5-22 AroundKennesaw webfinal.pdf by Aroundabout Local Media, Inc.

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AROUND KENNESAW | May 2022

16 18

Contents On the Cover

14 May 2022

Features

14 Expanded Shelter Debuts

MUST Ministries shows off its new homeless shelter to the community at two grand openings last month.

16 Family Fun

Check out photos from this year’s Superior Plumbing Kennesaw/Big Shanty Festival, where young and old alike found something enjoyable to do.

18 Filled With Spirit

Harrison High School’s Hoya Squad blends members of the main cheer squad with cheerleaders who have special needs.

In Every Issue 4 Around Kennesaw

Williams Elleby

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Pages 28 & 29

Cover photo by Red Baryl Portraits

AROUND KENNESAW | May 2022

8 Local News

22 Celebrations

34 Downtown Dining Guide 38 Rob’s Rescues 42 School News

46 Growing Gardeners

48 Community Calendar

Contributors 46 Judy Abbott

36 Ryan Blythe

37 Jennifer Bonn

40 Andrew Bramlett 20 Dana Dorris

12 Derek Easterling

39 Susannah MacKay

50 Library Events

38 Rob Macmillan

52 Cobb Photographic Society

30 Elisabeth Stubbs

51 Senior Events

44 Susan Schulz

54 Directory of Advertisers

21 Bill Westenberger

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Around Kennesaw Letter From the Editor

For me, May always has been jam-packed with activities – proms, graduations, Little League tournaments, Memorial Day cookouts, birthday celebrations, school banquets. But the highlight of the month is Mother’s Day, a 24-hour period when Mom is treated like the queen she is. When I was a kid, my dad wasn’t much of a shopper, so our Mother’s Day gifts largely consisted of handprint artwork and pots of droopy flowers that we grew at school. As I got older, however, I took on the responsibility of buying Mom’s gifts from my siblings and me. I graduated to store-bought presents like “World’s Greatest Mother” certificates, rose bushes and jewelry. Now, after almost 60 years of motherhood, my mom doesn’t need more coffee mugs or trinkets. What she cherishes most is our time – taking vacations together, going out to eat or visiting her to just sit and talk. The second Sunday in May takes on a different meaning once you have kids. You soon start understanding it from your mother’s view, and you realize with each passing year that you’re one Mother’s Day closer to your children leaving home. And you wonder what the holiday will be like when that happens. For me, the perfect celebration would include my son attending church with me, having lunch and giving me a gift from the heart – a photo collage, a handwritten letter, a personalized calendar. One of my all-time favorite gifts was a poem he wrote and printed on a photo of us. It still hangs on my bedroom wall. Those are the kind of gifts that money can’t buy. Happy Mother’s Day to all you moms, especially my mom, Virginia Sullivan. And to all you kids who are blessed to still have your mom with you, don’t take her for granted. Treat her like the queen she is every day, not just May 8. In this issue, see pictures from last month’s Superior Plumbing Kennesaw/Big Shanty Festival, where a lot of moms – and dads – were able to spend some quality time with their kids. Check out the photo spread on Pages 16-17 to get an idea of how much fun families had at the annual event. On Page 18, read about the Hoya Squad, a Harrison High School cheer team that blends members of the main cheer squad with cheerleaders who have special needs. Also on Pages 14-15, we offer a glimpse into a celebration that’s been a long time coming. MUST Ministries hosted the grand opening of Hope House, a new homeless shelter that will accommodate twice as many clients as its former facility. Happy reading!

Donna Harris Donna Harris is the managing editor of Aroundabout Local Media. She’s a veteran journalist with newspaper and magazine experience and is excited to bring her expertise to ALM. Email her at donna@aroundaboutmagazines.com.

AROUND KENNESAW | May 2022

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What’s New?

The city of Kennesaw launched a place branding May 2 that will identify the downtown area as a happening place to be: “From hometown history to hopping hotspots, burgers and brews to rhythm and views, there’s always something new to discover in Downtown Kennesaw. “Grab your favorite morning coffee and find a sunny spot to watch Main Street come to life. Meet the crew for lunch and a leisurely sidewalk storefront stroll. Explore some local history then make tracks to grab your favorite sweet treat. Catch up over a local brew, then catch a concert in the park. Every day, you’ll find a new way to play right here at home. “Welcome to Downtown Kennesaw. Welcome to Main Street on the Move.” The new brand, which focuses on downtown events and businesses, has its own website – www.kennesawdowntown.com – and logo as well as its own social media sites: Facebook: /kennesawdowntown Twitter: @kennesawdt Instagram: @kennesawdowntown.

It also has a hashtag – #downtownkennesaw – for residents and visitors to use.

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Our Mission

Publisher Aroundabout Local Media, Inc. www.aroundaboutlocalmedia.com President Kim Dahnke 770-778-5314 kim@aroundaboutmagazines.com Vice President Jennifer Coleman 678-279-5502 jen@aroundaboutmagazines.com Executive Editor Candi Hannigan 770-615-3309 candi@aroundaboutmagazines.com

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AROUND KENNESAW | May 2022

Around Kennesaw, a publication of Aroundabout Local Media, Inc., is a community magazine with 17,000 free copies distributed monthly. Approximately 16,600 are direct mailed to homes and businesses and an additional 400 are placed in racks in the community. Around Kennesaw welcomes your comments, stories and advertisements. The deadline is the 10th of the previous month. Subscriptions are available for $24 per year. Send check or money order to: Around Kennesaw, 1025 Rose Creek Drive, PMB 380, Suite 620, Woodstock, GA 30189. The viewpoints of the advertisers, columnists and submissions are not necessarily those of the editor/ publisher and the publisher makes no claims as to the validity of any charitable organizations mentioned. Around Kennesaw is not responsible for errors or omissions. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the publisher. All rights reserved. Copyright 2022. Volume 1, Issue 10

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Local News

Leadership Academy Seeks Award Nominations

The city of Kennesaw is launching the Follow the Leader program to recognize local leaders who have made a difference in their community. This is a project of the inaugural class of the Kennesaw Leadership Academy, made up of 12 young professionals from eight different city departments who are training for future leadership roles. Participants will partner with award recipients to volunteer for projects, organizations or causes with which the winners are involved. The city will accept nominations through May 27, and award recipients will be recognized with a plaque and proclamation at the Kennesaw City Council meeting at 6:30 p.m. June 20 and at the city’s annual Salute to America event on July 3. To complete a nomination form, visit www.kennesaw-ga.gov/followtheleader.

North Georgia Camellia Society President John Scarpucci speaks at the Camellia Trail Garden ribbon cutting.

Smith-Gilbert Named Camellia Trail Garden

The American Camellia Society (ACS) recognized Smith-Gilbert Gardens (SGG) as a Camellia Trail Garden in March. This national recognition reflects a partnership the ACS has with public gardens across the country that have notable camellia collections. The ACS representatives recognized SmithGilbert’s Paladino Camellia Garden as a destination garden on the Camellia Trail. SmithGilbert has 94 camellia plants representing four species in its collection. Especially notable is a new camellia cultivar that was discovered and certified as a new cultivar at SGG. An opportunity to name this plant will be offered at the 2022 Rose Garden Gala on May 14.

Free Fitness Center Giveaway Underway

Kennesaw-based Innovative Fitness will be accepting applications for its third annual Chris Conti Memorial Grant through June 1. This unique grant provides a free fitness center in an existing space for an organization in need and includes consultation, design, fitness equipment, delivery and installation. The grant was created in 2020 in memory of Innovative Fitness co-founder Chris Conti, who’s known for his generosity and service to others and his community. The intention of the grant, which is awarded to a qualified applicant each year on July 30, is to carry on his legacy of giving. This year, nonprofits, public safety organizations and all city and county Georgia Parks and Recreation Association member agencies are invited to apply. For more, visit www.theCCMG. org or email CCMG@innovativefit.com. 8

AROUND KENNESAW | May 2022

Cobb Fire Department Renews Accreditation

Congratulations to Cobb Fire on receiving its continued accreditation for the fourth time from the Commission on Fire Accreditation International. The accreditation is good through 2027. The achievement shows the agency continually self-assesses, looks for opportunities for improvement and is transparent and accountable through third-party verification and validation. Of the 295 accredited agencies in the country, Cobb County is one of 15 county departments accredited and one of nine accredited county fire departments, with an Insurance Services Office rating of 1, the highest rating. The department serves more than 750,000 residents and covers 345 square miles of unincorporated areas of Cobb, as well as three of the six incorporated cities within the county: Kennesaw, Acworth and Powder Springs.

Volunteers Needed for Fishing Rodeo

Cobb PARKS needs volunteers who love fishing and nature to help with a Fishing Rodeo for ages 3-16 July 16 at Lost Mountain Park. Volunteers will teach kids such basics as baiting a hook, casting a reel/pole and removing fish from a hook. Other volunteer needs include weighing and measuring the fish. To volunteer, email Anne.Norton@cobbcounty.org or call 770-528-8819.

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AROUND KENNESAW | May 2022

Local News

Cobb Agencies Receive New K-9 Officers

Two Cobb County public safety agencies have added a new furry officer to their ranks. Ace, a 19-month-old Belgian malinois, and his handler, officer Alex Johnson, have been certified and assigned to the police department’s K-9 unit. Ace had his first meet-and-greet event at the North Cobb Senior Center, where he performed a search demonstration. Drako, a 17-month-old Belgian malinois, and his handler, Deputy Scott Berger, became the sheriff office’s first patrol K-9 team last month. Drako is trained in apprehension, article searches, narcotics detection and tracking. K-9 officer Ace and his handler, officer Alex Johnson, work in the Cobb County Police Department’s K-9 unit.

Commissioners Recognize Accomplishments

At its April meeting, the Cobb County Board of Commissioners recognized two employees who were promoted to department directors. Dr. Jatunn Gibson is the new public services agency director after a long career with the county. She has led senior services since March 2019 and has acted as interim public services agency director since December. The agency includes libraries, PARKS and senior services. Travis Stalcup was named the new property management director after 27 years with Cobb. He has advanced through the ranks from maintenance tech to deputy director and has served as the interim property management director since December. The board also presented a proclamation to Cobb Senior Services for 50 years of serving the county’s 55-plus community. Since its creation in 1972, the agency has enhanced the quality of life for millions of Cobb County’s older adults. Board members honored its staff and volunteers for five decades of excellence.

Cobb Senior Services staff was honored last month for 50 years of serving the 55-plus community. 10

AROUND KENNESAW | May 2022

McMorris Named Woman of the Year

Cobb County Manager Dr. Jackie McMorris was named the 2022 LiveSafe Resources Woman of the Year during the 37th annual Tribute to Women of Achievement event. McMorris was selected from 15 women named to the Academy of Leaders. This award honors women who exemplify the qualities of leadership, achievement, dedication and generosity and who demonstrate expertise in balancing business, community and family. McMorris, who became Cobb’s county manager in spring 2020, ushered the county through its response to the COVID-19 pandemic, both internally and externally, and through some turbulent times while ensuring residents continued to receive the outstanding services they desire.

Superintendent Proposes Historic Raise

Cobb School Superintendent Chris Ragsdale’s tentative fiscal year 2023 budget includes a historic 8.5% to 13.1% proposed raise for every permanent staff member in the Cobb County School District. If the board approves the proposed budget, Cobb teachers, social workers, bus drivers, custodians — every nontemporary staff member — will receive the highest raises in metro Atlanta, according to the district. This is not the first time Ragsdale has asked for historic raises for employees. In 2019, the board approved his proposed increases of 8% to 12.6% for every permanent staff member, and last year, amid a pandemic, he secured a 4% to 8.6% raise.

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A Word From

Mayor Derek Easterling

reetings, Kennesaw! Spring is in full bloom, and your community is preparing for some awesome opportunities and events for you to enjoy during the next month. Before I move forward, however, I want to thank everyone who came out and enjoyed the Big Shanty Parade and Festival last month. It was a chilly start on a Saturday morning, but the weather improved, and we had an exceptional Sunday. First up in May is the launch of the First Friday Concert Series. This is our second year hosting the event, and the lineup is incredible. The series kicks off with the party band Used Groove, which plays classic and modern rock, funk, pop, rhythm and blues, and dance hits. Kennesaw Parks & Recreation’s Outdoor Movie Series will show three movies at Swift-Cantrell Park this summer: Walt Disney Pictures’ “Encanto” (PG) on May 14, Columbia Pictures’ “Spider-Man: No Way Home” (PG-13) on June 4 and Universal Pictures’ “Sing 2” (PG) on July 23. Movies are shown after sundown on a giant inflatable screen in a large field at the park. Attendees are welcome to bring blankets, chairs, etc., and food vendors will be available at 6 p.m. VIP tents also can be rented for $50 for each movie. The tent rental includes a 10-by-10 tent set up by the parks department, a 6-foot table and six chairs.

Tents are placed at the back of the viewing area, so as to not block the view of other moviegoers. The 2022 Kennesaw Farmers Market has returned to Depot Park for the 2022 season. This year’s market takes place 3:30-7:30 p.m. Mondays through Aug. 1 in the Big Shanty Drive parking lot at the park. It will be closed May 30 for Memorial Day and July 4 for Independence Day. The market features farmers and makers, as well as some local-favorite food trucks. On a typical market day in the summer, more than 20 vendors will be set up, offering their vegetables, fruits, baked goods and specialty items. In closing this month, I want to highlight another successful project kickoff in our community. At its April 4 meeting, the City Council approved moving forward with improving the lighting plan for four local communities. Working with Georgia Power and Cobb EMC, the city will install more than 100 streetlights in the Woodland Acres, Tara, Knightsbridge and Blackjack subdivisions. The folks in these communities have been asking for these improvements, and city staff worked hard to make it happen. Thank you to all who had a hand in making this effort a reality. Be blessed!

Derek Easterling has served as Kennesaw’s mayor since 2016. He is dedicated to serving his community to the highest level possible.

AROUND KENNESAW | May 2022

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New at MUST

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Donations to help Hope House clients were pouring in during the grand opening. The new MUST Hope House features a chapel where clients can pray.

AROUND KENNESAW | May 2022

America’s newest — and perhaps most thoughtfully designed — homeless shelter is complete and ready to be occupied. Last month, MUST Ministries celebrated the completion of its 43,556-square-foot MUST Hope House, designed and built from input provided by staff, volunteers and clients. Grandopening events featured Gov. Brian Kemp as guest speaker, as well as public tours of the facility. Thanks to a successful capital campaign and an ambitious vision, the MUST team planned the two-story shelter with specific needs of clients at the forefront, making MUST one of the first organizations in the country to do so. The nonprofit more than doubled the number of people it is able to shelter and serve. “In all of MUST Ministries’ 50 years of service to those experiencing poverty, we have never seen a greater need for our help than we are seeing now,” MUST President and CEO Ike Reighard said. “In just two years, we have gone from serving 33,000 people a year to likely close to 60,000 people this year. The MUST Hope House not only gives those families a place to sleep but also provides them with a sense of dignity and respect.” The impressive new facility — just off Bells Ferry Road near Cobb Parkway in Marietta, not far from its predecessor — has 136 beds, plus 36 respite beds for inclement weather; a chapel; a dining hall with picture windows to help alleviate claustrophobia; a kitchen; a rooftop family retreat with play areas, tables and seating; a playground area; a satellite medical clinic with three exam rooms; laundry rooms; and an on-site clothing boutique, where clients can shop. Ten large family rooms, each with five beds and a private bath, allow families to stay

and sleep together, and the Children’s AfterSchool Learning Center gives kids a place to read, study, do homework and work with tutors. The workforce development service offers clients a jobs counselor, a computer lab with 10 work stations for creating resumes and completing job applications, and private rooms for making phone calls. The shelter also provides outreach services, such as case management, restrooms, showers and job assistance, for those who come for temporary help but are not housed there. Other amenities include two classrooms, staff offices, staff and volunteer break rooms, meeting/conference rooms and staff workrooms. “It’s amazing to think of how many lives will be changed at the MUST Hope House for many years to come,” Reighard said. “From providing shelter to feeding our children to helping with job placement, the whole mission behind MUST Ministries is to provide hope. With this new facility, built specifically with our clients’ needs in mind, we know that the MUST Hope House will do just that.” For the past 33 years, MUST has given thousands of families a place to sleep in the Elizabeth Inn in Marietta, but the next chapter in the nonprofit’s history started when clients began moving into the new shelter at the beginning of May.

A MUST Ministries volunteer sorts through donations brought in during the grand opening.

The 43,556 square-foot facility has 136 beds, plus 36 respite beds for inclement weather.

AROUND KENNESAW | May 2022

Meredith and Bagheera take a break from walking around the festival.

Good old-fashioned fun!

PHOTOS BY RED BARYL PORTRAITS

Cristiano Lopes scales the rock-climbing wall.

The people who converged on downtown Kennesaw for the 46th annual Superior Plumbing Kennesaw/Big Shanty Festival April 9-10 experienced Jekyll-and-Hyde weather – cold and windy the first day, hot and sunny the second. But regardless of what day they attended, festival-goers were able to shop for unique arts and crafts, enjoy delicious food, watch entertainers perform and participate in kids’ activities.

Jimmy Loudermilk of Coal Mountain Panjo plays one of the musical instruments he creates. 16

AROUND KENNESAW | May 2022

Qin, Brandon and their kids were among the attendees enjoying the festival.

The PowerTaps clogging team performs for festival-goers.

Harper checks out some of the items being sold at the festival.

Sweet Zensations was on hand to provide tasty ice cream to hungry festival-goers.

Kelly Quattlebaum shops for jewelry at the Macks Beads booth.

AROUND KENNESAW | May 2022

Squad Gives Cheerleaders Reason to Shout

Fans at Harrison High School’s basketball games may have seen some new stars on the court this season. These exceptional athletes are part of the Hoya Squad, an inclusive cheer team that blends members of the main cheer squad with cheerleaders who have special needs, and they have won the hearts of their teachers, community and fellow cheerleaders. The idea for the squad, which started this school year, formed in the hearts of two Harrison cheerleaders. Sophomores Lily and Quinn saw Hillgrove High’s inclusive cheer team at a competition and began hatching a plan to create the same opportunity at Harrison. “We would have time periods where we would talk with each other and just brainstorm, and we wrote down in my notebook everything that we wanted,” Quinn said. One of the first steps was to recruit the teacher they knew would be the perfect sponsor — basketball cheer coach Melissa Churchill, who had experience with special needs students. “We have seen her with the other special needs kids, and we just knew immediately that she was the person that was right to help us,” Quinn said. Lily agreed. “We actually weren’t 100% sure that we could make it happen this season because we approached [Churchill] so late,” she said. “She was super-enthusiastic to help us with it, and we got to make it happen this year, which was amazing.”

AROUND KENNESAW | May 2022

Harrison High School’s Hoya Squad, led by cheerleading coach Melissa Churchill, includes cheerleaders with special needs. Photos courtesy of Cobb Schools.

Watching their children cheer has warmed the hearts of the Harrison parents. “It has been wonderful for my daughter, Laney,” mom Kim Barfield said. “To have something special for her to be a part of … and just to go down the hall and kids know who she is, it’s just really made her feel a part of something special.” Barfield praised Churchill for making the Hoya Squad experiences handicapaccessible and inclusive. For example, several cheerleaders sit on the floor next to Laney so she doesn’t feel separated when the other cheerleaders sit in the bleachers. The squad has become an important part of Laney’s life, according to her mom. “She talks about the whole squad all the time,” she said. “When you have special needs, it can be kind of isolating because your life’s just different. You can’t just go participate in things that a lot of the other kids can do, so the [squad has] just been a part where she has her own activity.” When the squad began, each member of the main cheer team chose a special needs cheerleader as her buddy. “They are now best friends,” Churchill said. “I love seeing them together.” The coach also praised the cheerleaders, who jumped at the chance to serve as buddies. “These girls, they’ve included the other girls that haven’t been able to be a part of the high school community

in terms of sports and cheerleading,” Churchill said. “It’s just been awesome to watch them include the others that do have some type of disability and make them feel that they are a part of the Hoya community.” Watching the girls cheer in front of fans and fellow students and hearing their names announced over the loudspeaker have been life-changing experiences for the parents, cheerleaders and Churchill. “They’ve really changed my heart,” the coach said. “They have just cheered their hearts out, and it’s just been so amazing watching the student body give [the squad] accolades and tell them how good they did.” The cheerleaders saw how successful the squad’s season was and want to keep that success going. “I think the most valuable thing I’ve learned is that your ideas can become positive impact on other people,” Lily said. “It was just an idea in our heads, and getting to see not only the girls have fun with their parents [but getting] to go to an event that’s centered around them has been super-positively impactful.” The success of the cheerleaders and their coach is no surprise to their principal, Ashlynn Campbell. “The Hoya Squad is a great example of the many good things that take place at Harrison and how our students support one another,” she said. “Being a Hoya means believing in something bigger than yourself, and this is the perfect example.”

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AROUND KENNESAW | May 2022

Mothers and Leaders Have Traits in Common BY DANA DORRIS

May is a beautiful month in that we get to celebrate our mothers. Our Kennesaw Business Association theme this month is “Being Others-Centric,” as opposed to self-centered, and I cannot think of a better example of that than my mother. In business, we can learn a lot from the traits of a good mother, and women in leadership positions possess qualities that stretch beyond the office or boardroom — being patient, respectful, strong, humble, empathetic, authoritative and supportive. They can look beyond the role to see the person, and they know how to put themselves in other people’s shoes to see the world from a different perspective. My guess is that if you take a good look at the successful female leaders in your life, you likely will see some commonalities. Dedication and determination. Most women are not looking for a pity party. They will address challenges head-on without feeling sorry for themselves. The best leaders today possess this trait. Their determined attitudes have a positive influence on their followers and will shape forever their definition of leadership. Confidence. It took many years for women to get a seat at the table, but it did not take them long to pay attention to their surroundings and to learn and be inspired. An unentitled approach is endearing. Success is earned, and there are no such things as shortcuts. Women who take pride in their work understand it is more about the journey than the destination, and that is what creates a true, self-made person. Being others-centric. One word for this trait is selflessness. When I think of my own mother, “selfless” describes her perfectly. She took a backseat to her family in many ways, putting her own interests aside and focusing on her family. This kind of selflessness is the heart of servant leadership and a hallmark quality of true leadership today, in both men and women. Dependability. Regardless of the circumstances, women who lead are there in many capacities for the people who need them. Multitasking is a difficult skill, and mastering it without dropping any of the plates spinning in the air is admirable. The never-giveup spirit and mentality is what makes a leader worth following. Being in the business world for the past 32 years, I have observed strong women in action — women who brought a voice, strength, grace and an important perspective to the table. Most importantly, the successful women who are running companies should be recognized not only as great female leaders but also as great leaders in general. Happy Mother’s Day to my mother, Linda Pruitt, and all of the awesome moms! Dana Dorris, with her mom, Linda Pruitt, is the first two-time female president of the Kennesaw Business Association. She is an independent agent with Risk & Insurance Consultants.

AROUND KENNESAW | May 2022

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UPCOMING EVENTS May 10 KBA Luncheon

11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Recreation Center at Adams Park 2737 Watts Drive Features Partnership Expo for businesses and schools.

May 17

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May 20

Super Women’s Luncheon 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Copeland’s 1142 Barrett Parkway

May 24

Wake Up KBA 8-9 a.m. 22oneRealty 2695 Summers St.

May 31

Fifth Tuesday Luncheon 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Copeland’s 1142 Barrett Parkway

Join the KBA by visiting www.kennesawbusiness.org.

Nothing Says Community Like a Festival BY BILL WESTENBERGER

Just a few weeks ago, Kennesaw celebrated the spirit of community once again with one of the largest Big Shanty Festivals we’ve ever seen. Welcomed by cool temperatures, wind and sleet, the festivities began with a great parade, which officially opened the festival for sponsors, vendors and guests. I couldn’t believe the number of attendees on Saturday. Sunday’s clear skies and warm temps let us know spring really is here. The smell of burgers, barbecue and funnel cakes did its part to set the mood for a successful day. A short pause to glance around and soak in what is happening reminds us of the importance of coming together. An afternoon of walking from tent to tent yields so much more than just purchasing another birthday gift. It provides a sense of community – family, friends and neighbors sharing special time with one another just ’cause they can. For those who visited, I hope you felt that as you walked a few feet and found someone else you know and possibly haven’t seen in a while. We hope you left with a smile on your face and a few thousand steps recorded on your wrist to help you meet your goal. Most important, I hope you felt the harmony of our community. For the Kennesaw Police Department, we felt it for sure. As I’ve pointed out over the years, people don’t call us because they’re having a good day. We normally are walking into unpleasant situations. But a festival is different. It’s a chance to spend time with those we serve in a way that

Photo courtesy of Kelly Housley.

strengthens relationships. We are able to connect, have a conversation, learn a name, meet our youth and rejuvenate one another in the goodness of the world in which we live. For all of us to realize the value, we have to recognize the strength of community. When we are able to spend time together in settings like this, the relationships breed commitment to one another, and that commitment tends to grow trust. Subconsciously, we place ourselves on a trajectory of service to one another. This means the world in regard to keeping our community safe; it develops a kindred spirit of caring

for and protecting each other. Such relationships between the officers and those we serve establish bonds that are tough to break as long as we all continue to invest in the connection. It was great to see so many enjoying the festival. It left me with an amazing sense of community for those we serve. Next time you’re at a festival, think about those connections to the thousands of people there with you and the opportunities to bond with your neighbor and your officers. Wow, nothing really says community like a festival. Until next time, stay safe.

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

AROUND KENNESAW | May 2022

Celebrations! ANNOUNCEMENTS ARE FREE! Email to: edit@aroundaboutmagazines.com June deadline is May 10. Please specify Around Kennesaw.

Molly Wooldridge

Age 19 on May 8 Happy 19th birthday, Molly! “You get what you work for, not what you wish for.” Love you lots! Momma, Dad and Mr. Blake

JD Rainwater

Congratulations to you, JD! We are so proud of you and the man you have become. We love you to the moon and back, Mom, Dad, Grandma and Boots

Happy sweet 16th, Shelbi!

Age 16 on May 15 We are so proud of the beautiful woman you are becoming. We love you with all our hearts. Daddy, Mommy, Lori and Bubba

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Age 8 on May 13 Happy birthday, Cameron! Shine bright! We love you! Daddy, Mommy and Kenedi 22

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Members of the 1985 team were, from left, Charolyn Kapplinger, John Krenz, Shirley Keran and Philip Bouchard.

How revolutionary was the game for this time period?

“The Oregon Trail” straddled the line between educational software and entertainment. Some people called it “edutainment.” The original mainframe version from 1971 certainly was groundbreaking for its time, and our 1985 Apple II version continued to break new ground. The market for edutainment software still was young and primarily was dominated by “drilland-practice” games, which require players to perform arithmetic operations or flashcard drills. Our product was quite different because it was a historical simulation game, built on top of a complex set of mathematical models. In the edutainment space, there really wasn’t anything else like it.

Kennesaw Resident Designed ‘

‘

Computer-game lovers who were fourth-, fifth- or sixth-graders between 1985 and 2000 probably are familiar with Philip Bouchard’s work — they just don’t know it. The Cobb County native was chief designer of “The Oregon Trail,” a classic Apple II computer game released in 1985 and played by an entire generation of kids in schools and homes across North America. Bouchard, who left Cobb County for a while but moved back to Kennesaw in April 2020, worked for MECC in Minnesota when he led a team in creating the groundbreaking computer game that was educational as well as entertaining.

II version, which barely was changed from the earliest versions and was still presented almost entirely as text. The version we created in 1984-85 was reimagined completely and rebuilt from scratch. Nearly all of the features that people associate with the classic versions were invented during these 10 months. We had two reasons for creating this reimagined version. The 1980 Apple II version was sadly outdated, both in terms of technology and gameplay, so it was high time to replace it with something more modern and elaborate. And MECC wanted to create a version that could be sold to the home market, which required it to be much more modern and elaborate.

What inspired you to create the game?

What did you think about the game’s success?

We created the “classic” Apple II version of “The Oregon Trail” during a 10-month period from October 1984 through July 1985. However, versions of the game date back to 1971, and it was those earlier versions that provided the inspiration for our doing a much bigger and richer version. The earliest versions were entirely in text and played on a teletype machine connected to a mainframe computer. In 1980, MECC released the first Apple 24

AROUND KENNESAW | May 2022

It was indeed a big success in both the home and school markets. I had thought our new design had a very good chance of being successful, so I expected it to do fairly well. However, the degree of success was greater than I had anticipated. Furthermore, I assumed after a few years of success, people would gradually forget about it, so my biggest surprise is people still talk about it and share memes about it 37 years later.

What happened to the game’s popularity after 2000?

The version I designed appeared on just two platforms — the Apple II in 1985 and a DOS (IBM) edition in 1990. Eventually, that version became too outdated, just as the earlier versions had. Computers became more powerful, with higher resolution, more memory, faster processors and more colors. In the early 1990s, it became common to include a CD-ROM drive on PCs and Macs. This started the multimedia PC revolution, which allowed games to include embedded video and music. Therefore, in 1995, MECC released “The Oregon Trail II,” a redesigned version intended to make use of these capabilities. As the old Apple II and DOS computers were retired, people switched to the newer versions of the game, which also proved to be extremely popular.

How did creating this game shape your career?

In graduate school in the late 1970s, I had specialized in creating educational computer simulations. I joined MECC in 1981 with the intention of continuing to do so, but until “The Oregon Trail,” I never had the chance. The game’s success certainly helped my career, as I continued to work in educational software until 1998. But in 1999, I changed directions and devoted the remainder of my career to creating internet applications for various companies.

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Personal Attention

Attorneys Tailor Services to Each Client’s Individual Needs

illiams Elleby is a personal injury law firm that is changing the narrative on what a law firm should be.

Attorney Joel Williams opened the firm in 2013, to help people who face serious personal injuries, or death, due to the fault of someone else. The firm’s caseload is kept small, so personal attention can be given to each client. “I founded this firm with the desire to help protect injury victims from being taken advantage of by insurance companies,” Williams said. “Injury victims often face hardships — economic, physical and emotional. It is rewarding to be able to help them during this difficult time as they try to regain their life.” Attorney Chase Elleby joined the firm in 2017. In October 2019, the firm named him as an official partner, and changed its name to Williams Elleby.

Present, From Start to Finish The attorneys follow the core belief that they have a moral and ethical obligation to the community to provide accurate and helpful information. Through educational materials on the firm’s YouTube channel, clients can learn to make informed decisions about their case. “We believe in educating our clients,” Williams said. “We understand that different people have unique needs, and we always want to meet those needs through sound counsel and legal strategies tailored to each individual.” Through the end of 2021, the firm has helped hundreds of Cobb County residents and families recover financially after suffering personal injuries. The average recovery is nearly $115,000, including many cases where limited insurance made a higher recovery impossible. There are no upfront costs to hire Williams Elleby. Payment in each case is required only after they reach a recovery. Obtaining justice is hard work, but it’s a challenge that Williams Elleby embraces. “What sets our firm apart from others, in my opinion, is the willingness and ability to take a case from start to finish, 28

AROUND KENNESAW | May 2022

which means going to trial if we have to, in order to get fair compensation for our clients,” Elleby said. “One example was a case that should have been resolved long before going to trial, but the company refused to offer an amount that was fair, even though the evidence was clearly in our client’s favor. Instead, we were forced to have a jury trial and received a judgment of more than $1.2 million in our client’s favor, which was more than 20 times what the insurance company was offering to settle the case.”

Personal Attention The lawyers at Williams Elleby are directly involved in all aspects of each case. Clients get the lawyers’ cellphone numbers, so they have a direct line of communication, day or night. “We aren’t a mega-firm, and that is on purpose,” Williams said. “I believe when you hire a lawyer to represent you, you hire that lawyer. You should be able to speak to them, text them, email them and get a fast response. We want to make sure that each case gets the attention it needs, so our clients are fairly compensated.” Williams and Elleby will meet in their clients’ homes or hospital rooms, if necessary. They said clients appreciate their willingness to be as accommodating as possible in what often is a difficult time. “When someone is injured, their focus needs to be on getting better. Our job is to handle everything else, and make sure it’s done the right way, and to ensure our clients get what they deserve,” Elleby said.

The Williams Elleby team, from left, Sharon Dixon, legal assistant; Kyle McManus, paralegal; Shannon Sullins, medical records paralegal, medical illustrator; Joel Williams, attorney; Chase Elleby, attorney; Karen Cheney, office manager, paralegal; Nancy Ruiz, medical records paralegal.

Testimonials “Joel Williams and his team were fantastic throughout the case involving the wrongful death of my mother. … Joel is a hardworking and aggressive attorney, who took the time to make sure I understood our case every step of the way. Joel made the difficult process much easier by how kind he was to my family and I throughout the case. He was able to settle our case for an amount more than we anticipated. I could not be more pleased with the outcome and grateful for how hard Joel worked on our behalf.”

Meet the Attorneys

“This firm was very professional and responsive. They kept us informed every step of the way with their excellent communication skills. We were provided with accurate information, which allowed us to make informed decisions and was crucial in a good outcome in our case. They were very good at attention to detail and background work, which gave me confidence in their abilities.”

Williams and Elleby live in and are a part of this community, and enjoy helping their neighbors in need. Clients are treated like family.

Joel Williams

• Earned a bachelor’s degree from Georgia Southwestern State University, and a juris doctor from Cumberland School of Law, with a certificate in trial advocacy. • Grew up in Early County in southwest Georgia. • Developed his trial skills prosecuting criminals with his third-year practice card in Jefferson County, Alabama, and quickly has become one of the state’s most-respected trial attorneys.

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University and a juris doctor from Georgia State University College of Law. Raised in Kennesaw and graduated from Kennesaw Mountain High School. Previously represented corporations and insurance companies in defending against negligence actions. That experience helped Elleby understand how insurance companies work, which now benefits his clients. Cobb County Bar Association — Young Lawyers Division president and board of trustees. Georgia Trial Lawyers Association (GTLA) – LEAD graduate.

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Chase Elleby

Williams | Elleby 3450 Acworth Due West Road Suite 610, Kennesaw 833-LEGALGA | 404-389-1035 www.gatrialattorney.com

E @williamselleby D @GATrialAtty Q @williams_elleby www.youtube.com/c/williamselleby AROUND KENNESAW | May 2022

What to Know About Luxury Vinyl Flooring BY ELISABETH STUBBS

More and more flooring clients are looking for luxury vinyl plank (LVP). It’s that popular! If you ask people why they are interested in LVP, the answers likely will include: • “I’ve been told it’s what I need.” • “Because it’s waterproof, and I’m scared of leaks and floods.” • “It’s scratchproof; I have big dogs.”

Moisture due to everyday household spills is covered by warranty. 30

AROUND KENNESAW | May 2022

LVP is a great product, but it’s not indestructible. Here’s what manufacturers say about it: • The floor is not warranted against scratching. Gloss reduction, scratches and dents in the finish are not considered surface wear and are not covered under a warranty. • LVP is very stain-resistant, and many products have pet-proof warranties. It is important to note that stain resistance means the ability of your floor to resist (i.e., minimize or withstand) permanent stains. Cleaning of the affected area should begin immediately upon discovery. The more time that elapses before removal, the more difficult a stain will be to remove. • Warranties cover topical moisture as long as the water does not flow over the edge of the surface (perimeter of the room, cut boards, etc.). Normal cleaning practices, moisture due to everyday household spills and normal moisture levels from the subfloor, when exposed to such conditions, are covered. • Warranties do not cover damage resulting from mold and mildew growth (typically from a moisture problem that

remains undiscovered or unaddressed); indentation from high heels, spiked shoes, rolling loads, chairs or other furniture when not using floor protectors; damage caused by chemically reactive material (if using a rug pad, make sure it is warranted specifically for use over LVP), adhesive or tape, dye, burns or gouges; exposure to extreme heat or sunlight; and indoor products installed outside, on a screenedin porch, for example. Some things purchasers think are covered by a warranty aren’t covered. LVP is a great product, but it is not magic. Think of it as a very durable floor that is water-, stain- and scratch-resistant but not water-, stain- and scratch-proof. When shopping for flooring, invest in a quality product, and review the warranty. Follow all installation requirements, and maintain your new floor properly. Doing so ensures you will be happy with your purchase. Elisabeth Stubbs is one of the owners of Enhance Floors & More, one of Atlanta’s top-rated flooring dealers, located in Marietta.

AROUND KENNESAW | May 2022

What has been the biggest surprise to you about your job?

When I started in the city clerk’s office, I was under the impression that there was not a lot of room for innovation in the services we provide. We were heavily reliant on paper. We mailed everything, and it would take months to get documents or payment back. There were very cumbersome processes in place, and there was no change in sight. However, responding to COVID was incredibly eye-opening. I honestly believe city clerks were at the forefront of completely transforming city services into what we have today. Our office worked hard to figure out how to virtually conduct public meetings, electronically process and provide open records, sell cemetery lots without taking a step into City Hall and so much more. Though we still have a long way to go, we are taking steps every day to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of our services. Every change we make is with the public in mind.

What is the most unusual request you’ve received, and how did you handle it?

Get to K now

Lea Alvarez Kennesaw City Clerk

What are your main responsibilities?

Some of my main responsibilities include recording and maintaining the council’s official actions in the minutes; coordinating and distributing the agenda; maintaining ordinances, resolutions and contracts; and overseeing the adoption and publication of the Code of Ordinances.

When were you hired, and what is your background?

I received both my undergraduate and graduate degrees, in international affairs and public administration, respectively, from Kennesaw State University. My professional career began at the city of Kennesaw after being hired as deputy city clerk in January 2019. In March 2020, the council voted to appoint me city clerk. I was 25 years old, making me one of the youngest city clerks in Georgia. What an exciting ride I have had so far!

What do you like most about your job?

The people. We have an incredible group of professionals that serves the city of Kennesaw, and it is truly an honor to work alongside them every day. We constantly challenge each other to think outside the box, and it is always a collaborative effort to bring the best event, project and service we can to our municipality. 32

AROUND KENNESAW | May 2022

Oh, the kind of phone calls we get keeps us on our toes. We never know what we are going to be asked. My deputy clerk and I have been asked to help pay a phone bill online, call the president to ask why automated answering services exist, make the trains quieter, bury a pet in the Kennesaw City Cemetery, etc. Of course, there are things we cannot do or help with, but my deputy clerk and I make sure we always answer on the first ring, hear our residents and their concerns and point them in the best direction we can to get them the assistance they need.

What kinds of growth/changes have you seen during your time with the city?

Of course, it is an incredibly exciting time to be in Kennesaw, with all the new developments that have been approved and are in the works; however, we also have seen a lot of growth in our parks and recreation department, and it has been just as exciting to see how these new projects are bettering our community. Since I started, we have created an inclusive park in SwiftCantrell, developed Depot Park and built a new recreation center. It brings a lot of joy seeing our residents benefit from these projects.

What are your goals, personally and professionally? My personal and professional goals are the same – growth. I am constantly seeking to grow as an individual, both at home and at work. It is important to me to constantly surround myself with leaders who will sharpen me into the same. I am grateful the city of Kennesaw continues to invest in me so I can acquire the skills and tools necessary to be successful. I always will be hungry to learn and grow.

Tell us about your family and hobbies.

My husband, Mike, and I have been married for two years now and have a sweet 9-month-old son, Luke. We love to explore, so most weekends you can find us driving to different cities, roaming around and trying new food.

FIND YOUR FELLOW FOUNDERS. With 2,500 members ranging from small businesses to global corporations, you’ll always be in good company. cobbchamber.org AROUND KENNESAW | May 2022

Downtown Kennesaw Dining Bangkok Cabin

Fern Gully Jamaican Cafe

Pisano’s Pizzeria & Italian Kitchen

Bernie’s

Frozen Cow Creamery

SuBourbon Rock & Oyster Bar

Thai 3413 Cherokee St. 770-427-5287 www.bangkokcabin.net

American 2825 S. Main St. 770-627-2297 www.meetatbernies.com

Big Shanty Smokehouse Barbecue 3393 Cherokee St. 770-499-7444 www.bigshantybbq.com

BurgerFi

American 2844 S. Main St. 770-635-2800 www.burgerfi.com

Jamaican 2756 S. Main St. 678-401-3719 www.ferngullycafe.com

Ice Cream

2870 Cherokee St. 678-324-7459 www.frozenbluecow.com

Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken

American 2825 S. Main St. 770-575-9026 www.gusfriedchicken.com

Honeysuckle Biscuits & Bakery Bakery

2825 S. Main St. 770-627-4370 www.honeysucklebiscuits.com

Cylantros Venezuelan Cuisine Kennesaw

Kennesaw Thai Cuisine

El Taco Azteca Bar and Grill

Lazy Labrador Coffee House

Venezuelan 3338 Cherokee St. 678-324-6276 www.cylantros.net

Mexican 2689 Summers St. 678-310-0165 https://eltaco-azteca.com

AROUND KENNESAW | May 2022

Thai 2754 S. Main St. 678-331-1988 www.kennesawthaiatlanta.com

Coffee and Baked Goods 2886 Cherokee St. 770-820-6091 www.lazylabradorcoffeehouse.com

Italian 2740 Summers St. 770-966-9600 www.pisanospizzeria.com

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AROUND KENNESAW | May 2022

Breaking Down Barriers for Female Welders BY RYAN BLYTHE

With National Women’s Month in March and National Welding Month in April, I thought May would be the perfect time to profile one of our industry’s fastest-rising stars. I met Rachel Lee through the Atlanta chapter of the American Welding Society. Like so many others, she began her journey after attending a suburban high school that pushed a narrow college prep outcome.

Describe the path to your career.

After high school and two semesters of college, I got a job as an apprentice at a jewelry store. That is where my love for all things metal took root. A year later, I took a position creating pieces for a jewelry designer in Atlanta. I loved every minute of creating those pieces, but I was newly married and needed to find a job that could help provide financially for my family. I went back to work for my dad, who owns an electrical contracting company, so I could go to school full time and work for him after school and on Fridays. I graduated, with honors, from Lanier Technical College with a diploma and certificates in four types of welding.

Why did you become a welder?

I wanted to go back to school to learn something that I could make a career out of but that I also enjoyed doing. I learned that Georgia was offering the HighDemand Career Initiative that would pay tuition for in-state students who were willing to learn one of the in-demand fields. After reading over the list of the 17 different programs offered, welding and joining caught my eye. I immediately pictured myself hood down and sparks flying. I went the next day to the Barrow County campus and spoke with the instructors. After touring the facilities, I applied the same day for the next semester.

Tell us about your role at Fortis College and with the American Welding Society (AWS).

I am a part-time welding instructor at Fortis College in Smyrna. I teach Introduction to Welding and Blueprint, among other subjects, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday. After I complete my day at Fortis, I drive to Buford to work for an electrical contracting company that does big-box retail lighting all over the Southeast. For the AWS Atlanta section, I am an executive board member, treasurer and social media coordinator. As treasurer, it is my job to monitor the accounts, work 36

AROUND KENNESAW | May 2022

with the board to establish the budget and reconcile the accounts for the end-of-year reports.

How can we bring more women into welding?

There already is a lot being done to bring women to the trades. The biggest impact is being made by women like Rae Ripple, Stephanie Hoffman, Tiffany Von Orff, Chloe Hudson, Bailey Barnes and others like them who are proving you can be a woman and still succeed in the skilled trades. The American Welding Society has been a wonderful example of an organization that fully supports women in the trades by offering conferences with topics geared toward female welders and hosting events like the Women in Welding campaign it did a few months back.

How can trade associations attract younger members? Get on social media. The youth of America are on their phones more than ever. By engaging with them on platforms they are using already, it can offer wider exposure to welding and other trades. Another way would be to put trade programs back in high schools. I know there has been a slight push to do this in rural areas over the last five to 10 years, but if I had been exposed to welding earlier, I could have saved myself a lot of time and stress by attending technical school immediately following high school. Ryan Blythe is the founder of Georgia Trade School, which for the sixth consecutive year, was named one of the Cobb Chamber Top 25 Small Businesses of the Year.

9 Tips for Success After Graduation BY JENNIFER BONN

May is graduation month, and students all over the country are preparing to start a new adventure as they graduate from high school to college or from college to the workforce. They are facing major life changes and can use some advice. These suggestions might help.

• Take it slowly. Savor the new experiences and take time to enjoy the changes and adventures. If you enter this new chapter of your life with fear and trepidation, you will miss some valuable moments. Take one step at a time and believe that you can accomplish your dreams.

• Attitude is everything. How you approach and react to a situation is your choice, and it can change completely what will happen. It also has a big effect on the people around you.

• Failure will teach you valuable lessons for success. As hard

as this lesson is to accept, it is true that we learn from failure. It hurts, but keep getting back in the game and trying a different approach. The only true failure is when you give up.

• Be the calm in the eye of the storm, not the storm cloud.

• Serving others will make you better. I believe we are meant to help one another, and when we can direct our attention beyond ourselves, it shows us how blessed we are and makes us feel good that we can extend those blessings to others.

• Asking for help is a sign of wisdom, not weakness. Ask the experts and do it right the first time instead of making life more difficult by trying to do everything yourself. The people in your life will feel honored that you asked for help.

• You cannot fix toxic people, so run away. Don’t try to figure out why they are being hateful or manipulative or are making you miserable. They have issues, and you will not be able to solve them. Surround yourself with people who make you laugh and lift you up.

Whenever there is change and new beginnings, there is bound to be stress and upheaval. You have a choice in how you react to each situation. Keep moving forward, change plans when needed and learn from each experience.

• Stay in touch with your contacts. Relationships are

• You don’t have to be perfect to be stupendous. Instead of worrying about someone discovering your weaknesses, confess them and listen to everyone else make the same confessions. Being transparent about your imperfections is liberating and endearing.

everything in life, so when you have a good one, keep it, even if it takes more effort because someone is not nearby. The more positive relationships we have, the better off we are.

Jennifer Bonn is a freelance writer in Kennesaw and a recently retired 40-year educator. Her book, “101 Tips to Lighten Your Burden,” was recently released and is available on Amazon.

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AROUND KENNESAW | May 2022

Rob’s Rescues These animals are waiting for homes at Cobb County Animal Services.

This small black and gray schnauzer’s tag number is 635098. She is a stray and is 3 years old. She is a very scruffy dog and would love a nice and loving family. She also would like a grooming.

Helping Canada Geese BY ROB MACMILLAN

This cat’s name is Cam. He is a large black cat that is about 4 years old. He is a stray. He would be a great cat for any family because he is sweet and gentle.

Canada geese are big water birds. You find them a lot around here on golf courses and lakes. People sometimes find them annoying, but they are pretty incredible. They are migratory birds and can fly 1,500 miles in 24 hours. They migrate in the spring and fall and return to the place they were born for nesting and mating. Federal laws protect Canada geese. It is illegal in the United States to harm them or their nests. One of the biggest problems affecting wildlife, and definitely water birds, is fishing line. It gets caught in their feet, wings and beaks, and they obviously can’t get it off. In most situations, it will lead to their death, often having to be humanely euthanized. My friend, Keeton Nelson, came

out with me and one of the founders of Georgia Wildlife Network (my interview with both founders will be in next month’s column) to try to help injured geese. “I love going out and helping my friend and his mom on animal rescue missions,” Keeton said. “I love the scenery, the intensity and being able to help nature. Except last time, it was different. We found a goose caught up in fishing line, badly injured. As a fisherman myself, this hits me hard because of the fact that fishing line can do so much damage to animal life, and people just leave it out.” My mom walks around the lake at our golf course and picks up a lot of fishing line. If there is one thing you do this summer, please don’t leave fishing line laying around.

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

AROUND KENNESAW | May 2022

Celebrate Pets by Supporting Rescue Efforts BY SUSANNAH O. MACKAY

Having a pet can reduce stress, anxiety and depression. It can help promote exercise, reduce blood pressure and even improve heart health. And no matter what animal you prefer, there’s no question that a pet can ease loneliness and provide wonderful companionship. Unfortunately, even with all these benefits, it’s sad to learn how many wonderful pets need homes. However, there is no better time to change that. May is National Pet Month, and you can do more to help these homeless animals than posting a picture on social media. This is a great chance to get out in the community and support local rescue efforts. Check out these three successful organizations in our area: Good Mews (justserve.org/goodmews) is one of the few virtually cage-free, no-kill cat shelters in Georgia and the first in the metro Atlanta area. The staff and volunteers successfully place hundreds of kitties each year and are proud to offer spay/neuter services as an outreach to the public. Mostly Mutts (justserve.org/mostlymutts) provides health care, housing, physical and emotional care, and training for rescued dogs until they can be placed in new “furever” homes. The organization also runs several outreach programs for seniors, children and others.

The Georgia House Rabbit Society (justserve.org/ georgiahouserabbitsociety) seeks to rescue, rehabilitate and find homes for abused, abandoned and neglected domestic rabbits. Its vision is to be the Southeast’s premier rabbit rescue organization by finding the best homes for the most rabbits possible and by providing the best services, support and products it can. Each of these excellent organizations can use your help. Whether through donations, volunteer hours or fostering, there are countless ways to make a difference. It’s so easy to get started. Check out these opportunities at JustServe.org.

Justserve.org is a free nationwide website and app that works to match volunteers with nonprofit organizations and service opportunities. If you run a nonprofit or are looking for ways to make service a regular part of your life, check out justserve.org. You can sign up for regular updates and learn more about organizations nearby, too. JustServe makes it easy to just go out and serve!

Susannah MacKay is a local JustServe specialist. She grew up in Marietta and loves helping strengthen her community through service! Follow her on Facebook @JustServeGeorgia.

AROUND KENNESAW | May 2022

Robertson and Sons Garage opened in 1935, around the time this image was taken. Photo courtesy of R.J. Patel.

Dixie Highway Famous Thoroughfare Connecting Florida to Michigan Runs Through Kennesaw BY ANDREW J. BRAMLETT

Pendley’s Service Station was located where the downtown tunnel is today. Note the outhouse and well. Photo courtesy of Mickey Bozeman. 40

AROUND KENNESAW | May 2022

In the 1910s, traveling by automobile was a brand-new concept for many Americans. As more people became car owners, more businesses and community leaders across the nation realized they could create a new tourism industry. One of these leaders, Carl Graham Fisher, owned land in Miami that he planned to develop. To attract customers, he had the idea of creating a highway from the Midwest to Florida, a project he called the Dixie Highway. In 1915, the Dixie Highway Association was formed to develop this thoroughfare. Cities across the South competed to become part of the highway, and the demand resulted in an eastern route and a western route being designed. The routes merged in several places, including the stretch between Cartersville and Atlanta. Along this combined highway, the small community of Kennesaw could be found. The Dixie Highway was not a new road; it was a joining of pre-existing roads under a single banner. In Kennesaw, the route ran down the primary street. North of downtown,

it was called Acworth Street; from downtown to present-day Pisano’s, it was called Summers Street; and as it continued south, it was named Marietta Street or Marietta Road. This route, which dates back to before the Civil War, later would be renamed Main Street. In 1915, the highway’s first year, Cobb County residents were amazed. One correspondent for the Marietta Journal and Courier, identified simply as A.L.C., took a leisurely drive from Marietta to Cartersville. “The car sped out Kennesaw Avenue and up to Acworth … the road is so good that we seemed to be sailing in a boat, and the field and orchards on each side were like moving pictures.” By 1917, however, the general opinion had changed. That year, the Kennesaw correspondent for the paper, Gipsy, and the correspondent from Lost Mountain, Allen, had a back-and-forth in the newspaper about the worst thing about the highway: mud. According to Gipsy, “the Dixie Highway is in such a deplorable fix that teams of mules have to be got to pull the cars out of the mud.” One of the problems later faced by motorists was the “dead man’s curve” in Kennesaw. The curve, located near the Baptist church, had a bad reputation by 1931. Eight years later, the Dixie Motor Club installed 10 white crosses, each bearing the words “One Killed,” along the curve to indicate the number of fatalities from automobile accidents at the site. According to the Feb. 14, 1939, edition of the Marietta Journal: “[M]ore than a hundred persons have been seriously hurt in addition to the deaths. The property damage that resulted from the curve amounts to more than it would take to straighten and pave the highway to make it safe for travel. It was nothing short of stupidity in building a ‘death trap’ like it, and it is short of criminal to leave it where lives will continue to be lost, people and property destroyed.” Possibly in response to the outcry, the Kennesaw City Council voted

on Oct. 10, 1939, to set the citywide speed limit at 25 mph, except for the downtown area, where it was 20 mph. As it did for many cities, the Dixie Highway brought prosperity to our community. The most notable new developments were the garages and gas stations created for traveling tourists. It is known that, in 1925, we had only one garage, as the City Council stipulated the “garage and drug store be notified to keep order in front and around your place of [business] or we will have to close your [business] on Sunday.” This garage might have been the Kennesaw Garage, which was open by 1921. Robertson and Sons Garage, owned by Fred Robertson Sr., opened in 1935 at the site currently occupied by Big Shanty Barber Shop and Vesuvio Pizzeria Napoletana. Robertson and Sons was a Sinclair gas station and sold Coca-Cola. It closed in the mid-1960s. Chandler’s Service Station, a Gulf station, sat at what is now the corner of Main Street and McCollum Parkway. Pendley’s Service Station was roughly where the downtown tunnel is today. It was a Texaco station that at one time had “100 Miles to Rock City” painted on its roof. Behind the building was a well that was located downstream from an outhouse! In the 1950s, Kennesaw also was home to Butler’s Garage and Carruth’s Service Station. The Dixie Highway changed Kennesaw forever, but it was not to last. In the 1950s, a straightened thoroughfare called U.S. 41, or “the Four Lane,” was built. Later renamed Cobb Parkway, it removed many tourists from downtown. However, the original route, now known as Old 41 Highway, still can be traced through our area. Andrew Bramlett is vice president of the Kennesaw Historical Society and an honorary member of the Kennesaw Cemetery Preservation Commission.

AROUND KENNESAW | May 2022

School News North Cobb Holds Gratitude Breakfast

To show its appreciation for their service, North Cobb Christian School treated nearly 60 community leaders to breakfast and coffee in March at its Gratitude Breakfast, an annual tradition hosted by the students in preschool K-3 through fourth grade. From making centerpieces to pouring orange juice, every student played a role in the event, which was completely studentfunded from a service project called Serve It Up. Besides the breakfast catered by Reveille, the event also featured studentled prayer and a performance of patriotic and praise songs. Special guests included Cobb County Commissioner Keli Gambril, Cherokee County Commissioner Corey Ragsdale and Aroundabout Local Media President Kim Dahnke, as well as leaders from local churches and nonprofit organizations.

Chalker Community Helps Open Sensory Room

With support from the community, the school’s PTA and Piedmont Church, Chalker Elementary School opened a new sensory room, to help students who need sensory input options be better prepared for learning and interacting with others. Parents, teachers and the church, which funded its 15th sensory room for Cobb schools, began planning the space last fall. The room was designed to serve sensory needs not met through traditional schoolwork for students in pre-K through fifth grade. Every part of the room was selected intentionally to support a specific sensory system and student need.

Kennesaw Schools Get AP Recognition

Students at North Cobb Christian School show their appreciation to community leaders.

The Georgia Department of Education announced the list of 2022 Advanced Placement (AP) Honor Schools. Harrison and Kennesaw Mountain high schools achieved the honor school title five times each, while North Cobb High earned honors in three categories. Harrison received recognition as an AP School of Distinction, an AP Humanities School, an AP Humanities Achievement School, an AP STEM School and an AP STEM Achievement School. Kennesaw Mountain was named an AP Access and Support School, an AP Humanities School, an AP Humanities Achievement School, an AP STEM School and an AP STEM Achievement School. North Cobb was recognized as an AP Access and Support School, an AP School of Distinction and an AP STEM School.

Event Connects Families With Resources

More than 1,000 participants registered to attend the Cobb Schools Community Connections Resource Fair recently at North Cobb High School. Families of students with disabilities, both inside and outside Cobb schools, learned about activities for their children from 50-plus vendors. Zoo Atlanta, the Atlanta Braves, Tellus Science Museum, Six Flags, Georgia Ballet and Aerie Experiences wilderness summer camp were on hand to explain the extracurricular opportunities available for students with disabilities. Photo courtesy of Cobb Schools. 42

AROUND KENNESAW | May 2022

Lost Mountain Middle Celebrates 30 Years

Former teachers and administrators joined the current staff at Lost Mountain Middle School in March to celebrate the school’s 30th anniversary. The fun-filled night of reminiscing included a welcome by first-year LMMS Principal Dr. Ansley Daniel; a speech by founding teacher Michelle Thrash, recalling memorable individuals and events in the school’s history; a performance by the orchestra; hallways decorated with student art; and a meal hosted by the PTSA. Among the guests were many former staff members and past principals, Post 7 board member Brad Wheeler and Chief of Staff Dr. Kevin Daniel. The school opened for classes Jan. 6, 1992. Former and current staff at Lost Mountain Middle celebrate the school’s 30th anniversary. Photo courtesy of Cobb Schools.

Kennesaw State Students Present Research at Capitol

Nathaniel Jones of Kennesaw was one of five students to represent Kennesaw State University at the Posters at the Georgia State Capitol event in March. The fourth annual event gives students from Georgia’s colleges and universities an opportunity to present their research to state leaders. Jones’ research topic was “Does the Pell Grant Come With a Price?” and he explored the differences in academic outcomes, debt accumulation and school type in post-secondary schools with either a majority or minority proportion of students receiving a Pell Grant. Through this research project, Jones gained experience in presenting, public speaking, networking with other researchers at conferences and collaborating with his mentor, senior lecturer of statistics Susan Mathews Hardy. He is pursuing a master’s degree in applied statistics and analytics. Nathaniel Jones

Meagan Williams

Theater Teacher Best in State

Mount Paran Christian School (MPCS) theater teacher Meagan Williams has been selected Georgia Thespian Outstanding Educator of the Year at the annual Georgia Thespians conference, ThesCon. Each year, more than 7,000 Georgia high school theater teachers and their students gather for the annual conference, and the award winner is announced at the end. The recipient had to be nominated by his or her students, who must write persuasively about the merits of what their teacher does for their troupe. The winner is chosen by peer teachers who have won the award previously. Williams received the award from MPCS high school drama student Ansley Hester.

AROUND KENNESAW | May 2022

Rescued Is Our Favorite Breed BY SUSAN BROWNING SCHULZ

Mostly Mutts Animal Rescue exists to rewrite the future of abused and abandoned dogs and cats. Volunteers work closely with animal control officers and other rescue organizations to reduce the number of animals being euthanized at local shelters. Last year, more than 800 animals were adopted.

Keeva, when she was adopted as a puppy and now, 13 years later.

AROUND KENNESAW | May 2022

“One of my favorite stories came recently from a fostered dog who ended up getting adopted,” said Kelly Long, relationship manager for Mostly Mutts. “Queen Anne, a hound mix, came to us pregnant and heartworm-positive. After giving birth to her litter, she needed a foster home to care for her during heartworm treatment. A foster family was found who gave Anne amazing care during her recovery. Since the dad in this family was against adoption, they focused on fostering. “Queen Anne went up for adoption, but the right home for her never materialized. Soon, this lively pup had worked her way into the affection of her entire foster family, including Dad. Anne’s adoption was finalized. This family shared with me how Queen Anne had brought them closer together. This rowdy girl grew into a very special dog. One evening, while everyone was out, their home was broken into. Anne not only frightened the thief but stood guard by the open door, waiting for her family to return. What a good girl.” Since its founding in 2004, Mostly Mutts repeatedly has shared stories of dogs and cats finding purpose, love and “furever” homes. After losing her beloved pet, Stacy found an adorable female border collieshepherd mix puppy on a pet-finder site and went to a Mostly Mutts adoption event at a local pet store. “I thought I had missed the opportunity to adopt her,” she said. “But the puppy I had seen on the site was left home that day because her shots were not completed yet. I

was blessed to get her at the next adoption event. She stole our hearts instantly. I’m of Irish descent. We named her Keeva, which, in Gaelic, means ‘beautiful, gentle, precious one.’” Keeva has lived up to her name in Stacy’s home for 13 wonderful years. Quite an organized operation, Mostly Mutts provides housing, health care, training, and physical and emotional care to adoptable animals while working diligently to find them loving homes. It’s also heavily involved in the community, with education and awareness programs, vaccine clinics, training classes and more. “Our facility is staffed by dedicated volunteers who feed, walk and care for the animals, working four shifts per day, seven days a week,” Kelly said. “Volunteers also staff the front desk. There is always something to do here at Mostly Mutts. We even have a Read to Dogs program for children that helps to socialize shy dogs and assists the children with their reading skills.” At Mostly Mutts, the staff and volunteers are never too proud to beg. Team members ask anyone and everyone to sponsor the organization with a monthly donation, so they can continue focusing on rescuing animals in need. If you want to view the available dogs and cats or need more information on adoption, fostering or volunteering, visit mostlymutts.org. There always is a need for dog walkers, dog socializers, cat/kitten socializers, administrative help and puppy/ kitten fosters. The rescue organization is at 3238 Cherokee St. in Kennesaw. Call 770-272-MUTT (6888) or reach out via email for the following: adoptions, adopt@mostlymutts.org; fostering, foster@mostlymutts.org; or volunteering, volunteer@mostlymutts.org.

Kristin Harris, left, and Kai Weaver adopt Gwendolyn, their first “fur baby” as a couple, from Mostly Mutts. Queen Anne started out as a foster dog but ended up being adopted after winning over her foster family.

Susan Schulz is a Bible teacher and mentor who lives and plays on the Etowah River in Canton. Connect with her on social media or at susanbrowningschulz.com.

AROUND KENNESAW | May 2022

Master Gardener Volunteers of Cobb County

Be Inspired by Garden Tour

19th Annual Garden Tour Saturday, May 14th, 2022 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

BY JUDY ABBOTT

Retreat at Horseshoe Hill – The McLean Garden

Welcome to the McLeans’ garden, an outdoor retreat where people who have done it all demonstrate how to be self-sufficient. Understand what it takes to provide for yourself by taking in the built-in well, fruits and vegetables, farm animals (chickens and goats), composting pile and beekeeping while discovering the ins and outs of bluebirds, berries and barns. Parking and shuttles to the garden will be available at Lost Mountain Baptist Church.

Going Native – The Bender Garden

While conforming to homeowners association rules in the front yard, the backyard of the Bender home is a certified Georgia Native Plant Habitat. This garden is perfect for showing it doesn’t take acres of land to create a space where birds and bees can thrive. Learn about creating native habitats and discover why it’s important to plant native plants and remove invasive ones for a healthy environment. 46

AROUND KENNESAW | May 2022

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Have you ever wanted a plant that isn’t sold at bigbox stores? Discover secret sources and techniques on how to collect plants, containers and decorations for your garden. The Driskell Garden demonstrates how to prioritize texture to create stunning landscapes. If you have shade in your garden, don’t miss this stop.

Texture Among Friends The Driskell Garden 101 Dawson Drive Powder Springs, GA 30152

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Texture Among Friends – The Driskell Garden

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Join us in celebrating the return of spring by attending the Master Gardener Volunteers of Cobb County’s 19th Annual Garden Tour, “Learn and Be Inspired,” 9 a.m.-4 p.m. May 14. The Master Gardener Volunteers of Cobb County (MGVOCC) invites you to learn and be inspired as you visit the five beautiful and unique gardens selected for the tour. These west Cobb County gardens showcase plants, birds and pollinators that thrive in Georgia’s climate. Each garden will have docents available to answer questions and offer educational information on improving your gardening skills. Please note, visitors to each garden will be required to comply with UGA Cobb County COVID-19 safety protocols.

Dawson Drive Hermitage Drive

*Retreat at Horseshoe Hill The McLean Garden Shuttle Pickup & Parking at the Lost Mountain Baptist Church 5400 Old Dallas Rd, Powder Springs, GA 30127

Holland Rd

Trailing Through History – Green Meadows Preserve

Step back in time and discover the wonders of the Green Meadows Preserve, a 112-acre passive park that offers a bit of everything – bluebird trails, beekeeping, rentable community garden plots, and period and medicinal gardens. • Check out the Georgia Bluebird Trail Project. • Discover the world of beekeeping. • Start your own garden plot. • Learn about the Cherokee people. • Explore a 19th century garden. Visit www.greenmeadowspreserve.org for more details.

An Unexpected Oasis – The Wing Garden

Stroll the lakeside trail from the Bender Garden to find an unexpected oasis. Walking up the slope, take notice of the natural elements that create the feeling of being transported to the mountains. The Wings have combined different textures and colors to change the terrain into a breathtaking experience. For the extra-curious, ask about the bonus “Trail to Nowhere.”

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An Unexpected Oasis The Wing Garden 3528 Maryhill Lane Kennesaw, GA 30152

Kinghorn Drive NW Avemore Drive NW

Going Native The Bender Garden 3540 Maryhill Lane Kennesaw, GA 30152

Hamilton Rd NW

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Trailing Through History Green Meadows Preserve 3780 Dallas Highway Powder Springs, GA 30127

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A Tale of Two Gardens – The Bender and Wing Gardens

Two neighbors, two sloped backyards and two different creative approaches. Master Gardeners Gayle Bender and Susan Wing were faced with the same problem. Discover how differently they solved this challenge and made the most of what was considered unusable. Tickets are $15 in advance at www.cobbmastergardeners. com or $20 day of tour at any of the gardens. Children 17 and younger are free. The tour will be held rain or shine.

The Master Gardener Volunteers of Cobb County (MGVOCC) 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.

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www.mustministries.org AROUND KENNESAW | May 2022

Around & About 09

13 The Acworth Dragon Boat Festival.

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Aloha to Aging’s spring session for HeART Strings is a dementia-based eight-week music and art exploration program, 11 a.m.-noon Tuesdays through May 24. Space is limited, and pre-assessments are required. Cost is $50. For more information, email info@alohatoaging.org, or visit www.alohatoaging.org. The 12th annual Smoke on the Lake BBQ Festival, presented by Superior Plumbing, is May 6-7 from 5-10 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday at Logan Farm Park in Acworth. This free, two-day event features the Lord of the Wings competition, an under-the-stars concert by Creedence Clearwater Revival tribute band Georgia Players Guild Friday night, a kids zone, a beer garden and Saturday’s People’s Choice barbecue taster. For information, visit www.smokeonthelake.org.

Kennesaw State Athletics and the Owls Fund will present the 28th annual Dot Martin Scholarship Golf Classic, starting at 8 a.m. at Governors Towne Club in Acworth. https://ksuowls.com/ sports/2013/2/8/GEN_0208135419.aspx.

The We Care Veterans Resource Fair is scheduled for May 13-14 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Cobb County Civic Center in Marietta. The onestop source for solutions to veterans benefits and assistance is free to all veterans. More than 75 agencies will be on-site. www.wecarevetfair.com.

17 Retiree Appreciation Day

The Georgia National Guard is hosting the annual at the Clay National Guard Center in Marietta to honor the service of former soldiers and their families, provide updates from National Guard leadership and give veterans a chance to reconnect with their military family. For information, contact Capt. Jason Goza at Jason.g.goza.mil@army.mil or 678-569-5405.

21 5K Run/Walk

The eighth annual Kettle Krush , sponsored by the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary, starts at 8 a.m. in the Marietta Square. https:// salvationarmyatlanta.org/ kettle-krush-5k-info-page.

Cobb PARKS is holding Kids to Parks Day, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., at Price Park in Kennesaw. Nature hikes are at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., biking is at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., and snake demonstrations are at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. www.cobbcounty.org/ parks/events/kids-parks-day-2022. The Acworth Dragon Boat Festival, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at Dallas Landing Park, benefits Loving Arms Cancer Outreach. Colorful 40-foot-long boats with the head and tail of a dragon, filled with 20 paddlers, a drummer and a steersperson, will be competing in a high-energy race. www.acworthdragonboatfest.com.

Shootout for Soldiers, noon at Kennesaw

Mountain High School, is a 24-hour lacrosse game that benefits American veterans. One-hour games made up of men’s and women’s teams of all ages. The event is free, but donations will be accepted. Register to play at shootoutforsolders.com.

AROUND KENNESAW | May 2022

ENTERTAINMENT

GENERAL

First Friday Concert Series

Marietta History Center

May 6

Party band Used Groove will be kicking off the free series, 6:30-9 p.m., at the downtown Kennesaw pedestrian underpass off Main Street. 770-422-9714.

Outdoor Movie Series

Swift-Cantrell Park will present three outdoor movies this summer, 6-10 p.m. each night. For questions or information on VIP tents, call 770-422-9714.

May 14: “Encanto” (PG) June 4: “Spider-Man: No Way Home” (PG-13) July 23: “Sing 2” (PG)

RECREATION Parks and Recreation

Visit www.kennesaw-ga.gov/parks-and-recreation to register.

May 14-15

Backyard Campout, 5 p.m. Saturday-9 a.m.

Sunday, will take place at Swift-Cantrell Park at 3140 Old Highway 41. 770-422-9714.

Through May 19

Special Needs Gymnastics, meeting 4-4:30 p.m. Thursdays at the Ben Robertson Community Center, is designed for children, ages 4-9, with special needs who are independent while doing gross motor skill activities, yet require a smaller class size.

Through June 30

Photography Basics, 7-8:30 p.m. every Thursday,

June 9-30, at the Ben Robertson Community Center, is for beginners ages 15-90 who want to improve their skills.

On Doing History presentations begin at 2 p.m. www.mariettahistory.org.

June 11: Historic Preservation with Stephanie Cherry-Farmer Aug. 13: Cemetery Preservation with Christa McCay Oct. 1: Historic Architecture with Marietta Monaghan The Battery Atlanta https://batteryatl.com

Mondays

Yoga by Kaiser Permanente, 6:30-7:30 p.m., is a free outdoor yoga class for all ages on the Plaza Green. Participants are required to bring a mat and encouraged to bring water. Register at batteryatlyoga2022.eventbrite.com. The Battery Atlanta Walking Trail A brisk walk can

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

Master Gardeners cobbmastergardeners.com.

May 14

The 19th annual Master Gardener Garden Tour of West Cobb, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., visits five gardens owned or managed by Cobb County Master Gardeners. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 on the day of the tour. Children ages 17 and younger are admitted free. Purchase tickets on the website.

Kennesaw Farmers Market

Through Aug. 1

The Kennesaw Farmers Market is open 3:30-7:30 p.m. Mondays at Depot Park. Applications for vendors for the 2022 season are being accepted and reviewed on an ongoing basis. For more information, email kennesawfarmersmarket@gmail.com, or visit https://forms.gle/T1LQBjqTgLE2gVSJA.

Through July 9

BYOB (Beat Your Opponent Back),

1-3 p.m. May 7, June 4 and July 9 at Ben Robertson Community Center, is a self-defense class for ages 4-60.

Through July 28

Little Dragons Taekwondo, 5:30-6 p.m.

Thursdays at the Ben Robertson Community Center, will help ages 4-7 learn hand and eye coordination, balance and confidence.

AROUND KENNESAW | May 2022

@the Library Cobb County Public Library System www.cobbcat.org

WEST COBB REGIONAL LIBRARY 1750 Dennis Kemp Lane, Kennesaw

770-528-4699

10 a.m.-8 p.m. Mondays-Wednesdays 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursdays-Fridays • 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays

May 23

The West Cobb Fourth Monday Book Discussion meets 6:30-7:30 p.m. and covers a variety of literature, including fiction, nonfiction, classics and new releases. There will be an alternate online option in May; visit the website for details. This month, members are reading “The Secrets We Kept” by Lara Prescott.

NORTH COBB REGIONAL LIBRARY 3535 Old 41 Highway, Kennesaw

770-801-5320

10 a.m.-8 p.m. Mondays-Wednesdays 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursdays-Fridays • 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays

May 7

North Cobb Library’s inaugural glass recycling event, Glass Act, features live glass-cutting demonstrations, crafts and STEAM learning activities, 1-3 p.m. Drop off glass bottles, jars and containers to be recycled.

May 7, June 4

Cross-Stitch Meetup, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., is the first Saturday of the month. Meet others with a love of cross-stitch; bring what you are working on, along with lunch or snacks, or start something new.

May 10, 17, 24, 31, June 7

The YMCA Teen Leaders Club meets at the library, 5:30-7 p.m., to foster leadership skills in young people. New members must register through YMCA: www.spiritonline.ymcaatlanta.org. The class ID is 529634.

May 11

Join the Atlanta chapter of the American Sewing Guild, 10 a.m.-noon or 1-3 p.m., to make placemats to donate to Meals on Wheels. Registration is required. Sewing experts will teach beginning sewers, ages 14 and older, how to make placemats with sewing machines.

May 12, 19, 26, June 2

Meetup for Adults With Special Needs will take place in the

multipurpose room, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Adults with special needs are invited, along with their caregivers, to meet new friends and enjoy stories, crafts, games, movement and music.

May 14, 18

This month, the Monthly Makers (ages 16-plus) will be recycling cigar boxes into vintage trinket boxes. The two-part program is 11 a.m.-1 p.m. May 14 and 6-7:30 p.m. May 18. Registration is required. 50

AROUND KENNESAW | May 2022

Senior Activities ALOHA TO AGING

Covenant Presbyterian Church, 2881 Canton Road, Marietta, 770-722-7641 www.alohatoaging.org

Parkinson’s Disease Support Group. Meets the

first Monday each month at 2 p.m. Group discussion for the person with Parkinson’s and their care partner on helpful tips and resources.

Dementia Caregiver Support Group. Meets

the first Wednesday of each month at 10:30 a.m. Open to family members who are assisting an aging loved one in or out of the home. Care provided during the meeting but must RSVP in advance.

Aloha Social Day Club.

Meets Mondays and Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Respite care for you and engaging social activities for your loved one who no longer drives. Visit the website for details.

VETERAN CONNECTION North Cobb Senior Center 4100 S. Main St., Acworth Meets the fourth Thursday of each month at 10 a.m. Join veterans for an informal get-together with coffee, doughnuts, camaraderie and special guest presentations at the North Cobb Senior Center. Call Mike Nichols at 770-528-1448 for more information.

COBB SENIOR SERVICES Registration is required for all activities; no walk-ins allowed. Call 770-975-7740 to register, or visit www.MyActiveCenter.com.

West Cobb Senior Center

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

May 9

Fun in the Foyer: Circle the Cactus.

11 a.m.-noon. In honor of Cinco de Mayo, stop by the lobby to play cactus ring toss.

Talking Over Tacos. Noon-1 p.m. Enjoy two beef tacos from Los Magueys while enjoying conversation. $5.

May 11

Fancy Fold Cards. 10 a.m.-noon. Create fancy fold cards for special people in your life.

May 13

Reel Good Movies. 1-3 p.m. On the

second Friday of the month, see a newly released movie. Call for the title.

May 16

Easy Peasy Craft: Patriotic Luminaries. 1-3 p.m. $3 fee plus $5

supply fee to instructor. Use an empty jar, a mini American flag and some twine to make the perfect Memorial Day decoration.

May 17

Veteran Connection. 10 a.m.-noon. Join male and female veterans each month for an informal get-together with fellowship and special guest presentations.

May 20

Peace of Mind Checklist. 10-11 a.m. Mayes-Ward Dobbins leads this discussion about documents every person needs, including wills and powers of attorney.

May 21

Rock Around the Block Party. Noon-

May 24

Tea Time. 10-11 a.m. Learn how to mix your own tea, and enjoy a cup while exploring teas. Bring a pretty teacup.

May 25

Walk West Cobb: Leone Hall Price Park. 9:30-11 a.m. This month, explore

the trails at 4715 Stilesboro Road in Kennesaw.

May 26

Stroke Workshop. Noon-1 p.m. Virtual presentation at the center. Learn about different types of strokes, signs/symptoms and ways to lower risk.

May 27

Tech Talk: Secrets to Searching Google. 10-11 a.m. Learn how to use Google for more than a simple search.

North Cobb Senior Center 4100 S. Main St., Acworth 770-975-7740 www.cobbcounty.org/public-services/ senior-services

May 5

Older Americans Month/Cinco de Mayo. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Participate in a

fiesta celebration in the lobby.

May 6

Tools for Vision Loss. 1-2 p.m. Learn various resources available when poor vision begins to impact your everyday life.

May 10

Meetup: Paradise Gardens/Howard Finster Museum. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Visit

Summerville to discover a unique garden and the museum that outlines its history. $15 admission; $5 transportation.

3 p.m. Celebrate Cobb Senior Services’ 50th anniversary with grilled hot dogs, music, games and Coke floats. Fundraiser for West Cobb Senior Center. $10.

May 11

Game On: Apples to Apples. 11 a.m.-noon. In this month’s new game, you match nouns to adjectives, with often hilarious results.

Crafting Corner: Prepare for Summer Vacation. 1-2 p.m. Create a

May 23

Nutrition: Budget-Friendly Meals.

10:30-11:30 a.m. Learn tips on eating healthy on a budget to keep your grocery expenses low. ladybug luggage tag and a handcrafted picture frame.

AROUND KENNESAW | May 2022

Cobb Photographic Society Congratulations to each of you who entered the Cobb Photographic Society competition. The topic for the March contest was “Bokeh.” The guest judge was photographer Robin Davis. The Cobb Photographic Society is a photography club open to photographers of all skill levels. The club meets the first and third Monday of each month. For information, visit www.cobbphotosociety.com.

Color

Mark Buckert - 1st Place (Off-Road Biking)

Novice

Paul Shimek - 1st Place (Guard) 52

AROUND KENNESAW | May 2022

Mark Buckert - 2nd Place (Winter Fun)

Monochrome

Robert Hatch - 1st Place (Desert Bokeh)

Tim Wolfe - 3rd Place (Vinings Cemetery) AROUND KENNESAW | May 2022

Advertisers

This wonderful publication is brought to you by these local businesses. When using our advertisers’ services, please let them know you found out about them from the Around Kennesaw magazine!

May 2022

ACCOUNTING & TAX Denson Pepper, CPA 678-797-5241 www.densonpeppercpa.com

ATTORNEYS/LEGAL SERVICES Williams | Elleby Cover, 1, 26, 28-29 833-LEGALGA www.gatrialattorney.com BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS Cobb Chamber of Commerce www.cobbchamber.org

Kennesaw Business Association www.kennesawbusiness.org

CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS Mostly Mutts Animal Rescue 770-272-6888 www.mostlymutts.org/volunteer

Must Ministries www.mustministries.org

Credit Union of Georgia 678-486-1111 www.cuofga.org

Georgia Trade School www.georgiatradeschool.com

LGE Credit Union www.lgeccu.org

Greenlight Acting Studios 470-613-8686 www.greenlightactingstudios.com

Kennesaw Driving School 770-424-9111 www.kennesawdrivingschool.com

Primrose School of Bells Ferry 26 770-928-5683 www.primroseschools.com/schools/bells-ferry Real Estate Closing Path www.realestateclosingpath.org

KBA Golf Tournament www.kennesawbusiness.org/golftournament

Bay Equity Home Loans Jay White, Area Sales Manager 770-870-0644 www.jayclosesloans.com BluTree Advantage 470-481-0363 www.blutreeadvantage.com

23, 27

HAIR SALON élon Salon 770-427-8698 www.elonsalon.com

Inside front

HEALTH & WELLNESS

FINANCIAL SERVICES

EDUCATION SERVICES Candi News Productions 678-622-5636 www.kennesaw.ga-gov

ENTERTAINMENT/EVENTS

DENTAL Gentle Dental Care/Georgia Dental Implant Center 770-926-2784 www.georgiadic.com

Chattahoochee Technical College 770-528-4545 www.chattahoocheetech.edu

Low T Nation 9 866-349-5698 www.lowtnation.com/weight-loss-atlanta HOME & GARDEN Alcaraz Drywall 678-949-8689

Custom Craftsmen Design 678-851-2549

Dayco Systems Heating & Cooling 770-336-7888 www.daycosystems.com

Enhance Floors & More 770-565-3808 www.enhancefloors.com

Exact Comfort Air Conditioning & Heating 43 770-912-0552 Towne Plumber 770-257-7503 www.towneplumber.com

AROUNDABOUTLOCALMEDIA.COM For advertising rates and information | Kim Dahnke 770-778-5314 | kim@aroundaboutmagazines.com 54

AROUND KENNESAW | May 2022

PEST CONTROL One Dead Bug 678-770-5699 www.onedeadbug.com

PHOTOGRAPHY Red Baryl Portraits 815-540-0936

PHYSICIANS AND MEDICAL SERVICES Governors MedSpa & Concierge Medicine 678-888-5181 www.governorsmedicine.com North Atlanta Dermatology 770-814-8222 www.naderm.com

19, 37

22one Realty Co. 770-485-3928 www.22onerealty.com Anchor Realty Partners Malinda Howe, Broker: 404-444-0225 Deborah Hill, Realtor: 770-361-9200 Office: 770-917-0322 www.malinda-howe.com Finally Home by Chuba Amadi 404-477-4971 SK Home Inspections 770-819-8453 www.skhomeinspections.com

Cotton Mill Exchange 770-992-9294 www.cottonmillexchange.net

Faith Designs Florist 770-425-6570 www.faithdesignsflorist.com

Golf Cars of Canton 678-880-1156 www.golfcarsofcanton.com

3 13

RESTAURANTS

POLITICAL Taneesha Marshall for Cobb Superior Court Judge www.votetaneeshamarshall.com

RETAILERS/ SHOPPING

REAL ESTATE & RELATED SERVICES

Big Shanty Smokehouse 770-499-7444 www.bigshantybbq.com

SENIOR LIVING/SERVICES Canterfield of Kennesaw 470-308-4720 www.canterfieldofkennesaw.com

Celebration Village 678-594-3570 www.cvillage.com

Back cover

Daybreak Village 770-218-6166 www.daybreakvillage.com

Inside back

We have a place in the homes of our community.

AROUND KENNESAW | May 2022

5-22 AroundKennesaw webfinal.pdf

Articles inside

Derek Easterling

Around Kennesaw

Expanded Shelter Debuts

Dana Dorris

Bill Westenberger

Celebrations

Filled With Spirit

Family Fun