8-23 Around Kennesaw webfinal.pdf

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Around Kennesaw

Bridal

BEST FOR 2024

Our poll will be ready for you to vote Oct. 1-Nov. 15 at www.aroundaboutlocalmedia.com. Results will be posted Jan. 1 and published in the January issue of Around Kennesaw.

What’s New

Resultz Only Fitness had its grand opening at 2500 Cobb Parkway, Suite D1, Kennesaw, last month. rzofitness.com. CEO and founder Eric Phillips also received an entrepreneurship grant from the Cobb County Board of Commissioners in July. The grant program, overseen by the county’s economic development department, provides financial support to startups and entrepreneurs to assist in growing their business, creating jobs and maintaining their locations in Cobb.

For sales inquiries, contact Jennifer Coleman, Vice President of Advertising and Integrated Media

470-263-8414 | jen@aroundaboutmagazines.com

Eric Phillips accepts a check for the entrepreneurship grant he received.

Fried Rice Master, a casual Asian restaurant, recently opened in Cobb Place, 840 Ernest W. Barrett Parkway, Suite 580, Kennesaw, next to the U.S. Postal Service. www.friedricemaster.com.

Super Pizza Bros. has opened at 2950 George Busbee Parkway, Kennesaw. The pizzeria offers New York-style pizza and authentic tacos. thesuperpizzabros.com.

What’s Closed

Christmas Tree Shops, the home goods and seasonal store known as andThat! , has closed its Kennesaw location at 845 Ernest W. Barrett Parkway. The company filed for bankruptcy in May.

At press time, Bed, Bath and Beyond at 840 Ernest W. Barrett Parkway in Kennesaw and its retail brand, buybuy BABY at 2555 Cobb Place Lane in Kennesaw, were set to close at the end of July, according to a statement. The company filed for bankruptcy in April.

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Letter From the Editor

Ihave to admit, I don’t like the month of August. I don’t want to offend anyone who loves it, but a lot of bad things have happened to me during the eighth month. And for someone as hot-natured as I am, the Georgia heat is brutal this time of year.

But another reason for my dislike is Aug. 1 signals the end of Christmas in July. OK, ’fess up. How many of you tuned into a shopping channel to see this year’s newest Christmas decorations? Or watched a sappy Christmas movie on the Hallmark Channel? Or started thinking about maybe moving your tree to a different spot this year?

I did all those things. I recorded the QVC Christmas in July shows that interested me then went back later and fast-forwarded through them, only slowing down for the items I considered buying. I don’t enjoy listening to a host talk about the same revolutionary three-wick candle for a solid 30 minutes, so fastforward is a godsend!

As for the Hallmark movies, yes, I know they all basically follow the same pattern — female lead character, usually a workaholic living in a big city, ends up in a small town, gets involved with the big Christmas event there and falls in love with the

Donna Harris

gorgeous male lead character. Their romance hits a five-minute bump in the road, but by the end, they’re set to live happily ever after. It might be cliche, but what’s wrong with that? It’s a nice little escape from reality, and we can live vicariously through those characters for a couple of hours, while dreaming about our lives becoming a Hallmark movie.

Christmas in July does make me start thinking about my holiday plans. What gifts should I buy my granddaughter? Do I have room for one more decoration in my living room? What event can we attend at The Strand this year? I know it’s still about three months before I start breaking out the decorations, but it’s never too early to start planning.

In the meantime, enjoy checking out some of the features we have in this issue. It was a process, but we finally have the Kennesaw winners of our Readers’ Choice contest on Pages 14-17. Turn to Pages 22-23 to find some delicious potluck recipes from a group of local church ladies. And learn about the K-9 unit that protects the students and employees at Kennesaw State University on Pages 40-41.

Happy reading! And early merry Christmas!

America’s Community Magazine

Volume 2, Issue 12

PUBLISHER

Aroundabout Local Media, Inc. www.aroundaboutlocalmedia.com

VICE PRESIDENT OF ADVERTISING AND INTEGRATED MEDIA

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

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

MANAGING EDITOR

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

CONTENT EDITOR

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

PUBLICATIONS DIRECTOR

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

CONTROLLER

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

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Laura Latchford laura@aroundaboutmagazines.com

Savannah Winn savannah@aroundaboutmagazines.com

DIGITAL MARKETING STRATEGIST

Kathryn Holt kat@aroundaboutmagazines.com

CLIENT RELATIONS MANAGER

Michelle Smith michelle.smith@aroundaboutmagazines.com

COMMUNITY RELATIONS SPECIALIST

Donna Harris is the managing editor of Aroundabout Local Media. She’s a Cobb County native and a veteran journalist with newspaper and magazine experience. Email her at donna@aroundaboutmagazines.com.

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

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

Amanda Bowen | 678-348-0378 amandabowen@aroundaboutmagazines.com

COPY EDITORS

Bill King, Eliza Somers

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

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

All rights reserved. Copyright 2023.

Remember What’s Important Now

BY BILL WESTENBERGER

Many of us are familiar with the phrase “What’s Important Now.” Personally, I have heard it multiple times, providing me with a solemn reminder. It is referenced in motivational and leadership presentations, but its emphatic warning fades away soon after in the whirlwind grind of our daily lives.

For those in public safety or the military, this phrase can reference life-and-death decision points; for the home, it can help keep a family together; and for any organization, it can make the difference in financial success. Each case brings a different perspective to what’s relative, but in each one, it creates a proverbial pause.

So you might ask, how did we get here, and how does it relate to public safety? Well, my concern starts with overstimulation. In our world, there is more information available than we sometimes can digest. Just to give a quick rundown: hundreds of TV channels and apps, search engines, community events, sports to watch, sports to participate in, schools to attend, degrees to earn, festivals, associations to belong to, etc. There are billions of choices, which has been a blessing in many ways. It has given more connection points than we ever could dream of having.

How could something so awesome be detrimental? How could the plethora of choices be harmful? The first thing that comes to mind is a song that was popular in the ’70s — “Signs” by the Five

Man Electrical Band. The lyrics say a lot: “… sign, sign, everywhere a sign, blocking out the scenery, breaking my mind, do this, don’t do that, can’t you read the sign?”

At some point, all this available information can become clutter, lead to confusion, create a sense of loss and build a world where we don’t fit in or don’t have an identity. It’s more difficult for parents to keep up with their children — so much to see, so much to read, so many dangers. It really can overwhelm us into an unrealistic, unhealthy and unsafe world, but only if we let it.

Personally, I feel that things like substance dependency, mental health challenges, roadway distractions and the “got to have it now” philosophy not only create independent dangers, but they also endanger those who share our

world. These dangers can lead to bigger concerns and challenges that create compromises, and those personal compromises easily creep into others’ lives, endangering public safety.

So, what can we do? I think it begins with personal choices. I believe we have to be intentional with prioritization. We have to focus and refocus our vision continuously on “what’s important now” to maintain our personal values and avoid the slippery slopes of trouble.

Until next time, stay safe.

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

Celebrations!

ANNOUNCEMENTS ARE FREE!

Email: edit@aroundaboutmagazines.com

September deadline is Aug. 10.

Please specify Around Kennesaw. Word limit: 25.

Virginia

Aug. 26

Happy 84th birthday, Mom/Maw Maw!

We hope you have many, many more! Have a great one! Your family loves you!

Evandro Norberto

Aug. 11

Happy 49th birthday, Evandro!

We hope you have the best day ever!

Love, Patricia, Luiz, Carlos and Samantha

Charlotte Montaña

Age 3 on Aug. 25

Happy birthday, Charlotte!

We love you!

Love, Mom, Dad and Maddie

Lisa

Aug. 4

Happy birthday to my sweet, loving sister-in-law! I hope you have the best one ever!

Miss and love you! Love, Donna

A Word From Mayor Derek Easterling

Hello, Kennesaw! We’re fast approaching the end of the 2023 summer season, and it’s once again time for the Pig & Peaches BBQ Festival! This year, the festival will be held Aug. 18-19 at Kennesaw’s Adams Park. From its humble beginnings, Pigs & Peaches has grown into one of the region’s most beloved festivals, attracting an estimated 65,000 attendees annually.

Now in its 22nd year, the festival features two days of nonstop music, good eats, cold beer and interactive family fun. Attendees will find more than 100 vendors; exhibitor and contestant booths; a kids’ zone full of inflatables, amusements and attractions; tons of tasty treats to satisfy every whim; and an incredible lineup of entertainers and street performers.

This year, the headlining acts for the Main Stage are Allie Colleen on Friday and Drake Milligan on Saturday. Colleen, a country artist from Owasso, Oklahoma, graduated from Belmont University with a degree in songwriting and music business. She has been performing since she was 14 and now resides in Nashville, Tennessee, as a full-time touring/ recording artist and songwriter.

Milligan burst onto the national music scene after dominating iTunes and entering the Billboard Emerging Artists Chart at No. 5. The Fort Worth, Texas, native is a student of classic country music with the swagger of early rock ’n’ roll. He’s an

electrifying entertainer who is packing country fans into clubs night after night on tour. Milligan cites George Strait and Elvis Presley — the King of Country and the King of Rock ’n’ Roll — as musical heroes.

At the heart of the festival is a Kansas City Barbeque Society-sanctioned competition, which also is recognized as an official Georgia BBQ Championship event. Additional cooking events include a Backyard contest for amateurs as well as Anything Butt and Peach Dessert contests. More than $16,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded to the winners. Festival organizers currently are accepting contest applications.

Kennesaw Parks and Recreation also is accepting applications for sponsors and vendors. Staff members are committed to producing a quality event with a unique assortment of exhibitors, and the Pigs & Peaches BBQ Festival, presented by Williams Elleby, would not be possible without the support of businesses and organizations. For those interested in becoming a vendor or sponsor, visit www.pigsandpeaches.com.

For more information about the festival, visit www.pigsandpeaches.com or call Kennesaw Parks & Recreation at 770-422-9714.

Be blessed!

Derek Easterling

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

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UPCOMING EVENTS

Aug. 15

Alive After 5

5-7:30 p.m.

Tommy Nobis Center

1480 Bells Ferry Road

Marietta

Aug. 22

Wake Up KBA

7:45-9 a.m.

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Winkenhofer Pine Ridge Dignity Memorial

2950 Cobb Parkway

Aug. 25

SUPER Women’s Conference

8:30 a.m.-3 p.m.

Marietta Country Club

1400 Marietta Country Club Drive

Kennesaw

Sept. 12 KBA Luncheon 11 a.m.-1 p.m. KSU Professional Education Building

3333 Busbee Drive

Join

Get a Fresh Start by Making New Friends

BY KEVIN JABBARI

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“A new school year means new beginnings, new adventures, new friendships and new challenges. The slate is clean, and anything can happen.” — Denise Witmer

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August is here, and that means back to school for the kids and a break for the parents. Although it is the middle of the year, it seems like this month represents a fresh start. I want to encourage everyone to get out, meet someone new and make a few friends. Have you noticed once you entered the workforce — maybe even relocated — you began to lose touch with your friends? Well, it’s not just you. Oxford University did a study and found that after age 25, you begin to lose some friends. There are many factors that contribute to this loss, including distance, crazy work hours and a shift in priorities. After a long, hard day, it’s easy to grab some food and turn on a TV show. However, we need to connect with other people to regulate emotions, improve self-esteem and lessen anxiety and depression. Making friends as an adult isn’t easy, but there are many opportunities to do so: visiting your favorite Cobb County restaurant, attending a sporting event, participating in trivia nights, going to block parties, joining book clubs. It starts with putting yourself out there, being authentic and kind, and seeing where a new friendship can go.

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A great way to meet new people with mutual interests is at networking events. Lucky for you, the Kennesaw Business Association (KBA) sponsors a number of great events with lots of people to meet. On Aug. 8 at 11 a.m., we will have our monthly luncheon at the KSU Professional Education Building. We will be hosting a panel to talk about building a better future for Kennesaw in the nonprofit sector. Freedom Church and Aroundabout Local Media are sponsoring this great event.

On Aug. 22 at 7:45 a.m., we will have our monthly Wake Up KBA at Winkenhofer Pine Ridge Dignity Memorial. This is perfect for the early-bird networkers who like to start their day off right.

“The most important thing in communications is to hear what isn’t being said.” — Peter Drucker

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On Aug. 25, the super women of KBA are doing it again! The third annual Three-13 Salon, Spa & Boutique SUPER Women’s Conference will be held at the Marietta Country Club. This year’s theme is “Changing the Communication Game,” with keynote speakers Holly Moore and Natalie Born teaching how to do so. In addition, there will be a roundtable discussion, vendors, networking and more! Don’t miss out on this amazing event that will make you feel empowered!

August is about making new friends and new connections and maybe even having new adventures. The KBA is here to help you. We can’t wait to see you at these great events!

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Kevin Jabbari is the president of the Kennesaw Business Association and owns Jabbari Property Services LLC.

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Get to Know

Joshua Fowler

Principal, Lost Mountain Middle School

What are your main job responsibilities?

I believe my main responsibility is to create a safe environment where teachers are given appropriate support to put the best instruction possible in front of our students each day. Obviously, there are several responsibilities that go along with this: daily operations, personnel development, building and maintaining community relationships, and continuously evaluating data to find room for improvement, just to name a few.

Why did you want to be principal?

When I received notice that I was to be named the new principal of Lost Mountain Middle School (LMMS), I could not have been happier! Nearly half of my 24-year career has been spent at Lost Mountain. It felt like I was coming back home. This community has always been special to me because of their involvement, generosity and commitment to the success of our students. In addition to an already strong staff, I feel extremely lucky to be here.

What is your background?

I was named principal of LMMS in April of this year. I taught in Michigan for four years before I moved to Georgia in 2003. I was hired by Cobb County and taught at Palmer Middle and LMMS. I took an assistant principal position in 2017 at Durham Middle before transitioning to principal at LMMS. I have a bachelor’s degree from Saginaw Valley State University (Michigan), a master’s degree from Kennesaw State University and a specialist’s degree from the University of West Georgia.

What do you like about being an educator?

Very simple: the kids. The growth, both physically and mentally, that students make during their short three years here with us at the middle school level is unmatched. I appreciate that I still have a great ability to have a broad impact on the lives of our students. Students at LMMS will notice that I am very visible and will show up in their classrooms on a regular basis to stay active in their learning and middle school experience.

What has been the biggest job surprise?

My biggest surprise is that I have spent all 24 years of my career in a middle school. I took an opportunity to teach in my first middle school because it was close to my house, but I didn’t think middle school was where I wanted to be. After my first two years in a middle school, I knew this is exactly where I was meant to be. If you ask my wife, she’ll probably tell you I never really left middle school.

What excites you most about LMMS’s future?

I’m excited to see how we can help and inspire our students to achieve their goals. Our community, staff and students already give us a strong foundation in getting this accomplished. As a staff, we have several innovative ideas for the future that can provide our students with more opportunities to find success in whatever they choose to pursue.

What are your goals?

Professionally, I have already accomplished my biggest goal, which was to become principal of a school. I now have a goal to never stop learning. I have registered for several seminars and trainings and cannot wait to further develop my knowledge to help our school be the best school. Personally, I have a goal to visit each of the Major League Baseball stadiums. I am currently at 12 and plan on visiting four new ones this summer.

Tell us about your family and hobbies.

I have been married to my wife, Mary, for 17 years. We have two daughters, Riley, 15, and Reese, 12, who both attend Cobb County schools. Chewie is our dog. Yes, that’s short for Chewbacca. We love to be active outside and camp regularly. I also enjoy fishing, hunting, watching any kind of sports, playing cornhole and a good nap.

When Trouble Comes Your Way

BY TOM TANNER

Testimonies are meant to encourage. Most of the time, they do. But occasionally, they make us wonder, “What about me?” Why has that person’s life turned out so well while mine seems to be stuck in reverse? Every life is different, and God has a design for your life. Are you willing to trust him even when trouble comes?

Job was a man who lived righteously before God. Satan believed Job only loved and trusted God because he was so blessed. God then gave Satan permission to test him by allowing Satan to take everything from him. Job lost property, cattle, even children. His response was to worship. He said, “Naked I came into the world, naked I will leave.”

Satan then said touching Job’s possessions wasn’t enough. Surely if God allowed him to be put through hardship, he would crumble. So Job’s body was covered from head to toe with sores. His friends came to him and said, “Obviously, you have sinned.” Job remained true to God and maintained his innocence. At one point, he began asking God questions, and God responded by asking him a few questions: “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Have you ever given orders to the morning? Does the rain have a father? Do hawks fly because of your design?”

After these trials, God restored Job’s losses and gave him twice as much as he had before. Job 42:10-11.

So, what can we learn from Job’s story?

God’s ways are not like ours. We can’t understand him by human logic and reason. We can’t hold him captive to what we think is right or fair. God has a reason and a purpose for the things he does. Psalm 18:30 says, “His ways are perfect.”

God is good. He is for us. We were created as the object of his affection. When things go well, God is good. When things go badly, God is good. When we have a lot, God is good. When we have little, God is good. His character doesn’t change. God can be trusted all the time. Good and bad, easy and difficult, fruitful and barren — blessed be the name of the Lord.

There is a new day coming. God’s nature is to redeem and restore. Even though we don’t always understand his ways, we can know his heart. No matter how bad or how long, there is a new day coming.

Blessing will come to those who trust in him. It might not come when or how we expect it, but it will come.

Thomas Tanner is lead pastor of RiverStone Church and president of the Transformation Network. He and Melissa

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WINNERS OF THIS YEAR’S POLL

We are excited to celebrate you and the contributions you make to our community. We know you’re proud and ready to announce your success!

If you won your category, we have prepared a few items to help you celebrate:

• Window cling

• Certificate

• Digital award graphic to post on your website, Facebook page or other social media outlets

To receive these items, email readerschoice@aroundaboutmagazines. com with the following information:

• Business name and mailing address

• Contact person’s email address and phone number

It’s essential for us to have your contact information so we can make sure you have all you need to celebrate properly.

Another way to share your good news — and thank the community for voting for you — is through a Thank You ad. For more information on ads, email michelle.smith@ aroundaboutmagazines.com.

IT’S TIME TO

EDUCATION & PERSONAL SERVICES

ACTIVE 55+ COMMUNITY

Winner: Canterfield of Kennesaw

Second Place: Kennesaw Place

Runner Up: Gaines Park Senior Living

ASSISTED LIVING/MEMORY CARE FACILITY

Winner: Daybreak Village Assisted Living

Second Place: Canterfield of Kennesaw

BARBER SHOP

Winner: Big Shanty Barber Shop

Second Place: Kennesaw Barber Shop

Runner Up: The Experience Grooming Salon & Barbershop

DAY CARE/PRESCHOOL

Winner: Kennesaw Methodist Children’s Academy

Second Place: Primrose School of Bells Ferry

Runner Up: First Baptist Christian School

EDUCATION SERVICES/TUTORING

Winner: Cobb Speech & Language Services

HAIR SALON

Winner: Patricia Hill Color Studio

Second Place: LUXE Color Bar

Runner Up: Lorena’s Beauty Hair Salon

MASSAGE

Winner: Pure Living Wellness & Massage

Second Place: Massage Envy

Runner Up: LaVida Massage

NAIL SALON

Winner: Nail Palace

Second Place: Allure Nail Spa

Runner Up: Lush Nail Bar

PRIVATE SCHOOL

Winner: First Baptist Christian School

Second Place: Mount Paran Christian School

Runner Up: St. Catherine of Siena Catholic School

SCHOOL ADMINISTRATOR

Winner: Kendra Neal - Primrose School of Bells Ferry

Second Place: Ashlynn Campbell - Harrison High School

SCHOOL TEACHER

Winner: Karen Dotson - Primrose School of Bells Ferry

Second Place: Janice Walters - Primrose School of Bells Ferry

Runner Up: Dawn Parker - Kennesaw Mountain High School

TANNING SALON

Winner: Palm Beach Tan

FOOD & DRINK

ASIAN RESTAURANT

Winner: Volcano Steak & Sushi

Second Place: Revolving Sushi Factory

Runner Up: Fire Stone Chinese Cuisine

BAKERY/DESSERTS

Winner: Nothing Bundt Cakes

Second Place: Honeysuckle Biscuits & Bakery

Runner Up: Cake 2 Taste

BARBECUE RESTAURANT

Winner: The Nest Kennesaw

Second Place: Big Shanty Smokehouse

Runner Up: Dickey’s Barbecue Pit

BREAKFAST/BISCUITS

Winner: Honeysuckle Biscuits & Bakery

Second Place: First Watch

Runner Up: Stilesboro Biscuits

TO Celebrate!

BREWERY/BEER/WINE

Winner: Dry County Brewing Co.

Second Place: Horned Owl Brewing

Runner Up: Bar North

BRUNCH

Winner: First Watch

Second Place: Caper’s Restaurant and Bar

Runner Up: Basecamp at Kennesaw Mountain

BURGERS

Winner: BurgerFi

Second Place: Moxie Burger

Runner Up: Owlz Pub

CATERING

Winner: Classy Clay’s Catering & More LLC

Second Place: Eatin’ Fresh Kennesaw

Runner Up: Firefly Catering

COFFEE/TEA SHOP

Winner: Lazy Labrador Coffee House

Second Place: Kennesaw Coffee Co.

Runner Up: Independent Grounds Cafe

DONUTS

Winner: Marietta Donuts #2

Second Place: Tip Top Donuts

Runner Up: Dough In The Box

FINE DINING RESTAURANT

Winner: Caper’s Restaurant and Bar

Second Place: Mac’s Chop House

Runner Up: Bernie’s Social Bar

ICE CREAM/FROZEN DESSERT

Winner: Frozen Cow Creamery

Second Place: Culver’s

Runner Up: Sweetreats Marietta

ITALIAN RESTAURANT

Winner: Pisano’s Pizzeria & Italian Kitchen

Second Place: Provino’s Italian Restaurant

Runner Up: Caper’s Restaurant and Bar

MEXICAN RESTAURANT

Winner: Bernardo’s Modern Mex

Second Place: El Taco Azteca Bar and Grill

Runner Up: Tin Lizzy’s Cantina

NEIGHBORHOOD FAVORITE

Winner: Bernie’s Social Bar

Second Place: Owlz Pub

Runner Up: Tin Lizzy’s Cantina

PIZZERIA - DELIVERY/DINE IN

Winner: Pisano’s Pizzeria & Italian Kitchen

Second Place: Mellow Mushroom - Kennesaw

Runner Up: Vesuvio Pizzeria Napoletana

ROMANTIC RESTAURANT

Winner: unWine’d & Tap

Second Place: Elevation Chophouse & Skybar

Runner Up: The Melting Pot

SANDWICHES/DELI

Winner: Chicken Salad Chick

Second Place: McAlister’s Deli

Runner Up: Newk’s Eatery

SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

Winner: The Juicy Crab

Second Place (Tied): Copeland’s of New Orleans

Second Place (Tied): Sushiology

WINGS

Winner: Taco Mac Kennesaw

Second Place: Owlz Pub

Runner Up: Olde Towne Tavern & Grille

HOME & AUTO

AUTOMOTIVE - CAR WASH

Winner: Tidal Wave Auto Spa

Second Place: Dirty Dog’s Car Wash

Runner Up: Scrubhub

AUTOMOTIVE - EMISSIONS TESTING

Winner: North Cobb Emissions

AUTOMOTIVE - GENERAL SERVICE

Winner: Wylie Automotive

Second Place: KM Auto Care Inc.

Runner Up: Castrol Kennesaw Express Lube

AUTOMOTIVE - TIRE SALES & SERVICE

Winner: Kennesaw Tire

Second Place: Discount Tire

Runner Up: D.W. Campbell Tire & Auto Service

GOLF CART SALES & REPAIR

Winner: Kliggy’s Karts

HOME SERVICES - CLEANING

Winner: Maid in America Cleaning Services

Second Place: Organize Plus Cleaning

Runner Up: OCP Clean

HOME SERVICES - FLOORING

Winner: Enhance Floors

HOME SERVICES - HEATING & AIR

Winner: Reliable Heating & Air, Plumbing and Electrical

Second Place: Anytime Heating and Cooling

HOME SERVICES - HOME INSPECTION

Winner: SK Home Inspections

HOME SERVICES - IMPROVEMENT/REMODELING

Winner: Capital Development LLC

HOME SERVICES - INTERIOR DESIGN

Winner: Kandrac & Kole Interior Designs

Second Place (Tied): Image360 Kennesaw

Second Place (Tied): Innovative Impressions

HOME SERVICES - PLUMBING

Winner: Superior Plumbing Services

Second Place: Anytime Heating, Cooling & Plumbing

Runner Up: Mr. Plumber - Kennesaw

HOME SERVICES - PRESSURE WASHING/EXTERIOR CLEANING

Winner: Rink’s Pressure Washing

HOME SERVICES - ROOFING

Winner: Marietta Roofing Co.

Second Place: Regal Roofing

Runner Up: Retro Roofers

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

ACCOUNTANTS/CPA

Winner: Ratliff & Associates CPAs

Second Place: Tammy M. Guelfo, CPA

Runner Up: Legacy Accounting and Tax Services LLC

ATTORNEY

Winner: Williams | Elleby

Second Place: Crane Elder Law Firm

Runner Up: Piedmont Injury Law

BANK/CREDIT UNION

Winner: Credit Union of Georgia

Second Place: LGE Community Credit Union

Runner Up: Bank of America

BUSINESS SUPPORT - ADMINISTRATION (PRINTING, STAFFING, ETC.)

Winner: Kennesaw Business Association

Second Place: TeamLogic IT

Runner Up: ServIT

FUNERAL HOME

Winner: Winkenhofer Pine Ridge Funeral

Home & Memorial Park

HOME STAGING

Winner: Showhomes of Cobb

Second Place: Creative Staging Services Inc.

Runner Up: Georgia Home Staging

INSURANCE

Winner: Dickerson Agency Inc. - Insurance

Agency

Second Place: Farmers Insurance - The Hathaway Agency

INVESTMENT FIRM/FINANCIAL ADVISOR

Winner: Edward Jones - Financial Advisor: Deborah P. Flugstad

Second Place: Henssler Financial

Runner Up (Tied): Edward Jones - Financial Advisor: Amanda Yingling

Runner Up (Tied): Edward Jones - Financial Advisor: Daryl Ullmer, RICP®|CRPS™

MORTGAGE LENDER

Winner: Linda Kennedy, American Eagle

Mortgage Georgia Team

Second Place: ALCOVA Mortgage | Kennesaw

PHOTOGRAPHER

Winner: M. Jae Photography

Second Place: Chris Henderson Photography

REALTOR (REAL ESTATE BROKER)

Winner: Joannie Bates, Keller Williams

Second Place: Julie Fogard, RE/MAX Unlimited

Runner Up: Tracey Viars

SPEECH THERAPY

Winner: Cobb Speech & Language Services

Second Place: Rhonda Thomas - Children’s at Town Center

Runner Up: The Communication Spot LLC

RECREATION & FITNESS

ART STUDIO/GALLERY

Winner: The Art Station - Big Shanty

Second Place: Ann’s Studio

COMMUNITY FESTIVAL, EVENT OR VENUE

Winner: Big Shanty Festival

Second Place: Pigs & Peaches BBQ Festival

Runner Up: Kennesaw Recreation Center

DANCE STUDIO

Winner: Dynamite Dance Factory

Second Place: Dance Tech and Talent

Runner Up: The Dancers Studio

EQUESTRIAN

Winner: Lost Mountain Stables

FITNESS/HEALTH CLUB

Winner: Burn Boot Camp

Second Place: HOTWORX - Kennesaw (Town Center)

Runner Up: Crunch Fitness

GOLF COURSE/CLUB

Winner: Marietta Country Club

Second Place: Pinetree Country Club

GYMNASTICS/CHEER CENTER

Winner: Gymnastics Academy of Atlanta

Second Place: The Stingray Allstars - Marietta

Runner Up: Stingray Allstars Cheer - North Gym

MARTIAL ARTS

Winner: Rise Up Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

PLACE TO VOLUNTEER

Winner: Mostly Mutts Animal Rescue and Adoption

SPORTS LEAGUE

Winner: West Cobb Baseball Association

TRAVEL AGENCY

Winner: Dream Vacations - Michelle Crabtree

Second Place: Celtic Hearts Travel

RETAIL & PETS

ANTIQUE STORE

Winner: Wildman’s Shop

Second Place: Antiques on the Square - Marietta

Runner Up: Memory Lane on Main

APPLIANCE/FURNITURE STORE

Winner: Rooms To Go - Kennesaw

BICYCLE SALES & REPAIR

Winner: Play It Again Sports

Second Place: Conte’s Bike Shop

BOUTIQUE/CLOTHING

Winner: Turquoise Otter

Second Place: Uptown Cheapskate

Runner Up: LiviRae Lingerie

CONSIGNMENT/THRIFT STORE

Winner: St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store

Kennesaw

FLORIST

Winner: Faith Designs Florist

Second Place: Kennesaw Florist

GIFTS/HOME DECOR

Winner: White Rabbit Cottage

Second Place: Turquoise Otter

Runner Up: Little Red Bird Gifts

HARDWARE STORE

Winner: Ace Hardware Brookstone

Second Place: The Home Depot

HOBBY SHOP

Winner: Hobby Lobby

Second Place: HobbyTown

Runner Up: DICK’S Sporting Goods

JEWELER

Winner: Prospector’s Pouch

Second Place: D. Geller & Son

Runner Up: Zales

LIQUOR STORE

Winner: In & Out Beverage LLC

Second Place: Wade Green Bottle Shop

Runner Up: Elite Liquor & Wine

PET - BOARDING

Winner: Creekside Pet Hotel

Second Place: Atlanta Pet Resort - Marietta

Runner Up: Georgia House Rabbit Society

PET - DOG TRAINING

Winner: Realigned K9

PET - GROOMING

Winner: Bubble Tubs for Dogs

Second Place: Creekside Pet Hotel

Runner Up (Tied): Befur and After

Runner Up (Tied): Clip N’ Dip Pet Grooming

PET - SUPPLIES

Winner: Top Dogs Pet Boutique

Second Place: The Good Dog Shoppe

Runner Up: PetSmart

PET - VETERINARIAN

Winner: Butler Creek Animal Hospital

Second Place: North Cobb Animal Hospital

Runner Up: Kennesaw Mountain Veterinary Services

SPECIALTY FOODS/NUTRITION

Winner: My Shibboleth Lifestyle

WELLNESS

CBD MERCHANT

Winner: Nature’s Corner Market

Second Place: Your CBD Store | SUNMED - Kennesaw

Runner Up: CBD Pros USA

CHIROPRACTIC

Winner: Discover Integrated Health LLC

Second Place: Eaton Chiropractic

Runner Up: Willis Chiropractic Center

COUNSELING/PSYCHOLOGY

Winner: Thrive Counseling Center

Second Place: Broken Chains International Inc.

Runner Up: Partners in Wellness - Madison West

DENTAL (NOT PEDIATRIC)

Winner: Dental Excellence of Kennesaw

Second Place: Kennesaw Mountain Dental Associates

Runner Up: Bruce A. Hester, DMD

DERMATOLOGY

Winner: Skin Cancer Specialists PC & Aesthetic Center

Second Place: Acworth Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center

Runner Up: Dr. Jessica Harris - Marietta Dermatology

GENERAL PRACTICE

Winner: Governors MedSpa & Concierge Medicine

Second Place: Dr. Sharmila Ramprasad - Creekside Medical Clinic LLC

LUNG & SLEEP SPECIALTY

Winner: Cherokee Lung & Sleep SpecialistsKennesaw

MED SPA

Winner: Governors MedSpa & Concierge Medicine

OBSTETRICS/GYNECOLOGY

Winner: Dr. Angel Paas - Kennesaw Gynecology

Second Place: Unified Premier Women’s Care

Runner Up: Dr. Mojgan Khatami - Georgia Gynecology

OPTOMETRY/OPHTHALMOLOGY

Winner: Hester Eye Associates

Second Place: Visionworks Town Center at Cobb

ORTHODONTICS

Winner: Depew Orthodontics

Second Place: OrthoZone

Runner Up (Tied): iClear Orthodontics

Runner Up (Tied): Legacy Pediatric Dentistry - Imagix Dental

ORTHOPEDICS

Winner: Dr. O. Scott Swayze - Pinnacle

Orthopaedics and Sports

Second Place: Ortho Sport & Spine Physicians

PAIN MANAGEMENT

Winner: Willis Chiropractic Center

PEDIATRIC DENTAL

Winner: Shoemaker Pediatric Dentistry

Second Place: Children’s Dentistry of West Cobb

Runner Up: Legacy Pediatric Dentistry - Imagix Dental

PEDIATRICS

Winner: Wellstar KenMar Pediatrics

Second Place: Kennesaw Pediatrics

Runner Up: Summit Pediatrics

PHARMACY

Winner: Publix Pharmacy at Orchard Square

Shopping Center

Second Place: CVS

Runner Up (Tied): Target

Runner Up (Tied): Walgreens

PHYSICAL THERAPY

Winner: Venture Physical Therapy of Marietta

Second Place: Children’s Orthopedics and Sports

Medicine - Town Center

Runner Up: Physio - Acworth-Kennesaw

PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT/NURSE PRACTITIONER/CNA

Winner: Wendy Allard, NP - Governors MedSpa & Concierge Medicine

Second Place: Kenneth Holbrook, PA - Resurgens

Orthopaedics

Runner Up: Lee McNichols, NP - Living Well Primary Care

PODIATRY

Winner: Vivian C. Iwu, DPM

Joel Williams

Chase Elleby

Good Eatin’ Church Ladies Share

Favorite Potluck Recipes

To find some of the best cooks in the South — and to soothe your stomach as well as your soul — head to any church event that includes a potluck meal, and be sure to wear your stretchy pants! Dig into entrees like meatloaf, fried chicken and pot roast. Complement them with side dishes like squash casserole, green beans, deviled eggs and pasta salad. Don’t forget to save room for the delectable desserts: coconut cake, apple pie, chocolate delight and brownies. And wash it all down with the house wine of the South: good ol’ sweet tea. ALM asked local members of Eastwood Baptist Church in Marietta to share some of their favorite go-to recipes that are perfect for homecoming, Pastor Appreciation Day, dinner on the grounds or any event for which you might need a few soulsoothing dishes.

MawMaw Dude’s

Old-Fashioned Custard Pie

Submitted by Clara Tidwell, Kennesaw

• 4 eggs

• 1¼ cups sugar

• 4 tablespoons flour

• Pinch of salt and baking soda

• 1 cup whole-milk buttermilk

• 4 tablespoons melted butter

• 1 tablespoon vanilla

• 1 frozen deep-dish pie crust

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs together, then add 1 cup of sugar and mix. Put the ¼ cup of sugar and the flour in a small bowl and stir together with a fork. Add salt and baking soda and stir with the fork. Add that mixture to the eggs and sugar. Add buttermilk, butter and vanilla. Pour into pie crust and bake for 1 hour.

Hot Chicken Salad

Submitted by Evelyn Walden, Kennesaw

• 3 cups chicken, cooked and chopped

• 2 cans cream of chicken soup

• 2 teaspoons lemon juice

• 1 cup cracker crumbs

• ½ cup celery, chopped

• 4 teaspoons onion, chopped

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 6 hard-boiled eggs, chopped

• 1 cup mayonnaise

• 1 can chow mein noodles

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix chicken, soup, lemon juice, cracker crumbs, celery, onion, pepper, eggs and mayonnaise together. Spread in dish. Sprinkle noodles on top. Bake for 30 minutes.

Crack Chicken

Submitted by Michelle Harrell, Acworth

• 2 cups cooked chicken

• Chopped bacon

• 8 ounces cream cheese

• 8 ounces sour cream

• Garlic, to taste

• Pepper, to taste

• ½ cup heavy whipping cream or half-and-half

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix chicken, bacon, cream cheese, sour cream, garlic and pepper together. Add whipping cream. Then add cheese and mix well. Pour into a 9-by-13-inch casserole dish and add more cheese on top. Bake for 20-25 minutes.

MawMaw Dude’s Old-Fashioned Custard Pie.

Millionaire Pie

Submitted by Virginia Sullivan, Kennesaw

• 1 block cream cheese, softened

• ½ cup sugar

• 1 can crushed pineapple

• ½ cup coconut

• ½ cup chopped pecans

• 1 large Cool Whip

• 1 graham cracker pie crust

Beat cream cheese and sugar together. Add pineapple, coconut and pecans and mix well. Fold in half of Cool Whip. Put in graham cracker pie crust and cover with other half of Cool Whip. Sprinkle extra pecans on top. Refrigerate.

Ritz Cracker

Chicken Casserole

Submitted by Lori Tidwell, Kennesaw

• 4 cups chicken, fully cooked and shredded

• 10½ ounces cream of chicken soup

• 1 cup sour cream

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ⅛ teaspoon pepper

• 1 sleeve Ritz Crackers, crushed

• 6 tablespoons butter, melted

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare a casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside. Mix chicken with cream of chicken soup, sour cream and seasonings. Add to the bottom of the casserole dish. Top casserole with crackers and butter. Bake for 20-30 minutes.

Beefy Baked Beans

Submitted by Beverly Daniel, Acworth

• 1 pound ground beef

• 1 small green pepper, chopped

• ½ cup chopped onion

• 1 16-ounce can pork and beans

• ½ cup ketchup

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

• 2 tablespoons vinegar

• 2½ teaspoons chili powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon pepper

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine ground beef, green pepper and onion in a large skillet; cook until meat is browned, stirring to crumble. Drain. Stir in remaining ingredients and spoon into a lightly greased 9-by-12-inch baking dish. Bake, uncovered, for 30 minutes.

Taco Salad

Submitted by Evelyn Walden, Kennesaw

• 1 can ranch-style beans, rinsed and drained

• 1 head lettuce, broken into small pieces

• ¾ pound shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 large onion, diced

• 1 bell pepper, diced

• 1 small bottle Catalina dressing

• 1 small bag taco-flavored Doritos

Mix all ingredients, but add Doritos last so they won’t get soggy.

Simple and Easy Chicken Tetrazzini

Submitted by Michelle Harrell, Acworth

• 1 box rotini noodles

• 1 can cream of chicken soup

• 2 cups shredded mild cheddar cheese

• 1 large can of chicken or 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken

Cook noodles according to package directions. Combine cream of chicken soup and cheese together and cook until melted and well blended. Add chicken. Pour over cooked noodles.

Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole.

Around & About

Dog Days at the Gardens

Aug. 5, Sept. 2, 5, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Smith-Gilbert Gardens, 2382 Pine Mountain Road

Kennesaw

Pups can explore the gardens with their humans the first Tuesday and Saturday of each month through October for $3 per visit. https:// smithgilbertgardens. com/dogdays/

Gentle Yoga Flow

Aug. 16, 19, 10-10:45 a.m., SmithGilbert Gardens

This class is designed to destress and release tightness and tension in the body and mind through conscious breathing, gentle movement and stretching. bit.ly/3BRTDaw

SEPTEMBER

First Friday Concert Series

Sept. 1, 7-9:30 p.m., Pedestrian Underpass/Tunnel Plaza off Main Street, downtown Kennesaw

The Kennesaw Downtown Development Authority and the Kennesaw Downtown Merchants Association continue the third annual series with Brotherhood, a Doobie Brothers Tribute. The remaining lineup is Oct. 6: Emerald Empire Band. https://bit.ly/3o7nzvG

Georgia Country Music Fest

Sept. 1-3, Jim R. Miller Park Marietta

The inaugural family-friendly event will feature live performances by Turnpike Troubadours, Cody Jinks, Koe Wetzel, Jamey Johnson and more than 30 other national, regional and local artists, as well as vendors, theme nights, camping and more. https://georgiacountrymusicfest.com/

Harvest Hustle 5K

Sept. 9, 7:30 a.m., 1-mile fun run; 8 a.m., 5K; and 8:55 a.m., Tot Trot; downtown Kennesaw and SwiftCantrell Park

Pigs & Peaches BBQ Festival

Aug. 18-19, Friday, 6-10 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Adams Park, Kennesaw

The 22nd annual two-day event will include a barbecue competition, nonstop music, dance groups, fireworks, good food and vendors. www.kennesaw-ga. gov/pigsandpeaches/

Hummingbird Banding

Aug. 26, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Smith-Gilbert Gardens

2023 Fun in the Park Photo Contest

Through Nov. 2

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

The third race in the 2023 Kennesaw Grand Prix 5K Series, the premier 5K races in north Georgia, is a Peachtree Road Race qualifier. Awards will be presented at 9:15 a.m. Entry fee of $35 includes a race T-shirt. The remaining race is Nightmare on Main Street 5K on Oct. 28.

North Georgia State Fair

Sept. 21-Oct. 1, Jim R. Miller Park Marietta

The fair features attractions and shows, farm animals, local entertainment, rides, food, exhibits, games, a circus, bull riders and more.

www.northgeorgiastatefair.com

Great Lake Allatoona Cleanup

Sept. 30, Allatoona Lake

Registration is open through Sept. 25. www.lakeallatoonaassoc.com

The Pigs & Peaches BBQ Festival draws 60,000 barbecue lovers each year.

FARMERS MARKETS

Kennesaw Farmers Market

Through Sept. 25, Mondays, 3:30-7:30 p.m. Depot Park, 2828 Cherokee St.

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

Acworth Farmers Market

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

Logan Farm Park

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

THE ART STATION - BIG SHANTY

2050 Kennesaw Due West Road, Kennesaw www.artstationcobb.org

“Art of the Art Teacher”

Through Aug. 31, front gallery

This exhibit showcases the work of art teachers in the Cobb County School District.

“Under Lucky Stars”

Through Sept. 30, online gallery

Greg Stone

Aug. 31-Sept. 30, front gallery

Check the website for information.

“Flora & Fauna”

Sept. 5-30, back gallery

The exhibit will showcase plant and animal life that’s both exotic and common to local backyards.

RECREATION

KENNESAW PARKS AND RECREATION

2529 J.O. Stephenson Ave. 770-424-8274

Classes at Ben Robertson Community Center, 2753 Watts Drive, unless otherwise noted. www.kennesaw-ga.gov/parks-andrecreation

Painting and Drawing With Jessica Geist

Mondays, through Aug. 28, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Intermediate and advanced oil painters, ages 18 and older, can expect to learn or improve on techniques for creating depth and realism, as well as color theory and color mixing.

BSD Taekwondo

Mondays and Wednesdays through Aug. 30, 6-7 p.m.

Ages 6 and older will develop focus, self-control and confidence.

Pottery: Hand Building and Wheel Class

Tuesdays, Aug. 15-Sept. 19, 9-11 a.m., 11 a.m.-1 p.m. or 5-7 p.m.

Adults will learn the coil, pinch and slab methods of hand building, then move on to wheel techniques.

Sole KIDZ Running Program

Tuesdays and Thursdays, Aug. 15Oct. 26, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

This program will encourage ages 4-12 to get active and lead a healthy lifestyle.

Pottery: Advanced Hand Building and Wheel Class

Wednesdays, through Sept. 27, 5-7 p.m. or 7-9 p.m.

Adults with one to two years of pottery experience will develop skills, work on surface designs and techniques, and develop their artistic voice.

Little Dragons Taekwondo

Thursdays, through Aug. 31, 5:30-6 p.m.

This class teaches kids ages 4-7 about focus, self-control and discipline.

Painting and Drawing With Jessica Geist

Thursdays, through Aug. 31, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Intermediate and advanced oil painters, ages 18 and older, can expect to learn or improve on techniques for creating depth and realism, as well as color theory and color mixing.

Pottery: Hand Building and Wheel Class

Thursdays, through Sept. 28, 5-7 p.m. or 7-9 p.m.

Adults will learn the coil, pinch and slab methods of hand building then learn to throw pottery on the wheel.

Karate for Adults: Practical and Applied

Thursdays, through Aug. 10, 7-8 p.m. This class, for ages 20-70, balances traditional karate techniques with real-world self-defense applications.

Special-Needs Gymnastics

Thursdays, Aug. 24-Oct. 12, 4-4:30 p.m., Kennesaw Recreation Center

This class is designed for ages 4 and older who are independent during gross motor activities but need a smaller class.

MASTER GARDENERS

www.cobbmastergardeners.com

Water Sense

Aug. 15, 7 p.m., virtual program

Learn the watering ground rules about how and when to water from Angie Marcus of the Cobb County Water System. bit.ly/3ryN3Ui

Artist Appreciation Month

Acrylic Painter Shares Talent With Students

Christy Hayes is a professional artist and instructor living in Marietta with her husband, two children and two dogs. She has a degree in education, a minor in art and has been teaching acrylic painting classes for nearly a decade.

When Hayes began taking adult art classes as a recreational activity, it reignited her passion to be creative. Enrolling in painting classes in spaces such as The Art Station helped her meet fellow artists, build her skills and connect with other local fine arts groups. A little more than five years ago, she began teaching at The Art Station, part of Cobb County Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department, and now has expanded to instructing at the Art House in Acworth.

Hayes started with one-time workshops in mixed-media collage and alcohol inks and built up her class catalog by adding longer-form acrylic painting sessions for true beginners and openstudio classes for advanced students.

Beginner classes start with a supply lesson, along with lessons in value study and color mixing to build a foundation that can be applied to any medium. Hayes specializes in portraits but has been commissioned to paint landscapes and important landmarks. She enjoys creating her own art, but working in a creative studio atmosphere with others has been what keeps her coming back to teaching.

In the past decade, her art has been displayed in several juried shows, as well as featured in a magazine and in five galleries across the Southeast. Her painting classes at The Art Station resume this month. For details and to register, visit artstationcobb.org or visit Hayes’ website at christyhayesfineart.com.

Hayes enjoys painting in her home studio in Marietta.

SUBMITTED BY THE ART STATION-BIG SHANTY

Christy Hayes specializes in portraits but has been commissioned to paint landscapes.

4 Ways to Help Students, Their Families

BY SUSANNAH MACKAY

It’s back-to-school season! It may be hard to give up the freedom of summer, but there’s something exciting about a new box of crayons or a set of clean notebooks. Such simple things can make a big difference. For some, school supplies are luxuries, and heading back to school can be overwhelming and stressful. Too many children in our community don’t have stable homes or access to food, much less the clothes and pencils they need to succeed. But you can help! There are several projects on justserve.org that can enable students to start the school year strong.

1. Donate school supplies. Support SimpleNeeds

GA’s school-focused programs: Uniforms for Excellence, Shoe Them Love and a general school supply drive. Each of these programs are high-impact and easy to support. (bit.ly/46E1QwY)

2. Help dress those in need. Sort and hang donated clothing at House of Hope North Georgia in Canton. This is a great opportunity for people of all ages, even children, to help make an impact in the lives of students who want to make their best first impression at school. (bit.ly/3ObcqEN)

3. Donate books. Cobb Collaborative has an ongoing initiative to promote literacy and unite families, educators and the community. You can donate new or gently used books locally or ship them to Cobb Collaborative using its Amazon Wish List. (bit.ly/3IJ8gzZ)

4. Gather items for Together for Families. Check out this listing for general instructions on how to get started hosting a drive. Then, choose the theme of your drive. One person can make a greater difference by involving friends. (bit.ly/44yckMq)

Be sure to check out these great projects — and more! — on the JustServe website. Or for additional ideas, join the JustServe Georgia Volunteers public Facebook group. It never has been easier to make a difference in someone’s life.

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

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

Personal Attention Tailored to Your Legal Needs

Williams|Elleby is changing the narrative on what a personal injury law firm should be.

Attorney Joel Williams opened the firm in 2013, to help people who face serious personal injuries, or the family of a person who has been killed, due to the fault of someone else. The firm’s attorneys and staff pride themselves on giving personal attention to each client.

“I founded this firm with the desire to help protect injury victims from being taken advantage of by insurance companies,” Joel said. “Injury victims often face hardships — economic, physical and emotional. It is rewarding to be able to help them during this difficult time as they try to regain their life.”

Attorney Chase Elleby joined the firm in 2017. In October 2019, the firm named him an official partner, and changed its name to Williams|Elleby. Attorney Jared Easter joined the firm in 2022.

Present, From Start to Finish

The attorneys follow the core belief that they have a moral and ethical obligation to the community to provide accurate and helpful information. Through educational materials on the firm’s YouTube channel, clients can learn to make informed decisions about their case.

“We believe in educating our clients,” Joel said. “We understand that different people have unique needs, and we always want to

The Williams Elleby team, from left, front row: Rachel Wilson, Joel Williams and Jordan Wilde. Back row, Nancy Ruiz, Jill Elleby, Chase Elleby, Kyle McManus, Karen Cheney, Jared Easter and Shannon Sullins.

Photo credit: Sarah Slavik.

10 years, Williams | Elleby has been changing the narrative on what a personal injury law firm should be.

meet those needs through sound counsel and legal strategies tailored to each individual.”

Through the end of 2021, the firm had helped hundreds of Cobb County residents and families recover financially after suffering personal injuries. The average recovery was well into six figures, including many cases where limited insurance made a higher recovery impossible.

There are no upfront costs to hire Williams|Elleby, and there is no fee unless they obtain a recovery on the client’s behalf. Obtaining justice is hard work, but it’s a challenge that Williams|Elleby embraces.

“What sets our firm apart from others, in my opinion, is the willingness and ability to take a case from start to finish, which means going to trial if we have to, in order to get fair compensation for our clients,” Chase said.

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

Personal Attention

The lawyers at Williams|Elleby are involved directly in all aspects of each case. Clients have a direct line of communication, day or night, with their attorney.

“We aren’t a mega firm, and that is on purpose,” Joel said. “I believe when you hire a lawyer to represent you, you hire that lawyer. You should be able to speak to them, text them, email them and get a fast response. We want to make sure that each case gets the attention it needs, so our clients are fairly compensated.”

Joel and Chase will meet in their clients’ homes or hospital rooms, if necessary. They said clients appreciate their willingness to be as accommodating as possible in what often is a difficult time.

“When someone is injured, their focus needs to be on getting better. Our job is to handle everything else, and make sure it’s done the right way, and to ensure our clients get what they deserve,” Chase said.

Testimonials, like the following from a client named Melissa, give insight into how Williams | Elleby meets clients’ needs.

“From beginning to end, Joel and his team were first class and made a very difficult situation seamless. The amount of expertise, organization and caring that Joel puts into his clients is incomparable. While I hope that I will never have to retain Joel’s services again, I wouldn’t hesitate at all to retain him and and his team or refer him to family and friends. When Williams and Elleby represent you, be assured you have retained the best of the best!” More testimonials can be found on Google.

Meet the Attorneys

Joel, Chase and Jared Easter, who joined the firm last fall, live in and are a part of this community, and enjoy helping their neighbors in need. Clients are treated like family.

Joel Williams

• Earned a bachelor’s degree from Georgia Southwestern State University and a juris doctor from Cumberland School of Law, with a certificate in trial advocacy.

• Grew up in Early County in southwest Georgia.

• Developed his trial skills prosecuting criminals with his third-year practice card in Jefferson County, Alabama, and quickly has become one of the state’s most-respected trial attorneys.

• Lives in Acworth with his wife and three daughters.

Chase Elleby

• Earned a bachelor’s degree from Florida State University and a juris doctor from Georgia State University College of Law.

• Raised in Kennesaw and graduated from Kennesaw Mountain High School.

• Previously represented corporations and insurance companies in defending against negligence actions. That experience helped Elleby understand how insurance companies work, which now benefits his clients.

• Cobb County Bar Association Young Lawyers Division president and board of trustees.

• Georgia Trial Lawyers Association (GTLA) – LEAD graduate.

• Lives in Acworth with his wife and two daughters.

Jared Easter

• Earned a bachelor’s degree from University of Tennessee Knoxville and a juris doctor from University of South Carolina School of Law.

• Grew up in East Tennessee.

• Has spent his entire career representing injured plaintiffs and those in need.

• Member of the Cobb County Bar Association.

• Georgia Trial Lawyers Association (GTLA) – LEAD graduate (2021).

• Lives in Acworth with his wife and two sons.

PHOTO BY LARUCHE PHOTO

Are You Considering Getting New Floors?

BY ELISABETH STUBBS

The floors of our homes serve as the foundations for our lives. They withstand footsteps, support furniture and create the backdrop for our cherished memories. Over time, floors can lose their luster, succumb to wear and tear, or simply fail to align with our evolving tastes and lifestyle needs. If you’re considering replacing flooring in your home, here are three things to keep in mind.

1. Don’t ignore a damaged or uneven subfloor. A subfloor is a structure upon which all the floors in your home are anchored. Depending on the construction of your home, the subfloor may be cement/concrete or plywood. Over time, wooden subfloors, like any wooden structure, are subject to damage. Water damage, termites, mold and dry rot can weaken a wooden structure, making it uneven and more likely to break.

For many floor coverings, the subfloor must be level to within 3/16ths of an inch over a 10-foot span. Cement slabs usually are uneven, and this is something that should be corrected prior to the installation of a new hard-surface floor. Installing a new floor atop a damaged or compromised subfloor doesn’t make sense. You wouldn’t put an expensive paint job on a car that doesn’t run, and the same principle applies to flooring. Unfortunately, if your subfloor is covered with carpet and padding, the condition cannot be accurately assessed until the existing flooring has been removed.

2. Check moisture content. Moisture in the floor is important to consider when putting down hardsurface floors. Moisture can cause swelling and warping, which is why the moisture content needs to be checked before installation commences. If the moisture content is too high, steps can be taken to correct the issue before flooring is put down.

3. Read all contracts. A home improvement contract should spell out the precise work to be performed. “Paint the bedroom” is vague and could be interpreted differently by each party. “Apply two coats of Sherwin Williams paint to bedroom walls, ceilings and trim” is better but still not detailed enough. Who is responsible for patching holes? Will primer be used? Who moves the antique wooden furniture? As a rule of thumb, if a task is not specified in the contract, it is not included in the price.

Be sure you have a fully itemized and detailed contract before you make your decision. A price scribbled on the back of a business card offers you limited information and no protection if a dispute arises. The proposal you are accepting is a legally binding contract. Here are some of the items that should be included in the contract:

• Rooms the work is being performed in.

• Brand, color and quantity of the product purchased.

• What is included in the installation/labor.

• Price, including sales tax.

• Payment schedule.

• Warranty.

• Any other details/verbal commitments made in the sales presentation.

Before you sign a contract, read it thoroughly and ask questions about anything you don’t understand. Once you sign a contract, you are obligated to follow through with the signed agreement. Be careful before you make a commitment.

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

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Reaping the Health Benefits of Gardening

BY BRUCE GILLETT

Your home garden can be the source of a wealth of good health. Gardening provides outdoor exercise, exposure to sunlight, an organic food source — including cardiovascular-beneficial vegetables and herbs — and even helps with the ability to sleep better.

Research consistently shows a strong exercise-mental health connection. Thirty minutes in your garden several days a week acts as nature’s antidepressant. Exercise stimulates the release of serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. These neurotransmitters are chemical messengers found in the brain and are associated with good health and mental well-being. Neurotransmitters make us feel energized.

Sunlight also increases serotonin production and improves your overall mood. It affects the function of the brain’s pineal gland, which produces and secretes melatonin. This hormone helps regulate circadian rhythms, which affect sleep and wake cycles. Happy gardening, pleasant dreams!

Your garden can be completely organic by having the right soil, avoiding pesticides and using organic fertilizers.

Vegetables are wonderful sources of antioxidants, which remove free radicals — molecules that are factors in causing cardiovascular and other diseases — from the body. Veggies that have high levels of antioxidants and grow well in our horticultural Zone 7 include broccoli, spinach, carrots, cabbage, beets, radishes, lettuce, squash, pumpkins, collard greens, arugula and kale.

Many fruits grown in our region have high levels of antioxidants and vitamins: peaches, figs, raspberries, strawberries, cantaloupe, blueberries, watermelon and tomatoes.

Herbs contribute to the flavor of your meals and are loaded with antioxidants. Oregano, parsley, basil, garlic, sage, thyme, rosemary, cilantro, marjoram, tarragon, mints, chives, fennel, savory and dill grow well in our horticultural zone.

Nitric oxide plays an important role in protecting against the onset and progression of cardiovascular disease. The cardioprotective roles of nitric oxide include regulating blood pressure and vascular tone, and inhibiting platelet aggregation and leukocyte adhesion. Kale, Swiss chard, arugula, spinach, radishes, beets, lettuce, cabbage, mustard greens, cauliflower, kohlrabi, carrots, broccoli, celery, watercress, eggplant, strawberries, garlic and tomatoes all are excellent sources of nitric oxide.

Planning your garden is important. If possible, locate your garden near your kitchen. Your garden should receive six to eight hours of sunlight a day. Herbs such as chives, mints, oregano and parsley can thrive in partial shade. Raised beds are best for home vegetable gardens, and decorative containers are perfect for planting herbs, especially invasive ones like mint, thyme and oregano. Obtain a soil test from the University of Georgia Extension Office before planting. Soil tests will provide the pH and nutrient levels and the fertilizer

Master Gardener President Donna Kennedy shows off a bell pepper from the Wellness Garden at Cobb County Farm Bureau.

A June harvest from the Wellness Garden at Cobb County Farm Bureau.

requirements. Most vegetables and herbs grow best in soil that is slightly acidic (pH 6.5) or neutral (pH 7.0); however, blueberries thrive in quite acidic soils (pH 4.5). Amend the soil with home compost or organic amendments.

Perform the coffee can test to assure adequate drainage. Remove the top and bottom of a coffee can, push it 4 inches into the soil and fill it with water. It should drain at least two inches in one hour.

Plant flowers, such as coneflower, milkweed, zinnia, aster and penstemon, in or near your vegetable garden to attract pollinators, and plant yarrow, marigold, dill, fennel, alyssum and borage to draw beneficial insects that devour pests. A horticulturally diverse garden is a healthy garden where pest damage is prevented and pesticide use is avoided.

The timing of planting depends on the kind of plants and the hardiness of plants in the horticultural zone. In our region, coolseason vegetables, such as lettuce and other leafy greens, cabbage, broccoli, peas, beets, cauliflower, spinach, onions, kale, Swiss chard and carrots, can be planted in late winter for spring harvest and in late summer for fall harvest. Warm-season vegetables, such as okra, beans, pumpkins, tomatoes, eggplants, melons, peppers and cucumbers, can be planted after the last average frost-free date has passed.

As for fertilization, use organic fertilizers for vegetables. Herbs require very little fertilizer.

Contact Cobb County Master Gardeners at the UGA Extension Office for additional information and to learn about horticultural programs for the public.

Happy and successful gardening!

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

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

Cobb Master Gardener Extension Volunteers harvest lettuce at the Plant a Row for the Hungry garden.

At Home in Kennesaw

BY ANDREW J. BRAMLETT

After the United States entered World War I in 1917, our nation became involved in a conflict that profoundly affected the 20th century. Life on the homefront, including in Kennesaw, changed drastically.

The most obvious effect of the war was the soldiers who went overseas to fight. More than 45 Kennesaw residents enlisted, and at least three didn’t come home alive. Earle Dallas and Essie Roberts Thomas of Kennesaw had three sons who served in the war. Two, Edwin Dallas Thomas and Joseph Thomas, served in the Marine Corps and survived the war. Edwin lied about his age on his draft registration, claiming he was 18 instead of 16.

In late 1918, after Essie Thomas had died, word was received that her other son, John Harmon Thomas, had been killed, but soon afterward, a second message arrived saying that was an error. Four months later, however, it was confirmed that the first message was actually correct and that Thomas had been killed by a German sniper in July 1918. He was laid to rest in the Kennesaw City Cemetery in 1921.

Also tragic was the death of David Mark Hughes, who died from pneumonia at an Ohio training camp in 1918. And Pvt. Hency F. Hefner was killed in October 1918, but very little is known about his story. He was laid to rest at the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery and Memorial in France.

Charlie Jackson Guess was an auto mechanic before the war and joined the military in 1918. Despite having only an eighth-grade education, Guess developed mechanical skills that were famous in our area and were put to good use at Camp Gordon and Fort McPherson. He served overseas for several months as well and, after returning home, had a long career with the railroad.

Another Charlie, Charlie Brown, was believed, at the time, to be the most decorated soldier from Cobb County. He served in the military for seven years and spent 27 months in Europe. He died in 1921, and his tombstone proudly lists every battle he fought in while overseas.

Others tried to join the military but were unsuccessful. Rueben Leonard and Jackson Butler traveled to Atlanta to enlist in April 1917 but were turned down because “one was too light and the other one was not old enough,” according to the April 12, 1917, edition of the Cobb County Times.

Joe Bozeman Sr. as Uncle Sam in 1918. Photo courtesy of Joe Bozeman.

Joseph Baldwin Thomas, left, served in the Marines, along with his two brothers. John Harmon Thomas, right, was killed by a sniper in Germany.

Photos courtesy of Jana Davis.

Kennesaw During World War I

At home, there was a surge of patriotism caused by the war. In August 1918, an event was held at the Methodist church on Cherokee Street to honor the 16 soldiers from Kennesaw who were fighting in the war as well as the one (Hughes) who was known to have died. According to newspaper accounts, Joe Bozeman Sr. dressed up as Uncle Sam, and Mary Lou Bozeman portrayed Miss Columbia. A photo exists from around this time showing the young Bozeman Sr. dressed as Uncle Sam, but it is unclear if it is from the same event. (Longtime residents may know his son, Joe Bozeman Jr.)

Though little documentation has been found, it is known that several local residents volunteered as nurses, as a photo shows them in their uniforms. Others supported the war financially through Liberty Loans. A list of Liberty Loan subscribers was published in the June 14, 1918, edition of the Marietta Journal and Courier. Kennesaw residents at that time had raised $3,750 (or $77,500, adjusted for inflation). The largest individual contributions came from J.W. Allgood and M.L. McNeel, who each gave $500.

One surviving certificate belonged to Benjamin Carrie and is now part of the collection at the

Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History. Carrie also served on the board that sold the bonds locally. Though he was far too old to serve in the military, he still managed to serve his country. When the local mailman enlisted, Carrie took on his duties until the end of the war.

As the war was winding down, the Spanish flu came through Kennesaw and became “an epidemic here,” according to the Oct. 10, 1918, edition of the Marietta Journal. At that time, Kennesaw had seen around 200 cases.

Once World War I was over, life in Kennesaw returned to normal. The railroad and the Dixie Highway, which had opened in 1915 and is now Old 41 Highway, continued to bring commerce to the city. World War I has remained important for remembering the friends who were lost and the sacrifices that were made, and more than 100 years later, it’s fascinating to see how our community adapted.

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

Many local women volunteered to become nurses. Photo courtesy of Joe Bozeman.

@ the Library

Kemp Memorial Library

4029 Due West Road, Marietta, 770-528-2527

• Project Linus Blanket Circle, second Tuesday of each month, 1 p.m. Knitters and crocheters join neighbors in making blankets for children served by Project Linus.

• Cooking Club, fourth Thursday of each month, 1 p.m. Bring a dish to share with the group in a fun and relaxed environment. The theme for Aug. 24 is fruit bar sundaes.

North Cobb Regional Library

3535 Old 41 Highway, Kennesaw, 770-801-5320

• The Art Experience, Aug. 8-9, 6 p.m. A two-day program, led by Leslie Robb of the South Cobb Arts Alliance, in which adults will explore paint-related mediums. Register at cobbcat.org.

• Adults with Special Needs Meetup, every Thursday in August, 10:30 a.m. The adults and caregivers will engage in activities such as reading, singing, games and more.

• The Lit Squad, A Walking Book Club for Busy Adults, meets at trails in the Acworth-Kennesaw area on the first and third Tuesday of each month, 6:30 p.m. RSVP at cobbcat.org for meetup details.

Stratton Library

1100 Powder Springs Road, Marietta, 770-528-2522

• African American Book Discussion, second Monday of each month, 6:30 p.m. The selection for Aug. 14 is “Black Cake” by Charmaine Wilkerson.

You Never Know What You’ll Find on Your Next Visit

BY LEE GOLDBERG

Chickens in the library? Expect the unexpected at West Cobb Regional Library (WCRL): raising backyard chickens, listening to concerts, honing your chess skills, meeting a Cobb County K-9 officer or gathering with neighbors to discuss favorite book genres.

Programs at WCRL are informative and fun. We connect people to information and to one another.

Wednesday’s Family Chess Night invites family and friends, novice and skilled players, to join in, starting at 5:30 p.m.

Branch Manager Jennifer Wells’ Thursday Craft Club sessions, from 10 a.m. to noon, help new crafters get started with crocheting and knitting, and regulars bring their weaving, calligraphy and needlework projects from home. Circulation assistant Marjorie Strother leads Drop-in Quilting Meetups at WCRL every Saturday this month, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Information assistant and retired adult services librarian Angie Bozeman leads our monthly Fourth Monday Book Discussion. The group discusses a wide variety of titles. The selection for Aug. 28 at 6:30 p.m. is the thriller “Anywhere You Run” by Wanda M. Morris of Atlanta.

Youth services assistant Kayleigh Haskin hosts a Dungeons & Dragons group for ages 12-17 of all skill levels to discover the world of D&D Tuesdays, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Participants will run one-shot sessions and short campaigns. The Pokemon Club for ages 6-12 meets each Monday, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Every month, WCRL holds Veterans Coffee and Connections meetups, where socializing is combined with help with Veterans Affairs (VA) claims and new VA technology information. This month’s meeting is Aug. 15 at 10 a.m.

Recently, a patron who returned to the west Cobb area after moving out of state commented on his visit to WCRL, saying, “This isn’t the library I remember from when I was a kid!” He’s not wrong.

The library is located at 1750 Dennis Kemp Lane, Kennesaw, 770-528-4699.

Lee Goldberg is an adult services librarian. When not at the library, she is rescuing pets in need or working in the garden while listening to e-audiobooks.

50th Anniversary Celebration

Sept. 10, 10:30 a.m.

Due West United Methodist Church

3956 Due West Road, Marietta

Activities: Special worship service in the north campus sanctuary, followed by lunch in the Family Life Center (reservations required).

Photo displays from the past 50 years.

For information, lunch reservations or celebration T-shirt purchase, visit www.duewest.org/homecoming-celebration.

OF SERVICE

Due West UMC Celebrates Golden Anniversary

In 1960, the North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church bought 10 acres in rural west Cobb County. After much planning and survey work, the Rev. Byron Scott was assigned as pastor of a new church, Due West United Methodist Church (UMC), in June 1973, and plans were made to construct a building for worship. Scott went door to door in the community sharing his dream, and the initial church service was held July 8, 1973, in the Due West Elementary School cafeteria. There were 158 in attendance, and 21 people joined the church that Sunday. The offering totaled $198.93, and $12.80 was given to begin the building fund. Scott’s sermon was titled “The Church Built Upon You,” with text from Matthew 6:16-18.

Sunday school classes began in September that same year. Teachers had to transport all materials to and from the school, and the nursery staff had to bring in portable cribs and toys each week. The church began with one adult class, one youth class and combined classes for age groups below the junior high school level.

Other programs established early on were the United Methodist Youth Fellowship, United Methodist Women and United Methodist Men. The constitution service officially establishing the church was held on Dec. 9, 1973, with 36 charter families having joined.

Members had a groundbreaking service for the original building on June 23, 1974, and on Oct. 19, 1975, we held services in our own facility for the first time. We now could kneel at the altar for communion rather than standing around our temporary altar in the school lunchroom.

The church quickly outgrew its facilities and constructed a Sunday school wing with classrooms in 1979 under the leadership of the Rev. Pete Dinkins (1977). The Revs. Jim Turner (1982) and Mack Riley (1985) saw us through continuous growth into the 1990s. Guided by the Rev. Richard Hunter (1991), we began a Building to Serve campaign and soon broke ground on our beautiful south campus sanctuary. By faith and much

Placing the cross and flame atop the current sanctuary.

SUBMITTED BY THE HOMECOMING COMMITTEE

prayer, it was completed in November 1995.

The Rev. Tom Davis was appointed to the church in 1997, and we began conducting our first contemporary service. Still growing, we took two major steps of faith — purchasing the soon-to-be-vacated Burnt Hickory Baptist building in January 2003 and breaking ground for a Family Life Center in October 2003. Services were held in all three buildings every Sunday in the early 2000s.

Due West UMC continues to be a church that places great emphasis on service to the community. We have offered vacation Bible school since moving into our original building in the ’70s and eventually added recreational sports programs, music and drama classes, exercise classes and numerous summer camps. Our award-winning preschool program started in 1995 under the leadership of Karen Coffeen. And who hasn’t visited our popular pumpkin patch, a youth ministry tradition for many years.

Mission outreach at Due West began in the 1980s, as members collected food for the MUST Ministries pantry, volunteered to stay overnight at Safe Night of Rest and served meals monthly to those staying at the shelter. Active involvement in more than 14 local mission programs continues today, with a special connection to the Murphy-Harpst Children’s Center in Cedartown, supported since the early 1980s. We began global mission work in 1998 with a church-building team traveling to Mexico, and we send teams to Costa Rica, Guatemala and Kenya annually.

Four chartered Scout groups, including American Heritage Girls (AHG), currently are being sponsored by the church. We took Boy Scout Troop and Cub Scout Pack 540 under our wing when the church began in 1973. In 1985, Troop 540 built its own Scout hut entirely with volunteer labor and materials. To date, more than 2,000 boys and girls have experienced Scouting through the Due West programs. So far, 191 Scouts have achieved the Eagle Scout rank, and one AHG member has earned the Stars and Stripes Award.

Longtime members of Due West UMC have many memories of the church.

Linda Brown (member since 1974): “I remember the night my brother-in-law passed away. My husband and I returned from the hospital to find our pastor and his wife, Jo, waiting for us in our driveway to offer comfort.”

James Majors (1978, as a baby): “I still remember the youth Bible study Charlie Mays taught us titled ‘Decisions.’ I am now 45, and our children are in the youth group at Due West. My years here have allowed me to meet lifelong friends.”

Billie Hall (1978): “We have been comforted in sad times and rejoiced with in happy times over many years. And we were fortunate to have leaders with vision who led our building programs and church expansion. Thank you, DWUMC!”

The Rev. Dr. David Campbell (2017) leads the congregation currently as we continue to “Gather, Grow and Go.”

The original sanctuary, completed in October 1975 at a cost of $107,000, consisted of a fellowship hall used for worship, a kitchen, an office, restrooms and six classrooms.

Santi and Sgt. Teddy Setser, background, and Joker and Cpl. Malik Letatau are seen outside Fifth Third Bank Stadium.

Photo by Darnell Wilburn.

Joker, with his handler, Cpl. Malik Letatau, checks the Convocation Center. Photo by Matt Yung.

Sgt. Teddy Setser holds Santi as he sniffs around the stage in the Convocation Center. Photo by Darnell Wilburn.

On the Job

KSU Police Department’s K-9 Unit Patrols, Protects

BY ABBEY O’BRIEN BARROWS

Dogs might be man’s best friend, but there is one thing K-9s Santi and Joker are more dedicated to than their police handlers: the mission.

“These K-9s are committed to keeping the community at Kennesaw State (University) a safe place to live, work and learn,” Sgt. Teddy Setser, Santi’s handler, said. “They always get excited to work.”

Like most dogs, Santi and Joker still enjoy highpitched, “good boy” words of affirmation, toys and ear scratches. But unlike the average pup, they are trained members of the Kennesaw State University Police Department (KSUPD) and can sniff out nearly 30 different odors associated with explosives.

Joker, a German shepherd and Belgian Malinois mix, is the newest addition to the KSUPD K-9 unit. Santi, a Belgian Malinois, has been a member of the unit since 2017. Both are deployed with their handlers before large gatherings at the university.

“Being a K-9 handler is one of the most rewarding positions that a police officer can have,” said Setser, who has been paired with Santi since the K-9 joined the force. “It’s also one that requires a lot of time and commitment.”

Before they can become official members of the police department, each handler and K-9 must complete hundreds of hours of training. Cpl. Malik Letatau and Joker became a team last September, spent about a month in a bonding period, then attended a 12-week, 480-hour handler course in Monroe County. During that time, Joker learned how to search buildings, vehicles, luggage items and open areas. In March, the pair finished a 200-hour handler course in Hall County through the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency and are now fully certified.

“We have a great bond,” said Letatau, a KSU alumnus who is new to the K-9 unit but has been a member of KSUPD since 2017. “Every day, I’m impressed by how smart Joker is and how well he does his job.”

In addition to events at the university, the K-9 unit works around the metro Atlanta area, thanks to the department’s partnership with other local agencies. In the past few years, KSUPD’s K-9s worked at the World Series games at Truist Park and the 2019

Super Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The handlers also could get a call at any time for a suspicious package or bomb threat, which is why it’s so important to keep up with training.

In addition to certification training, the K-9 unit trains locally every day. Sometimes training happens in Fifth Third Bank Stadium; other times, the unit goes to used-car lots and practices with explosive decoys.

“It’s a full-circle moment for me,” said Letatau, who was a member of the KSU football team in 2015-16 and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice in 2017. During his time as a student-athlete, Letatau interned with the former K-9 unit sergeant, Todd Jackson, which sparked his interest in joining the university’s police department.

“I’m super thankful to be here and work with Joker,” he said. “He’s the best partner anybody could ask for.”

The entire KSUPD, which runs 365 days a year and 24 hours a day, is made up of more than 50 police officers patrolling the Kennesaw and Marietta campuses. After a shift is over, the K-9s go home with their respective handlers, who love and care for them.

“There is no bond quite like the bond shared between K-9s and handlers,” Setser said. “I can’t have a bad day when Santi is by my side. He has been nothing but loyal to me since day one, and it’s an honor to be his partner.”

Santi focuses on the training exercise led by his handler, Sgt. Teddy Setser, at Fifth Third Bank Stadium. Photo by Darnell Wilburn.

HARRISON HIGH SCHOOL

Choir Offers Opportunities for Growth

BY KAYLEE STOVER

The choir program at Harrison High School (HHS) is unique. Choir teacher Megan Schuitema provides many leadership opportunities and makes her classes truly feel like a family.

Sophie Caveney has been in choir since fifth grade and is involved in many choir-related extracurriculars, such as being the student conductor of the intermediate women’s choir.

“I have loved music since day one,” she said. “Ms. Schuitema is very supportive and loves when kids pursue music. (She) is very encouraging of keeping the atmosphere very positive and supportive. The way she teaches is very engaging and keeps students involved in the music and helps them understand the deeper meaning behind some of the music we do. She gives us a lot of leadership opportunities and a lot of opportunities to learn and grow in the music world.”

One of the incredible leadership opportunities the HHS choir offers is the position of student conductor, which allows a student to teach and conduct a piece in a concert setting. This privilege is reserved for those who have been in choir for at least two years and have a good work ethic, good leadership skills and impressive musical talent.

Sophie received the opportunity to conduct a piece in 2022. “Every year, Ms. Schuitema offers the opportunity to seniors who want to major in music in college the opportunity to teach the class a piece. She lets me pick out my own piece, and she approves it. It’s just a really cool experience getting to conduct a choir.”

It’s also a valuable learning experience for the students who are chosen, Sophie said.

“One of the most important things that I learned is that even when you’re having an off day, if you are supportive of the people you teach, they will in turn be supportive of you,” she said. “I think it’s important to know that even when I am up on the podium teaching by myself — seemingly — I’m not by myself. I’m not alone in that experience.”

When asked what advice she had for aspiring student conductors, Sophie said, “If you know that you love teaching, no matter what, you just need to go for it.”

The Harrison choir offers a variety of other opportunities as well. Many students were able to sing with Florida State University’s choir and all-state chorus (more students than ever passed the auditions last year), take part in literary competitions and hold leadership positions, such as section leaders and seats on the choir council.

Each year, students are allowed to run for a variety of choir positions and are elected by their peers. The class representatives, however, are selected by Schuitema.

Class representatives organize the classroom, assist the librarians and bring specific needs and ideas for their classes to the officer board. Section leaders are responsible for their section of the ensemble and must be capable of reinforcing the skills that are taught in class and helping their section learn each song.

Sophomore Meghan Franklin, who was in the beginning mixed chorus but now is in the intermediate women’s choir, said she is looking forward to “being able to do some really incredible things, (make) really incredible music, hopefully be in a leadership position, and I’m looking forward to also meeting new people.”

Kaylee Stover is a junior at Harrison High School. She is a member of the young authors club, journalism club and the intermediate women’s chorus.

The Harrison High School choir performs with the Florida State University choir.

Photo by Lt. Col. Clifford Franklin.

A Few Safety Basics for Paddle Boaters

BY GREG FONZENO

Whether operating a craft powered by engine, sail or paddle, all boaters need to look out for one another to ensure an enjoyable day on the water. For paddle craft — canoes, kayaks, rowboats or stand-up paddleboards (SUP) — that means being aware of your surroundings and prepared for any event. These are some things you can do to paddle safely.

Wear your life jacket. Of all drowning victims, 85% were not wearing a life jacket. The law simply requires having one “readily accessible,” but only a rookie paddler doesn’t wear one. Experienced paddlers wear them. There are fanny-pack-style life jackets that can be worn for a SUP. Modern life jackets come in all styles and sizes.

Be visible. Because paddle craft sit low in the water, they are less visible and harder to see at twilight and in fog. Paddlers should wear bright clothing and hats, use a life jacket that contrasts with your shirt and use paddles with reflective decals on the blade. Dress for immersion. Assume you are going to be in the water at some point. Dress for the water temperature, not the air temperature. Cold water can kill. The body loses heat about 25 times faster in cold water than when dry, and children lose heat faster than adults. Avoid cotton clothing like T-shirts and jeans because they retain water and accelerate the cooling process. Wear footwear that protects from the cold and rough/abrasive surfaces.

Carry paddling essentials. Paddle craft, including SUPs, are considered legal vessels. Paddlers are required to have a life jacket, a sound-producing device (whistle) and flashlight and should consider carrying a cellphone in a waterproof case. Always carry drinking water. Sit-inside kayakers also should consider having a pump.

Know your limits. Most kayaks and SUPs are designed for protected waters and moderate currents. Know the capability of your craft. Never paddle while using alcohol or drugs. If possible, don’t paddle alone.

Tell a friend. Let a trusted friend know where you’ll be, when you plan to launch and return, what your planned paddling route is and when to notify authorities if you don’t check in as scheduled.

Take a paddling class. If you’re new to paddling, take a class. Paddling has unique characteristics, such as reboarding from the water and other safety skills. The American Canoe Association (https://americancanoe.org) is a good resource.

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

A Fun, Family Fourth of July

PHOTOS BY PRESTO PHOTOGRAPHY

Folks from Kennesaw and surrounding areas know how to have a good time when it comes to celebrating our country’s freedom. Thousands filled the downtown area July 3 to mark the 247th birthday of our nation at the city’s annual Salute to America, which featured fireworks, live music (including Departure: The Journey Tribute Band), food vendors, street entertainers and kids’ activities.

Departure: The Journey Tribute Band performs on the main stage during

People of all ages came out to enjoy the festivities.

Kennesaw’s Salute to America festivities.

Attendees sport colorful outfits.

This patriotic young lady lights up the night.

This young girl came decked out.

Mayor Derek Easterling rocks out during the concert.

Spreading

Creating a Better World for Parrots in Captivity

BY SUSAN BROWNING SCHULZ

Imagine if you lived every day in a place that did not have enough room for you to stretch your arms and legs. Too often this is the experience for exotic pet birds. Being sold in cages that are too small, and without buyers having proper knowledge of their behavior — or what they require to live a healthy and balanced life — creates a crisis for these fabulous creatures.

Papayago Rescue House, co-founded by Executive Director Brianna Stoddard and her mother, CEO Maria Sullivan, became a nonprofit in January 2015. The mother-daughter team, along with volunteers, work relentlessly to improve the care of parrots and to decrease the homelessness, abuse and neglect that sadly often go along with keeping wild, exotic animals in our homes.

“Papayago Rescue House exists not only to rescue these birds from these dire situations but also to educate the public on proper care, to help them thrive,” Stoddard said. “Lack of education, small cages, poor diet and (no veterinary care) leads to abuse. Problems like emotional stress, illness, self-mutilation and injuries happen as a result. Our mission includes rehabilitation, retraining and rehoming parrots. And, if they’ve got wings, other species aren’t excluded.”

The Marietta-based rescue organization has saved more than 600 birds since its inception and receives requests for pet surrenders on a weekly basis. As one of only two parrot rescues in the state, it serves all of Georgia. Feeding the 160 birds presently housed at Papayago requires 320 pounds of pellets every two months at a cost of $646.

One of the nonprofit’s top expenses is providing medical care. Parrots require the use of exotic specialists. “Our biggest call to action is to learn, adopt, volunteer, donate and support parrots in captivity,” Sullivan said. “A wonderful partner in the care of our incredible birds is one of my volunteers, Mike Bautsch. He founded a nonprofit called The Georgia Aviary in February of this year, which is in the beginning stages. This

Papayago Rescue House resident Marley, a blue and gold macaw, with his favorite treat, a walnut.

Georgia Aviary’s Mike Bautsch with an umbrella cockatoo.

Wings and Change

aviary will be a wonderful solution to the parrot crisis in Georgia and surrounding areas.”

“I have a big dream,” Bautsch said. “Our mission is to become the world’s largest aviary dedicated to the rescue and care of parrots right here in north Georgia. (Think Georgia Aquarium, except for parrots instead of marine life.) We strive to offer an exciting and unique attraction for visitors, while also promoting avian care and conservation.

“By providing a safe haven for rescued parrots, we hope to inspire visitors to become more aware of avian welfare and the challenges they face.”

Some of the bird species that will call The Georgia Aviary home include macaws, cockatoos, African greys, Amazons, conures, eclectus and lovebirds.

“Like Maria and Brianna, I have rescued parrots for years,” Bautsch said. “The Georgia Aviary will not only be a solution for the overabundance of surrendered birds but also have a significant and positive impact on the local community. The aviary is projected to generate millions of dollars annually. In addition, the

construction and ongoing operation of the aviary will create jobs and support our local economy in numerous ways.”

For more information and to follow Georgia Aviary’s progress, visit thegeorgiaaviary.org. The aviary is moving forward in its search for land and corporate sponsorship. Contact mike@ thegeorgiaaviary.org with any leads.

If you are interested in volunteering, need to surrender a bird or want to adopt, visit papayagorescuehouse.org. Papayago is not open to the public. Appointments are required to visit. You can schedule services, such as boarding or nail and beak trimming. To send the birds toys or support the rescue with supplies, visit https://bit.ly/3NC4JWD and birdieboxbirdtoys. com. For more details, email maria.sullivan@ papayagorescuehouse.org.

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.

Papayago House Executive Director Brianna Stoddard cuddles Sugarbird, a citron cockatoo.

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

Rob’s Rescues

If you missed the first part of my interview with Suzie DeGrasse of Primarily Possums Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation last month, you can read it at to www.aroundkennesawmagazine.com. The rehabilitation center helps possums, bats, cottontail rabbits, armadillos and more. Learn more at www.primarilypossums.org.

Why does Primarily Possums also help bats?

Bats are heading for endangered status. Populations are suffering, due to less food as a result of pesticide use and loss of habitat. There are only two bat rehabbers in Georgia, and we need more.

This dog’s tag is 645457. She is a small terrier who was a stray. She is a very calm and gentle 8-year-old and is affectionate. She would be a very nice pet for a person. She looks like she just needs a bath and some love and care.

Why do bats usually need to be rehabilitated?

The majority are babies that have fallen out of a colony. Sometimes, there is not enough room, as they are all born around the same time at the end of May. Injured adults often are caught by cats or suffer collisions.

Are there any myths about bats that aren’t true?

1. Not all bats carry rabies. Only around 1% of bats do.

2. They are not generally rabid creatures. However, don’t touch a grounded bat without a rehabber’s instructions. They are not bloodsuckers.

3. They are insectivorous. None of the bats in our area eat fruit.

4. Bats have very small eyes and can see fine but rely on echolocations more than vision. Brown bats are very talkative amongst themselves.

What is something people should know about bats?

Pesticide use affects bats by reducing the amount of food available to them. When we spray for mosquitos, we are effectively eradicating bats. Bats are much more effective at reducing mosquitos and should be encouraged.

What should someone do if they find an injured bat?

This cat’s name is Aristelle. Her tag number is 645372. She also is an 8-year-old stray. She is very loving and needs a family to hang around with. She is very calm and would not cause problems in a household. She looks like she is blind in one eye.

What is your favorite part of the bat rehab process?

I have a new flight tent. Watching the little bat I am currently rehabbing going from drinking milk to learning how to fly has been a real treat and an honor.

Contain it. Just put a box over it, and don’t handle it, if possible. Try to get it to crawl into a box. Then, call a rehabber.

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

Rob with Suzie DeGrasse of Primarily Possums, holding a bat she is rehabilitating.

Catching Big Air Athletes Compete in Acworth Wakeboarding Competition

PHOTOS BY BETH FORNUTO PHOTOGRAPHY

The Pro Wakeboard Tour made its second stop in Acworth in June, bringing athletes from around the world to Lake Allatoona to showcase their wakeboarding and wakesurfing skills and daring stunts. A crowd of wakeboarding enthusiasts flocked to Dallas Landing Park June 9-10 to witness jawdropping tricks and amazing performances by the sport’s top athletes. Winning the Pro Wakeboarding Finals was Jamie Huser, an 18-year-old Swiss athlete who snagged his first pro win in only his second pro event with a score of 97.67. Coming in second was Jake Pelot, with a score of 95.00, and Sam Brown took third, with a score of 87.00. In the Pro Wakesurf Finals, Taylor Swanson won with a score of 89.00, followed by Beaux Wildman in second, 84.33, and Jett Lambert in third, 77.33. Daniel Johnson claimed the victory in the Junior Pro Wakeboard Finals with a score of 82.67.

Cobb Photographic Society Color

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

Monochrome

Roger Parvin - First Place (Basket Weave)

Jeff Westland - Second Place (Sidewalk Shadows)

Pat Fahey - First Place (Ruffled Feathers)

Anand Saokar - First Place (Sky Is the Limit)