8-21 Around Kennesaw webfinal.pdf by Aroundabout Local Media, Inc.

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AROUND KENNESAW | August 2021

Contents

Contributors

August 2021

34 Judy Abbott

36 Ryan Blythe

KSU Executive MBA Program

45 Jennifer Bonn

10 Derek Easterling

On the Cover

40 Perry Fowler

42 Tiffany Hughes

Earn your MBA from a nationally and globally ranked program here in Cobb County. With three MBA format options available at Kennesaw State University, choose the one that works best for you.

41 Rob Macmillan

38 Caroline Martin 18 Susan Schulz

17 Cassandra Stiff

Pages 28 & 29

30 Elisabeth Stubbs

Cover photo by KSU/Jason Getz

15 Bill Westenberger 37 Jay White

35 Joel Williams

23 WorkSource Cobb

In Every Issue 4 Around Kennesaw 8 Local News

14 Downtown Dining Guide

Helping Families Thrive

Learn how this local nonprofit works to strengthen Latino families in Cobb and surrounding counties.

Reads that Ease

These fun reads will help calm the kiddos’ back-to-school jitters.

Catching up With Caroline

Find out how this Kennesaw State University freshman has made a difference as Miss Teen of America. 2

AROUND KENNESAW | August 2021

16 Celebrations

20 Community Calendar 26 Library Events 33 Senior Events

34 Growing Gardeners 41 Rob’s Rescues 46 School News

48 Kennesaw Parks

50 Community of Faith

51 Clubs & Organizations

52 Cobb Photographic Society 54 Directory of Advertisers

Welcome Home

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Around Kennesaw Letter From the Editor

Hello Kennesaw! After living in the city for three years and driving through downtown daily to my girls’ daycare, I am so excited the Aroundabout Local Media (ALM) family has grown with the launch of Around Kennesaw. Starting this month, 17,000 copies of this hyperlocal publication will be distributed by mail and in racks throughout the city. For those of you who might not be familiar with us, with the addition of Around Kennesaw, ALM produces five hyperlocal publications each month. The others are TowneLaker, Around Woodstock, Around Canton and Around Acworth. It has become clear, as we’ve prepared this first issue, that Kennesaw residents and business owners are happy to hear we’ve come to their town. If you think print is only for history books and documents from the past, I’m here to tell you it’s not! Aroundabout Local Media has created a successful model of bringing positive and relevant information to our readers, while helping our local businesses prosper and grow. It began with the first issue of the TowneLaker, published 25 years ago. The longevity of this publication and its parent company, with new magazines added through the years, shows that our readers still love to get a sleek, glossy product in their mailboxes, absorb it from cover to cover, and keep it on the coffee table to refer to throughout the month. In a small way, I feel like we’ve become a part of people’s families. We often hear from our readers, and we love sharing their news with you. We do this through Local News (Page 8), School News (Page 46), the community calendar (Page 20) and special features each month, including a spotlight on Ser Familia, a Kennesaw-based nonprofit that supports and serves Latino families (Page 18). This is your community, your magazine. So, with that in mind, please send story ideas my way! We also want to help celebrate your birthdays, anniversaries and major milestones on our Celebrations page (Page 16), so don’t forget to send those in, as well. With these glimpses into our community, we hope to continue enhancing the local culture and fostering a sense of pride in our special corner of the county. I’m looking forward to seeing you around Kennesaw!

Katie Beall Katie Beall is managing editor of Aroundabout Local Media. Send your comments or questions to Katie@AroundaboutMagazines.com.

AROUND KENNESAW | August 2021

What’s Happening

The Town Center Community Alliance installed its first educational exhibit, Mechanics in Motion, at Aviation Park (2659 Barrett Lakes Blvd.). Encircling the park’s aircraft, the exhibit is a permanent installation, with eight panels describing aspects of flight, aircraft design and materials. This is the first educational installation of the Taking to the Skies program, which already includes public art and a 1964 Beechcraft Musketeer A23 aircraft display. The exhibit also includes digital content, curriculum and teachers’ guides that can be used by school districts, home-schoolers or park visitors. towncentercid.com/project/ aviation-park.

The city of Kennesaw held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Depot Park, 2820 Cherokee St., recently to celebrate completion of the seventh phase of its eight-phase improvement plan. Planning for improvements on the original Depot Park Master Plan began in 2015. The final phase will include an amphitheater and festival area with ample green space. www.kennesaw-ga.gov/parks-and-recreation.

Photo courtesy of Kennesaw Art and Culture Commission.

Kennesaw Art and Culture Commission announced the winning designs for the Garden Art Poles — Celebrating Nature, which were installed July 16 at Swift-Cantrell Park, along the inner walking trail near the skate park. Other Garden Art Poles previously were planted near the picnic pavilions.

What’s Coming

Galt Commons is a new garden-inspired housing development in downtown Kennesaw on Cherokee Street, on the old Galt Farms property. The development will have 42 homes, with nine models. The two historic homes on the property, including the 1846 Galt House, have been incorporated into the community. All construction is scheduled to be complete by early 2022. Galtcommons.com.

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AROUND KENNESAW | August 2021

Around Acworth | Around Canton Around Kennesaw | Around Woodstock | TowneLaker www.AroundaboutLocalMedia.com

Our Mission

Helping local businesses grow and prosper by offering affordable advertising opportunities in a quality publication that provides positive, relevant information to our readers.

Results With Us

“We received a great response to our cover story and were very pleased with how it turned out. Thank you so much!” — Elizabeth Cossick North Cobb Christian School

Publisher Aroundabout Local Media, Inc. www.aroundaboutlocalmedia.com ALM President Patty Ponder 770-615-3322 Patty@AroundaboutMagazines.com Executive Editor Candi Hannigan 770-615-3309 Candi@AroundaboutMagazines.com

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Advertise With Us

Jennifer Coleman, Director of Marketing 678-279-5502 Jen@AroundaboutMagazines.com

Get Social With Us! @AroundKennesaw @around_kennesaw

Around Kennesaw, 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 Kennesaw also offers a digital version of the magazine online each month. Around Kennesaw welcomes your comments, stories and advertisements. The deadline is the 10th of the previous month. Subscriptions are available for $24 per year. Send check or money order to the address below. The viewpoints of the advertisers, columnists and submissions are not necessarily those of the editor/publisher and the publisher makes no claims as to the validity of any charitable organizations mentioned. Around Kennesaw is not responsible for errors or omissions. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the publisher. All rights reserved. Copyright 2021. Around Kennesaw

1025 Rose Creek Dr., PMB 380, Ste. 620 Woodstock, GA 30189

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Volume 1, Issue 1

www.AroundKennesawMagazine.com 6

AROUND KENNESAW | August 2021

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AROUND KENNESAW | August 2021

Local News

New Help Desk Gives Second Chance

Cobb County is working to create innovative ways to help residents who’ve historically been forgotten or disregarded. The Cobb Second Chance Desk is the first effort of its kind in Georgia. This resource will help eligible people clear their records. In Georgia, 4.3 million people have criminal history – about 40% of workingage adults. The desk will help remove barriers that keep nonviolent people from being productive members of society. It will help with employment, financial aid, housing and other vital services. The Cobb Second Chance Desk will be a help desk housed in the Cobb Circuit Defender’s Office and staffed by Georgia Justice Project personnel to streamline the criminal record clearing process for those who were arrested in Cobb and are eligible by law for record clearing. The desk opened to the public June 25. Online appointments are available at cobbcounty.org/secondchance-desk or by calling 404-834-8604. This initiative is a partnership among the Cobb Circuit Defender’s Office, Cobb District Attorney’s Office, Cobb Solicitor General’s Office and the Georgia Justice Project.

Sculptures at Smith-Gilbert Gardens.

Smith-Gilbert Gardens Awarded Grant The Georgia Council for the Arts (GCA), a division of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, awarded a grant to Smith-Gilbert Gardens as part of its initial disbursement of grants for fiscal year 2022. A total of 218 organizations were awarded 266 grants, which provide more than $2 million in funding to arts organizations throughout Georgia. Additional grants for vibrant communities and cultural facilities programs will be awarded this fall. “As we emerge from this past year’s quarantine, the arts sector is vital to restarting the economy by attracting tourists, assisting with classroom learning, and igniting events to bring communities back together,” said GCA Executive Director Tina Lilly. “The 266 grants we have awarded will help cities and organizations leverage additional funds and bring people back to work, while providing fun and educational opportunities for Georgians across the state.” The grant will help Smith-Gilbert Gardens grow Art Blooms, which aims to provide emerging artists with a new exhibit platform. Art education programs for local students, weekly art programs for visitors, and a new temporary exhibit with regional and national artists will be added to complement the permanent collection, thanks to the grant.

Gobble Jog Returns to Marietta Square

Gobble Jog needs volunteers to help when the Thanksgiving race returns. 8

AROUND KENNESAW | August 2021

Gobble Jog, a Thanksgiving tradition for many families, will return to Marietta Square in November. The annual event, benefiting MUST Ministries, is one of the largest 10K races in the country, with more than 10,000 runners. The race wouldn’t be possible without the 250 volunteers who provide support, and there is a big need this year. “Half of our volunteers repeat each year but the other half are new ones, and this year will be more difficult,” said Brian Cartwright, Gobble Jog’s volunteer coordinator. “MUST needs volunteers in all areas, including packet pickup at the Civic Center the day before the race and help on race day.” All ages can volunteer, including teenagers and families with kids. Teenagers can volunteer as cheer squads to encourage racers along the route and finish line. This would be ideal for high school organizations like Beta Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes or National Honor Students. For more information or to volunteer, visit www.gobblejog.org and click on the Volunteer tab at the top of the page.

Georgia Symphony Orchestra Returns

The Georgia Symphony Orchestra (GSO) returns to the stage for its 71st concert series in September, for the classics series. Led by Music Director and Conductor Timothy Verville, the series features three artistically captivating and musically challenging classical works at the Marietta Performing Arts Center or the Bailey Center for the Performing Arts at Kennesaw State University. On Sept. 25, the orchestra will kick off the season with “Mahler, smahler,” a reduced orchestration of Gustav Mahler’s Fourth Symphony. This work often is referred to as Mahler’s most “chamber-like,” due to the intricacies and interplay between instrumental sections. Soprano and Marietta native Maria Valdes, who has received acclaim on the stage from San Francisco to Chicago and New York, is the featured soloist. The series continues on Feb. 26, 2022, with GSO’s Beethoven at the Beach, featuring Amy Beach’s Symphony No. 2, the first symphony written and published by an American woman composer, and Beethoven’s Violin Concerto in D Major. The series concludes on May 21 with The Firebird and Music of Remembrance concert. The performance includes American composer Jennifer Higdon’s Blue Cathedral, one of her most performed works, and Igor Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite (1919), which is a collection of music from the ballet of the same name. In addition to the classics series, the season also includes Holiday Pops in December, GSO Jazz! in February and April, and the annual Sensory Friendly performance in March. Visit georgiasymphony.org/all-events for more information, and details on purchasing tickets.

First Fishing Rodeo a Succes

Cobb residents had a great time at the first Fishing Rodeo of the year at Lost Mountain Park. More than 100 young people joined the fun. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources staff brought a trailer full of fishing supplies for participants. More than 30 fish were caught, weighed, measured and released. The annual Fishing Rodeo, hosted by Cobb Parks staff, continued through the end of July. Keep an eye on the Parks and Nature tab at cobbcounty.org/ parks for information and registration for next year. The competition is open to children, ages 3-16, and trophies are awarded for the five biggest fish overall.

Michael Brantley Named Director From left: Bridges Holmes, Joyette Holmes, Gov. Brian Kemp, Juvenile Justice Board Chair Sandra Heath Taylor and Department of Juvenile Justice Commissioner Tyrone Oliver.

Holmes Sworn in on Georgia Juvenile Justice Board Gregory Doyle Calhoun & Rogers attorney Joyette Holmes has been appointed and sworn into office on the Georgia Juvenile Justice Board. Prior to joining GDCR, which has offices in Marietta and Atlanta, Holmes served as the district attorney for Cobb Judicial Circuit. Her extensive public service experience led to her appointment by Gov. Brian Kemp in July. She was selected as the 2019 Cobb County Citizen of the Year, and she serves on the boards of the Cobb Chamber of Commerce, Must Ministries, the Cobb Community Foundation and the Davis Direction Foundation. Holmes also has held positions as the chief magistrate judge for Cobb County, assistant district attorney and assistant solicitor general. She made Cobb County history by becoming the first woman and first African American to serve as both chief magistrate and district attorney.

Cobb County Manager Jackie McMorris has appointed Michael Brantley as the director of Cobb PARKS. He is filling the position previously held by Jimmy Gisi, who was recently named deputy county manager. Brantley graduated from Georgia Southern University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Recreation Administration, beginning his career serving in Cherokee County, in both the recreation and operation divisions. In 2017, he left to become the operations division manager for Cobb PARKS, a position he has held for the past three years. He and his wife, Tiffani, have been married seven years, and they have a dog, Saki. In his spare time, Brantley enjoys golfing, fishing and cheering on his favorite sports teams. AROUND KENNESAW | August 2021

A Word from

Mayor Derek Easterling

ello, Kennesaw! First, a big shout out and welcome to Around Kennesaw magazine as a new arrival and opportunity in our community. Thank you, Around Kennesaw, for the opportunity to include some of the events and happenings in and around Kennesaw over the next couple of months. Anyone who knows anything about Kennesaw knows we love our festivals and music events downtown. Our “world famous” Pigs and Peaches BBQ Festival will be Aug. 20-21 at Adams Park. Festival fans and music lovers are invited to join Kennesaw Parks and Recreation for two days of barbecue bliss. From its humble beginnings, Pigs and Peaches has grown into one of the region’s most beloved festivals, attracting an estimated 65,000 attendees annually. Now in its 20th year, the festival features two days of nonstop music, good eats, cold beer and interactive family fun. Attendees will find more than 100 vendors, exhibitors and contestant booths, a kids zone full of inflatables, tons of tasty treats, and an incredible lineup of live entertainment and street performers. Our Kennesaw Grand Prix 5K Series, the premier 5K race series in North Georgia, has three races remaining this season: • Aug. 14 – Law Enforcement Torch Run • Sept. 18 – Great Locomotive Chase • Oct. 30 – Garden Gallop

Our 5K race series is run on a mostly flat, asphalt course through historic downtown Kennesaw, professionally timed and USA Track & Field-certified. The course is perfect for competitive runners seeking a qualifying time for the Peachtree Road Race, but the festival-like atmosphere and plentiful food and drink make these races

perfect for beginner runners/walkers, as well as families. Each race program includes a 1-mile fun run at 7:30 a.m., the 5K at 8 a.m. and a Tot Trot at 8:55 a.m. Visit www.kennesawgrandprix.com for complete details. The Kennesaw Downtown Development Authority and the Kennesaw Downtown Merchants Association are excited to host the inaugural First Friday Concert Series in historic downtown Kennesaw, with events planned through October. From 6 to 9 p.m., the community is invited to stroll through the historic downtown area, and enjoy an evening of shopping, dining and live music. The concerts take place at the Pedestrian Underpass off Main Street. Six-person tables are available for reservation at $50. The First Friday Concert Series is free and open to the public. We also love our best friends in Kennesaw, and we are delighted to present Bark in the Park. Sorry, humans, but it’s time for your pups to splash around in paradise. Dogs will help end the Splash Pad season at Swift-Cantrell Park this year on Sept. 7. For more information about our events, visit www.kennesaw-ga.gov. Between downtown, Smith-Gilbert Gardens, the Southern Museum, Parks and Recreation, Swift-Cantrell or Depot Park, there always is something fun and unique to do in Kennesaw. The best way to stay connected is to follow us on our social media platforms and download our free City of Kennesaw mobile app, available for both Apple and Android devices. I look forward to meeting you at one of our events!

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

AROUND KENNESAW | August 2021

Kennesaw’s

Salute to America PHOTOS BY CHRIS NOWAK, PRESTO/PHOTOGRAPHY

The city continued its 50-plus year tradition of celebrating Independence Day with fireworks on July 3. The day-long event featured two stages of live music, street entertainment, food vendors and family-friendly activities. Local favorites School of Rock East Cobb, House Band and Band X performed on the Depot Park stage, while Woody Earwood and the Paul Hand Band performed on the Main Street stage.

AROUND KENNESAW | August 2021

Downtown Kennesaw Dining Bangkok Cabin

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

Bernie’s

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

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

BurgerFi

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

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

El Taco Azteca Bar and Grill Mexican 2689 Summers St. 678-310-0165 https://eltaco-azteca.com

AROUND KENNESAW | August 2021

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

Frozen Cow Creamery

SuBourbon Rock & Oyster Bar Oyster Bar 2718 Summers St. 770-726-2163 www.subourbonbar.com

Ice Cream

The Nest Kennesaw

Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken

Trackside Grill

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

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

Honeysuckle Biscuits & Bakery Bakery

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

Kennesaw Thai Cuisine

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

Pisano’s Pizzeria & Italian Kitchen Italian 2740 Summers St. 770-966-9600 www.pisanospizzeria.com

Barbecue 2921 Cherokee St. 678-903-6921 www.thenestkennesaw.com Southern 2840 S. Main St. 770-499-0874 www.tracksidegrill.com

Vesuvio Pizzeria Napoletana

Pizzeria 2893 N. Main St., Suite B https://vesuvionapoletana.com

Our Mission: Keeping You Safe from Crime BY BILL WESTENBERGER

I am excited about this opportunity to write a column for the new Around Kennesaw magazine. With this first article, I thought it would be best to introduce myself and our great Kennesaw Police Department (KPD) team. It’s an honor to serve with the best servant leaders in law enforcement. We want you to know a little about us and what energizes our drive to serve you. It is the mission of the KPD to assure that our community is safe from crime and public disorder, by focusing on the prevention of crime, along with reducing the fear of crime. Our mission and values are the backbone of our organization, and they set the tone for our culture, how we work with one another and serve our community. Our values of Respect, Integrity, Service and Excellence (RISE) are the guide we use to navigate the toughest situations. Too often, members of our community and our officers are faced with difficult times. We want you to know that professionalism, dignity, inclusion, compassion and sympathy are what you should expect from our KPD team. We have a job to do, but it should be carried out by doing the right thing, every time. It’s not just how we serve, it’s the accountability we hold ourselves to that creates excellence. Our training, policies and practices are set in line with the highest standards in law enforcement. In many cases, we exceed what’s expected. We have been accredited through the Commission of Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies and the State of Georgia Law Enforcement Certification for many years. A great deal of our training time is grounded in de-escalation, cultural diversity and critical thinking. Each year, we improve, by applying relative training and education that makes us better community servants. The staff of KPD is engaged with the community in many ways. Beyond everyday personal interactions, we pride ourselves in sponsoring community programs

such as the Explorers, Jerry Worthan Christmas Fund, Citizen’s Police Academy and Special Olympics, to name a few. This year, we co-hosted the first annual One Community: A Celebration of Unity on June 19 ( Juneteenth). We plan to expand this event in years to come, as we focus on unifying our community and being leaders in doing so. I started my career in law enforcement in Atlanta in 1991 with the MARTA Police Department, where I had opportunities to serve in many areas and advance to the rank of lieutenant. In 2004, I was honored to be named KPD’s assistant chief. In 2008, I was blessed to be promoted to chief. Throughout my career, I’ve seen and participated in some great things, and worked through some tough times. None seem tougher than 2020. As we navigated through COVID-19 and public unrest, it presented an atmosphere for loss in so many ways. I watched as our officers remained true to their badge, meeting protestors with hugs while sharing pain and tears. After roundtables and discussions, I saw the need and assembled the Chief ’s Advisory Board, made up of a group of diverse community leaders. The focus of this board is listening and engaging with other perspectives, to hear and understand. It’s an honor to serve this community. I look forward to my continued engagement with you through this column. In addition, I ask you to engage with us through our social media platforms on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Until next time … stay safe!

We have a job to do, but it should be carried out by doing the right thing, every time.

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

AROUND KENNESAW | August 2021

Celebrations!

ANNOUNCEMENTS ARE FREE! Email to: Edit@AroundaboutMagazines.com September deadline is Aug. 14. Please specify Around Kennesaw.

Mitchelle Mwaura

Age 15 on Aug. 27 No words can describe the warmth, special charm and pride that comes from having a daughter like you. Happy birthday, Beautiful! Dad, Mom, Wambugu and Wawira

Zavior Z. Auxilly

Age 5 on Aug. 20 Happy birthday, Champ! We love our Zay Zay to the moon and back, twice over! XOXO, Mommy, Daddy, Cammy, Zebby and Grandparents

Julian Augustus McCord Age 6 on Aug. 5 Happy Birthday, Julian! Love, Pappi

Rivers Gabriel Campbell Age 7 on Aug. 12 Happy birthday Bubba! Love, Mom, Dad and Isla

Mila Elzer

Age 5 on Aug. 24 Happy birthday to our beautiful 5 year old! We love you, Mommy, Daddy and Wyatt 16

AROUND KENNESAW | August 2021

Charlotte Montaña

Age 1 on Aug. 25 Happy birthday Charlotte! We love you very much! Love, Mom, Dad and Madeline

David and Katie Beall celebrated their

seventh wedding anniversary July 11. Happy anniversary to the #WeddingBealls!

Opportunities Abound for Local Business Owners BY CASSANDRA STIFF

UPCOMING EVENTS Aug. 10 KBA Luncheon

11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Governors Gun Club 1005 Cobb Place Blvd.

Aug. 17 Wake Up KBA

8-9 a.m. Mission for Life Church 2655 Cobb Parkway

Aug. 26 Alive After Five 5-7 p.m. Truist Park 755 Battery Ave.

Aug. 31

First, let me be one of the first to welcome Around Kennesaw, the newest publication in the Aroundabout Local Media family. This is another great platform to showcase our amazing city and all the opportunities it provides to business owners and families. Pre-pandemic Kennesaw Business Association (KBA) was more than 500 members strong, and we are working our way back to achieving those member numbers again. Members of the KBA are always striving to create and promote opportunities for growth within our community. We invite you to join any of our monthly gatherings. We host a monthly luncheon the second Tuesday of each month at the Governors Gun Club with featured speakers and plenty of good food and networking. If you are a morning person, join KBA members on the third Tuesday of every month at 8 a.m. for Wake Up KBA. These morning gatherings, held at various businesses around Kennesaw, are a great way to kick off your day, and they always include coffee. The Alive After 5 event also is on the third Tuesday of each month. Alive After 5 events are relaxed, after-hours networking events held around the community. Stop by on your way home from work for another chance to get to know fellow professionals and build your business. Every other month, KBA SUPER Women get together for a networking luncheon, and this year there will be a SUPER Women’s all-day conference Sept. 17. The KBA hosts the Superior Plumbing Big Shanty Festival in April each year, along with the Superior Plumbing Taste of Kennesaw in November. These events combined draw more than 85,000 people to downtown Kennesaw, and they create a huge economic engine in our community. We use proceeds from these events to fund our programs, such as the education committee supporting Allatoona, Harrison, Kell, Kennesaw Mountain, North Cobb and North Cobb Christian high schools. We also support all Kennesaw Mountain feeder schools and many North Cobb feeder schools. We believe a strong community starts with strong schools, and we have some of the best. There are many layers to the KBA, and we hope you will get involved. Visit our website at kennesawbusiness.org for information about all of our events. I will be communicating all things KBA and Kennesaw each month, and I want to again welcome and thank Around Kennesaw for choosing to publish in our great city.

5th Tuesday Luncheon 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Copeland’s of New Orleans 1142 Ernest Barrett Parkway

Cassandra R. Stiff is the president of the Kennesaw Business Association. She is a wife, mother, and insurance and financial services adviser with Horace Mann. cassandra.stiff@horacemann.com.

AROUND KENNESAW | August 2021

From Surviving to Thriving

How One Nonprof it Works to Strengthen Families. BY SUSAN BROWNING SCHULZ

A student from Ser Familia’s summer camp last year. 18

AROUND KENNESAW | August 2021

No matter who you are or what your circumstances, everyone needs boundless, restorative love. This is the goal at Ser Familia (translates to Being Family), a nonprofit that has remained focused on investing in families since 2001. “We exist to love on people in crisis,” said Myriam Hysa, development officer for Ser Familia. “We serve the Latino community, getting them through tough times until they are thriving, whether they are documented or not. At Ser Familia, we believe strong families make our communities stronger, better and safer.” Ser Familia’s founder and executive director, Belissa Urbina, was born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico. There, she experienced a rough spot in her marriage. She reached out and got help from an organization in her hometown. After she moved to Georgia, she couldn’t find an equivalent organization offered to the Latino community. This inspired her to launch Ser Familia. During the last 20 years, the nonprofit’s life-changing programs spread to 36 Georgia counties. Last year, the organization provided services to more than 7,549 Latinos in Georgia. Headquartered in Kennesaw, the staff and volunteers are dedicated to strengthening Latino families through programs that empower them to thrive and enjoy a healthy family environment. They achieve this through educational programs that increase family members’ communication skills, while decreasing high-risk behaviors. They assist families in crisis, serve as advocates and support other organizations that wish to serve Latinos in a culturally competent manner. To better serve those in need, staffing increased, and the Acworth and Buford locations have moved into larger facilities in Kennesaw and Suwanee. The footprint in our community also includes two offices in Norcross and Smyrna. Ser Familia also received national accreditation for its mental health program. “As outreach coordinator for Ser Familia, I feel it’s not enough to just go around telling people about our wonderful organization,” said Migdalia Rivera, “but how we can bring our first responders and law enforcement agencies to work with us as one — sharing what they have to offer and how we can work together to benefit families. Our focus is not solely on supplies

Staff member Mary with bags of food for COVID-19 relief.

and donations; we also provide mental health services and workshops that allow parents and adolescents to take control and get to a healthy stable family environment. Even if at the end of the day I was able to help a family not sleep on the floor, or was able to supply food to another and the children go to bed with a full belly, I have done my job well.”

Ser Familia programs include: • • • • •

Couple’s workshops and retreats Youth workshops and retreats Strengthening Families Program Triple P (Positive Parenting Program) Domestic violence advocacy, awareness and support • Mental health counseling services in Spanish • Advocacy programs • Cultural and linguistic proficiency consulting Ser Familia relies on the support of volunteers. For more information about volunteering or to make a donation, visit www.serfamilia.org, email info@serfam.org or call 678-363-3079. The new and expanded Kennesaw headquarters is located at 1100 Cobb Place Blvd. NW, Suite 170.

Wellstar staff, members of the Cobb County Sheriff’s Department and Ser Familia’s Diana, right, during a COVID-19 vaccination site at the nonprofit’s facility.

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

AROUND KENNESAW | August 2021

Around & About AUGUST

Through Nov. 4

The Fun in the Park Photo Contest is open to all photographers, and the entry deadline is Nov. 4. Bring your camera to capture the fun and memories in Cobb parks and facilities. See the rules and download the entry form at www.cobbcounty.org/parks/programs/ fun-park-photo-contest.

Workplace Readiness Training is at the

Tommy Nobis Center in Marietta, every Tuesday through Sept. 28. Cobb County residents looking to sharpen interviewing skills or begin new professional journeys are invited to free in-person employment workshops. To register, contact Yovani Stephens at 770-427-9000 or yovani.stephens@tommynobiscenter.org.

Cobb County Storytellers, a cluster of the Southern Order of Storytellers, meet on the second Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. Due to the pandemic, virtual meetings have been hosted by Margaret Edinburgh; contact her for more information at cobbcountystorytellers@gmail.com, or visit https://cobbcountystorytellers.org.

The fourth annual Tennis and Pickleball for Susan will be at Marietta Country Club. Pickleball begins at 7:30 a.m. A luncheon, program and silent auction will follow the tournaments. Funds raised will benefit the orphans Saving Susan Ministry serves. Register at www.savingsusanministry.org/tennis.

Open Mic Nights are every third Friday through September. Local artists perform 6-8 p.m. at the pedestrian underpass off Main Street in downtown Kennesaw. If you are interested in performing, or want more information, send a message to Elevated Events on Facebook. & Peaches BBQ Festival 20-21 isPigs in Adams Park, 6-10 p.m. Friday

and 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday. Celebrating its 20th year, the festival features two days of non-stop music, good eats, cold beer and interactive family fun. www.pigsandpeaches.com.

The fourth annual Acworth-Cobb Dragon Boat Festival will be 9 a.m-4 p.m. at Dallas

Landing Park in Acworth. The boat race and festival will benefit Loving Arms Cancer Outreach, a nonprofit that supports cancer patients in the community. Visit https://acworthdragonboatfest.com for more information, to form a team to race, or to donate items to be used as prizes. Mayor Derek Easterling leads the Kennesaw city team during the City Race at the 2019 event. Photo by Brittany Weir. 20

AROUND KENNESAW | August 2021

SEPTEMBER

Art in the Park 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The annual 4-6 Marietta festival returns to Glover Park, where visitors can

choose from handmade original works, including paintings, photography, jewelry, sculptures, woodworking, pottery and more. http://artparkmarietta.com.

in the Park 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Bring your dogs to close 7 Bark out the season at the Splash Pad at Swift-Cantrell Park in Kennesaw. Admission will be $2 per dog and 25 dogs will be allowed in the Splash Pad at a time. www.kennesaw-ga.gov/event/bark-in-the-park-2.

Pizza, Pints & Pigskins is set for noon-10 p.m. at 11 Logan Farm Park in Acworth. Admission is free. Bring

the whole family for food and fun. The Return - The Ultimate Beatles Tribute Band concert starts at 8 p.m. Reserved tables will be available to purchase. For information, call 770-423-1330 or e-mail billwatson@jrmmanagement.com. Airaoke will commemorate the 20th anniversary of 9/11, and proceeds will benefit Cobb County firefighters. Spectators and singers can purchase tickets at www.eventbrite.com/e/ airaoke-tickets-154076102771 to join the karaoke contest, silent auction, and win door prizes from 5-10 p.m. at the Cobb County International Airport.

The Three-13 Salon Super Business Women’s 17 Conference, presented by Crane Elder Law Firm, will be a super-powered day of networking with the Kennesaw Business Association’s Super Women in Business at Piedmont Church in Marietta, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Register at https://bit.ly/36FqVKb. The annual Rose Garden Gala will be 6-10 p.m. at 18 Smith-Gilbert Gardens. Enjoy an evening under the stars benefiting the Smith-Gilbert Gardens Foundation.

https://smithgilbertgardens.com/event/annual-rose-garden-gala.

KENNESAW GRAND PRIX 5K SERIES All races through downtown Kennesaw are professionally timed and USA Track & Field certified. The festival-like atmosphere and plentiful food and drink make these races perfect for runners, walkers and families. Each 5k begins at 8 a.m. Visit https://kennesawgrandprix.com for more information and a full schedule of events.

Photo courtesy of Kennesaw Grand Prix 5K Series.

NORTH GEORGIA STATE FAIR Sept. 23-Oct. 3

The fair is open 4-11 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 4 p.m.-midnight Fridays; 10 a.m.-midnight Saturdays; and 12:30-10 p.m. Sundays. The 88th annual fair, at Jim R. Miller Park in Marietta, features live music, ground acts and shows, blue-ribbon competitions for handmade goods and items, concerts and fair food. Parking is $5; gate admission is $10. Children ages 10 and younger admitted free. Online advance tickets are $7 at www.northgeorgiastatefair. com. Half-price tickets are $5 at all metro Atlanta O’Reilly Auto Parts stores, Sept. 1-Oct. 3. Concerts are free with fair admission:

Sept. 24: We Are Messengers Sept. 25: Chris Lane Sept. 29: Gabby Barrett Sept. 30: Jon Langston Oct. 1: Chase Rice Oct. 2: Mark Wills

For more information, visit the website or call 770-423-1330 (770-528-8989 after Sept. 7).

Aug. 14: Dream Dash Sept. 18: The Great Locomotive Chase Oct. 30: The Garden Gallop MARIETTA GLOVER PARK CONCERT SERIES The free outdoor concerts begin at 8 p.m. Bring a picnic and blankets, or set up your lawn chairs to enjoy music under the stars in Glover Park. Visit the Glover Park Concert Series Facebook page for more information.

Aug. 27: Glow Band Aug. 28: Paradocs Sept. 24: The Big Chicken Beatle Band FIRST FRIDAY CONCERT SERIES 6-9 p.m. in downtown Kennesaw. Stroll through the historic area, and enjoy an evening of shopping, dining and live music. The concerts will take place at the Pedestrian Underpass off Main Street on Aug. 6, Sept. 3 and Oct. 1.

FARMERS MARKETS Marietta Square Farmers Market is year-round on Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to noon. For more information visit, www.mariettasquarefarmersmarket.com

Through Aug. 11

Kennesaw Farmer’s Market is open 3:30-7:30 p.m., Wednesdays, at Kennesaw First Baptist Church. Details available on the Kennesaw Farmers Market Facebook page.

Through Oct. 29

Acworth Farmers Market is open 8 a.m.-noon Fridays

at Logan Farm Park. Market customers will have a wide variety of garden-ripe Georgia grown vegetables, eggs, cheese, bedding plants, fresh baked bread, pies, cakes, honey and jams. For information, call 770-917-1234. AROUND KENNESAW | August 2021

PH OTO BY BE TH FO RN UTO

Find Life, Comfort and Connection

estled down a long private drive, and surrounded by flowers, trees and wildlife is DayBreak Village Senior Living Community, in the heart of Kennesaw’s historic district but off the beaten path. The quiet seven-acre campus is a place where families know their aging loved ones are being treated like family. Owners Ben and Stephanie Harbour developed the senior living community to be cozy and comfortable almost 17 years ago. Caring for an aging family member is what inspired the Harbours to open the business in the first place. That journey gave them insight into what families go through in finding the right community for their loved ones. “Our family took care of our maternal grandmother for many years as we struggled with what was later found to be a postmortem diagnosis of Alzheimer’s,” Stephanie said. “Through this time of crisis, we learned a lot about love, loyalty and family dedication. We learned about the countless hours it took to find quality care we could trust. We also learned that it really takes a village to truly care for all our families.”

AROUND KENNESAW | August 2021

“After studying best practices and inperson research, from Portland, Oregon, to Portland, Maine, our community was developed. We named her DayBreak Village, for the life, light and connection it would bring to our neighborhood and families,” Ben said. Ron Ransom, former Marietta Parks and Recreation director, found those qualities when he and his wife Evelyn moved to DayBreak Village. Ransom was well-known for his wooden Santa Claus carvings and mouse thumbprint cartoons for the Marietta Daily Journal. In addition to being an author, he was commissioned to design a Santa carving for the World of Coca-Cola museum. DayBreak understood Ransom needed a place to carve and teach classes, so the owners built him a wood shop on-site, so that his passion could continue to flourish. “We believe it is vital for people of all ages to continue to pursue their passions, even after they move to a senior community,” Stephanie said. “DayBreak’s goal is to, ‘Make people happy.’ We believe that helping people reach their

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This is one of the top ranked part-time MBA programs in the country, according to U.S. News and World Report and CEO Magazine. The program provides the analytical and strategic business skills working professionals need to take charge of their careers. EvMBA students pursue their degrees on a part-time basis, so there is no interruption in their professional life. In fact, many students receive promotions, additional responsibilities and assignments to key projects long before graduating. “Without a doubt, my experiences in the EvMBA program helped upskill me and give me the confidence to take this leadership role in my career,” said Alexander Nixon, a current MBA candidate who recently accepted the role of director of consumer insights for a leading pasture-raised egg producer.” he said. Students enrolled in the EvMBA program enjoy flexibility in locations and rate of pursuit. Classes are offered in three metro-Atlanta locations: in Kennesaw (on the KSU Campus), at the Cobb Galleria (across I-285 from Truist Park), and at the City Springs Complex in Sandy Springs. Students can choose to pursue their degree at a single location or choose the locations most convenient to their home or office. Most students finish the EvMBA program in two years, by taking two classes per semester, but they have the flexibility to take as long as six years to complete their degree.

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For more information on KSU’s MBA programs, email ksuemba@kennesaw.edu. 470-578-6862 | ksuemba.com Facebook: EMBAKSU Instagram: KSUEMBA Twitter: @EMBAKSU AROUND KENNESAW | August 2021

What’s Hot in Summer Flooring Trends BY ELISABETH STUBBS

Homeowners are tackling home improvement projects this summer. Maybe you put off installing new flooring during the pandemic, because you didn’t want workers in your home, so now it’s on the top of your to-do list. If you planned on installing hardwoods, knowing what type of flooring is trending now might surprise you. It’s carpet! Carpet is like comfort food: familiar, cozy, warm. Not to mention, it’s affordable. Carpet is typically the flooring of choice for bedrooms and cold basements. If you love to play games on the floor with your kids, you’ll appreciate the softness of carpet. Popular looks include luxury cut loop patterns and Berber designs. Bold patterns often are chosen for staircases, and more subtle looks typically are chosen for other rooms in the home. Carpets with color flecks are popular choices, especially for active households. If you have kids and/or pets, be sure to take a look at triexta, a soft synthetic carpet fiber, also known as Sorona or SmartStrand. This style offers built-in, lifetime stain and soil resistance. It doesn’t wash or wear off, and it is easy to clean with just water. If you have allergies and have been told to stay away from carpet, the first step is pinpointing exactly what you are allergic to. If you have a chemical allergy, it may be latex. The latex that is used in carpet construction is one of the most common allergens for clients. Other allergens include volatile organic compounds (VOCs), dust and pollen. Depending on your allergy, here are new options that might work for you.

• No latex. Air.o by Mohawk

is latex-free, with no VOCs. Another option is PureBac carpet, recently launched by Dream Weaver, which contains no latex. 30

AROUND KENNESAW | August 2021

• Plant-based. SmartStrand

Forever Clean carpets are made with DuPont’s partially plant-based polymer, Sorona, which is free from harmful substances.

• Low VOCs. A wool carpet with a woven backing is low in VOCs, as there is no secondary backing, and wool is a proven air purifier. A synthetic fiber pad, or a rubber waffle pad, is the best choice for carpet cushion when VOCs are a concern. • Dust and pollen. A dense, tightly-woven carpet, cleaned often by a vacuum with a high efficiency particulate air filter, and occasionally professionally cleaned with a hot water extraction, can help combat dust and pollen allergies.

Carpet is also budget-friendly. Hard-surface floors, like luxury vinyl plank and hardwoods, are usually double the cost of new carpet, sometimes more. Most carpet is made in the U.S., so steep import charges do not apply. If it’s time to replace your flooring, don’t let the popularity of hardwoods deter you from choosing what you want. Carpet is in! Elisabeth Stubbs is one of the owners of Enhance Floors and More, one of Atlanta’s top-rated flooring dealers, located in Marietta.

AROUND KENNESAW | August 2021

SUPPORT

Local Seniors

National Senior Citizens Day is Aug. 21, and it’s a great opportunity to let them know how much you care and appreciate them. In 1988, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed this holiday to raise awareness about issues that affect senior citizens and their quality of life. Today, many seniors remain active in their communities, and continue to have a strong presence in the workforce. For all they do and achieve, senior citizens deserve our thanks! Here are some ideas for anyone - of any age - to help support and encourage our local senior citizens.

If you don’t have a special senior citizen in your life, reach out to a local assisted living center, and ask about adopting one.

Help Them Go Digital

According to a survey conducted by Pew Research, onethird of Americans over age 65 are not confident about technology. Help elderly parents or friends feel connected with family and friends by hooking up devices for texts, Facetime or Google Duo or even Zoom chats. Write out easy-to-follow directions in case they forget.

Enjoy Armchair Travel

Have fun planning a virtual around-the-world tour. Travel with Grandma to a different country each month, by simply sharing and watching YouTube videos. Make it even more special by dressing up, or making a meal or dessert from that country. Get younger family members involved by having them create the country’s flag or finding music that reflects the culture.

Take a Fresh Air Tour

Research at ScienceDaily.com reveals that spending time outside boosts the immune system, lowers blood pressure and reduces stress. After a trip to the doctor or pharmacy, drive your elderly loved one to a park or the lake to sit outside for a breath of fresh air.

AROUND KENNESAW | August 2021

Plan a Dinner or Lunch Date

A recent survey from the Council on Aging, conducted during the pandemic, shows many seniors don’t take advantage of food or meal delivery, and many don’t have access to smartphones. Order a favorite meal and have it delivered to your loved one. Families and friends who don’t live close by can have a delivery service drop off the meal, while hosting a video call and eating together.

Create a Virtual Story Hour

Give Grandpa and the grandkids the same children’s book, and have Grandpa read the book via Zoom or Facetime/Duo while the kids follow along.

Boredom Busters

If email isn’t Grandma or Grandpa's style, send some old-fashioned handwritten letters and cards. Don’t forget to make return letters easy for them by including a self-addressed stamped envelope. Sign them up for a favorite magazine subscription, or send care packages with books, adult coloring books (don’t forget the colored pencils) or maybe a custom jigsaw puzzle made from a family picture.

Senior Activities ALOHA TO AGING Covenant Presbyterian Church 2881 Canton Road, Marietta 770-722-7641 www.alohatoaging.org

Parkinson’s Disease Support Group.

Meets the first Tuesday each month at 2 p.m. Group discussion, for the person with Parkinson’s and their care partner, on helpful tips and resources that provide comfort and encouragement.

Dementia Caregiver Support Group.

Meets the first Monday each month at 2 p.m. Open to family members who are assisting an aging loved one, in or out of the home. Care provided during the meeting, but must RSVP in advance.

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

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

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

Aug. 9

Road to Safety. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Cobb

County Police Department will cover the topic of distracted driving and the handsfree driving law.

Aug. 10

Aloha Happy Hour. 1-2 p.m. Join Aloha to Aging and some friends for an hour of games.

Aug. 11

Food for Thought: All About Posture.

10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Cost is $3; lunch is provided. Learn more about the benefits of good posture from Revolution Chiropractic.

Aug. 12

Cobb County K-9 Unit. 1-2 p.m. Learn

more about the Cobb County K-9 Unit, and see a police dog demonstration.

Aug. 16

How to Avoid Financial Scams.

10:30-11:30 a.m. North Georgia Elder Abuse Task Force, Cobb County District Attorney’s office and local law enforcement share how to avoid financial scams, fraud and other types of financial exploitation.

Aug. 17

Cooking with Cobb Extension. 11 a.m.-noon. Make a cool Caribbean coleslaw and a refreshing hibiscus tea that’s perfect for the summer. Join the live demonstration presented by the University of Georgia Cobb Extension. Samples provided.

Aug. 18

Staying Safe in the Heat. 10 a.m.-noon. Learn tips for staying cool during hot summer months.

Aug. 19

Blood Pressure Check. 10 a.m.-noon.

Stop by for a blood pressure check; knowing your numbers is key to a longer healthier life.

Aug. 25

Fire Extinguisher Safety Class. 10

a.m.-noon. A Cobb County emergency management specialist will offer handson training, while teaching about types of fires and what fuels them.

Senior Wellness Center 1150 Powder Springs St., Marietta 770-528-5355 www.cobbcounty.org/ public-services/senior-services

Aug. 12

When Less Is More. 11 a.m.-noon.

Have a closet full of clothes, but nothing to wear? Bonita Prigmore, with Medicare and Other Red Tape, will show you how to declutter successfully and organize your closet. She will discuss where to sell unwanted items, and how to let go of sentimental things.

Aug. 17

DIY String Bowl. 1-1:30 p.m. Learn how to make decorative bowls, using colorful twine or jute, glue and a balloon. A list of needed supplies will be emailed to registrants.

Aug. 19

GeorgiaCares Medicare Counseling. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Schedule an appointment by calling 770-528-5355. A GeorgiaCares counselor will be at the center to assist you with unbiased answers to questions and concerns.

Women’s Self Defense. 10-11:30 a.m. Sgt. Tracy Melton of the Cobb County Sheriff ’s Office will show you how to be aware of your surroundings, and how to react if attacked. Learn what to do if approached by a stranger, and who attackers target when choosing a victim.

Aug. 30

Flag Wall Hanging Workshop.

10 a.m.-noon. Create a beautiful wall hanging representation of the American flag, using vintage scraps of fabric and lace. Presented by Jennifer Tadlock of Atherton Place. All supplies will be provided. AROUND KENNESAW | August 2021

Hummingbird Fall Migration Begins BY MASTER GARDENER EXTENSION VOLUNTEER JUDY ABBOTT

Ruby-throated hummingbirds are eastern North America’s only breeding hummingbird, and they occupy the largest breeding range of any North American hummingbird. Rubythroats are the only hummingbird species that visit Georgia. These hummingbirds spend the winter in Central America or southern Mexico and begin migrating north in the spring. Hummingbirds can be seen in breeding grounds in the eastern United States as early as February, and some continue on to Canada. By late summer and early fall, breeding is complete, and the males start the migration south to Mexico and Central America. It’s hard to imagine, but many cross the Gulf of Mexico in a single flight. There doesn’t appear to be a definitive answer as to what triggers their migration. However, there are several likely factors: instinct, changes in daylight duration, cooling temperatures and the declining availability of flowers, nectar and insects. To draw hummingbirds to your backyard, hang feeders and include plants that attract them. Favorites include trumpet honeysuckle, scarlet beebalm, lemon beebalm, bergamot, cardinal flower and trumpet creeper. Their spring migration coincides with flowering red buckeye, columbine and salvia. In addition to nectar, hummingbirds also eat spiders and tiny insects, such as flies, gnats and aphids, as a source of fat and protein. When placing your feeders, be mindful not to make the hummingbirds easy targets for cats. Also, male hummingbirds aggressively defend their food source with wild acrobatic chases and fights, so avoid placing the feeders near windows that they could collide with. When choosing a feeder, the two most important features are: how easy they are to clean and how big they are. The best feeder size is a small one that is emptied every day or two by the feeding birds. Since they are very territorial, four individual feeders with one feeding port each will attract and sustain more hummingbirds than one large feeder with multiple ports. Hummingbird food is easy to make with just sugar and water, but make sure to use ordinary table sugar. Do not use honey to make hummingbird food, since adding water to honey causes bacteria and fungus to grow. If you mix fresh batches every day or two, the normal mixture is 1⁄4 cup of sugar to 1 cup of water. However, mixing larger batches, and refrigerating for future use, requires boiling the water 34

AROUND KENNESAW | August 2021

A male ruby-throated hummingbird.

before adding the sugar. There’s no need to add colored commercial mixes or red food coloring to sugar water. Flower nectar is clear, and red food coloring could be harmful to hummingbirds. Help prevent your sugar solution from spoiling by placing your hummingbird feeders in semi-shaded areas. Change the solution before it becomes cloudy or discolored. Remember that hot weather will cause sugar water to rapidly ferment and produce toxic alcohol. During the fall migration, it is recommended to keep at least one feeder up for about two weeks after sighting your last bird. You don’t want to miss any late-migrating hummers so hang up some feeders, and enjoy the show! If you’re interested in what colors hummingbirds can actually see and identify, a Princeton research team investigated how birds respond to flower colors that advertise a nectar reward. Their experiments revealed that, unlike humans, hummingbirds have a fourth color cone that allows them to see colors in combination with ultraviolet light. Visit www. environment.princeton.edu for more information.

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

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

Steps to Finding the Right Lawyer BY JOEL WILLIAMS

Finding the best lawyer for your legal needs is not always easy. Lawyers tend to specialize in specific areas of the law. These areas include personal injury, family and divorce, property, criminal, mergers and acquisitions, workers compensation, premises liability and elections. The list goes on. The first step you must take, when searching for a lawyer, is to identify the area of the law that you need legal expertise. For example, if you are injured in an automobile accident, you will need to find a lawyer that specializes in injury and insurance law. If you are charged with a crime, you need a lawyer that specializes in criminal defense. When starting a business, you may need a lawyer that specializes in corporate law, taxes or regulations specific to your industry. Once you know what kind of lawyer you require, you will need to search for one that can serve your specific needs. Online searches are a good place to start. Most law firms have websites that list their areas of practice. Take your time researching. Read customer reviews, and look up the lawyer’s social media accounts. Always check the State Bar of Georgia website to make sure the lawyer has not been disciplined for unethical behavior. After narrowing down your list, start making calls to the lawyers’ offices. Find out how much they charge, and begin setting up inperson, Zoom, or phone consultations with your top picks.

Once you have initial meeting dates set with at least three law firms, make a list of questions to ask. For example, you may want to know: • How many cases do you handle at one time? • How long will it take to handle my legal needs? • How long does it take you to return phone calls, emails or text messages? • Can you tell me what to expect during each step of the legal process? • How many times have you handled issues like mine? After the initial interviews, you can decide which lawyer is the best fit for you. If you are having a difficult time finding a lawyer in Cobb County, you can call the Cobb County Bar Association Referral Service. For a small fee, the referral service can help you find a local lawyer that is competent to handle your legal issue. For more information, visit https://cobbcountybar.org/page/ LawyerReferralServ.

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

AROUND KENNESAW | August 2021

Creative Marketing, the Millennial Way BY RYAN BLYTHE

I interviewed Octavia Gilmore, founder and chief creative officer of Creative Juice. At 23, she launched her marketing firm and represents some of the most prominent companies in North Georgia, including Chick-fil-A, the Home Depot, MARTA, Equifax and Habitat for Humanity. A champion for entrepreneurship, Gilmore is dedicated to sharing the knowledge it takes to quit your day job and become your own boss.

What steps should business owners take to maximize their marketing efforts?

I think owners and executives need to pay attention to the effects of the pandemic, which has forced us to look at technology and the importance of human connection. While working virtually, we were able to see how we can leverage technology to be more efficient at our jobs. There are multiple channels in which your target audience is receiving content from organizations. So, you must develop a strategy and execute it in a way that sets your organization apart. Specifically, try utilizing the idea that consumers are constantly being fed various concepts from different media. People have transformed how and where they are working. With being comfortable in mind, decision-making has completely transformed over the past year and a half.

How is marketing different from branding?

Simply put, branding is the foundation of your organization. It defines who you are and what your organization stands for, which sets the standard for the experience your customer will have when working with you. Branding is a part of visual identity. It includes all your fonts, colors, logos and graphics, which are meant to trigger brand association with your company. Marketing, however, takes your brand and extends it into different channels. It is an external process of explaining the features and benefits of your services or products to your audience. Think of marketing as getting the word out. Branding is more internal; it is what you do to help people inform their opinions and thoughts about your company.

How important is choosing the right colors?

Having an established color palette for your branding and marketing materials is extremely important. There is a reason why, when someone sees red, they instantly think of Target. Or, if they see brown and yellow, they instantly think of UPS. You want the colors of your brand to be recognizable and easily distinguishable for your audience, so they can differentiate you from your competitors. Also, pay attention to color theory and the psychology behind it. For example, people perceive red as a color that makes them hungry, which is why a lot of fast-food restaurants use the color red. 36

AROUND KENNESAW | August 2021

A graphic design graduate of the Savannah College of Art and Design, Octavia Gilmore launched her multiple six-figure marketing firm at age 23, despite not having a business degree.

What advice would you give to a new business owner with a limited budget?

It is imperative to have a strategy and focus on what is giving you the best return on investment; avoid a strategy that involves trying to keep up with things other companies do. For example, every business should be on social media. But, you must be deliberate about what platforms you are on and what you are saying on these platforms. Ask yourself, how will people receive us on these platforms? Everything you do needs to be strategic. The goal is to prioritize what is going to give you the best bang for your buck.

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

Home Loan Advice for the Self-Employed BY JAY WHITE

With all the changes that were thrown our way the last year, thanks to COVID-19 and margin calls being made to mortgage companies, many investors got spooked and pulled in the reins, making financing difficult for some, especially business owners. However, these pullbacks are no longer in place with certain lenders. I have seen way too many business owners not given the opportunity to take advantage of this market, but not anymore. Self-employed clients looking to buy a home, and selfemployed homeowners looking to refinance, have options, no matter what you are being told. I believe that a business owner should be one of the top three types of clients for mortgage brokers. Business owners typically have great credit and plenty of assets, but the challenge becomes showing how much income they earn, for loan purposes only. This is when it’s an advantage to work with a lender that is experienced and has a track record of getting things done. There are many ways to extract income from a business owner’s tax returns, so don’t think the bottom line is what is looked at; that’s not

the case. You can buy, you can refinance, and you do not need, necessarily, to have been in business for two years. If you are looking to buy or refinance, and you own a business, please reach out to a reliable mortgage broker, and they will be happy to guide you through the weeds and get you on the right track to buy or refinance. Jay White, top 1% in the nation in mortgage originators according to Mortgage Executive magazine, has 19 years of experience and is a multimillion dollar producer for Bay Equity Home Loans.

AROUND KENNESAW | August 2021

Local Teen’s Reign Has Been a Busy One BY CAROLINE MARTIN

Above, at a Make A Wish concert in Texas, Miss Teen of America snaps a quick photo with a girl competing for Little Miss of Texas. Top, as part of her children’s literacy platform, Caroline hosted virtual storytime sessions with elementary classes. 38

AROUND KENNESAW | August 2021

As some readers may know, I had the amazing opportunity of winning the title of Miss Teen of America in November. At the time, I was in shock, and absolutely couldn’t wait for the year ahead. Now, a little more than halfway through the year of my reign, I still look forward to each and every opportunity I have with the title. Since last November, I definitely have stayed busy with a variety of appearances, volunteer events and meeting a lot of awesome people. With the title, I also have been able to expand upon my platform, children’s literacy, and there are some special projects I am working on. I love to travel, and I have been able to take some fun trips, both locally and

throughout the United States. One of my favorites so far was my trip to Texas in March. I had some fun with my fellow titleholders, and also got to meet new titleholders. We were all there for the Texas state pageant, which I was excited about, because I got to go back to my home state. I enjoyed meeting all of the Texas state titleholders. There were so many great people there, several of which I have stayed in contact with. Additionally, I got to talk to people of all ages about the importance of reading, and how it’s OK to ask for help when struggling with something. Each person was given a book to read themselves, or to read to someone else. Other opportunities that come

with this title include various volunteer events, which I have participated in. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 restrictions, I have not been able to participate in as many events as I would have liked. However, I helped distribute care packages to the elderly on Valentine’s Day; volunteered at a Night to Shine, a special-needs prom experience; and, just recently, I helped package 40,000 meals for people across the world. By participating in these events, I made some great memories, but I feel I also have strengthened my appreciation for many different perspectives of life. One of my favorite parts of this experience is my platform, where I have been able to spread the message: “each book is a new adventure, and there is a book (or adventure) for everyone.” I have visited and read to children at many schools, both in-person and virtually. In each school, I see the children of the next generation, who are impacted by everything they see and hear. This is just one of the reasons I chose children’s literacy as my platform. I also have shared the love of reading with others by giving out books. In fact, I started a book drive to collect books for children, so that they have books to read during the school year. If you would like to help a child experience a new adventure through reading this year, you can visit the Miss Teen of America Instagram and Facebook pages (@missteenofamerica) for more information. For the remaining months of my tenure as Miss Teen of America, and hopefully after my reign, as well, I want to continue to learn and serve through volunteering, meet and make friends with more people, and impact others through my platform. Recently, I graduated from Allatoona High School, and I am excited to stay local for college. I will attend Kennesaw State University this fall, where I will major in business, with a focus on marketing. I also hope soon to publish a children’s book I have written. Overall, I want to make a positive impact on others.

Caroline graduated with honors in May from Allatoona High School.

Caroline Martin will be a freshman at Kennesaw State University this fall and is passionate about encouraging children to read. Follow her on Instagram @missteenofgeorgia. AROUND KENNESAW | August 2021

A Tap on the Shoulder: Remember Me? BY PERRY FOWLER

As August rolls in, summer begins moving into fall. Growing up, I had mixed emotions about fall. Honestly, I did not want school to start back, yet fall brought something my family loved: SEC football. Growing up in Arkansas, I was raised to be a “Hog” fan. Years later, when I had my own children, I took a pastorate in Auburn, Alabama. Each week, my son (a small boy at the time) and I would sell Auburn football programs, get into the games free, and change our colors from Razorback red to Auburn orange and blue. One Saturday, I stood in a long line waiting to enter an Auburn-Arkansas football game. I enjoyed talking to several people who wore the Hog on their shirts. Initially, they seemed to feel uncomfortable about a man with the Tiger on his shirt, but when I told them I grew up in Arkansas, the conversation flowed. Before long, someone tapped me on the shoulder and said, “Remember me?” Immediately, I recognized Jimmy Dodd, a high school friend. I had not seen him in 20 years; he still lived in Arkansas and came to see the game. Later, as I thought about seeing him, I could not help but wonder, did God want me to see him for some reason? Before you laugh, think about it. There were 86,000 people at the game, and I just happened to be standing in front of a high school classmate. Furthermore, how many entrances are there at Jordan-Hare Stadium? And, what are the chances of my being close enough for him to recognize me after 20 years? Of course, I was able to talk to Jimmy about what I am

doing, and about Jesus in my life. I was able to talk with him about some of the difficulties he had experienced with the loss of his parents. Isn’t it interesting how God reminds us, through things like this, of how he loves bringing people together? God loves uniting people. He loves community. He loves Kennesaw. It’s no accident that we live next door to one another, do life together and serve together. God loves togetherness. Isn’t that what heaven is going to be like? It will be like a reunion. I wonder how many people will tap us on the shoulder in heaven and say, remember me? Perhaps it will be an old school classmate named Jimmy; a fellow named Frank from Publix, who worked at the checkout; Lori and Mitch at Honeysuckle Bakery, who served us coffee; or Jason and Seth at Twisted Cycle, who promised the best workout ever. Jesus told us to pray, “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” Isn’t that what God does when we dwell together in unity and love? Yes, he gives us a little piece of heaven down here. Community is a true gift from God.

It’s no accident that we live next door to one another, do life together and serve together.

AROUND KENNESAW | August 2021

Perry Fowler is lead pastor at Kennesaw First Baptist Church. He served as a youth and music minister, and a church planter, before becoming a senior pastor in 1998.

Rob’s Rescues This dog’s tag number is 630132, and he is in cage 313 at Cobb County Animal Services. He is a small, 3-year-old Poodle. He was a stray and is a sweet, gentle dog. I think he would be a very loyal and good dog for anyone. This cat’s name is Stella. She is a large 1-year-old cat. She has a great color and pattern. She is very cuddly. I don’t know why someone wanted to turn this cat in, but here she is waiting for someone else to be lucky and pick her up.

Rob met with Dr. Good earlier this year to work on a video.

Remembering the Good of Marietta Veterinarian

Dr. Michael Good was a well-known veterinarian in Marietta and the founder of the Homeless Pets Foundation. He unexpectedly passed away from a heart attack in May, but his work and program will continue. I got to see him earlier this year as part of a Dr. Good Unleashed video. He was the very first interview I ever did, so I wanted to remember him by sharing that first interview from 2014. I was fortunate to watch Dr. Good in surgery, repairing a hematoma in a dog’s ear, before I sat down with him to hear about his ambitious plans for solving the country’s homeless pet problems.

How do you help dogs and cats?

Rob with 3-year-old Poodle.

First, I am a vet. I treat sick and injured animals. I get them healthy and help them stay healthy. I also founded the Homeless Pets Foundation (Homelesspets. com). The goal of this organization is to rescue animals and foster them and find homes for them. Part of this organization is the Homeless Pets Clubs, which educate school children starting at age 4 about animal rescue and how to properly care for animals. I have big plans for Homeless Pets Clubs and want to get them into as many schools, businesses and communities as I can. I also am involved in something called the Underhound Railroad, which helps move animals from the South to the North to find homes.

How many cats and dogs do you save every year?

One thousand pets, and many more through pet clubs and partners. (The count in 2021 is more than 25,000 pets rescued.)Awareness and education is key. If an animal can be pulled into a club, it will not be euthanized.

How many helpers do you have?

In rescue, I am aiming for 1 million helpers to tell the story of shelter animals. The more people that can foster and arrange clubs in the community the more animals can be saved.

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

Rob and Stella the cat. AROUND KENNESAW | August 2021

Saving Animals wi BY TIFFANY HUGHES

Above, Tiffany and her husband decided to adopt Harley, after seeing this photo of her playing with a dog at her foster home. Right, Baby Kitty and Jasper alert Tiffany when her blood sugar dips too low.

AROUND KENNESAW | August 2021

Have you ever wondered why there are so many posts from shelters and rescue groups on social media, begging for foster homes? The short answer is space. Rescues usually pull from high-kill shelters. For every animal placed in a foster home and/or adopted from a rescue, a space opens for another animal to be saved. Fostering isn’t a commitment to adopt, it’s a commitment to help right now. Fostering means letting the animal live in your home, and treating it like one of your pets. Placing rescued animals in a foster home ensures the animal will be cared for until it is adopted. Seeing how a pet behaves in a home, rather than a shelter, is invaluable information for future adoptive families. When fostering, it’s important to take good, clear photos of the pet, and notes about the animal’s behavior, which are used on the facility’s website listing the animal for adoption. Ten years ago, my husband and I were looking for a kitten that would be good with our two dogs. We found the rescue group Forgotten Paws, which had a kitten named Harley living in a foster home with dogs. Foster homes can help animals with medical conditions, such as a diabetic cat or a dog that needs a special diet. Some families foster senior dogs, who can have medical issues as well, allowing them to spend the last stages of their lives with a loving family. Fostering also saves human lives. My foster baby literally came to my rescue. We had just taken in a 6-month-old puggle (pug/Jack Russell terrier mix) to foster. We already had his brother. Within a week of his arrival, we noticed that Jasper not only detected my low blood sugars at night (I’m a Type 1 diabetic), but he would jump on me to wake me up, then jump off the bed and herd me into the closet where I kept my supplies. He would pay special attention to me when my husband traveled overnight. We wasted no time in adopting him and his brother. Eight years later, Jasper has saved me more times than I can count, when my blood sugar dropped so dangerously low that I could barely function. In the depths of my haze, I instinctively followed Jasper’s lead and get food or drink to raise my blood sugar. Having a furbaby who can do this with no training is a blessing. But it’s nothing short of a

ith Foster Families miracle that I have two. The same year we adopted Jasper, we also fostered a beautiful Norwegian Forest kitten. Baby Kitty was tiny, long-haired and super affectionate. As a kitten, he always slept at the top of my head. We quickly realized that when he sensed my low blood sugars, he would sit on my chest and bite my earlobes, or smack me with his paws until I woke up. We also adopted him. As he grew older and bigger, the biting of my earlobes stopped, and, now, he sits on my nightstand and head butts me to wake me. These two have been my furry guardian angels the last eight years.

Fostering isn’t a commitment to adopt, it’s a commitment to help right now.

If you’re interested in fostering, check with rescues in your area, such as Forgotten Paws, Mostly Mutts, Angels Among Us, Southern Animal Rescue or Purr Nation Cat Alliance, just to name a few. But if the furry four-legged pets aren’t your thing, Georgia Reptile Society always needs foster homes for the snakes, lizards, etc. When choosing a rescue to foster for, make sure the organization is a 501(c)3 nonprofit. Usually, the rescue will provide preventative care for fleas/ ticks/heartworm, any medicines needed, vet visits and food and a bed, if needed. You provide love, snuggles and toys. While fostering doesn’t guarantee you’ll find an untrained medical alert animal, you will be saving the life of two furbabies: the one you are fostering and the one who takes its place at the rescue. While rescuing one animal might not change the world, it will change the world for that animal.

For more information about fostering, email Tiffany Hughes at creativecook11@yahoo.com.

AROUND KENNESAW | August 2021

H a r r is o n H oya s

Ke n n e s aw M o un ta i n M usta n g s

North Cobb Wa rr i or s

2 0 2 1 va r s it y F o ot b a l l S chedul e

2021 va r sit y F o otb a l l Sc h ed u l e

2 0 2 1 va r sit y F o otb a l l Sc h e d u l e

20 Allatoona AUG Away | 7:30 PM

8 North Cobb OCT Away | 7:30 PM

20 East Paulding AUG Away | 7:30 PM

24 Lassiter SEP Home | 7:30 PM

20 Buford AUG Home | 8:30 PM

8 Harrison OCT Home | 7:30 PM

27 North Forsyth AUG Home | 7:30 PM

15 North Paulding OCT Home | 7:30 PM

27 Discovery AUG Home | 7:30 PM

8 South Cobb OCT Away | 7:30 PM

27 Milton AUG Home | 7:30 PM

15 Walton OCT Away | 7:30 PM

3 Langston SEP Hughes

22 Marietta OCT AWAY Home | 7:30 PM

3 Allatoona SEP Away | 7:30 PM

15 Pope OCT Home | 7:30 PM

10 Alpharetta SEP Home | 7:30 PM

22 Hillgrove OCT Home | 7:30 PM

17 Grayson SEP Home | 7:30 PM

29 Walton OCT Away | 7:30 PM

10 Sprayberry SEP Home | 7:30 PM

22 Wheeler OCT Home | 7:30 PM

17 Etowah SEP Away | 7:30 PM

29 Marietta OCT Away | 7:30 PM

24 Marist SEP Away | 7:30 PM

5 Hillgrove NOV Away | 7:30 PM

17 Kell SEP Away | 7:30 PM

5 Osborne NOV Away | 7:30 PM

24 North Gwinnett 5 North Paulding SEP Home | 7:30 PM NOV Away | 7:30 PM

Away | 7:30 PM

KENNESAW STATE UNIVERSITY SEP 2

REINHARDT 8 PM | HOME

OCT 23

SEP 11

GEORGIA TECH NOON AWAY 12 PM | |AWAY

OCT 30

SEP 18

WOFFORD 6 PM | AWAY

NOV 6

OCT 2

JACKSONVILLE STATE 3 PM | HOME

NOV 13

OCT 9

HAMPTON* 2 PM | AWAY

NOV 20

OCT 16

NORTH CAROLINA A&T * 5 PM* | HOME A&T * *

AROUND KENNESAW | August 2021

CONFERENCE GAME CONFERENCE GAME

Pondering Answers to Life’s Questions BY JENNIFER BONN

There are some questions in life that have no right answer. Pondering these questions provides an opportunity for self reflection and forces us to think about different perspectives. How would you answer these questions?

How can two people have different views of reality? People view reality based on their belief system. Sometimes individuals welcome a view of reality for so long that they accept it as truth, even if it is false.

Is there a way to slow down aging?

Eliminate stress, and put worry and fear in God’s hands. Exercise, eat well, laugh often, pray and cultivate community. A great deal of moisturizer can help, too.

How should we deal with difficult people?

The first thing I always do is understand where the person’s words and actions are coming from. My reaction is to meet hatefulness with love and understanding. People are carrying all kinds of burdens. Unfortunately, with some people, hatefulness continues to flow no matter what you do. In this case, I limit interactions as much as possible.

How can we make a difference?

The best way to make a difference is to look beyond yourself, and do what you can to serve others. Even the busiest people still have time to help others. Practice random acts of kindness at least once a day, and be generous with your smile.

What are the keys to success?

One of the keys to success is failure; it makes you stronger and wiser. Another key to success is to stop comparing yourself to others. My definition of success is happiness. Make a list of what you want to achieve, and make a plan on how to accomplish those goals. Always keep a positive attitude.

How do we continue to grow?

Realize that we can learn something from everyone. Learn from the words and actions of those you admire. Push yourself to do and learn new things.

Why are children so much happier than adults?

Children approach everything they do with joy, while adults are more critical. Children treat everyone equally regardless of race, age or gender, while adults tend to judge by appearances. Children never feel the need to hurry. For them, it is acceptable to stop, observe their surroundings and inspect each of the 27 bugs they see on the ground. Life is full of wonders, and children want to experience them all. Adults can learn a lot about happiness that they may have forgotten from children. Jennifer Bonn is a French teacher at Mount Paran Christian School, and is working on a book about lessons she learned in the classroom.

AROUND KENNESAW | August 2021

School News

Cobb schools food and nutrition services team members load a parent’s van with free meal kits.

Schools Serve More Than 3.5 Million Meal Kits

Fueling student success is the mission of the Cobb Schools Food and Nutrition Services team. That mission extended beyond the school walls since the start of the 2020-21 school year, and the team has distributed more than 3.5 million meal kits to Cobb County students. That number is on top of the millions of breakfasts and lunches dished up for students learning inperson during the previous school year. Although the 2020-21 school year technically ended in May, the Cobb team continued to serve free meal kits for students through July. Thanks to the continued flexibility and guidance from the USDA, Cobb Schools will continue to provide breakfast and lunches at no cost to all in-person students for the 2021-22 school year.

STEMapalooza Prepares Teachers for School Year

Teachers from across the state and country continue to look to Cobb Schools for professional learning opportunities. Approximately 250 teachers attended Cobb Schools STEMapalooza in-person this summer, while an additional 150 tuned in virtually to learn lessons from their fellow educators and experts in the STEM field, to take back to their classrooms this month. “It was absolutely amazing to be back in-person and learning together for the fifth annual STEMapalooza summer conference,” Cobb Schools Supervisor of STEM and Innovation Sally Creel said. “The STEMapalooza conference is designed specifically to ensure that teachers have the opportunity to learn from other teachers.” Conference attendees came from across the state and neighboring states such as Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee. Virtual attendees checked in from Illinois, Colorado and beyond. Kennesaw State University’s iTeach team brought their MakerBus and allowed teachers to explore and create using 3D printers. STEMapalooza offered attendees diverse sessions on concepts from primary robotics for elementary students to collaborations with NASA for high school students. For more information, visit www.stemcobb.com.

Cobb 4-H’ers Continue to Shine

The Georgia 4-H State Horse Show winner in the hunt seat discipline is Emma Bayer of Harrison High School. She earned Master 4-H status for her state title. Out of 34 students competing at the Junior/Senior District Project Achievement public speaking competition, seven Cobb 4-H’ers advanced to the state 4-H Congress. They will compete to earn Master 4-H status. Congratulations to the advancing 4-H’ers: • Laura Harriss, Hillgrove High • Venya Gunjal, Wheeler High • Quadriyah Williams, Marietta High • Emma Bayer, Harrison High • EL-Adonis Williams, Marietta High • Swami Kajale, North Cobb High • Isaiah Farrow, Homeschool

High Schooler Excels at New Sport What began as a way to keep in shape during down time last year has led Avi Fox to a sport in which he is thriving, and winning awards. At the Stars and Stripes National Championship in Salt Lake City, Utah, in July, the gymnast walked away with first and third place wins, while sister Talia placed 12th, 16th and 30th in her competition. The ninth-grader at The Walker School is a retired artistic gymnast who began trampoline and tumbling in May 2020, when school and most sports shut down. He joined his younger sister in the gym to keep in shape and have fun. Mom, Alison, said that with lots of hours in the gym, hard work and training, Avi qualified to compete at the USA Gymnastics Championships in June, held in conjunction with the Olympic Trials. He earned a silver medal, competing as a level 8 trampoline gymnast in the men’s 15 and older division. “Having to train with your sibling by your side isn’t the easiest thing for these two, but they have made it work, pushing each other and cheering each other on,” Alison said. “It’s never a dull moment in our household, where someone is always bouncing and flipping around.” 46

AROUND KENNESAW | August 2021

Talia and Avi Fox.

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KENNES The inclusive playground at SwiftCantrell Park.

www.kennesaw-ga.gov/parks-and-recreation

AROUND KENNESAW | August 2021

SAW Parks & Recreation RULES FOR DOGS IN THE PARKS

COMMUNITY PARKS Swift-Cantrell Park serves as one of the premier

recreation, relaxation and central gathering places for area residents. Park hours of operation are from 7 a.m.-10 p.m. At 42 acres, Kennesaw’s largest community park features: • • • • • • • • • • •

An 18,500-square-foot inclusive playground. A playground suitable for ages 5-12. Three picnic pavilions. Open turf for passive recreation. One mile perimeter asphalt trail. Half-mile inner-loop asphalt trail. Splash pad. Dog park. Lighted skatepark. Fitness station. WiFi hotspot.

When they’re not playing in the Frank Boone Dog Park, dogs are welcome nearly everywhere outside on city

property. Just please keep in mind the following guidelines.

• Pick up after your dog, and properly dispose of waste. • Keep your dog on a leash. Dogs are required to be on an appropriate chain, leash or tie not exceeding 6 feet in length, and in the hands of a person who possesses the ability to restrain and control the dog. Voice control does not constitute control. Dogs aren’t permitted inside playgrounds, picnic pavilions, or ball fields. • Don’t leave your dog inside a parked vehicle when temperatures inside the vehicle may adversely affect the dog’s health and welfare. • Hydrate yourself and your dog.

Adams Park, a 33-acre community park located near the intersection of Watts Drive and US-41/Cobb Parkway, offers a unique blend of active and passive recreation. Adams Park features: • • • • • • • • • • • •

Community center building. Six lighted baseball fields. Four lighted softball fields. Lighted soccer field. Two lighted tennis courts. Playground. Picnic pavilions and shelters. Half-mile concrete trail. Indoor and outdoor batting cages. Concession buildings. Scout hut building. WiFi hotspot.

Frank Boone Dog Park is located at Swift-Cantrell

Park, and has been named the best dog park in Cobb County the past few years.

NEIGHBORHOOD AND SMALL URBAN PARKS In addition to Kennesaw’s community parks, several smaller parks also serve residents, providing basic daily recreational needs for the surrounding neighborhoods. Active amenities include playgrounds, basketball courts, open space and free play areas. • • • • • • • • •

Butler Ridge Park Chalker Park City Hall – Big Shanty Spring Commemorative Park Deerfield Park Depot Park Fairfax Park Gateway Park Kennesaw Station Park

• • • • • • • • •

Leone Hall Price Park McCollum Park Pine Mountain Park Shillings Park Tara Park Terry Lane Park Winchester Forest Park Woodland Park Wrens Ridge Park

Smith Gilbert Gardens is a 16-acre serene setting that has more than 3,000 species of plants, which some are very rare to have in America.

COMMUNITY-WIDE TRAIL An integrated system of greenway trails runs along several creeks, utility easements and publicly owned property just north of downtown Kennesaw. Trail surfaces vary from concrete sidewalks and crushed stone to mulch and bare earth; and are ideal for walking, running and biking. Benches, bridges, dog waste pick-up stations, trash receptacles, and numbered trail markers can be found along the trail.

The Tunnel Amphitheatre at Depot Park. Photo by Cindy Rawlings. AROUND KENNESAW | August 2021

Community of Faith Mount Zion AME http://mtzionamekennesaw.org 770-499-08126

AME

First United Lutheran Church www.fulc.org 770-427-0325

LUTHERAN

Grace Church, Town Center Campus https://towncenter.gracechurches.org 770-422-3844

BAPTIST

Living Hope Church www.livinghopega.com 770-425-6726

Influencers Church www.kennesaw.influencers.church 678-879-1600

METHODIST

LifeBridge Church www.mylifebridgechurch.com 770-422-3010

Kennesaw First Baptist www.kfbc.org 770-427-3109 NorthStar Church www.northstarchurch.org 770-420-9808

Due West UMC www.duewest.org 770-427-3835

Piedmont Church www.piedmontchurch.tv 770-422-2566

Kennesaw UMC www.kennesawumc.org 770-428-1543

Summit Baptist Church www.summitchurch.org 770-975-4595 Thankful Baptist Church of Kennesaw www.tbkministries.org 678-797-0611

PRESBYTERIAN

Christ Community Church www.christcommunitycobb.org

Towne View Baptist www.towneview.org 770-423-9300

Kirkwood Presbyterian Church (USA) www.kirkwoodpc.org 770-427-3545

CATHOLIC

Midway Presbyterian www.midwaypca.org 770-422-4974

St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church www.stcatherinercc.org 770-428-7139

CHRISTIAN

Grace Community Christian Church www.mygracerocks.org 678-354-2423

CHURCH OF CHRIST

Burnt Hickory Church of Christ www.burnthickory.org 678-354-2814

EPISCOPAL

Christ Episcopal Church www.christchurchkennesaw.com 470-625-0143 St. Teresa’s Episcopal www.stteresasacworth.com 770-590-9040

JUDAISM

Chabad Jewish Center of Kennesaw www.ChabadKennesaw.org 770-400-9255 Congregation Ner Tamid Reform Jewish Synagogue www.MyNerTamid.info 678-264-8575 50

New Beginnings UMC www.nbumc.org 770-421-9980

AROUND KENNESAW | August 2021

SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST

Mount Pisgah SDA Church www.mountpisgahsda.com 470-343-8385

NONDENOMINATIONAL

Cobb Vineyard Church www.cobbvineyard.com 678-574-0005

Mars Hill Community Church www.marshillcc.com 678-797-0814 North Metro Church www.northmetro.org 678-290-7830 RiverStone Church www.riverstoneonline.org 678-384-5200 RockPoint Church www.therockpointchurch.org 770-648-3070 Sanctuary Church www.sanctuaryinhim.org 770-884-1963

OTHERS

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints www.churchofjesuschrist.org 770-864-2153 Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witness www.jw.org/en 770-427-1029 Masjid Suffah www.masjidsuffah.com 770-906-0838

Kennesaw Area Clubs & Organizations BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS

Kennesaw Business Association 770-423-1330 www.kennesawbusiness.org Cobb Chamber of Commerce 770-980-2000 www.cobbchamber.org

KSU Small Business Development Center 470-578-6450 or 470-578-4636 https://coles.kennesaw.edu/sbdc

Saving Susan Ministry info@savingsusanministry.org www.savingsusanministry.org Ser Familia 678-363-3079 https://serfamilia.org Someone Cares 678-921-2706 www.S1catl.org

POLITICAL ORGANIZATIONS

Cobb County Democrats 404-988-1429 http://www.cobbdemocrats.org

Cobb Democratic Women On Facebook www.facebook.com/CobbDemocraticWomen Cobb County Libertarians http://cobblp.org

Southern Hope Humane Society 770-445-7294 www.southernhope.org

Cobb County Republicans 770-272-0458 www.cobbgop.org

The Hope Box 770-765-6301 www.thehopebox.org

Cobb County Republican Women https://ccrwc.org On Facebook

Cobb Community Foundation 770-859-2366 www.cobbfoundation.org

Trinity Rescue 706-844-3610 www.trinityrescueinc.org

Atlanta Yacht Club www.atlantayachtclub.org

Cobb County Family Connection 678-766-5574 www.cobbcollaborative.org http://cobb.gafcp.org

CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS

CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS

Northwest Metro Atlanta Habitat for Humanity 770-432-7954 www.habitatnwma.org

Cobb County Storytellers 888-726-5186 www.cobbcountystorytellers.org Forgotten Paws Animal Rescue 404-993-7958 www.forgottenpaws.com Happy Caps 770-653-9448 contact@happycaps.us www.happycaps.us Humane Society of Cobb County 770-428-5678 www.humanecobb.com Lekotek of Georgia, Kennesaw Satellite www.lekotekga.org LiveSafe Resources 770-427-2902 www.livesaferesources.org MUST Ministries 770-427-9862 www.mustministries.org Mostly Mutts Animal Rescue & Adoption 770-272-MUTT (6888) www.mostlymutts.org Pet Buddies Food Pantry 678-310-9858 www.petbuddiesfoodpantry.org

Kennesaw-Acworth Optimist Club 404-323-5254 On Facebook Kennesaw Masonic Lodge www.kennesaw33.net Atlanta Area Council Boy Scouts of America 770-989-8820 www.atlantabsa.org Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta 770-702-9100 or 800-771-1139 www.girlscoutsatl.org Junior League of Cobb — Marietta 770-422-5266 www.jlcm.org Kiwanis Club of Kennworth Golden K Contact: Ken Leone, 470-422-0382 On Facebook Kennesaw Mountain Chapter, DAR www.kennesawmountain.georgiastatedar.org North Cobb Lions Club https://northcobblionsclub.com On Facebook Ron Asby North Cobb American Legion 678-217-5738 www.post304.org Rotary Club of North Cobb www.facebook.com/northcobbrotary VFW Post 5408 (Acworth & Kennesaw Post) 770-974-0958 www.vfwpost5408.org

RECREATION & HOBBIES

Cobb County Radio Control Modelers Club 404-200-4630 www.ccrc.info Cobb Photographic Society www.cobbphotosociety.com North Cobb Photo Club Contact: Jim, 770-842-3114 www.NorthCobbPhotoClub.com Northwest Family YMCA 770-423-9622 www.ymcaatlanta.org/ymca-locations/ kennesaw

SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS

Erin’s Hope for Friends / E’s Club Acworth 678-390-4812 www.erinshopeforfriends.org info@erinshopeforfriends.org GriefShare 770-590-0334 www.burnthickory.com Loving Through Dementia dementiaministry@duewest.org www.lovingthroughdementia.org MOMS Club of Kennesaw www.kennesawmomsclub.weebly.com Rooted Moms www.rootedmoms.com Teach One to Lead One 770-529-7700 www.t1l1.org West Cobb Mothers and More www.westcobbmothersandmore.weebly.com AROUND KENNESAW | August 2021

Cobb Photographic Society

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

Color

Umit Yuksel - 1st Place (Statue Row)

Novice

Jemetria Mabrey - 1st Place (Hold On) 52

AROUND KENNESAW | August 2021

Jemetria Mabrey - 2nd Place (Shattered Pieces)

Black & White

Charles Stannard - 1st Place (Garden Corner) AROUND KENNESAW | August 2021

Advertisers

For advertising rates and information Jennifer Coleman 678-279-5502 Jen@AroundaboutMagazines.com

August 2021

ATTORNEYS/LEGAL SERVICES Williams | Elleby 833-LEGALGA www.gatrialattorney.com

Capital Mortgage Solutions 770-450-9717 www.cmshomeloans.com

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

Century 21 Celina Meador C: 361-463-6170 O: 770-640-6800

Legacy Custom Blinds 404-430-5288 www.legacycustomblinds.com

Sundance Pressure and Seal 40 O: 770-720-2303 C: 404-771-0071 www.sundancepressureandseal.com

Mostly Mutts Animal Rescue www.mostlymutts.org

COUNSELING 43

DENTAL

EDUCATION SERVICES Georgia Trade School www.georgiatradeschool.com

KSU Executive MBA Program Cover, 28-29 470-578-6862 www.ksuemba.com EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES Courier Express 678-626-4132 www.courierexpress.net

Harrison Hoyas

Kennesaw Mountain Mustangs

North Cobb Warriors

AROUND KENNESAW | August 2021

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

Inside front

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

Towne Plumber 770-257-7503 www.towneplumber.com

JEWELRY The Jewelsmith 770-485-9133 www.thejewelsmithga.com

One Dead Bug 404-704-4685 www.onedeadbug.com

EXP Realty, Jason Fleeman C: 404-643-7417 O: 888-959-9461 www.atlantatennisrealtor.com www.jasonfleeman.exprealty.com

Beth Fornuto Photography 770-846-3848 www.bethfornuto.com

Cindy Rawlings Photography 770-827-0196 www.cmoments.me

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

SENIOR LIVING/SERVICES Canterfield of Kennesaw 470-308-5260 www.canterfieldofkennesaw.com

PHOTOGRAPHY

FOOTBALL

HAIR SALON

PEST CONTROL

FINANCIAL SERVICES

Bay Equity Home Loans Jay White, Area Sales Manager 770-870-0644 www.jayclosesloans.com

REAL ESTATE 7

Airaoke www.airaoke.org

Gentle Dental Care/Georgia Dental Implants 770-926-2784 www.georgiadic.com

Anchor Realty Partners Malinda Howe, Broker: 404-444-0225 Deborah Hill: 770-361-9200 Office: 770-917-0322 www.malinda-howe.com

CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS/EVENTS

Thrive Counseling Center 678-217-7529 www.thrivecounselingcenter.com

Kennesaw State University Owls www.ksuowls.com

Celebration Village 678-594-3570 www.cvillage.com DayBreak Village Senior Living Community

Back cover

770-218-6166 www.daybreakvillage.com Abella Palliative Care 706-624-1130

Inside back

Tapestry Hospice 706-383-8812 www.tapestryhospice.com

Inside back

AroundaboutLo

Since 1996, we have brought relevant, uplifting and reader-driven content to readers. We publish Around Acworth, Around Canton, Around Kennesaw, Around Woodstock and TowneLaker. We look forward to serving you, our readers and advertisers, every month. Thank you for your continued support and participation in making this truly your community magazine. At Aroundabout Local Media, we believe the world functions at the community level: diverse groups of people living in close proximity, sharing commonality of culture, values and local pride, developing safety nets for those in need, and helping each other to live richer lives. It is our heartfelt desire to contribute to the fabric that helps make a community happen. Through our magazines,

we aim to provide everyone in the communities we serve with uplifting, interesting information about the community they are proud to call home. We encourage you to send us your photos, ideas, stories or anything else you think the community would like to know about. It’s your community. It’s your magazine. Look on page 6 for our contact information.

OUR PHOTOGRAPHY PARTNERS We work with some of the best professional photographers in the business.

Jerry King J. King Images 404-384-2794 www.jkingimages.com

ocalMedia.com

Joseph Baum Maniac Agency www.maniacagency.com

Heather Stevens Joyful Day Photography 678-947-1200 www.joyfuldayphoto.com

Beth Fornuto Beth Fornuto Photography 770-846-3848 www.bethfornuto.com

AROUND KENNESAW | August 2021

Live your best life.

New independent living apartment homes now open. RESERVE YOURS BEFORE THEY ARE GONE!

Independent Living | Concierge Living | Assisted Living | Memory Care

3000 Celebration Boulevard Suwanee, GA 30024 770-886-6565

CVillage.com

4460 Celebration Boulevard Acworth, GA 30101 678-594-3570

8-21 Around Kennesaw webfinal.pdf

Articles inside

School News

Cobb Photographic Society

Kennesaw Parks

Jennifer Bonn

Tiffany Hughes

Perry Fowler

Caroline Martin

Jay White

Ryan Blythe

Joel Williams

Senior Events

Elisabeth Stubbs

Pages 28

Cassandra Stiff

Library Events

Derek Easterling

Susan Schulz

Local News

Celebrations

Bill Westenberger

Around Kennesaw