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Around Acworth

Readers’ Choice 2023!

Voting has ended, and the winners will be announced in the August issue of Around Acworth.

Dedication

The Save Acworth History Foundation dedicated a plaque celebrating Unique Knitting Co. at a May 11 ceremony at the Depot Park History Center. The plaque later was hung on the fence along Main Street. The company operated in Acworth from 1926-82 and manufactured hosiery, including socks for the troops during World War II.

Ribbon Cuttings

Letter From the Editor

When I was a kid, I loved summer. I couldn’t wait for that last bell to ring on that hot June day (yes, June), signaling the start of three months (yes, three months) of freedom. We didn’t go back until at least the end of August; sometimes, we didn’t start until after Labor Day.

Over the years, summer has changed a lot. Well, not the actual season, except for hotter temperatures than I remember. But the way kids spend their break definitely has changed.

We didn’t go to day camps; in fact, I don’t remember having them. More of our moms stayed home with us, so day care wasn’t needed as much. Nature was our babysitter. Most of our precious free time was spent outside, since we had only one window-unit air conditioner in our entire house. My brothers and I would go out after breakfast and not come in until dark. It was a much safer time back then, and our parents didn’t have to worry about where we were at all times.

We did things today’s kids probably haven’t even heard of — played kickball and freeze tag, made forts and pine-straw playhouses in the woods, played in the creek and the “bat cave,” rode bikes, swam in

Donna Harris

a kiddie pool and, later, an aboveground pool and swung on a swing set. There were no cellphones, laptops, iPads or video games.

We also weren’t on the go much. We took a vacation and a couple of weekend trips, but we didn’t have an activity du jour. There weren’t nearly as many things to do back then. Six Flags opened 11 days before my fourth birthday, so we went there occasionally. We had movie theaters and drive-ins (so much fun!), the zoo, the lake, Kennesaw Mountain, Jolly Golf and a place called Storyland that sat where Akers Mill Square is now. That’s about all I can recall.

It was a much simpler time, but we never got bored — EVER! Today’s kids might think we were deprived. I think we were blessed.

Speaking of things to do, check out our five-page feature on Cobb County’s trail system and the best hiking trails in north Georgia (Pages 16-21) if you want to get outside.

We also have photo spreads on the Class of 2023 graduations (Pages 2627) and the 20th anniversary of the North Cobb Senior Center (Pages 14-15). And find out how Kennesaw Mountain almost ended up with a hotel on top in Andrew Bramlett’s article on Pages 38-39.

Happy reading!

America’s Community Magazine

Volume 7, Issue 11

PUBLISHER

Aroundabout Local Media, Inc. www.aroundaboutlocalmedia.com

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES

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

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

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

MANAGING EDITOR

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

CONTENT EDITOR

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

PRODUCTION MANAGER

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

CONTROLLER

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

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Laura Latchford laura@aroundaboutmagazines.com

Savannah Winn savannah@aroundaboutmagazines.com

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER

Kathryn Holt kat@aroundaboutmagazines.com

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

COPY EDITORS

Bill King, Eliza Somers

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

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

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

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

Before Donna Harris became the managing editor of Aroundabout Local Media (or even a journalist), she was a carefree 6-year-old in the first grade at Kenwood Elementary School in Smyrna.

POLICE DEPARTMENT

Be Involved in Your Kids’ Online Activities

BY JESSE EVANS

As chief of police for the Acworth Police Department, as well as a parent, I share the concerns parents have regarding their children’s access to social media. These platforms have become an integral part of our lives, bringing benefits and challenges. While they offer opportunities for connection and creativity, they also present risks that parents should understand.

One of the primary concerns parents face is the potential danger posed by online predators and cyberbullying. To address these concerns, it’s crucial to establish open communication with your children regarding their online experiences. Encourage them to share their social media activities, friends and concerns they might have without fear of judgment. By maintaining an ongoing dialogue, you can stay informed about their online interactions and offer guidance when needed. Additionally, it’s important to teach your children to utilize privacy settings on social media platforms. This empowers them to control who can see their posts and limits contact with strangers who might have malicious intentions.

Monitoring your children’s online activity is another vital step in ensuring their safety. Regularly check their social media profiles and friend lists to verify the trustworthiness of these connections. Keep an eye out for signs of cyberbullying, such as sudden changes in behavior, withdrawal or a decline in academic performance. If you notice any concerning behaviors, address them promptly and take appropriate action to protect your kids.

Educating your children about maintaining a positive online reputation and safeguarding personal privacy is crucial in today’s digital world. Help them understand that everything they post online leaves a permanent digital footprint. Teach them to think before they share, and remind them that future employers and college admissions officers might review their social media profile. Encourage responsible posting by emphasizing the importance of respectful behavior online. Remind

them to exercise caution when sharing personal information, such as their full name, address, phone number or school name. By reinforcing these habits, you enable them to protect their privacy and reputation. The digital world offers connectivity and has become a great means of sharing information, but it is essential to remind your children about the significance of offline friendships. Encourage them to strike a balance between online and offline relationships. Help them understand that real-life connections and face-to-face interactions are equally important. Encourage activities involving physical exercise, hobbies and spending time in person with friends and family. By nurturing a well-rounded social life, you can mitigate the potential negative impact of excessive screen time on their mental well-being.

To manage screen time, establish clear rules regarding when and how long your children can use social media. Encourage them to take regular breaks from screens and engage in other activities, such as reading, outdoor play or hobbies. By setting limits and encouraging healthy habits, you help them develop a balanced approach to using technology.

As parents, it’s crucial to address concerns about social media usage to ensure your children’s safety and well-being in the digital world. By being proactive and engaged in their online lives, you can help them navigate social media responsibly and enjoy a positive online experience.

If you have concerns about your child’s online interactions or need guidance, the Acworth Police Department is here to assist you. We are dedicated to protecting our community’s children and ensuring their online safety.

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

Monitoring your children’s online activity is another vital step in ensuring their safety.

A Message From the

It’s summertime in Acworth! The lakes are alive with fishing and water sports, the trails are being enjoyed daily, and the kids have one more month before school starts. We hope you and your family are having a wonderful season making memories and enjoying all our city has to offer. Your city team is working hard every day to ensure quality services and beautiful park spaces throughout Acworth to help keep your summer relaxation going smoothly.

This summer feeling ushers in July, a month of gratefulness and celebration. It’s a wonderful time to look back at what we value in our lives and how our country works through challenges to achieve a quality of life worth fighting for. We celebrate the Fourth of July each year at Cauble Park with fireworks and music, remembering the spirit and bravery of all who have been courageous on the front lines and in our government buildings in demanding freedom and equality for nearly 2½ centuries. It’s this spirit that reminds us of what our country does best — we work together. We come together with all our strengths and abilities to create a community worthy of protection. This month, we celebrate a nation built on the rights and freedoms of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, and we

celebrate the community that makes it happen.

Speaking of summer, don’t forget to stop by Logan Farm Park on July 29 from 3-8 p.m. for the Summer Downtown Classic Car Cruise, a collaboration between the city of Acworth and the Lake City Cruisers. It’s free to attend and a small fee to park your classic car. Proceeds from the event are donated to the Special-Needs Development Group, which supports the Horizon League and upkeep of the Horizon Field at the Acworth Sports Complex. We’re grateful to have this inclusive field that offers a variety of league and programming opportunities for our community’s young people with special needs. And we thank our partners, like the Lake City Cruisers, for their support in helping to provide these activities for our athletes.

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

May God bless you and your families.

— Tommy

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

20 Years of Fun

Senior Center Celebrates Anniversary

The North Cobb Senior Center reached a milestone in May with a celebration of the 20th year providing entertainment, education and fellowship for local seniors. The center, at 4100 S. Main St. in Acworth, observed 20th Anniversary Spirit Week May 15-19 with different themes for each day: Monday, Pizza Day, wear sunglasses; Tuesday, Chocolate Fountain Day, wear a hat; Wednesday, Snow Cone Day, Twin Day; Thursday, Ice Cream Day, wear a sports team jersey or colors; and Friday, Cookie Decorating Day, wear green.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE NORTH COBB SENIOR CENTER.

Faylese Herd was on hand for Hats Off to North Cobb Senior Center Day.

Riley Twiss picks up some pizza.

Staff member Cathy Speakman enjoys the chocolate fountain bar.

Noah Bland serves Sonia Savall during the pizza party sponsored by Village Medical.

From left, Linda Campbell, Joan Brown and Brenda Reeve don sunglasses because “North Cobb Senior Center is shining bright!”

Betty Moore, with Rashad Henderson and Noah Bland, has been attending North Cobb Senior Center since it first opened in 2003.

Guests could cool off with a refreshing snow cone.

Happy Trails

Plenty of Good Hiking Spots in Cobb County

BY DONNA HARRIS

For people who love to hike, Cobb County offers a number of places to wear out your walking shoes.

An extensive system of more than 120 miles of federal, county and city trails covers the entire county, and some trails also connect or will connect with trails in other counties to provide a number of recreational opportunities and an alternative form of transportation.

The Cobb County Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs (PARKS) Department manages 60 miles of paved and natural-surface trails, and the Cobb Department of Transportation (DOT) maintains the trail system map, which identifies multiuse and recreation trails that are existing, planned and programmed, according to the Cobb comprehensive PARKS master plan.

Cobb Trails

Silver Comet Trail, Noonday Creek Trail and trails in Allatoona Creek Park are among the most popular hiking sites in the county.

• Silver Comet Trail

Probably the best-known trail in Cobb County, Silver Comet is a 60mile multiuse, paved trail stretching from Smyrna into Alabama. Cobb’s section is a 12.8-mile path in the southern part of the county that was developed along an abandoned rail line once traveled by the Silver Comet passenger train. Connections to other city and county parks are planned.

• Noonday Creek Trail

Noonday is a paved multiuse side path and greenway trail that extends for 7 miles from Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park to the Noonday Creek trailhead on Bells Ferry Road, connecting Kennesaw Mountain to Town Center and Kennesaw State University (KSU). Opened in September 2014, the trail is accessible for a variety of recreational users, including walkers, joggers and cyclists. Connections can be made from the West Cobb/Barrett Parkway, Mountain to River and Big Shanty Road trails.

• Allatoona Creek Park Trails

The 1,450-acre Allatoona Creek Park, Cobb’s largest park, contains 40 miles of naturalsurface multiuse trails, making it the most extensive trail system in the county.

The Acworth park also is home to the largest purposebuilt multiuse trail in Georgia. “Purpose-built means that the entire trail system was professionally designed and constructed as a destination trail system,” said John Purcell, recreation program coordinator with Cobb PARKS.

The trails host a variety of events, including cross-country races for eight local high schools, the Georgia Cycling Association race series, three running races and four bike races conducted by promoters, mountain bike and cross-country camps, bike clinics, trail workdays, night hikes, group rides, wildlife walkabouts and hiking clinics.

Purcell added more trails will be constructed in the future, including one that will connect the Allatoona Creek Greenway to Price Park in Kennesaw.

Community Improvement District (CID) Trails

There also are two fairly interconnected networks of greenways and trails in the Town Center CID and the Cumberland CID, according to the 2018 Greenways and Trails Master Plan (GTMP), which focuses primarily on trails outside park properties. Trails throughout the Town Center CID mainly link to Noonday Creek and include facilities on Big Shanty Road, the KSU walking trail and Town Point Parkway. In the Cumberland CID, key trails include the Bob Callan Trail; segments on Cumberland Boulevard, Circle 75 Parkway and Interstate North Parkway; and Akers Mill Road.

Noonday Creek Trail

Cobb County Countywide Trail Map

Acworth Trails

• Cauble Park

• Logan Farm Park

Kennesaw Trails

• Depot Park

• Adams Park

• Winchester Forest Park

• Deerfield Park

• Swift-Cantrell Park

Cobb County Trails

• Akers Mill Trails, East and West

• Al Bishop Trail

• Allatoona Creek Park Trails

• A.L. Burruss and Life University Trails

• Bob Callan Trail/Rottenwood Creek Trail

• Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area Trails

• Concord Road Trail

• Dallas Highway Trail

• East Cobb Park Trail/East Cobb Trail on Roswell Road

• Floyd Road Trail

• Green Meadows Preserve Trails

• Heritage Park Trail

• Hyde Farm Park Trails

• Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park Trails

• Kennesaw Mountain to River Trail

• Leone Hall Price Park Trails

• Lewis Road Trail

• Lower Roswell Trail

• Lucille Creek Trail

• Noonday Creek Trail

• Rottenwood Creek Trail-University Trail

• Silver Comet Trail

• Silver Comet Cumberland Connector Trail

• West Cobb Trail/Barrett Parkway Trail

• Wild Horse Creek Trail

The 2,965-acre national battlefield includes 19 miles of interpretive walking trails that allow visitors to view information about the Civil War battle that took place there June 19-July 2, 1864, as part of Union Gen. William Sherman’s Atlanta Campaign. Connecting to the park is the Noonday Creek Trail.

The recreation area, designated a National Recreation Area in 1978, contains 48 miles of river flowing from Lake Lanier’s Buford Dam to Peachtree Creek. Winding through several cities and four counties, including Cobb County, the corridor includes more than 70 miles of hiking trails.

Special Feature

Cobb County participates in the Emergency Locator Marker program, which provides trail markers at every quarter mile along the trails in the county’s system. These markers provide U.S. National Grid alphanumeric coordinates, which are important for emergency responders. When provided in 911 calls, the coordinates quickly direct emergency responders to a location on a trail where a physical address might not exist.

Trail Map Legend

Map courtesy of the Cobb County Department of Transportation

Connectivity

While most trails are contained within the county, a few Cobb trails already extend or will extend into other counties.

The Silver Comet Trail begins in Smyrna and runs to the Georgia/ Alabama state line, where it joins the Chief Ladiga Trail and continues to Anniston, Alabama. The Silver Comet Connector Trail, which will stretch from the Cumberland area across the Chattahoochee River into Fulton County to connect to Atlanta’s trail system, is in various stages of planning and construction, according to Laura Beall, planning division manager for Cobb DOT.

And the Noonday Creek Trail will be connecting with Cherokee County in the near future.

City Trails

• Acworth

Located on Lake Acworth, Cauble Park has more than a mile of multiuse trails and two bridges that connect the park with adjacent neighborhoods. Logan Farm Park features almost 2 miles of paved and unpaved trails along Tanyard Creek, linking the park with adjoining neighborhoods.

“We also consider any of the sidewalks that are big enough for golf carts (8 feet wide or more) to be part of the trail system,” Acworth spokeswoman Taylor Aubrey said. “The plan in the next several years is to have full connectivity around Lake Acworth. There are also lots of sidewalks, making the Main Street area very walkable from the north side of downtown, all the way to North Cobb High School.”

Aubrey added an official city trail map is “actually in the works,” but it won’t be completed for “a few more

• Kennesaw

The Deerfield Park, Kennesaw First Baptist Church, Matlock, Whispering Lake and Winchester Forest Park trails make up the Kennesaw trail system. Each trail has a different trailhead.

In addition, the city has three parks that have trails within them, according to spokeswoman Rebecca Graham.

“Swift-Cantrell Park, Kennesaw’s largest community park, is home to a 1-mile-long perimeter trail, and the (inner) half-mile-long Fisher King Iditarod Lead Dog Memorial Trail,” she said. “The 12-foot-wide perimeter trail is ideal for walking, running and cycling. The 8-foot-wide inner trail is ideal for strolling and dog walking. Both trails are paved asphalt.”

At just over a half-mile, the 8-foot-wide concrete trail at Adams Park extends from Park Drive at the northern boundary of the park to points near Watts Drive along the southern boundary, Graham said. Skating and dogs are permitted on the trail and sidewalks, unless otherwise posted.

Depot Park, located downtown across from the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History, has about a half-mile of paved sidewalks.

“The city of Woodstock, with Cherokee County, has a trail nearing a construction phase, which will connect the existing trail in downtown Woodstock into Cobb County at the north end of Noonday Creek Park,” Beall said.

The 2-mile trail would be a 10-footwide shared-use concrete path stretching from Noonday Creek Park at Shallowford Road into Cherokee County, where it would link up with the existing Woodstock Noonday Creek Trail at Highway 92, according to the GTMP.

Cobb County is conducting a planning study for a Noonday Creek Trail Extension that would pick up at the park where the Woodstock/ Cherokee County section ends and stretch south to the existing Bells Ferry Road trailhead.

“The county’s section planning study is wrapping up this summer,” Beall said. “Once the Board of Commissioners approves a final trail concept report, the county expects to actively pursue funding opportunities to begin engineering and design. We do not have funding yet for the trail but expect to pursue several options.”

The county also is doing a planning study on the Austell Powder Springs Trail, which would connect the two cities from the existing trailhead at Silver Comet Linear Park in Powder Springs to Joe Jerkins Boulevard in downtown Austell, generally along Austell-Powder Springs Road.

The Kennesaw Mountain to River Trail will connect separated trails across Cobb.

Celebrations!

ANNOUNCEMENTS ARE FREE! Email: edit@aroundaboutmagazines.com

August deadline is July 10. Please specify Around Acworth. Word limit: 25.

July 3

July 7

Happy 100th birthday, Granddad! We love you, Jamie, Anastasia, Jackson and Aiden

John E. Fondren

July 7

Happy 100th birthday, John Fondren!

John was a World War II B-17 pilot. Love, Margaret, the Duncans, Buchanans and Caldwells

Chloe-Grace

Have a very happy sixth birthday, Chloe-Grace. We all love you very much and thank God for you. Your whole family!

Clarke-Watson Wedding

Taylor Marie

Happy 10th birthday, Stella Grace. We love you and are so proud of you! Love, Mommy, Brooks and Jake

With immense happiness, the Watson and Clarke families announce the marriage of Kelley Clarke and Zachariah Watson on May 13. We are blessed.

July 9

Happy ninth birthday, Taylor Marie! Enjoy your special day. Love, Mom, Dad and the Burrow and Ashton crew

Stella Grace

Ed Fondren

14 Must-Visit North Georgia Hiking Trails

The Best Places to Leave Your Footprints, From Waterfalls to Mountain Vistas

BY THE WANDERER

I build walks and hikes into every place I travel. A few years ago, my wife and I walked more than 16 miles in one day exploring Barcelona. For me, the best part of traveling is experiencing a new part of our planet on foot. Last year, my feet found their way along multimile paths and trails in Washington, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, Florida, South Carolina, Michigan, Maine, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Quebec. They all were beautiful in their own way.

North Georgia, however, is equally amazing. The middle of nowhere is a lot closer than you might think and well worth the view. Here are 14 north Georgia hiking destinations I enjoy, almost all of which I find myself traversing repeatedly.

While The Wanderer mostly roams in Cherokee County, where he’s been a resident for nearly 20 years, he continually learns about his and neighboring communities on his daily walks. In 2022, he covered more than 2,000 miles. wanderingga@gmail.com.

The Wanderer walked more than 1,800 miles in 2021 and 2,000 miles in 2022. As he adds to his total for 2023, ALM asked him to share his favorite walking trails in north Georgia. For those of you who enjoy hiking and scenic views, we’ll leave you with this thought, which likely came to The Wanderer as he was walking one of these trails: “As beauty is in the eye of the beholder, what you find the most enjoyable has as much to do with you as it does with the place itself.”

1. Amicalola Falls State Park in Dawsonville has a very nice trail at the bottom of the falls and a stairway to the top. If you want a workout, you easily can get that in.

2. Toccoa Falls is beautiful and easily accessible at 107 Kincaid Drive, Toccoa Falls, GA 30598.

3. Vogel State Park in Blairsville has a small lake created by a spillway, with an easy, flat trail encircling it. Just off the spillway is a very short, but somewhat steep, path to Trayleta Falls, which includes a deck that puts the water right under your feet.

4. Dukes Creek Falls, located on the Russell-Brasstown National Scenic Highway, offers a moderate hiking trail and views of nearby Mount Yonah.

5. Anna Ruby Falls, next to Unicoi State Park in Helen, is accessible by a paved trail and stairs, with multiple viewing platforms.

6. The trail to Raven Cliff Falls, off Richard Russell Highway in Helen, is approximately 6.6 miles round-trip and follows Dodd Creek most of the way.

8.

9. Tallulah Gorge State Park, along the county line between Rabun and Habersham counties, offers those willing to climb a spectacular view. You can see the falls with a short walk. For those capable, doing the entire circuit, 1,000 feet down and back up again, absolutely is worth the effort. Before you go, check the schedule for days they’ll be opening the spillway over the dam. Seeing the torrent of water rushing through the gorge just might be the most exciting outdoor activity Georgia has to offer.

10. Cloudland Canyon State Park in Rising Fawn offers more challenging hikes and the beautiful Hemlock Falls as a reward for navigating elevation changes.

WANDERER Wonderings of th e

11. Brasstown Bald, the highest peak in Georgia, has a steep trail from the parking lot to the observation deck in Hiawassee. There also is a shuttle to the top, so even those who prefer to wander or amble, not undertake a challenging hike, can get the full experience.

12. Bell Mountain has a rather narrow, switchback drive to the top of the rugged mountain, with observation decks and an incredible panoramic view of Lake Hiawassee.

13. Mount Oglethorpe, right next door to Cherokee in Pickens County, is the original southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. At 3,288 feet, it is the southernmost peak in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It has observation areas and a trail circuit that can be as easy or as challenging as you’d like.

14. Springer Mountain, the current terminus of the Appalachian Trail, is for serious hikers. As with all these hikes, make sure you do your research first, especially to ensure you are up for this one.

7. The DeSoto Falls Trail, located near Dahlonega, boasts five waterfalls along a 3-mile section.

Smithgall Woods Conservation Area is a popular destination for those who want even more walking or like to fly-fish. Located near Helen, the cabins book quickly, so prepare well in advance if you’d like to stay overnight.

Around & About

JULY

Preschool Registration

Ongoing, First Baptist Church of Acworth

Jacob’s Ladder is registering students, ages 12 months through 4 years, for the 2023-24 school year. Classes available Mondays-Fridays, 9:15 a.m.-1:15 p.m. www.fbcacworth.com, 770-974-3021, jl@fbcacworth.com

Vendor Applications

Through July 14

Cobb County PARKS is seeking food, arts and cultural vendors for the Cobb County International Festival, set for Aug. 26, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., at Jim R. Miller Park Event Center in Marietta. bit.ly/3Pg69Zn

Poker Run Registration

Through July 15

Register now for the Lake Allatoona Poker Run on Aug. 5. www.lakeallatoonaassoc.com

Summer Food Service

Through July 28, Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays, breakfast 10-10:30 a.m., lunch 11:30 a.m.-noon, North Cobb Regional Library, 3535 Old 41 Highway, Kennesaw

Happy Helpings, Georgia’s summer food service program, will provide free sit-down meals on a first-come, firstserved basis to children ages 18 and younger and adults ages 19 and older who are enrolled in school programs for individuals with disabilities. happyhelpingsga.com

2023 Fun in the Park Photo Contest

Through Nov. 2

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

Ladies Night Benefit

July 21, 7 p.m., NorthStar Church

3413 Blue Springs Road, Kennesaw

Attend Ladies Night with best-selling author Mo Aiken to benefit the Saving Susan Ministry, a nonprofit that partners orphaned and abandoned children in developing countries with Christian families. https://paybee. io/in-person-event/savingsusan/10

Summer Downtown Classic Car Cruise

July 29, 3-8 p.m., Logan Farm Park Acworth

This event is free to the public. A $5 entry fee is requested for all vehicles in the cruise. All proceeds go to the Horizon Field, an all-inclusive special-needs sports facility in Acworth.

www.acworthparksandrecreation.org

ART HOUSE HAPPENINGS

www.acworthartsalliance.org

“Summer Daze in Acworth” Exhibit

Through July 29

Artist reception will be held July 8 4-7 p.m.

Ongoing

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

On select days at North Cobb Regional Library, Happy Helpings will provide free meals to children and adults who are enrolled in school programs for individuals with disabilities.

FARMERS MARKETS

Acworth Farmers Market

Through Oct. 27, 8 a.m.-noon Fridays

Logan Farm Park

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

Kennesaw Farmers Market

Through Sept. 25, 3:30-7:30 p.m.

Mondays, Depot Park

2828 Cherokee St.

Applications are being accepted for the 2023 season. First preference will be given to vendors with fresh produce, meats, plants and food-related items. For information or to apply, visit https://bit.ly/3TLvxX6 or email kennesawfarmersmarket@gmail.com. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis.

SEPTEMBER

City Council Cleanup Challenge

Sept. 9, 8:30-11:30 a.m.

The Acworth Public Safety Cadets — Unit 4440 is inviting Cub Scout packs, Boy Scout troops, church groups, school clubs, business owners and city residents to participate in the quarterly challenge to help keep the city clean. Future cleanup date is Nov. 18. For information or to participate, email Cpl. Eric Mistretta at emistretta@acworth.org.

RECREATION

PARKS AND RECREATION

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

COMMUNITY CLASSES

Chair Yoga

Tuesdays, through Aug. 29, 1010:45 a.m. and 11-11:45 a.m., Acworth Community Center

Learn stretching and strengthening exercises, breathing techniques and more.

Zumba

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

This fitness program features exotic rhythms, such as salsa, merengue, cumbia, samba and more. All fitness and skill levels are welcome.

Bend & Breathe Meditation

Yoga

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

This yoga class targets the deep connective tissues, such as fascia, ligaments and joints, as well as bones. It’s slower and more meditative.

Soles in Motion Walking Club

Wednesdays, through Aug. 30 9-9:30 a.m., Logan Farm Park or Acworth Community Center track (depending on weather)

Build Yoga

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

Join a very dynamic class, using yoga postures, plyometrics, hand weights and calisthenics to build strength, flexibility, balance and endurance.

Pickleball Lessons

Wednesday and Thursday mornings, various times, Acworth Community Center

All experience levels are welcome.

Cardio

Thursdays, through Aug. 31, 10-10:45 a.m., Acworth Community Center

Move rhythmically to music to strengthen and tighten muscles, using free weights. Free for Acworth residents; $15 for nonresidents.

Core Strength

Thursdays, through Aug. 31, 4:15-5 p.m., Acworth Community Center

Beginners will work on improving core strength and balance. Free for Acworth residents; $15 for nonresidents.

Stand-Up Paddleboard Yoga

Fridays, 9:30-11:30 a.m., Cauble Park

The class will begin with basic paddleboard safety and instruction, followed by a one-hour yoga class focused on breathing, balance and movement.

BSD Taekwondo

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

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

YOUTH PROGRAMS

BSD Taekwondo

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3-4 p.m. Acworth Community Center

This class is designed to teach ages 6 and older balance, hand-eye coordination and self-control, using traditional taekwondo exercises.

Special Warriors Taekwondo

Saturdays, 10-10:30 a.m., Acworth Community Center

In this class, young community members with special needs will learn focus, balance, hand-eye coordination and effective self-defense.

A Second Chance at Life … and Business

When Randy Lahr, owner of Dr. Fahrenheit Heating and Air, survived a devastating motorcycle accident in 2018, it was a turning point in his life, his marriage and his business.

His wife, Laura, remembers getting the phone call at 6:50 p.m. June 24. “They told me that he rolled 200 feet down Bells Ferry Road,” she said. “They didn’t think he was going to make it.”

In the days and weeks after the accident, Randy was on life support, nourished through a feeding tube, lost a kidney and underwent multiple surgeries, including reconstruction of his badly broken jaw.

Randy and Laura eventually shut down the business while he recovered. Laura focused on her full-time job as an insurance agent, in addition to caring for her husband. Although recovery was slow, Randy didn’t give up. Laura attributes his resolve to his discipline as a veteran of the Marine Corps.

“I think he’s amazing,” she said. “I give all the glory to God because Randy shouldn’t be here.”

Now, with 36 years of HVAC experience and the support of his wife, Randy is back on the job, and ready to grow and expand the business.

In the Beginning

The year 2001 was a busy one. Randy and Laura got married and opened Dr. Fahrenheit, an HVAC company focused on repair, replacement and installation of heating, cooling and refrigeration systems.

Randy is a graduate of Technical Career Institute and received HVAC training at Georgia Institute of Technology. Banking on his education and industry experience, he was inspired to start his own business after working as a supervisor at another company, where he thought the charges were too high, and customers had to wait too long for service.

“I knew that I wanted to offer better service,” he said. “My service as a Marine inspires me to go the extra mile for my customers.”

For years, Randy and Laura operated the company with one helper, while Laura kept working in the insurance industry. Their lives were busy with work, church activities and raising their five children.

A nurturing theme developed; Randy became known as Doc, and Laura was nicknamed Nurse Celsius. Their company

PHOTOS BY LARUCHE PHOTO

vehicle looks like an ambulance; it’s a fitting ride for Doc and Nurse Celsius to take on calls dealing with heating and air conditioning emergencies and to diagnose and repair problems.

The New Beginning

Since the accident, Randy and Laura are closer than ever, with a stronger marriage and a mission to rebuild their business.

“This accident brought us together,” Laura said. “It’s like we have a new marriage and a new business. We want to take the business to a different level. I love people, and I want to take really good care of them.”

Laura now is devoted full time to the business as head of operations, behind the desk and in the field. She enjoys making calls with Randy and meeting their clients in person and is in the process of completing her NATE certification. NATE is the nation’s largest nonprofit certification organization for heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration technicians. Randy keeps up with continuing education courses throughout the year, staying on top of the latest trends and developments in the industry.

Dr. Fahrenheit’s Services

Air conditioning maintenance, repair, replacement and installation.

Heating unit maintenance, repair, replacement and installation.

24/7 emergency service on HVAC repairs.

Discounts available for senior citizens and veterans.

Installing REME-HALO purification systems, which kill bacteria and viruses on surfaces and in the air, and reduce allergens, smoke, odors and chemicals left from household cleaners.

“We work with all major brands and models of HVAC equipment,” Randy said. “We’re your friendly mom and pop shop, veteran-owned, that loves to support our friends, neighbors and fellow community members.”

The couple remains active in the community. As a Marine Corps veteran, Randy is part of the Marine Corps League of Woodstock and supports Wounded Warriors. Laura is active in the Woodstock Business Club. Another way they serve is to offer discounts to veterans and senior citizens.

Testimonials

“Great job in a spur of the moment situation. This was my first time using Dr. Fahrenheit, and I was pleasantly surprised and relieved. It’s really hard to find an HVAC company you can trust and rely on. I am a very happy client!” — Jimmy F.

“The owners personally contacted me and made me feel like I was in great hands. Service technicians were EARLY and professional! Great install! Cleaned up behind themselves, and the system was installed in a neat, professional manner.” — Jacob T.

“The owners were so considerate, respectful and patient with my elderly father. They went above and beyond the call of duty and really came through for us with a new HVAC system. Very reliable, fair and honest.” — Mary T.

“I have used numerous HVAC companies over the past three years, and Dr. Fahrenheit is, by far, heads above the rest. Dr. Fahrenheit was friendly, knowledgeable, professional and took the time to repair and install HVAC components in a manner so that they would last and not wear out prematurely. I am very happy with the installation and repairs performed by Dr. Fahrenheit, and I will definitely use them next time I have an issue.” — Chris H.

From left, Laura and Randy Lahr with daughter Kelly Holdbrooks.

Pomp and Circumstance

Allatoona, North Cobb Graduates Are Ready to Start a New Chapter

More than 1,000 young adults in the Acworth area are ready to embark on their future pursuits after graduating from Allatoona (AHS) and North Cobb (NCHS) high schools in May. Faculty and staff at AHS said goodbye to 423 graduates during a commencement ceremony May 26 at Allatoona Stadium. NCHS saw 626 graduates receive their diplomas May 27 during a ceremony at the Kennesaw State University Convocation Center. We congratulate all our local graduates and wish them a bright, successful future.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE COBB COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT.

School News

Students Win Mayor’s Cup

Acworth Mayor Tommy Allegood and Alderman Tim Houston recently presented graduating seniors Zia Tomlin from North Cobb High School and Zainab Choudhary from Allatoona High School with this year’s Mayor’s Cup. The award is given to students for their exemplary performance in the community during the school year.

ABA Awards Scholarships to Graduating Seniors

The Acworth Business Association (ABA) presented $1,000 scholarships to an outstanding graduating senior at four local high schools:

• Allatoona High School: Davis Windham, University of Mississippi, civil engineering.

• Kennesaw Mountain High School: Julia Oubre, Georgia Southern University, mechanical engineering.

• North Cobb Christian School: Finley Ross, University of Georgia, business management.

• North Cobb High School: Alison Hayley Bolanos-Aleman, Georgia Tech, neuroscience (pre-med).

Brookwood Students Learn Job Skills

Christopher Trotto and Adam Bruno hosted a job skills training session at 1885 Grill in May for 13 students from Brookwood Christian School in Acworth. The pair instructed students on a wide range of employability skills, and Trotto spent three hours providing valuable hands-on information to the students.

ABA President Kelly Nagel, left, and Education Committee Chairman Todd Lollis, right, congratulate winners, from left, Finley Ross, Julia Oubre, Alison Hayley Bolanos-Aleman and Davis Windham

Acworth restaurant 1885 Grill hosted the session for Brookwood students.

Zainab Choudhary with Mayor Tommy Allegood.

Zia Tomlin with Alderman Tim Houston.

Cobb School District Recognizes Valedictorians, Salutatorians

The Cobb County School District honored the top graduating seniors at each high school with the titles of valedictorian and salutatorian:

Allatoona

The valedictorian was Christian Ryder Kim, who had a 4.72 GPA. He plans to major in finance at the University of Georgia.

The salutatorian was Michael Rodgers, who had a 4.695 GPA. He plans to major in nuclear engineering at Georgia Tech.

North Cobb

The valedictorian was Claire Scafidi, who had a 4.706 GPA. She plans to major in comparative literature at the University of Georgia.

The salutatorian was Rylan Klein, who had a 4.688 GPA. She plans to major in finance and mechanical engineering at Georgia Tech.

Fundraiser Provides Scholarships

Proceeds from the Acworth Arts Alliance’s Live at Logan Farm Park fundraiser provided scholarships to five local graduating seniors who plan to further their education in visual arts. Two $1,000 scholarships went to Sarah Fix from Allatoona High School (AHS), who will attend Georgia Tech in the fall, and Mishelle Megginson from North Cobb High School (NCHS), who plans to attend the Savannah College of Art and Design this fall. Three students received $500 scholarships: Jasmine Durrah, AHS, who will be attending Drexel University in Philadelphia; Josephine Mayse, AHS, who will attend Salve Regina University in Newport, Rhode Island; and Claire Scafidi, NCHS, who plans to attend the University of Georgia.

Christian Ryder Kim

Michael Rodgers

Claire Scafidi

Rylan Klein

n October 2022, we launched a new feature where we asked local high school students to give the community a peek into those hallowed halls by contributing articles about their schools’ unique traditions, achievements, programs, clubs, sports teams or events. For our first year, we were happy with the participation, and we were able to learn a good deal about the schools in the Acworth and Kennesaw areas.

Now that the school year has ended, we would like to thank the students — some who were on the newspaper or yearbook staff, some who just enjoy writing — who allowed us to publish their work in Around Acworth and Around Kennesaw. We hope you enjoyed seeing it in print as much as we enjoyed sharing your school with the community. And we also want to thank the teachers who took the time to submit students’ articles for this feature.

Congratulations, Harrison High School, for having the most contributors. Senior Jessalyn Reinhart (December 2022), juniors Wandi Hadebe (January 2023) and Aleea White (February 2023) and sophomore Madyson Meyer (April and May 2023) shared stories about their school’s junior varsity cheerleaders, National English Honor Society, studentrun media class, extracurricular activities and Governor’s Honors Program, respectively, in Around Kennesaw this year.

North Cobb High School

had two students send us articles. Senior Erinn Gardner contributed a piece about the Brain Food Club in November 2022, while junior Eladia Scott wrote about the return of the International Extravaganza in the June 2023 issue.

For Around Acworth, we received submissions from two Allatoona High School seniors. Kamran Padilla became our first contributor, with his article on homecoming traditions running in the October 2022 issue, and he submitted another piece on Turner’s Heroes for January 2023. Jayden Lopez shared tips on managing stress in the May 2023 edition.

To our seniors who have graduated, we wish you nothing but success in the future. To our young writers who are still in high school, we plan to continue our student-writer feature into the 2023-24 school year, and we sincerely hope you will contribute more articles about what’s happening on your campus in the coming months.

We also hope to gain a lot of new writers in the upcoming year, and we really would like to get Kennesaw Mountain High School on board. We know there are great things happening there, and we’d love to share them with the community. Newspaper and yearbook sponsors and journalism and English teachers, contact us at donna@aroundaboutmagazines. com for information on submitting your students’ work. We hope to hear from you soon!

Student Writers

Erinn Gardner

Jessalyn Reinhart

Eladia Scott

Wandi Hadebe

Kamran Padilla

Aleea White

Jayden Lopez

Madyson Meyer

Retirees: Consider Working Part Time

SUBMITTED BY ROBERTO DE JESUS

After spending decades in the workforce, many people look forward to retirement. However, by redefining “retirement” to include part-time work or consulting, some retirees enjoy exercising skills, meeting new people and receiving key financial benefits.

Paychecks during retirement can help in these areas:

• Additional contributions. If you contributed to an IRA while working, you might think those days are over. But there’s no age limit on contributing, so if you have any earned income, you can contribute to an IRA and boost your retirement resources.

• Withdrawal rate. Once retired, you’ll likely need to rely on your investment portfolio to provide some — or most — of your income. Consequently, you’ll need to establish an appropriate withdrawal rate — a percentage of your portfolio that can be taken out annually without running the risk of outliving your money. Income from part-time work might lower your dependency on investment income, thereby reducing your annual withdrawal rate and extending your portfolio’s longevity.

• 529 plans. Earnings and withdrawals from 529 education savings plans are federally tax-free, provided the money is used for qualified education expenses. To help with their grandchildren’s education, grandparents can contribute some of their earned income to a 529 plan, which funds college, as well as trade schools and K-12 expenses in some states.

• Reduce debt. By retirement time, you might have paid off your mortgage, but you might have other debts on the books. If you can apply some of your earned income to these debts, you can improve your cash flow and possibly avoid dipping into your retirement accounts for short-term needs.

You should consider any issues of working in retirement, particularly if you bring in a sizable amount of money. If you’re earning income and collecting Social Security before you reach your full retirement age — which, likely, is between 66 and 67 — monthly benefits will be reduced. But these “lost” benefits will be restored at your full retirement age.

Also, added income could push you into a higher tax bracket or cause you to pay the Medicare premium surcharge or the 3.8% surtax on net investment income if your income reaches certain levels. Before pursuing employment that could yield a large additional income, consult your tax advisor.

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

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

4 Flooring Mistakes and How to Avoid Them, Part 2

BY ELISABETH STUBBS

Are you shopping for new floors and worried you will make an expensive mistake? Many people feel this way, especially when it is something they have never done. There are so many choices and information to absorb. Here are four more common flooring mistakes to avoid. (If you missed last month’s article, read it at https://aroundacworthmagazine.com/archives-2.)

1. Putting too much importance on warranties. It is becoming more common to see longer warranties on flooring. It is important not to give these warranties excessive consideration. A warranty exists to protect you as the shopper and the manufacturer. The bottom line is a warranty does not cover normal wear and tear on a floor. Most of the time, a warranty covers only defects in the product, such as finish peeling off wood flooring or delamination (coming apart) of carpet. Product defects usually are noticed within the first few months, and problems covered by warranties rarely develop after 20 years. However, it is still advisable to seek a warranty for the installation.

2. Skimping on installation. You may purchase the highest quality product on the market, but if it is installed incorrectly, problems will arise, and it will not last as long as intended. It is crucial to research installation methods. Considering the substantial investment in new floors, proper installation is paramount. When selecting installers, ensure their familiarity with the specific product and their experience in handling it. You want your investment to last for years, so don’t cheat yourself by cutting corners with installation.The best installers usually do not install a wide variety of products; they specialize in certain areas, showcasing their expertise as true craftsmen.

3. Choosing a product based on a small sample. Choosing the right color and shade for your new floor is very important. It should complement your home and create an aesthetically pleasing environment. Relying solely on a 2-inch sample makes it challenging to accurately assess the color’s appearance. Whenever feasible, aim to view a larger piece of carpet, wood, tile, etc., to gain a better understanding of how the color will work within your house.

4. Accounting for carpet seams. Carpet seams are necessary when joining two pieces of carpet. The difficulty of concealing seams depends on the type of carpet. For example, Berber style is the most challenging, while shag is the easiest. Patterned carpets require additional consideration for seam alignment, as you want the pattern to match. Certain types of carpet may require purchasing more material to achieve the most visually pleasing results, which increases project costs.

Regardless, carpets will have seams. As the customer, it is your responsibility to ensure that you choose an experienced installer who knows how to minimize the visibility of seams when working with different carpet types.

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

Planning Your Next Home Improvement Project?

We are your one-stop home design center!

Enhance Floors & More is one of the most experienced flooring companies in North Georgia. Founded 38 years ago in Marietta, the flooring showroom is locally owned and staffed by a skilled team with a combined 150-plus years of experience.

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

ü Complimentary In-Store Design Assistance

ü Interest-Free Financing

ü40+ Installed Flooring Products

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Sharing Lessons Learned in Year One

BY KELLY NAGEL

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UPCOMING EVENTS

July 11, 25

Morning Jolt

7:45-9 a.m.

The Cowan Historic Mill 4271 Southside Drive

July 13

Alive After 5 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Location: TBD

July 27

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Women’s Networking Lunch 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Henry’s Louisiana Grill

4835 N. Main St., Acworth

Aug. 3

ABA Luncheon

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

Acworth Community Center

4361 Cherokee St.

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June marked one year for our business, and it’s been a whirlwind! We had great successes, surprises and a few mishaps, but overall, the experience was amazing. We’ve learned a few things that might help others along the journey of entrepreneurship.

1.

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Real failure is to never start. So many people don’t do things because of their fear of failure. The truth is things never will go according to plan. Things will go wrong. Your best ideas will crash and burn. You will have to say “I’m sorry” many times, but you will learn and do better the next time. That is not failure! That is learning, growing and getting up with determination and a different perspective. Those are valuable lessons you can’t learn if you never start in the first place. Don’t fail, just start.

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2. Buy new equipment. It may seem like a great deal to buy used equipment at a better rate, but unless you know how to fix it when it breaks, don’t. Buy it new and with a warranty.

3. Have a vision statement, mission statement and measurable goals and refer to them often. This keeps you from going off on rabbit trails that cost you money and don’t serve your purpose.

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4. Take things personally, but don’t take them to heart. This business is your baby; of course, it’s very personal to you. That’s what gives you the drive to do the long hours and hard work it takes to do it well. The problem comes when you allow emotions to cloud your vision and decision making. People will criticize, complain and give you bad reviews. Take them in, ask yourself if there is a nugget of truth to what they are saying and be humble enough to correct the issue. Most people don’t complain; they just don’t buy from you any longer, so try viewing complaints as a gift. They cared enough to share valuable feedback. It’s important to be able to see past the hurt feelings to the path of improvement.

5. Give yourself margin. If you spend all your time working in your business, you will not have time to work on your business, which means no growth, no room for improvement and no time for the most important tool in your tool belt: rest. Your brain, creativity and problem-solving skills work only when well rested.

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

STRONGER TOGETHER

Through Networking

Aroundabout Local Media continues its mission to help local businesses grow and prosper. This is what it looks like when entrepreneurs in the community meet to exchange ideas and information and develop relationships by supporting and encouraging one another, while opening doors to new opportunities.

The Acworth Business Association (ABA) meets the first Thursday of each month for a luncheon, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., at the Acworth Community Center, 4361 Cherokee St. See Page 34 for the monthly article written by ABA President Kelly Nagel and a list of other events hosted by ABA.

Other business associations in the Acworth area are invited to send photos from their monthly meetings to edit@aroundaboutmagazines.com. Please include the names of everyone in each photo, along with the date, time and location of your meetings.

Meet Our Networking Specialist!

Amanda Bowen is co-founder of Kennesaw Business Club and a University of Tennessee at Chattanooga graduate. She lives in Kennesaw with her husband, Connally, and pets, Bender, Fry and Bowie. When you see her at networking events, be sure to say hello!

From left, Lisa Lewis and Laura Lahr of Dr. Fahrenheit HVAC and Dawn Garza of Garza’s Great Getaways enjoy the April Women’s Networking Lunch. Photos courtesy of Madison Stahl.

Bob Brooks of Cross Country Mortgage is happy to be at the June luncheon.

Madison Stahl of Creative Cowboy, left, and Grace Stephenson at Alive After 5 in April.

David Schwickerath, left, of Westbrooke Financial and Jacob Deaton of Shindig My Event at the May luncheon.

Home Remodels That Increase Value

BY ANET GRANGER

Are you considering home renovations? Updating your home, whether you are preparing to move or simply need to make lifestyle changes, can be a huge undertaking. Understanding what renovations will yield the highest return for your money is key to demanding a higher price when you’re ready to sell. Before choosing a remodel project, evaluate its cost versus its value, and decide if it’s a worthy investment of your time and money. These renovations can add value as well as function: Kitchen. The kitchen is the heart of the home, so functionality is a top priority. A remodel can be exciting and satisfying, especially when it’s designed to meet your needs and desires. According to the National Association of the Remodeling Industry’s 2019 remodeling impact report, Realtors estimate that homeowners can recover up to 52% of the cost of a kitchen upgrade upon selling the home. To help determine the most impactful renovations, work with a company that provides a designer as a free service so you will have an expert guide you through the process. Bathroom. An updated bathroom is a major selling point for any home. If your bathrooms don’t have the best layouts or your lifestyle needs have changed from bathing small children in tubs to wanting a shower with body sprays, a renovation could be just the ticket. Many reports estimate that you can expect a return of

up to 70% on your renovation dollars for bathroom remodeling. Outdoor living. Check with your Realtor for an expert opinion before you plan your dream backyard renovation. Ask how much improved value you can expect as a return for: landscaping to add trees for privacy and shade, a hardscape with a fireplace/ firepit to add interest, expanded and covered patios/decks for more seating and adding an outdoor kitchen.

Pools are expensive, and you might recoup only a portion of the cost. It’s more important to have a well-landscaped yard that looks easy to maintain than to have a pool. However, the more expensive your home is, the more buyers will expect additional bells and whistles, like a pool. Pools are expensive to install and to maintain. If you’ve ever bought your children a trampoline that they promised they’d use every day of their lives, and they jumped on it for a week, and now it’s collecting leaves, you might want to think twice about getting a pool.

Partnering With the U.S. Coast Guard

BY TYSON BOND

Founded after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, America’s Waterway Watch (AWW) still has relevance, as recent attacks on electrical substations in North Carolina, Washington state and Oregon highlight the continued need for surveillance and public cooperation in defending our nation’s critical infrastructure. The U.S. Coast Guard seeks to partner with you through AWW to identify potential threats to national security and public safety.

How can you help? The Coast Guard wants anyone who lives, works or plays on the water to help keep the waterways safe. By spending a lot of time there, you can readily identify suspicious behavior.

How can you participate? AWW requires no membership dues, meetings or long-term obligations. You don’t become an agent, engage in law enforcement activities or patrol any area. The Coast Guard wants your expertise in recognizing suspicious activity while you engage in your normal waterfront activities.

Where should you watch for suspicious activity? Watch areas with critical infrastructure for transportation or utilities:

• Under and around bridges, tunnels or overpasses.

• Near commercial areas, like ports, fuel docks, cruise ships or marinas.

• Near industrial facilities, like power plants and oil, chemical or water intake facilities.

• Near military bases and vessels, other government facilities or security zones.

• Near railroad lines serving these facilities.

Around Lake Allatoona, these areas might include the dam, fuel docks, hydroelectric plants, bridges or any area where major community damage could be done.

What are you looking for? Watch for any activity that looks out of place: unusual operation of boats or vehicles; people taking photos or filming transportation infrastructure or government buildings or vehicles; or a physical breach of security, such as a hole in a fence.

What can you do? Never approach someone you suspect might be about to commit a crime. Take notes about the person’s appearance, clothing, car license plate and type of boat or vehicle involved. Take a picture, if possible, but keep your distance. Gather as many details as you can, and be as specific as possible. Details carry weight and can aid authorities in responding quickly.

Where can you report information? Call the National Response Center at 1-877-24WATCH, your local 911 or VHF channel 16 on your marine radio. Each of these will put you in contact with authorities who can investigate and take appropriate action. Your actions in assisting the Coast Guard can contribute to the safety and security of America’s waterways.

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

Kennesaw Mountain

Plans to Build Hotels Never Materialized

BY ANDREW J. BRAMLETT

The Battle of Kennesaw Mountain was one of the most important events of the Civil War’s Atlanta Campaign. Fought on June 27, 1864, the battle brought national attention to Cobb County. For decades after the war, entrepreneurs attempted to cash in on that fame by advertising the area to tourists. Some took this idea a step further and decided to add a hotel to the top of the mountain.

The first of these audacious plans came in 1888, when the Marietta and North Georgia Real Estate

and Investment Co. announced its plans to the public. (The company is referred to in some newspapers as the M&NGRE&I Co., which seems almost as long as the company’s full name!) The group, led by J.H. Mountain, planned to build a streetcar line from Marietta to Kennesaw Mountain, a separate line to the summit and a $75,000 hotel at the top. At the time, the mountain was owned by William J.M. “Bill” Hames, who was part of the company initially. He and another partner, H.C. Birch, backed out in November 1888, and the project fizzled. The same company helped develop a neighborhood near Marietta National Cemetery in 1889, then vanished from existence.

In 1896, Mountain allegedly defrauded the town of Garlington, South Carolina, and fled the law by traveling to Atlanta. He spread a false rumor that he had jumped from a bridge into the waters of the

Chattahoochee and escaped to Alabama, where he finally was arrested.

The next plan for a Kennesaw Mountain hotel was announced in 1915, more than half a century after the battle that put the site on the map. This project was led by William Tate Holland, Virgil McCleskey and C.M. Dobbs, who were able to purchase the mountain from Hames. The men, who formed Holland Realty Co., were inspired by a similar venture on top of Lookout Mountain and, much like the plan from almost 30 years before, planned to construct a streetcar line to Kennesaw Mountain.

The route of the streetcar would have paralleled the state-owned Western & Atlantic Railroad, then operated by the Nashville, Chattanooga and St. Louis Railway. To protect the state’s investment, a law was passed in 1916 that banned all tracks running roughly parallel to the railroad. This ended all plans for a Marietta-to-Kennesaw Mountain streetcar line, and Holland Realty Co. was forced to put its development on hold.

As Cobb County moved into the Roaring Twenties, more people began traveling by automobile. This was further spurred by the opening of the Dixie Highway in 1915, which is known now as Old 41. In 1922, Holland Realty Co. announced it would build a road to the top of Kennesaw Mountain. According to an article in the April 20, 1924, edition of the Cobb County Times, the new development would have “a macadamized toll road … a dancing pavilion and eating lodge; a museum building; a swimming pool, and the possibilities of a tourist hotel to crown the top of Little Kennesaw.”

By 1924, Holland Realty Co. had morphed into the Kennesaw Mountain Battlefield Association, and the groundbreaking for the toll road was planned for May 24, 1924.

Gov. Clifford Walker broke ground on the toll road to the top of Kennesaw Mountain. This photo is from the May 25, 1924, issue of the Atlanta Constitution.

Judge Kenesaw Mountain Landis, the first commissioner of Major League Baseball, was invited to attend the ceremony. When Landis had visited the year before, he was presented with a baseball carved out of rock from Kennesaw Mountain. While he was unable to attend the groundbreaking, Gov. Clifford Walker was in attendance. The road opened a year later and had a 50-cent toll, which, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics inflation calculator, would be equal to $8.72 in 2023 dollars.

In 1925, the Ben Padgett Co. announced it would be serving as the real estate agent for 200 halfacre lots on the slopes of Kennesaw Mountain. One advertisement, from the July 3, 1925, edition of the Atlanta Constitution, said “Kennesaw mountain [sic] is destined to become one of the south’s greatest developments. A museum, casino,

swimming pool, memorial park, etc., will make the residential development one of the south’s greatest. IT’S ALWAYS COOL ON KENNESAW.” Two days later, the newspaper had five ads for the company on a single page. It is unclear why these lots were never sold, but this was the last development plan for the mountain.

In the 1930s, Kennesaw Mountain became part of the National Park Service. It is hard to imagine how different our area might be if this Cobb County landmark had not been preserved.

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

Kennesaw Mountain has been a popular tourist attraction since the Civil War. This article from the Dec. 4, 1915, issue of the Atlanta Constitution describes the second plan to build a hotel on Kennesaw Mountain.

Woodpeckers

Nature’s Garbage

BY VICKI WILLIAMS

Have you ever thought about what the woods would look like if all the leaves, branches, acorns, animal scat (poop), dead animals and insects continually piled up? It wouldn’t be a very pleasant place to visit, that’s for sure! We would be buried in “stuff.” But nature has its own way of dealing with stuff. Everything is recycled efficiently through two distinct methods: scavengers and decomposition.

Scavengers are animals that eat anything they can find, dead or alive. It’s much easier to eat something dead than catch a live meal. Opossums, raccoons, vultures, crows and foxes are a few of the mammals that eat carrion. Also, many insects, such as beetles and maggots, are happy to partake in the feast.

Maybe you haven’t thought about it before, but you very seldom find small dead animals and insects in the woods. No mice, birds, voles, dragonflies. Occasionally, you will see the remains of larger animals, such as deer, opossums and rabbits, because it takes longer for their remains to be recycled.

Before wildlife rehabilitators release an opossum into the wild, they have to test it to ensure that it will be able to live in the wild successfully. One of the tests is giving it a dead animal and seeing if it will eat the carcass. If it does, the rehabilitated opossum is ready to be released. We all should be more grateful than we are that opossums inhabit our neighborhoods!

The process of breaking down organic material into simpler substances is called decomposition. We think of decomposition as a cleaner process and associate it more with plant matter (as well as scat) than we do with dead animals. Decomposing animals cause a much stronger emotional reaction when encountered.

Amazingly, recent research, particularly in old-growth forests, has shown that decomposing trees on the forest floor actually contain more living matter than live standing trees. This is true because of all the different organisms busily at work, turning the organic matter into fuel, energy and, eventually, soil to support new plant life. A dead tree is full of ants, worms, beetles, mites, grubs, fungi and bacteria, all breaking down the wood to get the nutrients that are locked up in it.

If you have a log pile at home, leave it for a few years and watch it decay. As it slowly decomposes, it becomes a very interesting pile. The longer it decays, the more birds love digging around in it, looking for worms, beetles, grubs and ants. They kick around the smaller pieces of wood, which hastens the decomposition process. If you understand how intertwined all parts of the natural world are and

Scavengers like opossums help with the decomposition of dead animals.

help with natural decay by spreading decaying organisms, like fungus, through the forest.

Disposal Service

the different steps/links in the food chain, you can watch nature at work without getting quite as upset.

One of my favorite food-chain memories is from a Wild Wednesday program at Sweetwater Creek State Park. It was the end of summer, and the yellow jackets were out and about. Yellow jackets are omnivores, meaning they will eat anything, including the remains of a crushed caterpillar or other insect. One year, we killed a caterpillar on a Wild Wednesday walk, and watching it being eaten by yellow jackets fascinated the children who had come along. Of course, we had to take some precautions to keep the young naturalists from becoming yellow jacket victims.

It’s so much easier to appreciate the beautiful flowers and trees, the gurgling streams and singing birds than the slow and quiet decomposers. However, I think we might need to revise our opinion about what is good and wonderful in nature. Even though it’s difficult, we have to admit we owe a debt of gratitude to opossums, raccoons, yellow jackets, fungi and bacteria!

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

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

Dead trees actually are teeming with live organisms.

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

Rob’s Rescues

This month, I interviewed Suzie DeGrasse of Primarily Possums Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation, located near Athens. Learn more at www.primarilypossums.org.

What is your mission?

My main mission is rescue, rehabilitation and release of native wildlife. I have been doing this for nine years. I specialize in possums, bats, cottontail rabbits and armadillos, and I am licensed for small animals, songbirds and rabies-vector species (bats, foxes, skunks, raccoons and groundhogs).

This dog’s name is Scooter. His tag number is 643477. He is a medium-sized hound. He has been at the shelter for a very long time, since March. Scooter is such a nice dog and walks well on a leash. He doesn’t have too much energy but is definitely not lazy. He is very interested in things and likes to sit next to you. He is a good listener, would be a really good family dog and has a great temperament.

How many possums have you helped?

Thousands, and it increases every year as more people become aware of checking pouches when a possum is hit by a car. The majority of animals that come to me are orphaned — mom has been hit by a car or attacked by a dog.

What do you love about possums?

I am always learning about them. They are marsupials, and their babies grow differently than other mammals. They are highly intelligent with interesting and adaptive behaviors. They worked their way up the United States from South America. They also are absolutely adorable.

What is something about possums not many people know?

How can people help?

Slow down. Give possums a “brake.” They don’t mean to get in your way. If you know one is in your yard, make noise before letting your dog out. If you see a dead possum, please check the pouch for living babies.

Primarily Possums is a nonprofit organization, and all donations are tax deductible and very much appreciated. You also can help by volunteering time to help babies and build and maintain enclosures. Carpentry help is very needed.

This cat’s name is Ian. His tag number is 644147. He is an orange tabby that is about 2 years old. He really likes people and attention. He is a very strong cat. Ian is heavy but sweet and loving, not pouchy.

They are omnivores. They don’t eat garbage. They eat things like insects, carrion and frogs, as well as berries and fruits. They have 51 teeth! All of their development happens in the pouch, not the uterus. When they are born, they have only gestated 13 days and are still embryos. That is why it is so important to check the pouch. They stay in the pouch for a long time.

Next month, my interview with Suzie continues with a focus on bats, as she helps a lot of them, and they, too, are misunderstood and need help.

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

Rob with Suzie DeGrasse of Primarily Possums Wildlife Rescue.

Cobb Photographic Society

Novice

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

Joyce Harrison - First Place (Canyon Landing)

Color

Monochrome

Paul Shimek - First Place (Underground Lake)

Paul Shimek - First Place (Holy Trinity Cathedral)

How to Build and Sustain Your Spiritual Fire

BY ELIZABETH LOVELL MILFORD

Few things beat time spent roasting marshmallows around a campfire, with conversations that linger as the flames flicker and fade into the night. Growing up as a Girl Scout, I was well trained in fire building, using various techniques, depending on the purpose of the fire. The approach is important, and care must be taken not only for safety, but for the fire to do its job.

This summer, my congregation is exploring the “campfire” stories of the Bible, inspired by the tongues of fire of Pentecost in Acts 2, along with other favorites, like the burning bush. We find God in the flames and tend to the fires of our spiritual lives. As we do so, the campfire becomes a metaphor for the ways in which we grow in faith and life. Consider this:

First, you have to find the right place to build your fire. You need open space that is ready for things to be built. Similarly, we have to be open to what might spark within us if we hope to grow.

You need tinder — the little stuff that catches fire quickly. These are the things that nudge us or make us take interest in digging deeper. Sometimes, when things are too green or too wet, we might need some “fire starters” to help get us going and show us the way.

Next, you need slightly thicker sticks, kindling, that will burn a bit longer and start to bring about the flames. We need sustainable practices and healthy rhythms to establish new routines and habits. In faith, this includes reading the Bible, engaging in worship and becoming a part of a faith community. It also can include a daily mental health walk, weekly date nights with your significant other or cultivating

new skills through classes, lessons or simple practice. This step takes consistency and intentionality, and maybe some deep breaths that move and rattle around those early flickers, to encourage them to catch, rather than just fizzle out.

Of course, once the fire gets going, you need the big logs, fuel wood, to keep it going. These burn longer and sustain the fire and make the best coals, ideal for warmth and cooking. This is where little practices give way to sustained rhythms of being that are integrated into your life to the point you can’t imagine life without them. They are the core memory moments of our lives that resonate deep within our beings and ground us throughout our journeys.

St. Catherine of Siena is quoted as saying, “Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire.” This summer, take a moment and consider the different pieces that build up your metaphorical fires in life, whether they are representing your relationships with others, your relationship with a divine being or the ways you are becoming the best version of yourself. May you find the space to build such a life, the spark to get things going and fuel to sustain you. (And maybe you can enjoy a few s’mores in the process, too!)

The Rev. Elizabeth Lovell Milford has served as pastor of Heritage Presbyterian Church in Acworth (www.heritagepres.com) since 2016. She lives in Woodstock with her family.

May you find the .... spark to get things going and fuel to sustain you.

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