with the city of Acworth for a historic business plaque celebration downtown. We’ve done eight of those so far to memorialize our great old historic businesses. And to put up more monuments downtown, like the one last summer for the old historic Acworth Hotel, circa 1868. These are just some of the projects going forward.

What goals do you have?

My personal goal as president of SAHF is to give it 110% as long as I am president. Most of my goals would include our great SAHF group and everything we do to support each other to save Acworth’s incredible and storied history. Our board members are Betsy Brown, Becca Kienel, Yvonne Leander, Kurt Johnson and Lewis Bramlett. Also, one of our goals is to grow our general membership going forward. Thanks to everyone who supports SAHF, and if you’d like to join our group or support us, go to saveacworthhistory.org.

Tell us about your job, family and hobbies.

I retired 17 years ago, in 2006, from the rentalproperty business. My wife, Libby, and I have enjoyed our retirement and have tried to stay busy with some of our hobbies and family. We will be married 57 years this year. We have two children who have had good careers in their own right, three grandchildren and two greatgrandchildren. My wife loves gardening. We both have a passion for old cars and have both owned some incredible muscle cars over the years. Another of my hobbies is playing pool, a game I have played since 1961, and I still play a couple of times a week with friends.

Mack Turner, center, along with Mayor Tommy Allegood, left, and Tom Scott, accepts Cobb Landmarks’ Best Historic Preservation Award for the Acworth Depot on behalf of SAHF in 2020.

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.

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.

Prepared for Impact

BY KATE HARTLEY

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

I n 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.”

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 Myth of the Christian School Bubble

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,

North Cobb Christian School was voted top private school by Around Acworth magazine

NCCS senior Cole Carden.

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!

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.”

“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.” readers. | K3-12th grade | ncchristian.org | Schedule a personal tour: 770-975-0252, info@ncchristian.org.

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.

PHOTOS BY M.JAE PHOTOGRAPHY

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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UPCOMING EVENTS

March 9

Alive After 5 5:30-7:30 p.m. Portal Pinball 3335 Cobb Parkway Suite 800, Acworth

March 14, 28

Morning Jolt

7:45-9 a.m.

The Cowan Historic Mill

4271 Southside Drive

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How to Figure Out What You Don’t Know

BY KELLY NAGEL

“Wait,

that’s an actual job?”

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March 23

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Women’s Networking

Lunch 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Brookwood Christian School 4728 Wood St., Acworth

April 6 ABA Luncheon

a.m.-1 p.m. Acworth Community Center 4361 Cherokee St.

Join

ABA by visiting

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The excitement on this high school student’s face warmed my heart as I explained to her that yes, you can have a successful career as a drama queen. I went on to explain to her that cruise ships, resorts and event planners hire talented people to sing, dance and perform for guests all the time, and a good performer who is easy to work with not only can create a successful career, but can pick and choose the jobs he or she wants to take.

I received a similar reaction when I told someone else there is such a thing as a Lego engineer.

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In life, we often don’t know what we don’t know, and the only way to figure out what we don’t know is to put ourselves in different places and around people who have different life experiences than you do. When my husband, Rich, and I started our business, we knew how to bake bagels. What we didn’t know was how to actually register this venture as a business, pay taxes or get the proper certifications and insurance. We didn’t know half the things we needed to know to open and run a successful business legally and properly. We had to ask questions, seek assistance and, most importantly, surround ourselves with people who would know what to do and were willing to help us get started.

We found that kind of support in the Acworth Business Association (ABA), an organization that is full of successful businessmen and women who are willing and eager to help others succeed.

Are you someone who doesn’t know what you don’t know? Or maybe you are someone who knows a whole lot, and you are ready to share that knowledge and experience with others. Either way, come join us at ABA. We are committed to providing mentorship, sharing knowledge, helping others and facilitating connections.

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The connection you make might be exactly the right one for you.

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Kelly Nagel is president of the Acworth Business Association. She is the chief marketing officer and “bagel tester” for Nagel’s Bagels.

Networking is one way new business owners can learn from entrepreneurs.

A Small-Town Feel Near the Big City

BY ANET GRANGER

What I love the most about Acworth is how welcoming the people are. Our close-knit community has a small-town feeling reminiscent of Mayberry, yet it’s convenient to all the amenities and attractions available in the greater metropolitan Atlanta area.

Acworth is a growing, vibrant city with a population of 24,000, and it continues to grow by 3% each year. Real estate values have done exceptionally well, with a current increase of 12% over 2022. Several key factors have contributed to this growth:

• Affordability. The cost of living in Acworth is relatively low, making it a great option for people who are looking for affordable housing. The median home price is $367,000 — more than 6% lower than the national median of $392,000.

• Natural beauty and unique attractions. Acworth’s natural beauty is unmatched by any other city, in my opinion. It’s surrounded by beautiful parks and walking trails, with the 12,010 acres that make up Lake Allatoona being the hub of activity. The lake offers residents and visitors access to boating, fishing and other water-based recreation. Year-round festivals and events are another jewel in our crown. Some of my favorite events are the Smoke on the Lake BBQ Festival, Fourth of July, Taste of Acworth and the Acworth Arts Festival.

• Quality schools. Acworth is known for its highperforming schools, making it a great choice for families with children. The graduation rate for Allatoona High School’s Class of 2022 was 92.9%, the seventh highest among Cobb County’s 16 high schools.

• Convenient. Acworth is just 30 minutes from Atlanta, with major highways and fast lanes providing easy commutes for residents to travel to other parts of the area for work or leisure.

I believe the leadership and vision of Mayor Tommy Allegood’s Quality of Life campaign for Acworth is why it is the fastest-growing city, residentially and commercially, in Cobb County. I’m proud to own a business in the heart of downtown Acworth!

Anet Granger became a Realtor 20 years ago with a vision of offering world-class experience with hometown expertise to do work that is helpful to others.

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!

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.

Master Gardener Volunteers of Cobb County is a part of the University of Georgia Extension.

Erika K. Orcutt, Esq.

Mayor Delivers State of the City Address

Acworth Mayor Tommy Allegood’s 2023 State of the City presentation at the Acworth Business Association’s February luncheon focused on the theme “Acworth is Home.” With an emphasis on the why, Allegood pointed out the importance of friends and family in the city and the love and support people in Acworth bring to the community.

The mayor also acknowledged the great leadership in Acworth’s churches, schools and businesses, as well as from its boards and department leaders. Allegood said the outstanding community leadership in Acworth unifies the residents and business owners and gives the city a welcoming and inclusive reputation that represents its great quality of life. The mayor also spoke about future city projects, including additions to trail connectivity, developments and Acworth’s partnership with Bartow County to improve the Allatoona Gateway area.

Awards Presented at Chamber Dinner

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

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.

Chattahoochee Technical College President Ron Newcomb received the 2023 Dr. Robert A. Lipson Award, presented to someone who is a visionary, a friend, a mentor and a leader, from outgoing chamber Chairwoman Britt Fleck. Newcomb played a critical role in developing the Superior Plumbing VECTR Center on the college’s Marietta campus and in launching and growing the Cobb Workforce Partnership.

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.

The 2023 Chairman’s Award was presented to Sonya Grant of WorkSource Cobb for her leadership on the ReAlign ReStart Program, a workforce development effort among the Cobb County Sheriff’s Department, WorkSource Cobb, Construction Ready and the Cobb Chamber.

The 2023 Len Gilbert Award was given to Joyette Holmes of Gregory, Doyle, Calhoun & Rogers and Pete Quinones of MetroAtlanta Ambulance Service. Holmes, a MUST Ministries board member, and Quinones served as 2022 strategic planning co-chairs.

Mayor Tommy Allegood talks about Acworth’s future.

Ike Reighard, left, and Otis Brumby III

Ron Newcomb and Britt Fleck

Kat Schwaig, left, and Britt Fleck

What Should Boaters Include in a Float Plan?

BY GREG FONZENO

A pilot files a flight plan before each takeoff for general safety and to facilitate possible search-and-rescue operations, should they be needed. Boaters always should file a float plan — the nautical equivalent of a flight plan — for those same reasons, in case of a boating emergency.

A float plan is an overview of your boating trip that will give authorities a specific area for searching in case you fail to return home. The document should at least include a description of your boat, the number of people on board, the destination (including the general route to be taken), contact information and the time you plan to return.

A plan should be created by all boaters, whether riding a personal watercraft, paddling a kayak, enjoying a power boat ride or sailing. Details to be included vary, but the more specific the plan, the better.

• Include the size, color, make, type of boat, engine size (if any) and identification number of your vessel.

• Consider adding the name and location of the marina or launch ramp where you started.

• Add the tow vehicle’s location and license plate number.

• List the names, ages, genders and any medical conditions or pertinent disabilities of all people aboard.

• Describe the intended location(s) you’ll be boating.

Leave your float plan with a family member, a reliable friend or anyone else you trust to contact law enforcement about beginning a search, in case of an emergency. If your plans change due to weather, mechanical issues or even personal preferences, notify and update your contact. If you don’t, you risk launching an expensive — and possibly unnecessary — rescue mission.

There are numerous resources that can help you create a hardcopy float plan or provide an online form to complete. One of the most comprehensive forms can be found at https://floatplancentral. cgaux.org. Notice that it clearly states your float plan is NOT to be filed with the Coast Guard, but with someone you trust.

Float plans don’t need to be formal. If you’re heading out to anchor in a favorite fishing spot, jot down when you’re going, where, with whom and when you expect to be back. If you tell your contact person you’ll call when you arrive at the cove or when you get home, do so. Don’t forget. You might know you’re safe, but the person entrusted with your potential rescue doesn’t. Close out a float plan when you’re done by notifying your contact that you’ve returned safely. Never leave one open.

A float plan is a boater’s safety strategy, offering a bit of insurance and peace of mind that, if you find trouble on the water, someone will find you.

Greg Fonzeno is the public education officer and commander of the local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Unit (Flotilla 22) at Allatoona Lake.

Time for Financial Spring Cleaning

Now that we’ve put winter behind us — at least on the calendar — it’s time to think about sprucing up our homes. And it also might be time to do some financial spring cleaning as well.

Some of the same ideas involved in tidying up your home also can be used to put your financial house in order. Here are a few suggestions:

• Dust off your investment strategy. Just as things around your house need a good cleaning, your investment strategy needs to be “dusted off” occasionally, so you can see if it’s still working to move you toward your financial goals.

• Declutter your portfolio. If a survey of your home found duplicates of things, it might be time to declutter. And the same could be true of your portfolio. If you have several identical, or substantially identical, investments taking up space, you might want to replace these redundancies with investments that can improve your diversification. While diversification can’t guarantee profits or protect against losses in a declining market, it might help reduce the impact of market volatility on your holdings.

• Get organized. Overstuffed closets can make it hard to find what you’re looking for, but a little straightening up will make searches much easier. And when trying to locate financial documents, you’ll also benefit from having everything organized in one central location. Even

if most of these documents are online, you can save what you need and keep them in a file on your desktop, laptop or tablet. It’s also a good idea to tell a responsible adult how to access these documents, just in case something happens to you.

• Protect yourself from dangers. In your garage or other storage area, you might find objects that could be dangerous if not stored properly. During your spring cleaning, you’d want to remove those hazards to safeguard your family. But have you addressed the financial risks that could threaten your loved ones? If something were to happen to you, could your family members maintain their lifestyle? Could your children still go to college? To guard against these risks, you might want to discuss protection strategies with a financial professional.

Spring cleaning can pay off — in a cleaner, safer home and in helping to ensure your financial strategy continues to work hard for you.

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.

Roberto De Jesus is a financial adviser for the Edward Jones branch on Cedarcrest Road in Acworth.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones financial adviser. Edward Jones, member SIPC.

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.

Senior Activities

CITY OF ACWORTH

Parks, Recreation and Community Resource Department 770-917-1234 // www.acworthparksandrecreation.org

March 15

City of Acworth’s Senior Luncheon. Every third Wednesday. Lunch is served at noon at the Acworth Community Center. This program is free to all seniors, but you must RSVP the week prior to the luncheon in order to attend, 770-917-1234.

Mondays

Cards & Cookies. 2-3 p.m., every other Monday, Acworth Community Center. Coffee, cookies and some games will be provided. Bring your favorite game. Register online.

Strikers Bowling Club. 6-8 p.m., once a month, Bowlero, 775 Cobb Place Blvd., Kennesaw. $12 for three games and shoe rental. Upcoming dates: March 13 and April 10.

Mondays, Wednesdays

Senior Warriors Gentle Movements. 10-10:30 a.m., Acworth Community Center. Seniors 55 and older learn traditional Korean movements to increase balance, mental focus and ability to move. Taught by Omar Welch, an instructor certified by the U.S. Taekwondo Federation.

Tuesdays

Live Chair Yoga. 10-10:45 a.m., through May 30, Acworth Community Center. Learn stretching and strengthening exercises and breathing techniques. Free for city of Acworth residents, $15 for nonresidents.

Crafters in Curlers. 2-3:30 p.m., Acworth Community Center. Make a craft to take home once a month.

Upcoming dates: March 14, April 11 and May 16. $10 for city of Acworth residents, $15 for nonresidents.

Wednesdays

Soles in Motion Walking Club. Active adults ages 55 and older will meet at 10 a.m. every Wednesday for a 30-minute walk at Logan Farm Park or the Acworth Community Center track, depending on the weather. No walks on Senior Luncheon days.

Thursdays

Live Cardio. 10-10:45 a.m., through May 25, Acworth Community Center. Strengthen and tighten muscles using free weights. Free for city of Acworth residents, $15 for nonresidents.

Core Strength. 4-4:45 p.m., through May 25, Acworth Community Center. Work on improving core strength and balance from standing and sitting positions. Free for city of Acworth residents, $15 for nonresidents.

Fridays Breakfast Club. Meet for breakfast at a local restaurant, 9 a.m., the first Friday of each month: April 7, Biscuit Belly; and May 5, Maple Street Biscuits. Each person is responsible for his/her costs. Sign-ups are limited to 12.

NORTH COBB SENIOR CENTER

4100 S. Main St., Acworth // 770-975-7740

www.cobbcounty.org/public-services/senior-services

March 6-7

Shopping Trip: Walmart. 10 a.m.-noon both days, 3826 Cobb Parkway, Acworth.

March 8

Crafting Corner: Creative Scarf Making. 10-11:30 a.m. $7.

March 9

Let’s Do Lunch: Guston’s. 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Meet at Guston’s, 3330 Cobb Parkway, Suite 100, Acworth. Lunch on your own.

Techno Talk: Being Safe Online. 1-2 p.m. Learn about password protection, safe searches, avoiding scams and other tips for staying safe online.

March 10

Nutrition Lesson: Kidney Care. 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Celebrate March as National Kidney Month by creating paths to better kidney care.

Game Show Afternoon: Academy Awards Trivia.

1-2 p.m.

March 13

Guess Who! Women’s History Month. 1-2 p.m. Learn about 18 influential women through discussion and videos, then play a group game of Guess Who.

March 14

Learn a New Game: Flip It! 10:30-11:30 a.m.

March 15

VFW Bingo and Lunch. 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

March 16

Armchair Travel: All About Spain. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Explore Barcelona and its architecture, rich cultural heritage, nightlife and world-class restaurants.

March 16

Art-ivity. 1-2 p.m. Celtic knot headband.

March 17

Truth or Blarney? 10:3011:30 a.m. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day by playing Truth or Blarney and Irish word games, and learning about writing limericks.

Film on Friday: “The Fabelmans.” Noon-2:30 p.m.

March 20

International Day of Happiness. 1-2 p.m. Participate in activities that make people happy.

March 21

Team Bowling. Noon2 p.m., Stars and Strikes, 10010 Highway 92, Suite 180, Woodstock.

March 22

World Water Day. 1-2 p.m. Discover ways to conserve water in your daily life.

Culinary Creations: Cook This, Not That! 1-2 p.m. Learn to eat healthier, save money and possibly lose weight. $3.

March 23

Shopping Trip: Waffle House/Bargain Hunt. 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

March 27

Disaster Response Seminar. 1-2 p.m. Discuss ways to prepare for and respond to various disaster scenarios.

March 28

Cultivating the Mind, Body and Soul. 1-2 p.m. Learn to stay physically and mentally healthy through exercise.

March 29

Lifelong Learning: FeelGood Stories. 1-2 p.m.

VETERAN CONNECTION

Meets at 10 a.m. the third Tuesday of each month at the West Cobb Senior Center and at 10 a.m. the fourth Thursday of each month at North Cobb Senior Center. Join veterans 55 and older for an informal get-together. Call Mike Nichols at 770-528-1448 for information.

Women’s Ministry Follows Her

BY VICKI DAVIS

Wife. Mother. G. (Grandmother). Mother-in-love. Southern as sweet tea, Pat Layton of Acworth grew up in Savannah, the oldest of four daughters. From a very young age, she dreamed of being her own boss and had high aspirations to achieve ambitious goals. Throughout her uneventful childhood, she always seemed to be reaching for something better, something higher, something she couldn’t grasp.

Pat continued her spiritual search throughout the highs and lows of her 20s — during which she became a single mom and met her current husband, Mike, in college — until, for the first time, she clearly heard the truth of the Gospel and understood what Christ had done for her. She ran to the altar on June 9, 1984, and surrendered her heart to him. Mike accepted that same new life just a few months later. Since then, Pat has been caught up in the power of God’s love and passionately shares her story of his redeeming grace through her various roles in full-time ministry.

Pat grew in her faith, surrounded by strong Christian mentors committed to helping her learn as much as she could about God’s ways. They taught her to love prayer and the word of God and stood by her as walls from her past crumbled, opening a whole new path for her.

A few years into their walk of faith, Pat and Mike felt God calling them to open the first faith-based crisis pregnancy center in Tampa, Florida. While developing the center, they were told about a tiny baby girl who had been released for adoption by her teenage birth mother. The baby was fighting for her life in a local hospital neonatal intensive care unit. Born three months early, she weighed only 1 pound when Mike and Pat first laid eyes on her, and it was love at first sight! Beyond all predictions and expectations, their new daughter thrived and grew, and they finally took her home three months later, weighing

Above, the she shed from where Pat operates her full-time ministry.

Right, Pat Layton with her husband, Mike.

Ministry Leader Purpose

4 pounds and miraculously having no complications or health problems.

Pat often shared their daughter’s story with women who were facing an unplanned pregnancy at the crisis pregnancy center, aptly named A Woman’s Place. From their adoption experience, Pat and Mike expanded the services offered at the center to include a Christian adoption agency in Tampa. For 25 years, Pat focused on these nonprofit ministries, which included an abortion recovery ministry and a national abstinence education program, all while writing and speaking.

In 2015, Pat turned the Tampa ministries over to the board, and in 2018, she and Mike relocated to Acworth to be near their two adult children and three grandchildren. Married 45 years, they enjoy country living on their hobby farm with baby goats, two Great Pyrenees, a small house dog and a parrot. Pat operates her full-time ministry, in which she trains ministry leaders, coaches women to reach for their dreams, writes and records weekly devotional podcasts, out of an adorable she shed, known as “Shed Quarters.”

Pat manages life from her 35-year-old “prayer chair” that sits near a bay window in her bedroom, providing her with views of every season at their beautiful, wooded property. A Georgia peach at heart, she is content to live in northwest Georgia, where she continues to write new books and Bible studies, but she still enjoys traveling and speaking at events across the nation. One of Pat’s favorite ministry activities is hosting a biannual “unique boutique retreat” for women called Rest Quest. Her podcast, “Permission to Pause,” encourages her listeners to take a few minutes during the hustle of life to pause and spend time with God.

Pat has authored six published books in which she shares her story with humor, humility, vulnerability and

transparency. Readers of all ages and life stages are drawn to her openness about her disappointments and failures and are inspired by her ability to turn a mess into a mission, a tragedy into a triumph. Teaching tools she’s developed, like the Freedom Flower and A Garden of Personality test, are offered in her books and ministry materials. In her latest work, “Life Unstuck,” Pat guides women toward finding peace with their past, purpose in their present and passion for their future. She bares her soul to encourage others to begin taking any needed steps toward an unstuck past. The book opens with an “Unstuck Manifesto” she wrote, based on Psalm 139.

Christmas 2022, Pat led more than a thousand participants in her “Unstuck Christmas” devotional series Dec. 1-25 on her podcast and via email, Facebook and other platforms.

Pat and Mike are enjoying their new home in what she calls the “Hallmark

town” of Acworth, trying out local restaurants, taking long walks in the park and visiting mountain towns. They are happy to be part of a new family of faith at Cedarcrest Church. Pat said after spending their entire married life in Tampa, they’ve been especially blessed to have so many gracious and warm new friends welcome them to Acworth.

Her family is her priority, but the desire of Pat’s heart is to inspire women to step into their calling, their gifting, and trusting God when facing the impossible. Her message of God’s healing power and amazing grace continues to impact countless women.

Vicki Davis, an Atlanta native, visited her parents’ hometown of Acworth growing up. Her family moved to the area in 1987. Family is her focus; writing is her passion.

The goats the Laytons have on their hobby farm.

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.

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.

@ the Library

North Cobb Regional Library

3535 Old 41 Highway, Kennesaw

770-801-5320

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

March 9, 16, 23, 30

Kids Create, 4:30-5:15 p.m., offers weekly activities, such as art, crafts and STEM projects, for ages 5 and older. Registration is not required.

March 13

Sherlock Holmes Story Discussions with the North Cobb Irregulars take place 6:30-7:30 p.m. the second Monday of each month. Discussions are led by Helen Cauley, president emerita of the Atlanta Sherlock Holmes Society. The text for March is “The Adventure of the Copper Beeches.” No RSVP is required.

March 13, 20, 27, April 3

North Cobb Girls Who Code, an introductory coding club for grades three through five, meets 5:30-6:15 p.m. Mondays. Girls will learn programming concepts, such as logical thinking, sequences and loops, and problem-solving.

March 14-15

The Art Experience, 6-7:30 p.m. each day, will give adults a chance to create artwork in different paint-related mediums over a two-day period. All talent levels are welcome. Registration is required.

March 14, 28

The North Cobb Pokémon Club, 3:30-4:30 p.m. every other Tuesday. Pokémon trainers and enthusiasts ages 6-12 are invited to learn to play the game, battle, trade and participate in special tournaments.

March 15

Digital Learn Class, 6-7 p.m., for ages 18 and older, will cover email basics. Registration is required. Future classes are April 5 and 19 (creating resumes) and May 3 and 17 (Microsoft Word [Windows 10]).

March 27

Make Mine a Mystery! Book Club meets 6-7 p.m. the fourth Monday of each month. The group is led by Helen Cauley, president emerita of the Atlanta Sherlock Holmes Society. Books that will be discussed at upcoming meetings are “The Searcher” by Tana French in March and “Skeleton Man” by Tony Hillerman in April. No RSVP is required.

March 28

Cover-to-Cover Book Discussion meets 2-3:30 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of each month. The group will be discussing “Apples Never Fall” by Liane Moriarty in March. New members are always welcome.

March 29

An early hearing detection and intervention screening for babies from birth to 18 months will be available, 5:45-6:45 p.m. Registration is not required.

April 1

Cross-Stitch Meetup meets 10 a.m.-3 p.m. the first Saturday of each month. Bring your current work and enjoy stitching with other crafters. Beginners are welcome.

April 3

Family Movie Night, 6-7:40 p.m., will feature “WALL-E” (G).

April 4

Poetry Workshop for Kids, 4:30-5:15 p.m., will help children ages 5 and older create blackout poems to celebrate National Poetry Month. Registration is not required.

School News

Cobb Schools Graduations Set

The Cobb County School District has announced graduation dates for the class of 2023: Allatoona High School, 9 a.m. May 26, and North Cobb High School, 10 a.m. May 27. Ceremonies will be at the Kennesaw State University Convocation Center and will be livestreamed via the school district website.

Board Welcomes New Members

Two new members, Becky Sayler from Post 2 and Nichelle Davis from Post 6, joined Post 4 board member David Chastain to take the oath of office for the Cobb County Board of Education in January. Board members also elected Post 7 representative Brad Wheeler as chairman for 2023 and voted for David Banks from Post 5 to continue serving as vice chairman.

Barber students and teachers enjoy a game of flag football.

Battling on the Gridiron

Students and teachers at Barber Middle School in Acworth recently answered the question of who would win a flag football game between the young and the forever young during the school’s first flag football matchup.

The game, hosted by the Barber yearbook staff, ended with the teachers coming out on top 28-22, as cheerleaders and families rooted for their favorite team. Even rain and brisk temperatures couldn’t put a damper on an afternoon filled with laughter, music and dancing. Students will have an opportunity to claim the title next year during a rematch.

Chattahoochee Tech Presents Top Instructor Award

Adrienne Baldwin recently received the 2023 Rick Perkins Award for best instructor from Chattahoochee Technical College (CTC). The statewide award program honors technical college instructors who make significant contributions to technical education through innovative instruction and leadership in their fields.

Baldwin, a mathematics instructor who lives in Cobb County, was presented a professional development grant by the Chattahoochee Tech Foundation and will advance to the state level to compete against instructors from Georgia’s 21 other technical colleges. The state winner will be announced in April.

The other CTC instructors who were finalists for the award were psychology and sociology instructor Tricia Dailey and electrical and computer engineering technology instructor Andrew Kazemian.

CTC President Ron Newcomb congratulates Adrienne Baldwin, right, as well as Breana Miller, the college’s Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership winner.

Around & About Around & About

MARCH

6 The city of Acworth will be holding an American Red Cross blood drive, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., at the Acworth Community Center, 4361 Cherokee St. To sign up, visit www.redcrossblood.org or use the Red Cross blood donor app.

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 Scoutthemed “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.

11

The Acworth Public Safety Cadets — Unit 4440 is inviting Cub Scout packs, Boy Scout troops, church groups, school clubs, business owners and city residents to participate in the quarterly City Council Cleanup Challenge, 8:30-11:30 a.m., to help keep the city clean. Future cleanup dates will be June 10, Sept. 9 and Nov. 18. For information or to participate, email Cpl. Eric Mistretta at emistretta@acworth.org.

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

23-26

25 Bethel Shreds, a document-shredding fundraiser sponsored by Bethel AME Church Acworth, will be 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in the upper area of the parking lot at Logan Farm Park, 4405 Cherokee St., Acworth.

30

The Allatoona High School band will host “A Night of Jazz,” its annual jazz dinner and silent auction, 6-9 p.m. at Acworth Community Center’s Tanyard Creek Overlook, 4361 Cherokee St. Guests will enjoy a catered dinner from 1885 Grill, live jazz music and a chance to bid on dozens of items. Admission is free, but tickets are required in advance for dinner. Tickets are $20 and available at allatoonabands.org. Proceeds will benefit the Allatoona band program.

APRIL

6

The Acworth Farmers Market returns to Logan Farm Park expansion, 4405 Cherokee St., 8 a.m.-noon Fridays. Customers will have a wide variety of garden-ripe Georgia-grown vegetables, as well as local eggs, cheese, bedding plants, fresh-baked bread, pies, cakes, honey and jams to choose from each week. For information, email Jeff Chase at jchase@acworth.org.

15-16

The Acworth Art Fest will take place 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.5 p.m. Sunday in downtown Acworth. More than 50 artisans from across the country will be offering paintings, pottery, folk art, jewelry and more. Acworth restaurants will have delectable fare for sale in the food court. www.visitacworth.com

Live at Logan Farm Park will feature food, entertainment and fun.

ART HOUSE HAPPENINGS

www.acworthartsalliance.org.

Through April 15

The “Inspired … A Moment in Time” exhibit is on display. A free open house is planned for 4-7 p.m. April 1. Light refreshments will be available.

April 22

Live at Logan Farm Park, the Acworth Art Alliance’s annual fundraiser, will begin at 5:30 p.m., and Ollie Patterson and the Weekend Getaway Band will take the stage at 7 p.m. A picnic on the lawn will be provided by 1885 Grill. Proceeds will help fund the Art House and scholarships for local youth who are pursuing fine arts degrees. Sponsor tables are now available at the Art House or at acworthartsalliance.org/ events. The concert is free and open to the public.

Ongoing

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

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.

PARKS AND RECREATION

4361 Cherokee St., Acworth 770-917-1234 // acworthparksandrecreation.org

March 14

A women’s self-defense workshop, 8-9:30 a.m., will teach participants to perform useful self-defense moves based on martial arts techniques.

Acworth Adult Winter Basketball League

Competitive and recreational divisions run simultaneously every week, with a single-elimination tournament to finish the season. Sundays, through March 23, noon-7 p.m. Tournament semifinals March 22 and tournament finals March 23.

The League at Logan: Adult Grass Volleyball

Coed fours (two males, two females, ages 18 and older) will compete Wednesday evenings for eight weeks (March-May), with an additional two weeks of playoffs, at Logan Farm Park. $200 per team or $50 for individual free agents.

Acworth Adult Spring Flag Football League

Game play is 7 on 7, and teams can have up to 17 players. Tuesdays at 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30 p.m. beginning March 15 at the Acworth Sports Complex. A single-elimination tournament will be held May 23 and May 25. Fees are $500 per team or $50 per free agent. Registration deadline is March 9.

Youth Programs

Through April 5

Bricks 4 Kidz, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Wednesdays in the Acworth Community Center classroom, offers a hands-on program where schoolage kids can build specially designed project kits and theme-based models with Lego bricks. https://bit.ly/3XmNtr7

April 10-May 3

Acworth Itty Bitty Ballers, 4:30-5:15 p.m. or 5:30-6:15 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays at the Acworth Community Center, is a preschool noncompetitive sports program to help kids ages 3-4 develop basic sports skills and explore a variety of different sports. $50 for city of Acworth residents and $65 for nonresidents. Registration deadline is March 29.

Tuesdays and Thursdays

BSD Taekwondo. This class is designed to teach ages 6 and older to have balance, hand-eye coordination and self-control, using traditional taekwondo exercises. 3-4 p.m., at the Acworth Community Center. Monthly sessions are available.

Saturdays

Special Warriors Taekwondo. In this class, young community members with special needs will learn focus, balance, hand-eye coordination and effective self-defense. Classes meet monthly, 10-10:30 a.m., at the Acworth Community Center.

Little Dragons Taekwondo. Children, ages 4-7, can learn balance, hand-eye coordination and self-control, 10:45-11:15 a.m., at the Acworth Community Center. Monthly sessions are available. Parents are welcome to take the class with their children, but it is not required.

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)

Place (Angry Hippo)

Paul Shimek - Third Place (Dasenech Man)

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