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16 24

Contents On the Cover

22 June 2022

Features

16 All in the Family

Fire service seems to run in the Townsend family, as five members covering three generations have been or are firefighters.

22 Celebrating Freedom

Cobb cities plan to commemorate Juneteenth, which marks the end of slavery in Texas, with concerts and festivities.

24 Best of the Best

Meet Acworth’s Michael Kobito, who was named the 2023 Georgia Teacher of the Year out of 145 district teachers of the year.

Bay Equity

Mortgage broker Jay White and REALTOR® Stephanie Kull are Acworth’s home team, working hard to help clients find their dream home.

Pages 28 & 29

Cover photo by Red Baryl Portraits

AROUND ACWORTH | June 2022

In Every Issue 4 8 12 18 36 32 43 46 48 50 52 54

Around Acworth Celebrations Local News Photo Spread - Smoke on the Lake Community Calendar Rob’s Rescues Growing Gardeners Shop Local Map Senior Events Library Events Cobb Photographic Society Directory of Advertisers

Contributors 43 Judy Abbott

10 Tommy Allegood 44 Joannie Bates 38 Ryan Blythe 34 Jennifer Bonn 42 Roberto De Jesus 20 Wayne Dennard 48 Greg Fonzeno 21 Dale Hoeflinger 26 Tiffany Hughes 32 Rob Macmillan 50 North Georgia Audiology 40 Susan Schulz 30 Elisabeth Stubbs 44 Joel Williams 42 Amanda Yingling

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Around Acworth Letter From the Editor

This Father’s Day will be bittersweet for me — bitter, because I lost my dad 2½ years ago, but sweet, because my son, Colton, became a dad to Dani Linley on May 3. My dad, Charles, was my rock, and his death left a hole in my heart that never will be filled. I depended on him for sage advice, for help around my house — he could do anything — and for a good laugh. I always could count on him, and he never once let me down. He didn’t graduate from high school — but he earned his GED diploma when he was 50 — and never went to college, but he made sure we did. He also raised me in a Christian home and taught me to love Jesus. I’m so grateful for everything he did for me. I know I’ll see him again one day, but that doesn’t make living here without him any easier. I’ve known since Colton was a young kid that he was going to be a great dad someday, and I was right. The way he looks at his newborn daughter melts my heart, and she already had him wrapped around her little finger from the second she was born. It’s amazing to see how his strong arms cradle her so gently and how he can just watch her sleep for the longest time. I’m eager to see how their relationship develops as she gets older, and I hope she’s as close to him as I was to my dad. Happy Father’s Day in heaven to my daddy, and Happy First Father’s Day to my son. And Happy Father’s Day to all you dads. If you’re blessed to have your father with you, don’t take him for granted. He’ll be gone long before you’re ready to say goodbye. In honor of Father’s Day, we have two features you need to check out. Read about the three generations of firefighters in the Townsend family on Pages 16-17, and prepare a feast fit for a dad using the recipes on Pages 26-27. Also, on Pages 24-25, meet Georgia’s new Teacher of the Year, Acworth’s own Michael Kobito, who was named best of the best out of a cohort of 145 district teachers of the year across the state. What an honor! And turn to Pages 18-19 for photos of the Smoke on the Lake BBQ Festival to see how much people in this area love their barbecue. One final note: This month, we at Aroundabout Local Media are celebrating our 26th anniversary! Our company started in 1996 with the TowneLaker and has grown to five hyperlocal magazines in Cherokee and Cobb counties. Here’s to our continued success in the future!

What’s New?

To celebrate National Arbor Day in April, three new cherry trees were planted by the Acworth Tree Commission, Acworth Parks, Recreation and Community Resource staff, Acworth Alderman Butch Price and Cobb County Commissioner Keli Gambrill along the Tanyard Creek Trail at Logan Farm Park.

Congratulations!

Cobb County’s Board of Commissioners unanimously approved appointing Deputy Chief Stuart VanHoozer as the county’s new police chief during its May meeting. VanHoozer, who replaces retired Chief Tim Cox, has risen through the ranks during his 32-year career with the Cobb County Police Department and had served as a deputy chief since 2018. “I had no skills, I had nothing special, I had no military, I had no prior police experience, and I had no education,” VanHoozer said after the vote. “Cobb County Police hired me, and they put me in a little bitty thing called a beat, and they gave me one little section of turf to protect for eight hours. And I fell in love with this job.” VanHoozer, whose appointment took effect immediately, became a finalist for the job from a group of more than 50 candidates.

Donna Harris Donna Harris is the managing editor of Aroundabout Local Media. She’s looking forward to being with her son, Colton, and granddaughter, Dani, on his first Father’s Day. Email her at donna@aroundaboutmagazines.com.

AROUND ACWORTH | June 2022

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AROUND ACWORTH | June 2022

Around Acworth, a publication of Aroundabout Local Media, Inc., is a monthly community magazine. The magazine’s mission is helping local businesses grow and prosper by offering affordable advertising opportunities in a quality publication that provides positive, relevant information to our readers. It distributes a total of 17,000 free copies. Approximately 16,600 are directly mailed to homes and businesses, and an additional 400 are placed in racks around the community. Around Acworth also has many digital viewers of the magazine online each month. Around Acworth welcomes your comments, stories and advertisements. The deadline is the 10th of the previous month. Subscriptions are available for $24 per year. Send check or money order to: Around Acworth, 1025 Rose Creek Drive, PMB 380, Suite 620, Woodstock, GA 30189. The viewpoints of the advertisers, columnists and submissions are not necessarily those of the editor/publisher, and the publisher makes no claims as to the validity of any charitable organizations mentioned. Around Acworth is not responsible for errors or omissions. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the publisher. All rights reserved. Copyright 2022.

Volume 6, Issue 11

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

Kate

Happy sixth birthday, Kate! You are such an awesome girl and are growing up so fast. We love you so much and can’t wait to celebrate you! Mommy, Daddy, Sissy and Lucy

Juliette “Juju” Romero

Joshua Jones

Congratulations to Joshua Jones of Acworth! On May 12, he received a doctor of physical therapy from Augusta University. From, Mom, Dad and Cierra

Age 7 on June 15 Happy birthday, my princess; we love you so much! Best older sister in the entire galaxy! We love you to the moon and back, Daddy, Mommy and Lil JJ

Palmer Blythe

Age 10 on June 17 Happy birthday!

Annabelle and Ruby

Happy eighth birthday to my Annabelle, and happy sixth birthday to my Ruby! Nana loves you both, all the way to the moon! 8

AROUND ACWORTH | June 2022

Jennifer Reynolds

June 6 Happy birthday! Love, Mom and Dad

Danica Lee

Age 16 on May 16 Happy Sweet 16! We love you! Mom, Dad and Harrison

Dante White

He is graduating from Allatoona High School as an AP Scholar with honors. He earned the Zell Miller Scholarship and will be attending Kennesaw State University with the goal of attending Vanderbilt for law.

Lawson Reynolds

Age 7 on June 20 Happy seventh birthday! Nana and PawPaw love you!

Jordan Marchese

Congratulations for graduating magna cum laude from the University of Alabama School of Engineering. So proud of you, and Roll Tide! Love you to the moon and back, Mom, Dad, Ben, Raquel and Trey

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AROUND ACWORTH | June 2022

A Message From the

ummer is here, and Acworth is bursting with great things for the community to enjoy. We’re excited to begin our summer of celebration as we take in all that Acworth has to offer. The parks are open, the restaurants are bustling, and the downtown area has some great new businesses that complement our long-standing local favorites. This month, we’d like to celebrate community heroes. We value teamwork in our city, and each of us can make a positive difference in other people’s lives. We were proud to celebrate Brad Wilson of Acworth Power last month, as his quick action in performing CPR during an otherwise normal day resulted in his saving someone’s life. His training made a huge impact on the person he saved, as well as the family, friends and community. Each of our lives is important, so as we head into a season full of activity and adventure, consider opportunities to learn simple skills that could help serve your community. From learning CPR to donating blood, a small effort can make a big difference. Check out www.redcross.org for some great local resources on how to serve those you love, as well as those who are loved by others. Acworth is looking forward to the second annual Concert on the Green: A Juneteenth Celebration at Logan Farm Park, 5-10 p.m. June 18. Juneteenth marks the observance of June 19, 1865, when the last African-American slaves finally were freed in Galveston, Texas, after the Civil War. This federal holiday honors our American ideals of equality for

all, and we invite the entire community to join in this celebration of freedom and culture. We’re looking forward to an evening of music and dancing, with a variety of performers and vendors on hand before the Total Package Band takes the stage at 7 p.m. Make sure to bring the whole family for food, fun and celebration as our community comes together. Before we know it, it’s going to be time to head to Cauble Park to celebrate the Fourth of July. The Acworth Business Association and the city of Acworth can’t wait to let freedom ring with a concert and fireworks show at this not-to-be-missed annual event. Tables are available at www.acworthparksandrec.org. Don’t forget to park downtown and walk to the event, as parking at Cauble Park is available first come, first served only to people who reserve a table. Handicapped-accessible parking will be available at McCall Primary School, and a shuttle for those using this area will be running from the school to the park. We can’t wait to celebrate America’s birthday with you and your family! 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” Visit Acworth on Facebook or follow us on Instagram at @VisitAcworth. 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!

AROUND ACWORTH | June 2022

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Local News

Donations Needed for Yarn Storm

Cobb County is gathering donations of knitted and crocheted squares for the 2022 Yarn Storm project in recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. The project is being coordinated by Cobb County Government, the Cobb District Attorney’s Office and LiveSafe Resources. The 6-inch and 10-inch squares can be any color or design and will be used to install yarn storming displays on June 15. Donations should be dropped off by June 8 at one of these locations: • North Cobb Senior Center 3900 S. Main St. (inside Kennworth Park) Acworth. • West Cobb Senior Center 4915 Dallas Highway, Powder Springs. • 100 Cherokee St., Marietta. (There will be a collection box located inside the building for donations.)

Birthday Girl Donates to Animal Services

Cobb County Animal Services received a special gift recently. Christina Jordan, seated, decided she would rather give than receive on her ninth birthday, so she asked for money for the animals in Cobb’s shelter instead of gifts. She visited the shelter to present the staff with nearly $500 in donations she received from her birthday fundraiser.

Acworth Employee Honored for Heroism

Acworth Mayor Tommy Allegood presented Brad Wilson, a power department grounds worker for the city, with a certificate last month for his heroic life-saving actions during his normal morning activities at the gym. Wilson’s immediate response of performing CPR resulted in saving an individual’s life. The mayor recognized Wilson as a perfect example of the exemplary leadership and determination city employees have to serve others. 12

AROUND ACWORTH | June 2022

Donors also can mail completed pieces to Cobb District Attorney’s Office, 70 Haynes St., Third Floor, Marietta, GA 30090. Visit www.cobbcounty.org/WEAAD for more information.

Job Fair Planned in Acworth The city of Acworth has partnered with the Acworth Business Association to sponsor a communitywide job fair from 2-6 p.m. June 28 at the Acworth Community Center at 4361 Cherokee St. Participants should bring a resume and dress for a possible interview. The job fair will include opportunities in administration, customer service, city government, police, parks and recreation, nonprofits, retail trade, accommodation and food services, educational services, health care, construction, finance/insurance, wholesale trade, warehousing and transportation. Companies that would like to be a vendor need to register by filling out the form at https://cms5.revize.com/revize/acworthga/ docs/2022/EconomicDevelopment/ jobFairRegistrationForm.pdf and emailing it to jobfair@acworth.org by June 15. Availability is limited. Booths are free for businesses licensed by the city of Acworth and Acworth Business Association members and $125 for businesses licensed outside the city limits. Registration includes one 6-foot table and two chairs. For questions, contact Neely Motiejunas at 770-917-1234 or nmotiejunas@acworth.org.

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Local News

Cobb Libraries Launch Chromebook Lending Program

Chromebooks are available for check out with your library card. There are 150 internet-enabled laptops available to take home for three weeks at a time for cardholders ages 17 and older who need to work from home, take online classes, apply for jobs or take care of other critical needs. If you don’t have the internet, it’s not a problem. Each Chromebook has Wi-Fi service from T-Mobile and allows you to connect to a network. Funding for the Chromebook kits with T-Mobile service is from the Federal Communication Commission’s Emergency Connectivity Fund program, providing $7 billion in grants to public libraries and schools authorized by Congress as part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Learn more at cobbcat.org/ connectingcobb.

Public Safety Employees Recognized

At the May meeting of the Cobb County Board of Commissioners, the board presented a certificate recognizing Cobb County Public Safety professionals for outstanding service provided to the community. The department’s mission is to provide a safe and secure community through highly trained, compassionate personnel, state-ofthe-art equipment and systems, and public safety educational services and programs. The employees vow to continue working with stakeholders to maintain Cobb as the premier destination to live, work and play. The officers’ work and actions are a positive step in bridging the gap between law enforcement and the community.

Use Library Card for Free Tickets Cobb County residents can get free tickets to the Alliance Theater shows with their Cobb County library card. The Georgia Public Libraries Community Ticket Pass is available at all public libraries statewide. When checked out like a book, patrons visit the Alliance website and use the pass to receive up to four free tickets to performances on either the Coca-Cola or Hertz Stage. The community pass is available at all 407 public libraries in Georgia, joining a family of passes that provide free or reduced-cost admissions to educational and recreational organizations statewide for library patrons. To see all kinds of passes available with a library card, including the Alliance Theater, visit www.cobbcounty.org/ library/services/passes. 14

AROUND ACWORTH | June 2022

Board Honors Cobb Fleet Management

At the Cobb County Board of Commissioners meeting in May, the board presented a proclamation recognizing fleet management for ranking sixth in the National Association of Fleet Administrators’ (NAFA) 100 Best Fleets in North America. The honor was announced at NAFA’s 2022 Institute and Expo in Columbus, Ohio, in April. For eight consecutive years, Cobb County’s fleet department has received national recognition as one of the best-performing fleets by an industry trade organization. Fleet Director Al Curtis accepted the certificate.

Burning Ban in Place Through Summer

Open burning is banned through the end of September in Cobb and 53 other counties in Georgia. Through Sept. 30, you may not burn leaves, tree limbs or other yard waste or forest land or use air curtain destructors for land clearing. This rule is in addition to the year-round state ban on burning household garbage. For information, visit cobbcounty.org/public-safety/fire/fire-marshal/outdoor-burning.

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Creating a Legacy and Strong Ties to Fire and Emergency Services Connect the Townsend Family Each year, the third Sunday in June is dedicated to showing love for our dads. There are countless ways to celebrate and make them feel special. But can you think of a better way to honor your father than following in his footsteps? Meet the Townsends — Woodstock residents — whose family includes five current, retired and in-training firefighters, spanning three generations. This line of firemen begins with Jimmy Townsend, who started working for Cobb County Fire & Emergency Services in 1968. His sons, Freddie and Scott followed suit, and both retired from Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services within the past four years. Freddie’s 20-year-old twin sons, Hayden and Hunter, are continuing the tradition. Hayden worked his first shift March 6, and Hunter began his 10-month training program with Cherokee County in April.

Scott, Jimmy and Freddie Townsend celebrate Hayden’s graduation from Cherokee County Recruit School at First Baptist Woodstock. 16

AROUND ACWORTH | June 2022

Serving the Community Jimmy

“I was a Cobb County firefighter, and I retired in 1999. I worked for 31 years, and the most memorable experiences were when I was able to save lives and help those in need. “I actually originally applied for the police department, but there were no openings at the time. So the county manager told me about some job openings in the fire department, which I decided to take. When an opening came for the police department, I was called, but I told them that I actually liked it a lot more on the fire side. “It makes me extremely proud to have watched my sons and, now, grandsons serve their community.”

Freddie

“I retired from Cherokee County as a captain in April 2018. I am currently driving a bus for Cobb County Senior Services. “I worked 30 years, and over those 30 years, there are many memorable experiences, such as training for fire suppressions, auto extrications and emergency medical training. I got to help teach fire safety at the elementary schools in the county, and having parents stop by the station to let their children see where we work and live for a third of our lives [is memorable]. “It means a lot to serve our community. But when you grow up around the fire station visiting your dad and being able to sit in the fire engine, that probably was the main reason that got me interested in the fire service.”

Scott

“I was a sergeant paramedic, and I retired from Cherokee County in 2020. I currently work for the city of Woodstock as a code enforcement officer. “I worked for 25 years at Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services. My best memories involved any time I was able to assist someone in their time of need. “I am proud that several family members have served their community selflessly, and I am honored that I was able to continue this legacy.”

Hayden

“I graduated from Cherokee County Recruit School in March and am now in the field. It’s going great so far; I really enjoy it. “The main reason I decided to go into fire and emergency services is because I grew up around it, and hearing all of the stories really influenced me. My goal is to serve my community and have a long and successful career.”

Hunter

“Training is hard work, but also a lot of fun. I’m excited to keep progressing and eventually graduate. I want to be able to help everyone I possibly can and make an impact in the fire department and community. “[Strong family ties] greatly influenced my decision to join. I grew up hanging out at the fire station, listening to stories, which made me realize that I wanted to be a part of that.” AROUND ACWORTH | June 2022

A Smoking Weekend on the Lake

FERLEY’S BARBECUE TEAM was named Grand Champions and won first place in all three categories, something the announcer said he’d never seen before. The members also donated all of their winnings back to the North Cobb Rotary Club.

A lot of good food was on the menu for the crowd that attended the 12th annual Smoke on the Lake BBQ Festival May 6-7 at Logan Farm Park in Acworth. During the charity fundraiser for the North Cobb Rotary Club, festival-goers were able to enjoy the Lord of the Wings competition, a concert by Creedence Clearwater Revival tribute band Georgia Players Guild, a kids zone, a beer garden and the People’s Choice barbecue taster. At the end of the two-day competition, trophies and other awards were handed out to the winners of several barbecue categories. The crew from

GREASE FIRE BBQ shows off its Lord of the Wings trophy.

The Ford family takes a break to enjoy some cotton candy.

Lebrenda and Ray Henson celebrate their 34th anniversary at the festival by entering the competition and coming in 10th place in the ribs category. AROUND ACWORTH | June 2022

PIEDMONT CHURCH

took home People’s Choice Grand Champion and second place overall in all three categories (chicken, ribs and pork).

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Bryant and Sandra White have lunch while waiting for the winners of the barbecue competition to be announced.

Lexi, Brian and their children await the announcement of the overall winners of the competition. AROUND ACWORTH | June 2022

ACWORTH

POLICE DEPARTMENT

Take Precautions to Ensure a Safe Summer BY WAYNE DENNARD

It’s officially summer, and with the warmer weather and increased outdoor activity, there are some important precautions we all must take to ensure the safety and well-being of our families, pets and belongings. It doesn’t take much time in the summer heat to become dehydrated and experience serious side effects from the lack of water. This especially is true at the beginning of the warmer months, when you might not be paying very close attention to your water intake. Recognizing the symptoms of dehydration and acting quickly to prevent complications, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke, will enable you to protect yourself and others. According to the Mayo Clinic, some of the most common symptoms of dehydration are muscle fatigue, reduced cognitive processing, dizziness, confused or dazed states of awareness, thirst, infrequent urination and dark-colored urine, and dry mouth. In children and infants, symptoms are slightly different than in adults: dry mouth and tongue, no tears when crying, no wet diapers for three hours, sunken eyes and cheeks, a sunken soft spot on top of the skull and listlessness or irritability. In warmer months, it’s important to exercise caution when transporting your pets in your vehicle. While it might be tempting to leave your dog in the car while you run into the store for just a few minutes, that can be very dangerous. According to the American Kennel Club, the inside of a vehicle parked in 70-degree weather can reach 100 degrees in just 20 minutes. On very hot days, temperatures inside parked cars can climb to 140 degrees in less than one hour. Even cracking the window does little to reduce the temperature in a stationary vehicle. Criminals enjoy warmer weather, too. During the summer months, opportunistic property crimes tend to increase. Thieves will take the path of least resistance, and stealing from vehicles is often an easy choice for them — but mostly because we make it easy for them.

AROUND ACWORTH | June 2022

There are ways to protect yourself from becoming the victim of a theft:

Lock your doors. Seriously. Please lock your doors. The vast majority of vehicle thefts involve vehicles that were unlocked. A thief is more likely to skip over a locked car and look for one that is unlocked, rather than breaking a window.

Keep your valuables out of sight. If you have done the right thing and locked your doors, but you left cash, jewelry or electronics in plain view, then criminals might be more motivated to break your window. Please keep your valuable items hidden, and don’t offer thieves extra incentive to damage your property.

Park in well-lit and well-populated areas. It might be tempting to park toward the back of the parking lot to keep others from accidentally scratching your vehicle, but it also gives thieves the opportunity to access your vehicle without the prying eyes of bystanders. We have an excellent community, and there are many people who will report suspicious behavior, but only if they can see it. I know we all are looking forward to spending more time outside and enjoying the amazing amenities Acworth has to offer, so let’s do our best to protect our families, our personal property and our pets and to stay safe and healthy!

04 TEXT BOX in Yourself Investing 02 TEXTTime, BOX Is Worth Effort Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat volutpat. Ut wisi enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud

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UPCOMING EVENTS June 14

Morning Jolt

11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. 1885 Grill 4438 Cherokee St.

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June 28

Morning Jolt

8-9 a.m. The Cowan Historic Mill 4271 Southside Drive

July 7

ABA Luncheon

11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Acworth Community Center 4361 Cherokee St.

Join the ABA by visiting www.acworthbusiness.org.

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8-9 a.m. The Cowan Historic Mill 4271 Southside Drive

Women’s Networking Lunch

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Acworth, we are officially halfway through the year! Time flies when you are having fun and paying the bills. This month, I have a special message for Acworth business owners and anyone who would like to start a business. As many of you might know, I am a financial adviser, and I have the privilege of instructing people about investing their time and money. And I have a hot investment tip just for you — invest in yourself. We serve each other, day in and day out. We put others’ needs ahead of our own. We share our expertise. We offer guidance. We take care of our community, but do we take care of ourselves? Investing in yourself is so important, as we need to recharge our own batteries. I have found three great ways to offer an excellent return on your self-investment.

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June 16

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nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet BY DALE HOEFLINGER dolore magna aliquam erat volutpat. Ut wisi enim ad

1. Develop your skills.

You have something special, so build on it. We all were put on this earth to serve in different ways. Advance your education within your field. Utilize training that is available. Expand your knowledge — we don’t know what we don’t know. Exercise your brain, and stay current on the world around you. It’s not IF change will happen; it’s how fast change will happen. Explore your creative side. Try new things. I’m not telling you to become a sculptor or a painter, but you can learn a new language or take a gourmet cooking class. Express yourself through words by writing something or try growing your own garden. Enjoy the sound of music, whether you make it or just listen. Do something that opens up the other side of your brain and allows your day-today brain to relax. Nurture your mind and body. Take time for yourself. Turn off and unplug. Take a vacation, visit family or just set aside some quiet time to meditate and search your soul. Ask yourself, “What do I want to do for me?” For some, the answer could be religion. Others might be taking the next flight out of town. Some will join a business association and find a connection that changes their life. For goodness’ sake, at least take a nap. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat volutpat. Ut wisi enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud

2. 3.

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Whatever your investment in yourself is, the Acworth Business Association is here to embrace and support you. If you invest in the Lorem ipsum dolora sit group amet, consectetuer ABA, I promise you will like the return. I haven’t met of adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat volutpat. Ut wisi enim ad people more willing to help everyone around themminim succeed. Invest in veniam, quis nostrud yourself, and maximize your momentum, Acworth!

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Dale Hoeflinger is a financial adviser with Wells Fargo Advisors and the president of the Acworth Business Association. He grew

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AROUND ACWORTH | June 2022

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the NAACP, the two-day event begins with Evening Under the Stars featuring Jazzy Blu Band & Friends 6-11 p.m. Friday. The Juneteenth Cultural Festival 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday will feature more than 100 vendors; performances by Grammy Award-winning vocalist Le’Andria Johnson, Atlanta Ol Skool Drummers and other entertainers; a health fair; and a children’s area and activities. Kennesaw will mark the holiday with

One Community: A Juneteenth Celebration of Unity 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Local Juneteenth Events Celebrate End of Slavery BY DONNA HARRIS

While Juneteenth might have originated in Texas, the celebration has spread to all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Juneteenth — a combination of “June” and “nineteenth” — is known as Black Independence Day, as it marks the day that word about the end of slavery finally reached Texas, according to history.com. President Abraham Lincoln abolished slavery in the United States when he issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which went into effect Jan. 1, 1863. But the news didn’t make it to the Lone Star State until 2½ years later, when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston on June 19, 1865, to announce the war had ended, and all enslaved Black people in the state were free by executive decree. Hearing they were free, former slaves celebrated with church services, picnics, socials, rodeos and other 22

AROUND ACWORTH | June 2022

events, which was the beginning of various annual traditions. The holiday originated in Galveston, and for years, it primarily was celebrated in Texas, which declared it an official state holiday in 1980. However, other states gradually started recognizing it officially. Minnesota began acknowledging it in 1971 but didn’t declare it an official holiday until 1996. In 2011, Georgia became the 37th state to recognize it, and the last state, South Dakota, made it a holiday in February 2022. It became a federal holiday in 2021. Locally, Acworth, Kennesaw and Marietta plan to observe the longestrunning Black holiday with celebrations during the third weekend in June. Marietta will kick off the observance with the 19th Annual Juneteenth Celebration Weekend June 17-18 at Glover Park in the Marietta Square. Hosted by the Cobb County branch of

June 18 at Swift-Cantrell Park. The Kennesaw Police Department and its citizens advisory board are sponsoring the second annual event, which will feature food trucks, community vendors, bouncy houses, police and fire truck displays, entertainment and more. The free celebration is a result of the department partnering with a team of faith and community leaders to honor the community, its diversity and its unity at a family-friendly event. “We look forward once again to celebrating Juneteenth as one community,” Chief of Police Bill Westenberger said. “We want to take the opportunity to celebrate a day recognizing freedom through emancipation. There is no better day to engage diversity by celebrating opportunities to be together, play together, eat together and celebrate together.” In Acworth, music lovers can enjoy Concert on the Green: A Juneteenth Celebration 5-10 p.m. June 18 at Logan Farm Park. West Cobb School of Rock will perform from 5-6 p.m., followed by headline act Total Package Band doing an Earth, Wind and Fire tribute from 7-9 p.m. The free event also will feature dance groups, vendors and food. One of the largest celebrations in the area will be the 10th annual

Juneteenth Atlanta Parade and Music Festival June 17-19 at

Centennial Olympic Park. The event will include speakers, an artist market, double dutch, family reunions, food, kids activities and a parade, march and rally. For information, visit www.juneteenthatl.com.

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Stephanie give back to the community. It’s not uncommon to see them serving meals at area schools during teacher appreciation week or pulling their tailgater into festivals, where they serve burgers and hot dogs to hungry neighbors.

Look for Jay and Stephanie with their mobile entertainment center at local events.

Investing in Community Stephanie attended Lewis Elementary, Lost Mountain Middle and North Cobb High schools. Her roots in Acworth and Cobb County give her an advantage as an expert in the local market. Her services include buying and selling real estate, and residential property management. Jay is a full-service mortgage lender and is ranked in the Top 400 originators in the country by National Mortgage News. His Bay Equity office underwrites, closes and services mortgages for homeowners, and is located on Center Street in downtown Acworth. Supporting local schools, donating to the Horizon Field and offering discounts to police officers, firefighters and teachers are just a few of the ways Jay and

PHOTO BY RED BARYL PORTRAITS

A Competitive Advantage In this competitive market, Stephanie said she fights to get houses for her clients by being proactive. Just as she shows urgency and tenacity with her clients’ requests, she’s honest and transparent in her business relationships. Once an offer is accepted, Jay’s extensive experience means he knows how to get loans closed. For example, he had a client who was approved by an online lender, but two weeks before closing, the buyer was denied and had $10,000 in earnest money on the line. Jay’s team not only got the deal closed but met the client’s closing date. Jay’s goal is to provide services in a different way than typical mortgage lenders. “Most just get applications, quote a rate and move on. We build loans based on our clients’ goals, and we focus on longterm relationships,” he said. “The current market is extremely competitive, and it's common to have more than 10 offers on one home at a time. We have set forth strategies with our real estate partners that allow our clients to stand out among other offers.” Jay’s Acworth-based business has grown 200% in the past five years. He credits his support team’s use of technology which has allowed the business’ footprint to expand to North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Alabama, Tennessee and California. “With our systems and automation of our processes, it has allowed our efficiency to increase, thus making room

to close more volume,” he said. “Our current staffing level will allow us to close an additional 20 loans a month.” Stephanie is staying busy as well, attending networking events and connecting with others in the community. She also is involved in the Acworth Business Association as an ambassador. “I am a REALTOR® because I want to make a great living doing something I love. I have a vision of being around to help those in my community for years to come, all while constantly enjoying the opportunity to serve my friends and neighbors when their housing needs arise,” she said. Customer Service Continues Customer service lasts long after the home is sold and the mortgage is secured. Jay and Stephanie often hear from past clients who reach out to them, looking for a recommendation on a painter, a plumber or other professionals. Building relationships is important to Stephanie, who said she treats her clients like family, rather than a sales transaction. In fact, if a client isn’t ready to buy right away, that’s OK with her. “I treat them with as much care and attention as those wanting to purchase with cash tomorrow,” she said. Home values rose faster than ever in 2021, Stephanie said, and continue to accelerate as healthy demand and inventory shortages drive the market. Going the extra mile is a creed that Stephanie lives and works by. “I don’t just raise the bar. I set the bar by providing my clients the best professionals for photography, drone videos, videography, professional home cleaning, staging, the best home inspectors, closing attorneys and even a moving truck to make moving a smooth transition,” she said. AROUND ACWORTH | June 2022

In which room will you be replacing flooring?

POP

A. Living room B. Bedroom C. Kitchen D. Bathroom

What is most important to you?

A. Timeless look that won’t go out of style. B. Comfortable, soft, warm floors. C. Easy care. D. Durable, will last a very long time.

How many kids and pets (combined total) live in your home?

What Type of Flooring Is Right for You?

BY ELISABETH STUBBS

Are you ready for new floors in your home, but aren’t sure what type you need? Choosing new flooring is an important decision for a homeowner. Here’s a quick quiz to help you find the right flooring for you, your family and your lifestyle. Tip: Take the quiz more than once if you’re replacing floors in more than one room, to help you choose what type of flooring is best for each room. Then, you’ll be ready for the next step: style and color selection. Overwhelmed by options? Don’t worry − visit a local showroom and consult with trusted flooring experts who are there to help! Elisabeth Stubbs is one of the owners of Enhance Floors & More, one of Atlanta’s top-rated flooring dealers, located in Marietta.

AROUND ACWORTH | June 2022

A. 0 B. 1-2 C. 3-5 D. 6 or more

Is moisture a concern?

A. Floor will not be exposed to water. B. Would only get wet if I had a flood. C. Sometimes the floor will get wet. D. Water gets on the floor every day.

What is your budget? A. $$$ B. $ C. $$ D. $$$$

DIY or professionally installed?

A. Professional. I’m making an investment; I want the job done correctly. B. I don’t have the right tools. I might need a professional. C. My floor is uneven; I need a pro that knows how to correct the problem. D. I dabble in DIY, but a professional crew that does this everyday can do it much quicker than I could.

Now, tally up your answers. If you got more of this letter:

A. Hardwood floors are a great choice for you. They are beautiful, timeless, but require more care than other floors. B. Carpet — budget-friendly and cozy — is for you. C. Luxury vinyl or laminate is what you should browse. They are scratch-resistant, water-resistant, and come in a variety of wood and tile looks. D. Ceramic/porcelain tile is what you need. Durable and waterproof, it’s the best choice for a bathroom.

AROUND ACWORTH | June 2022

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

This dog’s name is Jett. He is a 1-year-old terrier who is a perfect dog. Jett is very nice, with a great personality. He is very nervous here at the shelter and would make a really great companion for someone once he is adopted.

This month, I interviewed Matt Lindenberg, founder and executive director of Global Conservation Corps (www.globalconservationcorps.org). This interview is part one of three parts, which will continue in July and August.

What does Global Conservation Corps (GCC) do, and where is it based?

Our global headquarters is in Atlanta, and our operational work is in South Africa. We are a nonprofit organization that bridges the gap between community and wildlife. Poaching is a huge problem. We lose one to two rhinos every day. We support rangers and educate communities around wildlife refuges, inspiring kids to become future rangers.

Why did you start GCC?

This cat’s name is Leeloo. She is 7 years old and a very sweet cat. She was a stray, because nobody would ever turn such a perfect cat in to the shelter. Leelo would be a great cat to just sit and chill out with.

I trained field rangers on the front lines at the Wildlife College at Kruger National Park (KNP) in South Africa. A Zulu man, Martin Mthembu, was my mentor and one of the best and most courageous rangers. He saved my life twice — once from a black mamba snake and the second time from two lions. Martin believed that we need to teach ownership in conservation and engage the communities living around the wildlife refuge, hoping that some of these kids will become rangers themselves instead of turning to poaching. When Martin died in a car accident, I knew I had to take his work further. In impoverished communities around KNP, most of the kids have never seen wildlife. GCC creates access for these kids in the hope of building empathy for wild animals.

Have you always been interested in wildlife?

Yes. From a young age, I was a birder. I made my first visit to KNP when I was 6 years old. I was lucky enough to go out with some rangers and saw lion tracks and hippos. The memory of those people protecting wildlife got me on my own path. 32

AROUND ACWORTH | June 2022

Rob with Matt Lindenberg of Global Conservation Corps.

What is your favorite animal?

I have three. Rhinos — they are super gentle, very threatened and misunderstood. Cheetahs — only one out of 10 cubs survive their first year, and cheetah moms are amazing. Honey badgers — they take no nonsense and have amazing courage. They can fight off a herd of elephants, and they can be bitten by a black mamba snake and survive.

Tell us about the kids you work with in South Africa.

We have a Future Rangers program that logs the interests and aptitudes of the kids we work with, from 5 to 18 years old, and when they leave school, we try and help them build a future. A lot of them just want to leave the area as soon as they can and go to big cities, but we try to help the ones we can. The problem is that there are so many kids and few jobs.

Your movie, “Rhino Man,” is coming out soon. What was your inspiration?

Martin Mthembu is the inspiration for this movie. Rangers are soldiers fighting a war to protect animals. They get paid $500 per month — so, not very well. Poaching is a big business. Poachers know where rangers’ families live, and they are threatened daily. The movie is about these rangers who protect South Africa’s rhinos from being poached to extinction.

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

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AROUND ACWORTH | June 2022

Enjoy Outdoor Living This Summer

BY JENNIFER BONN

There is something about life in the summer that seems lighter. The warm weather is here; the sweaters are packed away; and shoes often are nowhere to be seen. It also feels like a healthier time of year because we can eat garden-fresh produce — is it just me or does food taste better in the summer? — and go outside more frequently. Here is a list of outdoor activities you can engage in during the next few months.

• Eat outside. The warmer weather makes it possible to

eat outdoors at many of the amazing restaurants in our area. Find one with rooftop dining and enjoy your meal in the cool breeze. Or go to the farmers market in Acworth or Kennesaw and take what you buy to Kennesaw Mountain or another local park for a picnic. After you have eaten, walk off the calories by hiking one of the beautiful trails.

• Go camping. Grab a tent and head out to spend some time in nature. Make a campfire, eat some s’mores and sleep under the stars.

• Partake in water activities. The Georgia heat can be brutal, so playing in the water is a great way to stay cool. Do you have a favorite water spot? When I was growing up, we had a public lake, but there also was a mountain lake known only to the locals. Hidden swimming holes are the best. You also could rent a kayak and float around on Lake Allatoona, or you could fish from its banks or the banks of other local lakes. Do you know how to water-ski? The first time I tried, I kept falling before I stood up. My father’s friend said, “Jen, don’t try to stand up. Let the boat pull you up.” Brilliant advice and the beginning of my short water-skiing career. If you are not near a body of water, turn on the sprinklers or have a water-balloon fight. 34

AROUND ACWORTH | June 2022

• Attend the outdoor concerts in the area. • Have an outside movie with a sheet on a wall, a computer and a projector.

• Catch fireflies, release them and watch them light up the night sky.

• Go yard-sale shopping and turn someone’s garbage into your treasures.

• Watch the fireworks on holidays. • P lant a garden and find pleasure in watching your plants grow and in eating your harvest.

• Sit on the porch. Enjoy sitting outside while you listen to the sounds of your neighborhood.

• Take a nap in a hammock. • Bring fresh flowers into your house. • Enjoy thunderstorms in the afternoon. • Take a bike out for a ride. • Buy a cool treat from the ice cream truck. • Read for the pleasure of it.

These are only a few ideas to try, and I am sure you can add to the list. Happy summer!

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

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Around & About for K-9s Car Show and Community 25 Cars Event,

10 a.m.-2 p.m., is a fundraiser for the Paulding County Sheriff ’s Office K-9 Memorial and the Powder Springs Police Department K-9 unit. Organized by the Jess Rousey Honoring Heroes Foundation Inc. and held at Hardy Chevrolet Buick GMC, the festival includes a car show, entertainment, food trucks, a kids zone and a local vendor expo. For information or applications, email contact@honoring-heroes.org or visit www.honoring-heroes.org/upcoming-events.

JULY

JUNE

The East Cobb Quilters’ Guild will present Georgia Celebrates Quilts’ 18th Biennial Quilt Show and Market June 9-11, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, at the Cobb County Civic Center in Marietta. Georgia’s largest continuing juried and judged quilt show will feature more than 300 quilts from artists all across the state, a vendor market, a raffle quilt, a quilt store, a block party, postcards, a basket raffle, a sewing studio raffle, a guild passport, pin sales and quilt appraisals. Admission is $10, with children 5 and younger free. The Northeast Cobb Business Association is sponsoring the Seventh Annual 5K-9 Road Race at Piedmont Church, 570 Piedmont Road, Marietta. Registration starts at 7 a.m., and the race/walk begins at 8 a.m. The event will be raising funds to provide a service dog for the Cobb County Sheriff ’s Office. For information or to register, visit https://northeastcobbba.com/.

The city of Acworth and the Acworth Business Association will present the annual Fourth of July Concert and Fireworks at Cauble Park. Live music will start at 5:30 p.m., and fireworks will begin at approximately 9:30 p.m. Attendees who do not have a parking pass (or if parking is full) will need to park downtown and walk to the park. Shuttles will not be running. Handicappedaccessible parking will be available at McCall Primary School, and a shuttle will be provided for handicapped attendees beginning at noon.

FARMERS MARKETS Through Aug. 1

The Kennesaw Farmers Market is open 3:307:30 p.m. Mondays at Depot Park. Applications for vendors for the 2022 season are being accepted and reviewed on an ongoing basis. For more information, email kennesawfarmersmarket@gmail.com or visit https://forms.gle/T1LQBjqTgLE2gVSJA.

Through Oct. 28

The Acworth Farmers Market is open 8 a.m.noon Fridays rain or shine at Logan Farm Park at the main entrance. Applications for vendors for the 2022 season are being accepted and reviewed on an ongoing basis. For more information or an application, visit https://www.acworth.org/ departments/parks_recreation_and_community_ resource_department/acworth_farmers_market.php. 36

AROUND ACWORTH | June 2022

RECREATION

GENERAL

Parks and Recreation

Art House Happenings

Athletics

June 4-July 30

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

Acworth’s annual Summer Camp Sports Series offers camps that focus on fundamentals and skills of different sports. All camps will be conducted on the Acworth Sports Complex football fields. Registration and additional information at www.acworthparksandrecreation.org.

Football camp. June 21-23, 6:30-8:30 p.m., ages 5-12. Speed and agility camp. June 28-30, 6:30-8:30 p.m., ages 7-16. Soccer camp. July 12-14, 6:30-8:30 p.m., ages 5-12.

Community Classes

Tuesdays

Line dancing. Learn to line dance with knowledge, technique and style while staying fit. Intermediate classes, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., beginner classes, 1-2:30 p.m., and evening classes, 6:30-8 p.m., meet in monthly sessions.

Wednesdays

Bend & Breathe Meditation Yin Yoga. This yoga class targets the deep connective tissues, such as fascia, ligaments, joints and bones. It’s slower and more meditative. 8:15-9 a.m. Monthly and drop-in rates are available.

Build Yoga. Join a very dynamic class, using yoga postures, plyometrics, hand weights and calisthenics to build strength, flexibility, balance and endurance, 9:05-9:50 a.m. Monthly and drop-in rates available.

Wednesdays and Thursdays

Pickleball lessons. Times are available Wednesday and Thursday mornings at the Acworth Community Center. All experience levels are welcome.

Fridays

Stand-Up Paddleboard Yoga. SUP Yoga includes basic paddleboard safety and instruction and a one-hour yoga class focused on breath, balance and movement, 9:30-11:30 a.m. at Cauble Park.

www.acworthartsalliance.org.

“Local Inspirations” is an exhibit

featuring artwork and photography based on something “local” — local to Acworth, to Cobb County, to Georgia. Artist receptions are scheduled for June 4 and July 9, 4-7 p.m. Light refreshments will be available. This event is free and open to the public.

June 27

Member Artist Brown-Bag Lunch, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

July 15

The submission deadline for the

“Ordinary to Extraordinary — Juried Art Exhibit” is midnight. This exhibit

opens Aug. 6, with a reception from 4-7 p.m. An awards reception is planned for Sept. 3 from 4-7 p.m. Receptions are free and open to the public, and light refreshments will be available. Visit acworthartsalliance.org/ guidelines for more information.

All Summer

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

Saturdays

BSD Taekwondo. This is a traditional taekwondo class for adults, 8:45-9:45 a.m., at the Acworth Community Center. Students will learn balance, focus, self-control and how to grow their confidence. Traditional skills are designed to promote health, lower stress levels and develop the whole body, without the use of weapons.

Youth Programs

Tuesdays and Thursdays

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

Saturdays

Special Warriors Taekwondo. In this class, young community members with

Marietta History Center

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

special needs will learn focus, balance, hand-eye coordination and effective selfdefense. Classes meet monthly, 10-10:30 a.m., at the Acworth Community Center.

June 11: Historic Preservation with Stephanie Cherry-Farmer

coordination and self-control, 10:45-11:15 a.m. at the Acworth Community Center. Monthly sessions are available. Parents are welcome to take the class with their children, but it is not required.

Oct. 1: Historic Architecture with Marietta Monaghan

Little Dragons Taekwondo. Children ages 4-7 can learn balance, hand-eye

Aug. 13: Cemetery Preservation with Christa McCay

AROUND ACWORTH | June 2022

2. Community Members’ Questions Keep Coming BY RYAN BLYTHE

After four years of writing for Aroundabout Local Media and 10 years since the launch of Georgia Trade School, I have received enough reader emails and questions to provide material for several articles. As always, I appreciate your feedback, as it gives me insight into what our readers, community members and stakeholders have on their minds. Below are four questions I have received, along with my responses. Keep them coming, and we will do this again.

Why doesn’t Georgia Trade School take federal government loans? Couldn’t you be 10 times bigger?

Possibly, but I don’t think we want to work 10 times harder. I made a conscious decision to be an independent school. We live in a state where welding is heavily subsidized by the government, as it is identified as a high-demand career. You can pursue discounted or free tuition at a technical college. Our model was to give another choice to the suburban teenager who was predisposed to college as his or her only post-secondary option. Instead of seeking career-changers, which most private schools try to reach, we started recruiting at high schools. As a result, our students’ average age is 19. In an industry where the average welder is 55, this is a big deal. 38

AROUND ACWORTH | June 2022

Besides capital and drive, what are the skills or mindset needed to be a successful entrepreneur?

First, it is great you realize that without access to capital and a tremendous work ethic, building a business would be incredibly challenging. It is important to be realistic. In 2021, one in five businesses failed within the first year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. After five years, half will have failed, and after 10 years, two out of three will have closed their doors. If those numbers scare you, remain an employee. You must be very confident in yourself and your business plan. There will be burnout, and no two days will be the same, ever. Expect surprises and chaos. But in that chaos, you can find great creative breakthroughs. After all, Fleetwood Mac made “Rumours” while the members were going through relationship breakups. Regarding your business plan, there are numerous resources available to guide you. One of the best is SCORE — Service Corps of Retired Executives — which provides free mentors who offer workshops and in-person or virtual support on topics ranging from startups to marketing to finance.

If I want to work for you, what is a deal breaker?

What makes Cobb County special?

I cannot stand it when shopping carts are not returned to the corral. Do not be that person. Also, we have a five-generation workforce, so you must be comfortable with that. My Generation Z and younger millennials challenge me often, but I like that because some of their ideas, particularly with regard to marketing, are exceptionally good.

We have one of the best chambers of commerce in the United States. Our business associations are among the largest and most active in the metropolitan Atlanta region. Cobb government, especially at the municipal level, is very responsive. Our emergency services and firstresponders are highly regarded. There is a pay-itforward attitude among many of the county’s top stakeholders. This is a very generous place — you do not find that everywhere. Also, we have the Braves!

Ryan Blythe is the founder of Georgia Trade School, which for the seventh consecutive year, was named one of the Cobb Chamber Top 25 Small Businesses of the Year.

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The Language of the Nations BY SUSAN BROWNING SCHULZ

Sports are a universal element in all cultures. Bringing people together, no matter their origin, background or economic status is the reason the International Sports Federation (ISF) exists, serving to bring life, hope and the love of Jesus to the world through the world of sports. ISF creates mission opportunities for people looking to share their faith with others through their gifts and talents, and sends teams around the globe to participate in sporting events, global gatherings and serve in humanitarian aid. For 29 years, more than 18,000 people have served 164 countries, and their sports missions have touched 550,000 lives. ISF mobilizes people who have a heart for others and a thirst for adventure. Each year, the nonprofit receives requests from missionaries, churches, orphanage administrators, government officials and

Cheryl Wolfinger provides a smile to a refugee during her recent trip to Poland, where she observed how the International Sports Federation helps refugees affected by the Russia-Ukraine war. 40

AROUND ACWORTH | June 2022

International Sports Federation President and CEO Cheryl Wolfinger, John Kelso, John Fuller, Phil Lazo, Jason Smith and Bryan Doyle.

sports professionals who desire a team of volunteers to assist them. ISF is a connection between those needing volunteers and volunteers who desire to serve on the mission field through sports like baseball, basketball, soccer, volleyball, golf and more. Serving on a sports mission project gives students and adults an opportunity to bring encouragement to those most in need, from facilitating vacation Bible school in orphanages to providing recreational opportunities at medical clinics and national level sports clinics. “I can’t thank ISF enough for taking a teenager from Arkansas out of the country for his very first time almost 11 years ago,” said volunteer Brett Bagwell. “My life was forever changed, and I’ve been on fire for serving Jesus and passionate about reaching his people ever since. I pray for another trip with ISF someday soon.” Ian, a golf tournament participant at St. Andrews, Scotland, shares his experience: “This tournament was one of the most memorable and pleasurable golfing days of my life. Everything from the communication, last minute team adjustments for my brother’s stressful flat tire incident, welcome arrival, surprise goody bag, golf, electric golf carts, meal and friendship was all awesome and greatly appreciated. My big brother and I tend to disagree a lot about trivial things when we are together, but this golf event brought a lot more harmony and peace between us than normal. I hope my brother has received a seed of information from the event that will lead him to Christ in the near future.” Cherokee resident Cheryl Wolfinger was a 27-yearold country kid from eastern Oklahoma when she was challenged to develop a new, global, sports-focused organization. Using her experience as a college and

center, pictured with ISF staff members, from left: Harry Tom,

international-level basketball player, Cheryl served a domestic sports ministry before she accepted the challenge to launch ISF in 1993. “Serving a nonprofit for almost 30 years has been no easy task,” she said. “There have been many peaks and valleys, including a battle with stage 4 cancer in 2004. “After claiming victory over cancer, I was happy to be alive. To build myself back up, I started walking, which led to hiking, backpacking and kayaking. For our 20th anniversary fundraiser, I thought it would be a great idea to lead a team of climbers up Mount Kilimanjaro! We hiked a total of 60 miles. It took six days to go to the top and two days to come back down. The 24 team members raised $10,000 each. I continued to challenge myself. To raise money in 2015 for even more adventures, I rode a bicycle 3,100 miles from San Diego, California, to St. Augustine, Florida. I believe using sports is one the best tools to build lasting relationships. Here at ISF, we give people the opportunity to invest in others and, over the years, I have discovered international travel makes us much better citizens.” ISF headquarters are located at 4801 Wade Green Road, Acworth. To learn more, visit sportsmissions.com. Trips in 2024 include Greece, Malawi, Northern Ireland and the Paris Summer Olympics. For more information, email info@sportsmissions.com or mobilization@ sportsmissions.com, or call 770-424-5781. Susan Schulz is a Bible teacher and mentor who lives and plays on the Etowah River in Canton. Connect with her on social media or at susanbrowningschulz.com.

AROUND ACWORTH | June 2022

What Investors Can — and Can’t — Control SUBMITTED BY ROBERTO DE JESUS AND AMANDA YINGLING

As an investor, you easily can feel frustrated when you see short-term drops in your investment statements. Many forces beyond the control of most individual investors, including geopolitical events, corporate profits and interest rate movements, affect the financial markets. In any case, it’s important to focus on the things you can control, such as:

• Your ability to define your goals. This is one area

where you have total control. Once you identify your goals and estimate how much they will cost, you can create an investment strategy to help achieve them. Over time, some of your personal circumstances likely will change, so you’ll want to review your time horizon and risk tolerance regularly and adjust your strategy when appropriate. The same is true for your goals — they might evolve over time, requiring new responses in how you invest.

• Your response to market downturns. When the market

drops and the value of your investments declines, you might be tempted to take immediate action in an effort to stop the losses. This is understandable — after all, your investment results can have a big impact on your future. However, acting hastily could work against you. If you can avoid decisions based on short-term events, you might help yourself in the long run.

Many people head to the investment sidelines when the market tumbles, only to miss out on the beginnings of the next rally. And by steadily investing, you will increase the number of shares you own in your investments. The larger your ownership stake is, the greater your opportunities for building wealth.

• Your portfolio’s level of diversification. While diversification itself can’t guarantee profits or protect against all losses, it can help to reduce greatly the impact of market volatility on your portfolio. Just how you diversify your investments depends on several factors, but the general principle of maintaining a diversified portfolio should govern your approach to investing. It’s a good idea to review your portfolio periodically to ensure it’s still properly diversified. The world always will be filled with unpredictable, uncontrollable events. But within your own investment world, you have a great deal of control, which gives you the power to keep moving toward all your important financial objectives.

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

• Your commitment to investing. The financial markets almost always are in flux, and their movements are hard to predict. If you can continue investing in all markets — good, bad or sideways — you likely will make much better progress toward your goals than if you periodically were to take a timeout.

Roberto De Jesus and Amanda Yingling are financial advisers for the Edward Jones branch on Cedarcrest Road in Acworth.

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Growing the Perfect Tomato BY JUDY ABBOTT

Nothing tastes better than a freshly picked, ripe tomato from your own garden. By now, your tomatoes should have been planted in an area that gets at least eight hours of full sun, and, with a little patience and planning, you can avoid some common problems. Tomatoes are susceptible to soilborne diseases, so it’s important to lay a 1- to 2-inch layer of mulch around the plants, avoiding contact with the stem. Besides preventing weeds and conserving moisture, the mulch will prevent any diseases in the ground from splashing onto the leaves and infecting the plant. The lower leaves and the side of the plant opposite the sun are the most likely areas to show the first signs of trouble. Watch for yellowing, leaf curling, stippling or other discoloration. The most common tomato diseases include Septoria leaf spot and early blight, Fusarium wilt and Verticillium wilt, nematodes and tobacco mosaic virus. Blossom-end rot can be a serious problem when the small fruit is just starting. The main sign is a dark, sunken area at the blossom end of the tomato, which occurs when there is drought stress, followed by excessive soil moisture. Consistent moisture is key. Mulch your plants, and keep the soil moist — but not soggy — to prevent blossom-end rot.

Proper moisture will prevent blossom-end rot.

As tomatoes grow, they need support. Whether you use tomato cages or stakes and ties, supporting tomatoes keeps plants off the ground and promotes upward growth. Ensure the support is strong enough to bear the weight of the plant as it grows and bears fruit. It’s important to manage the plants’ growth through pruning and removing suckers, which emerge where each leaf stem joins the main plant stem. If left alone, suckers will become a large tangle of stems that prevents light and air from reaching the interior of the plant. A daily inspection will help you prevent unwanted growth — snap off suckers less than 6 inches long. Pruning diseased leaves or branches is essential for good health management. Remove them from the garden, but do not add them to your compost pile. Tomato plants are very watersensitive and need about 1 to 2 inches of water per week, depending on the soil type. If the weather turns hotter and drier, and rainfall does not provide an adequate amount, water the tomatoes thoroughly once or twice a week on a regular basis. One or two heavy soakings are better than many light sprinklings. The soil should remain moist, like a wrung-out sponge. Consider using drip-

irrigation or soaker hoses under the mulch to conserve moisture, and avoid getting the foliage wet to help prevent disease. Through their roots, the plants will absorb most of the nutrients they need from the garden soil. Any additional fertilizer can be applied every three to four weeks until the end of harvest. Use a complete fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, but be careful not to apply too much or too frequently, as this can cause vigorous plant growth with few blooms or tomatoes. It’s best to harvest tomatoes when they have ripened fully on the vine. However, the unripe, mature green or pink-tinged fruit can be allowed to ripen indoors. Sunlight isn’t necessary; simply place in a 70-degree room, and provide space between tomatoes for ventilation. For additional information, visit www.extension.uga.edu/publications and www.walterreeves.com. The Master Gardener Volunteers of Cobb County (MGVOCC) supports the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service and strives to improve the quality of life in our community by delivering researchbased horticultural information, educational programs and projects.

Master Gardener Volunteers of Cobb County is a part of the University of Georgia Extension. AROUND ACWORTH | June 2022

Finance College Through Real Estate Investing BY JOANNIE BATES

In real estate, all the planning I do as an agent is based on what I want to happen 90 days from now. Everything I am doing right now will come to fruition in three months. Looking forward, three months from now is the fall. It’s hard to think about cooler weather and back to school when we are enjoying the neighborhood pool and family vacations. With four college-age kids, I’m always thinking about college – always! Questions like: Are they ready for next year? Are they going to change their major yet again? How’s the budget looking? Where will they live? Some of these things are beyond my control. But two of them I can manage easily – the budget and the living situation. Over the course of our kids’ lives, my husband and I had put away money for their college years – traditional savings accounts that would yield a traditional nest egg for them. As we approached the first kid being ready to “launch,” I began to think bigger. I had been doing a lot of research on investment properties, and I had a big idea. We took a gamble and used a portion of the college money as a down payment on a house. My kid moved into one of the rooms – and not the best one, mind you. We rented out the other rooms to my child’s

friends or other college kids. Each room had a lock and key and a separate lease. While my child lived in a great house, the mortgage was paid by the roommates, and in four years, we sold it for a very nice profit. Boom – budget and livingsituation problem solved! We currently are amid what I like to call a “rinse and repeat” for the other kids. This crazy market certainly has helped the plan work extremely well for us. Have kids nearing those college years? You can put this plan into action as well. If implemented carefully, you will make a profit and have peace of mind about where your child lives during this time of his or her life. There are a lot of moving parts in doing this, though. Make sure you enlist a Realtor who has expertise, not just in the housing market but also in the rules and regulations of your child’s college system.

Joannie Bates is a Realtor for Keller Williams Signature Partners. She works with clients in the surrounding area, with a focus on luxury and investment properties.

What to Expect When You Hire an Attorney BY JOEL WILLIAMS

There are countless reasons to hire an attorney. Whether buying a house, starting a business, facing criminal charges, getting divorced or navigating a personal-injury claim, legal advice will come in handy. But there are a few things potential clients deserve when deciding to retain legal counsel. Honesty is the most important aspect of any attorneyclient relationship. All lawyers should be honest with their clients about the strengths and weaknesses of a legal issue. On the other hand, clients should be brutally honest when answering questions their lawyer has about the circumstances. This is especially true when there are facts that may hurt the case. All communications between a lawyer and his or her client are protected by attorneyclient privilege, so the client can rest assured that the lawyer is required to hold sensitive information in strict confidence. Frequent and informative communications are key to a healthy attorney-client relationship. I’m not suggesting that clients should expect daily calls or emails from their lawyer; however, a lawyer should always inform a client when the status of his or her legal issue changes. For example, a lawyer should let a client who is starting a business know 44

AROUND ACWORTH | June 2022

when the appropriate documents have been filed with the secretary of state. If a case is in litigation, the lawyer should notify the client anytime there is a deposition, hearing or court ruling that impacts the case. At the beginning of the attorney-client relationship, clients should be clear about what to expect from the lawyer, and the lawyer should tell the client what to expect as the issue is addressed. A common problem that arises is surprise bills. Just imagine what would happen if a lawyer estimated it would cost $5,000 to handle a case but ended up billing the client $20,000. Finally, all lawyers should put their clients’ interests ahead of their own, meaning they should protect their clients even if it means a lower fee. Of course, a lawyer should never sacrifice his or her integrity by engaging in unethical conduct to protect a client. But in general, a lawyer should work diligently to benefit the client, not himself or herself.

Joel Williams is a partner at Williams|Elleby, a Kennesaw-based personal injury law firm. www.gatrialattorney.com.

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AROUND ACWORTH | June 2022

Share the Love. Shop Local. “Help local businesses grow and prosper by offering affordable advertising opportunities in a quality publication that provides positive, relevant information to our readers.”

p o h S

Acw

Our mission statement is the measure by which we determine our editorial content each month: sharing hyperlocal, positive content with you. So it made perfect sense to take that a step further and build on what we began during the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons: encouraging you to shop locally by giving you a map to follow. After so many challenges in recent years, now is a perfect time to take advantage of this beautiful weather and visit our local retailers. They’ll be happy to see you, and you can leave with the satisfaction that you’ve been a part of contributing to the economic development of our amazing community. Special thanks to Acworth city officials for sharing this map with us. We’ll do our best to keep it updated — not an easy task, with the way our city is growing! If you see something missing or have any ideas for supporting city, please let us know emailing … ng, Shopping, Histor y, our Dining Histor y, & by Dining More! Located & More! about Located 35 miles abou no edit@aroundaboutmagazines.com. love to hear from you. bout. t is close While enough it is close toWe’d Atlanta enough toto experience Atlanta to professional experience professi sports a

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RAOUWR ARESTAURANTS NT ROW

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Grill 21Italian AC W O RT H 21 B O O K SAC TOWROERT H B O O K S TO R F U S C1. O ’1885 S V12 IA ROM F UAS C O ’ S V 11. I A Fusco’s R O M Avia Roma

Trattoria 4 815 St. 4 815 St. 2. S. BertMain & Boo’s Bake Shop S. Main 770-974-1110 770-974-1110 20

4857 N. Main St. 4857 N. Main St. 678-403-1355 678-403-1355

12. Henry’s Louisiana Grill

3. The Fountain 13 F LO W EAC R SW O&RT P LHA N F LO TSW E R S & H E N R Y ’ S LO U I S I AHNE N A RGYR’ S I L LLO I S I ABar-B-Que N A 22 G R I L L AC W O RT H 22 13.U J.D.’s 4. N. Center Street Tavern 4835 Main St. 4835 N. Main St. 770-966-1515 770-966-1515 14. Juice Wine

4829 S. Main St. 4829 S. Main St.

770-966-8680 770-966-8680 Bar by 5. Daddy’s Country Kitchen AC W O RT H 23 H O U S EAC W O RT H H O U S E J D ’ S6. B Dogwood A R -14 B -Terrace Q U EJ D ’ S B A R - B -Fish Q U EThyme 23 4424 S. Main St. 4424 S. Main St. O F F LO W E R S O F F LO W E R S 15. Miss L’s Sandwich Shop 770-974-8434 770-974-8434 7. Doro’s Italian Kitchen 4887 N. Main St. 4887 N. Main St. 16. Nibbles Grill 770-974-4614 770-974-4614 15 J U IC8.E W I NThyme E B A R JBUYIC E W I N E B A R B Y Fish 24 . FISH T HYME F I S H T More! H Y M17. E Red Top Brewhouse A L B Uabout M S R24 EC O R DA LS HB OUabout P MPSE R EC O R D S H O ining & More! & Located Located 35 mile 9. Flavors of Hawai’i 3979 S. Main St. 3979 S. Main St. 4805 S. Main St. 4805 S. Main St. anta to to experience to experience professional professio spo 678-574-5242 678-574-5242 770-675-7158 770-675-7158 10.Atlanta Pizza by Fuscos HEN anquility and tranquility . Rich in . Rich histor in y histor with plenty y with o p 16

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SHOPPING

A P PA L AC H25 I A N O UATP FPA I TLTAC E RHSI A N O U T F I T 4683 S. Main St. 4683 S. Main St. 678-742-8199 678-742-8199

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4817 S. Main St. 4817 S. Main St. 770-966-9709 770-966-9709

P E A R L ’ S S PA & P BO E AU R T LI Q’ SU ES PA & B O U T 4827 S. Main St. 4827 S. Main St. N I B B18. L EAcworth ’ S G17 R I L L N I B B L E ’ S G R I L L Bookstore 24. Serendipity House 21 21 AC W O RT H A CBW OOR KS TT HOB RO EO K S T O R E 770-966-9099 770-966-9099 4328 S. Main St. 4328 4857 S. Main St. Main N. St. Main St. 19. Acworth Flowers & Plants 25. The ArtN. House4857 770-382-3982 770-382-3982 678-403-1355 678-403-1355

P IC N IC M A 27 R K E T P IC N IC M A R K E T

20. Acworth Spa House R EIDL TO B18 R ECultural W HRO EUArts DS ETO P CB26. R E The W O SE H &L M EW RR C AT THI LS E F&L R CL AEN TN I LS E T& 2 2 2 2 A W OHSt. RU T A CFW O O ENR &M OE W P A R S GR LS.P Main 4637 St. 4637 S. Main 4823 S. Main St. 4823 S. Main St. 21. Appalachian Outfitters GA 27. Star Stuff and Jack’s Gems 4829 S. Main 4829 S. St. Main St. R Y Opening Spring Opening 2020 Spring 2020 678-403-2783 678-403-2783 770-966-8680 770-966-8680 22. Pearl’s Spa & Boutique 28. Wild Blossoms R IC O ’ S M E 19 X23 M E X RGIC RO I L’ LSAMC E XW M EO XR G RT I L LH 23 A CHW OO UR ST E H HOUSE 23. Southside Picnic Market and 29. Two LiRu Antiques 3770 3770 Dr. Southside Dr.

O F F&LDecor O W EOR FSF L O W E R S36 770-917-9791 770-917-9791 Mercantile A RT H O U S36 E 4 887 N. 4 Main 887 N. St. Main St. 4425 Cherok 770-974-4614 TA PTO W N 20 TA PTO770-974-4614 WN 678-543-5777 4443 Cherokee 4443 St. Cherokee St.V I S I TA C W O R T H IS IH TA CO O RR T HE 46 AROUND ACWORTH | June 2022 A L 24 BUMS ARLE C BO UR MD SVS R E37 CWO P P O PAT Opening 24 Winter Opening 2020 Winter 2020 C ED D A RSPH DA L A37 NT 4805 S. Main 4805 S. St. Main St.

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AROUND ACWORTH | June 2022

Senior Activities COBB SENIOR SERVICES

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

June 6

Learn a New Game: Pickleball. 9-10 a.m., Kennworth

Park Tennis Center.

June 8

Shibori Dye Class. 10 a.m.-noon. Learn the art of natural dyes to create patterns on fabrics.

June 10

Armchair Travels: Wisconsin. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Learn about one of the treasures of the Midwest.

June 14

Crafting: Latch and Hook Rug. 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Create an American flag rug. $12 supply fee to instructor. Desserts from A-Z. 1-2 p.m. Learn about 10 desserts enjoyed around the world. $3.

June 21

Melted Crayon Art. 10 a.m.-noon. Use colorful melted crayons to create a piece of art.

June 22

Game Show Afternoon. 1-2 p.m. Compete in “Family Feud.”

June 28

Paint ’n’ Party. 9 a.m.-noon. Paint a masterpiece with no experience needed and all supplies included. $3.

CITY OF ACWORTH

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

June 15

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

Mondays, Wednesdays

Senior Warriors Gentle Movements. 10-10:30 a.m.

Seniors 55 and older learn traditional Korean movements to increase balance, mental focus and ability to move. Class is taught by Omar Welch, an instructor certified by the U.S. Taekwondo Federation.

How to Avoid Boating Collisions BY GREG FONZENO

It’s a beautiful day, so you and your family head to the lake for a day of boating. And as is typical on weekends, Lake Allatoona is crowded with boats, and many seem to be cruising along without paying much attention to speed. You notice a powerboat approaching from your right side, and it appears it will be crossing your path. How do you avoid a collision? If one of you doesn’t do something, an accident is likely, but who has the right of way on the water? Technically, neither boat. Under the Rules of Navigation, all boaters are responsible for avoiding a collision. Both boaters could change course, but they could take separate actions that still might result in a crash. Fortunately, there are rules to help them. To understand these rules, boaters must learn specific terms that describe each operator’s role. One boat is the “stand-on” vessel and must maintain its course and speed. The other boat is the “give-way” vessel that will take immediate action to steer clear of the stand-on boat. But how do you determine which vessel is which? First, picture your boat as a clock, with 12 o’clock being straight ahead (bow), 3 o’clock to your right (starboard), 6 o’clock behind you (astern) and 9 o’clock to your left (port). What is called the “danger zone” for you is the water on your right side between 12 and 4 o’clock, when you will be viewing the red (port) side of the other boat. At night, you will see the red sidelights, but in daylight, you’ll need to understand you’re seeing the red side, and, of course, red always should signal danger. At that point, you are the give-way boat, so you must act to avoid a collision. Usually, that means slowing down and turning to your right to pass well astern of the other boat. Never cross in front of another vessel in those circumstances. But what if the give-way boat isn’t going to give way? Then the stand-on vessel must take whatever action is necessary to avoid a collision, which is always the objective. There are more navigation rules, and we’ll look at some during the next few months. Attending a Coast Guard Auxiliary safe-boating class is recommended. To find a schedule of local classes, visit http://wow.uscgaux.info/ content.php?unit=070-02-02&category=boating-courses or email flotilla22pe@gmail.com.

Tuesdays, Thursdays

Gentle Yoga With Mary. 1-2 p.m. Designed for adults 55 and older, but ages 18 and older are welcome. This class is conducted on a mat, with gentle movements that concentrate on relaxation and strengthening muscles. 48

AROUND ACWORTH | June 2022

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

U E P E ! T with the Kennesaw Business Association

INAUGURAL KBA Golf Tournament

Join us for a day of food, fun, competition and networking on the links.

Monday, June 13 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Pinetree Country Club 3400 McCollum Pkwy., Kennesaw • Vendor tables • Sponsorship opportunities • Enjoy tee tasters from area restaurants • Beverage stations • Door prizes & silent auction

For more information, visit www.kennesawbusiness.org/golf-tournament.

AROUND ACWORTH | June 2022

@ the Library

Cobb County Public Library System www.cobbcat.org

NORTH COBB REGIONAL 3535 Old 41 Highway, Kennesaw 770-801-5320 // www.cobbcat.org/venue/ north-cobb-regional-library 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Mondays-Wednesdays 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursdays-Fridays 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays

June 4, July 2

Cross-Stitch Meetup, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., is the first

Saturday of the month. Meet others with a love of crossstitch; bring what you are working on, along with lunch or snacks, or start something new.

June 7

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

June 7, 14, 21, 28

Tuesday Family Storytime is 10:30-11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.-noon. All ages are invited for songs, stories and rhymes that enhance early literacy and social skills. Registration is required, and space is limited. Registration for the following week’s storytime will open at 10 a.m. each Thursday.

June 7-9, 14-16, 21-23, 28-30

North Cobb Play Cafe is 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Weather permitting, drop by the Play Cafe in the North Cobb Library amphitheater on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for self-directed outdoor play stations. No reservation required. Bring your own snacks. For ages 18 months-7 years old.

June 8, 15, 22, 29

Wednesday Family Storytime is 10:30-11 a.m. All ages are invited for songs, stories and rhymes that enhance early literacy and social skills. Registration is required, and space is limited. Registration for the following week’s storytime will open at 10 a.m. each Thursday.

June 9, 16, 23, 30

Meetup for Adults With Special Needs will take

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

June 18

Join Learn About Libraries in Spanish: Videos, 1-2 p.m. in the multipurpose room, for a presentation about available video resources, presented in Spanish. Registration is not required. 50

AROUND ACWORTH | June 2022

3 Common Myths About Hearing Loss

SUBMITTED BY NORTH GEORGIA AUDIOLOGY

How many ads do you see each week for hearing devices? If you think hearing devices are being marketed more these days, you are correct. With “hearing stores” popping up in every other strip mall, warehouse clubs, magazine ads and the internet, the confusion for those in need of assistance is increasing at the same rate.

Myth: I hear what I need to hear and get along fine. Fact: You only hear what your hearing capacity permits.

The reality of what actually is being said is altered for a person with hearing loss. If you can’t hear it, how do you know you missed it? People with untreated hearing loss experience a decreased quality of life. It has been proven to cause varied levels of depression, anxiety, paranoia and poor social relationships. According to the Hearing Health Foundation, those with even mild hearing loss are twice as likely to develop dementia.

Myth: My insurance doesn’t cover hearing care, and I can’t afford to pay out of pocket. Fact: Credentialed audiologists can contract with major insurance companies. Diagnostic hearing testing typically is covered once a year, and more plans are starting to include hearing aid benefits. Financing programs that offer loans to help cover upfront costs of hearing aids might be worth considering. Myth: I will save money if I buy online or at my warehouse club. Fact: You get what you pay for. Those making the decision for the first time typically are unaware of what the commitment entails or what to ask. Each person is unique; however, every person will need some level of continued service and expert consultation. The right medical provider will offer you the choice between a competitive and more inclusive pay-as-you-go plan or a plan that includes unlimited service and office visits. Do not be fooled into thinking you can pay one low price for your device(s) and be set for years to come. The reality is, it takes proper consultation, fitting, programming and follow-up. Consult with a doctor of audiology to determine the course for your success. These providers are medically trained and continually certified as hearing technology and options evolve. The knowledge and patience of your service provider, in fitting you with the best option that meets your hearing needs and budget, will ensure you can transform your quality of life. Your local links to better hearing, North Georgia Audiology’s doctors have successfully led thousands of hearing-challenged patients to more enjoyable and fulfilling lives.

AROUND ACWORTH | June 2022

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

Color

Chris Pietrzykowski - First Place (Twilight)

Mark Chandler Second Place (Islamadora Sunset)

Chris Pietrzykowski - Third Place (Southwest)

Novice

Joy Rogers - First Place (Sunset Gold as Far as the Eye Can See) AROUND ACWORTH | June 2022

Monochrome

Paul Shimek - First Place (Cloudy Horizon)

Chris Pietrzykowski - Second Place (Tranquil)

Mary Ann Ortiz - Second Place (Rails Into the Distance) AROUND ACWORTH | June 2022

Advertisers

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

June 2022

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

EDUCATION & RELATED SERVICES 15

ATTORNEYS/LEGAL SERVICES Williams | Elleby 833-LEGALGA (534-2542) www.gatrialattorney.com

AUTOMOTIVE KAMS Auto Service Center 770-956-4060 www.kamsauto.com

BUSINESS SUPPORT Acworth Business Association www.acworthbusiness.org

BOAT RENTALS Paradise Rental Boats 3 678-884-4331 www.bestinboating.com/boat-rentals CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS Mostly Mutts Animal Rescue 770-272-6888 www.mostlymutts.org

MUST Ministries www.mustministries.org

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

Back cover

EVENTS Cars for K9s Car Show www.honoring-heroes.org

KBA Golf Tournament www.kennesawbusiness.org/golftournament

FINANCIAL SERVICES Bay Equity Home Loans Cover, 7, 28-29 Jay White, Area Sales Manager 770-870-0644 www.jayclosesloans.com Certainty Home Loans 11 Blakely Seay, Senior Loan Officer 404-785-9304 www.certaintyhomeloans.com/findyour-loan-officer/mlo/blakely-seay/

Biologic Dentistry 770-426-9994 www.biologicdentistry.com

Edward Jones, Roberto De Jesus and Amanda Yingling 678-574-5166 www.edwardjones.com

Daniel Lee DMD, PC 770-974-4146 www.acworthdental.com

LGE Credit Union www.lgeccu.org

DENTAL

FUNERAL SERVICES

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

Georgia Funeral Care & Cremation Services 678-574-3016 www.georgiafuneralcare.com

Shell, Acworth Travel Plaza 770-702-5910

élon Salon 770-427-8698 www.elonsalon.com Sorrow to Strength Grief Coaching 404-542-1229 www.sorrowtostrength.com

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

EcoTech Services 678-427-4345 www.ecotechatl.com

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

Findlay Roofing 770-516-5806 www.roofroof.com

House Therapy, Betsy Manley 678-316-8368 www.betsymanley.com

Tom Kris & Sons Plumbing 770-529-0799 www.tkandsonsplumbing.com

PEST CONTROL Atlanta Outsourced Pest Control 678-948-6032 www.atlantaoutsourced.com

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

For advertising rates and information | Kim Dahnke 770-778-5314 | kim@aroundaboutmagazines.com AROUND ACWORTH | June 2022

HEALTH & WELLNESS

AROUNDABOUTLOCALMEDIA.COM

HAIR SALONS AND SPAS

Georgia Trade School www.georgiatradeschool.com North Cobb Christian School 770-975-0252 www.ncchristian.org

GAS STATIONS

PHOTOGRAPHY Red Baryl Portraits 815-540-0936

PHYSICIANS AND MEDICAL SERVICES Governors MedSpa & Concierge Medicine 678-888-5181 www.governorsmedicine.com North Georgia Audiology & Hearing Aid Center 770-726-8948 www.YourHearingLink.com

3, 45

REAL ESTATE Anchor Realty Partners 7 Malinda Howe, Broker: 404-444-0225 Deborah Hill: 770-361-9200 Office: 770-917-0322 www.malinda-howe.com Atlanta Communities, Debi Smith Direct: 404-660-6652 Office: 770-240-2004 debismith.atlcommunities.com

Compass, Liz Mensey Mobile: 404-398-8110 Office: 404-668-6621

Keller Williams Realty, Joannie Bates Cell: 678-788-6465 Office: 678-631-1700 joanniebatessells.com

Lake Nantahala Land Auction 888-861-0999 www.internationalauctionLLC.com

Slyman Real Estate, Stephanie Kull 770-910-6118 www.stephaniekull.com

Cover, 28-29

RESTAURANTS/FOOD Aloha Poke 678-653-9597 www.alohapokeco.com Dairy Queen 678-903-4090

RETAILERS/ SHOPPING Cotton Mill Exchange 770-992-9294 www.cottonmillexchange.net

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

Your CBD Store-Acworth 678-909-5230 www.acworth459.cbdrx4u.com

SENIOR LIVING/SERVICES Celebration Village 678-594-3570 www.cvillage.com

Inside cover

We have a place in the homes of our community.

AROUND ACWORTH | June 2022

6-22 AroundAcworth webfinal

Articles inside

Shop Local Map

Susan Schulz

Ryan Blythe

Community Calendar

Elisabeth Stubbs

Jennifer Bonn

Tiffany Hughes

Pages 28

Best of the Best

Dale Hoeflinger

Tommy Allegood

Celebrating Freedom

Wayne Dennard

All in the Family

Photo Spread - Smoke on the Lake

Celebrations

Local News