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Around Acworth

Readers’

2023!

Dedications

The Save Acworth History Foundation and the city of Acworth recently unveiled plaques on Main Street to commemorate Lacey Drug Co., founded in 1895 by the Durham brothers, and Chandler’s Barber Shop, which served Acworth for 40 years (1940s-1980s). At right is Lacey Drug owners Larry Braden and Ben Flanagan. Above are members of the Chandler and Hunt families.

Kudos!

For

inquiries, contact Jennifer Coleman, Vice President of Sales 470-263-8414 | jen@aroundaboutmagazines.com

1885 Grill Acworth was named one of the 2023 Top 25 Small Businesses of the Year by the Cobb Chamber of Commerce, which recognizes the significant achievements and contributions of local small businesses. The overall winner will be announced at the chamber’s annual luncheon this month.

Ribbon Cuttings

470-461-9154, www.facebook.com/ImportElegance

Letter From the Editor

Wow, where has this year gone? It’s already May — a time to celebrate your mom, the end of another school year, graduations, Memorial Day, birthdays, wedding anniversaries and National (fill in the blank) Month. Before we know it, it’ll be time to unpack the decorations and start singing “White Christmas” again.

I want to wish my mom, Virginia Sullivan, and my daughter-in-law, Casey, a very Happy Mother’s Day. I’m the one who made my mom a mother, and I think I’ve only missed spending her special day with her once, maybe twice, in six decades. I’ve spent more time with her than ever since my dad died in January 2020, and it’s time I have cherished. Casey will be celebrating her second Mother’s Day — she made it by five days last year — and I hope it always will be a special day for her. She’s been a great mom to my granddaughter, Dani. I love you, Mom and Casey!

As for National (fill in the blank) Month, May is loaded with such designations, recognizing everything from dental care, asparagus and chamber music to hamburgers, photography and bikes. I think my favorites are Date Your Mate Month and National Get Caught Reading Month.

In honor of National Foster Care Month, check out Claire Becknell’s feature on Pages 22-23 about Acworth being certified a Foster Friendly City. Included are comments from Kellie Espino, who, along with her husband, Luis, has opened her home to 14 foster children in the past seven years. Talk about a big heart.

May also is National Pet Month, and my co-worker, Content Editor Jessica Forrester, shares some recipes for homemade pet treats that sound good enough for humans to eat — almost. Check out her cute Howl You Doin’ Biscuits, Paws-itively ProducePacked Treats and Bone Appetit Balls on Pages 38-39. And flip to Page 50 to view two pets that are looking for someone to give them a fur-ever home.

As temperatures heat up, more people will be heading to the lake for boating, swimming, fishing, skiing and other water sports. Before partaking in these activities, be sure to read our features by Christopher Purvis and Greg Fonzeno in recognition of National Boating and Water Safety Month. Christopher offers a number of safety tips on Page 18, while on Page 20, Greg explains how deceptively quiet drowning can be. Hope you get caught reading Around Acworth this month! Happy reading!

America’s Community Magazine

Volume 7, Issue 9

PUBLISHER

Aroundabout Local Media, Inc. www.aroundaboutlocalmedia.com

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES

Jennifer Coleman | 470-263-8414 jen@aroundaboutmagazines.com

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

MANAGING EDITOR

Donna Harris | 770-852-8481 donna@aroundaboutmagazines.com

CONTENT EDITOR

Jessica Forrester | 770-615-3318 jessica@aroundaboutmagazines.com

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Michelle McCulloch | 770-615-3307 michelle@aroundaboutmagazines.com

CONTROLLER

Denise Griffin | 770-615-3315 denise@aroundaboutmagazines.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Laura Latchford laura@aroundaboutmagazines.com Savannah Winn savannah@aroundaboutmagazines.com

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER

Kathryn Holt kat@aroundaboutmagazines.com

MARKET & ADVERTISING

SPECIALIST | Michelle Smith michelle.smith@aroundaboutmagazines.com

COPY EDITORS

Bill King, Eliza Somers

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

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

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

No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the publisher. All rights reserved. Copyright 2023.

Managing Editor Donna Harris is looking forward to spending Mother’s Day 2023 with her mom, Virginia; her granddaughter, Dani; her son, Colton; and her daughter-in-law, Casey.

Donna Harris

A Message From the M

ay has arrived, and we’re looking forward to a beautiful summer season! Our trails have greened up, and we’re ready for the kayaks and paddleboards to return to our four parks with lake access. Appalachian Outfitters on Main Street downtown is open and ready to help with board and kayak needs this season. Rentals will be available from on-site employees at the parks through the summer. Visit www.acworthparksandrec.org for information and opening times.

The Acworth Parks, Recreation and Community Resource Department is looking forward to another summer full of fun. It all kicks off May 12-13 with one of downtown’s most anticipated events, the Smoke on the Lake BBQ Festival. Our friends in the Acworth Business Association will be back at Logan Farm Park in the Parkside District for the Rotary Club of North Cobb’s biggest fundraiser of the year. Friday night will be the return of the Lord of the Wings contest and a free concert, while Saturday heats up with the Tasters’ Choice competition. Barbecue lovers won’t want to miss this weekend of fun downtown!

On May 27, the city of Acworth will host its annual Memorial Day Ceremony at Cauble Park. Please join us at Patriots Point, at the Veterans Memorial, as we honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the freedoms we cherish in our country. The ceremony

will begin at 10 a.m., and we look forward to you and your family joining us as we pay our respects to our fallen heroes. During this time, we also will dedicate the engraved pavers that have been installed since last year’s Veterans Day ceremony.

Have you and your family noticed the little black plaques along the fence on historic Main Street? These plaques have been installed by the Save Acworth History Foundation in honor of businesses that have helped make our city the great place it is. The community wouldn’t be the same without the wonderful leaders from our different cultural groups, and the Save Acworth History Foundation comprises local residents who love our city with all their hearts. They make it their mission to pay tribute to the people who are woven into the fabric of who we are, so be sure to stop and have a look the next time you drive through. There’s a lot of history in our city!

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

May God bless you and your families.

— Tommy

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

POLICE DEPARTMENT

Finding New Ways to Fight Crime

BY JESSE EVANS

The Acworth Police Department’s criminal investigations division is one of the best in the state. We have a highly trained team of motivated individuals who are dedicated to the mission of providing excellent service to Acworth residents by thoroughly investigating and solving cases. As we all know, sometimes cases go unsolved, but lately, it has gotten easier to solve certain types of cases, thanks to advances in technology.

Property crimes already are notably low in the city, but with the advent of doorbell cameras and other home surveillance systems, homeowners now can capture and provide excellent evidence in their cases. Besides the increased availability of home surveillance video systems, we can utilize social media to post images of suspects caught in the act and solicit the public’s assistance in identifying the culprits. As a result, we have solved a number of cases with the help of the community.

Partnering with the public to solve crimes is not a new idea. In the past, agencies displayed “Wanted” posters to obtain the public’s assistance in identifying criminals. Now, we use social media to post photos in the same, but much more efficient, way. As a result of expanding our technological capabilities, we are exploring more creative ways to reach out to our community for help in solving crimes.

One way we do this is through the Acworth Camera Connection, which invites city residents and businesses to register their personal camera systems to help our police department access videos of crimes captured on these systems. When the police believe your camera possibly could have recorded evidence of a crime, officers will contact you and ask you to access the footage. Participation, of course, always is voluntary, and you can deny officers access and remove your registration at any

time. This is a simple, yet innovative, idea that enables our detectives to quickly access video evidence, share it with the public and identify criminals.

The Acworth Police Department is committed to the community we love and serve. We’d welcome the opportunity to partner with you as a community stakeholder in public safety through our Acworth Camera Connection program. Additional information and registration is available at https://bit.ly/3MHL60l.

While utilizing a camera system is a great way to protect your home and belongings, taking some simple steps, like locking vehicle doors, also will go a long way in preventing property crime. As the weather starts getting warmer, criminals will be more likely to be out and about, looking for easy money and vulnerable targets. One way they will attempt to do this is by stealing from vehicles. More often than not, the vehicles are left unlocked, and the criminals simply flip the handle to gain access. The best way to protect your belongings is to be proactive. Do not keep valuables in your vehicle, but if you do, keep them out of sight and lock your doors.

We are grateful to have a community that is dedicated to working together to protect each other. There always will be people in the world who want to take other people’s property, but we can work to prevent crimes, keep our community safe and bring criminals to justice.

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

Get to Know

Mara Clauson

What are your main responsibilities?

The commission is responsible for the annual Arbor Day program, planting trees in the community and leading the efforts of the Acworth Community Garden.

Why did you want to be a commission member?

I was appointed in Januar y 2021. My approach is to not just “live” in a place. I like to immerse myself in my community. When I saw the opening on the tree commission, I thought this could provide me the opportunity to give back to my community.

What is your background?

I have a Bachelor of Science in marketing. My background is in event planning and community relations. Currently, I am the partnership and events specialist for the city of Kennesaw.

What has been the biggest surprise?

The level of engagement from my fellow commission members. Their commitment to Acworth is to be admired.

What do you like about the commission?

Being part of a great community with clear objectives on green spaces. My Rotary Club, the North Cobb Rotary Club, understands the importance of a community garden and supports this project, too.

What excites you about Acworth’s future?

Acworth continues to grow, with purpose and quality of life as its primary focus. The recently announced Mill District definitely has perked our interest and what that can look like in five, 10 years.

What are your goals?

I tell folks all the time that I have the best of both worlds. I live in downtown Acworth, with all the great advantages that gives me as a resident, and I get to work for the city of Kennesaw and be a part of all the great things they are creating for the community. Recently, my husband and I purchased some acreage where we plan to have our little farm.

Tell us about your family and hobbies.

My husband, Kent, and I have been married for 26 years. His pet name for me is Groundhog — I love to play in the dirt and dig holes, with the purpose of filling them with a beautiful plant. Watching things grow is so rewarding for me. We are blessed with two great kids — isn’t that what every parent says? Our son, Darin, lives in Florida and is in finance, while our daughter, Katherine, is a junior at the University of Texas-Austin, focusing on communication and sustainability. Our home is filled with a cat, Bella, and two golden retrievers, Tex and Georgia, whom you just might see from our backyard hill overlooking Logan Farm Park. The dogs love the view and watching the people and activity at the park. In our spare time, we love to travel the world and experience everything life has to offer!

Acworth Tree Commission Member

Around & About

MAY

Bub’s Run

May 6, 7:30 a.m., North Cobb Christian School football field, 4500 Eagle Drive, Kennesaw

The third annual 5K, 1-mile fun run and tot trot will benefit the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA) in memory of Kelson Loveland, who died in 2020 at age 8 after years of medical and developmental issues. https://bit.ly/3lYOPM6

Acworth Dragon Boat Festival

May 6, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Dallas Landing Park, 5120 Allatoona Gateway, Acworth

The festival, which supports Loving Arms Cancer Outreach, features corporate and community teams racing in 46-footlong ornamental dragon boats, as well as cultural activities, food and fun for spectators and participants of all ages. www.acworthdragonboatfest.com

Smoke on the Lake BBQ Festival

May 12-13, 5-10 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m.4 p.m. Saturday, Logan Farm Park

The North Cobb Rotary Club, city of Acworth and the Georgia Barbecue Association will present the 13th annual festival. This two-day event features a Friday night concert under the stars and a Saturday barbecue competition, with teams from across the Southeast competing in professional and amateur divisions. For a small fee, spectators can sample some of the best barbecue in this region. Proceeds will go to local charities. www.smokeonthelake.org

Stamp Out Hunger

May 13, all day, your mailbox

The National Association of Letter Carriers’ 31st annual nationwide food drive asks residents to fill a grocery bag with nonperishable food items and place it next to their mailbox for their carrier to pick up that day. All items will be donated to local food banks.

Cobb County Senior Services Expo and Marketplace

May 17, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Cobb Civic Center, Marietta

The event features more than 90 vendors, a variety of seminars and a number of free health screenings by Northside Hospital. https://bit.ly/3Klzoa2

Yaarab Shrine Circus and Fair

May 20-29, Jim R. Miller Park, Marietta

The largest Shrine Circus and Fair in North America is back for its 81st year and will feature the Royal Hanneford Circus, the Shrine Circus Clowns, pony and camel rides, a midway with 35 rides for all ages and traditional carnival foods. www.shrinecircusatlanta.com, 404-419-6755

Memorial Day Ceremony

May 27, 10-11 a.m., Cauble Park at Patriots Point, Acworth

The city of Acworth will honor those who have given their lives in service to our country. Engraved pavers dedicated to those who have served in the armed forces — and which have been purchased since Veterans Day — will be presented at the event. www.acworthparksandrec.org

2023 Fun in the Park Photo Contest

Through Nov. 2

Capture the fun, memories and beauty of Cobb County’s parks with your camera and enter your best shots in the following categories: Nature and Wildlife, Sports and Action, and General (anything else that shows fun in the park). Visit https://bit.ly/2RJJebn for rules and entry information.

Bub’s Run will raise money for CHOA.

Festivalgoers will get to taste some of the best barbecue in the Southeast at Smoke on the Lake.

JUNE City Council Cleanup Challenge

June 10, 8:30-11:30 a.m.

The Acworth Public Safety Cadets — Unit 4440 is inviting Cub Scout packs, Boy Scout troops, church groups, school clubs, business owners and city residents to participate in the quarterly challenge to help keep the city clean. For information, email Cpl. Eric Mistretta at emistretta@acworth.org.

Daddy Daughter Date Night

June 10, 6-8 p.m., Tanyard Creek Overlook, Acworth Community Center

This is the perfect night out for girls up to age 14 and their dads or adult male chaperones. Attendees will enjoy an elegant dinner and some evening entertainment.

Concert on the Green: A Juneteenth Celebration

June 17, 5-10 p.m., Logan Farm Park

Live music will be played 7-9 p.m. Food will be available for purchase. https://bit.ly/3YHXvUy

MASTER GARDENERS

www.cobbmastergardeners.com

Thyme to Read Book Club

May 12, 10:15-11:30 a.m., Zoom

The group will be reading “Spying on the South” by Tony Horwitz. Register at https://bit.ly/3zkKYfm.

Garden Tour

May 20, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., five gardens in Marietta and east Cobb

Gardens are Natives Gone Wild (Hylton garden), Palm Trees and Playscapes (D’Anna garden), An Urban Forest (Jean and Elwood Wright Environmental Educational Center), Doe and DIYs (Kosik garden) and Hydrangeas and Happy Memories (Langford garden). Tickets: $21 in advance, $25 day of tour. https://bit.ly/3lQLZZD

FARMERS MARKETS

Kennesaw Farmers Market

Through Sept. 25, 3:30-7:30 p.m. Mondays, Depot Park, 2828 Cherokee St. Applications are being accepted for the 2023 season. First preference will be given to vendors with fresh produce, meats, plants and food-related items. For information or to apply, email kennesawfarmersmarket@gmail.com or apply online at https://bit.ly/3TLvxX6. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis.

Acworth Farmers Market

Through Oct. 27, 8 a.m.-noon Fridays, Logan Farm Park, 4405 Cherokee St., Acworth

Customers can choose from a wide variety of garden-ripe Georgia-grown vegetables, as well as local eggs, cheese, bedding plants, fresh-baked bread, pies, cakes, honey and jams each week. For information, email Jeff Chase at jchase@acworth.org.

ART HOUSE HAPPENINGS

www.acworthartsalliance.org

“High School Student

Exhibit”

Through May 13

“Summer Daze in Acworth” Exhibit

May 20-July 29

Artist receptions will be held 4-7 p.m. June 3 and July 8.

Ongoing

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

PARKS AND RECREATION

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

Line Dancing

Tuesdays, intermediate, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; beginner, 1-2:30 p.m.; and evening, 6:30-8 p.m.

Learn to line dance with knowledge, technique and style while staying fit. Meet in monthly sessions.

Zumba

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Acworth Community Center

This fitness program features exotic rhythms, such as salsa, merengue, cumbia, samba and more. All fitness and skill levels are welcome. Monthly and drop-in rates available.

Bend & Breathe Meditation Yoga

Wednesdays, 8:15-9 a.m., Acworth Community Center

This yoga class targets the deep connective tissues, such as fascia, ligaments and joints, as well as bones. It’s slower and more meditative. Monthly and drop-in rates are available.

Build Yoga

Wednesdays, 9:05-9:50 a.m., Acworth Community Center

Join a very dynamic class, using yoga postures, plyometrics, hand weights and calisthenics to build strength, flexibility, balance and endurance. Monthly and drop-in rates available.

Pickleball Lessons

Wednesday and Thursday mornings, various times, Acworth Community Center All experience levels are welcome.

BSD Taekwondo

Saturdays, 8:45-9:45 a.m., Acworth Community Center

This is a traditional taekwondo class for adults. Students will learn balance, focus, self-control and how to increase their confidence. Traditional skills are designed to promote health, lower stress levels and develop the whole body, without the use of weapons.

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UPCOMING EVENTS

May 4

ABA Luncheon

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

Acworth Community Center 4361 Cherokee St.

May 9, 23

Morning Jolt

7:45-9 a.m.

The Cowan Historic Mill 4271 Southside Drive

May 11

Alive After 5

5:30-7:30 p.m.

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The Cowan Historic Mill 4271 Southside Drive

May 25

Women’s Networking Lunch

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

Red Top Brewhouse 4637 S. Main St.

June 1

ABA Luncheon

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

Acworth Community Center 4361 Cherokee St.

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Spring Cleaning Your Brain Requires Stepping Back

BY KELLY NAGEL

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I have started spring cleaning my brain recently. I do this by mentally stepping back from my daily tasks, goals and checklists and taking some time to observe them. This allows me to question if the things I am spending time on truly are worth it and then lets me reprioritize accordingly.

This is an important practice to do personally and professionally. We often find ourselves spending too much time on things that don’t actually matter, simply because we haven’t taken a moment to do some mental spring cleaning.

I determine if something is worth my time by asking myself a few questions:

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1. Does it help accomplish the mission? If you don’t have a clear mission statement and clear goals that help you accomplish your mission, your first mental spring cleaning session should involve creating those things for yourself, personally and professionally. Simon Sinek has a great TED Talk titled “How Great Leaders Inspire Action” that can help you get started.

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2. Am I spending the appropriate amount of time on the right things? Am I spending the majority of my time on things that have the highest likelihood of accomplishing the mission? Am I delegating the things that someone else should be doing? Are there things that I should just stop doing altogether?

3. Am I in control of my time or am I allowing my time to be controlled by what is around me? Do I plan my day or react to it?

4. If I am reacting instead of planning, how can I fix that?

It is very easy to get caught up in putting out fires, answering emails and doing things someone else has asked you to do instead of planning what needs to be done and doing that without getting sidetracked. What safeguards can you put in place to ensure you won’t focus on things that easily can distract you and rob you of your day?

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If you have a hard time with these questions, ask those who know you best for help. They can give you insights you might not have considered. Having authentic connections with people, personally and professionally, is an important key to building your business.

One last question: Do you have authentic connections with those around you and prioritize those connections correctly?

This might be uncomfortable and hard work, especially if you never have done it before. It’s OK. You are a smart and capable person, and I know you can do this. But if you need help, come to one of our Acworth Business Association events, and we can help you get started. It’s what we are all about.

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

Always Wear Your Life Jacket on Allatoona Stay Safe on the Lake!

BY CHRISTOPHER PURVIS

It’s late spring, and the lake and recreation programs are beginning to heat up. May also is National Boating and Water Safety Month, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers takes water safety very seriously. There were 178 water-related fatalities at Corps projects nationwide in fiscal year 2022. The Life Jackets Worn … Nobody Mourns campaign was created by the Corps to target adults — primarily adult males — and educate the public on the importance of wearing personal floatation devices (PFD).

The Corps’ public recreation fatality statistics between 1998 and 2022 show that 88% of fatalities at its lakes were male. The worst part is that in 89% of the fatalities, the victims were not wearing a life jacket. Additionally, 47% were swimming in undesignated swimming areas. In fiscal year 2022, there were seven water-related fatalities on Allatoona Lake. This included six adults — four males and two females — and one child. Not one was wearing a life jacket.

Allatoona Rangers and volunteers made more than 33,000 water-safety contacts with the public last year and expect much the same this year. There are many steps the public can take to stay safe on the lake, including:

• Take a boating safety course.

• Learn to swim.

• Swim with a buddy.

• Swim only in designated areas.

• Wear a life jacket.

The Corps offers several water-safety programs at the lake that are geared toward adults and stress the wearing of life jackets. For the past two years, the Corps has promoted an “I got caught” program, sponsored by the Corps Foundation, which awards beach towels and dry bags to adults who were caught wearing their PFD when not required. Some paddle sports visitors also received a waterproof phone pouch, with a whistle and other safety information, when wearing their life jacket while paddling on the lake. The pouches are provided by the Corps’ National Water Program, as part of a partnership program on Allatoona Lake created by Cherokee County Safe Kids, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and the Corps.

The Corps also offers 21 Life Jacket Loaner Stations on the lake, and there are numerous other stations provided by partnering agencies and organizations.

Christopher Purvis is lead ranger at Lake Allatoona over partnerships, volunteers and project security. He has been a ranger on Allatoona Lake since 2005.

New Building & Services

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

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

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

WHAT’S NEW...

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

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

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

“We have many patients still dealing with the aftermath of COVID-19 from a weight perspective,” Dr. Ashley said.

“To help, we have several programs in our clinic that assist with this: appetitesuppression medications, energyboosting shots and the newest treatment: Semaglutide.”

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

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

CHECK OUT THE MAY SPECIALS INCLUDING MOTHER’S DAY

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

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

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

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

3105 Loring Road NW, Suite 100, Kennesaw, GA 30152

678-888-5181 | www.GovernorsMedicine.com |

Drowning Is Deceptively Quiet, Part 2

BY GREG FONZENO

Last month, we looked at some issues surrounding drownings. As noted, drownings usually are very silent events without the noise and splashing seen in movies. There are several reasons for this:

• D rowning people are in a state of panic and usually have trouble breathing, which must take place before speech occurs. Their mouths alternately sink below and reappear above the water’s surface and are not above the surface long enough to exhale, inhale and call out for help. Drowning people exhale and inhale quickly as their mouths start to sink again.

• D rowning people cannot wave for help. They instinctively extend their arms laterally and press down on the

water’s surface, which permits them to leverage their bodies and lift their mouths out of the water to breathe. People who are struggling on the surface cannot stop drowning and perform voluntary movements, such as waving for help, moving toward a rescuer or reaching out for rescue equipment.

• D rowning people’s bodies remain upright in the water, with no evidence of a supporting kick. Unless rescued by a trained lifeguard, they can only struggle on the surface for 20 to 60 seconds before submersion occurs. Look for other signs of drowning when people are in the water:

1. Head is low in the water, mouth at water level.

2. Head is tilted back with mouth open.

3. Eyes appear glassy and empty, unable to focus.

4. Eyes are closed.

5. Not using legs.

6. Hyperventilating or gasping.

7. Trying to swim in a particular direction but not making headway.

8. Trying to roll over onto the back.

9. Appears to be climbing an invisible ladder.

This doesn’t mean someone who is thrashing and yelling for help isn’t in real trouble. This is a case of aquatic distress. Not always present before the instinctive drowning response, aquatic distress doesn’t last long. Unlike drowning, these victims can assist in their own rescue by grabbing lifelines, reaching for throw rings, etc.

If in doubt about whether a person in the water is in trouble, ask them if they’re all right! If they can answer, they probably are. If they return a blank stare, you have less than 30 seconds to get to them. And parents, children playing in the water make noise. When they get quiet, you need to get to them and find out why. And always remember life jackets save lives. Wear them!

Balance Between the Present and the Future

BY TERRY HUEY

Each of us has something we are striving to be or to be known for, something that can define us and leave a significant mark of greatness. We want people to know our individuality. There is a person we want to be known as, and if we say this is not true, well, we would be lying.

That desire in us is what drives us. It’s what sits deep in us and gives us a sense of meaning and purpose for our existence on this earth. But I will say that striving, that drive, that desire to be known can misguide us if we’re not careful. I remember a quote that makes me think about that desire in myself, as well as in some others I know: “To dream of the person you wish to be is to waste the person you are.”

Before I go on, let me say I believe we should have goals and dreams. Without them, what kind of life would that be? As I write this, I have the image of Don Quixote de la Mancha — atop his horse, Rocinante — and the words “to dream the impossible dream” running through my head.

However, the power of misguided goals and dreams and the striving toward those goals easily can cause our focus to become blurred or fuzzy. We become ineffective in who we are and what we need now. That results in frustration, which keeps us dissatisfied with our current involvements and with the paths that are leading, strengthening and, in some cases,

pruning us into what we need to become.

I am reminded of two Scriptures that are impossible to overlook or ignore in my life and journey, but I struggle to balance between them:

“Cease striving and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10 NASB.

“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win.” 1 Corinthians 9:24 NASB.

I attempt to keep the balance between these two verses — between who I am and who God wants me to be — even though, at times, I feel like Dash in the last scene of “The Incredibles.”

Still, I do my best in the moment, wherever I am in life and in my goals and dreams, holding this verse close: “Figure out what will please Christ, and then do it.” Ephesians 5:10 The Message.

Terry Huey is pastor of Summit Baptist Church. The longtime Acworth resident graduated from North Cobb High School. He and his wife, Kara, have two children, Eli and Charis.

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

A New Standard

Acworth Earns Foster-Friendly Certification

BY CLAIRE BECKNELL

The city of Acworth recently has made significant strides in becoming certified as a fosterfriendly community. With a growing number of children needing loving homes, city officials have recognized the importance of supporting and encouraging foster families. Through various business partnerships, officials have taken concrete steps to make it easier for these families to access the resources they need to thrive.

Georgia Kids Belong (GKB) is credited with expanding fosterfriendly initiatives in Acworth. The nonprofit’s mission is to ensure every foster family in Georgia has a safe and supportive foster-friendly community.

When GKB State Manager Rebecca Radicchi reached out to Acworth Mayor Tommy Allegood about the city’s foster initiatives, he immediately responded with a pledge to make Acworth a Foster Friendly City.

“We have a reputation to be a loving and caring city,” Allegood said. “It was never about the certification; it was always about being a Foster Friendly City. This is who we are!”

GKB supports Acworth’s foster families by providing special offers through its Foster Friendly app, which rewards families with discounts for salons, service stations, recreational activities, restaurants, groceries and more.

Currently, 13 businesses in Acworth — including Acworth Parks

Enjoying the outdoors are, front, Zuri; middle row, Jayniah, Luis Espino, Jayoni and Kellie Espino; and back row, Micah, Jayden and Lukas.

and Recreation, Christian Brothers Automotive, Tanner Blake Salon, Pearl’s Spa, Red Top Brewhouse, KAMS Auto Service Center, Hotworx, Stretch Zone and Wells Fargo Advisors — offer discounts on the app as part of the city’s initiative.

City officials work with many community organizations, including a local church that hosts monthly birthday parties for children in foster care. GKB continues working with Allegood and asks all businesses to consider how they can help the foster community.

“Foster Friendly communities have businesses, faith communities and civic groups that say ‘yes’ to supporting their amazing friends and neighbors who provide kinship and foster care,” Radicchi said.

In the future, Radicchi hopes schools will become trauma-informed, lawyers will offer legal services to families dealing with the court system, and more day care centers, pediatricians and therapists will be willing to accept the state’s Childcare and Parent Services funding. GKB also wants businesses to become financial partners with nonprofits and car dealerships to offer discounts on larger vehicles for the increased family size.

“Mayor Allegood desires to serve the needs of all of Acworth’s populations across demographics,” Radicchi said. “Our foster care community is one that he felt was underserved.”

Certifying a city as foster-friendly enhances the well-being of children in foster care and raises the chances of families continuing to foster. Nearly half of foster parents stop within the first year, many citing a “lack of social support” as the reason, Radicchi said.

Allegood said partnering with GKB has opened the door for other cities in Georgia to get certified as Foster Friendly. As more cities become Foster Friendly, Radicchi expects to see increased retention and recruitment of foster parents.

The support in Acworth has significantly enhanced the experience of being a foster parent for Kellie Espino, who said she feels blessed and entirely supported by her community.

In 2016, Espino moved to Acworth

from California and knew foster care and adoption was something she and her husband, Luis, wanted to consider. After having their first biological child, the couple set out to educate themselves on fostering and adopting children and quickly began training through the Cobb County Division of Family and Children Services to become certified foster parents. Then they received a call about twins who desperately needed an adoptive home.

“It was a whirlwind, but we made our way to Sacramento a week from that day to be there for the birth of our baby boys,” Espino said. “From there, our hearts only grew for those in need of a family.”

Seven years later, Espino said they have stepped into the good, bad and ugly of the foster care system. During this time, she and her husband have had 14 kids in both short- and longterm placement, and they adopted their daughter, Zuri, out of foster care in 2018.

While being a foster parent can come with many challenges, Espino said she’s had more rewarding experiences than she can count. One unforgettable experience occurred

when she cared for a medically fragile little girl who was heavily exposed to drugs and was readmitted to the neonatal intensive care unit after being placed. She was with Espino’s family for six months and now is thriving in a beautiful home.

“Georgia Kids Belong and all that they do for foster families — from education to gifts, and now the Foster Friendly app blowing up all over the place — has been blessing us richly,” Espino said.

“And now our very own community of Acworth has chosen to wrap us in and become fosterfriendly at the root.”

The organization bases its Foster Friendly certification on specific criteria — the percentage of businesses that offer family discounts, the recognition of foster families as local missionaries by local churches and the willingness of nonprofits and civic groups to serve foster families.

Claire Becknell is a thirdyear journalism and emerging media student at Kennesaw State University.

After being fostered by Luis and Kellie Espino, center, since birth, baby Maria was adopted by her grandparents, Greg and Tammy, right. Also celebrating her adoption day are the Espinos’ adopted children, front from left, Jayden, 12; Micah, 12; and Zuri, 4; and, back, their biological son, Lukas, 15.

KSU Junior Tackles Legislative Internship

BY MARGARET MILLER

Remember the name Brooklin Cooper Cox. One day, this Kennesaw State University (KSU) junior may be the attorney general of Georgia, of the United States, or a justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. Our readers can then say: “We aren’t surprised. We knew her when ...”

Determined, industrious and committed are characteristics used to describe this political science major. Brooklin recently completed a Georgia legislation internship at the state Capitol, which she described as very exciting. Among the offices in the building are those of the governor and lieutenant governor, plus the chambers for the General Assembly.

The Acworth resident said her responsibilities as an intern in the Georgia Senate involved researching bills and writing resolutions. She enjoyed the glamorous aspects, which allowed her to attend events with Gov. Brian Kemp, senators and other state dignitaries.

So, how did this Etowah High School graduate get this prestigious internship? “I was required to compete against hundreds of students from across our state,” Brooklin said. “I had to submit a lengthy essay and undergo

three interviews, two of them at the Georgia State Capitol, before I became an intern.”

Approximately 35 students selected from Georgia’s public and private universities and colleges get firsthand experience during each legislative session. (Learn more at www.legis. ga.gov/intern-program.)

The application process was worthwhile, according to Brooklin. About her internship, she said: “This has been a life-changing experience. I have learned so much about how our state government works. Plus, I have always wanted to be involved in politics. My internship has confirmed that this is the career path for me, once I get my law degree.”

While completing her internship, the HOPE Scholar continued her regular studies in political science at KSU, an educational institution that she loves.

“I chose KSU after visiting several other colleges, including Penn State, (the University of) Alabama and Georgia State. I am pleased with my selection. KSU is a great school that has allowed me to grow as a student, to experience diversity, as well as to understand different aspects of governments.”

On weekends, Brooklin works as a server in a local eatery, where she is learning to be patient and is becoming knowledgeable about good customer service.

The importance of family support is something the rising senior is aware of, thanks to her parents, Lou Cox and Geri Cooper. “I have a very supportive family that pushes me to do my best. Before my maternal grandmother, Bertha Cooper, passed, she always told me I could be anything I wanted to be, and she supported my vision. I feel her presence today as I continue on my journey,” Brooklin said.

She credits local attorney Charles McGhee with mentoring her. He, too, encouraged her and offered her advice on how she can achieve her goal. She plans to complete her undergraduate degree in 2024 and then enter law school. Once she completes this part of her journey, watch out world, here she comes!

Brooklin Cooper Cox (pink blazer) and Georgia Legislative Intern Program participants surround Gov. Brian and Marty Kemp.

Margaret Miller has been a resident of Cherokee County for the past decade. Her writing hobby led her to become a columnist for community and daily newspapers.

Brooklin Cooper Cox is a political science major.

Managing Stress in a Stressful World

BY JAYDEN LOPEZ

As high schoolers, we are prone to stress — from quizzes, tests and homework. And on top of that, most of us are involved in sports and other extracurricular activities. How you manage your stress determines how well you do these everyday tasks. Letting the stress build up causes more harm than good, but there are ways to relax yourself. You just have to find what works best for you.

Getting outside is a great stress reliever. Letting your body absorb vitamin D, of which a lot of people are deficient, helps in more ways than one. You could go for a 10-minute walk around your neighborhood or just sit outside on your patio for a few minutes; anything helps. Seeing the sun and getting out into nature causes mental restoration, boosts immune function and improves overall emotional and physical well-being.

When we are overwhelmed, the last thing we are thinking about is how we should treat our bodies, but taking care of ourselves is very beneficial. Eating a wellbalanced diet and getting enough exercise improves cognitive abilities, mood and overall health. Try eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, which are rich in essential vitamins and nutrients that help our bodies function properly. Add a 30-minute daily workout to that, and you’re on your way to success. Cortisol, the primary stress hormone, is putting our bodies into overdrive constantly, so taking care of your health could help regulate your levels of it.

When you feel stress creeping up on you, one of the best methods for managing it is to take deep breaths.

Closing your eyes, inhaling for a few seconds and then exhaling helps your brain maintain focus on one thing and lowers your heart rate. If you are really stressed, five- or 10-minute guided meditations could be helpful. Spending a few minutes trying to lower your heart rate and cortisol levels could make you even more productive than you were before.

Most high schoolers have erratic sleep schedules, and this contributes to your stress, whether you notice it or not. When you sleep, your brain is working to regulate itself and bring your body back to homeostasis, a state that balances our need for sleep with our need for wakefulness. Sometimes, getting the recommended eight to nine hours of sleep a night is hard, but just having a consistent sleeping schedule helps. Try to wake up and go to bed at the same time, or close to it, each night for a week and see how that affects you. If you are feeling anxious or stressed, changing your sleeping habits could alleviate those feelings.

There are many other ways to de-stress your mind and body, so I encourage you to look for ideas that you think might be beneficial or practical for you.

Jayden Lopez is a senior at Allatoona High School. A four-year JROTC cadet, he will attend Georgia Southern University next year to study exercise science.

Simply Stellar

Shining a Spotlight on Class of 2023 Stars

SUBMITTED BY COBB SCHOOLS

North Cobb High School

Samerah Slaughter

Samerah was a healthy junior who had been a competition dancer for 10 years. In April 2022, she was diagnosed with acute liver failure and was sent to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta-Egleston Hospital and placed at the top of the pediatric transplant list. Within a week, Samerah had a liver transplant and spent three weeks at Egleston before returning to school for her senior year.

She has some physical limitations but is enjoying her very busy final year of high school. A strong student, Samerah is taking some classes through dual enrollment. She hopes to attend Spelman College next year to study psychology and become a mental health counselor for teenagers.

Jonathan

Harrison High School

Jonathan Campbell

Jonathan had a stroke at the age of 11. He was in a coma for two weeks and in the intensive care unit for a month. His left side paralyzed, he began a journey of intensive therapies and rehabilitation. His recovery made him miss almost all of sixth grade and required a third brain surgery, three hand/arm surgeries and a foot surgery.

Since the incident, he has continued his intensive therapy, spending most summers and almost every day after school in rehab. He only recently finished his therapy sessions. As a result of the stroke, he now has seizures and must take medication to try to control them.

Jonathan has not let his medical journey impact his scholarship or community activities. With a 4.5 weighted GPA, he serves as a student mentor in the counseling office, is an officer in the French Honor Society and belongs to Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society, National Honor Society and Beta Club.

Samerah

Jonathan remains inspired by his favorite Bible verse, Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” NKJV

Anissa Ana

Allatoona High School

Anissa Ibrahim

Anissa stands out for so many reasons. She is an outstanding musician who won the Georgia Music Educators Award for her original composition. She is an incredible leader who serves as vice president of the school’s Minority Representation Association and co-president of the Student Orchestra Board. She also is a straight-A student and one of the most brilliant students in her class.

She is the daughter of immigrants from Sierra Leone, and her world view is all-encompassing. This has shaped her into an empathetic and eloquent speaker who is ready to listen to all perspectives.

The most remarkable thing about Anissa, though, is she has achieved consistently at the highest level while overcoming the grief associated with her mother’s death in 2021. Her passion, tenacity and talent are definitely worthy of a senior spotlight!

Kennesaw Mountain High School

Ana Vadillo

Throughout her high school career, Ana has maintained a high level of academic achievement and is one of the highestperforming students in the Academy of Mathematics, Science and Technology. She also was named STAR student after earning the highest SAT score in her school this year.

Besides maintaining a high level of academic rigor, Ana is involved in multiple extracurricular activities, including National Honor Society, Mane Link and Spanish Honor Society, and also plays the piano. She is active in the community and has participated in many outreach events, such as the KMHS-hosted Cobb County Special Needs Dance, Shop With a Mustang and Books for Africa.

The first-generation American plans to attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the fall, majoring in biomedical engineering.

“The lake, Army Corps, golf cart zone are all buzzwords in the Acworth market, but having a realty team that truly understands the implications, and knows firsthand where Acworth has come from, where it is today, and a sense of the trends for tomorrow was invaluable to me. From marketing our beautiful lake home, to finding our next spot of Acworth paradise, Malinda and Deborah were a tireless team; one that helped us avoid some misadventures, protected our interests, and performed in every way as our advocates.” —

Alan P.

Attention to Every Detail

Realtors Draw on Multiple Areas of Expertise to Help Clients

Every detail matters to Realtors Deborah Hill and Malinda Howe, partners in Anchor Realty. Nothing is overlooked, from their involvement in the community to the help they offer clients in staging and landscaping their homes.

“It’s not just about knowing the market; it’s about knowing our clients. To us, it’s not work; it’s our lives. We play a handson role in this community. We honor that by working where we live, selling what we believe in and loving what we do,” Malinda said.

Anchor Realty is a full-service brokerage, offering interior design packages, upfront services on preparing homes for sale, staging, landscape design and construction floor plan renovation design.

At the Heart of Anchor Realty

The Realtors’ commitment to Acworth is evident when you see how involved they are in the community.

Meeting Malinda, you would have a hard time believing she’s not an Acworth native. She is the 2023 vice chairwoman for Acworth Tourism and sits on the boards of the Acworth Business Association and Brookwood Christian School.

Deborah serves as secretary for the newly formed Acworth Development Authority, which approves bonds for development opportunities that come to the city. She was voted Best Interior Designer in the 2022 Around Acworth’s

Readers’ Choice poll, and she volunteers with special-needs children in Marietta with her garden club; she loves making a difference in their lives.

Last year, Deborah and Malinda continued their work with Brookwood Christian and the Acworth Arts Alliance to organize The Acworth Charm Tour, showcasing six beautiful homes, rich in history. However, their business partnership provides benefits to more than Acworth’s arts and civic organizations.

In 2022, they successfully closed on two major commercial buildings in the historic downtown Acworth area: the building where Fusco’s and Fusco’s Pizza are located, along with the building that houses 1885 Events on Main.

“We are actively searching and recruiting for outside businesses to come to Acworth and have created plans and renderings of certain buildings that show façade changes, in hopes of recruiting new businesses,” Deborah said.

“On the residential side, the Realtors are working with a few developers who have infill lots, to connect them with those in search of land on which to build.

“We are excited to have one of the highest record-breaking home sales in the Historic Downtown Acworth area, closing at $1.8 million,” Malinda said. “Congratulations to our sellers!”

Meet Deborah Hill

“I love selling real estate, especially in Acworth, because I believe that this is one of the greatest cities to call home,” Deborah said. “I love selling clients not only a home, but the quality of life that Acworth offers.”

Deborah has lived and worked in the area for 20 years and joined Anchor Realty Partners as a Realtor in 2018, when she moved to downtown Acworth. She spent more than 10 years working in marketing and business development with Chick-fil-A and developed strong ties in the community.

An extensive knowledge of design is a plus; Deborah studied interior design at Oklahoma State University. In 2020-21, she worked as a design assistant on HGTV’s “Rock the Block” and A&E’s “Sell This House.” Most recently, she was the art director for HGTV’s limited series, “Build It Forward.”

Deborah uses her interior design knowledge to help buyers see how a floor plan could look, guiding them through the process, and helping sellers understand what buyers are demanding in our changing market.

Deborah collaborated with David Bromstad on this interior design for HGTV’s “Rock the Block.”

become a Georgia Licensed Appraiser.

English-style garden landscape designed by Malinda.

2 Ways to Celebrate National Home Improvement Month

BY ELISABETH STUBBS

National Home Improvement Month is the perfect time to shop for new flooring or to try a new design trend in your home.

Consider Replacing Flooring

One of the first steps in shopping for new flooring is deciding the type of product you’re looking for. Not the style or the color. Not the texture or finish. Not even the price range. The basic starting point — do you want soft carpet, durable tile or elegant hardwood floors?

However, knowing the price of different flooring can make the decision easier. There certainly is a wide range of prices based on the type of floor you select. As an example, assume you have a 400-square-foot family room that is carpeted, over a wooden subfloor (i.e., over a basement or crawl space). If you were to choose a medium-priced product, the average professionally installed cost for each type of flooring approximately is:

•Carpet — $2,000

•Laminate — $3,200

•Luxury Vinyl Plank — $3,400

•Hardwoods, 3/4 inch — $4,000

•Tile — $7,500

There are many other variables to consider, as well. For instance, the average person replaces their carpet every nine years. So, if you are in your home for 20 years, you will replace your carpet at least once, maybe twice. However, you almost certainly would have the same wood floor for 20 years. Over time, the higher-priced options

tend to pay for themselves, due to the longevity of the product. Although, this doesn’t necessarily make you feel better when you initially write the check!

Try New Interior Design Trends

If trying a new design trend is more aligned with your budget, consider “coastal grandmother” — a relaxed, elevated way of living. Think of light-filled rooms, fresh flowers, an abundance of books, comfortable slipcovered furniture, neutral hues, baskets and natural elements — anything that represents a chic, lighter way of living and decorating. Here are some items often found in spaces designed with this carefree look in mind:

•Jute, wool or sisal rugs.

•Soft cotton or linen slipcovers and bedding.

•Ceramic or terracotta planters.

•Fresh herbs on the windowsill, a vase of fresh flowers, orchids or lush plants.

•Linen aprons, napkins and dish towels.

•Copper pots and pans displayed on an iron pot hanger.

•Fruits and vegetables on display on the kitchen counter.

•Wood cutting boards and marble pastry boards.

•Flowing white or off-white curtains, cotton or linen.

•Baskets, candles and mementos from your travels.

•Lots of books, stacked and displayed on shelves, side tables, console tables or coffee tables.

You can use pieces you already have or slowly incorporate these elements into your kitchen and living room. Avoid overdoing it with ropes, anchors, signs with sayings, sea creatures and nautical motifs.

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

The coastal grandmother design trend incorporates copper pots and pans, neutral hues and fresh flowers.

Tile floors offer durability and ease of cleaning.

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

Spring into Spring into

SAVINGS

We are your total home design center!

Enhance Floors & More is one of the most experienced flooring companies in North Georgia. Founded 37 years ago in Marietta, the flooring showroom is locally owned and staffed by a skilled team with a combined 150-plus years of experience.

Clients rave about how Enhance Floors is a “one-stop shop and made what could have been an overwhelming experience easy and fun.” Pop in to browse the large selection of flooring options and see for yourself what all the hype is about.

ü Complimentary In-Store Design Assistance

ü Interest-Free Financing

ü40+ Installed Flooring Products

Educational Empowerment Nonprofit Helps Families Learn at Home Without Limitations

BY SUSAN BROWNING SCHULZ

Nobel Prize in Literature recipient

W.B. Yeats said: “Education is not the filling of a bucket but the lighting of a fire.” Numerous flames are aglow, thanks to the nonprofit Unite Homeschool. Its mission is to connect, equip and support homeschool families in north Georgia and beyond. The network accomplishes this by helping home-school parents spark a love of learning in their children — through field trips, parties, outdoor events, transcript help, mentor support and more —

via an online community of caring families.

“Our services are designed to enrich and support the efforts of all types of home educators, regardless of style or learning methods,” founder Angela Pilcher said. “As a home-school mom of two boys, I started to build the Unite community to support home-schooling families more than two years ago. After exponential growth in our community, I knew that I had to make a way for this

incredible group of people to stay connected, even after I was done home schooling. The best way to do that was to become a nonprofit organization. Unite Homeschool became an official 501(c)(3) nonprofit in March 2023.”

Unite Homeschool offers a private, resource-rich, online community that has the feeling of social media without any of the drama found there. Its network is focused on creating intentional encouragement and connection for the busy homeschool educator.

“I love to encourage parents who desire to home-school, and believe, with help, anyone can do it,” said Jennifer Henn, local author and mentor for Unite Homeschool. To help her mentees, Henn wrote a book called “Take the Mystery Out of Homeschooling.”

“Now that my children are grown, I want to help the next generation of home-schooling families,” Henn said. Her roles at Unite Homeschool include answering parents’ questions, developing and writing how-to content, holding teaching seminars and sharing helpful posts.

When asked what makes this new online community any different from what exists on Facebook, Pilcher answered with seven reasons:

1. Big Tech is not watching or censoring our interactions.

2. We are a large network with local groups — all home-school focused.

3. We connect people with new friends — lots of them

4. No trolls allowed.

5. We have special-interest clubs, such as Outdoor Hiking and Cherokee County Weekly P.E.

6. A topic index and search.

7. A full calendar of events and field trips.

For full-access members, yearly plans are available online, along with

From left, Addison Mitchell, Adel Sampson and Abby Davis enjoy a landfill tour bus ride.

mentoring, a high school coaching club and more.

Unite Homeschool members are excited to be a part of the network. “I feel like I have stumbled upon a treasure trove of friendships and resources,” Becca Carson said. “I like that the Unite Homeschool network isn’t on a mainstream social media platform,” Michelle Paul said. Katie Warner shared: “It’s such a great resource for connecting with the local homeschool community.”

Unite Homeschool recently held its first high school prom, Once Upon a Dream, which took place at Pleasant Union Farm in Canton. The community is welcome to attend future events:

• Homeschool Sports Camp, May 15-19 at Cherokee Veterans Park in Canton. Register at unitehomeschool.com/camp.

• North Georgia Homeschool Resource Fair, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. May 20 at the Cherokee County Recreation Center in Woodstock.

• Homeschool Field Day, June 7 at Swift-Cantrell Park in Kennesaw.

• Teens in the Driver’s Seat safe driving program, 5:30-7:30 p.m. June 9 at Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge of Woodstock.

For more events, scan the QR code.

To learn more, visit unitehomeschool.com or email info@unitehomeschool.com.

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.

Hayden Hobby, proud winner of a Unite Homeschool science fair event.

Students meet to complete assignments together, from left: Ben Flores, Benjamin Pilcher, Christopher Pilcher, Jo Jo Soverns and Christian Russell.

Bunk Bed Build Day Volunteers

Give Kids a Place to Lay Their Heads

BY NICOLE SMITH

It’s hard to imagine children going to sleep every night without a proper bed to provide the physical, emotional and mental support they need. All children deserve a safe, comfortable place to lay their heads at night, and two local students are playing a part in making this basic need a reality for kids in our area.

Allatoona High School (AHS) junior Abby Adams and her sister, freshman Mackenzie Adams, are heavily involved in the local GA-Etowah Valley chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP), a nationwide organization of volunteers dedicated to building, assembling and delivering top-notch bunk beds to children and families in need. In February, Abby and Mackenzie recruited 75 volunteers to participate in Bunk Bed Build Day at AHS. SHP provided the wood and tools and helped set up stations in the school courtyard. The volunteers built 52 twin-size beds at the event that have been delivered to children in the Acworth and Kennesaw area.

How the Adams family got involved with SHP is an interesting story. “Five years ago, my family sold our house, bought an RV (recreational vehicle) and set out on an epic two-year road trip to visit all 50 states,” Abby said. “Our parents wanted to show us what the rest of the country looks like and to introduce us to all kinds of people and cultures. Since we moved around so often, we missed a sense of community. We looked for volunteer opportunities in local communities, and our favorite volunteer experience was Sleep in Heavenly Peace. We stumbled across their headquarters in Twin Falls, Idaho, and fell in love with their mission to help children to sleep better. We were so inspired that when we settled back in Acworth, we found the local chapter to support and have been volunteering with them ever since.”

“A Bunk Bed Build Day is a day that allows volunteers to come build twin-size wooden bunk beds,” Mackenzie said. “We set up rotating stations in an outdoor location, consisting of sanding,

Sisters Mackenzie, left, and Abby Adams ask for bedding donations for the bunk beds.

Mackenzie Adams helps put together one of the bunk beds.

drilling, hammering, screwing and staining. We encourage volunteers of all ages at builds, and no experience with tools is necessary. We teach you each skill. Even smaller children can help carry wood.”

Abby said she’s “proud to say that I started a Bunk Bed Build Day event two years ago” at her high school. “It was exciting to see new faces at this year’s build and everyone’s hard work. Seeing an overwhelming stack of wood at the beginning of the day and then a stack of beds ready to be delivered is so rewarding.”

Their mother, Tina Adams, SHP delivery manager and executive board member, explained her family’s roles in the organization, as well as the SHP delivery process. “Families request beds via an online application, and I work with the president, Steve Wisenburg, to vet the applications and set up delivery of the completed beds,” she said. “Abby is the high school representative in charge of setting up Bunk Bed Build Days with high school volunteers, and Mackenzie is a bed build day and delivery volunteer.”

On delivery days, volunteers take all the bed pieces that were sanded, drilled and stained on the build day to the family’s home. They then assemble the bed in the child’s room, add a new mattress, bedding and pillow, and do a big reveal for the young recipient.

“When I first learned about SHP, I had not thought about the fact that families could not afford beds for their children,” Mackenzie said. “A brand-

new bed, mattress, sheet set, bedspread and pillow may be the only possession they own, but it is one of the most important ones. The bed not only provides a place to sleep but also a 3-foot-by-6-foot safe space they can call their own.”

Mackenzie added she was excited to help her sister organize the build day this year and will carry on the project after Abby graduates next year.

“Seeing the kids’ happy, lit-up faces as they jump into their new bed for the first time is one of the most amazing things about SHP,” Abby said. “I believe that every volunteer should experience this because it reveals the big picture and encourages you to continue making those faces smile!”

Adams said it’s important for parents to teach their children about volunteering “because it develops ownership in their community and the human race in general. It also builds self-esteem, leadership qualities and quality family bonding.”

Visit www.shpbeds.org for information on volunteering, setting up a build day, donating or applying for a bed for children ages 3-17.

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

These volunteers built 52 twin-size bunks at the AHS Bunk Bed Build Day for Sleep in Heavenly Peace.

Signing Off

Acworth Says Goodbye to Dennard After 20 Years of Police Service

Community members sent their best wishes and congratulations to Police Chief Wayne Dennard, who retired last month after a 20-year career with the Acworth Police Department (APD), at a celebration April 12 at the Acworth Community Center. A number of guests, including members of Dennard’s staff, Mayor Tommy Allegood and city aldermen, paid tribute to and shared some amusing stories about the chief during the event. Dennard also received a number of gifts, including his service weapon, a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol, a plaque and a wooden cross filled with melted-down APD badges. He also learned the APD police station had been named the Chief G. Wayne Dennard Jr. Police Department Headquarters. Dennard addressed the crowd and thanked everyone for “all the kind words and funny stories” and said any success he had as chief was because “God put me in the right place at the right time.” He ended his signoff by turning over the department to his successor, Chief Jesse Evans.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE ACWORTH POLICE DEPARTMENT.

Above left, the Police Department headquarters was named in Dennard’s honor. Above, Dennard with his wife, Melinda, and family at the celebration.

Maj. Mark Cheatham presents retired Chief Wayne Dennard with a flag that was flown over the U.S. Capitol.

AMP LIFY YOUR TONE .

Round of A-Paws Recipes That Get a 7

BY JESSICA FORRESTER

When my husband and I started dating in 2017, we shared six family pets — two cats and one dog in each household. Our parents have only three pets total now, but we still love visiting them — and our families, of course! One of my favorite things to do as content editor is trying new dishes for our recipe spreads. I love experimenting in the kitchen and making themed fare, and that’s not exclusive to food for humans.

May is National Pet Month, and what better way to celebrate than with homemade treats? Owners know their pets best, and making their treats ensures control over what ingredients dogs and cats ingest. When making treats for dogs, make sure to never use products (like some peanut butters and yogurts) that contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is toxic to dogs. The best practice is to research ingredients before you try any recipes; there are great articles on the American Kennel Club and Purina websites about what human foods are and are not safe for dogs and cats. And, if you don’t have pets but love baking, file some of these recipes away as a gift idea for someone who does.

Howl You Doin’ Biscuits

Ingredients

• 2 cups quick oats

• ¾ cup peanut butter (no sweeteners or preservatives)

• ¾ cup chicken or beef bone broth, no salt added

• 1 egg

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Combine ingredients in a large bowl until dough forms. Press into a shallow silicone baking mold. Bake for 25 minutes. Store for up to two weeks in a resealable container.

An Apple a Day Keeps the Dog-tor Away Pupsicles

Ingredients

• 2 small apples

• 1 cup plain, nonfat Greek yogurt (no sweeteners or preservatives)

• Water

Directions

Cut up apples, removing seeds and cores. Combine with yogurt and a splash of water in a blender. Process until smooth. Add to molds. Freeze until set. Keep frozen, up to two months.

Paws-itively Produce Packed Treats

Ingredients

• 1 cup sweet potatoes, mashed

• ½ cup blueberries

• ½ cup green peas, frozen

• ¼ cup beef or chicken bone broth, no salt added

Directions

Add ingredients to a blender and mix until smooth. Add more broth to thin, as needed. Pour into molds and freeze until set. Keep frozen, up to eight months.

Paws-itively Produce-Packed Treats fully set after 24 hours in the freezer.

Buddy can’t wait to try the Howl You Doin’ Biscuit.

Bone Appetit Balls

Ingredients

• 1 cup quick oats (or plain white rice, cooked)

• ½ cup mashed sweet potatoes

• ¼ cup peanut butter (no sweeteners or preservatives)

Directions

Mix ingredients and form into balls. If the dough is too wet, add more quick oats. Refrigerate up to one week or freeze for up to three months.

Pawsome Pet Treats

Ingredients

• 1 chicken breast

• 1 cup quick oats

• ¼ cup chicken bone broth, no salt added

• 1 egg

Directions

Boil the chicken breast and shred into small pieces. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Combine ingredients to form dough. Press into a silicone baking mold. Bake for 20 minutes. Refrigerate treats for up to one week or freeze for up to two months.

Friends Fur-Ever Pupsicles

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons peanut butter (100% peanuts, no sweeteners or preservatives)

• 1 banana (not overripe)

• 2 cups plain, nonfat Greek yogurt (no sweeteners or preservatives)

Directions

Peel and cut up the banana. Add to a blender or food processor with the yogurt and peanut butter. Blend until creamy. If the mixture looks too thick, add water to dilute. Spread into molds or ice cube trays. Freeze until set. Pop out of molds and keep frozen in a resealable bag or storage container, up to two months.

Note: Bone and paw print silicone baking molds are available on Amazon for less than $10.

Tickled Pink Pet Treats

Ingredients

• 6 strawberries

• 4 ounces pure pumpkin (not pie filling)

• 4 ounces chicken bone broth, no salt added

• ½ teaspoon ground ginger (optional)

Directions

Cut off the strawberry stems and add ingredients to a blender. Pour mixture into molds. Freeze until set. Keep frozen, up to six months.

Buddy patiently waits to taste-test the

Tickled Pink Treat.

Above, Friends Fur-Ever and An Apple a Day Pupsicles set quickly, taking only about 2 hours to freeze. Left, Bone Appetit Balls.

Five Gardens Highlighted in Backyard Garden Tour

BY RENAE LEMON

Celebrate the arrival of spring by spending hours in lush, peaceful surroundings on the Master Gardener Volunteers of Cobb County’s 20th Annual Garden Tour, “My Backyard Garden,” 9 a.m.-4 p.m. May 20.

MGVOCC wants you to learn and to be inspired by the beauty and serenity of five unique gardens selected for the tour. This year, we will showcase flora and fauna that live and can be grown in a typical Georgian’s yard. Each garden will have docents on-site to answer your questions and offer educational information to help you improve your gardening skills. Your support helps fund our horticultural educational programs, demonstration and community gardens throughout Cobb County.

Doe and DIYs

THE KOSIK GARDEN

Instill an appreciation for the natural world in your loved ones by taking them to this wildlife habitat, filled with all kinds of flora and fauna. Learn how to create a backyard sanctuary that’s perfect for quiet reflection and relaxation. Deer frequent this stop, so be sure to ask the Kosiks how to garden with them in mind.

An Urban Forest

JEAN AND ELWOOD WRIGHT

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATIONAL CENTER

Uncover a piece of history at this 19-acre park teeming with trees and plants native to Georgia. There is a bit of everything here, including a museum recounting the lives of the Wright family, trails to explore, songbirds, native plants and more.

• Explore the Wright family home, built in the 1940s. It houses the museum and classrooms.

• Learn how Jean Wright transformed a cotton farm into a forest.

• The 2-mile trail allows visitors to view the plants up close and personal.

• The Wright Center is the first Cobb County park

to be named an Atlanta Audubon-Certified Wildlife Sanctuary.

• Find native plants, common and rare, that attract local wildlife and birds.

Hydrangeas and Happy Memories

THE LANGFORD GARDEN

Walk through the history of the Langford family’s backyard as they gradually shaped it into a peaceful haven for wildlife and home life. Discuss how to handle hydrangeas like a professional with homeowner Susie, and learn how to add year-round interest to your yard. Soak in the tranquil atmosphere while walking through an enchanted woodland path to a cozy garden shed.

Gardens can be visited in any order and are not wheelchair-accessible. Some have stairs or multiple levels.

Tickets are $21 in advance and $25 on the day of the tour at any of the gardens. Children 17 and younger are admitted free. The event will be held rain or shine. For more information or tickets, visit www. cobbmastergardeners.com.

Natives Gone Wild

THE HYLTON GARDEN

Discover a hidden oasis, one bursting with native plants that support local bees, butterflies and birds. Stroll through a creek bed path lined with ferns and uncover a shady side yard, perfect for a day of badminton, croquet or relay races. Certified by the Georgia Native Plant Society, this garden will give great ideas on various native plants for shade and sun and will help you enjoy the hospitality of nature’s delights.

Palm Trees and Playscapes

THE D’ANNA GARDEN

Terracing, semitropicals and total privacy are the hallmarks of this garden. Enjoy exploring this compact east Cobb yard that’s leveled and layered to allow for a variety of gardens, including edible crops, Southeast natives and adapted plants. Learn about long-term growth habits from the D’Annas, who built their sanctuary from the ground up, starting in 1987.

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

EGG-STRAVAGANZA AN EGG-CELLENT

Kids Flock to Acworth for Annual Rite of Spring

The skydiving Easter Bunny made an appearance at the Acworth Egg Hunt to greet infants through 10-year-olds who were ready to fill their baskets with Easter goodies. Sponsored by the city of Acworth and Freedom Church, the annual event at the Acworth Sports Complex included games, inflatables, crafts and egg hunts by age groups.

Photos courtesy of the city of Acworth.

Mario and Luigi make an appearance at the event. Found one!

There are plenty of eggs for these young men to find.

Kids could create crafts when they weren’t hunting eggs.

This Hawks fan has her basket just about full.

The Easter Bunny poses for photos with kids who attended the egg hunt.

A Day of Service 2023

Kennesaw State Community Lends Helping Hands in Annual Volunteer Event

BY DAVID ROBERTS, KENNESAW STATE UNIVERSITY

More than 550 members of the Kennesaw State University (KSU) community spent a few hours last month volunteering as part of the ninth annual Day of Service. Volunteers visited 27 work sites across metro Atlanta to help schools, nonprofits and other organizations with a variety of projects.

The Office of Economic Development and Community Engagement founded the Day of Service in 2014 in conjunction with the student arm of the Department of Student Volunteerism and Service, pairing hundreds of students, faculty, staff and community members with work projects at schools, parks, nonprofit organizations and other community sites.

This year’s event featured several high-water marks, including the most registrations and most sites served.

“This event has grown in participants and sites served each year, which is a testament to our dedication to our community,” said Kimberly Henghold, director of community engagement. “This

annual volunteer event is an outstanding example of our students’ commitment to strengthening and fostering the partnerships within our community.”

Each Day of Service event represents the culmination of a year’s worth of planning by a committee of representatives from throughout the university, co-chaired this year by Henghold and William Hargrove, assistant director of the Department of Student Volunteerism and Service.

“It was absolutely thrilling seeing so many volunteers come together to support our community, and the feedback from our nonprofit community partners has been resoundingly positive,” Hargrove said. “Our team works diligently to manage these partnerships year-round, and it was a real treat seeing these relationships come to life.”

Volunteers started the day by gathering on the Kennesaw and Marietta campuses. President Kathy Schwaig welcomed volunteers on the Kennesaw campus

Vanessa Lewis makes a new friend during Day of Service.

This student-volunteer puts together tables and benches for NCA.

Volunteers landscape the campus of Northwest Classical Academy. Photos by Judith Pishnery, KSU.

green, while Associate Vice President of Student Affairs Ronald Briggs greeted those on the Marietta campus.

Participants included faculty, staff, students, alumni, community members and Team Depot, a volunteer force of Home Depot employees. Team Depot accounted for 35 volunteers and provided funding and supplies at Northwest Classical Academy (NCA), a tuition-free public charter school in Kennesaw.

Projects at NCA included beautification efforts, such as landscaping, in addition to assembling outdoor benches for the campus.

“The impact that our volunteers made today allowed our local nonprofits to continue to fulfill their mission by providing the services that are needed for our residents in the Cobb County and metro Atlanta area,” Henghold said.

Lauren Cerny graduated from KSU and currently is a customer service coordinator for parking and transportation on campus. She volunteered as a site lead for Smith-Gilbert Gardens, a botanical garden in Kennesaw, out of a desire to give back to the community.

“When I arrived on campus (that) morning, I could immediately feel the electricity and excitement within the volunteer group,” Cerny said. “The work was very rewarding, and we could immediately see the impact we were making. I left Day of Service feeling inspired and proud to work for Kennesaw State University.”

• Georgia House Rabbit Society

• Pine Mountain Middle School

• North Cobb Regional Library

• Laurel’s Edge

• Georgia Writers Association

• KSU Field Station

• Radow Shoebox Project

• On-campus Earth Week project

• Kennesaw Mountain Trail Club

• Salvation Army Marietta

• Next Step Ministries

• Simple Needs GA

• Cherokee Garden at Green Meadows Preserve

• Books for Africa

• Good Mews Animal Foundation

• Adopt a Mile

• Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health

• Youth Empowerment through Learning, Leading and Service

• Marietta High School

• McCleskey-East Cobb Family YMCA

• Center for Children and Young Adults

• Cobb County Water System

• Chattahoochee Nature Center

Between the first Day of Service in 2014 and last year, more than 2,100 volunteers had helped at 116 project sites. In 2020, during the early days of the coronavirus pandemic, the event was canceled.

Besides NCA and Smith-Gilbert Gardens, 2023 KSU Day of Service volunteers spread across the area to work at these sites:

Zack Tesller, left, and Jamie Martinez cleaning at the Georgia House Rabbit Society.

Can You Benefit From a 529 Savings Plan?

SUBMITTED BY ROBERTO DE JESUS

Another school year is ending. If you have young children, they’re now a year closer to heading off to college or some other post-secondary education. How can you prepare for these considerable costs?

For the 2022-23 academic year, the average estimated annual cost of college — tuition, fees, room and board, books and supplies — was $28,000 for public, four-year, in-state schools and $57,000 for private, nonprofit, four-year schools, according to the College Board.

Some students don’t foot the full bill for college, due to grants and scholarships. Still, there’s often a sizable amount they must pay. A 529 education savings plan might help.

A 529 plan offers several benefits. Earnings can grow, taxdeferred. Withdrawals are tax-free federally for qualified expenses. You might be eligible to invest in a 529 plan in most states. Depending on where you live, you also might be able to receive some state tax benefits.

You might be able to use a 529 plan to pay K-12 expenses, up to $10,000 per student per year. Not all states comply with this 529 expansion for K-12, so consult your tax adviser. And a 529 plan might be used to pay the expenses of most apprenticeship programs registered with the U.S. Department of Labor.

Starting in 2024, unused 529 plan funds might be eligible to roll over to a Roth IRA for the designated beneficiary. Some

restrictions apply. If you are considering a rollover, you’ll want to consult with your tax adviser to determine whether you’re eligible.

You can withdraw funds from a 529 plan to repay qualified federal private and student loans, up to $10,000 for each beneficiary and another $10,000 for each of the beneficiary’s siblings.

If your child is the 529 plan beneficiary but doesn’t want to pursue any type of advanced education, the account owner can name another family member as beneficiary.

Withdrawals for anything other than qualified education expenses might be subject to federal and state taxes, plus a 10% penalty. Make sure to discuss financial aid impacts with a financial aid professional.

A 529 plan has much to offer. It might be a good consideration for your family’s future.

Staging Can Lead to Higher Home Offers

BY ANET GRANGER

Did you know that a well-staged home can increase its final sales price by as much as 10%? The National Association of Realtors recently published a study that found a well-staged home creates an overall positive emotional experience, which leads to potential buyers being much more likely to make an offer on the home. Just like when you walk into a grocery store and smell delicious bread baking and see the lush, fresh produce, which creates an experience that entices you to buy more than what you came into the store to purchase.

When staging a home for sale, think CLEAN, DEPERSONALIZE and REPAIR. Decluttering is an essential step. Remove unnecessary furniture, decorations and personal items. Deep-clean everything, including the front porch, baseboards, closets, drawers and every surface. Repair anything that’s broken, rotted, squeaky or leaky. The goal is to create a clean, spacious and inviting environment in which potential buyers can imagine themselves living. They need to visualize themselves living in the home.

Staging a home to sell does not have to be expensive. Many sellers don’t consider staging because they believe it

will be too expensive. Talk to a Realtor who specializes in helping customers get the highest and best return for the sale of their home and has a proven track record. Ask for the details on how much more the home sold for, relative to other homes in the same neighborhood, and check to see if the number of days on the market was reduced. The proof always will be in the pudding!

Proper staging will set your home apart from the crowd and, ultimately, enable it to sell for more money. We still have a strong seller’s market, but buyers will overlook a home that appears to need too much work. They will, however, pay more for a home that they connect with emotionally and can visualize themselves occupying. Key items in the staging process will create the warm, inviting atmosphere that makes your house shine.

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

Edward Jones and its financial advisers and employees cannot provide tax or legal advice. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones financial adviser. Edward Jones, member SIPC.

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

Celebrations!

ANNOUNCEMENTS ARE FREE!

Email: edit@aroundaboutmagazines.com

June deadline is May 10.

Please specify Around Acworth. Word limit: 25.

Happy birthday, Kenzie and Kristine!

Congratulations on graduating elementary school, Dean!

Love, your entire family

Allatoona High School’s prom was March

May 6

Happy ninth birthday, Kobe!

Love, Mommy, Daddy and Z

April 16

Happy fifth birthday! We love you.

May 11

Happy ninth birthday!

Love, Mommy, Daddy and Collyns

Presley

Graduating from Harrison High. She will be attending Georgia Southern University. Congratulations!

Mommy, Daddy, Aaliyah and Alex

May 14

Happy eighth birthday, Sassy! You are tough, smart, beautiful and fearless, and I’m so proud of you, sweet girl!

Love you, Nonna

Graduating from Woodland High. Entering the U.S. Army, with plans to become a medical assistant. Congratulations! We love you! Family first. From all of us.

Bube

Massive congratulations, Bube! We are so proud of your accomplishments. Daddy and your parents would be, too! Well done on your master’s degree!

Naomi Bennett

Allatoona Prom

11 at the Delta Flight Museum, so juniors, from left, Peyton Brueggamann, Abby Adams and Sophia Brito took pre-prom photos at McCollum Airport in keeping with the theme “Around the World.”

Kobe

Kenzie, Kristine, Dean

Ella Lindsey

Nyanna Johnson-Bell

Adrianna Riley

The Riders’ Perspectives

“For the last two years, the amazing Speed for Need team has pushed our daughter in the Next Step Ministries 5K. (She) has developmental disabilities, so her ability to participate in events like this is limited. The guys that push her are incredibly patient and make sure all those they push are engaged and having a great experience. It means the world to Christina (aka Tink) and brings joy to us, her parents. Can’t say enough good things about the organization and what it stands for.”

— Angela and Bubba Cooper

“Appreciated the way the Speed for Need volunteers made it possible for Erin to participate in the Next Step Ministries Run, Walk or Roll 5K. Speed for Need made it possible for Erin to be present and experience the satisfaction and accomplishment of completing the 5K event.”

— Tom and Stacy Peters, parents of Erin Peters

“As a Track Commander, Nick beams with enjoyment while spending time with others and riding with the team.”

— Jennifer Heitert, mom of Nicolas “Nick” Medina (an F3 Cherokee member)

Who Pushes

Speed for Need Raises Awareness, Fosters Inclusion

SUBMITTED BY SPEED FOR NEED

The Cherokee County chapter of Speed for Need, a nonprofit that supplies customized racing wheelchairs and a team of trained “pushers,” allows people with special needs to participate in fitness events — experiences they would not be able to have on their own.

Who Can Be a Rider (Track Commander)?

Participation in a Speed for Need event, such as 5Ks, 10Ks or marathons, is available to all those unable to complete a race on their own, regardless of their special need. It could be a 96-year-old who lost his or her mobility or a 7-year-old who was born with a condition. Regardless of the reason, we want to make it happen for them.

Why Does Speed for Need Exist?

The mission of Speed for Need is to raise awareness and foster inclusion of those with a special need through participation in local fitness events, supported by the men of F3 Nation (Fitness, Fellowship and Faith — a free men’s workout-fellowship group — https://f3cherokee.com).

In July 2017, Will Farr, a father in North Carolina, along with the men from his local F3 group, raised funds to purchase a specially designed racing wheelchair, so he and his son, Owen, could run a 5K road race together. Everyone involved benefited from the experience and wanted to share their joy with as many others as possible. Today, those involved with Speed for Need have been privileged to run with nearly 300 Track Commanders in 83 races. They also have led or attended more than 30 community events. None of this would be possible without the help of hundreds of volunteers who run, push and cheer on Track Commanders.

Dennis Jones, John Roark and Chris Chapman push Track Commander “Tink.”

Pushes Who? The Drivers’ Perspectives

How Can You Help?

We need Track Commanders. We want to include as many riders as we can find, so they can experience the joy and excitement of participating in events they might have thought were closed to them. We also need volunteers to be trained as “pushers,” to help make up the team for each rider. Finally, we need funds to continue our mission and expand our reach. Your generous donations have allowed our local Speed for Need chapter to purchase six specialized racing wheelchairs, a custom trailer and other equipment. Help us spread our message and reach those in our community who can benefit and experience the joy of participating, as riders or as volunteers.

What Does It Cost?

Nothing. Zilch. Nada. All costs are covered for the Track Commanders through donations of time and money from awesome servant leaders in our community.

Upcoming Events

• Max’s Moon Run 5K, 7:10 p.m. May 5, Suwanee

• Bub’s Run 5K and Fun Run, 7:30 a.m. May 6, Marietta

• Mother’s Day 5K, 8 a.m. May 13, Kennesaw

• Summer Sun Run 5K, 8 a.m. June 10, Kennesaw

• Harvest Hustle 5K, 8 a.m. Sept. 9, Kennesaw

• Run, Walk or Roll 5K, 8 a.m. Oct. 7, Woodstock

• Nightmare on Main Street 5K, 8 a.m. Oct. 28, Kennesaw

• Dream Big 5K, 8 a.m. Nov. 11, Ball Ground

• Holiday Lights of Hope 5K, 6 p.m. Nov. 19, Canton

“Seeing the joy on the Track Commander’s face as they get cheered on by everyone is the best part.”

— Bryan Reynolds

“Serving others actually helps us to work on ourselves. The smiles we receive from the Track Commanders nourish my heart!”

— Troy Ellenburg

“I have had the privilege to push my friend, Eve Mabry, at several 5Ks, thanks to these running wheelchairs. The joy she gets from crossing the finish line is so contagious. I will participate in anything that brings Eve joy, especially where others are cheering her on!”

— Valeria Lobo, ministry director of Thrive Special Needs Ministry at First Baptist Woodstock

“I love being a part of Speed for Need because I can take my joy for running and participating in races and share that with someone who may not be able to on their own. It’s a great feeling to provide a way for them to participate in races.”

— Kevin Pellum

F3 members Zach Taylor and Brandon Nunnaly push Track Commander David.

Alan Fowler from Louis Lloyd Golf reached out to me to donate pet food to Rob’s Rescues. He was invited to give a motivational talk to the Woodstock High School boys golf team, and the whole team did a community outreach project — collecting pet food for those in need in our community. The collected food will go to the Cherokee County Animal Shelter for its pet food pantry, and it will be used to help Meals on Wheels seniors in the shelter’s PAWS program, for those who struggle to afford to feed themselves and their pets. If any other teams or companies want to collect pet food for people in need, email robsrescues@gmail.com.

Rob’s Rescues

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

This dog’s name is Mimi. She is a 9-monthold, medium-sized, white/brown dog. For how young this dog is, she behaved very well on a leash and was very happy. She knows how to sit, and she must have already been trained by a previous owner. She would be a nice dog to have in your family.

This cat’s name is Tico. He is a 4-year-old who was found as a stray. He is a mediumsized cat who is very friendly. He would love for people to spend time with him, and he is looking forward to a loving home.

From left, front row: Eli Southerland, Joshua Tomberg, Brennan Butcher and Dan Comeau. Back row: Dalton Triplett, Alan Fowler (Louis Lloyd Golf), Keeton Nelson, Rob Macmillan, Landon Broaded, Mason Addington, Rackly Ade (team support volunteer), Walker Ade, Mike McGinn and T.H. Marovich.

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

BY SUSANNAH MACKAY

We often talk about caring for seniors around Grandparents Day (the first Sunday after Labor Day) or during the holidays. But this special group of people needs love year-round.

One in five Americans is aged 60 or older. By 2030, the number of adults needing nursing home care is expected to double! However, the hardest and most personal aspect of life for this growing age group is that more than 40% of seniors feel lonely, according to ConsumerAffairs.

Fortunately, we can do something to help. Here are four options on justserve.org to get you started serving seniors:

1. Deliver meals with MUST Ministries. This morning commitment in Kennesaw/Acworth only takes an hour or two on the last Friday of the month. Open to ages 12-plus, it’s a great service opportunity for older homeschoolers, too (http://bit.ly/3G2RYRI).

2. Share your talents. Play music or bring other performances to seniors in Agape Hospice Care (https://bit.ly/3KOzVly).

3. Play bingo. Thursdays at 2 p.m., visit Legacy Ridge in Kennesaw and enjoy playing bingo with seniors. Residents love the extra company, and it helps promote activity and social interaction for those needing it most (http://bit.ly/3G5CYCJ).

4. Help prevent fraud. By volunteering with the Senior Medicare Patrol, you can educate and support seniors (https://bit.ly/3ZsPi6K).

Be sure to check out these great opportunities — and more! — on the JustServe website. Or for additional ideas, join the JustServe Georgia Volunteers public Facebook group. You can show some much-needed love to our local senior citizens with simple acts of service.

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!

NORTH COBB SENIOR CENTER

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

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

4 Ways to Share Love With Seniors Senior Activities

May 5, June 2

Bingo. 10 a.m.-noon. A fundraiser for the North Cobb Senior Center. $3.

May 8-9

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

May 11

Techno Talk: Mobile Devices. 1-2 p.m.

May 11, 18

Brown Bag Concerts. 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Eat lunch at a restaurant around the Marietta Square and catch a free concert in Glover Park.

May 15

The Mother Plant Seminar. 10:30-11:30 a.m.

May 15-19

20th Anniversary Spirit Week. 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. daily. Themes are Monday, Pizza Day, wear sunglasses; Tuesday, Chocolate Fountain Day, wear a hat; Wednesday, Sno-Cone Day, Twin Day; Thursday, Ice Cream Day, wear a sports team jersey or colors; and Friday, Cookie Decorating Day, wear green.

May 16

Nutrition Lesson: Savory Salads. 10:30-11:30 a.m.

May 19

Film on Friday. Noon-2 p.m. Call for the movie title.

May 22

Personal Safety. 1-2 p.m. Learn personal safety techniques and how to identify scams.

May 23

Dye Workshop. 10 a.m.-noon. $3 supply fee due to the instructor.

May 24

Let’s Do Lunch: Copeland’s. 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Meet at Copeland’s, 1142 Barrett Parkway, Kennesaw. Lunch on your own.

May 30

Armchair Travel: Navigating Nevada. 1-2 p.m. Discover the Silver State’s deserts, rugged rock formations, crystal lakes and snow-capped mountains.

May 31

Culinary Creations: Spanish Specialties. 1-2 p.m. $3.

CITY OF ACWORTH

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

May 17

City of Acworth’s Senior Luncheon. Every third Wednesday, noon, Acworth Community Center. You must RSVP the week prior to the luncheon to attend, 770-917-1234.

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.

Cobb Photographic Society

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

Color

Paul Shimek - First Place (Parliament Building)

Pat Fahey - Second Place (Into the Sun)

Jeff Westland - Third Place (Escape from the Twilight Zone)

Monochrome

Novice

Frank Seco de Lucena - First Place (End of Day)

Paul Shimek - Third Place (Mirror Cube Ceiling)

Jeff Westland - Second Place (Skyscraping)

Pat Fahey - First Place (Spirit of Past Cars)

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